Panaracer Rampage UST

Continuing the theme of maintenance, some new treads got thrown at a mountain bike. Panaracer Rampage UST came off the shelf and headed for the mavics, with some Spex thrown in for reliability.

At 750g a tyre for UST, they aren't going to win the weight weenie award, but for a predictable, reliable and generally tough tire to go the distance, weight certainly isn't the deciding factor. The tread pattern seems similar to some popular brands on the market, yet with its 'Made in Japan' stickering, we seem to be on a good thing.




Mounting the tire was a bit of an ordeal however. To get one mounted and seated, took every trick I know, and then some more MacGyvering to get it seated. Compressors, soapy water, ratchet straps, it was just being a pain. The other one went on easy as you like, so perhaps I just got unlucky, but it wasn't without its dramas.

Mounted and seated, Spex inside and we're off for a ride. First impressions were reasonably noisy on the bitumen, as they don't have an intact centre ridge, but once onto dirt, they were great! Tacky hardpack dirt had these things hooking up like Tiger at Hooters, and they were predictable in the muddy sections before and after puddles (best I could find...) Nice and quick, plenty of lateral grip and reasonably predictable for new tyres. Next time I'll run them a little lower than 38psi, and I think they'll be even better.

So, thumbs up for Rampages from me...!

Have a good new year, and thanks for your readership this year. Whilst we've fallen off the regular post wagon of later, we're working to bring it back! So make sure YOU stop by so we have a reason to do so! Now get out there!

Panaracer Closer tires.

As the sun starts to peak its head out, perhaps I might too...

But I thought I should do a quick bit of maintenance. Some new brake pads was quite a treat on the F1C, pulling it up in a flash which is nice! Slipping new pads straight back into the holder without any adjustment is something they write about in manuals, it never really happens. Until now :)

And I needed some new tyres, so a quick phone call to GVRaceTech at Panaracer and I've got my little mits on a pair of Panaracer 'Closer' tyres... Closer?? I don't get it either, but they are made in Japan and that's a thumbs up from me! Maybe its from all the cool stuff back in the day, but Japan always seemed to make good gear...

This is what the website says about them:

"Excellent value priced right. Closer offers a ZSG Natural Compound for long lasting wear and a comfortable ride. Closer is the best balance between a high end racing tire and a training tire offering superb durability, comfort, and confidence."




So I whipped of the old tyres, dusted a bit of talc about the place and reefed the kevlar beads over the Ksyriums. Not too much effort saw me pumping them up and popping them back on the bike. First impression was that they have quite a pronounced 'point' in the top centre of the tread, and you notice it when you ride them. There is less surface area on the ground as you ride, and they feel very fast. I'll be able to tell if they are predicatable as time goes by, but so far they seem good!



So, 2010, I wonder whats on the cards for Felt Epix?

Maybe this could be the future for Lake Mountain???

7 Peaks, The Alpine Ascent Challenge.

Mr T handed me a passport some weeks ago with the intention of inspiring me to find time to get on the bike. At first the passport was pushed aside and paperwork in the office took hold once again.

With a typical mid week office session finishing up around 11:30ish pm I needed some reading material in bed to take my mind off the day that was just about to pass. Not the kind you are thinking!!!

The passport found its way into my hand and I read the text. In the morning a text message was created and sent, let’s get some dates together and take on the challenge of the 7 peaks, The Alpine Ascent Challenge. I am inspired once again to get out of bed on a Sunday at 5:30am.

Our first ascent was to be Lake Mountain Alpine Resort with a twist. The Passport asks us to ride from Marysville to Lake Mountain total 22kms, 902m rise. We decided this is much too short for an adventure, so we rode from home instead. Total 150km, 2800m rise, that’s better…

Check out Mr T blog for his pics as mine were from my crackberry phone.

We plan to ride all seven if our calendar permits. Check the site for all info and get out there!

You never know my 2010 blog update could be from France.