http://www.brumblebikes.com/index.htmlBikes enamos@brumblebikesCopyright 2008 Amos Brumble and Brumble Bikes2008-08-12T09:13:03-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:15:05 -0400amos@brumblebikesmechanics2008-08-12T09:13:03-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/1f31353134a180892fadb864be4efb43-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/1f31353134a180892fadb864be4efb43-11.html#unique-entry-id-11What symptoms are worrying me?

• The bike is making a noise.
• The bike handles differently.
• The bike is not working the same as before.
• The bike feels different then before.

When is the problem occuring?

• The problem happens when I pedal.
• The problem happens when I stand.
• The problem happens when I shift.
• The problem happens when I put on the brakes.
• The problem happens when I am climbing a hil.
• The problem happens when I go down a hill.

Combining a symptom with one or more specific times makes figuring out the problem much easier. For example "The bike is making a noise when I shift." would be related to the drive train specifically. Another example might be "The bike is not working the same climbing a hill and shifting." Which leads to looking at specific gears that the problem is occuring in.

The more specific you can be when a problem happens the better chance you have of being happier with repair work. Amos]]>amos@brumblebikesCoaching2008-08-12T09:10:11-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/dac67a41d858d785fd3cda2575b5eb06-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/dac67a41d858d785fd3cda2575b5eb06-10.html#unique-entry-id-10Pacelines can be formed with two or more riders. The more riders involved up to a certain point the more speed that can be produced. The more riders that are involved the harder it is to make the group smooth. This is the basic conflict with pacelines. As the group becomes bigger each rider recieves more rest before their turn allowing them the option of pulling longer or faster then when in a smaller group. If pull lengths or speed are wrong then the whole paceline falls apart very quickly.

Here are some guideline to use for pull length. Time the pull when the rider before you pulls over.

• Two riders 30 seconds each
• Three riders 20 seconds each
• Four riders 15 seconds each
• Five riders 10 seconds each
• Six riders or more ride by the person who just pulled and pull over.

There are a few reasons to change pull length to maintain the integrety of the paceline and ensure that the group keeps going at a high speed.

On steep hills when the speed falls there is little or no draft. Setting a steady tempo that the whole group can stay together is more important then continuing to trade pulls. Pull longer being carefull not to get dropped going over the top of the hill when the group gains speed. This allows everyone to concentrate on staying together.

On steep downhills the draft increases. Riders in the draft are coasting if you pull the normal length. You want to keep the pulls short since recovery will be fuller because of the lower intensity when not pulling.

When approaching a corner do not change the lead right before the corner. Changing the lead before a corner makes the group two riders wide in the turn usually forcing someone in the group to have to slow down in the turn breaking the group up.

Finally realize that if the group works smoothly then the speed is faster then if one person picks up the speed and pulls longer. This very often occurs when riders who are not very experienced feel like it is "easy" so they want to do more work when it is their turn. This breaks up the rhythm since the group is no longer taking smooth turns. The person who just having pulled sitting out in the wind a little longer then normal and finally a increase in pace might be a little more then the weakest rider can handle.

So watch your pulls and go faster this week. Amos]]>amos@brumblebikesBike Lifestyle2008-07-21T15:20:24-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/5c4403871a5669cd61238a21b00b9c3a-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/5c4403871a5669cd61238a21b00b9c3a-9.html#unique-entry-id-9
While team CSC rides every race in a fasion that shows the power of individual sacrifice for the greater good we wanted to reconize somoene else. Afterall, CSC tactics are seen time and time again and though they might be simple, it’s something that other teams lack. With that said, we felt that Columbia Sports could not be ignored. Four stages wins, holders of the yellow, green and white jersey are enviable for any team. Of course there is a difference between holding a jersey and winning a jersey. However, at this point in the race, with four stage wins how can you not be impressed with this new american team.

We’l keep watching the tour, but for now Team Columbia has our praise. ]]>amos@brumblebikesCoaching2008-07-07T14:51:41-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/d45ee0d0e5334942821d1b1c02632ea3-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/d45ee0d0e5334942821d1b1c02632ea3-8.html#unique-entry-id-8
The extra riding leads to tiredness, joint pain,muscle soreness and a decrease in fun if you do it too fast. Exactly the opposite of what people want from riding their bikes. Planning your time on the bike makes for fewer of these problems and quicker solutions when they do occur. So here are a few points that you should understand

1. Gradually increase time on the bike. Don't go from zero to 25 mile rides and then expect to have no soreness.

2. Base increases on recent performances. It does not matter what happened riding wise last summer. The last few weeks is a better base line. The body will change back to what ever your recent activities have been so those long rides last summer that you felt good on may hurt you now.

3. If you have ignored 1 and 2 from above then back off to a level that you can handle. Once the problems clear up get back to making progress by following the steps.
]]>amos@brumblebikesmechanics2008-07-07T14:47:24-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/66b2cf788f04355456d9228aaf152def-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/66b2cf788f04355456d9228aaf152def-7.html#unique-entry-id-7

1. Front derailluer. height, 1-3 mm above large chain ring.
2. Rotation, outer cage should be parallel with the large chain ring.
3. Low limit. Inner cage just clears the chain in the low-low combination.
4. Cable tension, moves derailluer all the way to the high limit stop, on a triple when shifting to the middle ring the inner plat just clears the chain when in the lowest gear combo for the rear cogs.
5. High limit, Outer cage plate just clears the chain in the highest gear combination.

If you follow the above steps and you still have problems then it is time for little detective work. There are a few basic problems that will make a derailluer, perform poorly. So look for these problems next.

1. Compatibility, typically having the same model shifter, front derailluer, crank set and chain is the best performing combo.
2. Cable issues, if the housing is damaged or the cable has too much friction then there will be problems.
3. Damage, is the shifter/derailluer broken? Does the derailluer move freely?
4. Wear and tear, play in the front derailluer, worn chain rings, worn chain, frayed cable, loose bottom bracket, worn shifter. If any parts are worn plan on replacing them or living with the performance level that you have.

With this information you should be able to diagnose any front derailluer problems for yourself. Or bring it in and have it remyided for you for a $12 ]]>amos@brumblebikesBike Lifestyle2008-05-26T11:06:09-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/c714b7a99ddab7e0595befe74a11d8d0-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/c714b7a99ddab7e0595befe74a11d8d0-6.html#unique-entry-id-6
A former teammate of Greg LeMond and future teammate of Lance Armstrong Andy rode for the upstart American team 7-11.   Essentially this was a ragtag team and didn't garner respect within the pro peloton.  Stage 14 over the famed Gavia pass saw the entire race blow apart and one person emerged above all others: Andy Hamsten.   Perhaps no other recent victory has been earned by anyone with such raw pain as that famed day in 1988.   The picture says it all, white out snow, freezing temps, poor road conditions - may the toughest guy win.   Win he did, and he did so in a manner truly earning the title "Epic Victory."

Our friends at VeloNews are celebrating the 20 year history with a detailed review.   We encourage you to read the article and see this earned victory.   ]]>amos@brumblebikesCoaching2008-05-15T07:07:00-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/16fe45f0c60e8a43215c7580751b6771-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/16fe45f0c60e8a43215c7580751b6771-5.html#unique-entry-id-5
The last rider has the job of making the group aware of cars coming up from behind the group when it is unexpected the riders from the front are pulling off into traffic or the group is about to make a left turn where they would be crossing traffic.

The riders in the middle have one basic responsibility which to pass the signals from the leader back to the riders behind or to pass information from the last rider to the front. Riders in the middle should follow directly behind the riders ahead of them and not get to close and then jam on the brakes causing a accordion effect in the ride.

These are the basics of group riding. Hope you have as much fun as I do out there.

Come on over to Brumble Bikes and maybe come and do one of our group rides.]]>amos@brumblebikesBike Lifestyle2008-05-09T17:02:28-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/1e94a3a1c968d9d961f63e6d08764415-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/1e94a3a1c968d9d961f63e6d08764415-4.html#unique-entry-id-4
Grand tours are too nuanced for the non-bike fan.  You can come in one day 5 minutes behind the stage winner and still be in the lead?    Time Trials, Team Time Trials, bonus finishing time: people just don't get it no matter how hard you try.   Sure they know Lance kicks butt, but on a micro level most people don't follow the sport.   As is typical most modern grand tour books are kind of machismo -sure we like them, but the Mrs. doesn't want them to see the light of day.   Paris Roubaix as a race is different on so many levels and its reflected in this book. The race itself is easy to understand: a one day race from point A to point B - first one to cross the finish line wins.   Well, sure, even a local crit has the same conditions, so what makes Paris Roubaix so unique?   Well, for one the riders have to ride over almost 20 sections of cobble stones, some longer than a mile.   You know, big rocks randomly thrown down in an effort to represent the most medieval form of a road.     Then there is the history - Champion Spark Plugs - good spark plugs, right?  Well Albert Champion won Paris Roubaix in 1899 and then went on to start Champion Spark Plugs.   Battle of the Buldge - a turning point in World War II.   The most exciting section of cobbles is in the forest of Arenburg an area home to the brave allied solders during that harsh winter standing up to the German army.   There's the drama - riders covered in mud fallen randomly along the cobbles struggling to keep up.  Then just for show they finish on a nice smooth wooden velodrome.   Those are the tracks you see bikes raced on during the olympics.   This race is like no other and the result is that modern fine-tuned time trial riders like Chris Boardman or Grand Tour riders like Lance Armstrong never even race Paris Roubaix.  Of course that wasn't always the case.   Eddy Merckxx ate this race up as it's a matter of Belgium national pride to win Paris Roubaix otherwise known as the Queen of the Classics.   Hinault a five-time winner of the tour won Paris Roubaix only to say he would never even race in it again.  Our man Greg LeMond achieved fourth in a epic mud filled year that saw most of the peloton abandon.       

Come on in to Brumble Bikes and check out this book.   We're sure once you look at it you will agree it's a great book and can be enjoyed by most anyone and might even be put in a place for all to see.  ]]>amos@brumblebikesFavorite Rides2008-05-05T09:46:07-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/0ae6c82607299b29b83e6896b722df44-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/0ae6c82607299b29b83e6896b722df44-3.html#unique-entry-id-3
There is loop in Ledyard, CT with some of the best surface anywhere. Add to that rolling hills and you’ll feel like a real PRO riding in the world championships.

Start out in downtown Mystic and take the ever-scenic River Road. Once in Old Mystic stay on Shewville and make your way towards Ledyard. You’ll do a 1k climb and then cross Pumpkin Hill Road; at this point the real fun begins. Lots of rollers, great pavement and good, fast speeds with little traffic. It stays this way until the end of Gales Ferry Road by the reservoir and then the pavement goes back to normal. Make your way back to Mystic; total ascent about 1,000 feet and total miles about 20 but it depends on how you come back (e.g., 184 or River Road).

Go to our download page to download GPS files or jpeg of the route and elevation charts.

Have fun and be safe.]]>amos@brumblebikesBike Lifestyle2008-05-02T09:25:56-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/1e12e8f6df586380abddb343bd72cb22-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/1e12e8f6df586380abddb343bd72cb22-2.html#unique-entry-id-2
In the end LeMond won another rainbow jersey and he did so in manner that should make us all proud. He attacked, bridged the breakaway and bridged Fingon and other world-class riders. When it was down to the small group, the group you know was going to win, LeMond shut down most every attack. The above image, at the very end of the race when LeMond realized he won shows the range of emotions. LeMond’s obvious joy - Kelly’s clear disappointment - Konyshev’s agony of defeat - add the element of rain and you have a once in a lifetime photo,

Watch the video on YouTube and recall the weather and the fact that these guys are riding steel bikes and carving corners at over 30mph and descending at over 50mph.]]>amos@brumblebikesProduct Review2008-05-03T21:10:15-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/3637d379c3ee8303e4d197fa18b85e5c-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/3637d379c3ee8303e4d197fa18b85e5c-1.html#unique-entry-id-1As we said the Winters are a bit longer and with temperature fluctuating from mid 40s to a low of below zero there isn’t a lack of diversity.   Add to this that the winter goes from December to the end of March and you’re faced with more than enough grey skies and cold temps.   In those months you have a few choices: don’t ride, ride inside on a trainer or ride outdoors.   Most people will pick a combination of the three, but if you’re like us riding indoors gets old real quick.  There is a reason why Belgium has such a heavy cyclo-cross community, it’s better to ride outdoors no matter the weather.  Simply put we didn’t get into riding bikes to stay stationary sweating ourselves silly in a dimly lit basement.  

So if you want to ride outside and the temperature is below freezing what is one to do?  Well, you could bundle up in multiple layers and look like the Michelin Man  and probably not have much wind protection or you could buy yourself some Assos gear.   Assos is a Swiss company and since the art of telling time is precision the Swiss are known for making precision cycling gear.   The 851 jacket is no exception; this thing works wonders.  We have gone out in 30 degree weather and 15mph winds and wore only a base layer underneath.  No kidding.   Add to this that the 851 jacket, like all Assos gear, looks like a work of art and you have a unique piece of gear that is sure to help give you that little extra nudge during the long and cold months.  Since we’ve bought the 851 our winter outdoor riding has gone up significantly.    

This jacket comes in multiple colors, however, our favorite is white.   The material is second to none and you’ll immediately notice that the jacket is designed to be worn while on a bike.   Once you get into position it becomes immediately apparent that this was designed with only one sport in mind: cycling.   Four pockets ensure you can ride with whatever the weather might require you to bring and well thought-out designs like a zipper pocket ensure you wont lose any valuable.  

Is this the least expensive jacket?  No.   However, we promise you once you wear one and see how great it is price wont be a factor.    Additionally, Assos gear is known to last for multiple years and takes the elements and still looks new.

Stop in and check out all our Assos gear and maybe we can go for a group ride in January!]]>amos@brumblebikesCoaching2008-05-08T20:59:35-04:00http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/57f48162d482e13dc824f23a08397b79-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.brumblebikes.com/page0/files/57f48162d482e13dc824f23a08397b79-0.html#unique-entry-id-0 
Now that you have done the hard work(starting), let's go back to the planned workout.  To be the best cyclist you can be you have to work hard.  How will that happen?  Possible answer:random events.  Let's say that you had sprints to do that day 3x150 meters 1x200 meters 1x250 meters.  A dog chases you for a short distance. Tadahh!  You just finished one.  Another gold star for you!  Only two more and the short ones will be done. Use the past successes to lead you.(started AND did one sprint,two gold stars)  Keep it up!
 
If that doesn't work look at some other part of the ride to succeed at.  I like time or distance.  Complete that which you can do!  Ride 20 miles or go for one hour.  Pick something and do that.  Another gold star!  See wasn't that easy!

Finish the workout knowing that you did the best that you could with what you had.  Look forward to making improvements in the next workout. 
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