My Area 106

The new Madone 6 series

I caught my first glimpse of this new beauty during a video conference call; which purpose was to introduce our sales force to the new Trek Madone 6 Series, at nearly the same time the bike was being introduced to the media at the Tour de France. Isn't technology so cool?
I confess, I was smitten.

Most of you know that the majority of my time in the saddle is spent riding the urban setting, as I really enjoy the rides on my Fisher Mendota in and around my hometown of Massillon. When not on the streets of Massillon, I head for the nearby trails of Quail Hollow, West Branch, etc to spend time on my trail bike. Lately though, I can't help but spend time (dodging rain drops mostly) on these new Madone 6 series. It has been nearly 3 years since I spent much time at all on a true drop handlebar road bike. Let me just say that I've enjoyed the couple long country rides that I've done thus far, and I can't get over some of the qualities this new frame exhibits.

If you are at all interested in the Madone, make sure to visit the Trek web site and check out the video's, project one potential, and all the related info on this bike. I personally get so "pumped" to see my company keep pushing the tech side and produce innovative product after innovative product. More and more people are becoming cyclists, and technologies are making so much available to so many people to have fun on a simple product; a bike.

Thought I would share a few pics of this new Project One 6 Series that showed up the other week. Keep in mind, with Project One you can spec the frame whichever way you want. Choose your paint color, component group, wheels, stem, saddle, color of cable housing, etc. Pretty much, you chose everything. I went all out for the top 6 series frame, then spec'd the solid and reliable Shimano Ultegra (new 2010 version) component group. The Bontrager "Inform" saddles are part of the mix for 2010 Project One, and also a new aluminum Race "Blade" handlebar (features a "flatten" top for a really nice feel).

Not to bore you, but new external features that stand out on this Madone (aside from the tube shapes being a bit more robust) include internal routed cables, a round seat mast (adds to vertical compliance), and a new "duotrap" (handles ant + speed/cadence) feature located on nondrive side chain stay. All in all excellent upgrades to a frame that nets 150 gram savings over last years version. Internally, the frame touts a new OCLV2 design, and a asymmetrical carbon steer tube. All of these factors combine to give this new frame added 17% front end stiffness and an additional 8% stiffer BB.

The ride is without a doubt one of the quickest but also one of the most noticeably comfortable rides on a performance road bike. Even us bigger guys feel like were flying.

Talk with you local shops about taking a test drive for yourself. Also, I'm hoping to get the demo truck in Area 106 sometime in October for some extended rides. Special thanks to Jeff (Ernie's Bike Shop) and Dylan (Trek Store of Pittsburgh) for helping me get this bike built and in full operational mode.

Hey, I hear Team Radioshack is hiring...hmm, maybe, just maybe...

Bob

One mean set of wheels...

Thought I would share my latest purchase of a wheeled machine. My new Honda HRX Versamow lawnmower that is.

This thing rocks!! Now, only if I could get it in a 29er version.

Heck, even my dogs are impressed with this thing.

Bob

Write this one like you stole it...

 

Blog-jacked? This was pretty good, and I had no idea it was going on. I was asked today if I had checked out my site lately (which I hadn't, but then knew something was going on). Great job Travis and thanks for taking charge in keeping this blog site alive. I forgot that I gave my blog mentor full access to this site and my passwords. I've got to remember to close that back door!!

Nonetheless Travis, these past few posts are outstanding!! To be honest, I was all prepared to let this blog die and was about to pull the life line sometime over the next couple weeks. I've been looking and thinking of ways to make the blog new, exciting and different. I was thinking that many of my posts were pretty much the same time and time again. Heck, reading about a sales rep and how slow he rides can't be too thrilling, eh?

Itsbeen real busy this winter and spring thus far on the bike job side of things. I haven't spent too much time on my urban bike since the break in the weather, but have had the opportunity to get a few awesome trail rides in (primarily at Mohican State Park). The Mohican trail drys so quickly it is the trail of choice, especially in these early days of spring. The Mohican trail crew deserves big props for all the work that has been done on the trail this winter. On or around mile marker 6-7 there looked to be about 3 large size trees that had fallen during a late winter wind storm. The crew was able to saw through these and clear the trail. You'll notice it when you ride through, but just remember who did this for us. Thanks again to Ryan, Steve, Rob (and all the folks I'm leaving out - "not on purpose").

Just in case you haven't seen it (its fairly new, so I don't think most have), Trek just put into stock some new T Shirt designs. These T's are made of a real soft cotton and are a bit more fitted than your typical t shirt's. We have Bontrager, Trek, Fisher designed T's that sell for $24.99 a T Shirt. This one picture above is one of my favorites (along with the Bontrager) because its black, but I like the saying "Ride this one like you stole it", or in my case had someone write on my blog like they stole it (Travis). This is also a tribute T to Trek's Project One and Livestrong commitments. Ask your local Trek retailer to bring them in if they don't already have them. I think they call this the "push" technique in marketing terms.

On another note, that 29er Crew Team Kit that Travis posted sure looks cool!! Travis better not leave those bib shorts lying around (hate to have someone put some icy hot on that chamois).

Bob

"blogjacked"

ok i don't know where Bobs been hiding or what Bobs been up to but I've been clicking on this site everyday for the past month looking for something new only to be disappointed each & every time. SO i took the liberty of hacking into the site (boy are Bobs passwords easy- hint: diet coke) and figured i would update it for him.
For those of you unfamiliar with me let me start by suggesting you read my blog. It's layed out in a much more professional manner and the stories are..well they're top notch, if i say so myself, gripping adventurous tales of life from an addicted bike rider.
Ok whats new ....well let start with the Bontrager RXL mtb shoes. I've been rocking a pair for a few weeks now and i'm very impressed with their overall quality and performance. I went with a white pair (mainly because i'm capable of "pulling it off" so unless you also have the style skills i suggest the black. The cleats fit up nice and there were markers on the bottom to help line up each shoe. I also found these to be advantageous when setting up a second (new) pair. The insoles are also a nice feature for those that want to "adjust" the arch support. You'll have to go into a local shop and check them out. Oh yea an added plus for those of you measuring grams...their fairly light!!

Next up lets talk some tyres...particularly the Bontrager MudX...it shouldn't be over looked as a great race tyre. I've been wearing down a pair for the past few months and I'm very pleased with its abilities. I have them wrapped around a Rhythm wheelset to help "spread'em" open. The work great in the rocks and traction was at a premium with the extra siping in the knobs. They quickly became a favorite around our shop and on the trails.
Ok there you have a few product reviews from a racers perspective. Now lets post some comments asking Bob to please come back...Bob are you out there? Bob? Is that you, Bob?

Bontrager Power Charger (revisited)

It was December 7, 2007 when I originally posted about the Bontrager Power Charger (see original post, click here). Its been over a year since I purchased this pump and am still using this item regularly. It's become a full time traveling companion of mine.

What I like most about this product is the small footprint it offers as I can store it in my Honda Element and it doesn't take up much space (traditional floor pumps tend to get in the way) and keeps a charge for quite a long time. If the battery runs down, I can quickly plug in to the cars 12V DC outlet with the plug that comes with the unit.

Just recently, I went out to my car (for my daily sales calls) when I noticed my front tire was almost flat. I could see that I picked up a good size shank in between the tread of the tire and immediately thought this was going to put me back. But no, I grabbed my Power Charger and within 5 minutes had my auto tire back up to the 32 PSI and ready to roll. I nursed the slow leak for most of the day till I had the time to get the tire plugged. Once again, a great product and something you might want to consider.

Did you get a Visa Gift Card for Christmas?

   

Well, if you did you might want to use that cash for a new pair of Bontrager Rhythm Cycling Gloves. If you're a fan of a lightweight, breathable, full finger glove that can be had for under $40, then you should take a serious look at this new glove. The glove has some really key features, such as a Kevlar crash pad, a Lycra mesh abrasion resistant breathable top, a "Clarino" palm, wrap around finger construction (less blowouts), silicon gripper on palm and finger tips, and the all important absorbent fleece on thumb for great wiping of the nose action. I also like the B dot pull tap to aid in pulling the glove on. 3 cool colors to choice from: Black, white and a chocolate brown. These gloves have just arrived.

   

Also, thought you might like a look at the new "Sonic" helmet in the team Fisher color-way. Sonic is a pro level lid that comes in 3 sizes for a more exact fit. A lot of ventilation and a lightweight helmet. Also features the Zip Tite adjustment system. The sonic sells for about $90. The other cool thing that comes with all Trek helmets is a 1 year crash replacement offer. That's right, you crash it (smack your melon hard) within 1 year of purchase and Trek will give you a replacement helmet for no charge (you need to ship helmet directly to Trek for this replacement offer). Only cost to you is the UPS shipping charge to Waterloo, Wisconsin. Details can be found in each Trek helmet box.

Bob

Trek "Time" Computers & Watches

Here's a cool new twist to the popular bike add on accessory, the bike computer.

New from Trek (and now in stock) are the new line of the Trek "Time" computers and watches. The Time Computer (Suggested Retail of $39.99) and Time Watch (Suggested Retail of $24.99). Both are offered in a wide range of colors (eggplant, moss green, orange, periwinkle and black).

The Trek Time Computer is a analog wireless 3 function (time, speed and distance) computer. As the Trek Time Watch gives you (yes, you guessed it) the time in a neat easy to view display.

Both models offer the same key features:

• 2 band sizes included (22.2-25.4mm and 31.8mm)
• No tools needed for installation
• Waterproof and UV resistant

Also being offered is a child's version (22.2 -25.4mm)of the computer in kids colors.

Contact your nearest Trek Retailer to purchase one of these.

Bob

Wanna be like Jeff? Check out these new grips...

(check out the grips Sue and Jeff are sportin...)

Trek/VW team members are all using a new grip this season thanks to a sponsorship with "Esi" 100% silicone racing grips. I noticed that Jeff Schalk, Chris and Sue where sportin these grips on their Fuel's for the past Mohican race. I couldn't help but ask Chris what he thought of these grips in which he gave them high marks and highly recommended that I give them a try.

So I thought, what the heck, I'm always willing to try something new, especially since my #1 choice for a grip is how much it aids me against numb hands. I've tried several Bontrager grips (my house brand of course), but many of our styles are very slim and lightweight, but just don't help me with my hand numbness. I had been using Oury grips (the big oversized style of grip) but was intrigued in talking to Jeff and Chris about these Esi grips.

Product Review - "The Quick Pod"

Do you have problems taking pictures of yourself while riding a bike? If so, we've got the product for you! It's the quick pod. Either use as a hand held device like in the picture or possibly even attached to your favorite branded helmet with the use of some zip ties (zip ties not included).

Yes, in no time at all you'll be taking great personal head shots of yourself like a pro (well, maybe not quite as good as the STORK).

Thats right, in no time at all you can take professional personal photo's like these popular bloggers (Amanda, Jesse, Bob, and Whitney). Quantities are extremely limited (I can't see anyone buying this, but what the heck, hey?) so order today before someone like the STORK purchases them all.

Bob

The Great Tubeless Install - I'm going tubeless!!

How many of you still haven't made the jump to going tubeless with your ATB tire set up? Manufacturers today have made this a very simple process than in previous years and going tubeless really has merit. Lower wheel weight, lower air pressures for better handling and best of all less flats. What finally convinced me to get off my butt and make the move was spending a weekend with Dave O'Connell (Trek East Coast Demo Rep) at Ray's MTB in Cleveland, Ohio. As we pulled bikes off of the trailer and into the park and over the course of the weekend, the tires that were flat or had gone flat where all tubed tires. All the tires he had converted to tubeless where fine and experience no problems (with those tires) for the weekend. This is coming from a guy while busting his butt prepping bikes for demo's all weekend long doesn't want to be spending a lot of time changing flat tires.