Projekt-Bagged Lada

I HERD U LIEK BRAP

2011-12-30T20:34:00.000-08:00

SO WE PUT A 20B INTO UR FC SO U CAN BRAP WHILE U BRAP

WIIIICK-EDDDDD

B-tionary Entry: Brap

2011-12-12T07:58:00.000-08:00

BRAP: [brap] verb, adjective, brappy, brapping, brapped

1)An onomatopoeia for the sound of a tires rotational momentum not being translated to forward motion on dirt. Originally the sound is of a single cylinder motorbike engine increasing in rpm, it may be used for larger vehicles or even bicycles.

"Looks like you've already been through here. I can see your brap marks."

"I brapped up the brappiest hills I've ever brapped today."

Related viewing:

When You See It

2011-12-07T22:33:00.001-08:00

Hometown shreddin

2011-12-02T11:44:00.001-08:00

This completely blew me away. I absolutely lost my shit at 2:10, and am now watching it on repeat.

JP Auclair Street Segment (from All.I.Can.) from Sherpas Cinema on Vimeo.

I grew up here. The multiple stair sets are in West Trail. The town is built up onto the side of the hill with narrow switchback streets which are NO JOKE in the winter (I used to deliver chinese food up there). I've shredded sections of this on my bike, but would never think to do it on skis.

Brovativ Lyfestyle vid

2011-11-30T07:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a new Danny Hart edit, showing his training routine and cutie girly.

Overall, the best things about this video for me are:
-the Fifi Nasty song
-the penny arcade
-the forest scene
-fox jammies

Poison Landlady

2011-11-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

I just realized you can embed pinkbike videos in blogger. Great. A few notes about this video:

1. 360 lookback, both ways, pay attention kids.
2. Every time I watch it, I end up listening to the song about a dozen times, which brings me to my next point...
3. If you ever met our old landlady on Triumph Street, you might get creeped out by the original video.
4. Sometimes I love power metal as a predecessor to fantasy metal.
5. I want a sub-25 pound dirt jumping hardtail.
6. Anybody wanna jump bikes into water next summer???

TONIGHT - From the Inside Out

2011-11-15T10:11:00.001-08:00

When: Tuesday November 15. Doors at 8:00pm, show at 8:30pm.
Where: UBC NORM Theater
Cost: $10 at the door. Tickets now ready at Dunbar Cycles. First come first serve. $5 for members

SCRUB OF THE MONTH

2011-11-11T10:07:00.001-08:00

Evan Schwartz gets some flow and huck in Kelowna.

Better Halloweens Than Ours

2011-11-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Seen in Bellingham, inspired by the Otters.

Red Bull Mini Drome Today!!!

2011-10-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well,.. I'm nervous/pumped, about 85% over my cold, and 120% ready to slay.
This is gonna be rad.

Location: Rocky Mountaineer Station
Address: 1755 Cottrell Street
Free for Competitors and Spectators
Minimum 18 years of age
Pre-Register at Super Champion Bike Shop, 245 Main Street
Qualifiers: 12pm
Main Event: 5:30pm

HOLY SHIT YEAH, BUT NO. CAMRY DRIVER WINS.

2011-09-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

You had me at "AK-47."

Via Jalopnik. Also, it's an Accord. Twin nose vipers strike at 1:54. Gunplay, ululating, a backseat "DAT ASS," Tokyo Drift meets Oakland sideshow meets oh my God their logo even looks like ours. I'm pretty sure the rear window reads: "Mothers, hide your daughters."

Straight outta Cloncpton

2011-09-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

At first i was all 'wha?' .. but then I was like

3 for the weekend

2011-09-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hammers: dropped.

The Fiend Promo from Fiend BMX on Vimeo.

Seth Kimbrough - PHX to PDX...Again? from Shadow Conspiracy on Vimeo.

And this, friends, is why I bought a FERD.

2011-08-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Always Hoon Responsibly

2011-08-16T12:01:00.000-07:00

When it rains it pours. I know you all love this shit. Gymkhana 4.

New Dan Mac

2011-08-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Cable ride = awesome! And you can tell when the backflip is imminent.

Tales of the Tall Man Apollo

2011-08-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I picked up this Tall Man Apollo frame last year from an imaginary character from the internet. He didn't want to meet, but left the frame zip-tied to a fence in my neighbourhood. The price? Free.

I held on to the frame thinking I'd learn to weld my own tall bike with Lyle's TIG machine... but the frame was almost too nice for it. Chrome stays, forged dropouts, original paint, and straight; things that are hard to come by, but especially for tall mans.

Jesse put the call out for a large frame and I decided to pass it on. Here's what he came up with: two-speed kickback with a coaster; a sensible city cruiser.

Cypress Gold

2011-08-05T22:13:00.000-07:00

Getting lost on Cypress isn't all bad...

Two wheels and an engine: a slippery slope.

2011-07-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

We fit the body panels to my scooter at the local motorcycle repair shop...

Woah.

2011-06-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

The weekly ComeUp CatchUp yielded this gem of an edit. I can't even describe what's going on in here. G-turn to fencepick?

Rooftop 2011 United Video Part. from Channel 4Down on Vimeo.

Support Your Local Legend

2011-05-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

Surrey Steve goes in hard - and this is apparently just a teaser for a video eight years in the making. China Creek represent!

Surrey Steve from Uncle Steve on Vimeo.

Bonus edit for ridiculous ice-to-fuf old school tech lip tricks, a Canuckmobile, and a VPD guest appearance in our old alleyway. Also, this guy has one of the all-time funniest stolen bike repo tales. Watch and learn.

Gah.

2011-05-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Sean Burns - 'Surfin for the Ugly Broads' from Bone Deth Video WasteLand on Vimeo.

I've seen things you people wouldn't believe...

2011-05-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

$210 days on a borrowed 30-year-old Sekine... Couriers sailing five feet in the air over the hood of a Porsche Cayenne near the Bentall gate... All these moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

Time for vacation.

You Like This

2011-05-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

25 minutes of BC shralping—if this doesn't get you stoked to ride then you can fuck right off.

More viewing

2011-04-24T08:05:00.001-07:00

This is pretty much a video blog lately.

I've only watched episode 1 of Triple Rush, but enjoyed it.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Also, here's a dude surfing a LarryVsHarry Cargo bike:

TCB BULLITT CARGO SURFING from Storts on Vimeo.

Accidentally the Whole Crankarm

2011-04-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, Nick had a rim blowout due to brake wear. In the meantime—and I do really mean meantime, as Nick takes a very long time to make decisions—I lent him the Sekine Machine. Tonight, he accidentally the whole crankarm. The story:

"We were racing up Quebec, and it went ping on my first pedal stroke off the Broadway light. Then we stood on the corner laughing for about 15min. Jen said it was one of the funniest things she's ever seen.

Sorry Morgan. =-( At least it gave its life to a hilarious cause."

Well, I think it's just awesome. Just the other night in Lyle's shop I was saying how great it was that this bike that I've owned for almost five years is getting thrashed by yet another member of ProjB. (Lyle rode it for a bit after he broke his Bianchi.)

Next up, Nick will give us feedback on what 175mm cranks feel like on a single speeder as opposed to the 170s he just broke.

Triple Rush

2011-04-15T20:34:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty stoked for this. It stars some of the crew from the Fixed.gr forum over there.

Line 4

2011-04-04T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is the best mtb commercial I've ever seen, really.

The Line, part 4: blood on the trail from Marco Toniolo on Vimeo.

..buy rose or pigface will kill me..

The line has gone off the page.

2011-04-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

I still don't understand what's going on...

This is where I draw the line.

2011-03-31T21:17:00.001-07:00

You've all been chomping at the bit for Part 2. Well, here it is.

Where do you draw the line?

2011-03-31T20:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't that an old DK song?

Just saw this, it starts off slow, but gets pretty rad.

The Line, part 1 from Marco Toniolo on Vimeo.

I'm looking forward to Part 2

This.. is.. Sheffield!

2011-03-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Some highlights from the descent on the BUCS XC course in England. Pretty good for a larf.

BUCS 2011 X.C Carnage! from Joe Bowman on Vimeo.

Masters of Dirt

2011-03-16T01:04:00.000-07:00

Man these dudes can wrangle their machines. Not even going to start to call a best trick on this one, but the four-wide dirt bike backflip and the two-man mini dirt bike backflip are among my favourites.

The Aftermath of Bikes Inside

2011-03-05T15:24:00.001-08:00

Dustin caught this video of Emily and Carrie's mini bike beer bungee at last weekend's party. Dustin and Cody brought the Bad Party and Proj-B brought the mini bikes. W2 Storyeum was definitely the biggest space we've ever had a bike party, and carrying our mini bikes there on our Vallie Components racks turned out to be a great choice!

Another Trophy for the Collection

2011-02-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

Adding to Lyle's Zoobomb 2008 and my Helltrack 2009 trophies, as well as the "bench warmer award" I got in Grade 8 football, I hereby present the 2011 St. Valentine's Massacre trophy. I have to make a plaque for Nick Berry and myself, so we can pass the trophy on to next year's winner. Full race recap on the Mighty blog.

Just a little pre-race inspiration...

2011-02-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

While the clock ticks down to Morgan chasing the $500 gran prix in the annual Valentine's Day Massacre, here's a little Berg Cup hoon action courtesy of Speedhunters. Grab a coffee, turn your speakers way, way up, and be prepared to have to explain to your girlfriend why an Opel Manta is not necessarily the most feasible project car to own. See you at Crab Park!

These. are. the. brakes.

2011-02-09T22:46:00.000-08:00

I hardly rode my BMX at all last year.

I even did some upgrades to it sometime last spring. New wide bars, new fork, and a new colour scheme. Still it didn't get ridden.

The bike just wasn't practical. I think I only commuted on it once or twice, and recall not giving myself enough time to really have fun with it.

I'm pretty sure that it was partly because Morgan and Nick convinced me to take the brake off. That really affected how I viewed the bike. Suddenly it just didn't seem as maneuverable. Sure, I learned to foot Jam skid it in 3 of the 4 positions.. but the rest of the brakeless experience just didn't seem as boosty or flowy as it is supposed to be.

I guess I never put enough hours into it to feel totally comfortable riding it like that. ..and it was tough, because I have to ride to spots. I suppose if I was living half a block from a skate park, it would be a different story.

Long story short, I decided to put the brake back on my BMX.

Its a nice little black anodized forged and CNC machined piece from Suelo (Fly's flatland brand). Its actually a front brake, and using it on the back of my bike was always a bit of a bodge. The knarp cutouts in the ends of each arm are designed such that the cable is actually meant to be stretched across it.

A rear brake would have slightly more 'hooked' notches for a straddle cable to pull up from the centre. In using this brake before, I always had to have a piece of bike tube over the straddle cable, acting as a safety to stop it from popping off the arms.

Thankfully, I found a piece of the original hardware that came with the brake. A cool little cable end barrel that fits in the arm, as it would be used on the front of a BMX. I was thinking I'd have to make my own version of it.

An Avid Rollamajig would be amazing.. but after looking at RideOn, OCB, and mighty.. I thought I would have to settle on a custom radiused V brake noodle.. Until Pat showed me the Flexie. (Pat Pending). Its just a section of Bowden cable, with a plastic sleeve, and some special end hardware.

Here's a shot of the brake hardware laid out on the bench:

You can see that the flexie is a bit lower profile than an already radius tightened V brake noodle. I actually shortened it down to half its original length, as I didn't think it was necessary. It all went together pretty quickly once I remembered which way the springs go in the Fly brake.

Here's the finished result:

I've got a good 7mm of clearance to the backside of the crank arm. The cable is anchored to the top tube by two zip ties. The spring tension has to be slightly higher on the non restricted arm, but they end up hitting the rim at the same time. The cable is fully lubed with Pedro's Synlube, and it feels amazing at the lever with the Speed dial tuned for maximum mechanical advantage. Even a certain lever 'feel' snob should be happy with it.

So I'm ready to get back into the kind of riding I like to do on this bike. Dry weather is nearly upon us.

Wade! Sign My Chest?!

2011-02-07T10:29:00.000-08:00

Turns out I'm not the only one still riding these days.

Eric Lawrenuk at those jumps you've always had your eye on when riding up the Second Narrows Bridge on ramp, and then some Seymour downhill con Jordie Lunn. Thanks Khaled for the link.

Ross Measures at mtbville has a new edit up, street shralpin' with lots of local spots. I think I've watched his Gulevich video 20 times.

Ross also shot this little interview with Wade Simmons. Jodi is now carrying a sharpie in her mtb bag, if you know what I'm saying...

17 Questions: Wade Simmons - More Mountain Bike Videos

Strahan Loken shredding some classic west coast conditions on Vancouver Island, from Aaron Larocque. He's always got to get his Honda Element in there...

More fish-fryin' Strahan Loken. Mike Siemens, the best thing to come out of Abbotsford since Jose da Silva, likes this vid.

Lyle and I have known Mike since 2002 or something ridiculous like that. Yes, the Volkswagens. Mike's doing a blog post for every ride this year, aiming for 120 trail rides. He was recently caught wearing nicely contrasting colours - take note!

Photo by Ian Harker.

Now for some helmet cams... a clean run of Crazy Carpenter at the Woodlot in Maple Ridge: "old school skinnies and dorps to falt" from Dylan Sheffer.

And a recent video from Ladies Only on Fromme, where you can see the ridiculous additions Digger's done with the heron ponds.

New Old School from Mountain Goat on Vimeo.

And to finish, something not exactly local, but a good example of what can be done with a cheap camera and some DIY rigging.

Kodiak Alaska mountain biking mashup from Philip Tschersich on Vimeo.

LOCAL TOONIE RACE SERIES!!!!!

2011-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE?

Indoor 4x

2011-02-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

Woot! this event looks like 11 storeys of super fun.
Not nearly as big of a crowd as most redbull events however...

On the topic of Tall Bikes...

2011-01-29T08:05:00.001-08:00

Shortly after I finished my Time Trial Tall, I was riding it around Manhattan like a hoon.

Out in Harlem I would get Hollered at. In Midtown I would get hollered at. .. and on the Lower East Side.... well I got hated on. I was at Neighburrito when a bike dude on Rivington was clearly unimpressed with my feat of engineering. He was pissed because he thought I bought it that way from a store. I don't even know if he had a tall bike or not, but he was a purist.

Sure, you're 'supposed' to make tall bikes from junk. But that doesn't mean you don't have to take pride in your craftsmanship. Who wants to ride a deathtrap that is constantly falling apart?

I think the last couple of years have really shown me what level of stuff people can come up with in their own back yards.

Check out this absolute BEAST from Zoobomb's RandomMayhem:

This probably isn't the BEST example, but here we see a custom Geekhouse tall bike ( I know, he's a bike builder anyways!)

Alan's Minitalls are looking so classy you'd think they would be available on bikesdirect!

..But they're not available online. You actually have to go to Alan's house and BBQ with him in order to get one of your own.

Well folks.. I think we all new the day was coming. Production tall bikes ARE available to the masses, available at the click of a mouse.

ORDER YOURS NOW

And how about this one?

BUY 2 SO YOU AND YOUR GIRL CAN RIDE TOGETHER

I guess there is nothing wrong with these bikes, but they do lack SOMETHING that I cannot pinpoint. (cue bike culture is not for sale jpg)

So what is it?
Am I a purist?
Does it have to be broken before its welded into a tall?
Does it have to be 100% Freegan?
Does it have to be just a little bit scary?

Like most posts on here, I'm now not sure what my point is/was. I sort of feel that its the most fun if you're riding a bike that came from your imagination. I've currently got the itch to build something again, but I don't know what direction to go. For me, a bike has to be rideable, which limits just how 'crazy' I can get with it. I'm sure I'll come up with something though.

Shralp the Tall

2011-01-28T21:35:00.000-08:00

I saw Cody last week at the Gastown Sprints. He suggested that he was still interested in finishing his tall bike project. The Fiorshiki. Lyle, let's do this. Norcopollo. Let's riding high.

From Steel

2011-01-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

Handmade steel hardtail? Yes please!

Kneejam Nosepicker

2011-01-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

Another ripper BMX video to clear the air... note he can spin flairs both ways.

Late to the party. aka. This is art.

2011-01-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

Well.. I didn't see this thing until the other day. I guess the owner of PDW bought it, and maybe will set it up in their cafeteria or something. Kind of cool, kind of lame. The art speak makes me want to murder.

Circulus from machine project on Vimeo.

Ryan Leech...

2010-12-28T03:20:00.000-08:00

He doesn't dab, you know. And he'll be doing a trials demo at the Burnaby 4 Day TODAY! Tuesday December 28th. Get out to the velodrome to watch some racing and see if that famous saying really is true...

And I don't think any of us are riding BMX enough right now, but Sean Burns' latest should get the stoke going.

Burnaby 4-Day

2010-12-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

Next week (Dec. 27-30) will be the Burnaby 4-Day track race. This is possibly the biggest race the BVC has ever hosted with several international PRO level racers coming out. Tyler Farrar (Garmin/Transitions & ranked 9th in 2010s UCI rankings):

Christian Meier (Garmin/Transitions):

Zach Bell (World Championships silver medallist):

Tara Whitten (Current Omnium & Points race World Champion):

Svein Tuft (Former Garmin/Transitions, now Team Spidertech):

...and Sarah Hammer (Two-time track world champion):

There will also be plenty of racing on an amateur level in the A, B & C categories which will be just as good to watch (just not as fast) while the PRO's are taking a break.

The house lights are being turned off and it's going to be all Euro-disco styles with a bunch of kegs kicking around. Party time at the track. Check here for party times.

I'll be there on the final two days working as a commissaire/track nazi. Call me what you will but who wouldn't want to get close to all that spandy-pants ass?

2010 British Indoor Cycle Speedway Championships!

2010-12-19T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is awesome. We should make this happen in Vancouver... I mean come on.. Portland's done it, right?

A couple BMX vids to clear the air...

2010-12-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

Tate Roskelley's last edit was a lot to live up to, but this one's not bad. I think it's the song, though; that Dr. Dog "Heart It Races" is pretty good.

And a very Sean Burns-esque character with Jay Wilson in the new Bone Deth edit. Nick approves, and I quote: "holy shit of the year."

Next Level Unicycling

2010-12-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Honestly, with the number of times I burst out laughing during this video, I'd recommend keeping your coffee on the desk while you watch it. I won't leave any spoilers here, but it looks like this guy is after our boy Danny and the entire world of fixed gear freestyle.

NAUCC 2010 from Max Schulze on Vimeo.

Browser video cleanup

2010-12-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

Yep. Once again I find that I've got way too many browswer tabs open. Instead of bookmarking these videos or Zoteroing them.. I'll just paste them here.

I liked the first half of this one, specifically the wheel building, gets pretty meh once the bike is runnign though:

AFFINITY CYCLES x KENZO MINAMI = DIGITIZER from Cinecycle on Vimeo.

Not a terrible song or vid:

Completely ridic and awesome:

Erik Elstran's Dragon Shredit (internet edition) from North of Ten on Vimeo.

Cool way to win a bike:

More Mountain Biking Videos

Wicked leaning electric assisted cargo trike from Onya Cycles in SF:

BC Cyclocross Provincial Championship

2010-11-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

Sunday, November 28 is the last race of the season, and the provincial championship. Racing starts at 11am at Mahon Park in North Vancouver, with the elite men's final at 1pm. Get your heckle on!

MTBville Bobsled Shredit

2010-11-24T23:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a video from local bro Ross Measures of mtbville.com. This one isn't up on mtbville yet, but there is definitely some content worth looking at. The video is also hosted ad-free on vimeo if you'd prefer to watch it there, but I will respect Ross' wishes to have embedding link back to vital so you can watch an ad.

Geoff Gulevich sure does rip it up. Next time you're up on Bobsled--which seems to be about 9/10 times on Fromme lately--it's time to start manualing those whoops! The high speed truckin' on Indian River Drive doesn't quite capture the stomach-in-throat feeling of being there, but I know the spot well!

Video: Geoff Gulevich on Home Turf - More Mountain Bike Videos

EDIT: vital embedding appears to not be working, go to vimeo to watch it...

Curved Tubes and Unique Features

2010-11-23T12:42:00.001-08:00

I just had an interesting thought come up that falls in line with the evolution of the multi-disciplinary cyclist such as us here at Project-B. When I had my own bicycle renaissance in the realm of 700c, bikes of intrinsic value with curved tubes and unique features were high on my list of "wants". Years later, the desire for the curvy stylish bike continues, in a different way.

Exhibit A: Cyclops Time Trial bike.

Note the curved seat tube, among other oddities, and intrinsic value in the Canadian builder. This bike saw me through the three longest days I've ever done on a bike (220, 320, and 410km rides), all within a three week period. That's some history.

Since then, I have taken a beeline through an elite-level cyclocross bike and into the world of mountain bikes. Though they may at first seem unrelated, I just came to the realization that my new mountain bike also has curved tubes and unique features.

Exhibit B: The Banshee Wildcard.

The curved tubes come by way of hydroforming, and the unique features are designed on a computer, but the idea still stands and Banshee is a boutique company based in BC. My rides aren't as long these days but the fun factor is just as high.

Sure, the bikes have completely different purposes, but they can be appreciated for similarities, at least aesthetically. Let's leave that as an unfinished thought, unless someone wants to buy the Cyclops. I'm going to get back to an essay on "the imperial adventure novel" while dreaming of "the imperial adventure bike ride".

Prolly: Shoes Contest

2010-11-19T11:34:00.000-08:00

Prolly is having a photo contest, giving away some DZR Strasse SPD sneakers. I'd love to see how they'd do on the trails, not to mention at work as a courier. The parameters of the contest: post a photo of your local bike shop.

Where do I go for wheel builds and anything I'm likely to screw up because I don't have the right tools? The Vallie Components garage. Lyle's shop is about as local as it gets, being six blocks from my house. Having just finished Matt "teen wolf" Hornland's Flite Club rack, mine is next up for the trusty TIG machine. Pretty damn stoked.

I didn't get a chance to shoot a fresh photo at the shop this week, so I'm submitting one from the torque test we did back in September.

Danny MacAskill: Way Back Home

2010-11-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

This does not disappoint.

I'm making this a Danny superpost. Back in October 2008 we posted the first one we came across...

And then of course April 2009, when it all blew up.

Still stoked on Mr. McStokeskill?

Shopping Cart Nosebonk to Barspin in the Woods

2010-11-13T20:27:00.000-08:00

The first line in this video is rad. It's from the BC-produced film Brighter, which is worth watching in its entirety as well.

In related news, I caved and bought a full suspension bike. A deal that was too good to pass up on a well-cared for Banshee Wildcard marks the second Proj-Bike bought from Mr. Lidstone. Since it's a slopestyle bike, I'm going to have to brush up on my barspins and no-foot cans.

Macneil PNW

2010-11-10T22:49:00.000-08:00

Matt B. pointed me to this one a few weeks ago, and I just got around to watching it. Lots of familiar spots through Vancouver, Bellingham, Seattle, and Portland. Cascadia! The flair on the barrier at 4th and Manitoba blew me away!

New Mutiny Video: Dunkerque

2010-11-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

I've always liked what the Mutiny crew puts out, and this one doesn't disappoint. Dunkerque is on the English Channel in the north of France, almost in Belgium.

Life Cycles: Vancouver Premiere

2010-10-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

We've got tickets for this out at UBC on Thursday. Doors at 7. Tickets at Dunbar Bikes. Pretty smooth trailer.

Amazin Blaze

2010-10-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

This guy seems pretty good. I'll bet he turns out a mean bike frame.

OCB Halloween Party

2010-10-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for us two Sundays from now, try here:

Always a fun time at the OCB Party!

Sweet old DH'in.

2010-10-08T19:05:00.001-07:00

This is like going riding with Lyle!

Going Apeshit

2010-10-05T10:27:00.001-07:00

I'd say this guy is going apeshit on his shitty cruiser.

Suitably nerdy

2010-09-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

Some super nerdy reading for you.

I've updated Vallie components, and published an article on the torque testing of some M5 bolts.

I've also found this really interesting article on chain wear measurement.

I also found out about Civia Cycle's Halstead cycletruck:

Yeah.. I pretty much spend my time online looking at pages like this.

...and who can forget the 'stringbike'. We had an interesting fellow come into the shop the other day and tell us about it. I had previously read the article and seen the animations, so I knew what he was talking about.. but it was super funny to hear his strange Hungarian pride when telling me of it.

Okay.. back to work.

Only In Italy...

2010-09-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

This one fully qualifies for WMD's category of "so fucking lame but somehow so fucking cool"... for me it evokes images of the early days of the current fixed gear movement, with many of the moves looking like the oh-so-awkward skid variations.

And if you thought that was embarrassing, check out this video from March 2007.

Chris Akrigg - Teocali Mega.0

2010-09-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Chris sits down with his mum and relives this years Mega Avalanche race.

Projekt-Dorifto

2010-09-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

I know we've been a little thin on content lately, but this should make up for it.

D.B.D.H. 2010

2010-08-10T08:11:00.001-07:00

What did you do this past weekend? I was fairly responsible and held down Mighty all weekend... Meanwhile, one city to the South, the Dead Baby Downhill was going on. As Alan would say, SUPER JEALZ! Here's a great vid showcasing the fun:

A video to keep you occupied.

2010-08-04T11:09:00.001-07:00

4 minutes of mostly slow-mo, lots of the good old tony hawk combo lines.

Finally, a brake that won't slow you down.

2010-07-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

A little bit of irony in this ad for some new Hayes hydraulic levers spotted on NSMB. Looks like they've added an adjustment to the master cylinder to tweak brake action and modulation. I am more interested in brakes that do slow me down, however.

So if it wasn't obvious enough from my flickr page, I've been spending the majority of my two-wheeled time on the North Shore, attempting to conquer super technical trails on my Kona Chute hardtail and shooting a ton of photos. Here are some of my recent favourites (click for big!):

Jumped this massive stepdown gap on Cypress last week... that was a rush.

Our new riding buddy Roger likes to jump things too, like this log ride to dorp on Mt. Seymour.

Lyle is now loggin' miles on the freshly built Kona Unit single speeder.

We finally made our way to some of the lesser-traveled trails on the west side of Fromme, where Jodi hit this sketchy line.

The successful riding of the heron swamp section on our current favourite trail, Ladies Only, is a big highlight.

We miss our good bud Khaled, whose steezy jumps such as on Squamish's Half Nelson are now being forced on unsuspecting Europeans.

He did refer me to fellow forest lover, Ghostrider, who likes to take it easy down the hill - just the way I like it.

And even silent ProjB Brandon has been found back on a mountain bike, taking it to the Extreme on Burnaby Mountain.

Finally, while last week we threatened to kick Nick out of ProjB for parting out his dream bike, he is making huge progression on his BMX and has been given another chance. We spent the afternoon at Confed with a hipster briefcase and a picnic that the neighbourhood ants just loved. My camera battery had just died, but I will confirm that Nick got above coping on the mini bowl more than once. In lieu of that, check out this radical stunt by way of Alan.

Bike to Work Weak

2010-06-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Just saw this from Aran Cook @ Naked bikes. So hilarious. So rad to see that he lives in a van on the property! I want to bike back up there at the end of the summer.

Nakedbikes - Bike To Work Weak from aran cook on Vimeo.

Also.. check this mad max'd out rig:

Timestretching is not a Crime

2010-05-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Argh. Some massive OTB to falt yesterday afternoon has left me with bruised ribs, destroyed traps, and a splitting headache. That being said I'm listening to Kraftwerk, eating T3z, and attempting to record this in some useable format while enjoying the last day of my 3 day weekend. Timestretching is not a crime.

Last night I gave a talk at Vanhackspace and was completely out of it. I think I rambled on for possibly up to 20 minutes covering Tires, bearings, brakes, drivetrain, cable systems, and bike fit. Pretty sure the nerds were into it.

This guy named Aki made a sweet VR google maps java mashup to trainer bike in his garage. I was stoked to check out the glasses. He's tweaking the ping rate to the gmap server to make it look more fluid as well.

There was also a fellow electronic/fabrication guy showing off his 1100W electric tadpole trike. Full custom motor controller. Thing was sick. Looked stupid fast.

Also presenting was the guy who does Critical Mass radio. Its hard to describe, but he had an electric modded Kona, with a crazy custom class AB Op amplifier that ran off the 48V that the hub takes as well. The thing BOOMed... apparently he's just over CRTC wattage regulations with the transmitter as well. I <3 stereo bikes. The ride home at 11:30 was tough.

Related: bike fetish day just happened in Brooklyn last weekend, and the dirty jerz got some shots of something that just completely does it for my shaved ice bike stereo fetish.

OMG. look at that thing. Monitors in the side, leaf springs and all. daaaaang.
I want to roll that thing bumping sick wolf beats:

ugh. dizzy. There was other stuff I wanted to blog about. but its like a broke jpeg in here.

Riding High

2010-04-17T18:20:00.001-07:00

I got interviewed for the evening news yesterday after meeting a reporter on the commute in to work. Here's the video.

The future of bike videos

2010-03-25T22:06:00.001-07:00

Now that was a bit of a trip eh? Sorry, I guess Retrobike fever has got a good grip upon my brain. Extreme Klunker touring! Dig the aero position on those moto bars! Here's part two:

Party!

Okay, for real real. The future of bike videos. After being linked by multiple sources, I've decided to post the !!!NSFW!!! trailer for the Bone Deth video "Surfin for Ugly Broads":

Bone Deth 'Surfin' For The Ugly Broads' The Movie Trailer from babysabbath on Vimeo.

This seems to be an homage to not only the entire horror genre, but the early skate vids, with ridiculous plots and skits. If we focus on the Horror aspect of it, we see situations one wouldn't normally find themselves in. Like hanging out with tanning martian babes, when zombies burst out of the ground. Similarly, flinging yourself off a multi story drop on 20" wheels. Horrifying, isn't it?

Okay. So once again (c0urtesy of TCU).. here's the NSFW behind the scenes interview with the guys behind this video. Hilarious!

Behind the scenes with BONE DETH from joe cookie on Vimeo.

Okay.. so if you find this thing in bad taste or whatever, let me know. If you aren't in the BMX thing, "Bone Deth" is essentially Sean Burns. It also used to be a crazy BMX jam on the East coast, with ridiculous Blacklabelesque challenges. Here's a total horrorshow video of the goings on at one of the Bone Deth jams:

Gnar. Here's a vid of next years's setup:

So yeah... just WHAT ARE the future of bike videos? Seymour bombs vids? bromantic lifestyle segments? 120FPS? Product commercials?

Slow Motion Walter

2010-03-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

Fire Engine Guy. Since when does Alan send us BMX videos?! This is some big size riding. Redbull helmet indicates largeness. 120 frames a second for maximum style critique. The film-school-esque composition doesn't do it for me every time, but that's just my opinion.

If it was a Volkswagen Beetle we would have fired it out right away.

2010-03-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

I have no background info for this photo. Anyone? Boosty Collins? If my Hot Wheels collection remains unmolested, I should have an awesome white Countach in there.

So we all like jumping over stuff, right? Alan jumps over stuff on his skateboard, and just happens to be good friends with now-super-famous Thomas Prior. It's photos like this that make me want some good ones of me riding BMX with a giant beard, jumping over stuff. Friar Tuckin'.

Feeling inspired, I went looking for the VANRAMP footage and came across this. Street bike into a foam pit. Street bike OVER a foam pit. Gnarles Barkley.

The Shore Beckons

2010-03-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

Fresh off yet another weekend of hardtail shredding, we're stoked on the ride and stoked to get back up there. Four of us met up with Andrew from Brodie Bikes at the crack of 9am Sunday morning, fully caffeineated as expected and ready to climb the fire road up Mt. Fromme.

First, your friendly neighbourhood Bike Checks:

Lyle's Haro Extreme is a conversation piece standing still, let alone being tossed down rocks, roots, and ladders. With a NOS Marz MZ1 from Dave at Ride On, it's that much more extreme.

My Brodie Catalyst, being confused for a vintage bike on a regular basis. 8 rides and I was through the first pair of front brake pads. Very happy with the decision.

Tim's Specialized Rockhopper, ugly on flat ground but sweet once it's pointed down hill. Listening to Tim breathing down your neck is another story...

James' Haro Steel Reserve 8, one brake, no suspension, serious shredder! Outrigger soccer shoes, unbelievable talent.

I was able to snap a few photos that weren't complete crap, even in the low light conditions of the magical forest.

Tim takes a second full pull on the first log on 7th Secret.

James headed down a switchback while Lyle waits for him to clear it. Being behind the guy with only a rear brake is much less scary than being right in front of him. This photo gives you a good idea of the rock work that both protects the trail from erosion and smoothes out the ride.

7 frame sequence on 7th Secret, made to gif by Lyle himself. This log was steep as hell, and I was the only one left to watch Andrew nail it at speed.

And a shot of Andrew and Lyle on a rock roller coaster section on Pipeline. Click for big!

Ironic Mountain Bike Parking. We all have track bikes, so we're versed in this, right?

Now, sit back and enjoy this video. Sure the airs may be beyond the scope of what we're riding, but the feeling is there - the feeling that is likely to recur next weekend...

Dan Lacey has the smoothest landings.

2010-03-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

You wish you could land this smooth. Also this is what Khaled would sound like if he was a rapper.

Gastown Sprints March 17

2010-03-06T21:37:00.000-08:00

Racing bikes indoors!

It's a good thing Gastown Sprints is on March 17, or you'd have to tell your co-workers that you didn't give a shit about St. Patrick's Day even though you likely have more Irish blood than their grandparents.

If we can get 8 people in on the beer sprints this time, we can have our own mini-elimination pyramid! Tell everyone, and put it in your calendar now. Beer Sprints with ProjB, 8pm at the Astoria on March 17.

WMD's New Mini Tarck Tall

2010-03-06T21:21:00.001-08:00

I love it when Alan get an idea and follows through with it. I hear this bike was inspired by copious amounts of megadeth and probably some of that green stuff as usual. Looks awesome, Alan!

This ones for Nick and Cody

2010-03-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

Mountain tall. Lets do it.

The Longest Race BMX Manual I Have Ever Seen

2010-03-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

Konrad keeps digging up the gold here; this guy came home with silver in 2008. I recommend a soundtrack swap: turn this up first, then fullscreen the video.

And the feature presentation of Konrad's new FBM Bitchin' Camaro. No wonder he's watching BMX race vids.

Tony Hawk Combo Time

2010-03-01T21:31:00.001-08:00

So many of the lines in this video had me shaking my head... smith - manual - no foot can?

Alex Magallan in ATX from SundayBikes.com

Treadmill Footjam

2010-03-01T00:37:00.000-08:00

I'm going to go ahead and categorize this one under "what did you think was going to happen?" I remember doing effectively this on my Diamondback Viper when I was just big enough to have a 20" BMX. I have a vivid memory of exactly where in my old townhouse complex I did it. I have another vivid memory of riding my S&M on my mom's treadmill in 2004 or so, no footjam. Oh wait, that's a photo. I swear I remember.

Thanks Konrad for the link, thanks Sherry Spanza who is now hooning horses in Edmonton for the treadmill shot.

Now it turns out the kids in the above video are quite capable of the footjam nosepick, as seen here, among other tricks I wish I could do in their indoor park. I don't mind you coming here.

Hi Def

2010-02-25T09:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the best MBW video I've seen all year!

Mini Bike Winter | 2010 from Richie Thomassen on Vimeo.

Gabe sez "This video of Mini Bike Winter is way better than my memories or reality!"
Richie Thomassen did a really spectacular job on this one. The Chariot war scene is incredible!

Oh..and here's a rad rollerglamour vid by Sara Kinney and Chombo:

Ignition from Sara Kinney on Vimeo.

I really like the shot of the back wheel where we see the spokes stop and the DA logos keep spinning. I cannot think of what that effect is called, though I know its based on Nyquist theorem, the framerate, and wheel speed.

I guess more and more bike vids are going to start looking like this. Soon they'll be so real I won't even need to go outside.

Revenge of the slider!

2010-02-22T16:56:00.000-08:00

PaulGT over on fixedvan just put up a link to Eastern Bike's Slider contest promo vid. My freakin brain exploded!

Eastern Bikes Slider Contest from Eastern Bikes on Vimeo.

AHHHH!

Proj-Beer Sprint

2010-02-18T18:25:00.001-08:00

Down at the monthly Gastown Sprints roller races people show who's got the most leg speed with zero resistance. As I work better with resistance, I wanted a grudge match with my buds and here it is. Finish your beer before you can finish the race. This was way more fun than getting beat by chicken-legged hipsters, and good for the crowd as well.

I'd like to put out a public word of appreciation for Moses, the man behind the action. He worked his ass off starting this thing up last year and only recently got hooked up with the good people at Cycles Lambert, who are now throwing down prizes every month and making our roller races as lucrative as alleycat racing. It's a format that anyone can participate in, it's indoors, and even if you don't stand a chance to win, you can still race your friends and risk throwing up.

Thanks Nate for the photo. Remember that time I beat you in a race with resistance? Oh yeah. Moses bet on me!

Minibike Winter 2010 Chariot Wars

2010-02-14T20:07:00.000-08:00

J Maus of Bikeportland.org has a great set of photos as well too:

Who won this year's epic battle? Zoobomb did of course!

Coolin' down, dressing up, going out.

2010-02-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

Andy over at the Fyx has posted the second round of his shoot with Sabrina. You owe it to yourself to check out the whole set. She swaps the bars and rides away in heels...

Feel Free to Pass...

2010-02-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

Another rad day at the mountain. Opting out of both the tweed ride, St. Valentines race, AND Riot2010.. we headed out to get muddy at out local East side spot. Conditions were sloppy, wet, and sloppy. I got to watch Weeks flick his rear K-Rad around roots and berms like it was on ice. Theres a science behind that. I believe the technical term is 'Poo Notches'.

Poohaps that should go in the B-tionary. Oh.. speaking of which:

attention [əˈtɛnʃən]
n
1. concentrated direction of the mind, esp to a problem or task
2. consideration, notice, or observation a new matter has come to our attention
3. The act of truing and tensioning ones wheels after their break in period My rear wheel could use a tension

Its definitely getting faster out there. I found the best flow would happen when Morgan would lead and eat up the bumps. Weeks would follow and translate Morgan's line to rigid. Then I would follow and try to match Weeks' line. Bigger bars mute your input. Smaller tires wash out easier. The Extreme is getting dialed, and so is the Brotalyst. I feel like I'm 15 again. Lets end this with a straight downhill blast losing 100m elevation for every 600m of trail shall we? Feel free to pass!

John Housser - VR on the North Shore

2010-02-08T22:02:00.000-08:00

I've come across some amazing VR photo stitches of mountain biking trails on the North Shore and in other places in BC. Below you will find a link to a John Housser's page with the 360º image, and a thumbnail to give you an idea of what you're in for. These are some of my favourites, but there are hundreds (including tons from other amazing locations), so go have a look for yourself!

Ditch Pig Drop - Dan

Old School Oilcan

Tom Rolling on Pink Starfish

Werner Lake Landing

Lakeside in the South Chilcotins

Joffrey Lakes Camping Trip 01

The following seven are BONUS MATERIAL that I can't find on his site... enjoy!

Fromme - Boundary Lower 1

Fromme - Boundary Lower 4

Fromme - Boundary Creek Approach

Fromme - Boundary Tall Bridge

Fromme - Digger Skinnies 1

Fromme - Digger Skinnies 2

Fromme - Digger End Roll

Scraper bike Remix

2010-02-08T22:01:00.001-08:00

Kike yañez"Scrayper Bike Remix" Ft Turf Talk,Dem Hoodstarz,LiL Coner from kike yanez on Vimeo.

HONK!

2010-02-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

Bike Porn Tonight

2010-02-05T08:47:00.001-08:00

Just a quick reminder, Reverend Phil Sano's Bicycle Porn tour is making a stop here in Vancouver tonight. He'll be hosting at a space in Strathcona. Come on out and bring your sexy bikes!

Ultimate Wheel

2010-02-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks Alan.

Not only can I not ride a unicycle, I cannot ride a unicycle off road. ...and not only can I not ride a unicycle off road, I cannot ride a unicycle with no seat off road. dick. Thanks for putting things in perspective once again.

I once saw a vid about a crew of off road unicyclists, being interviewed about never getting chicks and doing their thing. I'm gonna try and find that now.

Empire - wrapping up

2010-02-02T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here's the 'final teaser' of Empire, a film by Luke and Chris. They started this project when I was in NYC, and I've got to see the progression of it and it's riders through the NY boards. It makes me miss the sounds and smells of hooning through NYC traffic.

Of course, its got all the Gothamist readers panties up in a twist again. Check out the comments.

I'm so glad New Bike Day truly exists here, in the real world.

2010-02-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

This is just crazy. A bike I've lusted after for some time. I don't know why, I just love the downward sloping TT combined with an elevated chain stay design. Today was an incredible case of the right place at the right time. Here's how things went down.

A couple days back, Jesse commented on one of my flickr photos.

Today out on a business errand I decided to stop into OCB, to check out this Full LX Sexdream.. err Extreme. I go in there and Jesse is not around. Johan and Gen are wrenching on some Italian Job.. Avanti I think. They said that it was actually Avan-Ti. Anyways, they don't know where this Extreme is. Gen thinks she saw it.. "Its got that floating bottom bracket, thingy. It may have gone to the Pedal Depot."

So I'm just about to head out, and out of the blue this girl who was in the shop wrenching on a single speed townie comes up and says, "Did you say you liked Haro Extreme bicycles?" in a strangely sincere voice. Amazingly my crippled sense of facial recognition kicks in and I recall meeting her as our paths converged on a Saturday ride.

"I have one in my car parked a block away."

Jaw.
Floor.

...really?

After chatting a bit while she installed new cones in her hub, she handed me her keys and said to go check it out. I take a tape measure from the shop. I find the Seafoam Honda Civic and pop the hatch. Its there. Metallic blue, on the folded down rear seat. Near mint paint. I measure the seat tube. 20" to the binder. I remember to breathe.

With the bike inside OCB, we discuss it some more. She won't let me give her anything for it. Not even lunch. Thank you SO MUCH Naomi!

I just cannot believe it.

Later in the day (with the bike still on my tarckfiets' rack) I head to the Pedal Depot to see Jesse. He's got things super tidy down there. Very organized shop at 1830 Ontario Street. (They're open 3pm to 6pm Monday through Friday to sell some new parts/accessories and help people to fix their bikes. It is set up similarly to Our Community Bikes just on a smaller scale and with slightly limited capacity.)

He does indeed have a Haro Extreme, and he pulls it out of the rack so we can take a look. Its a smaller one, measuring 18.5" to the binder. As well, the paint is a chocolate and eggplant splatter... not as stunning as what I stumbled upon, but still a decent ride. Its in beautiful condition too, all original Shimano LX components.

Anyways, I'm absolutely elevated with my new bike. There are more detail shots on Flickr. I don't think I'm going to go too crazy with the build on this one. I'll use parts I've got around here, probably retiring the Shasta WMDTB. That bike treated me well, but it was never a Sexdream.

Record Breakers!

2010-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Its interesting that he's got a holder, and some kind of BB anchor holding the bike down.

Tools Explained

2010-01-25T18:47:00.000-08:00

My dad sent me this in an email, which is a pleasant change from the usual overweight women and Harley-Davidsons.

DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it
smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had carefully
set in the corner where nothing could get to it.

WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light.
Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, 'Oh sh --'

SKILL SAW: A portable cutting tool used to make studs too short.

PLIERS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.

BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.

HACKSAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle... It transforms human energy into a
crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

VISE-GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also
be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for lighting on fire various flammable objects in your shop. Also
handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.

TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity.

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Used for lowering an automobile to the ground after you have installed your new
brake shoes, trapping the jack handle firmly under the bumper.

BAND SAW : A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to cut good aluminum sheet into smaller
pieces that more easily fit into the trash can after you cut on the inside of the line instead of the outside edge.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of everything you forgot to disconnect.

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids or for opening old-style paper-
and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws
into non-removable screws and butchering your palms.

PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace
a 50 cent part.

HOSE CUTTER: A tool used to make hoses too short.

HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate
the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit.

UTILITY KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door;
works particularly well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund
checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while in use.

SON OF A BITCH TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling 'Son of a bitch' at
the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.