HubBub Custom Bicycles

Happy New Year

Hey - it's 2008 ... there's lots of snow on the ground, it's sunny, and by next Monday, it's supposed to be warm enough to get the two-wheelers out again - go figure!  Dunno though, just talked with one of our buddies in Verdi, NV and he said they were expecting 5-10 FEET of the white stuff "up on the hill" (hill?  Old Mill is a hill - the Sierras are mountains)  Maybe what happens in Verdi stays in Verdi? 

Anyway, got any cool cycling plans for '08?  We're hanging out here at HubBub for the month of January.  Give us a holler if you want to bring your bike in for service.  It's a good time to work on bike overhauls, build custom wheels, and get new fits done for custom frames in anticipation of the SPRING - which is, officially 79 days away - but then who's counting?

We're hopping a train in Chicago in early February and meeting up with a group of other industry framebuilder-types and "having a pah-ty" as we cross the U.S. on our way to the 2008 Handmade Bicycle Show in Portland, Oregon.  We're both really excited to get away, take the train, meet all these other very cool people, AND get to Portland.   We'll be gone from February 5-11th.

Actually, our 2008 calendar of events is already pretty fleshy.  There's something listed for every month from January through October so far!  And, more to come I'm sure.

We wrote a lot about PBP last summer and now Paul Bacho, who is one of the only Americans to complete 6 of these amazing rides, has taken on an amazing cycling challenge.  He and 99 other cyclists will leave Paris, France March 16th on a 4 1/2 month, 7,400 mile journey to Bejing for the opening of the Summer Olympics.  Paris-Pekin by Bike is about cycling, sociology, and culture.  Paul is looking for a few sponsors to round-out the $20,000+ costs (excluding loss of income!).  If you, someone you know, or perhaps your company, are at all interested in helping Paul, please contact him right away.  (He may also be reached by telephone 330-815-5825) 

I am hoping to get to the National Bike Summit in Washington, DC in March.  Just depends on a few variables right now, not the least of which is getting away that time of year! Seems as if there is a lot more cycling related stuff going on in which we are both interested.  That's cool for us!

Also, received an email today from one of our friends in South Carolina - Tyler Hamilton was just signed by Rock Racing.  It will be so nice to see him out on the circuit again!

Well, not much else to report right now.  That's probably not true, but as it's mid-afternoon and I've hit the "groggy time of day", that's all I can think about to say right now!

Oh, our friend Michael, who is an excellent photographer, just took this shot of our beautiful husky Ginger.  Enjoy!

HiHoHoliday Ramblings

Ah, the cold and gray have settled in outside while the malls are buzzing inside (with 20 year old shooters, no less!).  I however, have yet to set foot in one and I'm damned proud of it!  Of course, a huge part of the reason that I don't like the malls this time of year is that it's mostly insanity!  But, c'est la guerre...

Hey, our buddy Don Frey, came in last week and asked Brian to scrounge up some stuff for his "2007 Riding With The Devil Cyclocross Awards".  Now, if you know Don, you know he's loopy about cycling AND he's an artist.  Well, the results are astonishingly cool!  Here, see for yourself!  Funny thing is, those parts didn't look anything like that when we gave them to him!

So, then one of our reps came in this week and asked if we'd seen the You Tube video of Judge Judy and the couple who's dog slipped out of her collar, ran into the path of a cyclist, and knocked the cyclist down. If you want to smile, laugh, and applaud, watch this!  (YAY JUDGE JUDY!)

But wait, there's MORE.  I've told you about Bikesnobnyc and I've commented upon how carbon bicycles all seem to be sort of alike ... well, Bikesnob offers some pretty incontrovertible PROOF! Take a look. 

So just thought I'd post a short blog before I forgot any of this stuff.  You know that ad that says "life comes at you fast"? - well, they ain't kidding!  It's more like, "gone in 60 seconds!"

Oh, I lied - one last comment.  If you're a "boomer" (I don't really think I like that term) - how about, if you're an old hippie - nah, not that.  If you like Beatles music, go see Across the Universe.  Our barista Caitlin INSISTED that we see it (even gave us money so we couldn't say no!) and I'm actually glad she did.  While it's a little "chick flicky", I think the musical interpretations are excellent and the portrayal of the times brought back a lot of memories - not all of them good!  All-in-all a pretty good movie though.

Have a great day!

Can Cleveland Do This ... Even A Little?

We have baseball's Manager of the year, Executive of the year, and the Cy Young award winner.  We have the #1 Orchestra in the World.  We have the #1 "Iron Chef" in the country.   We have one of the finest basketball players in the world - King James!    Even the New York Times said:  <Cleveland> It's like... cutting edge!"

We have the Rock Hall, one of the most amazing Metroparks Systems, and a fabulous Zoological Park (if you are in to have animals in lock-up.)  Our Museum of Art is outstanding.  Playhouse Square offers first-class musicals, plays, and concerts.  And if you are going to be sick and believe in the medical system, Cleveland is the place to do it with The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and University Hospitals.  Lake Hospital System is up and coming too.

Our cost of living is reasonable, we have one of the largest sources of fresh water in the world.  Our spring, summer, and fall are incomparable ... anywhere.  So winter sucks!  3 out of 4 ain't bad. 

So, why can't we get the cycling culture started here??? 

Take a look at this video.  I don't think Cleveland will EVER be a Portland, but it can emulate a lot of what Portland offers in the form of cycling as alternative transportation.  Of course, people need to want to get off their collective fat asses and ride; however, we know many, many cyclists who would be much more likely to use their bicycles instead of their automobiles if given a few ammenities: showers, safe bicycle lock-up, and some consideration by lazy, cell-phone blabbing motorists who are in too much of a hurry to stop and smell anything but their drive-through lattes.

http://video.on.nytimes.com/?fr_story=278032d5df02f06be646116987472a48d5d707e0

I don't know what this rant will bring (other than some outlet for my frustrations) but, think about it.  How much effort are you willing to put into riding instead of driving?  One day a week?  Two?  Maybe even more...

Hump Day Ramblings

If you haven't seen it, one of the best and most irreverant blogs about cycling out there is bikesnobnyc.  It doesn't get much funnier OR dead-on!  This dude is an equal opportunity offender, sparing no one and nothing when it comes to cycling!  Bookmark this site for daily fun!  And, if you are easily offended, don't read it!

Then there's this weird icanhascheezburger thing.  It's mostly about cats.  Sometimes it cracks me up and other times ... uh, never mind. 

Hey, we just got a call wondering if we have a pair of eMotion (inside Ride) rollers in stock to demo!  WE DO!  They are still just $795.00 + $38 shipping via FedEx.  Ohio residents add 6.5% sales tax.  Right now, they are back-ordered - we have two sets that are NOT sold on back-order.  Great gift (to yourself :-))  Come and try them if you want.  We can have you riding rollers in a few minutes - REALLY!

We have offered custom coffee shop gift baskets for the past two years and they are a HUGE hit.  Starting at just $40 we make each and every one to order including freshly roasted coffees, organic teas, locally made trail mixes and candy, and more.  We can include a High Peaks mug, a small Bodum French Press (the "gourmet" way to drinking freh coffee) and more.  We will ship them to anywhere in the U.S. and include a cute Skeese Greeting Card, HIgh Peaks Gift Card, a certificate for Yoga Classes, or a HubBub Gift Certificate.  Order by Friday and we can get them out for Thanksgiving.  Order by December 17th and we'll get them to your recipient by Christmas.

We'll be publishing a list of cool holiday ideas in addition to the gift baskets shortly.  Watch for it!

On another note, I monitor and occasionally post to a variety of on line cycling lists, including The Tandem List and The Touring List.  Sometimes, the topics are repetitive ad nauseum but other times, there are some excellent ideas. I decided to list a few of the most interesting (and helpful)... add to the list via email, any time!

1. Put your garage door opener in an old cycling glove to remind you that your bike is on top of your car. (Oh SH&%#)

2. Put an old sock in your seat pack (handlebar bag, pannier, etc.) and use it when you need to deal with a greasy chain, etc.

3. Take an OLD pair of cycling shoes and throw them in the trunk (hatch) of your car for that time you FORGET YOUR SHOES FOR A RIDE. (dammit!)

4. Keep a $20 bill in your seat pack (handlebar bag, etc.) to use as a "boot" if you slice one of your tires. When it's a $20, you won't forget to change the tire/tube.

5. Take your health card with you.  The hopsital doesn't care about your driver's license or other ID.

6. Keep your spare house key with your bike.

7. TAKE MONEY - including quarters for a phone call

8. Put your cell phone in a zip lock bag (on high AND vibrate) then put it in your pocket. (Unless you don't want people to know where you are.)

If you can add to this list, I will post your additions right away.  Meanwhile, have a great day - Go Bucks! (no hitting - stop that!)

Interbike - Part I - Late but hopefully interesting!

Sorry this is late - I have tried several times to complete this entry, but much has happened since we returned from Interbike.  As you may know, we lost our beloved Siberian Husky Bear this past weekend and of course there was the PVG Ride!  (photos and wrap-up of the ride to follow soon).

Interbike seems as if it was weeks, even months ago and you have probably seen or read plenty of photos, info, and blogs, so some of this may come as no surprise.  Still, here's what I've been thinking as I rewind the show in my head.

Let's start with the "girlies with store-bought boobies" - I still don't get it, but there were plenty!  EVERYWHERE you looked. Like ... well, take a look.  That would be Brian on the left and our dear friend Mark on the right.  In the middle, well - who knows????  This photo was taken as we were being ushered into the posh-posh Sinclair Industry Party as platinum-card guests!

But wait, there's MORE.  The Marzzochi girl was H-O-T - sizzling hot!  She signed a poster to Brian (after much conversation about the translation of the spelling for "Brian" into English) and then gave ME a wink.  Dunno' what that was all about, but you'll get to see the poster in the shop when it's framed.

Okay, do you want to hear about the rest of the show or not??? HEY, eyes HERE!  Thank you - so, everything else is probably going to seem boring, but here goes anyway

Once again the big "story" - if you want to call it that - is CARBON.  But, what we learned which you may NOT know is that many of the production carbon bikes come from a BIG Taiwanese book.  Meaning, you have a meeting with the Taiwan manufacturer of your choice, he/she pulls out "the book", you find the frame you like, and they produce it - your decals, your colors, etc.   Now that isn't much different from the way it used to be with Japanese steel frames (and probably aluminum) but it just seems as if people THINK that each of these high-zoot manufacturers do something really special and we don't think they probably do.  It's all about marketing!

Okay, let's move on ... sometimes it's the little things that make a difference.

Brian found the new headsets from Crank Brothers (no info on web site yet) and Cane Creek (Solos) to be very nice.  Both are trying to give Chris King a run for the money and may just succeed.

Although it probably seems trivial, when assaulted by dozens of "energy food" booths, it's nice to find something that makes sense.  I especially have problems eating while on the bike.  Lots of stuff seems to upset my stomach.  Luna (division of Clif Bar) introduced the Luna Sport Moons and Luna Recovery Smoothies - palatable and actually delicious!  I was really pleasantly surprised.

Although already mentioned in my 2-minute update from the show, Arkel's "Sakaroo" line of panniers is both environmentally friendly and economical. (not on line yet!)  Made from 100% recycled polyester yarns, these bags also incorporate 40% post-consumer and 60% post-industrial recycled plastics without compromising quality and performance.  Even the internal backplates are made from a regrind of PE scraps and trimmed waste.  Small Sakaroo: Front loading, 2,000 cu. in, zippered front pock and mest, reflective strips $80. per pair.  Large Sakaroo: Top loading, 3,000 cu. in, two way front zipper $115. per pair.  Arkel also introduced the Dolphin 48 & 32 - 100% waterproof bags ($269 and $199 respectively).  Still one of the great companies in our business!

We looked at the Earth, Wind, & Rider wool jerseys last year and wondered how they would fare over the succeeding season.  Well, they are back - bigger and better than ever.  E,W, & R is a custom wool jersey company and we are going to send up a trial balloon to see who might want to pre-order a HubBub wool jersey for the '08 season.  We are awaiting a "rendering" and will put it up for appraisal and subsequent ordering as soon as it is avaialable.

Didn't find anything better than the ShowersPass Elite 2.0 jackets!  We even had a small shipment of them just yesterday(men's and women's)!  Biggest complaint? They were out of stock for way too long this summer.  Hopefully, supply will catch up with demand. 

Lots of models single speed and fixie bikes.  From SE's single speed line - which is both well conceived and economical, appealing to a portion of the market that we think might consider turning to periodic commuting or just a run-to-the-store machine; to Topeak's Jango (a 100% self-contained has-everything-you-ever-wanted-and-then-some-gadgets bike; to the (almost) ubiquitous Shimano "Coasting" bikes (as in, every manufacturer has one!) seems as if EVERYONE wants to get into the act. 

Shimano's Coasting idea, while very unique and well-researched, will probably not accomplish what was hoped - to get millions of people who are not currently riding back on bikes.  While the bikes are super user-friendly, someone who spends most of his/her time either talking on a cell phone, playing video games, driving to the mall, or watching football on Monday nights at the bar (or any combination thereof) probably won't think this is a good solution to the extra inches and pounds anyway.  Those who really want to ride might actually want a modern version of the childhood memory bike and the coasting series is pretty unusual.  Then again ... maybe in time it will grow on the general public. Duuno - but there has been much press about it, so it just might catch on.

I think this is it for Part I - to be continued as we say ... stay tuned.  Have a great day.

Diane

In Memory of Bear

Bear - at 13   Sometime during the night of October 6th, our Siberian Husky, Bear died.   He was over 14 years old and had not been especially sick, but had been failing.  We are so grateful for the wonderful years we had with him and saddened that he is no longer with us.   Many people have had occasion to meet our dogs over the years and I know many will feel, as we do, that they are an important part of HubBub and our lives.  Bear will be sorely missed. 

For more photos of Bear and his companion, Ginger (who will be at HubBub a lot more now!) take a look at "Dabbler's" photo gallery on Flick'R.

I was about to post our Interbike report as well as some photos and the wrap-up from our PVG ride, but thought Bear should have a special entry all his own.

Interbike

Hi,

Just a quick few words.    Ready to come home later tonight.  We've got a lot to talk about.

Things I liked:
CD's with catalog info (instead of BIG, weighty catalogs)
Campy sportswear - AWESOME
Retro wool jerseys (lots of 'em)
Arkel's new "recycled" bag series - EXCELLENT
Swiss Stop brake pads

Things I didn't like:
The unprofessionalism of most of the attendees (but that's personal)
COLD convention center
HOT convention center
Goofy stuff (KNOG)
Sicky smell in all the casinos and hotels

What I noticed:
HIGH prices of any European apparel (dollar v Euro)
Tons of wheels
From the "department of recundancy" "department of recundancy" - CARBON EVERYTHING

More to come ... have a great day.

Best,

Diane

Update from HubBub

Whew - been a hectic day!  Trying to get ready for Interbike next week and then PVG the following weekend.  Meanwhile, the weather is still gorgeous and everyone is still out riding.  (YAY!)

It doesn't get more exciting to us than to have our name mentioned in respected publications such as Adventure Cycling, but this month we got a whopping amount of positive recognition from one of the most highly regarded people in our industry, John Schubert.  You can read about us in his column "Cyclesense" in the September/October issue.  We actually had the conversation that led to this column quite some time ago, so I was pleasantly surprised when we were suddenly inundated with congrats on the mention! (He's also one of my favorite people of all time anyway!) 

By the way, if you are not familiar with Adventure Cycling, I would highly recommend that you look into joining and participating.  They are a non-profit organization that offers an incredible amount of information and resources to the touring cyclist.  Worth the price of admission!

After much consternation on the part of a lot of people. MyFoxCleveland.com decided that Geauga County is a real place (along with Chesterland) and that Chardon, the county seat is really NOT in Lake County and so changed their "rules" to accept nominations for Geauga County businesses in their "Hot List - Best of Cleveland" Contests.  While we would love to be voted best, it was really more about being fair and having representation in the categories (bike shop, yoga studio, and coffee shop).  It just didn't seem right NOT to list any businesses in the entire county!  We appreciate the correction and especially the nominations and kind comments we have thus far received.

I'll be reporting back from Interbike with as much info as I can and will try to upload a blog entry or two while we're gone.  I hope to have some great new product introductions (although I'm always one-upped by someone who gets into the show and uploads a ton of photos and data about what's there!) - still, it's possible that my sometimes discerning eye and taste finds a gem or two that others overlook! 

So, we're out of here on Tuesday - Thom will be here during regular shop hours.  We'll be back on the red-eye arriving early Saturday morning.  We should be here by regular opening time at 10am on Saturday.

Have a great week - talk at ya' soon!  Check our web site for new content! (Especially our new gallery ... it's growing all the time)

Best,

DL

Ramblin' On

Wow - it's been a while since I posted to our blog.  Guess I haven't had much to say - though in reality, that isn't true.  It's been a busy four weeks and there's more chaos to come!

PVG, which is only 4 weeks from now, is shaping up really well.  We spent a few more hours today rounding out the routes and, now that the Doty Road Bridge is open, are happy to report the routes look fabulous.  ALL the rooms at the Lodge are taken!  There are, however, many small B&B's as well as hotels and motels anywhere from 1/4 mile to 10 miles from the Lodge.   Here is a list if you are interested.  Even if you stay elsewhere, don't forget to join us for our Friday evening reception at the Lodge.  You will be able to pick up your bag-o-goodies that evening too!

We have also arranged for transportation to and from Grand River Cellars on Saturday night so - no drinking and bike riding will be necessary!  Two 14-passsenger vans will be shuttling between the winery and the Lodge from 4:30 on.

We'll be off to Interbike on September 25th.  I'm looking forward to finding some new and interesting products for you.  I have quite a few appointments lined up already and we are staying the entire 3 days.  We're jumping on a red-eye Friday evening, September 28th and will be back at HubBub on Saturday morning.  (No yoga that morning though!) We usually ship all our literature via FedEx so it will follow us home.  Thom will be holding down the fort while we're gone.  I will try to give you our Interbike Report from the road, but don't count on it! :-)

As you might have read in my last post, we ventured out on our Calfee Tetra Tandem for its maiden voyage and about a week later, we took it with us to a family gathering in upstate New York where Brian decided to kick my butt on a 49 mile "mountain" ride.  The bike was awesome - light, fast, strong - I worked hard, was told I rode well, and felt extremely proud to say - WE DIDN'T WALK AT ALL!  Old Mill has NOTHING on some of the climbs we did - screaming quads and all!  It was a bit chilly too, which I think made it tougher.  Meanwhile, the bike went to the Hancock Horizontal Hundred with Walt and Maureen Williams while Brian and I went to Yellow Springs.

Which takes us into the most recent cycling accomplishment for Brian.  While I attend a yoga conference with one of my absolute favorite teachers, Erich Schiffmann, Brian takes a bike and rides the Little Miami trail system.  Two years ago, he did a full century on his Wateford RS-22, which you can see in our new gallery.

Saturday, he rode 101 miles on his Motobecane Fixie! Yep ... you heard me; a CENTURY ON HIS FIXIE!  45 miles were in the rain and he was breaking in his new Brooks saddle.  Some people just are gluttons for punishment - but, he was thrilled!  (Can't say I wasn't proud of him either) The jet-tub in our hotel room came in mighty handy that night!

So, I guess that's it for now.  Uh, no there's more.  We have some demos for sale.  Send me an email if you are interested.  I have a list.

Have a great day - go for a ride!  Best,  Diane

New Calfee Tandem - Wow!

Many of you know that Brian and I have ridden a tandem together for the past nine+ years.  We started with a Burley Duet, which was nice - sort of like a big, comfy Oldsmobile.  Then, we moved up to our beautiful Co-Motion Speedster with S&S couplings - it was a dream bike!  We both love(d) the bike and eventually sold it to some good customers/friends - for a variety of reasons, none of which are really important.  THEY love the bike too!

So, we have been riding our Co-Motion Al Capp demo and I LOVE the Softride beam.  However, that bike is now obsolete and the beam will no longer be offered.  (sigh!)

Then, this past winter, a couple from Bloomington, Indiana came out to see us and ordered a Calfee tandem.  When it was completed, it was one of the most beautiful bicycles we had ever seen.

Fast forward to our trip to California last March for the NAHBS Show in San Jose.  We decided to visit Craig Calfee's factory and of course took him up on the offer to test ride both his bamboo and carbon tandems.  Truthfully, neither of us was comfortable on or with the bamboo bike - it wasn't stiff enough for us and somewhat difficult to steer.  But the carbon bike was HEAVENLY!  And so ... we ordered one. 

With much anticipation, we took our maiden voyage last Sunday.  Here is my "first ride" critique on our NUDE (stop that ... it means NO PAINT), 32.7# Calfee Tetra Tandem (Brian already wants to lighten it up!)

In a word (okay - two words) IT ROCKS!  For some reason (and in a moment of complete loss of intelligent thinking) we decided that our first ride would be hilly.  For those of you who know the area, we finished our 34 mile loop CLIMBING OUT OF THE VALLEY UP OLD MILL ROAD. Ugh! The bike feels light (it IS light), fast, comfortable, and responsive.  It wasn't scary down hill - it was fun and fast.  I hardly had to lean at all to go into a turn - so, I have some things to learn about it still.  Our average speed was up a notch or two (we are definitely NOT a fast team, but we have a lot of fun) - still, it was nice to see that even with the hills, our overall average was higher than normal.

We are planning to take it on a 50 mile ride in New York this coming week ... so, I'll report back as we build more miles.  All-in-all it was an excellent choice for us.  We don't get to ride as much as we used to and it's nice to have a fast, lightweight, and very modern bike.