internal cable routing

April 17, 2013 - Author: Mard

If any of you have an Echo trials frame, you know how poorly designed the cable guides are on the frame. The one closest to the headtube is way too far down, causing the hydraulic line to stick out too far and easily get caught. Here are two examples to show you what i mean. (not my bikes)

In order to solve this problem, and add a little more of a custom touch to my ride, I experimented with drilling a couple small holes in the frame. Than i would run the line through the frame, eliminating the need for external clamping spots. After this is completed, you can file off the old clamp mounts and than get yourself down to Villain for a fresh paintjob. I found the best way to drill the holes was with a 1/4″ bit straight down and than angle the bit slightly more parallel to the frame. Angling the bit makes for a less sharp edge for the brake line to rest on, limiting the chance of pinching or cutting the line. Here are a few examples of the frames i have drilled over the past few years.

If you decided to try this on your own frame, make sure you measure twice before drilling. If you are using a hydraulic brake you will of course have to cut the line, add the appropriate compression fitting and bleed the system.

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New Sponsor

March 17, 2013 - Author: Mard

We have recently partnered up with Giro. I just received a new helmet (Hex), gloves (Remedy) and their brand new shoe, Jacket.

I always wear a helmet when riding, and this is my second Hex. I had 4 Giro Xen helmets before they changed it in favor of the Xar, which didn’t fit my melon quite the same. I got this Hex in a size medium for summer use and for when i have neglected to trim the fro for a long time. My other Hex is a large which will be good for winter and the times when i need to fit a balaclava/tuque under it.

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Snowblind

March 12, 2013 - Author: Mard

Another installment of fat bike media, this time in video form. Check it out guys and gals!

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Snowblind

March 10, 2013 - Author: Mard

The new fat bike video is ready to go. All filmed on the original gopro and edited by myself. hope you enjoy!

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Winter Wrap up (more or less)

March 5, 2013 - Author: Mard

The end of winter is fast approaching, eventhough we received a dumping of snow today, which means it’s time to reflect on how great this frozen white powder filled season was. I have thrown together a few pictures that represent the winter for me.

The city was cutting down a fair number of trees along the river bank in an effort to reduce erosion.

With river water levels being so low in the fall it opened up new sections of river bank we had never tread upon before. New trail sections are always welcome.

Another ride in the elevator for the ‘White Lightning’ (since been replaced by the ‘Black Stallion’). The fat bike is an immediate conversation starter. I can’t even count the number of times i have explained ‘why the tires are so big’. Side note: at no point have i ever referred to my pugsley as Whit Lightning or Black Stallion, before this…

Plenty of crashes were had this season, but none of which were too serious or resulting in major damage to rider or steed.

Pictured here you will find the evidence of a cyclist attempting a snow angel without dismounting their bicycle. Of course this maneuver is always intentional.

I broke through the ice a record four times this year.

Twice at Bunn’s Creek

Once at Happyland Park

And than this time on the Seine

Sometimes in the dark it’s hard to tell if there is enough trail to make it around a tree without falling into a pit filled with old mattresses and empty lucky cans

We were very happy to discover this snow covered bridge line.

Fireworks. Joy. End

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Starting the year off right

January 27, 2013 - Author: Mard

Well, there is a bunch of news for the Peg City Trials boys. First off, Fonz and I have decided to officially retire the Peg City Trials name in favor of “Fat Levels”. We will be a duo of trials demo riders and DJs. This will be our own project, with a new logo and jerseys to match shortly.

We have also partnered up with Paul, of Villain Ride Co, to promote trials in Winnipeg as well as his company. He is great at what he does and very reasonably priced for the quality of his work. If you need anything, bike part or other wise, powder coated or anodized he is definitely the man to see. If you go talk to him, tell him we sent ya his way!

The Olympia cycling club made its way into the latest issue of Canadian Cycling Magazine and yours truly got a photo op as well.

On friday Adrian, Derek and myself traveled to Niverville and St.Pierre for three trials demos at the local schools. Hundreds of ecstatic children packed into the gym at each of the schools to cheer us on and be exposed to a form of cycling many of them had never witnessed before. Signing autographs on pieces of loose leaf was the highlight of the day for me.

Some really big news for myself is the long awaited arrival of my new trials frame! It was finally ready to go on thursday morning and my first shakedown ride was at our demo. Not the most ideal setting for a first ride but the bike fits like a hand made italian leather glove!

Spec is as follows:

2012 Because simple street

2012 echo urban fork

Echo Sl headset

Trialtech 120×17 stem

Trialtech Sl bar

Echo Sl Ti freewheel

Blackspire sub3 pedals with Ti axle

Trialtech Ti bash

Sram pc991 chain

Alienation pivitol seat/post

Salsa liplock seat collar

Reset Ti bb

Paul Melvin tensioner

Deore 3 finger brake levers

Jagwire compression-less housing

Avid BB7 front brake

Avid SD7 rear brake

Simple components 4bolt to V mounts (anodized by Villain)

Rockman 175mm cranks (anodized by Villain)

Neon Rims F+R, with dt rev spokes and red dt nipples

Try all H135 rear hub and 16T cog

Stan’s crest front hub

tryall sticky light rear tire

Continental x-king front tire (not pictured)

Geo: 1055wb, 385 cs +35bb with 30mm fork offset

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FAT LEVELS OFFICIAL BIKETRIAL DEMO MIX.

January 26, 2013 - Author: Adrian Alphonso

You can be part of the FAT LEVELS experience by downloading this FREE DOWNLOAD

https://soundcloud.com/riddimdj/fat-levels-demo-mix-mard-fonz

Mixed by the Fonz aka DJ RIDDIM strictly for use as backround music for Trials demos. ENJOY!!

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Kung Fu movie of the week

January 21, 2013 - Author: Mard

Definitely in my top 5 for Chinese kung fu films. The three master scene at 54:17 is hilarious! might have to list my top 5, or 10, soon….

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- Author: Mard

2012 is long gone now and 2013 is in full force, with many events already in the works. This is a quick picture slide showcasing what we were up to last year.

Linked up with a really cool, talented dude named Paul who runs a powder coating and anodizing business called Villain Motorsports. Got my fat rims painted park tool blue.

Next up was Lindsay’s race “Where’s the beach in Stead” I decided to ride out to Stead along the Trans Canada Trail the day before.

My pugsley setup for daily commuting….

And now for an overnight camp out. Complete with a Revelate frame bag and handlebar sling to hold my Mountain Hardwear sleeping bag and tent

This is the view of my handlebar setup with a Revelate pocket holding my maps, food, sunscreen and Iphone.

My first stop for a break was in Lockport. Beautiful view of the dam.

I had a bit of trouble following the trail after leaving Selkirk, wasted a bunch of time and decided to stop at the only restaurant open in Tyndall on Canada Day weekend. Food was great and much needed.

A few hours later after surviving the sandy ATV trails of Mars Hill Preservation i made camp in Stead much to the happiness of the swarms of hungry mosquitoes. Yikes!

July is always our busiest month of the year. This time it started with a Trials demonstration at the forks in conjuction with MEC Bikefest. We ended up making it into the Free Press

Folk Fest was next up, with myself supporting a 600+ group of riders, with my bike mechanic knowledge, for a ride out to the festival. I decided to ride the pugsley with fat wheel setup this time. The fat bike was a huge hit with folkfesters!

It made for a really rough ride home after 5 days in the sun dancing and partying.

24 Hours of Falcon Ridge: Dj Riddim and Sub 19 hit the decks and the trails for 24 hours of fat beats and gnarly trails

August brings the MS Tour Biking to the Viking. Adrian and I used the opportunity to lend our mechanical knowledge to help the participants complete they’re bicycle journey from stonewall to Gimli and back. We also brought our trials bikes to ride the Gimli harbor, and do a little bit of filming. It seemed that the occasion opened up a few old wounds. (terrible pun)