Panaracer’s CrossBlaster tires came stock on the Salsa La Cruz that I’m testing, and I had been running them in all conditions for two months before the Michelin City tires came in.
After nearly two months of being used primarily on the road, the CrossBlasters show remarkably little wear. A friend of mine has been using them the same way for over six months, and they’ve still got a lot of life left in em’. Apparently, Panaracer’s ZSG Natural rubber compound lives up to its claim of being extra wear-resistant.
While the CrossBlasters don’t feature any specific puncture resistance, knobby tires are inherently more resistant to punctures since the tread is several times thicker where it contacts the ground. Panaracer does utilize a special slow-rebound rubber technology in the tire’s sidewalls to make them less susceptible to pinch flats. Continue reading ‘Panaracer CrossBlaster 700×31′
Daniel Holloway showed his urban cycling chops by winning the first and last stages of the Tour of Pennsylvania. Holloway’s dominance in the two crits—one in Philadelphia, the other in Pittsburgh—came as no surprise to those who know the 21-year-old. He’s the current national criterium champion, a terror in the velodrome and an avid speed skater.
From the start of the race it seemed clear that the man in the red, white and blue jersey was determined to win. Unfortunately, heavy rains and a tornado warning made the event promoters decide not to count the sixth and final stage in the overall standings, leaving Holloway far behind the overall tour winner, David Veilleux. Holloway’s team (VMG/Felt) did prove to be the best overall in the general classification, though. Click here for more race coverage.
Special thanks to Trek of Pittsburgh for providing us with a bird’s eye view of the race.
Issue #8 of Urban Velo brings forth a few changes to our print product. Along with the color covers, perfect binding and improved printing all around we’ve finally heard enough requests to make international subscriptions available. Now cyclists worldwide can receive a print copy of Urban Velo in the mail, no longer reserved only for USA residents.
Of course, free downloadable PDF copies of the magazine will still be available as each issue is released. Look for Urban Velo #8 on July 1st.
The namesake of the Mohawk Mark Party Time Cap truly does exist. “‘Cause when it’s party time, you turn it up.” Seen here where else but at the Bikefest kickoff party. Messenger, mormon, enigma, neighbor, polo sparring partner.
Most of our readers remember Steevo from the article Riding is My Religion from issue #7. He keeps an online journal, and it’s usually pretty entertaining. Enough so that I’ve got it bookmarked. This recent post struck me as an absolutely classic slice of life, and I thought I would share it with our readers: thesteevo.blogspot.com.
Michelin sent us a set of 700×32 City tires. Perfectly sized for a cyclocross or touring bike, the City tires are Michelin’s mid-priced urban tire. With wire beads and a puncture protection layer, these aren’t any svelte little racing slicks—they’re big, fat, bombproof commuter tires. In addition to puncture protection, the tires help keep you safe with a reflective sidewall.
These tires soak up road vibrations even at their recommended max pressure of 70psi. They’ve got enough volume to go off road, as long as you’re not riding in loose conditions. If your commute takes you through a lot of dirt, you may want to consider some cross tires with some tread above the sidewall. Otherwise, it’s kind of hard to beat these tires for commuting. While even bigger tires might add some comfort and versatility, the 32’s are still smooth and fast enough to keep up with traffic.
Michelin’s City tires feature a 1mm thick protective layer that seems to be working perfectly after more than a month of commuting. Only time will tell how they hold up in the long run, but it’s good to see no visible signs of wear at this point. Even after riding a lot of rough concrete.
On smooth roads the tires still hold their own as a reasonably fast-rolling tire. The lack of side knobs make them corner nicely, and while plenty fast, the rubber is grippy enough to inspire confidence, rain or shine. Continue reading ‘Michelin City 700×32′
The Baltimore bicycle community welcomes you to the Mid-Atlantic Bicyculture gathering on July 25th, 26th, and 27th. The first event of its kind, the organizers hope to promote bicycles as more than just a means of alternative transportation, but as a way of life. In promoting bicycle-awareness, the three-day gathering will host an array of events ranging from races and group rides, to art, music, workshops, bike films and (of course) parties!
Visit www.bicyculture.com for more information, and hopefully we’ll see you there!
Whether you’re a cyclist or not, one thing is for sure—we all love our mothers, our sisters, our wives, girlfriends, grandmothers and daughters. Another undeniable fact is that breast cancer takes far too many lives. While there’s little most of us can do with regard to advancing medical science, we can at least contribute towards the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Quite a few companies in the cycling industry have stepped up with products that benefit the BCRF, and the latest offering comes from Zoic.
Zoic’s women’s BCRF socks come in black or white, both with pink accents. The low-cut socks feature the www.bcrfcure.org website along the cuff, along with a pink ribbon graphic. For every sock purchased ZOIC will donate 50% of the net profit (about $1 a sock) to the BCRF.
The Korean-made socks are 83% “micro nylon” and 17% spandex. The material feels noticeably softer and thinner than a lot of cycling socks made from synthetic material. Prior experience with Zoic’s clothing tells us that the socks should hold up well to regular use and frequent washings.
For the second year in a row, the Creamcycle alleycat will take place in Pittsburgh on July 4th. Meet at 2pm in the park near Friendship Circle (across from the hospital). Entry is $5, and the whole production is intended to raise awareness of testicular cancer in people 18-35.
Konflit Dramatik’s video Je t’aime Québec (I Love You, Québec) was filmed on a quintocycle in Québec City. The video was directed by Benny Zenga of The Winking Circle, who also directed the highly lauded film Ski Boys.
The first ever Tour of Pennsylvania begins today in Philadelphia. The six-stage road race will cross the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and finish in Pittsburgh, highlighting the city’s 250th anniversary.
<
Recent Comments