Big Wheels Keep on Turning

The newborn, Beth, has finally come home from Dark Horse Cycles and today was the maiden ride for the new girl. After weeks of cold damp weather spring was finally in the air, sun was shining and temps were in the high 60s. It only took a couple of miles to put a smile on my face

and say thanks to Harlan, for convincing me that the 29 was the path to nirvana and to say thanks to everyone at IF for building what has to be the most amazing mountain bike that I have ever put a leg over. Once you get these big wheels moving they just roll over everything in their path with minimal effort. Sections of the trail that were jarring on a 26" bike suddenly became a lot smoother and there was minimal loss of momentum. And now for some of the details on the dream machine -

Handlebars by Jeff Jones - These H bars are the best, while you pay a penalty in the weight department the trade off to be able to hold the pint of beer at the finish more then makes up for the extra grams. Remember you don't want to spill your beer!

The saddle - Specialized, and while it is blessed by neither God or Allah it does get the "Big Smile from the Wife" seal of approval, and believe me that is important.

The paint scheme is modified Grass Roots Team colors - never underestimate the inspirational power on the race course that comes from racing for a team like IF!