Entries for Topic: Pete Koski
Friday August 13th, 2010
| | PK
Recently, one of Salsa's web guys, Kris, and myself embarked on an adventure of a different kind with a few other buddies. There was no gravel, no drop bars, heck we didn't even have 29-inch wheels. What we did have was travel, bikes, foriegn currency, weird accents, and new and different terrain to ride. Sounds like an adventure to me!
Our itinerary was a week of riding in Whistler, British Columbia. More specifically, riding DH bikes in the bike park. If you've ever spent time riding in this neck of the woods, you know what I'm talking about. Whether it's in the bike park or off the mountain on the numerous killer trails in the valley, making it from A to B, while adapting to changing weather conditions and keeping yourself and your rig in one piece is always an adventure. Three flats in three consecuctive runs? Yup, that happens. Bears on the trail? Expect it. Bent hangers and munched derailleurs? Come prepared! Sudden thunderstorms? The mountains are unpredictable.
We here at Salsa are a diverse group of cyclists, and we enjoy all types of riding. We work hard to offer bikes, frames, and components that appeal to a wide range of users. In addition to the big ticket, attention grabbing frames and complete bikes we offer, we also have a variety of components to fit almost every type of adventure you can get yourself into (and hopefully out of) on a bike. I'd like to highlight four different Salsa components I used during our trip, some of which may or may not be familiar:
Salsa Chainrings: Our AL-7075-T6 general purpose chainrings are great for both SS setups and also as replacements on multi-speed cranks. I run a single 104 BCD 34T in my chain guide. I've also been experimenting with a 45T-34T combo on my 10-speed Rival equipped Vaya. We offer these rings in a variety of BCD's, tooth counts, in black and silver. Look from more BCD, tooth, and color options in the near future!
Whammy Bars: First off, these bars are NOT intended for downhill use, however, they do pass all the rigorous European testing standards. Secondly, it's my job make sure the products we design are worthy of your hard-earned cash. Rest assured, if I can rally these bars as hard as I have been over the last year, they will hold up on your all-mountain or singlespeed bike just fine. The Whammy Bar comes in both a 20mm low rise and 11-degree flat bar configurations at a ridiculous 780mm wide. Wide bars offer more control over front wheel deflecting impacts which makes holding a line in rough sections (especially at speed) easier. Around these parts, the thick woods and smooth dirt makes riding wide bars less of a necessity. However, out West in the mountains or the desert, the wide bars really shine. Whenever I head out to a riding destination with this type of terrain, I opt for a wider bar on which ever bike I happen to be taking. We make 'em extra wide with the intent that they can be trimmed down to an optimal width just for you. I find I like 740mm. Like chainrings, handlebars are another catagory in which we currently have quite a few projects in the works and we'll soon be able to show some exciting new stuff!
The third Salsa component I was using was a set of Gordo Disc rims. (Sorry no picture.) The rims I have are prototype versions we had specifically rolled into a 26-inch configuration for some intentional abuse while we were developing the Gordo 29'er Disc rim. Please note we only produce and sell the 29-inch Gordo Disc rim type. These two-six proto hoops have been going strong now for 3 years, which includes a couple Whistler trips, and shuttle runs at Bootleg Canyon, NV. If you are looking for one of the toughest 29er rims available, I suggest considering the Gordo 29'er Disc.
The last piece of Salsa componentry on my bike is a Salsa Flip-Off seat collar. It's the original adjustable height seatpost, not to mention the classic styling and various color options. No bike is complete without a Salsa collar.
So that's a quick highlight of some of the Salsa components I used during my recent excursion way out west. As I hinted at, we are currently working hard behind the scenes to expand our portfolio of component offerings to suit all types of adventures by bicycle. Stay tuned to the blog for more info in the near future.
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For those that have read this far, I will offer one last bit of gear that I utilized during our trip that fits squarely in the 'adventure' product category. Over the last couple years you have seen pictures and read stories on the blog from Joe, Jason, Tim, and Kid utilizing frame bags for various adventures and races. In case you have not figured it out yet, frame bags are all the rage these days. Getting gear off you and onto the bike keeps you fresher and free to move about. Frame bags are a great alternative when traditional racks and panniers are not an option. This holds true from commuting to gravel racing to turning laps in the bike park. During past trips to Whistler I have employed either a hydration pack or my shorts pockets to hold my spare tube, tool, mini pump, etc. This year, I took a cue from the cool kids and whipped out what might be the first ever 'adventure DH frame bag'.
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It sits above the BB between the DT and ST on my frame.
It is just big enough to hold a neatly rolled tube, mini pump, tool, wrench for rear wheel removal, and small patch kit. I am happy to report that it worked flawlessly. Being it was 'just' large enough to squeeze my kit into it, all the items were tightly packed and nothing rattled around. The bag held it's shape nicely and didn't move around on the frame while riding. I never even noticed it was down there. Using the frame bag allowed me to ride without a pack or stuffed pockets all week long. It was great. This freed me up to move around more and get extra rad on the bike. If you have not yet tried a frame bag on your bike, no matter what kind it is, I highly recommend you do so.
One last thing: If you've never hit up the Whistler bike park, put some serious effort into making it happen. The trails are fantastic and they've got a range of difficulty. Your skills will get a solid boost from riding at the park, and each run ends down in the village where good food and beer await! -PK
------------------ UPCOMING EVENT: NORTH CENTRAL CYCLERY, DEKALB, ILLINOIS ---------------------
On Wednesday August 18th Salsa will present a preview of some never-before-seen products at an event hosted by North Central Cyclery in Dekalb, IL. Salsa sales manager, David Gabrys will be present with the Mukluk, El Mariachi Ti, La Cruz Ti, the new steel El Mariachi and the background behind our Adventure By Bike direction. He will also be sharing some cool stuff that can only be seen by attendees of the event, so it will be worth your while to make the visit and see what’s happening for 2011.
The event begins at 7pm and will be followed by a campfire (and hopefully S'mores). There will be beer too! RSVP at rideaway@northcentralcyclery.com. North Central Cyclery, 534 E. Lincoln Hwy, Dekalb, IL (815) 758-2403.
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This post filed under the topic(s): Pete Koski
Monday May 31st, 2010
| | PK
For my first attempt at the DK200 I will be riding a Vaya. The Vaya project started about a year and a half ago. Salsa knew it wanted to offer a road-based adventure frame to compliment the Fargo (the off-road adventure offering). Salsa also needed a replacement for the exiting La Cruz. We set about collecting feedback from dealers and customers.
The most common feedback we received was that the La Cruz was more popular with commuters and the emerging gravel crowd, than it was in the 'cross scene. Our purpose for the Vaya then became clear; Make a road-based adventure frame with the pedigree of the La Cruz, that caters to commuters, gravel grinders, and people looking to load up their bike and go find an adventure down the country side.
Early accounts seem to suggest the Vaya is fitting this role well. My frame is a 57cm prototype. It differs from the production Vaya in that it has a slightly heavier gauge tubeset and the older style post mount brackets. Feedback from the crew during the test ride process resulted in the production using a lighter gauge tubeset. This intent being to ensure the Vaya maintained the lighter, sporty feel of the La Cruz, but also enough strength to not turn to mush when loaded up with panniers or run down a rough gravel road.
Salsa designer Mark Rane whipped up some new brackets for the Vaya that not only look trick, but make welding and alignment easier for our manufacturers. In short, my bike is sweet, but the production frames are even better.
This past winter I commited to riding the DK200. Immediately there was no doubt in my mind that the Vaya would be my frame of choice for navigating 200 miles of Kansas gravel. The proven angles of the La Cruz, low BB, fine-tuned sizing scheme, disc brake allotment, & ample tire clearance all make the Vaya a great choice to be set up for all-day-comfort and handling over a variety of road surfaces.
Being it was winter here in Minnesota, I had lots of free time to mentally plan and re-plan my component choices and set up. Conveniently, I sit across from Mr. Meiser here at Salsa HQ. It wasn't hard to get solid advice on what constitutes a good set up for long hauls in the saddle. Getting as much weight off my body and onto the bike was the advice I got. In February I set about crafting frame bags, custom fit to my Vaya frame. A trip to a local fabric outlet, and some pointer from Mrs. PK and I was well on my way to crafting a half-frame bag and a 'gas-tank' while I watched Team USA fall in OT to the Team Canada.
The frame bags have gotten lots of use this spring, and the Almanzo 100 served as a good dress rehersal. I can fit a 100oz water bladder with room to spare in the frame bag, and the tank up top is divided into two compartments, one dedicated for my camera, and one for peanut butter cups. I run the bladder hose loop up along the headtube under the tank strap where it sits nicely, ready to pull out for a quick sip.
I ran the Almanzo self-supported with 1 bottle of Cyto-Max, 1 bottle of diluted Red Bull cola, and 100oz of water. Since the DK200 has 3 check points to refuel, I plan to run less water in the bladder and roll through 2 bottles and the bladder contents for each of the four legs. Food will go in my jersey pocket and gas tank. The extra room in the frame bag will likely be used for layers depending on the weather forecast, or the tubes, pump, and tool currently in my saddle bag.
For components, I'm running a set of 42cm Woodchipper bars, 45/34T Salsa chainrings on a 10-speed Rival drivetrain, and Cane Creek Thudbuster ST post. I like the ergonomics that the angle of the hoods up top on the 'chippers offer. I'm also a fan of the control and confidence the drops provide for descending fast and loose stuff (I topped out at 45.6mph during the Almanzo). The tighter 11T jump in the front rings seems to work for my riding style, and if I can't climb it with the 34t, it ain't worth pedaling up to begin with. The Thudbuster is rad, and well worth the extra weight for saving my lower back. For wheels, I've got a set of DT 240 hubs laced with DT SuperComp spokes to ZTR Arch rims. I have also procured a 36t star-ratchet for the rear hub. Sah-weet! Currently these wheels are set up tubless with 42 Continental SpeedCross tires and I plan on keeping them that way. These things are fast and light!
For training I've been doing my regular 21-mile commute to work and back. That's 42 miles a day, 3 to 5 times a week. Friday's I usually meet the crew for breakfast, so I end up getting in 50 miles, and I've been out on a few 50 to 60-milers on the weekend. Other than that, I've been riding an Alternator Ala Carte at the local XC trails quite a bit, and also hitting up the dirt jumps. No sense killing my motivation to ride by pedaling myself into the ground on long weekend training rides when I get 120-200 miles in on the weekdays.
So that's my Vaya and my plan for the DK200. My goal is just to finish. 200 miles will be the longest pull I've ever taken in one sitting. I'm really looking forward to the adventure it is sure to be, and also to meet and ride with some new folks. Thanks for reading this far. I'll leave you with this parting thought and shot (taken during a shake down ride on my Vaya earlier this spring).
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This post filed under the topic(s): Dirty Kanza 200 , VAYA , Gravel , Pete Koski
Wednesday March 24th, 2010
| | PK
The Fargo is a fairly unique bicycle and sometimes seems to leave folks just a bit confused when it comes to choosing the size they should ride.
First some background:
The Fargo is a 29er adventure mountain bike, designed for drop bars. It is a mountain bike because it uses mountain seat tube lengths (16in, 18in, 20in, etc), has an appropriately gauged tube set, and is designed to use wide knobby 29er tires, disk brakes, and mountain cranksets.
The "designed for drop bar" part is important, and where things start to differ from the norm. First let’s break down a drop bar (road bar): When riding in the "drops" (the lower hook portion), your hands are below (known as "drop"), and also in front (known as reach) of the stem clamp/handle bar centerline. Traditional "flat" or "riser" mountain bars do not have reach, your hands are generally in line with the stem clamp/handle bar centerline.
If you put a drop bar on a mountain bike using the same stem it currently has, you would find that when your hands are "in the drops" they are now further forward, and also much lower than where your hands normally were with the original "straight" handlebar. Let that sink in for minute.
OK, so drop bars mean your hands are further forward, and also lower than normal. To get this new hand position back closer to where your hands typically are on a mountain bike the Fargo has two key differences:
1) A shorter top tube length than a similar sized mountain bikes (Example: medium El Mariachi ETT = 600mm, medium Fargo = 575mm). This compensates for some of the extra "reach" that drop bars have.
2) The head tube lengths are longer than similar sized mountain bikes to help compensate for the extra "drop" that drop bars have.
Now at this point, some of you may be thinking; "What if I want to use flat bars? Won't the bars then be to close and too high?" The answer is simply this: The Fargo was designed to use drop bars. You will have to make some compromises and get sneaky with stems and such to properly fit and use flat bars. It's not impossible, just not optimal on this particular frame.
I should note though that because body types are all different, there are folks who may prefer a shorter top tube length, and in this case the Fargo may work for them in a flat bar set up.
So now that you either understand a little bit more about the Fargo and drop bars (or you are just even more confused), here are some methods for choosing the correct size Fargo for you.
Method 1: If you currently own a Salsa mountain bike:
a. Pick the same size.
ex: You ride a large Ala Carte => look for a large Fargo.
ex: You ride a small Big Mama => look for a small Fargo.
Method 2: If you currently own a mountain bike other than a Salsa, determine what size Salsa mountain bike you would ride:
a. Compare the geometry of your current, favorite, best fitting mountain bike to Salsa's mountain frames.
b. Compare against our El Mariachi, Ala Carte, Big Mama, El Kaboing frames, etc. Do not compare directly to the Fargo.
c. Seat tube length and effective (horizontal) top tube are the two main dimensions to key on.
d. Once you determine what size Salsa mountain bike you would ride, proceed to Method 1.
Method 3: For the Roadies & 'Crossers, Salsa brand or any other make:
a. Compare the effective (horizontal) top tube length of your favorite, best fitting frame to the ETT of the Fargo.
b. Since road and cross bikes come in tighter spaced size increments than the Fargo, use standover as an aid to decide what size Fargo to round up or down to.
Method 4: For multi-discipline cyclists (you own a road or cross bike and a mountain bike.)
a. Note the effective top tube length of your favorite, best fitting road or cross bike.
b. Determine what size Salsa mountain bike is closest to your favorite, best fitting mountain bike (use Method 2 above if necessary).
c. Pick a Fargo based on effective top tube. Use your equivalent Salsa mountain size to round up or down, and double check with stand over.
Of course, blog posts on the interweb are really just one’s and zero’s. The best and most accurate way to size up the correct Fargo is to head down to your local Salsa dealer. They will have the knowledge and experience to fit you and get you out adventuring by bicycle.
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This post filed under the topic(s): Fargo , Pete Koski
Friday March 5th, 2010
| | PK
So it's Friday afternoon and you're killing time at work reading blogs, dreaming of warmer weather, and wondering what you should do this weekend. Here's your answer.
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'Nuff said.
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This post filed under the topic(s): Pete Koski
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