Moots Psycho X RSL

So I don't own a Moots Psychlo X RSL nor do I have one on order.  After looking at these pictures of the recently released version that could change though.

At last year's Nationals the Moots guys showed this prototype. 

The most notable difference is that this earlier version has a standard 1 1/8" headset while the newer ones have gone for the 44 mm inset as seen on the Mooto X RSL.

Moots has also developed a new carbon cross fork that's painted to match the brushed titanium finish.  I've been riding the road version of this fork and it's been pretty good so far. 

The fork features the option for a crown-mounted cable stop which is a proven way to cut down on brake chatter.  If you're still running cantilevers then this is the preferred option for brake routing, but it'll be interesting to see what's available as companies are able to offer more sophisticated disc brake solutions. 

The frame is offered with or without disc tabs, but the fork is currently cantilever only.  With the brake options still being in flux I'm thinking I'll wait a little longer to see what SRAM comes up with for 2012- short of the cable actuated BB7 I don't think there are any viable options without ungainly adapters. 

I even like this one with a black saddle and tape- and that's saying something.  

So yeah I really want one, and for now I'm telling myself that the disc issue is the reason to wait (forget that I have neither time nor money to spare in my new "home renovation" courtesy of interiors by Irene).  I'm hoping to race for Moots again next season, so maybe this will make its way into my stable during summer of 2012.

Dark Horse Pics

I'm working on my sponsor applications for next season and rediscovered these pics from Dark Horse.  I'm definitely planning on doing this event next year. 

My full race report is here in case you missed it the first time around. 

YBB 2.0

This is one of the last pictures I took of my YBB.  I was on a trip in Massachusetts and was riding in Lynn Woods, a National Park around Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau wrote his seminal work of the same name.

Shortly after that ride I noticed that the frame as cracked and started the process of disassembling it and working on a replacement.  Whether it would be covered was never an issue- Moots stands behind their bikes and takes their lifetime warranty very seriously.  

Through my conversations with the guys at Moots I learned that the 2012 YBB was going to take the attributes of my two favorite bikes and merge them: the RSL 44 mm headtube and curved downtube with the added compliance of the YBB suspension back end.  

Fast forward to now and my new YBB is a little over a week away from being delivered.  It's been a rough couple weeks and I've really been looking forward to this.  The RSL is a great bike, but having the option to run suspension is going to be great.  And who doesn't like new toys?

Like everything else in my basement the build kit for this bike was under water for two days and I've been aggressively working toward rehabbing it.  Some things like the derailleurs, XTR pedals and King bottom bracket are completely unaffected.  Others that were open and exposed to the water like the shifters and open rear brake line were less fortunate. 

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as I detail the elements of the build.  It'll give me something to dream about when I'm pounding nails.

Fat City

Retrobike had a contest recently to decide the best Fat City paint job.  I'd forgotten how cool those bikes are so I decided to feature some of my favorites from their contest.  I don't own any of these, and I wish I did.

This was the clear winner of the contest, and I have to agree.  The blue/green was carried over to some IF race bikes in the early 00's and I'm really fond of it.  

Lilac.  I had the chance to get a pink panther colored Gunnar cross bike and I chickened out.  Now I'm thinking that if I got a questionably colored bike I'd go with this instead. 

Green and red without being Christmasy.  Bad ass.

It's not the Tungsten Electrode, but it's a pretty sweet steel front end suspension bike.

Finding My Way Back

I got out for my first post flood ride on Monday.  After assembling the requisite clothing, helmet, glasses and repair kit I got a late start and rolled out from our temporary home in Stowe.

One of the positives of our current situation is that we are in a beautiful setting with incredible road and offroad riding right out the front door.  I often drive up to start my rides less than a mile from where we're now staying.  If there's a silver lining, this is it. 

After two plus weeks of cleaning, sorting, scrubbing and excessive drinking my fitness was underwhelming, but if I'm being realistic my season ended when the village was evacuated.  Now I'm just doing it because I enjoy it with no aspirations, goals or expectations beyond the simple enjoyment of riding. 

The tables have turned and instead of a long ride being the day's main activity I'm now being realistic about when and how long I can get out.  This week hasn't been good, but I'm going to try a mix of mid-day rides during the work week and some early morning spins on the weekend. 

A friend has generously offered to help refurbish my bikes.  With his help I should be able to get back on the trail as early as this weekend.  The RSL was only slightly affected and is no worse off than it would be after a muddy race.  The Redline is going to take considerably more attention, and at the moment attention isn't something I can spare.  The frame is fine, but all of the cables, housing and bearings need to be replaced; the shifters are of particular concern.

I can't wait to get back in the woods.

I miss it.

eRace Irene Press Release

Contact: Tom Thurston,

                                                                                                                            244-1912 or

                                                                                                            tomgthurston@gmail.com

                                                                                                           

‘eRace Irene’ to Benefit Waterbury Flood Relief

“eRace Irene,” a 5k run or walk to benefit Waterbury’s flood relief efforts, will take place Sunday, September 18, at 10 a.m. at Hope Davey field in Waterbury Center.

Race organizer Tom Thurston, a Waterbury resident who also directs the town’s Independence Day road race, organized the event as a way to quickly raise money for Waterbury residents affected by the flood. Proceeds from the $25 registration will go to the Waterbury Good Neighbor Fund, which helps residents who are in immediate need of assistance. 

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and T-shirts will be given to the first 300 entries. The course is flat and fast. To reach Hope Davey field, take Exit 10, head north toward Stowe, and turn right after Ben & Jerry’s on Guptil Road. Continue for 3 miles. For more information, contact Tom Thurston at 244-1912 or tomgthurston@gmail.com.

E-Race Irene 5K Fundraiser

There will be a 5K footrace this Saturday at Hope Davey Field in Waterbury Center, VT.


View Larger Map

Registration at 9 AM, race starts at 10 AM and entry is $25.  All proceeds go to flood relief.

Big thanks to Tom Thurston for getting this organized.

If I didn't have my hands full with the house I'd race it myself.

Hurricane Irene Waterbury Flood Damage

My workshop.

Cleaning and trying to salvage some components and spare parts.  The build kit for the YBB was under water for 2 days.

The oil tank was at a 30 degree angle when the water receded.

The Redline

The Moots made it, the Redline wasn't so fortunate.