Another Great Ride: Schaeffer Farms Edition

So with my kids still at the in-laws for the week, I took advantage of some extra time and headed to Schaeffer Farms for the afternoon.  The trails are probably my favorites in the area.  I would rank them as intermediate trails with some easier sections great for beginners and some sections with advanced level obstacles and climbs.  Most of it consists of fast and flowy single track with some highly technical, rooty and hillier areas.  If you just want to have fun, you go to Schaeffer Farms.

Because of a hectic work and home schedule, it's been a long while since I had enough time to ride the entire trail system.  I wanted to do it this time and I did.  The weather was hot and extremely humid, with thunderstorms and rain threatening.  Plenty of rain fell the night before, making the trails muddy with a lot of wet roots and missing sections of trail as a result of uprooted trees.  Mmmm...my favorite.

The riding was fun, but I hopped off the bike more than I otherwise would due to the wet conditions.  A lot of it was just dangerous.  I still got in almost 13 miles and was soaked with sweat afterwards.  I still had a great time and got plenty dirty.

Another good day on the rig. I regret not taking pictures on this ride. I saw some pretty cool things along the trail, including deer, old broken down cars etc etc.

Below is the strava recording from the ride and a picture of the trail system:

Patapsco Trail Map

I wanted to put this trail map on here for future reference for all of us.  I wish I would have had this with me yesterday.  I started along 195 and dropped down on the Soapstone trail, connected with the Vineyard Mill trail down to Grist Mill.  Had I known there was a way to connect with the trails on the other side of the river, I would've taken them rather than riding the same thing twice.  Next time I'll know, I guess.

My first ride at Patapsco

With a little time on my hands this beautiful afternoon, I decided check out the trails at Patapsco State Park in the Catonsville, MD area.  I've heard a lot about the trails but since they are on the other side of the state, I haven't been able to check them out...until today.

They are all I've heard that they are.  Most of the trails are rocky, rooty and fast.  There are some major climbs and some spin-off trails that are, I would say, in the "advanced" range.  I would say most of the trails are intermediate level.

They put my bike to the test.  In fact, going down one more difficult section, I attempted going over a log with a two foot drop on the other side...I went over and my bike followed and ended up down the trail about six feet away.  The crash broke my saddle rail in half.  I had to finish the last quarter of the ride with no saddle.  I had so much fun before that, though, that it didn't even matter.

I definitely recommend the trails and I hope to be going back soon.  The in-laws have the kids this week, so I am trying to get as many miles as I can in.  Stay tuned for my next riding adventure!

Here's a link to my strava recording of the ride:



And pictures...

Final Weigh In...

The build is now complete.  The final weight for the bike is 20.86lbs!  That's just about 6 entire pounds lighter than my last rig.

I am enjoying this bike so much.  I got 10 miles in today on the trails in my neighborhood, which are credible intermediate level trails.  The bike just handles so nicely and I am finally getting used to it and learning how to ride it.  With each ride, my handling gets better and my confidence grows.  The bike just continues to take the abuse, off steps, jumps, logs, rocks whatever I throw at it.  Of course, it excels on the hills.  I glide up them almost effortlessly.

I am really pleased with this build and ready to ride it for the long haul.

The First Ride on my LTK023

Going into the ride yesterday, I didn't quite know what to expect from my bike.  I've heard great reviews and I've read some things from folks about the carbon just snapping on these bikes.  Either way, I wanted to ride all out.  Otherwise, why even have the bike.

I hit Schaeffer Farms trails in Gaithersburg, MD.  These have to be my favorite trails in the area. Fast, free flowing with just enough hard stuff to keep you interested.  In other words, they are just fun.  Not a lot of hike-a-bike action.  You can just turn on the ipod, hop on the bike and flow. And that I did.

The bike handled very well.  It was noticeably much lighter than my last bike (by 6 lbs).  I was flying up the hills with no problem.  I put the rigid carbon fork through its paces as well, landing hard off of large steps, up and over large roots and other obstructions and coming down from jumps at speed.  It exceeded my expectations.

The bike was easy to handle, a great climber and gave me a lot more range of speed through different sections due to its easy handling.  I adjusted my line on a moment's notice given the conditions mostly because I could.  I didn't have to commit to a line and a gear in advance because of the ability to easly and smoothly shift my gears, handle my bike and accelerate.  It was a joy.

The ride was hot.  The heat index was somewhere near 110 degrees, but I never felt better.  Even the chinese carbon water bottle cage, which I thought might just be for looks after I noticed how light it was, performed admirably.  My bottle didn't get tossed once.  The super light skewers that I've been using stayed in place as well, despite going over a lot of bumps, roots, steps and jumps.  I had my doubts about them as well.

All in all it was a great ride and a great day.  At least to this point I highly recommend this frame and fork.

Resolution of the LTK023 Shifting Issue

So, my LBS finally resolved the shifting issue today.  They drilled out the internal plastic housing and ran the cable housing all the way through.  I also had them put on a new XT shadow rear derailleur.  I've never felt such smooth shifting on my mountain bike.

They ultimately determined that the problem was with the upper cable stop.  The carbon support was too thin and it was actually flexing every time I shifted, which threw off my shifting.  Problem all solved.

I have to say LT Bikes really came through on this one.  They offered to either fix the frame for free if I sent it back, give me a $50 credit for a future purchase or reimburse me $50 for my repair costs.  I accepted the $50 reimbursement.  My LBS only charged me $30 for the repair so it ended up being a good deal and my frame is perfect.

I took it out for an initial test ride tonight and the frame was great.  It is extremely light, almost too light.  I was getting thrown around by the trail more than I'm used to.  This is probably just something I need to get used to and adjust my riding style for.  What a climber it is though.  I've never climbed so fast.  I lost about 6 lbs from my last bike so I'm flying.

I have a big ride planned for tomorrow at Shaeffer Farms and will report back after that.

Chinese Carbon 29er LTK023 Shifting Issue

So, I still have not been able to resolve my shifting issues.  I took the bike to my local bike shop and they have tried everything, basically putting all new parts on my bike to resolve the shifting issues with no luck.  They have deduced that the problem must be with the internal plastic housing put in by the manufacturer.  This is consistent with what other buyers of this frame have found.  The service manager with 25 years of experience is going to take over the case on Monday to try to resolve the issues.

In the meantime, I have written to LT Bikes and have asked that they reimburse me for the repair since the frame is not performing the way it is supposed to.  This will truly test the level of customer service they provide.  I will be sure to report my progress. Just hoping that I can get this all resolved by Wednesday, in time for my first planned long ride.

Building my LTK023 Chinese Carbon 29er from LT Bikes

Part I: Dealing With LT Bikes

I had been looking for a Chinese carbon 29er frame for the past couple of years.  I knew I wanted to upgrade my bike recently, but with two kids, I don't have tons of money to throw around.  So, it seemed like the perfect time to buy. I was able to sell off my old bike and a lot of bike parts to raise the funds to pay for almost everything that I bought for the build.

The bike arrived well packaged

When I began seriously thinking about it, through research, I decided that the LTK023 frame was the one that I liked best.  Rather than go through Ebay or a website like Alibaba, I decided to order direct from LT Bikes.  It was and is my perception that the customer service will be better if you deal with the company directly and there really wasn't a difference in price.

I contacted Alisa Zhao at LT Bikes who is the main connection for ordering and questions.  I asked her several questions about my options, pricing etc etc.  I did not indicate that I was ready to buy.  Nevertheless, she was incredibly prompt with her answers and invited more questions with each email that was sent.

Alisa's time and attention to my order did not change at all, even after I received my order.  LT Bikes was great to deal with in this regard.

Part II: Bike shipping

As you can see in the picture, the bike was well packed for shipping.  Each piece the I ordered was well covered in Styrofoam and was secured within the box.  No damage was done to the box in shipping either.  The only hang up in the order was that there was a slight delay due to a painting error.  I still received my bike on my door step on the 30th day, which is pretty much what was the original max delivery range.

Part III:  The Bike

The build went well.  It was surprisingly easy to install the brake lines, as the internal routing is set up so that you can run the full housing all the way through (I assume this is so you can use hydraulic brakes).  I use mechanical brakes, but it was still great just to run the housing all the way through.  They put cable guides through each of the holes so that you can easily insert the housing through the other side, no sweat.  Everything else went together well.    The NECO headset that came with the bike went right in, no problems.  I've read that some folks had a problem inserting the bearings into the internal headset due to a buildup of epoxy or carbon.  I had no such issues.

Getting the build started

Others also had issues inserting the seat post clamp far enough down the seat post tube to get a good hold.  I didn't have that issue either.  I used carbon paste in that area to make sure everything was tight and everything attached very firmly.

Crank and rear wheel...check

The bike's finish was beautiful, though not perfect on close inspection.  You can see several of the seams etc.  I kinda like the look as it gives it a very industrial, no BS kind of look and feel, but it may bother you if you are expecting an extremely polished, high-end bike.

I did have two slight issues.  The first was with the fork that I ordered that matches the frame.  I had slight trouble understanding the expanding mechanism that goes into the carbon fork in the place of a star nut.  But once I figured it out after a couple of minutes, it was no sweat.

Almost there!

The other issue that is still ongoing is that I was unable to get the shifting in the rear perfect.  Several others have had this issue with the frame.  Some even drilled out their cable stops so that they could run full housing to the rear derailleur.  They felt that the internal plastic housing that runs internally from cable stop to cable stop was compressing and causing unsmooth shifting.  Before drilling into my carbon frame, I just took it to the local shop to have them make sure it isn't just a bent hanger or something.  I'm waiting to hear back on that issue.  If it really is the internal housing, I may have to take the drilling approach as well.  We'll see.

The bike is super light.  I have a couple of things to change out, like the rotors that will reduce the weight a bit.  When I first weighed the bike it was just over 21lbs, running a 1x9 system.  I'm hoping to get it in the 20 lb range after the rotor change.  I also switched the bb5 brakes out for bb7's, which makes a world of difference in performance and slight difference in weight.

The bike is absolutely beautiful and light and cost me about $1000 all in.  You can't beat that!

Part IV: The Ride

I can't really speak to the ride of the bike yet. I rode it briefly but decided to stop until the shifting was perfect because it was driving me crazy.  From what I felt, the ride was actually a little harsher than I expected.  I was really feeling the bumps.  This could be caused by tires that were inflated more than I was used to or the difference in the fork that I've been used to or due to the frame itself.  It's hard to tell.

I will give more feedback after more time in the saddle.

Part V: The Pics

Enjoy!

How to convert 15mm Thru Axle to Standard 9mm quick release on Easton EA70 XC 29er Wheelset

So recently, as part of my ongoing build, I bought a set of Easton EA70 XC 29er Wheels.  I got them for a pretty nice price on Ebay.  The only catch, the front wheel was a Thru axle and I needed a quick release axle for my current set up.  No problem, I thought.  The seller included the conversion kit in the deal for me.  I figured, with a little help from the Easton Cycling website, I'd get the job done lickety split.

Well, I got the wheels along with the conversion kit and then turned to the Easton website for instructions.  The only problem was, as you will see, the instructions are not on point and are awful; especially if you are someone like me who needs to read very explicit instructions rather than just looking at visuals.

So, if you find yourself in the same predicament, I hope that this post helps.  Now, I didn't take actual photos as I was doing it, because, quite frankly, I had no confidence as to whether I was doing it right.  But it turned out that I did do it right, so I'll just add words to the pictures supplied on the Easton site for you.  Enjoy!


Step 1: Remove the Thru Axle
Easton Page: http://www.eastoncycling.com/bike/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/XC2-FRONT-HUB-BEARING-REMOVAL.swf

The Easton site has a picture of the axle simply being moved out of the hub.  What they don't tell you is how to get it out of there.  I used a rubber mallet and then a regular hammer and a 2x4 at first with no luck.  Ultimately, I just took a regular hammer and lightly tapped it out.  You'll want to do one side, until the bearing and bearing cap falls out, then with the axle still in place in the remaining bearing, lightly tap out the second bearing and bearing cap.  Voila!  You are ready to insert the new axle.


Step 2. Install the Non-Drive Side Axle
Easton Page: http://www.eastoncycling.com/bike/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/XC2-FRONT-HUB-BEARING-INSTALLATION.swf

Ok, this is where the Easton pictures really got me lost.  Basically, I learned from the pics that I was to use a QR skewer and that's all I got from the pics.  What I soon realized is that they want you to create a press.  What they want you to use, I still don't know.  Here's what I did.

I greased the axle, bearing and bearing cap.  I lined the bearing and bearing cap up with the axle hole in the hub.  I then used the end caps from the 15mm thru axle and turned them backwards so that they wouldn't actually insert and possibly get stuck in the hub and put my skewer through all of that closed off by the qr end cap on the other side.  So, the order would go, qr closure mechanism, 15mm thru axle cap backwards, bearing cap, bearing, hub, PLACE SKEWER THROUGH AXLE AND PLACE AXLE IN AXLE HOLE IN HUB, other end cap backwards, qr spring and qr end cap.

I then just turned the skewer to tighten it, using the whole thing like a press.  It pressed the bearing and bearing cap right in.  Be careful here.  You want to make sure that you are pressing straight and nothing gets lodged sideways in the hub.  You also want to make sure that the bearing is fully seated in the hub.  You can see the little ledge on the inside of the hub and you can tell whether the bearing is right up against it or if there is a gap just by looking in from the other side.

Step 3: Install Drive Side Axle
Easton Page: http://www.eastoncycling.com/bike/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/XC2-FRONT-HUB-BEARING-INSTALLATION.swf

Ok, with the non-drive side axle installed, the axle itself will still be loose.  Don't worry.  It will tighten up when you get the second bearing in.  Repeat what you did in the last step to put the drive side bearing and bearing cap in place.  You'll will find that after properly setting both bearing and caps that the axle is tight and  is perfectly positioned.

Step 4: Verify correct installation

At this point, if everything is good, the axle should spin freely.  Keep the skewer in the wheel and either spin it in your hands or place it in your fork and spin it.  Make sure there is no restriction and it is spinning freely.  If so, you are done!  If not it could be that the bearings are not seated properly. You will want to perform the procedures again.

The Build List...

The frame is still not here nor are most of the parts, but all of the parts have now been purchased.  Here is the build list:

• Frame: LTK-023 carbon 29er 18" (1250g)
• Fork: LT-FK023 carbon 29er tapered fork (549g)
• Headset: NECO supplied with frame
• Wheelset: Velocity VXC 29er wheelset
• Tires: Schwalbe Racing Ralph 29 x 2.25 (610g ea)
• Seatpost: KCNC Pro Lite Ti Scandium seatpost (178g)
• Handlebar: Exotic scandium handlebar (115g)
• Crankset: SLX m670 crankset (810g)
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano (90g)
• Bashguard:  BBG Superlight bashguard (28g)
• Pedals: Egg Beater C Pedals (290g)
• Saddle: Fizik Arione carbon rail (159g)
• Brakes: Avid BB5, 160mm rotors
• Stem: Hylix superlight 90mm stem (99g)
• Shifter: Shimano XT 9speed, right only (1x9 drivetrain) (255g)
• Rear Derailleur: Shiman XT 9 speed (228g)

More goodies

After selling my frame this past weekend and a bunch of parts this Wednesday, I have a bunch of money in my pocket for this project.  So, of course, I gotta make use of it to get this bike LIGHT, right?

I purchased a super light stem made by Hylix from ebay.  Shipping might be slow (due to come in at end of the month) but the price was right and the stem only weighs 99 grams!  I also got a super light BBG bash guard, 28g!  I purchased a new Race Face evolve crankset as well, although I'm not sure that I'm going to keep that toy.  I may continue using my old beat up crankset to save some bones.  Not much weight savings there, so I'm not sure that I need to keep it.

Now, I just wait for my frame to come in from the main land.  C'mon already!

Out with the old, In with the new

So I broke down my 29er last night to get it ready for sale.  Final weight...26.66lbs.  For a 1x9, that seems kind of heavy and it was unexpected.  The fork and frame were heavier than expected, as was the crankset.  My goodness!

So the parts purchases have begun for the new rig.  First, a scandium handlebar over the Hussefelt giant that I had.  That bar was a tank, but it also was heavy like a tank.  The new bar is around 125 g and feels like air.  Second, a scandium seat post.  I do have a relatively light carbon seat post now, but this scandium is more than 100g lighter and not as delicate as carbon.  Of course the 29er frame and fork that I bought is super light...the frame is 2lbs lighter and the fork is 1lb lighter.  I'm also looking to buying an SLX crankset which probably won't be much lighter, but it certainly can't be heavier.  I also picked up a pair of 29 x 2.25 Schwalbe Racing Ralph tires (610g each) over the very heavy 29 x 2.55 WTB Weirwolves that I have.

All in all, the new rig should be much lighter. I'm shooting for sub 20lbs.

I took the plunge!

With my wife's begrudging approval, I made the plunge to buy a long sought, Chinese carbon 29er from LT bikes.  I've been looking at the LTK-023 model for a long time, like years.  After reading review after review and speaking to the folks at LT Bikes who seem to be nothing but polite, attentive and helpful, I purchased my new 29er, sub 3lb frame this morning.

The frame, listed at 1250g +/- 50 g is super light and from the reviews, is super strong and sturdy.  I got mine in UD matte, but you can also get it in UD gloass, 3k or 5k or have it painted a for a bit more money.  $310 gets you the frame.  I also splurged and got the matching carbon fork for another $90.  I figured the headset is tapered and I would have to get a new tapered fork to keep things easy anyway.  $90 for a rigid carbon fork at 545g +/- 10 g, you simply cannot beat that!

I also ordered the matching headset and a spare rear hanger for another $20 plus change.

My goodness is that a deal!  I could not resist.

Between the frame and fork I'll be dropping about 2 pounds off of my current bike, which is already light.  I also ordered a scandium seat post and handlebar that should take off even more weight, about another pound or so.  It is conceivable that I could have a sub 20lb bike.

I'm currently looking for a light SS crankset, as I'm going to run this bike as a 1x9.  That seems to be the best combination in my opinion.

It should be a few weeks until it comes in.  I cannot wait!!  Here are some pics:

It's been too long!

First, our second child came in June.  Then, in September, my wife and I decided to sell our home and build a new one.  That meant that from October to February, I was knee deep in home repairs and painting.  I had no time between that and the kids to get in the saddle.

Luckily, now that we moved several weeks ago and things are starting to calm down, I have been able to get out twice in the new neighborhood.  The new area is designed for outdoor lovers and endurance athletes.  It features 5 lakes, 36 miles of hiking trails, tennis courts, pools etc etc.  Any much to my surprise, I discovered a secret which is very much kept on the DL there...11 miles of real mountain bike trails.  The best part...the trail comes practically to my front door.  All I have to do is walk across the street and I hop on.  It's awesome!

The trail is perfect for my skill level and even offers a bit of a chance for growth and improvement.  I've also been able to get out on the roads.  The hills in the community are crazy steep.  I'll either get back into great shape or pass out trying.

I'll be sure to update with the latest stats and stories.  For now, I have to keep unpacking before I can really get back into it.  Sheesh!