Thule/Chariot recalls bike trailers and kits

Thule/Chariot recalls bike trailers and kits: WASHINGTON, DC (BRAIN)—Thule Child Transport Systems is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall about 44,000 Chariot bike trailers and 70,000 trailer conversion kits.



The trailers' hitch mechanism can crank and break, causing the trailer to detach from the bike.



The company has received reports of 24 incidents worldwide, including three in the U.S. No injuries were reported.



The recall involves trailers with serial numbers from 1205-xxx to 0710-xxx, which represent manufacture dates between December 2005 and July 2010. The numbers are on the left side of the frame.



The recall also involves conversion kits used to convert a Chariot jog stroller into a bike trailer. The kits have the model number "20100503" on a label attached to the kits' aluminum tube, next to a warning label. Older conversion kits without the label are also being recalled. These can be identified by a release push button on the hitch arm.



The products were sold at speciality bike stores and elsewhere between December 2005 and August 2010. The trailers retailed for between $400 and $925. The conversion kits retailed for between $40 and $70.



The products were made in Canada.



Consumers should stop using the products immediately and contact Chariot Carriers for a free repair kit.



For more information: Contact Chariot Carriers at (800) 262-8651 between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.chariotcarriers.com.

Hey You Big Stud. A Bit About Studded Tires

Some people use them, some people don't, and then there are the people who are curious about them, wondering what it would be like to have their own. The only way to know, is to try yourself. Until then, here is the low down on studded tires.

Winter time rolls around. And with it comes conditions that make cycling a bit more of a challenge. For the last 10 years I have used studded tires for winter commuting. Once temperatures plummet  below freezing and stay there. The tires go on...

This is the winter of the CX commuter. Last year I rode a 29er with a rigid fork, and the years prior an old steel Stumpjumper with 26 inch wheels. I have been able to use wide Nokian's 26 and 29 Gazza Extreme studded tires as well as the Nokian Hakkapelitta 700x40 240 studded tires.

Many studded tires. 26, 29 and 700c with different tread patterns. 

They are much heavier than my usual set of tires. Depending on the size of the tire,  and the amount of studs, you can expect the weight to go up 2 - 5 pounds. This year I added fenders and Nokian Hakkapelitta 700x40 240s to my bike, and it went up 5 pounds.

Also, this extra weight is all rotating mass. So it takes more to get the wheels going, and keep them moving. When you take them off in the spring and switch back to your regular tires you feel like a rocket. So expect a bit more effort to get around on them. Aside from weight, another draw back is that they make noise when there is no snow or ice on the pavement. I don't mind this, some may, but I kind of dig the buzzing noise it makes. Helps me keep a consistent cadence as well.

Oh yes. And they cost many dollars. I have had one set of Nokian Gazza Extreme 26 x 294 studs last me 7 years and when I sold them they still had lots of life left. The studs are replaceable. You will need to replace some, anticipate losing a few each season. Studded tires range from $50 to $120 per tire, depending on the manufactures choice of materials used on the tire.

Now that we are past the "draw backs", lets talk about the good stuff. Mainly, never ending up in a slushy ice puddle in the middle of traffic because of some black ice you didn't see at night. I will endure the extra effort needed or slowing my pace for 1000X more control and grip on ice.* If you want a confidence builder for winter riding, slap a couple of these puppies on and ride across ice in the park. You can actually skid without ending up like Bambi. Not bruising up my butt all winter is worth more than all the before mentioned draw backs and then some. Not that everyone is racer, but when you take the tires off in the spring, you are a rocket. I dig it.

What type of tire you use is up to the riding you do, and the conditions you plan on riding in. The wider tires stay on top of snow better, but have much more rolling resistance and weight. Tires with deep knobs dig well in snow off road or when it gets really nasty on the road. There are tires with loads of studs, and tires with just a couple rows of studs. Your needs and wants dictate which ones are right for you.

Which studded tire is right for you?

Fatter tires will stay on top of more snow and ice, while the narrower tires tend to dig down to the road surface. For the deeper snow the bigger tire tends to work better, but also adds much more weight and rolling resistance. If you opt for the more robust tire, you will also need to make sure your bike frame can handle the added girth. For most people the narrower tires will be the way to go. Unless you are going off road, in which case wider tires with fatter knobs reign supreme.

And for those like me who learn best from images, here are some sweet pictures to help out.

Wider tires have more surface area and float a bit in the snow.

Narrower tires dig right through the snow to the ground.

Digging through to the slippery road surface is fine when you have studded tires. But when you don't, you have more traction with a wider tire on snow, than a skinny tire on ice.

Tires with lots of studs at different air pressures. Always stud contact to the ground.

Tires with only outer studs are designed to roll without stud contact at higher air pressures and gain stud contact at lower pressures. You get to roll fast, but drop pressure to get grip when needed. Just be aware, that you do not always have stud contact to the ground. And that surprise patch of ice could bring you down.

We talked about tire size and how many studs you can handle. But do you really need them? That is up to you. I hear people talk smack about studded tires, but I say, to each their own, and don't knock them 'til you've truly knocked them. I will keep rolling on mine and enjoy keeping the rubber side down all winter.


* 800% of scientists agree.

Blackburn Airstick Longnek Evo, Dispelling the Myth.

Quiet your mind and imagine a land before time... Envision a herd of longnecks gracefully roaming an adolescent planet Earth, without fear they graze, sing songs, and raise their young uninterrupted for millenia. Legend has it that on one fate filled day the very threads of this peaceful existence were torn asunder. The great skies opened up, raining fire on these Jurassic giants. From their ashes... the Blackburn Airstick Longneck Evo was birthed.

Artists rendition of the Longneck Pumposaur herd.

Evolved to be compact enough to stow neatly in one's repair satchel without sacrificing it's unprecedented utility. Using it's retractable omnivorous pump head, whose tongue has a taste for either presta or schraeder valve types, and it's collapsing handle, the Longneck allows for greater leverage enhancing pumping ease. It also ensures limited angular stress placed on the valve stem itself, inspiring relief the rivals barely escaping death found in the bottomless bowels of a tar pit.

Unlike it's prehistoric predecessors, if this pump should prematurely perish, Blackburn offers a lifetime warranty that will secure it's species survival throughout any cataclysm. In conclusion we can reflect on the timeless wisdom of Dr. Ian Malcolm, that even in chaos, "life finds a way".

Steve E.'s Top Ten Winer Riding Don't s

Top Ten Winter Riding Don't s by Steve Evans

1. Don't try and ski behind the bus.
2. Don't use toast as a hand warmer.
3. Don't use Jello to flat proof your tires.
4. Don't use screws to make your own studded tires.
5. Don't fill your water bottle with gravy.
6. Don't use a very lazy cat as a scarf.
7. Don't fear the reaper.
8. Don't think about Napoleon's retreat from moscow.
9. Don't act like you are having too much fun, or everybody will want to do it.
10. Don't ask yourself, "What the hell am I doing?"

101 Winter Riding Tips

This is a list of winter riding tips and favorite products compiled by our staff here at Village Cycle Center. Most of us ride everyday of the year, and the winter is no exception. Each person donated some of their knowledge, experience, and in some cases humor to help you through the cold days ahead. They are in no specific order of importance. They are all just there for you to use as you will. Or don't use. It is a free internets and you can do what you like. You can tell your friends to use them. Or not. You could not use them and tell your friends to use them. But that would be up to you. What ever you do, just keep riding your bike.

1. Gore-Tex Socks. Waterproof and windproof happiness for your feet. For the years before I got winter specific footwear, Gore-Tex socks were an everyday item.
2. Keep a journal. Not sure what to wear with the ever changing weather? Keep track of what you wear each day, what the weather is like, and how you felt riding. Cold, warm, too hot, just right. Then when you can't figure out what to wear, look back to your own data based on how you like to ride.
3. Maintain your bike. The winter is extremely tough on your bike commuting in the city. Road grime, water, salt, and all sorts of nasty builds up on your bike quick. A daily wipe off of the frame and parts followed up with some lubrication will save you loads of money in prematurely worn and/or rusted out parts.
4. Give yourself extra time. Almost everywhere you go will take more time than usual. Giving yourself extra time will save you on stress and over heating working too hard getting somewhere.
5. Pay attention to the obstructions in your route before it snows. So when they are covered by a slush puddle, you know what is coming.
6. Grow a beard. Best balaclava ever. If you can't do this. Gore Bike Wear makes an excellent balaclava that doesn't fog up your glasses.
7. Goggles. Goggles rock when the snow is blowing and it's super cold. Racing cross has raised my level of suffer a bit. So my goggles only come out on the worst of days, but they are there, and I use them.
8. Bar Mitts. If your hands get cold easy, these bad dogs are the bomb! Made for flat or drop bars, you can use your spring gloves in these on the coldest of days. If you live where 0 is common, you may need some thicker gloves.
9. Eat more. You burn more calories in the winter. The same distance you rode in the summer will take more energy to cover when moving through snow.
10. Layers.
11. Lotion. It puts the lotion on its skin, or it gets all dry and crackly.

Studded tires add some traction.

12. Studded tires. They are not necessary, but they do work well. You will move slower and work a bit harder, but you will not end up on your butt in a cold slush puddle because you slipped on ice. They also build confidence when riding on nasty days. 
13. Fenders. Fenders not only help keep you dry, they help keep you and the bike clean.
14. Minotaur fur lined magic helmet. Keeps you magically warm.

An amateur sketch of the mythical Minotaur Fur Lined Magic Helmet.

15. Glare resistant eye wear. When there is snow on the ground and the sun is out. It can be blinding. Tinted glasses or Tifosi Fototec eye wear works well to adapt to changing light levels.

Gore Bike Wear Active Shell

16. Gore Bike Wear Tool jacket for men and Fusion jacket for women. Full Windstopper jacket with a soft and luxurious inside lining. This is my daily jacket almost all winter. When it gets really cold, you can add a Gore Tex Active Shell jacket over the top for an outer layer.
17. Lights. Lots of lights. Bright lights. Even during the day. The Blackburn Flea is a good light and is rechargeable so you are not constantly replacing batteries.
18. Watch out for manhole covers and drain grates. Very slippery when wet.
19. Train tracks are also slippery. Here is a little guide on dealing with them when wet.
20. It takes longer to get ready to go places. Plan for that. Do it.
21. Cotton is not your friend. It will make you sweat, and you will be cold.
22. Slow down while riding. Especially turning. Black ice will strike. Like a freaking ice ninja waiting for you.
23. Try a little lower tire pressure for better grip.
24. Watch out for alleyways. They have snow piles around them. And sometimes there is a car trying to come out it without getting stuck.
25. Be prepared for the post ride ice and slush melting off your bike when you come in. Towels, card board or boot mats works to catch the stuff.
26. Don't forget to grease your seat post. You should also have your bearing points like hubs and headsets checked and greased often and as needed. Once before and once after winter will work for most people.
27. Warming packs for hands and feet.
28. Wear a helmet.
29. If it is too cold to ride the whole way, you can take the train half way and bike the rest. It is still faster and you get to ride.
30. Plastic bags inside your shoes if you are on a thin budget. They work for blocking wind and water. But they also do not breathe, and your foot may sweat, a lot. Gore Tex socks if possible.
31. Make sure your base layer is tucked in. You lose quite a bit of heat through there.
32. A higher cadence will keep you warmer.
33. Wear more than one hat. Layers work on your head too.
34. Layer work for gloves too.
35. Riding in the drops (if applicable), reduces windchill.
36. Wrap-around glasses keep the wind out of your eyes better.
37. Run a lower gear ratio in the winter for better torque.
38. Reflective material & stickers.
39. Watch out for black ice at night.
40. Be ready for surprises.

Sidi Diablo GTX

41. Salmon brake pads. Not the fish, the color. The softer compound brakes better in colder weather.
42. Don't Panic.
43. Sidi Diablo GTX. They have a Gore Tex sock built in with some nice insulation. Warm and dry feet.
44. A death grip on the handlebar is not necessary. Relax. A loose, yet secure grip, will result in a less arduous ride.
45. Wider tires have more traction.
46. Feel good about yourself when you ride 5 miles when it is colder then 10 degrees.
47. Keep reminding yourself that "Man (or Woman!) Against Nature" is one of the classic conflicts.
48. Silk long underwear makes a good, inexpensive base layer. It breathes and the chicks dig it.
49. Army surplus stores are good for cool looking sturdy outer wear that's reasonably priced.
50. Something around your neck does an excellent job of sealing in heat. The Gore Bike Wear Power Beany is the bomb.
51. Get used to it: Good gear isn't cheap, and cheap gear isn't good.
52. Occasionally yell "Rabble Rabble Rabble" as you ride. It will make you feel better.
53. Take the "L" once in a while. It will remind you why you ride a bike in the winter.
54. Enjoy the looks you get from drivers and pedestrians.
55. Carry extra gloves of different weights in your bag.
56. Learn to get your lights on and off you bike and lock it up without taking off your gloves.
57. Take an Emergen "C" every day.
58. L.L. Bean cold weather boots keep feet warm and dry.
59. Frame saver! Frame saver! Frame saver! (if you have a steel frame)
60.Think about the revolutionary war soldiers at Valley Forge leaving bloody footprints in the snow. It will make you feel better.
61. Keep reminding yourself that riding is fun!
62. Take your coffee or hot cocoa with you. The hot deliciousness will keep you warm while you ride. The Barista works well to hold your mug on your handlebar.
63. Use Sport Wash with your technical gear. You spent some good money on your apparel. Help it perform and last longer by using a wash that doesn't fill the fabrics with softeners or perfumes. If you don't have Sport Wash, use half the amount of detergent needed.
64. Apply a light coating of Tri-Flow on your frame and parts to prevent build up of salt & grime. Be careful not to get it on your brakes. And if you do, use Clean Streak to clean off the braking surfaces.
65. Invest in Gore Sealed Cable systems. Your cables are sealed away from the environment and work well all winter without much maintenance.
66. Stainless steel Whipperman chain prevents corrosion.
67. Carry a self sealing CO2 kit for quick flat fixes when it is cold and wet. Then change the flat when you are warm at home.
68. In a pinch you can use newspaper for an added layer inside your jacket.
69. When around tall buildings and ice is falling, don't look up. Unless you don't have a helmet on. Then you might as well see what is about to fall on your head.
70. Do not lick your bike frame when it is cold. Even if they triple dog dare you.
71. Topeak Modular Java Cage holds almost every type of mug.
72. Use the flashing mode on your lights. The batteries last longer and you are more noticeable.
73. Use the Brooks proofide on the top and bottom of your leather saddle to protect against salt and grime.
74. Always use a saddle protector. (Brooks saddles)
75. Wear thermal cycling tights or thick leggings over regular hosiery to stay warm while riding, then quickly remove to look nice when you reach your destination.
76. Layer a wool sweater under a waterproof shell for extra warmth on extra cold days that can still match your outfit underneath.
77. A nice wool scarf or pashmina works to cover your face and keep your neck warm when it's chilly, but not cold enough for a balaclava.
78. Carry a plastic bag in your purse or backpack to put dirty winter riding clothes in once you get to your destination.
79. Use your brakes evenly when slippery.
80. Be careful on bridges. Walk around them if you feel the urge. Falling on them is quite painful.
81. Brandy in your water bottle may seem like a good idea, but it's not.
82. Wiggle your toes by extending them up on the top of your pedal stroke, and curling them on the down stroke. If your toes start to become painfully cold, STOP! Jump around, dance, or do jumping jacks to get the blood flowing into your extremities.
83. To keep fingers warm, don't just bend them to wiggle. Spread your fingers out, jazz-hands style, to get more blood pumping through your fingers.
84. Take time to enjoy your surroundings. Riding a bike lets you see the city from a different point of view then most people. So when the snow is falling and the city is quiet, enjoy it!
85. Remember, just like the Honey Badger, people who ride all winter are bad ass.
86. Check air pressure in your tires often. Getting a flat from over or under inflation sucks. It's basically your own fault you are now freezing your hands fixing it.
87. Sometimes the hardest part is getting on the bike. You sit inside looking at the pile of gear you have to put on and how miserable it will be. But you cowboy up and start rolling, and realize it's not that bad. And being on the bus is far worse.
88. Sometimes it is miserable. Remember it is your choice. What ever your motivation. No one is making you do this.
89. Just because you are working harder than anyone else on the street, doesn't mean you can break more rules than anyone else.
90. If the hat keeps you from wearing your helmet. It is not a good hat.
91. It is all mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.
92. Be prepared. Think about how long you will be riding and if it may get colder before you ride home. Bring an extra layer just in case.
93. Carry something for quick energy like a food or candy bar. Getting weak can come quick when burning loads of calories.
94. Keep an eternal spring in your heart.
95. Your bike should not live outside.
96. Good excuse for men to wear tights.
97. Embrocation! With glitter!
98. HTFU.
99. Remove Gore Balaclava before into bank.
100. Eat lots of clementines. Really handy for Vitamin C and making new friends.
101. Have a great water proof bag. Mission Workshop makes some of our favorites.

Glitter Legs! Now With More Sparkle!

This New Year, I spent it racing. Racing cross at the Chicago Cross Cup's New Years Resolution. Man was it fun. Being a special New Year race, I decided to bust out the embro and fancy it up with glitter. This time I came prepared with all three levels of DZ Nuts InHeat and dishsoap to wash the stuff off when I was done. Becky raced first, and at the start of her race it was sunny and 47 degrees. So some medium temp InHeat it was. With a boat load of glitter. Red and silver. Everything was going fine until during the race before mine, the temp dropped 20 degrees and I was now wishing for the high heat InHeat. It seems there is a time and a place for the hot stuff, and it was now. But too late for that. It is race time. We got staged by our cyclocross.com points, which I have very little of, so I was in back. I kinda like the back. I get to pass more people. Those folks in the front usually are faster than me.


30 seconds...

Go!

The start is down pavement (I like this about UCI races), around the cart path and onto the golf course. Yes, we are racing on a golf course. Fast, flat, and with all the rain and temperatures staying above freezing, very muddy. We tore the up this course really good like. Some huge mud pits formed around the bike pit and continued to grow as dirty bikes got power washed. Mud is fun. But as I learned a race ago, Red cassettes suck in the mud. And I forgot to swtich mine out. So by the second lap, I was down to two usable gears in the back. My granny gear, and 7. Other than that I could switch in front. For most of the course it was doable. But for the pavement it was time to stand and deliver the big ring and 7 to not get passed. This was becoming more and more easier for me, seeing as I quit smoking and could now actually breathe while I was racing. Hot damn! What a difference oxygen makes.

Get up, stand up. Stand up on your bike.

And for the first time racing all season. I didn't get lapped by those fast dudes. My last race (Afterglow) Barry Wicks & Super Fast SRAM Guy got me right before the finish. I was a lap down, but it looked like I came in 3rd. I'll take that.

Bill Draper takes badass pictures. Check out his work.

I love cross. Looking forward to next season already.

Super Sweet Slo-Mo New Year’s Resolution Video

Super Sweet Slo-Mo New Year’s Resolution Video: Kyle Bainter sent this little gem our way, and as he accurately described his video to us, “no story, no purpose, just beautiful slow motion cyclocross footage…” See the video below, and go back and read the race report and see the photos from Day 2 of the women’s and men’s races.