EHarmony.com

male in search of m/f for race in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, the www. burn24hour.com. race in the 2person category.date may 24/25-2008 $190.00 team. this price is for the earlybird special ending 2-28-08 $20.00 more after date. est. time for trip 8hrs. with one stop lunch-dinner. will pay for gas round trip.

requirements- lights, experience some, willing to go the distance priceless!

my stats.

mtn.biking 20yrs. racing 19yrs. one day races numerous, in PA, OH, & WV 24 hr. races 12 and counting.

contact

e-mail, jimbikeruff1@aol.com

If you are interested..Help a brother out...

The new kid in town...

Hello again from inside the walls of TRM. Today I am pleased to introduce the world to our latest addition. He is world renown mechanic and former Downhill Racer, Jay Humphrey! Jay joined us this winter and is still getting used to where Rick hides everything. We are really excited to have Jay added to the Service ranks to help Rick and Greg out this summer. We have BIG plans for Jay! Stop by and say hello.

Here are his ten questions so you can get a glimpse into the world of Britney...I mean, Jay...

1) What was your first adult bicycle?
A Fuji

2) What will be your next bike?
cyclocross

3) What is your favorite place to ride?
Mt. Snow

4) What is the ultimate place to ride?
Italy

5) How many bikes do your currently own?
3

6) Spandex or Baggy shorts?
Baggy

7) What is your favorite post-ride food?
Sushi

8) When was the last time you rode your bike?
Yesterday

9) Who is your favorite riding partner?
Someone who doesn't complain

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?
Bottle

XXX Hot Dirty Girls!!!

Now that I have your attention...you should all check out the latest Trek of Pittsburgh community Blog from the lovely ladies of Trek of Pittsburgh. They talk about riding, women's friendly products, and life in the saddle. Check them out and see what they are up to.

http://topladies.wordpress.com/

Get out and ride!

English and Bike Shops don't always Mix

So I am sure that many of you know Jeffers but, many of you don't know that Jeffers is our resident English Major. We wish him all the best with his studies!

1). What was your first adult bicycle?
An IRO fixed gear from my brother. He had cross-threaded the bottom bracket, so I was perpetually tightening both it and all of my chainring bolts, and there were times when I had lost two of the chainring bolts and didn't realize it til after the ride...sold it and got an old Italian steel frame that had been in the Tour de France. Good stuff.

2). What will be your next bike?

Hmm..either a big fat cruiser or the Bianchi Roger with the Surly Dingle Cog, or maybe just a Cross-Check.

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

Oakland/Shadyside area on the fixie...Heartwood and Bavington are fun for the woods.

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Umm...intersection of Forbes Ave and Bigelow Boulevard around 11:52 AM, during Pitt's class changes. If you run the yellow/red light, people are already starting to cross in the opposite direction, so you get to cut through the 1-2 foot gaps between oblivious crossing pedestrians at 10 mph.

5). How many bike do you currently own?

1..2..3..4..5..and a unicycle.

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

Spandex, but I mostly ride in jeans.

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

Vera Cruz burrito.

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Thursday...it's Sunday now.

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

Soupie, Mike McCracken, or Brian Reyburn, in that order.

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

Camelbak MULE.

Group Winter Mountain Bike Rides are Starting Again!

Hello all, I want to start up south park mtb rides again. Check the website for details. Let everyone know that this is a really fun time to ride off road! If they don't have all the winter gear,thats fine. Just tell them to dress warm. I will be starting out with really easy rides due to the fact that I'm phat and out of shape. I'm thinking on Sundays and a weeknight. Not sure which day yet.

-Sam Kaufman

Don't worry I speak Joki

Well, it took a little bit of doing but I got Rick to answer the questions. After some heavy editing and a few rounds with the spell checker they are ready to post. I hope you enjoy them.

1). What was your first adult bicycle?

1975 free spirit

2). What will be your next bike?

a cyclocross bike with gears I do not which one yet

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

on my bike

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Lebanon Hills Park MN

5). How many bike do you currently own?

two

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

spandex

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

yes

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Saturday

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

me

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

50/50

Tracking a Wild Calvetti in his natural envorinment

We have round two in the series, "get to know your local Bike Shop". Greg is a part time mechanic and an expert in all things science. prepare to be enlightened...

1). What was your first adult bicycle?

A used Soma Cosmopolitan was my first true adult bike, but a Bridgestone 500 was my first real serious bike.

2). What will be your next bike?

If I were to spend money, I'd build up a Surly Cross Check like half the rest of the world, but it will probably be whatever somebody gives me as a freebie!

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

Hilltop out of Heidelberg, past Nevillewood is lovely in the springtime.

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Joki Mountain.

5). How many bike do you currently own?

I have three, but I maintain the family fleet of an additional eight bikes.

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

Spandex.

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

Cocoa Krispies with the fam.

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Today. I commute most every day to work.

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

For long road rides, my friend and former boss, Tim Steinhauer. Otherwise, I have eight great partners in my home for rail trail rides.

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

Bottle.

More than you wanted to know...

In an effort to introduce you to some of the new faces around TRM, I took it upon myself to ask everyone some deep probing questions and here are Nick's answers. Now i have to warn you in advance that his views and opinions are not that of TRM Cycles and Parental Supervision is required. You may want to have the younger readers leave the room...

1). What was your first adult bicycle?

Bianchi Cross Concept.

2). What will be your next bike?

Something with wheels and preferably handlebars; possibly tricycle.

3). What is your favorite place to ride?

South Park in the day, Bavington at night, Rollers in the cold.

4). What is the Ultimate place to ride?

Coopers Rock WV is sweet, Moab UT is sick. Haven't been to moab since I
was 14 and last time I was at Coopers I broke my foot. SWEET.

5). How many bike do you currently own?

One, The Carnegie Cruiser Custom.

6). Spandex or Baggy shorts?

Depends on my level of friskiness

7). What is your favorite post-ride food?

Rhythm House Rueben and Heinekin. Not so healthy, it will fill ya up good though.

8). When was the last time you rode your bike?

Last night, It was cold so I was on rollers in my living room watching "Scrubs"

9). Who is your favorite riding partner?

Anyone.

10) Do you prefer a water bottle or a hydration pack?

I prefer to do the camel thing (drink alot before I ride and hope it lasts). But for longer rides, camel back all the way.

The 2% Club

First off let me say that I am really sorry the blog postings have been a little slack lately. We have had a few staffing changes and then the Holidays and then Inventory...you get the idea.

This morning I was walking the dog enjoying the cold...finally...and I was reminded of a survey that I read when I was first started in the bike industry. The survey was talking about how people use their mountain bike (this was long before they had comfort and hybrid bikes). Long story short, they concluded that only 2% of mountain bikers ride their bikes off-road in adverse conditions (mud, rain, rocks and roots), at night, and year round (winter time).

Well I for one love riding this time of year for a few reasons. First off the trails are fun, fast and in good shape (once they freeze up). Second, there are a lot less people on the trails. You don't have to worry about getting chased off the trail by the 50+ group rides. and Finally, Riding in the snow is just FUN, especially a 29er. They really excel in the snow and frozen terrain. You dress right and let a little air out of your tires (or if your Rick you ride your studded tires) and go for a ride.

A couple of tricks that I have learned over the years are to dress for it. Dress in layers and plan a route that brings you past the car a couple of times. Don't forget to drink. Even though it is could and you are probably not sweating you still need water. Don't bother with a bottle it will freeze. If your hydration pack tube freezes up tuck in into your jacket/jersey and it will de-thaw. Or better yet put your hydration pack on under your Jacket. BUY WINTER SHOES! Don't waste your time with booties or shoe covers. Cough up the $170 and get the Shimano winter shoes (in stock now). You will be surprised and pleased with how big of a difference they make. If your feet are still cold add some toe warmers to your socks.

But most importantly get out and ride in the winter. Try a night ride! we have demo NiteRider lites that you can try. Get a 29er from the Two Ninerest shop in town and join the 2% club.

later kids,
Mike

Where have all the bullhorns gone?

Everyday I read blogs about urban riding, and the new urban bikes look cool but are missing something. Bullhorns. Sure there are a million and a half bikes on the road with bullhorns, but the bikes from companies like Swobo and Mission bikes, even the Specialized taxi bikes are coming with a short and narrow riser bar. Maybe its because these companies have a good source for cheap bars, or Specialized has a pile of them laying around, but it seems like the bullhorn is the epitomy of urban riding in my mind. The "Figuring something out" or "just making it work" attitudes are highlights of the urban bike culture. The prebuilt urban bikes can lose some of this attitude and each companies' attempt at nailing it down with component choices seems relatively forced*. Nothing, in my mind, could compare to building my first urban bike. Don't get me wrong, many headaches would have been saved if had simply bought a fixed gear bike complete, but I learned alot about the bicycle itself by tinkering with my (at the time) rolling pile of destruction. Buying parts from friends, trading mix tapes for bar tape and a seatpost, destroying 2 pairs of cheap track wheels; it was a long ordeal. I think the component that most easily summed up my year obsession are the home made bullhorns. Drop bars and a hacksaw.

* Now soupie, why would you talk down on a bicycle that your store not only carries but stocks. I will admit white rims and white riser bars are pretty lame. The sanchez, however has a galvanized frame, The frame of the bike will never die. Now THAT is pretty awesome

In other Urban news, the great Trek Bicycle Making Corporation has released its One world Two Wheels "commitment". In addition to being obsessed with fixed gears, I was also obsessed with being a Hippie. No I didn't listen to the dead and wear Tie Die. I was being careful about not eating or using products with animals in them (or tested on animals) and riding everywhere to cut down on pollution, and played in a band that sang songs about how horrible it is to drop fire bombs on third world countries from air conditioned cockpits.

That was a while ago... I eat cheese now....still play in that band, but now I ride my bike to ride my bike. The statistic are, however, stifiling. We can all nitpick about saving the planet (it is sadly the only one we have right now) and though Trek may have other motives (bling bling) they are totally right.

In my 4 years being involved in the "bike industry" I have had the opportunity to hang with Gary Fisher (the father of Mt. Biking) a couple of times. This is what he had to say about the whole matter and it made complete sense to me.

In more or less words (as close to verbatim as I can recall) the Father said, "I have been riding bikes in Europe and they have bike for everyday stuff. And I just thought they were great, you know? There no reason to drive around the corner to the store, you could ride your bike. Put the kids on the xtracycle and head to the store. You know? You drive the car and it just F---ing sucks, it just sucks. You drive the car to the store and you have to park the thing and you know, the cars get all f---ed up and it takes almost just as long to ride. I'd just rather ride"

So Trek gives you the "commitment" to saving the world (we still just have one) and Gary reminds all of us that 2 wheels = happiness.


So, I will be in a van, traveling from city to city playing songs about people getting there heads blown off and how much that sucks, for two weeks. I will see everyone around Thanksgiving time.

Love,

Soupie

Exclamation Point

The Superfly is coming. This is the lightest production hardtail Fisher has ever made, oh, and it is a 29er .

There are 17.5" completes and 21" completes on the way from Trek Bicycle Corporation. As you are probably not aware. TRM Cycles is the Twentyninest Store in the south hills, with more 29er stuff than we really know what to do with....

The new Carbon Superfly looks, smells, tastes, and rides like the bomb, so chances are it is totally the bomb. You dig?

Several of these are presold, and the 19" frames aren't even available yet.



Get some.

Congrats NICK!

Nick Mosites has successfully sandbagged his way to a first place finish in the beginner class at Mo'raine and a 3rd place beginner overall at the month of mud series this year!!!!

Hot damn!

I would also like to mention, though the month of mud is over, riding your bike in 2007 is not! TRM Cycles has a bunch o winter gear to keep your digits warm and movin'. We have moved to winter hours 11-7 Monday through Friday, 10 - 6 Saturday and 12-4 on steeler sundays!

ESCAPE FROM JOKI MOUNTAIN (OFFICIAL BLOG POST!!!#@!!!)

Joki mountain has been talked about, had it's layout altered, and its overall plan changed multiple times up untill the day of the event. Since this is the official blog post (!!!#@!!!) I will stick to the facts.

Course Description: 3/8ths Rolling grass hills with 2 sets of barriers and a run/ride up. 5/8ths Tehcnical single and double track with a monster climb/walk up.

Ride Time: 1.5 Hours

Weather: Soupie asked for rain, Soupie Got Rain, and it was glorious.

Most laps in shortest time wins.


Course Details: Mass start along a flat. Tight turn to barriers, Short up hill to second set of barriers and about 3 mintues of off camber grass double track. Once you pull out of the grass it is up and over the goat back. Those with mountain gearing rode the hill, those with cross gearing ran up it. The opposite side of the goat back was FAST with a divot to throw those not prepared from their steads! From their you enter the single track. It twisted and turned and was greasy from the fresh rain. In the single track was a rutted double dip of a downhill. TC Rauch did not fair well on this downhill as well as many others. The Single track was medium difficulty on a mountain bike and tough for a cross bike. After a mixture of Rutted Double track, their was a run up that barely had a line. Ferns overlapped the trail and slick rocks jeopardized traction. Outside that set of single track was the Slag Ridge Trail. On the pre-lap it was visually breath taking but in the actual race in was really starting to blur out. The end of this ride took racers through a pine forrest to THE CLIMB With race legs, this thing was a monster. A long walk with your bike.


At the top of this hill was the start line, racers returned to the barriers and off camber grass. This completes one lap.




RESULTS:

1 Corey Lev - Team Warehouse (usa)
2 Nick Mosites - Team Warehouse (usa)
3 GW Neal - Team Warehouse (Wash)
4 Rick Joki - Psychos 88 (usa)
5 Sam Kaufman - Psychos 88 (Isr)

Women's
Laura Robinson Henninger - Spouse Racing (usa)

It was Great Race for all who survived.
We'll See you all next year!

Transfered to other Concept Stores

I thought I was being called up to the big leagues when John Burke told me it was time to expand my horizons and become "wildly successful". So I packed my bags caught a plane, and did a tour of the Trek concept stores in Europe. My first stop was at the Trek of Macedonia store. Oddly enough, their clientel consisted mostly of downhillers and bmx guys. Their manager Josh Boxxeropolous demonstrates the necessity of bicycles having more travel than JFK on thanksgiving. Everytime someone asked me for detangler cables they kept saying YEE-ROW. To think we have been calling it something different this whole time. At the end of our shift we ate pine nuts and figs, drank wine, and admired the discontinued Fat Possum and King Fisher.


After an overnight train ride, I arrived at Trek of Oslo. Randi Petorsen and I worked on wheels as he showed me the trick to his TOTAALINEN spoke lacing pattern. I really don't have much to say about working at this shop. Alot of commuters, but I only worked for 5 hours, got free healthcare for a day, and drank beer on the clock. *shrug*

My final Shop stop was at the Trek of Glasgow. Oh so dismal. Rainy conditions allowed this store to function only on rain pants and Trek Portlands. There was a relatively diverse trials section, but there is no way in heck that thing is bringing in any revenue. My Magura rim brake skills were tested and after a night at the pubs I stayed in the basement of a Squat. The mildew was pretty rough to say the least. The 6 hour overnight flight had enough artificial air to force the ergonomic european style back out of my life.

Bike Shop News August!

Holy crap!


NEW!


WTB Demo Saddle Program. I have got a PILE of WTB saddles here for yinz to try on yer peddle-cycles. By simply leaving a deposit, you can ride a saddle through the mud, rain, snow, tidal wave, etc. and return it.

You say, "Soupie, TRM's saddle collection usually has a 30 day comfort garauntee? Why demo saddles?" I reply that this is WTB's program, and if you are dumping 60+ bones on a great high end saddle the WTB's are worth the test ride!


In other news, Rick (the professor, the wizard, etc.)is leaving on vacation and the infamous Jordan (Gordan, Gordo) will be covering this week. There is coverage, but on more extensive repairs, please expect delays.


Rick also got repped (repped hard!!!!) on the seven springs website, feast your eyes on an image from 7 years ago!!!!!

August is HOT HOT HOT

Riding in august gets a bit tedious, and it is hard to hydrate when the liter of water you just drank is in your t shirt. I have felt like my brake pads have been rubbing the past 6 rides. It is just hard to breath when the air is this thick and yellow.



Shop Updates:

Bontrager brakes are in. H0ly Sh1t!!!!


Work orders are down to a week, if you are going on vacation, get them here sooner rather than later.

New Serfas multi tools are in, and they are pretty slick for 15 bucks. Knife with locking blade included.

Sam is riding a century with Dave Kraft in Virginia today so the sunday group ride for the 5th (Tomorrow) is cancelled. Sorry folks. Thursday night rides have still been bumpin', get on one of these rides before the season is over.

We have a bunch of bikes on sale at deeeeeeep discounts. (Road, mountain, aluminum, carbon, full suspension, titanium, disc brakes!!!!)





Playlist:

Danzig 2 Lucifuge
Bob Dylan - Times they are a changin
Jeff Buckley
The Smiths - Singles.

Bontrager Speed Limit Road Brakeset

Campy Record Skeleton 279g $409.99
FSA SLK Brakes 290g $199.99
Sram Force 280g $250.00
Dura Ace Brakes 310g $300.00



Bontrager Speed Limit Road Brakeset 270g $199.99

-Lightweight forged alloy construction keeps brakeset weight down.
-Innovative poweramp linkage provides dual-pivot stopping power in a single pivot design.

-wide cross sextion arms give maximum stiffness and power for a responsive brake feel.

-Backed by a Five Year Warranty

PRO EFFING LOGUE!!!!

The "F" standing for france.

But wait Soupie, the Prologue starts in Britain!

Yes it does, my inner monologue, yes it does.

It seems that this "bike race" thing is being covered on "versus" tv, which is a bummer because i signed up for OLN again.....

I lied, i don't have a TV.

But seriously folks, July is here, the tour is here, lance armstrong is not here, basso bailed, and hopefully no more bags of blood with pet names on them show up anytime soon.

Either way, swing down to the shop and talk bikes with us, i will use my cyclingnews.com cheat sheet to feign interest in the "tour of france" everyone is so excited about. All sandwhiches at lunch will be eaten with Credit Mayonaise.


....

Get it? Like lyonaise, the bank that sponsors the tour. Get it?


......

Rut Row

Just a reminder, we are at atleast a week/10 days on repairs. ATLEAST. Thank you for your patience. It's june in a bike shop, baby!

Super Sale/Tour mania/Good deals on accessories is coming up in July. HOLY CRAP!!!

Check your mail for mailers n'at.

Stolen from an email a year ago.

Where are you Steve Feinstein

Are you in italy?