tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138461262024-02-18T22:31:41.630-08:00Ahrens Bicycles BlogAhrens Bicycles is a custom frame builder located in Northern California. Each frame is hand-crafted from the finest materials offered by Easton, True Temper, Columbus, Reynolds and Dedacciai. Customers can expect high attention to detail and unmatched support when purchasing from Ahrens Bicycles. -Dream in Singletrack-Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-68324133918309163742013-01-07T11:32:00.001-08:002013-01-07T11:33:24.170-08:00650B S&S Hardtail for Sale<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSFUgPZoAjiExy6DFTkc_WEULC1_-rFhCgHaIUcI1Lt1QuXgGdQrH6Lg8sBsEdr_lhtUtvRpfjLPoKtCPJh9zGMy2vYrmmdxl_zVojk-SMwGXxeePChxdGdtLGLRycPQVPOzKKA/s1600/Lennie+650B+Hardtail+Frame+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
I'm selling a custom 650B steel hardtail frame with S&S couplers. This frame was built for my friend Lennie and it turns out the standover height is too tall....a new frame for him is already in the works to replace this one. The frame features Columbus Zona tubing, Paragon BB shell and Paragon ISO Disc dropouts. It is sized MEDIUM with 23.5" effective top tube length. Frame price is $1200 including King headset and I will gladly provide a very low-price for the X-Fusion Velvet 65B fork this frame requires. Drop me a line if you are interested, I need to sell this black and gold beauty to make room for new projects!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR0H5_E1XUPYllpkQxV_xKu2DaiBF86ZSwpDTmgAyYUqR_XPp7teceB1oLWiwmEPsrYN6_o1-hbNaKCPlM8UR53OKhsC36u9B9e7sg1jggU2C0q7mf0-YlDJzsPNt9dbngT4q3A/s1600/Lennie+650B+SandS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR0H5_E1XUPYllpkQxV_xKu2DaiBF86ZSwpDTmgAyYUqR_XPp7teceB1oLWiwmEPsrYN6_o1-hbNaKCPlM8UR53OKhsC36u9B9e7sg1jggU2C0q7mf0-YlDJzsPNt9dbngT4q3A/s320/Lennie+650B+SandS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSFUgPZoAjiExy6DFTkc_WEULC1_-rFhCgHaIUcI1Lt1QuXgGdQrH6Lg8sBsEdr_lhtUtvRpfjLPoKtCPJh9zGMy2vYrmmdxl_zVojk-SMwGXxeePChxdGdtLGLRycPQVPOzKKA/s1600/Lennie+650B+Hardtail+Frame+2012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSFUgPZoAjiExy6DFTkc_WEULC1_-rFhCgHaIUcI1Lt1QuXgGdQrH6Lg8sBsEdr_lhtUtvRpfjLPoKtCPJh9zGMy2vYrmmdxl_zVojk-SMwGXxeePChxdGdtLGLRycPQVPOzKKA/s320/Lennie+650B+Hardtail+Frame+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-57842514215409101512012-09-17T08:30:00.001-07:002012-09-17T08:36:39.539-07:00Edgar's Cali 26er Hardtail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are some pictures of Edgar's new steel hardtail. Full XT drivetrain, Fox fork, King wheelset, the works. Note the California flag motif on the 'A' graphic - sweet! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-20950914604010495262012-08-06T07:59:00.000-07:002012-08-06T07:59:09.749-07:00Pizza, Bikes and Beer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8U1m9i47LmvI_BqOQfO4nUumYCqZdutBdbnHrokQyeJOys23mYbimFq8SEC0ncZ7TVtJafEx5Z9y81yItm5GrtWGBURtMpk7CThXjrxN2oa2DpvRxHvEApXtD9iGiTYSodepOA/s1600/ARUOTALIBERA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8U1m9i47LmvI_BqOQfO4nUumYCqZdutBdbnHrokQyeJOys23mYbimFq8SEC0ncZ7TVtJafEx5Z9y81yItm5GrtWGBURtMpk7CThXjrxN2oa2DpvRxHvEApXtD9iGiTYSodepOA/s320/ARUOTALIBERA2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-58402208658560207202012-06-11T09:47:00.003-07:002012-06-11T09:49:45.686-07:00WiseCracker TitaniumAhrens Bicycles is proud to offer the WiseCracker bottle opener in
6/4 titanium. This is the latest edition to our family of unique
bicycle-mounted bottle openers. Here are some images of the design and
manufacturing process:<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgiYkJdgCKH-2H99M32Ae5GpcFFFsLsNRDHjOcqPyuOxcQ9MvTijtZ0lcXMJgix-_XkW15EvKRQSknlbsnlne1jFEeDfdqgX5s4jJhV9Q9ZKlYJWRcdWXS9G_uE4gHUbkGc1dvg/s1600/WC+Mass+ANalysis.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgiYkJdgCKH-2H99M32Ae5GpcFFFsLsNRDHjOcqPyuOxcQ9MvTijtZ0lcXMJgix-_XkW15EvKRQSknlbsnlne1jFEeDfdqgX5s4jJhV9Q9ZKlYJWRcdWXS9G_uE4gHUbkGc1dvg/s400/WC+Mass+ANalysis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part design using Solid Works 3D CAD</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelavpYml4aL0-4PFu_cwFCB-q2Mfldqogva76XmG7u3lXqSqNP78mLEpPuTC_C6KIKL8fzNlrrqqeVUOorxew5zDdO-oF0gCp0jm546FJ2JDgnhnEwoe7HSjyyZyCC6ZabvoQtQ/s1600/WC+Nesting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelavpYml4aL0-4PFu_cwFCB-q2Mfldqogva76XmG7u3lXqSqNP78mLEpPuTC_C6KIKL8fzNlrrqqeVUOorxew5zDdO-oF0gCp0jm546FJ2JDgnhnEwoe7HSjyyZyCC6ZabvoQtQ/s320/WC+Nesting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Omada LC3015 laser programmed directly from Solid Works </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3JXKlj2Fj3Nxwz-zFcXBgdoa8gGfTlTmB1y0DqGjIDtKjT3UBhaBcaXfvdNrREaTKOY-tBQppGwNNBl3nZI2n5UHccFWhlJvO-Z0ZaPQwN8rTXeuKZTV9GGZutSzWfCObG-eWg/s1600/WC+Sample+Cut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3JXKlj2Fj3Nxwz-zFcXBgdoa8gGfTlTmB1y0DqGjIDtKjT3UBhaBcaXfvdNrREaTKOY-tBQppGwNNBl3nZI2n5UHccFWhlJvO-Z0ZaPQwN8rTXeuKZTV9GGZutSzWfCObG-eWg/s320/WC+Sample+Cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw material bolted to the machine table</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSJjOxH_6QfoIsY1CpLT5pFHEBzpJKTaDNgQ413Pr9XqrBhk02YAZ4-ECsSYd69Zx45f93Q8VQY92vJlDs3EmGUQKdTWNTmDPFr1IsZqMbvsKHUSf08X0FngYVsVbS8oUmIbukw/s1600/WC+Final+Cut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSJjOxH_6QfoIsY1CpLT5pFHEBzpJKTaDNgQ413Pr9XqrBhk02YAZ4-ECsSYd69Zx45f93Q8VQY92vJlDs3EmGUQKdTWNTmDPFr1IsZqMbvsKHUSf08X0FngYVsVbS8oUmIbukw/s320/WC+Final+Cut.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After cutting, the parts fall onto a conveyor belt</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9A7qbaG4unBJ8CtNcnRTh8smukf9IQxJ8CoVzJn0_daepeoUvpgHVTAl6gGtTW-tbSdn2OwrrCka1eBD3rnEkl9jXgnzS2KwEDvyob9J_4TVykauqDfgWfD9NRAdfVDzdBCgJA/s1600/WC+Nesting+Blog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9A7qbaG4unBJ8CtNcnRTh8smukf9IQxJ8CoVzJn0_daepeoUvpgHVTAl6gGtTW-tbSdn2OwrrCka1eBD3rnEkl9jXgnzS2KwEDvyob9J_4TVykauqDfgWfD9NRAdfVDzdBCgJA/s1600/WC+Nesting+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLKQzHOvSsLefgXfQ29jKn-sgRQeGP5NqdYnLgHE122t1Dl8pXrVVghTw83mdhCYDAslibCGUX5xL1nuz2EGc__fT3MRbZMngJXEOHwecEsDZymBaNy30QJbftVYK6L1eP28r-A/s1600/WC+Scale+Reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLKQzHOvSsLefgXfQ29jKn-sgRQeGP5NqdYnLgHE122t1Dl8pXrVVghTw83mdhCYDAslibCGUX5xL1nuz2EGc__fT3MRbZMngJXEOHwecEsDZymBaNy30QJbftVYK6L1eP28r-A/s320/WC+Scale+Reading.jpg" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sub 10 grams!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMkaRWC4SKabVgj8pBz5U0lx8fsyjlQQuqBr_YMMENNImBvX4yEmcuCt8cXDo0yj6-PW6cBxcAoTzngjuqJQHS2-9tF83iMLPwdbzA8PfL5KusTk5nqE9QmMG-GWctkJXfmDeeA/s1600/WC+Titanium.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMkaRWC4SKabVgj8pBz5U0lx8fsyjlQQuqBr_YMMENNImBvX4yEmcuCt8cXDo0yj6-PW6cBxcAoTzngjuqJQHS2-9tF83iMLPwdbzA8PfL5KusTk5nqE9QmMG-GWctkJXfmDeeA/s320/WC+Titanium.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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After machining, each part is bead-blasted, laser marked and ready to be shipped! These run $25 each and can be purchased <a href="http://www.ahrensbicycles.com/Bottle-Opener.htm" target="_blank">HERE</a> at the webstore.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-76238867061699056862012-05-09T22:38:00.000-07:002012-05-09T22:45:59.952-07:00Meet Your Maker Tour<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Announcing the Meet Your Maker Tour!
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Special thanks to Sean at Soulcraft for getting this thing started! This is an actual outdoor ride miles away from the nearest convention hall. The Meet Your Maker Tour is your invitation to ride and hang out with
some of Northern California's best bicycle frame builders and component
makers. If you're in the market for custom bike, come on out and
talk to the local builders in person while we spend time doing what we
really love, riding bikes! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ziHgOwK5-pP8ijW4rJcAWVosqI2VCbo-hBy6gDTpAKPpcPdJ8Pu3gYDEeUM9ZqK9j9i6C8zml6BscKzj54IIDWcw-SEibr_PbxNbiMMwdcug1rCEHULnB6C_3ub7jVWFF8cldQ/s1600/Meet+Your+Maker+Ride+number+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ziHgOwK5-pP8ijW4rJcAWVosqI2VCbo-hBy6gDTpAKPpcPdJ8Pu3gYDEeUM9ZqK9j9i6C8zml6BscKzj54IIDWcw-SEibr_PbxNbiMMwdcug1rCEHULnB6C_3ub7jVWFF8cldQ/s400/Meet+Your+Maker+Ride+number+1.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
Point your internet web site browser over to <a href="http://www.meetyourmakertour.com/">www.meetyourmakertour.com</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mymtour">follow us on the Twitter</a>, the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/meetyourmakertour">Facebook</a>, and add us to your Rolodex(tm)! Whatever. We'll be riding bikes and you should join us!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-51795279917797170302012-02-28T13:14:00.007-08:002012-02-29T08:41:53.895-08:00Aluminate FeedbackSometimes shit just works out well - thanks to Jason Grove, Jason Montano, Nate Barnett, Alta Design and Willow Glen bike shop for helping me bring this concept to reality.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9yDhR3S5LgGI0L12kBqAkBtfx1yf11dKly7s1qdcBVKR-D1KBRwXfhxZMFvKtNcbOLpGiUhWA8lcce8VZZ2YzFZnhIix93wGHFnn-kFJFKbe2NHu5pHb0N6TpnERe1UoYJwWdg/s1600/Aluminate+2+First+Ride.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9yDhR3S5LgGI0L12kBqAkBtfx1yf11dKly7s1qdcBVKR-D1KBRwXfhxZMFvKtNcbOLpGiUhWA8lcce8VZZ2YzFZnhIix93wGHFnn-kFJFKbe2NHu5pHb0N6TpnERe1UoYJwWdg/s400/Aluminate+2+First+Ride.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714301658590770994" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8GxlBJ__VDJdUDJ2BDF-iAzSXOY0nfAqZv7pZN77ujupeScGTfMhdsy9PVXvAO00TKE5vVzNCmQMu1hmW7IACYdyMJnR1WRYgv_3DOeMl2Ueay9rWbtnbZZ2o6n83OGC-Oa1-g/s1600/Aluminate-Rear-Dropouts-with-Wheel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8GxlBJ__VDJdUDJ2BDF-iAzSXOY0nfAqZv7pZN77ujupeScGTfMhdsy9PVXvAO00TKE5vVzNCmQMu1hmW7IACYdyMJnR1WRYgv_3DOeMl2Ueay9rWbtnbZZ2o6n83OGC-Oa1-g/s400/Aluminate-Rear-Dropouts-with-Wheel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714597466141718850" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXDMoQkDvyhK9ReZ_OtCrA-UQbIx7BYeg6PF7b7exiTEU6gloW5XGEfFcFOtQ9Z0URBLHjCdq5L5anNH5-GZ-Rmg-eh30KumvFfZJOqRWSD2LAhPo3RN1ElosHG22V4bGqBn_0g/s1600/Aluminate-SS-Bridge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXDMoQkDvyhK9ReZ_OtCrA-UQbIx7BYeg6PF7b7exiTEU6gloW5XGEfFcFOtQ9Z0URBLHjCdq5L5anNH5-GZ-Rmg-eh30KumvFfZJOqRWSD2LAhPo3RN1ElosHG22V4bGqBn_0g/s400/Aluminate-SS-Bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714597470871007186" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKGAYCoF2h0kHfwGk_FGXNGPEMUorrPaeG8hJXz1m7DSAAYhJBH8mCa3NbZwyTaEoVH6ERevVcUxm2SF86yBL-85h7YFta6c6pvr3pgf0quA42HNriRxhxHeGrOzpSNZfB2NGDw/s1600/Aluminate-MKS-Pedal.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKGAYCoF2h0kHfwGk_FGXNGPEMUorrPaeG8hJXz1m7DSAAYhJBH8mCa3NbZwyTaEoVH6ERevVcUxm2SF86yBL-85h7YFta6c6pvr3pgf0quA42HNriRxhxHeGrOzpSNZfB2NGDw/s400/Aluminate-MKS-Pedal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714597216779192722" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5vF3EW_vcmAkHBm87vjyR7vvMlymrqQ4rt_zi6c1pCof1O-wlci4FSr0RPbGscYpzqM56A5ih1YgzWXLKGE9wEDbbRNyg7S6IU8FhJcupIiW5m5UJ1kHnrflONzORfNwnTouug/s1600/Aluminate-Lower-Yoke-with-Tire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5vF3EW_vcmAkHBm87vjyR7vvMlymrqQ4rt_zi6c1pCof1O-wlci4FSr0RPbGscYpzqM56A5ih1YgzWXLKGE9wEDbbRNyg7S6IU8FhJcupIiW5m5UJ1kHnrflONzORfNwnTouug/s400/Aluminate-Lower-Yoke-with-Tire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714597215247498082" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia59pAYWIiDCE5D-6Swh1D1YwakwYUWHk_Bf2CyRli_2H7Q2gSucM4ios-H-52fHMaHfgZ99jBU-k83qGOUK2sGFlMJRiAM-gGYDcLKQXH80xPU7ErPobxwvsEWN5APJo9pf3xg/s1600/Aluminate-Front-Wheel-Looking-Down.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiia59pAYWIiDCE5D-6Swh1D1YwakwYUWHk_Bf2CyRli_2H7Q2gSucM4ios-H-52fHMaHfgZ99jBU-k83qGOUK2sGFlMJRiAM-gGYDcLKQXH80xPU7ErPobxwvsEWN5APJo9pf3xg/s400/Aluminate-Front-Wheel-Looking-Down.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714597215360820882" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrBqhgg2MwpRpLryN_cBT27wdj1YpPTeToB6T_Bt5AWjfA2W1bXdULYZsWZrVlpkYUpViwul9xWCt_02V1fUrjMxBu-cm5ziylexQx0CteDqssnxwBxI8GsWesS9VElscxKsW-Q/s1600/Aluminate-Drive-Side-Complete.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrBqhgg2MwpRpLryN_cBT27wdj1YpPTeToB6T_Bt5AWjfA2W1bXdULYZsWZrVlpkYUpViwul9xWCt_02V1fUrjMxBu-cm5ziylexQx0CteDqssnxwBxI8GsWesS9VElscxKsW-Q/s400/Aluminate-Drive-Side-Complete.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714597206551361810" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdza1xi5ncFa_fUDpjYbBw6AkKeCz3w_hQv5zO3aXgsNN_PQ1xHdsCSI1bsZYD-YH_XuLrkYaIZYmNfGD3UtJSFyi3tG2xpBeMhpUBDq20u9GIy2um0D4pnW1o1ucgvicjP6Vqg/s1600/Aluminate-Paul-Rear-Hub.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdza1xi5ncFa_fUDpjYbBw6AkKeCz3w_hQv5zO3aXgsNN_PQ1xHdsCSI1bsZYD-YH_XuLrkYaIZYmNfGD3UtJSFyi3tG2xpBeMhpUBDq20u9GIy2um0D4pnW1o1ucgvicjP6Vqg/s400/Aluminate-Paul-Rear-Hub.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714597222713228882" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMC7wk-nnavWeB9ZEhskKEtaqgz-EtODxIb8m-q_2P5cgsWE_UvQ5bqddJFnlW5b1Fh4SRqAbcOkxzh42wVQ1aqitmkeC4sey1bkaCtnKwsobmOkslVqxlesno0vA7uaMuRpSQ/s1600/Aluminate+First+Build.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxMC7wk-nnavWeB9ZEhskKEtaqgz-EtODxIb8m-q_2P5cgsWE_UvQ5bqddJFnlW5b1Fh4SRqAbcOkxzh42wVQ1aqitmkeC4sey1bkaCtnKwsobmOkslVqxlesno0vA7uaMuRpSQ/s400/Aluminate+First+Build.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714298978714483122" border="0" /></a>Text message from Nate today:<br /><br style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">"The bike rides like a dream! It is amazing how much control I have and how responsive it is without being twitchy. It climbs SF hills like a beast too!"</span><br /><br />I promise to get better pictures at NAHBS of this bike - look for it in the Broakland booth if you're going to Sactown!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-82543721123708273692012-01-18T09:08:00.000-08:002012-01-18T09:11:04.227-08:00Aluminate Prototype PartsI picked up the prototype batch of CNC parts for the Aluminate project and all I can say is they turned out awesome. The dropouts are lower yoke are stout but not overly heavy. Interest in track frames has been increasing since I started posting about this project - looking forward to next steps in getting some frames built!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztZ4yVbHVUR3I2tha6KJoM6ifRjucBx9pNvf12NAqKafdUMCPJv4AaQhxW0nxntNJqnPWbLQMEbmov0QTR7lOFJAYdx49tnevtgBQhEGBT1lo5WPrplVJAuFNw0SaW7NvA5opMw/s1600/Aluminate+Prototype+CNC+Parts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztZ4yVbHVUR3I2tha6KJoM6ifRjucBx9pNvf12NAqKafdUMCPJv4AaQhxW0nxntNJqnPWbLQMEbmov0QTR7lOFJAYdx49tnevtgBQhEGBT1lo5WPrplVJAuFNw0SaW7NvA5opMw/s400/Aluminate+Prototype+CNC+Parts.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699020333238395906" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-22214926463995394612012-01-13T19:48:00.000-08:002012-01-13T20:09:53.083-08:00Aluminate Prototype Dropouts and YokeToday I was stoked to pickup the Aluminate prototype parts. All of these parts were used to validate CNC tool paths and won't be used on an actual bike frame. The fit checks between mating parts went very well and I hope to have a small batch ready early next week. Next step is gathering the 7005 aluminum frame tubes and getting some frames built.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuevvV_Kh2lDkzUHqydQbSihe7uMKQzBzAOSFoF9455D0n-mstrkuMVcoKs_jJg72JOBexNsKeNq4jYAYphzGHjPOUENfjdUFkkGeLwrerYBXpDDLH61OQnhrw7QTI_WVJCLXg1w/s1600/Aluminate+Dropout+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuevvV_Kh2lDkzUHqydQbSihe7uMKQzBzAOSFoF9455D0n-mstrkuMVcoKs_jJg72JOBexNsKeNq4jYAYphzGHjPOUENfjdUFkkGeLwrerYBXpDDLH61OQnhrw7QTI_WVJCLXg1w/s400/Aluminate+Dropout+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697330465741984146" border="0" /></a>The aluminum-bronze insert slides tightly into the 7005 aluminum dropout body for a snug fit. This design provides an all-encompassing wear surface for the rear track hub...if the insert gets chewed up it's easy to replace - this means a longer lasting frame. I've sourced M3 Torx head screws for attachment - these are difficult to find in the US and special thanks to my contacts at <a href="http://www.pencomsf.com/">Pencom</a> for the hookup...these little metric screws came straight from Singapore!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmBWDXdimzGD-xi1qL1byHxiPFGrHphHV1NFZn0z1AaO1J-A_baQ-Vt7U3hgDTBzxC7HerbR4Cz6bkWMgXn9ZQuXZkbrJOPhip4igLZ4CEnH6P5iQEVU9A0JM6PMuoScgnuacRQ/s1600/Aluminate+Dropout+Backside+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmBWDXdimzGD-xi1qL1byHxiPFGrHphHV1NFZn0z1AaO1J-A_baQ-Vt7U3hgDTBzxC7HerbR4Cz6bkWMgXn9ZQuXZkbrJOPhip4igLZ4CEnH6P5iQEVU9A0JM6PMuoScgnuacRQ/s400/Aluminate+Dropout+Backside+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697330259902214738" border="0" /></a>The lower yoke is dainty but will provide ample clearance for a 35mm rear tire. I slid the yoke over a 37mm high air volume tire and it was snug getting past the yoke entrance, but after that no problem. My feeling is that it will also work well for some criterium frames I plan to build later this year.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPS08OtCY4bBgqxfPFtoDuOrblzH4iJj7VK3MZvTcRPmMw5NEGPdpuMz0TyPWk9OxGZvgUW1NE5BM5WdDKjGOSJvvf76UmzLgfT5-H4n1xZeCZY0Rmo9kKHiZzomeyFGmKF85vw/s1600/Aluminate+Dropout+Yoke+Proto+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 273px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPS08OtCY4bBgqxfPFtoDuOrblzH4iJj7VK3MZvTcRPmMw5NEGPdpuMz0TyPWk9OxGZvgUW1NE5BM5WdDKjGOSJvvf76UmzLgfT5-H4n1xZeCZY0Rmo9kKHiZzomeyFGmKF85vw/s400/Aluminate+Dropout+Yoke+Proto+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697330328119841650" border="0" /></a>The AHRENS engraving also turned out nicely - great job to the machining masters at <a href="http://www.alta-eng.com/">Alta Design</a> for their fast turnaround and high-quality work. I will never get bored of designing parts in 3D and watching billet get transformed into highly functional products. F*cking awesome.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-61896024214906792772012-01-02T18:01:00.000-08:002012-01-17T20:35:01.364-08:00Aluminate Project<div>For the last five years, I've worked very closely with Jason Montano, owner of <a href="http://www.montanovelo.com/">Montano Velo</a> in Oakland, on a variety of steel track frames under the <a href="http://www.broakland.com/">Broakland</a> brand. In this role, I took design direction from Jason Montano, the architect of the Broakland brand. Jason's vision for his track frames came from many years of riding experience and the desire to build a well-balanced bike with very specific ride characteristics. I came into the picture by offering computer-aided design (CAD) skills to translate the initial hand-sketeched concepts to the computer and ultimately onto paper. I must emphasize that Jason Montano communicated his vision to me, in terms of geometry, tubing selection, and aesthetic. In turn I used my engineering background in product development to model the track frame concepts into manufacturable form. I truly value the working relationship that has evolved with both Jason Montano and Jason Grove in developing so many unique frame designs.<br /><br />The high-end Broakland frames became popular immediately due to their precise geometry, neutral balance, distinct aesthetic and nearly flawless craftmanship by Jason Grove of El Camino Fabrication. While studying the nuances of track frame geometry I knew I wanted to design my own version using aluminum as the base material. I absolutely love steel but I also love the challenge of designing new frames - I knew this one would be special.<br /><br />My main challenge would involve a new rear dropout design that was functional and durable since rear wheel swaps can chew up even steel frames after a while. After sourcing some aluminum dropouts with questionable origin, I knew I could design something vastly better. The 'off the shelf' dropouts had stainless outer plates that I knew would slip under heavy load - obviously not good. The next issue is that they were very thin and the inside surfaces of the dropouts were raw aluminum which would wear for sure.<br /><br />To alleviate the wear issue, I designed an insert that cups all critical surfaces of the dropout. This insert is made from aluminum-bronze, a common material found in ship building due to its excellent corrosion and wear resistance. The material is harder than aluminum yet soft enough for the axle bolts to bite and remain tight. If the insert gets worn out after dozens of wheel swaps, it can be replaced with (2) M3 bolts located on the inside dropout faces. The dropouts measure 9mm across the faces and weigh in at 130 grams per pair.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBqIUyxtBC9t6KG1AQkyzr5WAAxTLLMcuOhZWkmtpGwjX0knnupkbB7BSeCCCPqx1ROWG3TQ2MOaYZ3vDYHxZWow-CTJxoCqoKI30Of9Bu4uTRY4ph1-LA685nVCXRPxCb26B1g/s1600/Rear+Dropouts+ISO+View.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBqIUyxtBC9t6KG1AQkyzr5WAAxTLLMcuOhZWkmtpGwjX0knnupkbB7BSeCCCPqx1ROWG3TQ2MOaYZ3vDYHxZWow-CTJxoCqoKI30Of9Bu4uTRY4ph1-LA685nVCXRPxCb26B1g/s400/Rear+Dropouts+ISO+View.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693221882068891730" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1kRIdSV2My0IQiRiueg8Ia46lv6uSyG60QF-N4Io2xU6Uixi7RBA74EX86VJxtFSM6qcvKXtIVPOUCt-jVlmF-4Eay5gwnbAZP6lJgC_VutaVOFQnzEG6LlcFfVRA8lvZHVHLA/s1600/Right+Dropout+Closeup.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1kRIdSV2My0IQiRiueg8Ia46lv6uSyG60QF-N4Io2xU6Uixi7RBA74EX86VJxtFSM6qcvKXtIVPOUCt-jVlmF-4Eay5gwnbAZP6lJgC_VutaVOFQnzEG6LlcFfVRA8lvZHVHLA/s400/Right+Dropout+Closeup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693221886002919650" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQK5HSuKLjQtEEfzQX039Aj0O8grhK7xrDH3sDwbXhXI2QVEgiXiQAVLwnECj6mVWZwX4VUye52BS6HMvRi7rmUnF2gXBHjTzLMC3kREf2CaaYg_mFdFRqCyx60isvgSIguQ2FA/s1600/Right+Dropout+Closeup+with+Hub.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQK5HSuKLjQtEEfzQX039Aj0O8grhK7xrDH3sDwbXhXI2QVEgiXiQAVLwnECj6mVWZwX4VUye52BS6HMvRi7rmUnF2gXBHjTzLMC3kREf2CaaYg_mFdFRqCyx60isvgSIguQ2FA/s400/Right+Dropout+Closeup+with+Hub.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231984465962738" border="0" /></a>Last fall I met with local rider Nate to bring him into the project. Nate had direct experience riding production aluminum track frames and I wanted to pick his brain. It's no coincidence that Nate also home brews craft beers - thus the ALUMINATE name was born.<br /><br />Nate's frame is a 55.5cm with 55.5cm top tube and parallel 73 degree head and seat angles. The BB drop is 50mm and the overall geometry is snappy but not too aggressive. The horizontal dropouts have a sweet spot at 395mm but can be adjusted in either direction easily. We plan to run an 1-1/8" Wound Up fork, King headset and a bunch of custom bits to round out the build.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUbsPTbg1mHuW-HcT5WokOGgSzoELPdHDrnKAD1U6t5vERLNSGc6ln0BXhX5qJHFE17uhWvrqi7rjqjEp586yH3M6QYyDYX8Ir5oNR1rWY-zYE5uhFPyMx_NYt663vWpRyAfw7A/s1600/Track+Frame+Side+View.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUbsPTbg1mHuW-HcT5WokOGgSzoELPdHDrnKAD1U6t5vERLNSGc6ln0BXhX5qJHFE17uhWvrqi7rjqjEp586yH3M6QYyDYX8Ir5oNR1rWY-zYE5uhFPyMx_NYt663vWpRyAfw7A/s400/Track+Frame+Side+View.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693221879889660674" border="0" /></a>The lower yoke is similar to my other yoke designs but smaller to meet the needs of this application. It has a hollow box-section behind the bottom bracket to provide added stiffness during pedaling. The angled surfaces accommodate 25mm tall rectangular chainstays commonly found on my mountain frames. Why rectangular? Because the shape is stiff as hell and minimal power output is lost while pedaling.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHpVxiLYNEe_hYsPkbXnICoJP-vMl0-h_szrjEy0UV_4n0uRYPSW3upYdhW-g1Kuurt2750PjoNDZvfYu7qhjBDQBlFWBp6xuqTQRZsxUrYGJxHhyphenhyphenOmHmazHKHK2Q2jHU8GqCaw/s1600/Lower+Yoke+ISO+View.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHpVxiLYNEe_hYsPkbXnICoJP-vMl0-h_szrjEy0UV_4n0uRYPSW3upYdhW-g1Kuurt2750PjoNDZvfYu7qhjBDQBlFWBp6xuqTQRZsxUrYGJxHhyphenhyphenOmHmazHKHK2Q2jHU8GqCaw/s400/Lower+Yoke+ISO+View.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231737761186482" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-poTs-pfBVtnTngdcG_KUZJKfCm1VFj67V_W4r6cbfanLAi4noCngCNGCVIw2vYLECTq1C2IY4JZYYds2mP00TnLIEluuXOFFp3zhoUn2Q4Da2sR5fqrwemXboA3HfrLq32gMw/s1600/Chainstay+Cross+Section.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-poTs-pfBVtnTngdcG_KUZJKfCm1VFj67V_W4r6cbfanLAi4noCngCNGCVIw2vYLECTq1C2IY4JZYYds2mP00TnLIEluuXOFFp3zhoUn2Q4Da2sR5fqrwemXboA3HfrLq32gMw/s400/Chainstay+Cross+Section.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693231738622893762" border="0" /></a>This approach also provides enough clearance for 175mm cranks (Nate plans to run 172.5mm) and 46T front chainring. Larger chainrings will require the chainstay to be shaved slightly, but since they are fairly thick walled, I don't see any strength issues at this point. This approach also allows for a fairly large 32mm rear tire to be used - and I think a 34mm may be possible with some subtle tweaks to chain length.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQCIa7BO8f6i9WkCm-1i5VffiM2gka5xDSQcwSIz15yyxNLDcZ6T9SoP_hU-2fxZGyZu2DrylLD2Kb_rpxgmYlAXJseFWjzn-aPn4kos7x5q44O68lhgyTI1lwpRr2B6zI16W6Q/s1600/Underside+Yoke+Crankarm+Clearance.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQCIa7BO8f6i9WkCm-1i5VffiM2gka5xDSQcwSIz15yyxNLDcZ6T9SoP_hU-2fxZGyZu2DrylLD2Kb_rpxgmYlAXJseFWjzn-aPn4kos7x5q44O68lhgyTI1lwpRr2B6zI16W6Q/s400/Underside+Yoke+Crankarm+Clearance.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693234109604843746" border="0" /></a>This will be a busy month getting the Aluminate parts machined and the frame fabricated. Looking forward to seeing this project materialize into a highly functional bike!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-81707020618776880222011-11-10T08:51:00.001-08:002011-11-10T09:36:15.620-08:00Nebraska GirlThis has been a busy week getting the Nebraska Girl completed for Joie. I'm very pleased with the results even though this project took a long time - thanks Joie for your patience!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKA27loqbVwwzX6IF5Zl2Qc0vmkHyttvOBjLVyyXqXgJho9bQZYReg5B_IDCI8TBAIurl6yr5ZoR79bVdX5SlYA7C34L8JZmaxrPJd5TqdZvx9U2YOwRsr_aKYkNIz12L2Vak8w/s1600/Joie+CAD+Drawing+Blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKA27loqbVwwzX6IF5Zl2Qc0vmkHyttvOBjLVyyXqXgJho9bQZYReg5B_IDCI8TBAIurl6yr5ZoR79bVdX5SlYA7C34L8JZmaxrPJd5TqdZvx9U2YOwRsr_aKYkNIz12L2Vak8w/s400/Joie+CAD+Drawing+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673412403633773426" border="0" /></a>The frame is custom-designed with compact geometry suitable for both training and racing. Raw material is steel and the tubing is a mixture of True Temper S3 and Columbus Spirit. The end result is a light but durable frame weighing in at 3.15lbs. The precursor to this bike is a mountain frame I designed for Joie's husband Isaias, a long-time college friend of mine and bike geek like me. Joie had a chance to ride that bike many times and was sold on the S3 ride quality...as a result this project got started.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC__SniSqfweVMGXNLrNFnRngFRgHiJQSFMrg5FrvfyOFj6Ly4TPzngisRkGtsaDU2qn_TD0xIPrRpPbegcMO_QeF3dERcDZ8bmmOEH2WgYS3bxe1TJnn5rYPiVTRiPmoQ2MNjvA/s1600/Joie+Frame+in+Fixture+Blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC__SniSqfweVMGXNLrNFnRngFRgHiJQSFMrg5FrvfyOFj6Ly4TPzngisRkGtsaDU2qn_TD0xIPrRpPbegcMO_QeF3dERcDZ8bmmOEH2WgYS3bxe1TJnn5rYPiVTRiPmoQ2MNjvA/s400/Joie+Frame+in+Fixture+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673412292567127794" border="0" /></a>The frame was fabricated by Jason Grove at <a href="http://www.elcaminofab.com/">El Camino Fab</a> using <a href="http://www.anvilbikes.com/">Anvil</a> tooling for tube mitering, fixturing, etc. This is close to the 100th frame Jason has built for me and honestly they keep getting better. Jason understands my design style and overall design intent which makes it easy to communicate every last technical detail.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhScPBJWFuLJY0_tCWdz5_K_jo7mSc80bB_OyAswgMRC9BoTHhAoFgMn1yGbD2ZKZh9bgsNfyKhjzM6683N1k6VqZ9vV0R1go5qLpmN1eTyg9UNSS3dKPwLYLqretEGtjGUvn6Q/s1600/Joie+Side+View+Blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhScPBJWFuLJY0_tCWdz5_K_jo7mSc80bB_OyAswgMRC9BoTHhAoFgMn1yGbD2ZKZh9bgsNfyKhjzM6683N1k6VqZ9vV0R1go5qLpmN1eTyg9UNSS3dKPwLYLqretEGtjGUvn6Q/s400/Joie+Side+View+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673410830495190546" border="0" /></a>The S3 down tube is bi-axially ovalized which means there is more material at the bottom bracket and head tube to spread the load. This tube provides excellent ride quality and a distinct look unmatched by other tubes.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLni6IfUBorCiR1UXSkT6AWeI-7UXUvbrhvGIgjPhCEYS1XEENkQt6hGsfG1FScWRx3l2WRFiMw49yq-vfQl386INgbkikDDHlPDR_TIPn5BMtSiN33brOf-vBtfY9XF9xhK-ZkA/s1600/Joie+Nebraska+Girl+Blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLni6IfUBorCiR1UXSkT6AWeI-7UXUvbrhvGIgjPhCEYS1XEENkQt6hGsfG1FScWRx3l2WRFiMw49yq-vfQl386INgbkikDDHlPDR_TIPn5BMtSiN33brOf-vBtfY9XF9xhK-ZkA/s400/Joie+Nebraska+Girl+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673411125161658546" border="0" /></a>The frame is powdercoated white by <a href="http://www.maasbrothersinc.com/">Mass Bros</a>, clear coated with gold pearl, stickered, then clear coated again in pure-clear to protect the stickers. The end result is classy and the gold pearl picks up the sunlight nicely.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OfEV0GkGI1F5Jz8fJN5k-9fM6ybUPg0bmekMGeqGUWXTnj8fhc2fGDmVvPkqnaC_CCux1pd2ifqLDD4ZxruH6ingOkg9RjfxoYQspP47x9CUTGDOBApCt1_sTPCI8ELq4xPZGw/s1600/Joie+Chainstay+Blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OfEV0GkGI1F5Jz8fJN5k-9fM6ybUPg0bmekMGeqGUWXTnj8fhc2fGDmVvPkqnaC_CCux1pd2ifqLDD4ZxruH6ingOkg9RjfxoYQspP47x9CUTGDOBApCt1_sTPCI8ELq4xPZGw/s400/Joie+Chainstay+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673411061759951330" border="0" /></a>Graphics are custom by <a href="http://www.vcgraphix.com/">VC Graphix</a> and include black logos with gold outline to match the gold Nokon cables. The Enve carbon fork is wet painted to match the frame by <a href="http://neymark.com/bicycles/index.html">Flyworks</a> in Soquel,CA. The SRAM Rival drivetrain, Chris King headset, King Cage stainless cages, and Chris King R45 hubs laced to Mavic Open Pro rims with Sapim CX-Ray spokes round out the build.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysZ8Ahnxap8yyKKNiuWp41ziQXSBxCyZqJogEt_hhJsED364HB_LKgxD2mXVvjJ1s0qM25uxMD9MLo3LaYIUn0rnMcF675CdGU8DFVQ9BZEi9Qn76TwyRSzQrMhjrhwGlrnK5cQ/s1600/Joie+Outdoor+Side+View+Blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysZ8Ahnxap8yyKKNiuWp41ziQXSBxCyZqJogEt_hhJsED364HB_LKgxD2mXVvjJ1s0qM25uxMD9MLo3LaYIUn0rnMcF675CdGU8DFVQ9BZEi9Qn76TwyRSzQrMhjrhwGlrnK5cQ/s400/Joie+Outdoor+Side+View+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673410991968718834" border="0" /></a>Rear dropouts are <a href="http://www.paragonmachineworks.com/">Paragon</a> 'micro-hoods' that mate very nicely to the Columbus Spirit rear triangle tubing. These dropouts feature a replaceable hanger machined from 7075 aluminum. For that added custom touch, I had 'Nebraska Girl laser marked onto Nokon cable housing...subtle and I'm still waiting for Joie to discover this little gold nugget!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKXm-Sj_bz5y6QKN8pc5c1q0OsZqFNIJoEaMmzp41NiovZN7G18jDiN7gLqheuynSZV3qVpLP_Te1WGc-tLbMm42dZvmDjwapmy_QKma2ZNkmMu4zwYYHh33GdqMPdpL_9hyI4A/s1600/Joie+Nokon+Custom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 55px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKXm-Sj_bz5y6QKN8pc5c1q0OsZqFNIJoEaMmzp41NiovZN7G18jDiN7gLqheuynSZV3qVpLP_Te1WGc-tLbMm42dZvmDjwapmy_QKma2ZNkmMu4zwYYHh33GdqMPdpL_9hyI4A/s400/Joie+Nokon+Custom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673410925133032082" border="0" /></a>Special thanks to Ryan Bontrager for the wheel build and final assembly. Ryan also understands my design intent with these projects and brings everything together in the cleanest way possible. The wheels on this bike were built, tensioned, re-tensioned, and tweaked until they are as perfect as they can be. I ran out of time to weigh the complete bike but my guess is 16.75lbs - respectable for steel and definitely light enough to hammer on!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFhScPBJWFuLJY0_tCWdz5_K_jo7mSc80bB_OyAswgMRC9BoTHhAoFgMn1yGbD2ZKZh9bgsNfyKhjzM6683N1k6VqZ9vV0R1go5qLpmN1eTyg9UNSS3dKPwLYLqretEGtjGUvn6Q/s1600/Joie+Side+View+Blog.jpg"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-58163675404734068422011-11-08T09:07:00.000-08:002011-11-08T09:33:54.318-08:00Movember ProjectsMovember will be a busy month for Ahrens Bicycles with the start of (2) new steel road frames and my continued effort for stellar facial hair growth. <a href="http://us.movember.com/about">Movember</a> is <span style="font-style: italic;">changing the face</span> of men's health awareness as they say. My daughters recently told me that I <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">looked like</span> an old-man with the facial hair and that was funny because I<span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">felt like</span></span> an old man when they said that!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7y7znRbN5PfmBu27gHXXJLZhyphenhyphencBaf1Z5wtGI8x8iWXlqzVxbFjq0tNC8pogCOAWxHWNQ_plg4lPZe8ALwF4DDaeO3VHrFGqhOzfCllN57vUSOfleOcAiny8s0dCnuU0f4dxgew/s1600/Mike+at+Work.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7y7znRbN5PfmBu27gHXXJLZhyphenhyphencBaf1Z5wtGI8x8iWXlqzVxbFjq0tNC8pogCOAWxHWNQ_plg4lPZe8ALwF4DDaeO3VHrFGqhOzfCllN57vUSOfleOcAiny8s0dCnuU0f4dxgew/s400/Mike+at+Work.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672677852341071810" border="0" /></a>The first road frame is for my long-time college friend Scott and the second is for myself of course....it's not too hard for me to find a reason to build a new bike. Both will receive a mixture of Columbus Life tubing, Paragon dropouts, Paragon BB shells and of course custom geometry.<br /><br />Scott's frame will be built up with Campy Ultra Record 10-speed from a previous project and will be rounded off with handmade DT Swiss/Mavic Open Pro wheels and an Enve carbon fork.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwvd3idxOZi9TP5DZWMaW9hE_iLADDYUopM2jYf76Vky3RU2oTs7TPE0lx0Pp2EW47qLYEB49sEY-Nr7IKd1zY2PGsyUXEgVN0j_z2j0vwdRXi13FxGI_2adePQesAk0BlsJ16w/s1600/scott-lantz-road-56.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwvd3idxOZi9TP5DZWMaW9hE_iLADDYUopM2jYf76Vky3RU2oTs7TPE0lx0Pp2EW47qLYEB49sEY-Nr7IKd1zY2PGsyUXEgVN0j_z2j0vwdRXi13FxGI_2adePQesAk0BlsJ16w/s400/scott-lantz-road-56.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672674206633284610" border="0" /></a>My frame gets an extra-tall Reynolds 853 seat tube for added stiffness plus it looks cool. I plan to swap Dura Ace 7700 parts from my existing road frame with the exception of the cranks...special thanks to Ryan for hooking me up with some brand new Ultegra 34/50T compact cranks...much easier on the knees for this old man.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON8hAsqvxA1ZKci6B5NIbvmT6iEtUmH3jze1QbsfNGJIajgZvnH-Y-GuzLB9sTUsMQQfN3h3sJVrIU17AhDfBJBzy3l-Z8qfu-R_NMX_BRvA_e7G9jdf9srDPD3VtA-FJ2m225w/s1600/mike-ahrens-road-60.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjON8hAsqvxA1ZKci6B5NIbvmT6iEtUmH3jze1QbsfNGJIajgZvnH-Y-GuzLB9sTUsMQQfN3h3sJVrIU17AhDfBJBzy3l-Z8qfu-R_NMX_BRvA_e7G9jdf9srDPD3VtA-FJ2m225w/s400/mike-ahrens-road-60.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672674108544422706" border="0" /></a>I'm also developing a very new, ultra-stiff aluminum track frame for NAHBS....very stoked about this project but too early to show anything so stay tuned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-72185111115362600772011-11-01T11:52:00.001-07:002011-11-01T11:55:52.294-07:00Holiday WiseCracker Pre-OrderI woke up today and realized the holiday season is rapidly approaching. To get into that special holiday spirit, I'm offering limited edition WiseCracker bottle openers with a special message. Drop me an email to pre-order one because they will go fast. Cheers!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLdCCCaouSD8bldSHV0CG2S8dx4iqqduyisBUSFOoVfenvvPSuqFYLCKi9RfN9narcRfzDsjbyEpN-Cn87nFdHLbYtxL6U1FBCDsXH_DIFqGUiMb-15hQ7wNdFlqQrLM_vZHr6w/s1600/WC+Happy+Holidays+Blog.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLdCCCaouSD8bldSHV0CG2S8dx4iqqduyisBUSFOoVfenvvPSuqFYLCKi9RfN9narcRfzDsjbyEpN-Cn87nFdHLbYtxL6U1FBCDsXH_DIFqGUiMb-15hQ7wNdFlqQrLM_vZHr6w/s400/WC+Happy+Holidays+Blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670102627309136754" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-27087840724462329662011-10-26T10:47:00.001-07:002011-11-08T09:06:38.349-08:00Torx Upgrade Kit for Sliding DropoutsAhrens Bicycles is now offering a Torx upgrade kit for our sliding dropouts. The upgrade kit replaces the (4) M8x20 Pan Head/Socket mounting screws with (4) M8x20 Pan Head/Torx mounting screws. Why? Because Torx screws have much larger surface area at the head for improved load spreading.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwyL2DpB4uvs-c4lXRonzfMRqxWV4YGaU8Ri9y7G4otL0oCFebMUofIZ4bBpgvmuT5BmHCdm6cldzx0rRdb5eFpf67UGG-jT5x2tu20Fw3A3-OD7zQt1lmVGflmBtTnN7cGxSKg/s1600/Slider+Torx+Upgrade+Kit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwyL2DpB4uvs-c4lXRonzfMRqxWV4YGaU8Ri9y7G4otL0oCFebMUofIZ4bBpgvmuT5BmHCdm6cldzx0rRdb5eFpf67UGG-jT5x2tu20Fw3A3-OD7zQt1lmVGflmBtTnN7cGxSKg/s400/Slider+Torx+Upgrade+Kit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667859323046628866" border="0" /></a>Local racer and 324 LABS business partner 'Timmy C' requested this upgrade since he races a Rock Lobster 'cross frame with sliding dropouts (and disc brakes with 324 Labs adapters!). After numerous rear wheel swaps, the standard M8 pan head bolt heads started to strip - obviously<br />not good.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuey3ZGeeG_5Y0yxKRzvvB2TdBq06F8g-QNgBlqDt_kmLxm5MRAQiA-6VPGEP-4g0A8qwKBwwECs9BOjjgaG_Ca_Z1ImTe1MqLA9TKqt1h2Qn94uFPln7ArMaDe6PVi1YThnx9LA/s1600/Torx+Screw+Comparison.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuey3ZGeeG_5Y0yxKRzvvB2TdBq06F8g-QNgBlqDt_kmLxm5MRAQiA-6VPGEP-4g0A8qwKBwwECs9BOjjgaG_Ca_Z1ImTe1MqLA9TKqt1h2Qn94uFPln7ArMaDe6PVi1YThnx9LA/s400/Torx+Screw+Comparison.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667864093321354738" border="0" /></a>Special thanks to <a href="http://www.prostainless.com/">Pro Stainless</a> for helping me source these babies! You can use a T40 Torx bit when torquing them down.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXJ7nsCk2DMnLP3ZbtJClvzuQ7rg-uh7fOiXLIWZs68_nt20dFbw0xw5flwuXbWf5LYBoV6Uj6mE5nLi0RFwlNw1gFFa3pmJLW2sTnMQGoKks7RqLJcJdS9bZDShvjYS1DKBhiw/s1600/Slider+with+Torx+Closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXJ7nsCk2DMnLP3ZbtJClvzuQ7rg-uh7fOiXLIWZs68_nt20dFbw0xw5flwuXbWf5LYBoV6Uj6mE5nLi0RFwlNw1gFFa3pmJLW2sTnMQGoKks7RqLJcJdS9bZDShvjYS1DKBhiw/s400/Slider+with+Torx+Closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667859182400529906" border="0" /></a>The upgrade kit contains (4) M8x20 Torx screws and will run you $10 including domestic shipping. Send an email or Pay Pal payment to 'mike at ahrensbicyles dot com' to order a set.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-33846464948028152362011-10-12T12:13:00.002-07:002012-03-06T13:17:50.008-08:0015QR Fork Dropout ConceptI've been developing a 15QR steel fork dropout with some local frame builders for a while. Why? Because most of our customers already have 15QR suspension forks on one of their bikes and it makes sense to re-use front wheels between bikes. Not to mention that thru-axle systems provide excellent steering precision. Since the economy is in the tank, saving money on bike parts is always a good thing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T9-7GZNJqt8I9u4BuEAp_wK5LV8zf9MXU6L_5y4O8-57Fbtr5hKGBUfG_qkHzA_9XneAiYj0kuW_pjyggJEJdq4CAZyv4sdPxWGjU4dDy9AVd8rvkxfRTk8LbmldruiNCu2JpA/s1600/15QR+Keying+Feature.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T9-7GZNJqt8I9u4BuEAp_wK5LV8zf9MXU6L_5y4O8-57Fbtr5hKGBUfG_qkHzA_9XneAiYj0kuW_pjyggJEJdq4CAZyv4sdPxWGjU4dDy9AVd8rvkxfRTk8LbmldruiNCu2JpA/s400/15QR+Keying+Feature.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662692383990992994" border="0" /></a><br />I just finished off the conceptual design and have teamed up with <a href="http://www.paragonmachineworks.com/">Paragon Machine Works</a> to prototype the concept. Special thanks to Rick Hunter at <a href="http://www.huntercycles.com/">Hunter Cycles</a> for design feedback over the last few weeks. The design features 32mm-wide 'hooded' dropouts that accommodate the Rock Shox Maxle 15mm thru-axle. The hoods allow the frame builder to construct various fork geometries easily....as shown this design can be used for 26", 650B and 29" rigid forks. If the frame builder decides to use tapered fork blades, excess dropout material can be easily removed using conventional machining methods.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbJStZny5ekO-hDFHZIYNRdtFNVoudtdHysWVEsQus5U_uUTUyearCf5J48p7WbdYfGxiz_FdNlEd-CbCWHRRTDWIbCps0G3tZofrlKbloRz9NTi5VqiLmXWQIEOGtNYzOjgQMw/s1600/15QR+Dropout+Concept.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbJStZny5ekO-hDFHZIYNRdtFNVoudtdHysWVEsQus5U_uUTUyearCf5J48p7WbdYfGxiz_FdNlEd-CbCWHRRTDWIbCps0G3tZofrlKbloRz9NTi5VqiLmXWQIEOGtNYzOjgQMw/s400/15QR+Dropout+Concept.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662690894689236178" border="0" /></a>The Maxle Lite's skewer handle can be easily clocked (to clear the fork leg when tightening) without having to clock the actual nut it attaches to. In this case I was able to eliminate the clocking hardware normally found on Fox forks to keep things simple. I do like the Fox/Shimano system but it is more difficult to source and requires more parts than the Maxle system.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-16r-onBwXxWgGuO2OQI66hLwK3s5WQKOWcvWknrrKonONp8ZyuwzyowNsXSqYWlF8E-EWvzmR4AMmu4vsCbWSjCeFjrprC8endQCSEPnIceL9h8tIFNzMNAQicDHJwapwqMzQ/s1600/2010_rock_shox_lyrik1s.jpg"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T9-7GZNJqt8I9u4BuEAp_wK5LV8zf9MXU6L_5y4O8-57Fbtr5hKGBUfG_qkHzA_9XneAiYj0kuW_pjyggJEJdq4CAZyv4sdPxWGjU4dDy9AVd8rvkxfRTk8LbmldruiNCu2JpA/s1600/15QR+Keying+Feature.jpg"></a>The 15mm axle threads directly into an aluminum nut that is 'keyed' directly into the dropout body. The opposing flat surfaces on the nut will prevent the it from spinning freely when tightening down the axle. On the drive-side, a simple aluminum spacer is used to position the axle perfectly.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Mass Analysis:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Left Dropout Body = 58g</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Right Dropout Body = 52g</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">15mm Keyed Nut = 14g</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">15mm Spacer = 14g</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;">Total = 136g<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-16r-onBwXxWgGuO2OQI66hLwK3s5WQKOWcvWknrrKonONp8ZyuwzyowNsXSqYWlF8E-EWvzmR4AMmu4vsCbWSjCeFjrprC8endQCSEPnIceL9h8tIFNzMNAQicDHJwapwqMzQ/s1600/2010_rock_shox_lyrik1s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-16r-onBwXxWgGuO2OQI66hLwK3s5WQKOWcvWknrrKonONp8ZyuwzyowNsXSqYWlF8E-EWvzmR4AMmu4vsCbWSjCeFjrprC8endQCSEPnIceL9h8tIFNzMNAQicDHJwapwqMzQ/s400/2010_rock_shox_lyrik1s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662691352366999682" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-41182541927529483932011-09-27T09:10:00.000-07:002011-09-29T12:55:30.529-07:00Direct Mount Components from Hit N Run DesignsLast weekend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahrens</span> Bicycles shared a booth at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Biketoberfest</span> with Hit N Run Designs out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Scotts</span> Valley, CA. Travis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kaschalk</span> is the owner of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">HNR</span> and he is responsible for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CNC</span> machining thousands of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WiseCracker</span> LITE bottle openers for me. I've been on some great shuttle runs in the Santa Cruz mountains with Travis and developing a line of gravity components is right up his alley.<br /><br />In addition to Fox 40 Upper Crowns and the D-VISE seat clamp, Travis has been working on a unique direct-mount stem system for single-crown forks. After many months of testing, he is now releasing the AXIS Direct Mount system into the market (patent pending). I saw these parts first hand last weekend and was very impressed with the design and execution.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lZQ6eoub1PW1pKLM_2352mP0N-6GiXdVVL9Y1a6PWVvE7yjQ-PsSzaEtI_klw07XCsbzs0VEm8CNh1XqZ7udrA1uCf5Zjb9UeyY-qv2weaitZFHztHm3TqFj_8GQ2O2IhXSRHQ/s1600/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lZQ6eoub1PW1pKLM_2352mP0N-6GiXdVVL9Y1a6PWVvE7yjQ-PsSzaEtI_klw07XCsbzs0VEm8CNh1XqZ7udrA1uCf5Zjb9UeyY-qv2weaitZFHztHm3TqFj_8GQ2O2IhXSRHQ/s400/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657073196683331490" border="0" /></a>The stack height of the AXIS direct mount is only 19mm! This is less than half of most 1-1/8" stems on the market. For example, all Thomson X4 stems have 40.64mm stack height. For long travel forks and big wheels, lowering the stack height is always of key importance to keep the front end low. This is one of the main reasons I can't wait to install the system on my 650B <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hardtail</span> since running larger wheels automatically lifts the front end of the bike.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo1s78si5cjkB-RV5TXF-u5_nT8YPYrwhyphenhyphencrMFr00PRiai-zxGXdSM4uDEAk5d-VY5TAD7Rl9hMQIFniDLldKcODjYenYxB1idqDrhygEsW4LsF8_zzEfic6L-55bU38y5TUlCg/s1600/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxo1s78si5cjkB-RV5TXF-u5_nT8YPYrwhyphenhyphencrMFr00PRiai-zxGXdSM4uDEAk5d-VY5TAD7Rl9hMQIFniDLldKcODjYenYxB1idqDrhygEsW4LsF8_zzEfic6L-55bU38y5TUlCg/s400/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657073290899528482" border="0" /></a>The design is straightforward, very light (187 grams combined) and extremely stiff. By spreading the handlebar clamps further apart, the loads are spread over a wide area to minimize flex. If you like to run wide bars, you will love this setup.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cQxmfz-BvynBsxHNW8QDPFaASIAnSoHrRK6fQ8syS-bvBZVFWuYHgtPZQNdw7sMm8tBa7if7IAH-pwa62MVanchIVq4MoH1xy4B3GzI5LsZDb94QrqC16nx8ED2Gxx9wQ3DoTw/s1600/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cQxmfz-BvynBsxHNW8QDPFaASIAnSoHrRK6fQ8syS-bvBZVFWuYHgtPZQNdw7sMm8tBa7if7IAH-pwa62MVanchIVq4MoH1xy4B3GzI5LsZDb94QrqC16nx8ED2Gxx9wQ3DoTw/s400/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657073658213103186" border="0" /></a>Installation is easy and the system uses (1) M8 primary pinch bolt to secure the AXIS Direct Mount to the 1-1/8" steer tube. The Direct Mount stem clamps are then attached using (4) M6 stainless steel mounting bolts at all corners. One added bonus is that the real estate in the exact center of the bar is now open for your night light, GPS, etc.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGOgEMZwhrv9TZdMdy_O9nzKPAMKrNBxFyKpokLjJ3I3mE-TwhiusMpadikAhj3FFwwnWx9VW7y11sApx8VqLR_sJExVO06T1tt1pjgGzowZSRfDYd99Bzl-2qbfI-t7uUgFfLw/s1600/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGOgEMZwhrv9TZdMdy_O9nzKPAMKrNBxFyKpokLjJ3I3mE-TwhiusMpadikAhj3FFwwnWx9VW7y11sApx8VqLR_sJExVO06T1tt1pjgGzowZSRfDYd99Bzl-2qbfI-t7uUgFfLw/s400/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657073420611304082" border="0" /></a>The stem clamps work with 31.8mm bars and are offered in 45mm length (measured from the center of the steer tube to the center of the handlebar) to keep things as flex-free as possible. If you already own a direct-mount stem, it will fit right into the standard Boxxer bolt pattern these parts utilize. I'm pushing for Travis to offer 35.0mm clamps to accommodate that emerging standard.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5qeaCeDkaXiNd3k14fHGy-1eBnN1PT88ReS3ZH3iKQDxWjyjsAXuLj2PZrWHBy-9L-RUrrXHM-HgFVsNkOivdV5MKqAbyQh0c_j0Y5m0cvojDv9wo7bPuhXGplOTJlB34XCWkg/s1600/SRAM+Direct+Mount+Std.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5qeaCeDkaXiNd3k14fHGy-1eBnN1PT88ReS3ZH3iKQDxWjyjsAXuLj2PZrWHBy-9L-RUrrXHM-HgFVsNkOivdV5MKqAbyQh0c_j0Y5m0cvojDv9wo7bPuhXGplOTJlB34XCWkg/s400/SRAM+Direct+Mount+Std.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657127873369714850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp_XrjL-Cs20u6vOE7KT6gJYK-WbHCYqnDP_6FBWPu5dVAY4MzM1Af4vR8JGM6DiRuW968S1gKAY5it5xhAKQKBJDI3EDhz95cCEqJ8YOtf2-UKdYnpg4jXD8m2lgYEXn1cbY7Q/s1600/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp_XrjL-Cs20u6vOE7KT6gJYK-WbHCYqnDP_6FBWPu5dVAY4MzM1Af4vR8JGM6DiRuW968S1gKAY5it5xhAKQKBJDI3EDhz95cCEqJ8YOtf2-UKdYnpg4jXD8m2lgYEXn1cbY7Q/s400/HIT-N-RUN+PARTS+9-26-11+012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657073498410242306" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Weight Breakdown:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">AXIS Direct Mount = 76.5 grams</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Direct Mount Stem Clamp, 45mm = 110.5 grams</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Total System Weight = 187.0 grams</span><br /><br />Introductory pricing is shown below and act soon because prices will increase next January 1st! All components are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CNC</span> machined in the USA, with pride, using domestically sourced 6061-T6 aluminum. After machining, each part runs through a detailed inspection procedure, is anodized and then laser marked with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">HNR</span> logo.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">AXIS Direct Mount <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">MSRP</span>: $120 <span style="font-weight: bold;">PROMO: $90</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Direct Mount Stem Clamp 45mm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">MSRP</span>: $100 <span style="font-weight: bold;">PROMO: $70</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">FOX 40 upper crown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">MSRP</span>: $150 <span style="font-weight: bold;">PROMO: $110</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">D-VISE seat collar clamp <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">MSRP</span>: $40 <span style="font-weight: bold;">PROMO: $25</span></span><br /><br />Contact Travis at <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 255, 51);">hitnrundesigns@hotmail.com</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 51);"> </span>for more info.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-30546219533460465302011-09-14T11:18:00.001-07:002011-09-14T11:21:20.676-07:00Alter Cycles 29er with Ahrens Sliding DropoutsCheck out this unique <a href="http://www.altercycles.com">Alter Cycles</a> 29er frame featuring sliding dropouts from Ahrens Bicycles. The down tube can be swapped out to adjust ride characteristics!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuIE-JzbWWoe-swXRUWRgcGWgHTaSPPX7XUIuZR-vbcXB76FHKS0Z5DitPknasjS5cgkhAECp3MT13k9zwgFgBXrSYJeOMXrS5zXD3yqDfIJ0ZLMdsTOvb7uIJV5sbBTau4ch9Q/s1600/Alter+Cycles+29er1.jpg.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuIE-JzbWWoe-swXRUWRgcGWgHTaSPPX7XUIuZR-vbcXB76FHKS0Z5DitPknasjS5cgkhAECp3MT13k9zwgFgBXrSYJeOMXrS5zXD3yqDfIJ0ZLMdsTOvb7uIJV5sbBTau4ch9Q/s400/Alter+Cycles+29er1.jpg.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652281533027970754" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqENuPp5iXa9GuQfhHFauTSuitg7GkAAspdAuL3xelQiTsdd-fyY7RzB96iW57vDU-Pdps3VLT1_4XWJfGvYyQNr4IjewSKYABDuLfdIMLsBfTEj6NaqsYrKIzfVeRwFG65tY8xw/s1600/Alter+Cycles+29er2.jpg.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqENuPp5iXa9GuQfhHFauTSuitg7GkAAspdAuL3xelQiTsdd-fyY7RzB96iW57vDU-Pdps3VLT1_4XWJfGvYyQNr4IjewSKYABDuLfdIMLsBfTEj6NaqsYrKIzfVeRwFG65tY8xw/s400/Alter+Cycles+29er2.jpg.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652281666550241538" border="0" /></a>More info to follow...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-58175055384792318592011-09-14T11:13:00.000-07:002011-09-14T11:13:28.227-07:00Biketoberfest 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Come see Ahrens Bicycles at Biketoberfest 2011 on September 25th in Fairfax. We will have plenty of
WiseCrackers on sale so come enjoy bikes and beer at this great fundraising event!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-29324005277340431612011-09-14T11:11:00.000-07:002011-09-14T11:11:12.618-07:00Garmin Authorized Reseller<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ahrens Bicycles has just been approved as a Garmin Authorized Reseller - sweet! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-91864431997185897672011-07-21T15:06:00.000-07:002011-07-21T15:48:54.549-07:00More 324 Press & ProgressSpecial thanks to Mountain Bike Magazine for their recent <a href="http://bicycling.com/blogs/thestraightdirt/2011/07/21/cross-pollination-324-labs-bike-disc-brake-adapter/">STRAIGHT DIRT</a> blog post about the 324 Brake Adapter System. Our first batch of fifty, yes five zero, kits are in process and don't wait to get onto the pre-order list. Email 'timmyc@324labs.com' for ordering details. <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">These kits are moving fast even though they slow you down!</span><br /><br />I've been working closely with our machinist to optimize run times on this first batch of split clamps and actuator arms.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91k8QZ8xLe3RaVKNuwx_697bJC1NUguBqpNKE0BftvNP6X07uopo7CyQOnBXlfogwLT81htNoheVa0Wx1Rr2nCd7Qc5iPs5RgCv6WucTAAzux2Yimlpp1zeQh6Y3SCwZXU8_4rw/s1600/CNC+Split+Clamp+Blog2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91k8QZ8xLe3RaVKNuwx_697bJC1NUguBqpNKE0BftvNP6X07uopo7CyQOnBXlfogwLT81htNoheVa0Wx1Rr2nCd7Qc5iPs5RgCv6WucTAAzux2Yimlpp1zeQh6Y3SCwZXU8_4rw/s400/CNC+Split+Clamp+Blog2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631936792519991842" border="0" /></a>Raw aluminum bar stock is pre-cut to size using the band saw. Once order volumes increase, these blanks will be pre-cut ahead of time to save time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYkoUR22GG1PTVkN2uriLRGEYkFW6UyeOgWF7jCCA_-uMZebs1GE7yH6LKYt_oo1iClOb7tEr7Xnb26WCnGc9tmFyemSTN_POjvZKCPxrUe4IyH6P4b9BBdcrFQ_PP8OUtuvmUQ/s1600/CNC+Split+Clamp+Blog3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYkoUR22GG1PTVkN2uriLRGEYkFW6UyeOgWF7jCCA_-uMZebs1GE7yH6LKYt_oo1iClOb7tEr7Xnb26WCnGc9tmFyemSTN_POjvZKCPxrUe4IyH6P4b9BBdcrFQ_PP8OUtuvmUQ/s400/CNC+Split+Clamp+Blog3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631936866363131826" border="0" /></a>Machining takes place on a Kitamura Mycenter 1 machining center. Although this particular machine is nearly 20 years old, it cranks out these parts with ease. Three adjacent vises are used for each setup. Left vise is Setup 1 for profiling where material is left on the underside for the vise to tighten against. Right vise is Setup 2 for the mounting hole and lightening window. Center vise is final Setup 3 to remove support material from the back side of the fully-profiled part.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91k8QZ8xLe3RaVKNuwx_697bJC1NUguBqpNKE0BftvNP6X07uopo7CyQOnBXlfogwLT81htNoheVa0Wx1Rr2nCd7Qc5iPs5RgCv6WucTAAzux2Yimlpp1zeQh6Y3SCwZXU8_4rw/s1600/CNC+Split+Clamp+Blog2.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlao0CV3RUPejWbCWPmNRNtc1YEGDFsRwQqWl16gx9oEu9MLN8CkejNqxzWuh0w1H72xK9M6_Whza-Yi_RFUpNdWA-iwYAyiH9ff__936O2p8MNeWFOg6qHsbrk1Wjz3K80E9YA/s1600/CNC+Split+Clamp+Blog1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlao0CV3RUPejWbCWPmNRNtc1YEGDFsRwQqWl16gx9oEu9MLN8CkejNqxzWuh0w1H72xK9M6_Whza-Yi_RFUpNdWA-iwYAyiH9ff__936O2p8MNeWFOg6qHsbrk1Wjz3K80E9YA/s400/CNC+Split+Clamp+Blog1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631936726905494434" border="0" /></a>After Setup 3 is complete, each completed part is removed from the center vise and deburred by hand. Key features such as the pivot hole diameter are measured against the technical drawing for accuracy and quality control.<br /><br />People always ask me why machined parts are so expensive - here is a small glimpse into the number of steps it takes to produce a simple clamp. And this doesn't include plating, assembly, laser marking or final packaging! To produce quality designs, I never cut any corners and the difference is clear when compared to some imported components that cost nearly the same amount!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-27763271862736050562011-07-09T15:14:00.001-07:002011-07-09T15:16:42.608-07:00Vans Cult Grips Are Dope!<div><p>Just got these babies from Neal at <a href="http://WWW.cultcrew.com">Cult Bikes</a> and they are sick!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-K1-A_6JXX6puWSOGg91qR8KrcaUfDE5gzZFBROMJQ4b6EnCFxGMuzyFvCg5zsAqRD6BjU9GdUnTERvn4X_RUcTzkdbB_HcFwWqTm0vl6EmBgODEK8IL4BCWyH7MJof8SLPjTQ/' /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-86207465392027621592011-07-06T08:49:00.000-07:002011-07-26T08:11:07.057-07:00324 LABS Brake Adapter System > Now Accepting Pre-OrdersOver the past month I've been working with <a href="http://www.324labs.com/">324 LABS</a> to develop a new version of their Brake Adapter System. The brainchild of this system is local racer Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cannard</span> (aka Timmy C) and I am very excited about this unique product. A handful of the prototype systems were developed by Tim and another smart tinkerer named Denzil. The first generation systems have been undergoing real-world testing since last fall and the performance is stellar.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">OVERVIEW:</span><br /><br />This unique system enables cable-actuated road brake levers to operate hydraulic disc brakes commonly found on mountain bikes. It is currently aimed at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cyclocross</span> market and I also have plans to build a custom, dual-disc road frame to demonstrate the advantages of this system.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PRE</span>-ORDER NOW!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.324labs.com/">324 LABS</a> is now accepting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span>-orders for the system and introductory pricing is set at $140 which includes the following:<br /><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">1X Left Split Clamp, 31.8mm, Hard Anodized 6061 aluminum</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">1X Right Split Clamp, 31.8mm, Hard Anodized 6061 aluminum</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">2X Actuator Arm, Hard Anodized 2024 aluminum</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">Stainless Steel Mounting Hardware</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">4X Wheels Manufacturing Alloy Brake Ferrules</span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Please note the system does NOT include the Formula R1 brakes - only the mounting clamps, actuator arms and mounting hardware. This system does NOT work with the Formula RX brake due to different handlebar clamp geometry than the R1.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-GT-DWH7I9LrMddjxDot0I-WUOozlQlQ51_tPMtwDGtfQuG53xGu8iE6UCabDodraZlcu4WzWhqgSnocFEm4-i_03Vpemc5oEb1LMnQex6UwrNpMdxcrVJJCoOyWpDvY-CQ1zQ/s1600/324+System+ISO.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-GT-DWH7I9LrMddjxDot0I-WUOozlQlQ51_tPMtwDGtfQuG53xGu8iE6UCabDodraZlcu4WzWhqgSnocFEm4-i_03Vpemc5oEb1LMnQex6UwrNpMdxcrVJJCoOyWpDvY-CQ1zQ/s400/324+System+ISO.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626275270766023906" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">NEW! </span>Added image of 'kit' contents on 7/11/11:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrFeGsLkAzYnnAuQJyPrj3o5ZF14P3iC-MBCpd5UN_Yntz1DpAWmpWbiJTgHCrTbELF5J-FXkk13kqFFXZ5o1ygS_SSXFomQau6OkB7KORFLyVLMRMbpwXV5v7Wvkh0ElR7TPsA/s1600/324+LABS+FORMULA+R1+KIT+OVERVIEW.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrFeGsLkAzYnnAuQJyPrj3o5ZF14P3iC-MBCpd5UN_Yntz1DpAWmpWbiJTgHCrTbELF5J-FXkk13kqFFXZ5o1ygS_SSXFomQau6OkB7KORFLyVLMRMbpwXV5v7Wvkh0ElR7TPsA/s400/324+LABS+FORMULA+R1+KIT+OVERVIEW.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628593460900647170" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pre</span>-orders should be ready for shipment towards the end of this month if not sooner. The current system works only with Formula R1 Brakes with other brand compatibility to follow. Why Formula? Because it is the lightest disc brake system on the market and utilizes a low-profile master cylinder that is straightforward to mount.<br /><br />To secure your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pre</span>-order, please contact Tim at 'timmyc@netmagic.net' and online transactions are expected to be working at the <a href="http://www.324labs.com/">324 LABS</a> website shortly. <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Dealer and frame builder inquiries welcome.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />DESIGN DETAILS:</span><br /><br />My new design contains left and right 'split clamps' that secure the system to a 31.8mm handlebar, very close the stem. This frees up space across the flats of the handlebar where the first generation design mounts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSmo9fCl96iLJMorGVQJqcLF4OR-Pmdd-pH3BX-F262V83tFuKXSlmcccmwH_06NtJHoe1Xif-Ct7oM_-lor3PyH8p8gedCJjun9sHlnwXcA1ECCjC5uoV48wTidS6lazXzgDug/s1600/324+Labs+HB1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSmo9fCl96iLJMorGVQJqcLF4OR-Pmdd-pH3BX-F262V83tFuKXSlmcccmwH_06NtJHoe1Xif-Ct7oM_-lor3PyH8p8gedCJjun9sHlnwXcA1ECCjC5uoV48wTidS6lazXzgDug/s400/324+Labs+HB1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276281177071954" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zNfdbHzT5S3v894zwQfB8VKaj7ZsTzeFndkmmDqYOPq66vgRzqR7htpjVCjT6WDKtGv6319slu8kjQRaUueR7x-KAxZJ_ob7zNsDumgm8kXOmWUvUJd05PsGb1uPiI7RQbNCSw/s1600/R+Split+Clamp+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4zNfdbHzT5S3v894zwQfB8VKaj7ZsTzeFndkmmDqYOPq66vgRzqR7htpjVCjT6WDKtGv6319slu8kjQRaUueR7x-KAxZJ_ob7zNsDumgm8kXOmWUvUJd05PsGb1uPiI7RQbNCSw/s400/R+Split+Clamp+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276941014447202" border="0" /></a>The split clamps are 12mm wide and provide a rigid mounting structure for the Formula R1 cylindrical-shaped hydraulic reservoir. Initial tests of this design show zero flex at the mounting clamp which translates into better braking.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXizksYMHaYFxIZkLrURokdYey-KcK1SVgUBlBsaCVR1CBq1-khhziLjWnBak_38ROsaBFuJr66Zhx1m-8LAem_IVRSTvbOuE8Mx_Gttufb8EuoTzLv_KfdeE6QPWbR5wFaby_hg/s1600/Left+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXizksYMHaYFxIZkLrURokdYey-KcK1SVgUBlBsaCVR1CBq1-khhziLjWnBak_38ROsaBFuJr66Zhx1m-8LAem_IVRSTvbOuE8Mx_Gttufb8EuoTzLv_KfdeE6QPWbR5wFaby_hg/s400/Left+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276858570985378" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw2Rb0QHZrL9E_xI1v-edNnqtfAOYLH82jyE4UZx0w-TUgvQOFsnaPpjMEek5JIF9WscOszeZApSvd5w9BfnuCluxBY9zi0_piXFDxJliuI-DtyfD3QaitvdA_-2Or_DFfxyjMQ/s1600/Left+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw2Rb0QHZrL9E_xI1v-edNnqtfAOYLH82jyE4UZx0w-TUgvQOFsnaPpjMEek5JIF9WscOszeZApSvd5w9BfnuCluxBY9zi0_piXFDxJliuI-DtyfD3QaitvdA_-2Or_DFfxyjMQ/s400/Left+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276654747374418" border="0" /></a>I've selected Wheels Manufacturing machined brake ferrules since they are much stiffer than plastic ones commonly used. As the brake cable enters the split clamp, it travels in a straight line to the actuator arm to provide superior lever feel. The brake cable is secured to the actuator arm within a cylindrical housing that contains opposing set screws that pinch the cable on both sides.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDTWkmMVYY9QJWs7fCLlv0_ZxawyCmuv2KgwqF7Fj4zREHS_VGymfcXZUsXwUnORKOfsUz6lozKKqesOFcrIzY2O5YfP-yf0csK2WsSp48NnCX175KEtr3ZRqkkssGk97iVhx8Q/s1600/324+Labs+HB2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDTWkmMVYY9QJWs7fCLlv0_ZxawyCmuv2KgwqF7Fj4zREHS_VGymfcXZUsXwUnORKOfsUz6lozKKqesOFcrIzY2O5YfP-yf0csK2WsSp48NnCX175KEtr3ZRqkkssGk97iVhx8Q/s400/324+Labs+HB2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626276410231198818" border="0" /></a><br />After installation, the left and right clamps are nested very close together while still leaving access to all key mounting bolts, stem bolts, etc.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PRELIM MASS ANALYSIS FOR FRONT BRAKE:</span><br /><br />Formula R1 Brake (Caliper + Lever Only) = 277g<br />Subtract R1 Brake Lever, Bar Clamp, Mounting Hardware = -26g<br />Add Brake Adapter System from 324 LABS = +30g<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Total Mass Gain = +4 g</span><br /><br />This analysis does not include the disc rotor since many options are available to the end user (Rotor diameter, ISO mount, post-mount 74mm, etc). The message here is that the 324 LABS Brake Adapter System adds less than 10 grams total (left + right) to the original Formula R1 Brake setup - sweet!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-74494026210536109882011-05-12T11:31:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:37:35.647-07:00More Bikes and BeerCome see Ahrens Bicycles in Petaluma on June 26th! We will be selling a variety of items including frames, wheels, tires and of course our new selection of <a href="http://www.ahrensbicycles.com/bottle-opener.htm">WiseCracker</a> bottle openers. <br /><br />From Bruce Gordon's website:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is basically another good excuse for framebuilders, component makers, soft goods craftspeople, and bike riders of all types from the great state of North California to get together and have a good time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">There will be food from local caterers, beer from Lagunitas, plenty of bikes and bike-related things to look at (or even.. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">purchase</span><span style="font-style: italic;">), perhaps a Whiskeydrome, a framebuilders' garage sale (which is basically a swap meet with less yahoos and more good stuff), beer, perhaps a group ride earlier in the day, lots of bike stuff, and plenty of beer from Lagunitas.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOklUCLSSX2yhsu4eQxCeniPV4p2-Y1SXV0_9AvBzf5yYMtxU82wDL4NzkYmOGi5JYsIxa55Iq2K4rtGkQ1K1CzE6CsLfnY9FaKHpW3EI274hQtLv8rKU2YtFTkQpIxh1ofk6YXw/s1600/Garage+Sale.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOklUCLSSX2yhsu4eQxCeniPV4p2-Y1SXV0_9AvBzf5yYMtxU82wDL4NzkYmOGi5JYsIxa55Iq2K4rtGkQ1K1CzE6CsLfnY9FaKHpW3EI274hQtLv8rKU2YtFTkQpIxh1ofk6YXw/s400/Garage+Sale.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605899174614601362" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-11081227268278758702011-04-16T11:47:00.000-07:002011-04-16T11:57:33.564-07:00Hydraulic Disc Brakes for 700c?!This is a great article about converting cable-actuated road brake levers to work with hydraulic disc brakes for 'cross. And a shameless plug for Ahrens sliding disc dropouts being used by Rock Lobster!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cxmagazine.com/summit-labs-harnesses-the-power-of-hydraulic-disc-brakes-for-cyclocross-with-the-324-brake-adaptor?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CyclocrossMagazine+%28Cyclocross+Magazine%29">CLICK HERE FOR CX MAGAZINE ARTICLE</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtldchOc_7PBtxIa_RWsTsYqvkjWjeT69j3_-gsHJdHQhekrxc2D8CTdxU-oEpJZ9XVRgGB87JNdSOS9gy-7yKn859ZgJEEWSWdvbWBVg9-maeGCj540Gz801nMBuCzBEm-fg7g/s1600/324-brake-adaptor-hydraulic-disc-cyclocross-cannard-IMG_8247_1_1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtldchOc_7PBtxIa_RWsTsYqvkjWjeT69j3_-gsHJdHQhekrxc2D8CTdxU-oEpJZ9XVRgGB87JNdSOS9gy-7yKn859ZgJEEWSWdvbWBVg9-maeGCj540Gz801nMBuCzBEm-fg7g/s400/324-brake-adaptor-hydraulic-disc-cyclocross-cannard-IMG_8247_1_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596256854261936482" border="0" /></a><br />Sweet 7005 aluminum sliding dropouts from Ahrens Bicycles!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrt4zeXU7JKipxBCE6pEDXVPb_-TGpzCSua11r23iRH0OkYn6ypuSi3tLpEphD4vJCbyPZqB9hSI5GeRes_mj2lgPfuqwX-kf5fgUan42g8b2mfZX_WbYMzjImHeC5j1icYrttg/s1600/324-brake-adaptor-hydraulic-disc-cyclocross-cannard-IMG_8240_1_1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrt4zeXU7JKipxBCE6pEDXVPb_-TGpzCSua11r23iRH0OkYn6ypuSi3tLpEphD4vJCbyPZqB9hSI5GeRes_mj2lgPfuqwX-kf5fgUan42g8b2mfZX_WbYMzjImHeC5j1icYrttg/s400/324-brake-adaptor-hydraulic-disc-cyclocross-cannard-IMG_8240_1_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596256484825410754" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-54297591498424900692011-04-07T12:15:00.000-07:002011-04-07T15:11:55.707-07:00WiseCracker Family Reunion<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >The WiseCracker, Because Beer Can't Open Itself</span><br /></div><br />It's been five years since the first WiseCracker bottle opener was machined and introduced to the bike market. This unique product enjoys continued success and ships all over the world to beer drinking bike riders everywhere. Just in time for warm weather riding, I've decided to offer a more complete range of WiseCrackers for your alcohol consuming enjoyment. Each version of the WiseCracker is proudly manufactured in the USA using only domestic materials and processes.<br /><br />As Henry Ford said, "It's offered in any color - so long as it's black." Why not other colors? The aluminum bottle openers are hard black anodized for durability; this plating process builds a thick oxidation layer that penetrates the part to protect it from damage during use. Hard anodizing produces a surface ~10X harder than conventional, colored anodizing. Hard anodizing colors range from light brown to black, so I use black since it matches nearly everything. Colored anodizing creates a very thin oxidation layer and although this finish looks attractive, it offers no long-term durability in terms of wear. And for a small company like mine, there are just too many anodizing color choices to inventory. Each version of the WiseCracker can be custom laser-marked for your shop, club, team, event, etc for a reasonable price.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2PgROMNP0oyofM_y2wMspP556m7E-a60rAj2u2CIPXM-EvBL1MZe9KMYzFu8GRa9DAfOj_VdX8x1ZLIPWqGeApoliZDzECO0hfnHzrCkKNeeso_vCk3Om43qoQHfIiCGw_UKfw/s1600/WiseCracker+Family+Tree.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2PgROMNP0oyofM_y2wMspP556m7E-a60rAj2u2CIPXM-EvBL1MZe9KMYzFu8GRa9DAfOj_VdX8x1ZLIPWqGeApoliZDzECO0hfnHzrCkKNeeso_vCk3Om43qoQHfIiCGw_UKfw/s400/WiseCracker+Family+Tree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592930694154472706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Product Range</span><br />WiseCracker PRO, 1.5" clamp, Bike Repair Stand Version<br />WiseCracker ORIGINAL, 27.2mm clamp, Seat Post Version<br />WiseCracker LITE, 1-1/8" Headset Spacer<br />WiseCracker SOLO, 1" Headset Spacer<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >New for 2011</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >WiseCracker LITE Stainless, 1-1/8" Headset Spacer</span><br /><br />This version is water-jet cut from a sheet of stainless steel. It is low profile and weighs the same as its aluminum cousin, 16 grams.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 102);">FACT: (1) 12 oz beer = 340 grams = (21) WiseCracker LITE openers</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Mutt</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Cracker Dog Tag</span><br /><br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Mutt</span>Cracker will turn your pet into a mobile beer-opening mammal. It's permanently laser marked with your pet's name, contact number, etc. The <span style="font-style: italic;">Mutt</span>Cracker is the brainchild of my very smart dog-owner friends, Lee and Donna, and both are also proud owners of handmade frames from Ahrens Bicycles. This version is also water-jet cut from a sheet of stainless steel and weighs in at a svelte 18 grams.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13846126.post-88026456548706524092011-04-06T08:26:00.000-07:002011-04-06T08:30:15.659-07:00Cadalyst ArticleLast year I was interviewed by PTC, the parent company of Pro/Engineer CAD software, about designing bike frames. Yesterday I got a hard copy of their trade magazine...my name is on the front cover and the article is on the last page...sweet! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMwui77nyvHFYhEeFtW2fHR-SUG_75ImmyfCu21AFAHNor5sC-wSyZDhiuLhhdGm3NHzOPQsOZvHqxYXWGewEGLeYgq1IgfZTiE4VpjW1jXWMMgr2IXJKNNR0FYbze5AwZOmLeg/s1600/Cadalyst-Sh1_Page_1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMwui77nyvHFYhEeFtW2fHR-SUG_75ImmyfCu21AFAHNor5sC-wSyZDhiuLhhdGm3NHzOPQsOZvHqxYXWGewEGLeYgq1IgfZTiE4VpjW1jXWMMgr2IXJKNNR0FYbze5AwZOmLeg/s400/Cadalyst-Sh1_Page_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592492639385429810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eyfMzh5_U9sM4D_25GcFysy2pA875oTxXwfHeBSrz6ztyfAYRa9uwsDYNtLd6fjuvCXXUOOyYI4cbVGzrLEG7VJ_1v8Ei5Ae_cYHbziLuz-ivSxWyXAVzmCQfu93he-_tczIYw/s1600/Cadalyst-Sh1_Page_2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4eyfMzh5_U9sM4D_25GcFysy2pA875oTxXwfHeBSrz6ztyfAYRa9uwsDYNtLd6fjuvCXXUOOyYI4cbVGzrLEG7VJ_1v8Ei5Ae_cYHbziLuz-ivSxWyXAVzmCQfu93he-_tczIYw/s400/Cadalyst-Sh1_Page_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592492763185047698" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com