CamelBak Podium Flow belt review

Bum bag, Hip Bag, Enduro Pack...no matter what you call them, they are back.

My first return step into backpack less riding came with the Dakine Hotlaps. It fit okay, but I was looking for more storage space. That led me to the CamelBak Palos LR4. It could haul more water and gear, but self loosened and bounced around. Next I tried the new CamelBak repack and Osprey Savu. The Osprey didn't fit me well and I  liked the Repack  but  it felt like too much for my average ride after work.

That led me to the CamelBak Podium Flow belt. It is a minimalist pack that holds one water bottle and enough space for a few tools and snacks. I immediately loved it.

The back contact patch is smaller than other packs I tried so it just disappears on my back as I ride.  There really aren't any fancy attachments. Loosen the straps a little for the climb then tighten them on the downhill. The water bottle is also angled in the pouch. This allows easy access for drinking while riding and even easiee to return.

The one drawback I have found is that when I try to overload the pack, it feels less supported and pulls more, probably because of the smaller contact patch on the back. Keep that in mind and you'll love this pack.

For rides over two hours I'll stick with my CamelBak repack. But,  shorter rides the Camelback podium flow belt deserves the top spot on the podium. It keeps me exploring, One Trail at a Time.

Airborne Goblin Evo

About a year ago I read a very positive review about the Airborne Goblin Evo. The bikes were sold out online and ever since then I have been stalking the local used bike ads hoping that one might pop up. (I joke with my wife that while other men might spend their nights lit by a dim computer screen searching for less savory topics, I will be looking at  and for bikes. Every once and a while, just to keep things interesting, I lean over and show her my most recent find, joking that if we didn't have kids....but I digress.


A month ago the above bike popped up online and I texted the seller immediately and aggressively asked to meet him the next day to buy it. I could not be happier.

The first thing I noticed was how stiff the bike felt. With through axles front and back, there is little deflection from rocks and the bike just seems to go where you point it. For the price, the build is fantastic with a Revelation solo air up front and decent components through out.


The slack head angle keeps the bike stable on descents but takes some getting used to on tight corners. The bike needs to be leaned over but when it does it is predictable and corners well. I am not sold on the Maxxis Ardent tires yet, but those can be easily changed.

The seatpost angle is a little steeper then my other bikes, but steep is good in this case. This bike climbs like a beast.  I feel more centered over the bike and the back tire holds like glue. However, with the steep seat tube angle I did add a dropper seatpost for descending. With the seat at full height, I felt a little far forward and it made it more difficult to lean the bike over in turns.  Add the dropper and all that goes away.


I have only been riding it for about a month, but so far I am impressed.

Catalyst Pedal by Pedaling Innovations

THE BACKSTORY

I’ve been riding consistently for over 10 years now and the first time I used clipless, they were too tight and would fall anytime someone stopped. At one point, I crossed a river and fell. I submerged completely, floating sideways down the river connected to my bike!  However, after several years, riding clipless became second nature and I never really thought about it. 

A few years back, I was having a bit of knee pain and had heard riding flats helped.  Again, the first few rides were a bit sketchy, but noticed not only my legs felt better, but flats were FUN!  I switched back and forth while I was racing some Super D and Enduro and really started to appreciate the benefits of both pedals.

In November, I was looking at getting a new pair of flats and saw the catalyst pedal from www.pedalinginnovations.com.  My first thought was how massive they were and wondered why on earth anyone would want something like that.  However, I like trying new bike bits and with a 30 day money back guarantee, I figured I had nothing to lose and ordered a pair. 

I received the pedals and they were noticeably larger than any other pedal I’d seen, but looked like quality pedals that will last.  For the first ride, we went to St. George Utah..   

FIRST RIDE REVIEW

My first thought was, “well, it’s a pedal”.

When I finally got to ride them, almost immediately, I noticed was the support under the foot.  While it felt a bit odd initially and will take a few rides to get used to, my pedal stroke felt noticeably stronger going up really steep inclines. This isn’t just “new bike gear” phenomena that occurs or some hopeful thought in my head since I dropped some cash on a new part.  This was my first ride in Utah with any really steep pitches in several months.  (I temporarily moved from Utah to Illinois.. Yes, it was a bad decision if you like bikes and if there are any job openings in Utah to help get me back earlier, let me knowJ) Along with that, I just had knee surgery the month before.   With these pedals, I had more power available where I could actually use a more deliberate pedal stroke while regulating the power to the pedals.  These were in spots, where normally I would either get a “running start” and go up as fast as I could or put it in granny and spin, or end up spinning out and walking.  This time, even after the surgery and living in the flat lands, I never got out of my middle ring on a 3X9 drivetrain (which is pretty good for me and about 20 miles of riding) or slipped a tire!  It really was pretty incredible.

The second thing I noticed is the amount of traction these things provided.  I have the first version of the FiveTen Freerider XVI Elements and while I’ve never had an issue slipping a pedal in those shoes, I’ve also never had a pedal with too much traction… until I put these on.   If you slip a pedal on these, you really need to check the organ between your ears and your bike handling skills, cuz it ain’t the pedal...  In fact, there was so much traction, I am actually going to remove probably 5 pins on each side and keep them as spares.

As you can tell, they climb and pedal well, but I was a bit skeptical on how they would feel while descending. I will need to put in more time with the trail sloped down to come to a final conclusion, but after the first ride, things are looking good.  I kept imagining just smashing into things and not being able to drop my heels like I normally do, but those concerns were un-founded.  I dropped my heels just fine and felt surprisingly agile.  It was similar to a normal flat pedal, but with loads of traction and support.  I’ve only had my feet tire out a couple of times with other pedals, but if someone has that issue, these pedals will pretty much solve it. 

What really sold me was the lack of knee pain and discomfort.  Initially, I started riding with the foot placed a bit forward from where I normally would, but not as far forward as shown on the little sheet that came with the pedals.  My recovering knee was feeling a bit off and by the end of the first ride (about 9 miles) stared to hurt a bit.  On the second ride, I put them where they were designed to be and during the first climb, no more knee pain or discomfort at all!!  It was there I decided to keep the pedals on for a long long time.  

With all of the positives, it will take a bit to get used to riding with a new foot placement.  After the 20 miles, it was already feeling pretty good, but I can't say I'm already used to it. I've heard people that are instantly comfortable.  I'm not one of those people, but almost there.

Lastly, Pedaling Innovations has outstanding customer service.  The pedals shipped during the Holidays while I was in Utah.  On my order, I put a note to ship to Utah if they shipped in December.  I got an e-mail saying the shipped to my address in Illinois and contacted James.  He immediately sent me another pair to my Utah address and mentioned if the other pedals were still in IL when I arrived, he would issue a return authorization.

I look forward to putting in more time on them and will write an update after several months.

Biking the Doldrums

No I'm not talking about the equatorial region that struck dread and sometimes insanity into the hearts of sailors for hundreds of years, although the effect can be the same. I'm talking about the doldrums of February and March, a time when biking is scarce and the  good snow for skiing or snowshoeing is quickly melting. 

Lets get something out of the way right now, over the years we have become what some might consider "snow snobs". If it is not deep, light and refreshed frequently we don't like it. This year we have only strapped on the snowshoes and skis once.  Don't get me wrong, normally we have been snowshoeing and skiing, for 2-3 months now, but this year has been pathetic. 

In other years mid February rolls around and the excitement of snowshoeing has worn off, but the trails, even the lower ones,  are still snow covered, or too muddy for any real riding. (Fat tires not included, having not fallen for that 'trend'  yet). Leaving one or even two dreaded months of waiting. 

This year has been different, there is some lousy snow high in the mountains, but surprisingly some of the lower trails are open, and the afternoon temperatures hover around 55-65 degrees allowing for some afterwork and Saturday rides.

It began a few weeks ago when I noticed that my normal winter starved Strava feed began filling up with rides,  from riders who don't own fat bikes. Some were on roads,  others on dirt. I decided it was time to try. 

Surprisingly the trail was mostly dry,  even dusty in places.  But it was one of those evenings when it is just good to be on a bike with nice temperatures and nicer trails.   It gave me a glimpse of another good year of riding and exploring one trail at a time. 

I couldn't help but thinking of those sailors who sat for weeks or even months waiting for wind.  Sure the comparison is slim. We have food and water and are not likely to die.   But,  for those who really love the outdoors and specifically putting foot to pedal,  the insanity can be the same. 



2013 Stumpjumper EVO Comp VS. Aluminum Santa Cruz Bronson

In seeing the popularity of the Santa Cruz Bronson (which is an awesome bike if you’ve read my review) I decided to write up a review on the 2013 Specialized Stumpjumper EVO comp and do a little comparison to the Bronson.  I know some people may be as surprised as I was…maybe even upset..

I rode the Bronson for a while and found I was always comparing it to my old EVO.  One ride, I ran into someone with an EVO and we switched bikes for a bit as he wanted to try out the Bronson.  While riding the Evo, I remembered how much I liked that bike.   With the 27.5 wheel craze and popularity of the Bronson, decided to sell it.  I soon found a used Stumpy evo with 26” wheels and bought it.

On the first few rides, I thought I would feel awkward on the bike and smaller wheel.  I put on a short stem and wider bars and immediately felt at home.  I did notice the smaller wheel, but after a few pedal strokes, was already used to it.  We have some good trails with a lot of variety by our home.  They have some really steep climbs, some dirt roads, lots of smooth single track, some technical trails and a few that are really rocky.   I’ve ridden this bike a ton locally, in Moab, and St. George and every ride is a blast! 

While climbing, the bike feels light and goes up easily.  On really steep sections where I felt I was fighting the Bronson, the Evo scooted up surprisingly well.  After long steep climbs, I found I actually had more energy than I did on the Bronson.  You could feel the mid-sized wheel roll over things a bit better, but the FSR suspension was so plush, it kept traction and was really enjoyable climbing.  It wasn’t a 22lb racer, but for a bike with 150mm of travel and 26” wheels, it shouldn’t do as well as it does going uphill.  When the trail was flat, the Bronson held speed a little easier than the Evo, but I was blown away at how well it climbs.

Like the Bronson, when you point the bike downhill you see what the bike was made for.  The suspension was so supple and plush you can just fly over rocky terrain.  Where the Evo is a bit more playful and can hop and play over rocky trails, the Bronson has more of a, “I’m going to plow over stuff and not even worry about it” attitude.  Cornering on this bike, with its low BB and short stays is so much fun!  However, I think this is where I preferred the mid-size wheel a bit more.  If the corner was really loose and rocky, the smaller wheel had to be guided through a little more where the 27.5 wheel held the line without too much worry.  Both bikes were a blast going down, but the Evo seemed easier to ride aggressively and just have fun while the Bronson was a little bit more business.  With that being said, on every single Strava segment, my fastest times were on the Stumpy Evo.  Was it the bike or was it because I was just having a freaking blast?  That is a good question.

After riding many bikes in many different areas, these two were my favorites.  If I had to pick a favorite bike of all time, it would be the Stumpy Evo for how much fun it is to ride and how well it handles everything from XC loops to shuttle trails.  The Bronson is an awesome bike and super fun to ride, but I would give the edge to the Evo.

It seems every ride, I stopped caring about wheel sizes, latest bikes, being fast and just had fun riding and that is what it is all about.

So, go ride your bike..

Wallsburg to Vivian...It's an adventure.

Some time ago we read or heard about, I forget which, a trail that begins in Wallsburg Utah and ends at Vivian park in Provo canyon. We tried riding it from Vivian, but the trail was steep and ridiculously rocky and loose. We don't mind Hike-a-bikes, but that was too much and too far. After some research we were finally able to find and connect the trails, from Wallsburg to Vivian, and the result was amazing views and  beautiful singletrack all culminating in a long loose and rocky descent.

Climbing up from Wallsburg, the trail was over grown and rough in places. This trail is frequented more by motorcycles than bicycles. We loved the remote feeling it offered. The climb is shaded and nice.

The views on the way up are amazing. After some climbing we came to the spot we thought was the top. There was a great view, as well as a great place to stop and re-fuel. We were dead wrong. After relaxing we began to pedal and within 100 feet saw the trail climb steeply in front of us. Later the gps tracks would show it was about a 1700 vert feet hike a bike. I mean, sure those who are in super shape could ride parts of it but for a heavier-out-of-shape rider, it was a hike a bike. After some frustration, we reached another summit, which finally lead to the downhill.

 

There are no pictures of this downhill ride. Partly because Guthrie was a head of me, mostly because it is a rough, baby-head filled, hand jarring long descent. Don't get me wrong, we loved it, but the entire ride took concentration and muscle to not fly off the trail into the bushes, which, although much effort was exhausted to prevent, occurred quite frequently.  The descent is what makes it an adventure trail, the ride is fantastic, overgrown, and rocky and loose at the end, but we will definitely do it again as we keep on exploring one trail at a time.

 

Wallsburg to Vivian Park

EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Provo, Utah

Relentless and Rewarding

Someone once told me, regarding mountain bike racing, that if you ever got off your bike you should be instantly disqualified. I responded by suggesting that if you never got off your bike, you probably were not riding difficult enough trails. Whether my statement is true or not, lately it has seemed that the relentlessly steep trails seem to lead to some of the most rewarding areas and riding.

For some time we have been wanting to try and ride to Cascade Saddle from Big Springs. We heard it was steep, knew it was a popular motorcycle trail and had ridden the first 3 miles where it did indeed get steep, but could not find any gps tracks or much about it after that. Supposedly it is 5 or 6 miles to the pass.  Saturday we decided to give it a try.

Miles 1-2 are normal riding, scenic, nice trail, kosher stuff, 2-3 get steeper with some hike-a-bike,  3-4 the riding stops and the pushing and carrying begins. But this is not your momma's hike a bike. These are steep, loose chutes, that climb straight up the mountain in places.  But, the views, the views were incredible.

In the end, we didn't make it all the way to the top. Snow began to cover the trail in a lot of places and a huge avalanche, above, blocked the path entirely. We hiked over it for sometime, but not knowing what to expect and needing to get home for a city carnival we promised to take our kids to forced us to turn around.

The views were fantastic, the climb was even fun, but descending this trail is pure bliss. The top is a hang back, super steep, baby head filled, rocky chute decent, followed my mellow rough trail riding and finally smooth cruising.

After it was all said and done, we ended up climbing 3,100 feet in 4.1 miles. The ride able part is about 15% grade and after that I have no idea. It took us about an hour and a half up and 20 minutes down, but it is worth every second. We heard that you can access the top of this trail from a ride in Wallsburg, the plans are already in place...finding new rides, one trail at a time.