I love Starbucks Pike Roast. I received a bur-grinder and a drip machine for Christmas, and have been brewing my coffee ever since. I am hooked on Pike Roast and I did try some Starbucks French Roast -which I liked. The French is very very smokey and bold, it is a black coffee drinkers black coffee. It is a Mike Tyson throat punch in the morning. I'm back to Pike and I did a really stupid thing the other day at the store. I bought some Dunkin' Donuts Original Blend.
I like Dunkin' Donuts' coffee in their shops, too bad we don't have any here, they have good fast breakfast, and that whole donut thing they are pretty good at. I opened the bag and the beans look dry. I ground said dry beans and the grind looks dry. I brewed it up and it is good, but I feel it could be better. Of course I have just gone through 3lbs of Starbucks in the last month and a half, so my expectations I feel are very high. Speaking of High, Dunkin' Donuts 12oz bag is about as much as a Starbucks 16oz bag. So I do expect better, premium price = premium coffee. Right?
I did send Dunkin' an email question about their coffee and hope to hear back from them, but at this point I think after this bag is gone I will probably stick to my tried-and-true Pike Roast. It is like most things in life, when you've got it good no need to look for something better, because you just might end up with something of lesser quality.
I am by no means a coffee snob, I like coffee. I'll drink burnt truck stop coffee over watered down dishwater any day. Nothing in it, just top it off and make it hot, and if I'm at a restaurant having breakfast...keep it coming.
If and when Dunkin' gets back to me I will post their reply in the comments section.
Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tron
No Spoiler
I saw Tron last night. I'll give it 5 stars. Out of ten.
Let's start with the good and I will finish it up with the bad, well on second thought let's finish on a positive. Don't want anyone going home crying.
It was a little long, not in actual time length, but action loaded up front and then it took a Disney nosedive into slow motion no plot. The plot, what plot? It was good vs evil lame, no twists, no turns. Classic Disney. The only thing it had going for it was visual. Visually it was stunning, but not 3D. The 3D was nonexistent. DON'T WASTE your money on 3D. The credits had better effects then the actual movie.
Don't believe the hype, but don't get me wrong either. Visually, this movie was stunning, beautiful, worth seeing on the big screen. It's only redeeming quality was the visual, albeit non-3D, but eye candy galore.
The plot was thin at best, but when it looks this good who needs plot? Kind of like people. There was a little world-domination Hitler going on, not sure what that was about. Walt would not have been happy with that. Anyway, I should not have expected much, you could tell they were trying to make a good movie, but missed the mark. You can turn the mind off when you see this one, but just enjoy the pretty pictures. Don't worry about getting lost in this film, just get lost in it visually.
Go see this movie if only to see it, and only see it in 3D if you absolutely have to.
I saw Tron last night. I'll give it 5 stars. Out of ten.
Let's start with the good and I will finish it up with the bad, well on second thought let's finish on a positive. Don't want anyone going home crying.
It was a little long, not in actual time length, but action loaded up front and then it took a Disney nosedive into slow motion no plot. The plot, what plot? It was good vs evil lame, no twists, no turns. Classic Disney. The only thing it had going for it was visual. Visually it was stunning, but not 3D. The 3D was nonexistent. DON'T WASTE your money on 3D. The credits had better effects then the actual movie.
Don't believe the hype, but don't get me wrong either. Visually, this movie was stunning, beautiful, worth seeing on the big screen. It's only redeeming quality was the visual, albeit non-3D, but eye candy galore.
The plot was thin at best, but when it looks this good who needs plot? Kind of like people. There was a little world-domination Hitler going on, not sure what that was about. Walt would not have been happy with that. Anyway, I should not have expected much, you could tell they were trying to make a good movie, but missed the mark. You can turn the mind off when you see this one, but just enjoy the pretty pictures. Don't worry about getting lost in this film, just get lost in it visually.
Go see this movie if only to see it, and only see it in 3D if you absolutely have to.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Pale rider
No, that is not my nickname during the winter months. I'm talking about Pale Ales, and IPAs, that kind of Pale. I know this time of year I should be at the liquor store buying seasonal "fall/Autumn" style beers, but I just cannot quite my love affair for the hoppy hopped up Ales. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of the Porter, the Stout and of course the Amber Ale, and this time of year the Oktoberfest seasonal. I just rode the fixie over to the liquor store and picked up Avery Brewing's IPA. Avery is out of Boulder, Co and have been brewing what they call "eccentric ales and lagers that defy styles or categories" since 1993. I don't know what it is about the craft beers that come out of Colorado, but there is something special about them, at least for me. It might be the Northeast for you or the Northwest, but give me a good craft beer out of Colorado and I am a happy man.
Avery's IPA by the numbers: 6.5% ABV 69 IBU's So for you that know what those mean, pat yourself on the back. For the rest of us, it means that this beer has twice the alcohol that an Oklahoman beer has, and it is a fairly bitter beer. The Bud Light drinker should change the channel at this point, if you made it this far. This IPA has four varieties of hops Columbus, Chinook, Cascade and Centennial. I believe, (correct me if I am wrong. to lazy to google this right now) that these varieties are all from the West and Northwest. With the four hops going into this beer you will experience a very hoppy beer -go figure. The flavors and aroma are very complex with citrus and floral overtones. Even with the complexity of the hops, this beer is an exceptionally smooth beer, for an IPA mind you.
As the label on the bottle says "Our IPA demands to be poured into your favorite glass to truly appreciate the citrusy, floral bouquet..." In a glass you notice the smell right off, a crisp sharp clean jab to the nostril, that changes once the IPA hits your tongue. The hops come alive while you take a sip, and you are left with a subtle but not overly bitter finish. This is a complicated beer that is masquerading as a simple "have a few" beer. I had a nice pasta dinner with bologease sauce lots of garlic salt and some Parmesan cheese, and I could taste the differences that this beer has to offer. It was three different beers, the before meal, during, and after dinner dessert.
Words are fun to play with when trying to describe something that needs no words to describe. Take a drink and you will come up with your own opinion of Avery's IPA. My opinion plus $4.00 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks. But a trip to your local liquor store and $8.00 will get you a six pack of one of my favorite IPAs. I know it is not IPA season, but this pale rider is hooked on the Pale Ales.
Waiting, Wanting
Tomorrow will be week number 1 of my brewing experience. I'm working real hard doing nothing. I have one more week before I test the final gravity and go to bottle. It has been killing me to wait not knowing how this is going to turn out. I want it in the bottle ready to pop a cap.
I have decided to brew an IPA as soon as I bottle next week I will start the brewing process for my next batch. Plus, if the first batch goes South I will have a back-up waiting in the wings. I went to the Liquor store last night to get a sixer of Pale Ale and have some bottles to recycle for my beer. I assumed all micro brews used non-twist off caps, yeah they don't, and I just so happened to get ones that twist off and I can't use them.
The beer was good, can't complain there. Hood River, Oregon's own Full Sail Pale Ale. It is a nicely hopped Pale with what drinks like an alcohol content on the lower side for Pale Ales. Even though it clocks in at 5.4% it does not overwhelm the flavor. It is not overly hopped, but just the right amount and a nice woodsy flavor, not on the minty or floral side. Not that I don't like minty or floral. I would say for a Pale Ale it is an uncomplicated straight forward double or triple hopped Ale, with a flavor that begs for you to enjoy more than one in a siting. Bet you just can't have one. So, all of this makes up for the fact that the bottles are twist off.
If you like Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale, check out Full Sail and be prepared to add a new favorite to the "will buy again" list. If for some reason you find that you cannot enjoy, let me know and I will send a disposal unit to your doorstep free of charge.
I have decided to brew an IPA as soon as I bottle next week I will start the brewing process for my next batch. Plus, if the first batch goes South I will have a back-up waiting in the wings. I went to the Liquor store last night to get a sixer of Pale Ale and have some bottles to recycle for my beer. I assumed all micro brews used non-twist off caps, yeah they don't, and I just so happened to get ones that twist off and I can't use them.
The beer was good, can't complain there. Hood River, Oregon's own Full Sail Pale Ale. It is a nicely hopped Pale with what drinks like an alcohol content on the lower side for Pale Ales. Even though it clocks in at 5.4% it does not overwhelm the flavor. It is not overly hopped, but just the right amount and a nice woodsy flavor, not on the minty or floral side. Not that I don't like minty or floral. I would say for a Pale Ale it is an uncomplicated straight forward double or triple hopped Ale, with a flavor that begs for you to enjoy more than one in a siting. Bet you just can't have one. So, all of this makes up for the fact that the bottles are twist off.
If you like Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale, check out Full Sail and be prepared to add a new favorite to the "will buy again" list. If for some reason you find that you cannot enjoy, let me know and I will send a disposal unit to your doorstep free of charge.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Don't hate Embrocate
One thing that is OK to hate is cold weather. I love the cool fall and spring riding, to start out a ride with arm warmers and a vest. I've said it before and I will continue to say it, this has to be the best time of year to ride. That being said, it can also be the most clothing confusing time of the year. Too much and you are uncomfortable, too little and you are done. Just remember that you can always take it off, but if you don't have it, you can't put it on. You hear it everywhere...layer, layer, layer. I did a post on base layers a few days ago, check it out.
Arm warmers have to be one of the best cool/cold weather pieces of clothing that you can own. It is a must have. Arm warmers are the most versatile element of a kit. They are easy to take off while riding and stuff neatly into a rear pocket or in a bib strap at the waistline. Not all arm warmers are lined, so make sure when you are buying a pair that you know what you are getting, also check to see what type of materials they are made of. Cotton is a "NO, NO". Fit is a big issue with arm warmers, well it is for me due to the fact that I am bicep-challenged. 12 oz curls just don't get the job done in this area. I guess you could have the opposite problem if you are all Hans and Fransed out -most cycling specific kit is tailored to the lithe frame.
To cover or not to cover? That is the question. I'm talking about knees. What do you do with your knees, is a great question? They are horribly constructed for warmth, especially if you are bony, it's like the blood just passes through the joint on its way somewhere else. No stopping no standing around, no protection from the elements. So what to do? Knee warmers, tights? Yes and yes depending on the temperature and how well you handle being cold. I use embrocation on the cool to cold days. "What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?" Embrocation is a liniment that you massage onto your legs to anger them into feeling warm. It will have some kind of essential oil in it that will heat up the skin and make your legs feel warm. It will also have a wax for wind and water protection. I'm a huge fan of Mad Alchemy. (shamless plug)
Knickers are also awesome for the cold weather, and tights are great for when it is freezing out there. Of course, this is all depending on how well your body handles the cold weather. Wind stopping fabric is always great for cutting the cold out, check to see if your tights or knickers have it built in for that extra layer of protection and warmth. Hope this keeps you warm and doesn't get you all hot and bothered.
Arm warmers have to be one of the best cool/cold weather pieces of clothing that you can own. It is a must have. Arm warmers are the most versatile element of a kit. They are easy to take off while riding and stuff neatly into a rear pocket or in a bib strap at the waistline. Not all arm warmers are lined, so make sure when you are buying a pair that you know what you are getting, also check to see what type of materials they are made of. Cotton is a "NO, NO". Fit is a big issue with arm warmers, well it is for me due to the fact that I am bicep-challenged. 12 oz curls just don't get the job done in this area. I guess you could have the opposite problem if you are all Hans and Fransed out -most cycling specific kit is tailored to the lithe frame.
To cover or not to cover? That is the question. I'm talking about knees. What do you do with your knees, is a great question? They are horribly constructed for warmth, especially if you are bony, it's like the blood just passes through the joint on its way somewhere else. No stopping no standing around, no protection from the elements. So what to do? Knee warmers, tights? Yes and yes depending on the temperature and how well you handle being cold. I use embrocation on the cool to cold days. "What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?" Embrocation is a liniment that you massage onto your legs to anger them into feeling warm. It will have some kind of essential oil in it that will heat up the skin and make your legs feel warm. It will also have a wax for wind and water protection. I'm a huge fan of Mad Alchemy. (shamless plug)
Knickers are also awesome for the cold weather, and tights are great for when it is freezing out there. Of course, this is all depending on how well your body handles the cold weather. Wind stopping fabric is always great for cutting the cold out, check to see if your tights or knickers have it built in for that extra layer of protection and warmth. Hope this keeps you warm and doesn't get you all hot and bothered.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Base, how low can you go
What do I know about base, bass, Basso, base layers? Not much. I know what I like and what I use for the next-to-the-skin layer. There are some considerations that you should use when thinking about wearing and purchasing a base layer.
Fit, trust me on this one. You can have the most technologically advanced fabric known to man and if it does not fit you right, you might as well wear a plastic sack under your jersey. It might do a better job -I've done this for disposable warmth. Don't laugh it freaking works, why do you think the Pros put newspaper under their jerseys on a descent? Wind. Make sure that, whatever you are considering putting on first, make sure it fits. You don't want the sleeves to bunch under your jersey, you don't want the layer to be too long so that it bunches in your bibs. Base layers should fit tight, but not restrictive or constrictive.
Season, warm in the cold, cool in hot. I don't wear a base layer in the summer, some people do, Pros do-Pros don't. It is like any choice, it all comes down to personal preference. The good stuff is season specific and the premium brands have premium price tags, but they do their job. With style I might add. Not all base layers are created equal, so be sure to do your homework before buying; especially if you are going to shell out some serious cash. There is an economical route: Compression gear from any local department store or discount athletic store.
Materials, after fit is the next most important quality of your base layer. Cotton is a great renewable resource, but makes for a horrible base layer. Stay away from cotton, even if it is a very small percentage of the layer. Don't do it. Anything synthetic, but look for blends 50-50, 60-40, ect-ect. If you hate the fact that petroleum was harmed in the construction of your base layer, you can always look for manufactures that use recycled goods in their base layers. You may also want to look in to Wool. Yes, Wool. Not the itchy Christmas sweater with the bears on it, but the new skin-friendly wool and wool blends. These rock, they are a little pricey, but work, and work like a Copperfield magic trick.
There you have it. Base layers in 1,000 words or less. If you already knew all of this, then good on ya' pal. If I missed something drop me a comment -help a brother out.
"Excuse me stewardess, I speak jive" -the late Barbra Billingsley from Airplane
Fit, trust me on this one. You can have the most technologically advanced fabric known to man and if it does not fit you right, you might as well wear a plastic sack under your jersey. It might do a better job -I've done this for disposable warmth. Don't laugh it freaking works, why do you think the Pros put newspaper under their jerseys on a descent? Wind. Make sure that, whatever you are considering putting on first, make sure it fits. You don't want the sleeves to bunch under your jersey, you don't want the layer to be too long so that it bunches in your bibs. Base layers should fit tight, but not restrictive or constrictive.
Season, warm in the cold, cool in hot. I don't wear a base layer in the summer, some people do, Pros do-Pros don't. It is like any choice, it all comes down to personal preference. The good stuff is season specific and the premium brands have premium price tags, but they do their job. With style I might add. Not all base layers are created equal, so be sure to do your homework before buying; especially if you are going to shell out some serious cash. There is an economical route: Compression gear from any local department store or discount athletic store.
Materials, after fit is the next most important quality of your base layer. Cotton is a great renewable resource, but makes for a horrible base layer. Stay away from cotton, even if it is a very small percentage of the layer. Don't do it. Anything synthetic, but look for blends 50-50, 60-40, ect-ect. If you hate the fact that petroleum was harmed in the construction of your base layer, you can always look for manufactures that use recycled goods in their base layers. You may also want to look in to Wool. Yes, Wool. Not the itchy Christmas sweater with the bears on it, but the new skin-friendly wool and wool blends. These rock, they are a little pricey, but work, and work like a Copperfield magic trick.
There you have it. Base layers in 1,000 words or less. If you already knew all of this, then good on ya' pal. If I missed something drop me a comment -help a brother out.
"Excuse me stewardess, I speak jive" -the late Barbra Billingsley from Airplane
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Whatch ya got under tha hood?
I've been putting miles on my new Giant Trance X3, and have been loving every min of it. I need to do a proper review of the bike, but I am afraid it would sound like Giant was stuffing my pockets with cash. Seriously this bike is killin' it, there are times when I feel like I am just a passenger and along for the ride. You like to feel that you can just go buy something off the shelf and it will change your life, change your luck, make you faster, and get the girl at the end of the movie. Well, this bike is just that for me. I have been tearing up rock gardens that I used to hate to put into my rides. Now, I am trying to push the limits on this bike, I have already surpassed my limits and the bike has carried me well beyond what was within my normal operating limits.
You have probably heard "it's not the bike, but the engine on the bike." I have to say that it's not the engine, it IS the BIKE. I'm riding stuff that I used to "make it through". My bike is possessed with evil spirits that can drill it, not that I am complaining, but it is just a little weird. Oh well, I should just sit down, shut up and enjoy the ride.
There are so many products out there in the marketplace that will make you faster, stronger, and help you recover. Many of said products have no scientific evidence that they actually improve anything, but if you "think" that something does something for you then doesn't it "work"? The power of suggestion is something that you can't bottle or package, but if you buy something in a bottle or package that you "believe in" is it not worth it?
So, I'm going to ride my "touched" MTB, drink my recovery drink, pull on my compression socks, and listen to some Jack Handey self help cassettes. Because I am good enough, fast enough, and gosh darn it I don't care if it works or not. It works for me.
You have probably heard "it's not the bike, but the engine on the bike." I have to say that it's not the engine, it IS the BIKE. I'm riding stuff that I used to "make it through". My bike is possessed with evil spirits that can drill it, not that I am complaining, but it is just a little weird. Oh well, I should just sit down, shut up and enjoy the ride.
There are so many products out there in the marketplace that will make you faster, stronger, and help you recover. Many of said products have no scientific evidence that they actually improve anything, but if you "think" that something does something for you then doesn't it "work"? The power of suggestion is something that you can't bottle or package, but if you buy something in a bottle or package that you "believe in" is it not worth it?
So, I'm going to ride my "touched" MTB, drink my recovery drink, pull on my compression socks, and listen to some Jack Handey self help cassettes. Because I am good enough, fast enough, and gosh darn it I don't care if it works or not. It works for me.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
3X10 Update Redux
Got a new 
chain for the Bike. Pretty nifty, it is a directional chain just like Shimano's road line-up. Installed the new chain and put the bike in the dirt this last weekend. Seemed to make everything better, shifting, gear selection. You name it, it was "all good" as the kids say. I put 10 miles on it on Sunday and another ten on Monday. The 32 is set-up to be the primary gear, and it is. I run the middle ring 98% of the time, it is rare that I use the small ring. We call the small ring the "tractor gear" 24 x 36 is low, and you can motor up anything. The 42 is more like a bash guard, I only use in on the road going down hill on the way home.
After the new chain, I am getting more acquainted with the Shimano 3x10 and the gearing is starting to grow on me. The shifting is more Sram-like, I can shift up or down with the system loaded. Don't know how long the chain will handle this abuse, but after 44miles it is still acting like is should.
I did have a minor setback last night with a shifting issue. It started shifting rough, ghost shifting, and being all-around stupid (for lack of a better word). This is what happened to me right before I broke the last chain. Got the bike back home and put it in the work stand. Worked on adjusting the derailleur, and had issues with the shift from the 11 to the 12. It would skip the 12 and land in the 13, both up and down. I put the chain in the 17 and worked it from there and got it perfect. Perfect except for the fact it would not go into the 11. Ended up adjusting the tension out of the cable until it was a bit loose. Magic, it shifted into the 11, and every up and down shift was Shimanorific. Just a little weird that I had to adjust the tension out of the cable to get it to work. ????????
Rode the system 14 miles today after last night's adjustment and .....No complaints. This is the first Shimano system I have had in the house in over 4 years. So, my Shimano skills are weak at best. Even with the system working, and
working good, I want to throw down on a Sram X-9 2x10 with a 26x39 up front and a 12x36 in back. I'm a Sram man, made the leap on the road, I've been riding it off-road for years, and it looks so b'dass. Can't go wrong?
chain for the Bike. Pretty nifty, it is a directional chain just like Shimano's road line-up. Installed the new chain and put the bike in the dirt this last weekend. Seemed to make everything better, shifting, gear selection. You name it, it was "all good" as the kids say. I put 10 miles on it on Sunday and another ten on Monday. The 32 is set-up to be the primary gear, and it is. I run the middle ring 98% of the time, it is rare that I use the small ring. We call the small ring the "tractor gear" 24 x 36 is low, and you can motor up anything. The 42 is more like a bash guard, I only use in on the road going down hill on the way home.
After the new chain, I am getting more acquainted with the Shimano 3x10 and the gearing is starting to grow on me. The shifting is more Sram-like, I can shift up or down with the system loaded. Don't know how long the chain will handle this abuse, but after 44miles it is still acting like is should.
I did have a minor setback last night with a shifting issue. It started shifting rough, ghost shifting, and being all-around stupid (for lack of a better word). This is what happened to me right before I broke the last chain. Got the bike back home and put it in the work stand. Worked on adjusting the derailleur, and had issues with the shift from the 11 to the 12. It would skip the 12 and land in the 13, both up and down. I put the chain in the 17 and worked it from there and got it perfect. Perfect except for the fact it would not go into the 11. Ended up adjusting the tension out of the cable until it was a bit loose. Magic, it shifted into the 11, and every up and down shift was Shimanorific. Just a little weird that I had to adjust the tension out of the cable to get it to work. ????????
Rode the system 14 miles today after last night's adjustment and .....No complaints. This is the first Shimano system I have had in the house in over 4 years. So, my Shimano skills are weak at best. Even with the system working, and
working good, I want to throw down on a Sram X-9 2x10 with a 26x39 up front and a 12x36 in back. I'm a Sram man, made the leap on the road, I've been riding it off-road for years, and it looks so b'dass. Can't go wrong? Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Edge 500 (longer term)
I've had my Garmin for two months now, and I am getting used to it more and more. It is so easy to swap from bike to bike. I've used it on my fixie, and I have recently thrown it on my mountain bike. I am so geeked out with downloading a MTB ride and seeing it on a map. You are either rolling your eyes or you are a geek just like me.
The problem with the unit not syncing with the PowerTap requires a little extra step when getting the bike ready for a ride. I will not turn my Edge on until I have spun up the rear wheel to "wake up" the PowerTap. So when the unit is searching for satellites, HR, and Power it has something to latch onto right away. So far this seems to alleviate the problem of the unit trying to talk to other ANT+ power meters. I will always check to see if the head unit is synced to my 'Tap by going into the menu under settings, ANT+ power, Sensor Details. Do not do a rescan with other power meters in the area, this will screw everything up. Do not calibrate unless you know you are connected to your power meter. It will show the same ID number every time, if it is not you have problems.
It did drop a whole one hour file last Friday. This is an issue that I cannot explain, and it is just a little annoying. No explanation, no fixes? Glad it was not a training ride.
One really annoying issue that I cannot figure out is pause time added. I am not sure, but I think this happens in the download to WKO+. It adds the stop time, ie...stopping at a convince store I will turn off the unit or just push stop. When I download the file the time that was spent off or stopped is added into the file, it is just flatline O's for all the metrics. Not too big an issue but it will Kill averages, and will inflate TSS. It can be solved with a little snip snip.
One function that I have not used and will try soon (when I think about it) is the ability to ride a course (or file) you have stored in the unit. I am going to have to do my homework on this, but it seems like a great way to "test", ie.. TT or circuit laps. It will allow you to "race yourself" from a previous ride. Like I said, I will have to do my homework on this and will get back with you. Now, all I have to do is to remember to do it. Good luck with that.
Stay tuned for my even longer term review.
The problem with the unit not syncing with the PowerTap requires a little extra step when getting the bike ready for a ride. I will not turn my Edge on until I have spun up the rear wheel to "wake up" the PowerTap. So when the unit is searching for satellites, HR, and Power it has something to latch onto right away. So far this seems to alleviate the problem of the unit trying to talk to other ANT+ power meters. I will always check to see if the head unit is synced to my 'Tap by going into the menu under settings, ANT+ power, Sensor Details. Do not do a rescan with other power meters in the area, this will screw everything up. Do not calibrate unless you know you are connected to your power meter. It will show the same ID number every time, if it is not you have problems.
It did drop a whole one hour file last Friday. This is an issue that I cannot explain, and it is just a little annoying. No explanation, no fixes? Glad it was not a training ride.
One really annoying issue that I cannot figure out is pause time added. I am not sure, but I think this happens in the download to WKO+. It adds the stop time, ie...stopping at a convince store I will turn off the unit or just push stop. When I download the file the time that was spent off or stopped is added into the file, it is just flatline O's for all the metrics. Not too big an issue but it will Kill averages, and will inflate TSS. It can be solved with a little snip snip.
One function that I have not used and will try soon (when I think about it) is the ability to ride a course (or file) you have stored in the unit. I am going to have to do my homework on this, but it seems like a great way to "test", ie.. TT or circuit laps. It will allow you to "race yourself" from a previous ride. Like I said, I will have to do my homework on this and will get back with you. Now, all I have to do is to remember to do it. Good luck with that.
Stay tuned for my even longer term review.
Monday, September 6, 2010
3X10 Update
My profile: 143lbs soaking wet, Scorpio, like long rides on singletrack. I can put out 1000w+ for short periods of time on the road bike -so saith the PowerTap.
I mention all of that because I had my forth ride on the new bike, with the Shimano 3X10 SLX drive train. I started to experience some ghost shifting and some issues with the rear derailleur, similar to when you have a leaf or some sort of garbage in the cassette. Everything looked fine so I continued to ride and then it happened. Snap. Or should I say OH SNAP. Broken chain. That is a first for me. I've been MTBing for 11 years now and never done that before.
What is the deal? Is it a bad chain? Is a small 10speed chain too small for of-road applications? When 9speed came out they said the same thing -9speed is too small and will never stand up to the rigors of off-road. With so few miles on this system I am a little bummed, but also curious as to what the "real" issue might be. Being that it is Labor Day I cannot go to the LBS and talk to them. I am concerned about other people riding the same system. I am not what you would call a Big Guy. Unless, you were using the opposite nickname deal. Tiny = Big Guy, Big Guy = small dude.
Let's say that a 175lb guy is using the same system, he will tear it a new one.
I'm still having issues with the range of the 24, 32, 42. It is mechanically "goofy" when trying to find a gear that is in the "overlap" range. Very unnatural feel on the bike, and TONS of front chain-vs-derailleur rub. Some of the shifts in the lower range are spaced far apart and are not smooth at all. I need to ride a 26, 39 up front, that just sounds like a better ratio. It would seem that, that combo would almost eliminate the dreaded overlap of the triple. There is also a 28, 42, but that is a little on the big side for me. I don't need that kind of top end.
I am trying to stay positive, and hope that the chain was just a lemon. I do only have 62miles on the bike, not enough to make a qualified review. Well, I do have to say the bike is solid, and there are no complaints. The Maestro Suspension is magical. Hype it is not, it is the real deal, and Giant is no joke. The jury is still out on the 10speed.
3X10
My new bike came with Shimano's answer to Sram's 10speed mountain group. I have the SLX version with a 24, 32, 42 up front and an 11, 36 out back. That is a pretty wide range of gearing options. I was pleasantly surprised, thought I did my homework when I was shopping. When I picked up the bike at my LBS I noticed how large the cassette was and saw the 36 sitting outback. Then I was told that it was a 3X10. Wow!
First Ride: Shifting felt cheap, I have Sram X9 on my old bike and a shift is BAM, BAM, BAM all day long. Cheap is a bad word, but that is what came to mind the first few. It is very light and it is predictable, but the feel is fragile compared to X9. I do like that the trigger finger shifter can also be used with the thumb. It is a "two-way" shift, being that I am used to the Sram system this came in handy. I also like how sometimes I will use the index finger and sometimes the thumb. That is a plus.
The middle ring or the 32 is the work horse of the whole system. I find that I ride 95% in the 32 and do a great deal of cross-chaining. When shifting into the small or 24 there are not too many usable gears before you get chain rub on the front derailleur. The same is said for the 42 or the big ring. You can only use about four gears before you get chain rub and have to shift into the 32.
I really like the idea of the 11x36 on the cassette. That is awesome. The triple up front is a waste. A 24, 39 up front would be great or any other combination that would suit the local that you find yourself living near. 2X10 seems more logical to me, 3X10 has way too much overlap on the trail. It probably looks really good on paper, but when put to use it is unnessairy. I would like to test ride a 2X10 system. I am sold on the 10speeds. Shimano or Sram? It's your choice of S-word.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Garmin Edge 500 (short term)
I have had my Edge 500 for three weeks. My wife has had one for about three months, so I have been familiar with the Edge 500 for about three months, but have been using it for only three weeks.
The 500 will give you HR, Power, Speed, Time, Distance, Elevation, and all of the variations of these metrics, ie %grade, vertical feet, etc...blah, blah, blah. It does a great job. They will download to several aftermarket programs. I use TrainingPeaks WKO+3.0 which has a device download built into the program, super easy and fast transfer. Garmin has its own online download with Garmin Connect, I have used it a few times. It is pretty to look at, Connect used to be Motionbased. Anyway, I am not going to get into all of the third party software that the 500 will talk to, but there is quite a few out there that it does. So, that's a plus.
The 500 has a rechargeable battery via USB and wall. Battery life seems pretty good, but I download after every ride and it gets a little top-off.
I like the ability to create a new file on the fly. So you can do a warm-up before a race, reset the unit for a new file, race, then reset the unit for a warm-down. Three individual files, all waiting to be downloaded. You can also delete/view a file in memory on the device. It has a lot of memory, not sure how much, but I have to download after the ride so it is not an issue for me.
It comes with two mounts that work on the stem or bar, so presto you have a two bike set-up right out of the box. There are jelly bracelet looking bands that hook to the mount and secure it to the stem/bar. It looks pretty weak, not aesthetically, weak as if they are going to snap and the $250 computer goes crashing to the pave. So far so good, no problems, and it holds the computer securely in place. No traveling on rough roads or potholes, the unit stays in place. The unit twists off the mount with a 90* turn. Easy Peasy. The bands are simple to take off one bike and put on another, if you have more than two bikes that you are going to use. Remember, two mounts come in the box.
The 500 is sold with a cadence, and speed sensor, and HR. I don't have the cadence/speed sensor, I use the speed from the gps unit, and cadence from the power tap.
The 500 is ANT+ compatible, so it will talk to third party power meters and HR monitors. Here is where I have been having problems with the 500. Since the 500 is ANT+, it is actively looking for ANT+. That means that it is trying to talk to every PowerTap, SRM, Quarq out there in a 100m radius. So setting up your 500 on a group ride can be done, but you just might have to ride a block away. Set it up at home, and whatever you do....DO NOT PUSH RESCAN on a group ride.
I have had the unit drop a whole file on download. Very annoying. Lucky for me it was not a "training" ride. I would probably have worse things to say if it had been. I have the attitude that "if your not gathering metrics, why ride?"
When I have had a little more time with the 500, I will do a long term review.
The 500 will give you HR, Power, Speed, Time, Distance, Elevation, and all of the variations of these metrics, ie %grade, vertical feet, etc...blah, blah, blah. It does a great job. They will download to several aftermarket programs. I use TrainingPeaks WKO+3.0 which has a device download built into the program, super easy and fast transfer. Garmin has its own online download with Garmin Connect, I have used it a few times. It is pretty to look at, Connect used to be Motionbased. Anyway, I am not going to get into all of the third party software that the 500 will talk to, but there is quite a few out there that it does. So, that's a plus.
The 500 has a rechargeable battery via USB and wall. Battery life seems pretty good, but I download after every ride and it gets a little top-off.
I like the ability to create a new file on the fly. So you can do a warm-up before a race, reset the unit for a new file, race, then reset the unit for a warm-down. Three individual files, all waiting to be downloaded. You can also delete/view a file in memory on the device. It has a lot of memory, not sure how much, but I have to download after the ride so it is not an issue for me.
It comes with two mounts that work on the stem or bar, so presto you have a two bike set-up right out of the box. There are jelly bracelet looking bands that hook to the mount and secure it to the stem/bar. It looks pretty weak, not aesthetically, weak as if they are going to snap and the $250 computer goes crashing to the pave. So far so good, no problems, and it holds the computer securely in place. No traveling on rough roads or potholes, the unit stays in place. The unit twists off the mount with a 90* turn. Easy Peasy. The bands are simple to take off one bike and put on another, if you have more than two bikes that you are going to use. Remember, two mounts come in the box.
The 500 is sold with a cadence, and speed sensor, and HR. I don't have the cadence/speed sensor, I use the speed from the gps unit, and cadence from the power tap.
The 500 is ANT+ compatible, so it will talk to third party power meters and HR monitors. Here is where I have been having problems with the 500. Since the 500 is ANT+, it is actively looking for ANT+. That means that it is trying to talk to every PowerTap, SRM, Quarq out there in a 100m radius. So setting up your 500 on a group ride can be done, but you just might have to ride a block away. Set it up at home, and whatever you do....DO NOT PUSH RESCAN on a group ride.
I have had the unit drop a whole file on download. Very annoying. Lucky for me it was not a "training" ride. I would probably have worse things to say if it had been. I have the attitude that "if your not gathering metrics, why ride?"
When I have had a little more time with the 500, I will do a long term review.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Clean Bottle
I do not own a Clean Bottle. If anyone would like to send me one so that I can review it, I would enjoy the challenge.
That being said. What's the deal with having two screw-off lids on a bottle?
Here's the deal people: you want clean bottles? Rinse them out when you get home after a ride. How about the top rack in the dishwasher? OK, here is my favorite, wait for it... Soap and a Bottle Brush. I know it is not as cutting edge as two screw-off lids, but you know what? It works.
How does adding a second opening on a bottle make it Clean? Am I missing the point? Is this a revolutionary product destined to change my life and I am to blind to see the significance of such a breakthrough in technology?
Besides, if you are like me and misplace things, this clean bottle now adds one more thing that can become lost. Thanks
Well, here's to you clean bottle wearing, at the Tour guy for making a product that is... I'm pretty sure that I don't need. So, until I see the light, thank you and good day.
That being said. What's the deal with having two screw-off lids on a bottle?
Here's the deal people: you want clean bottles? Rinse them out when you get home after a ride. How about the top rack in the dishwasher? OK, here is my favorite, wait for it... Soap and a Bottle Brush. I know it is not as cutting edge as two screw-off lids, but you know what? It works.
How does adding a second opening on a bottle make it Clean? Am I missing the point? Is this a revolutionary product destined to change my life and I am to blind to see the significance of such a breakthrough in technology?
Besides, if you are like me and misplace things, this clean bottle now adds one more thing that can become lost. Thanks
Well, here's to you clean bottle wearing, at the Tour guy for making a product that is... I'm pretty sure that I don't need. So, until I see the light, thank you and good day.
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