Opal Dama: Katie acknowledges that carbon is really, really great, as well as the importance of bike fit

As a self-identified retro-grouch, I've never had a whole lot of use for carbon bicycles. Sure, going super fast is fun, but where are the eyelets to install racks and fenders? I get that it weighs less than twenty pounds, but can't I put a dyno-hub on it?

You all get to be the first to know: I recant.

I borrowed the lovely Kellie Cochran's Opal Dama after being repeatedly harassed about not racing.* The first thing that stands out about this bicycle is its responsiveness. It is built to do one thing and do it exceptionally well: go fast. As a petite person, riding a tiny, lightweight bicycle really allowed me to power up climbs and race over flats. I was thoroughly convinced before getting on this bicycle that I was a reasonably slow rider. Riding the Opal Dama was definitely a confidence builder that gave me a new perspective of my physical fitness.

Even on the course at Devou Park, which looks like a construction zone in some parts, the Opal Dama rode smoothly and efficiently. While this Opal Dama was not fit to me beyond saddle height, it still handled exceptionally well. Next time I take it out, it will have been fit to me, and I'll have my saddle on it, which will allow for a truly comfortable ride. Having a bicycle fit to you is a total game changer, and it's been a while since I rode a bicycle that wasn't fit exactly to me. I could certainly tell the difference in terms of comfort, but was still impressed with how close the frame came to being a solid fit. Orbea's female-specific geometry, Dama, is spot on.

It was my first race, and I wish I had spent more time in advance getting familiar with the SRAM Force, but now that I'm comfortable with it, the double-tap system is actually sort of satisfying. The frame and fork were incredible, and for any female looking to get a bicycle that will truly maximize their fitness level without going in to the uppermost echelon of price on a female-specific carbon frame, the Opal Dama is an excellent option.

Many thanks go to Kellie for letting me borrow her ride.

*by a certain proprietor of a certain independently owned and operated bike shop.

Cateye Hybrid Solar+Battery Headlight

On a recent ride to Yellow Springs (mostly in the dark), Nate tested out the new Cateye Hybrid light. After charging in the shop window all day, it was ready to go on its first adventure. One of the neater features of the light is that its solar panel shines blue when it is using the solar charged battery, and red when it is using the regular AA battery. Headlights generally burn through batteries pretty quickly, so if you're a dedicated commuter or night-rider, this light is a bargain. If you are concerned about pollutants from batteries, then having a solar powered headlight can go a long ways towards helping reduce hazardous materials put into the waste stream.

Compared side by side with the standard 1 watt Cateye Blaze, the Cateye Hybrid stood out for more than just its eco-friendly, spaceship-esque design: it's just a better light. Its constant mode was bright enough to fully illuminate the path when necessary, and the blinking mode still provided a significant improvement over the Cateye Blaze's visibility from 100 feet. If you're willing to be responsible about recharging it, then this light will significantly reduce your dependence on batteries, and will be the brightest non-battery pack light that we carry.

Civia Loring: Jolly Green Giant

Jess Linz, one of our new mechanics, recently rode the Civia Loring on Queen City Bike's Bike and Dine. The Loring served as the official support vehicle. Jess hauled fifty t-shirts, a stand pump, tubes, tire levers, and a tool kit. I caught up with Jess as she was hauling

Katie: Jess, what were your major impressions of this bicycle?

Jess: It actually was really easy to manuever, whether I was riding or walking it. Even with a heavy load, it was a stable and comfortable ride. It's a heavy duty bicycle, and was surprisingly nimble. The wide tires provided for a comfortable, cushioned ride. The bamboo basket, rack, and fenders are beautiful, too.

Katie: How far of a ride was Bike and Dine?

Jess: It was about twenty miles, with some significant hills. The Loring definitely had a lot more versatility than a single speed city bicycle. It showed some serious acceleration for the style of bicycle it is. I'm really impressed with the smoothness of the shifting, and the internally geared hub really simplifies things.

Katie: Who would you recommend this bicycle for?

Jess: Everyone. Anyone could ride it. It's a very friendly bicycle. It loves carrying loads, going on casual rides, tackling pot-hole filled roads. Anyone who wants to replace their car with a bicycle should get this bicycle. It's a car-bike.

Katie: What kind of car?

Jess: It is the Volvo of bicycles.

Katie: Anything else you'd like to say about this bike?

Jess: The color is awesome. It's like the Jolly Green Giant turned into the friendliest, prettiest bicycle imaginable. Also, someday, that Brooks saddle is going to feel AMAZING. It will fit your contours so nicely.

Orbea Opal: There Aren't Enough Adjectives

Nate took the Opal out for a spin at the St. Leon race last weekend. He placed fourth in the fives, a personal best. Here's an excerpt from his post race interview:

Katie: Did the Opal give you a competitive advantage today?

Nate: Yes. Yes it did. It was comfortable, so even on these rough roads, my body didn't feel like it was getting beaten up . The Campy 11 speed gave me exactly the right gearing. No matter if I was climbing up the hill or hammering a fast pace line over rollers and directly into a headwind, I was able to maintain a consistent cadence. I thought Campy 11 speed was a gimmick--it's not. I can't believe I haven't tried this before.

Katie: Tell me about your wheel set.

Nate: Woah. The Reynolds Assault carbon clinchers were amazing. They dragged me up the hill, leading the pack. They were so light and swift that I had to hold back. Furthermore, they sliced through the headwind with their aerodynamic engineering.

Katie: Like a hot knife through butter?

Nate: Yes.

Katie: Summarize your experience in a sentence.

Nate: It was like riding a laser guided lightening bolt. From outer space.

Katie: I'm pretty sure that's impossible, and two sentences.

Nate: No. It was life changing. It was opal-uent.

Katie: That's the worst pun I've ever heard. What's wrong with you?

Nate: I'm getting back on this bicycle. Bye.

Swiftwick Sockies

Yes it's another article about socks. This time Reser Bicycle has just received our first shipment of Swiftwick socks. They contacted me last August and I had never heard of them so they sent me a few samples. As soon as they arrived Marty was stoked because he already had several pairs and loves them for his world record attempt stair-running activities. I've been wearing them and I have to say they are now my favorite socks too. Swiftwick is a Tennessee company and the socks are made just over the border in North Carolina, but in a different factory from the Defeet socks that are made the same state and so popular in cycling. Go USA!

Swiftwick does three things to set them apart from other socks. First off, they are stitched at 200 needles per inch which makes them extra comfy and durable. Second they are available in two different materials, Olefin or Merino wool. The Olefin fabric is "a Nobel-prize winning synthetic fiber" which has low friction, is an environmentally conscious material, dries quickly and floats! The big deal here is improved durability over regular Coolmax socks. Olefin is also marketed under the name Tyvek® which you might recognize is used in those rip-resistant envelopes.

The Merino wool Swiftwick socks have a lot of the same wicking properties but are also naturally resistant to stank. Reser Bicycle Outfitters has a variety of both for your cycling needs. Stop by today to pick up a pair, and bring home a non-monetary piece of the Nobel-prize.

Yetis Stomp in the Snow!

Yes the new Yeti bikes are arriving now. Check out the sneak-peak photos. We'll be stocking the new five-inch travel full-suspension carbon fiber bike, the ASR5c, which will prove to be the perfect niche bike for the riding the local trails.

The versatility of the Yeti ASR5 Carbon, it's ability to tackle large rocks and roots but still maintain a firm cross-country race feel makes it our number one choice for 2010. Look for it to rack up bike of the year awards. Yeti's Chris Conroy calls it the "cheater bike"

The '10 Yeti books are here too, so swing by and pick up a free copy while we have them.

Tackle the Elements!

We have Rocky Mountain 2009 Element 50 full suspension mountain bikes for only $2299.
This is $500 off the regular price of $2799.

This bike is perfect for the road biker looking to get their first mountain bike. Proven by riders like Geoff Kabush, Alison Sydor and Marie-Helene in races all over the globe, Element is one of the most popular and longest lasting cross country suspension platforms in mountain biking.

Both the front and rear suspension on this bike are provided by Fox Shox and feature an easy lockout switch for better response on long climbs or gravel roads sometimes encountered in adventure races. The Shimano Shadow rear derailleur is protected from impact by its low-profile design which will keep the bike working good even if you happen to fall.