Porcelain Rocket Slinger

Scott Felter, the mastermind at Porcelain Rocket, has continued to push the boundaries of ultralight backpacking bags.  Scott has been helping me with my travels by bike for the last 4 years and I am extremely grateful not only for his support but for his creativity.

For quite some time I know that not only I, but other bike photographers have been looking for a solution to easily carry and protect our camera gear on our bikes.  We have all gone through a host of solutions, some elegant, and some not so much.  I am sure that most of us have tried making crap, using backpacks, repurposing other bits of kit, all in an attempt to come up with a solution that safely carries our cameras; keeps them close at hand; and most importantly, keeps them off of our backs.

I am happy to say, that after seeing the prototypes I am now the proud recipient of one of Scott's new 'Slinger' bags.  This is a super light bag that in similar fashion to 'Feed Bags', attaches to the handlebars, fork and stem to create a secure location for carrying a small DSLR, mirrorless camera or range finder.  I personally shoot primarily with a rangefinder, but there are definitely situations where I will use a DSLR like the Nikon D810 or even a small mirrorless camera like the Fuji X100T.

Scott's new Slinger fits the bill perfectly with more than enough space for a DSLR and small zoom or fixed lens.  For a rangefinder or mirrorless camera, there is enough space in there for a camera, lens and second lens. The pictures below who the bag mounted to the Salsa Mukluk.  The 3rd picture shows the bag with a D810/50 combination.  Plenty of room in there for a longer fixed lens or a moderate zoom.

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I head to Ireland for 3 weeks of photography and bikes starting next week and then am off to Alaska for 3 weeks of winter touring and photography.  I look forward to putting the Slinger through its paces and will provide a bit of running commentary on Instagram as to how it works.

Scott -- GREAT JOB!!

2015 Salsa Carbon Horsethief

Last year I acquired a Salsa Spearfish and absolutely loved that bike.  To date, it is the nicest Full Suspension bike I had ever ridden.  A trip through Arizona however left me wanting just a bit more travel than what the Fish provided.  This is not a knock on the Fish, but more of a refinement on my part of what kind of FS bike I need for the trips that I plan to take.

Enter the 2015 Carbon Horsethief.  Like the Fish, the Thief features the new Split Pivot design.  Unlike last years Fish, this year the Thief is Carbon Fiber.  I must say, I am super stoked about this new design.  I built up the bike this morning and took it out for some pictures in the foot of snow we got yesterday.  While this makes for pretty snaps, it does not allow me to actually get on the bike and ride...

This year I am off to the SW again to put the bike through its paces and then onto several longer and more robust trips in 2016.  I am definitely excited about getting out and putting this bike through its paces.

The Nutter Bike Tool

Surprise surprise, but today, the new and cool Nutter tool arrived in the mail.  I saw this little guy about a week ago and thought it would be a great addition to my tool chest.  Having once again been incredibly frustrated with the use of a small 'multi tool' in the field, I came back from the Lost Coast trip committed to finding something else that is more practical. 

While the 'Fix It' sticks look nice, I believe their T design is flawed, especially for getting into tight places. Willing to sacrifice a bit of weight, I decided to give the Nutter tool a try.  It is built around a robust handle that doubles as a tire lever, tool bit holder,bottle opener, spoke key, box spanner and tool lever.  The tool uses removable bits that either attach directly to the tool or to an extender. Stay tuned for thoughts and an in depth review. 

Salsa Cycles Ti Fargo

Check out the latest Salsa Newsletter for a look at the new lineup including the first product shot I have seen of the new Ti Fargo.  The new color scheme, carbon fork, and Anything Cage mounts are sure to add to the cult status of the Fargo.   

A summer of projects

I can't believe it is about to be the middle of August... where has the time gone. For me it has a different summer, busier, less riding, more projects.  I still have not had time to finish editing my images from the Alaska trip.  I have completely rebuilt my Salsa Mukluk, although I am still missing a few bits.  I acquired a used Cannondale Hooligan and it has been a blast to ride, while the Muk was down and the Fargo & Spearfish have not arrived.  I built up a new Salsa Mukluk for E as a gift and the purple theme of the bike looks stunning.  The bike turned out perfect in every way with the exception of not finding a 'Grape Ape' frame, but instead having to settle for a black and red model.  In either event, the Purple and red seem to work well.  Pics coming soon when the rain finally stops. 

Made in the US, Twenty6 pedals are a work of art with aggressive pin placement

I have some fun testing going on now, especially focusing on the performance of Flats over clipless for the style of riding I do.  I installed a set of Canfields on E's muk and a set of Twenty6 on mine.  Two beautiful sets of pedals, but uniquely different.  The pins on the Twenty6's are very sharp and from what I understand, somewhat soft.  They no longer make Ti replacement pins, so I am starting with the anodized versions and then will switch to the steels when they wear out.  The patter of pins on the Canfields is less extreme, and the shape of the pedal is simply striking. 

My quest for a new saddle commences with a test of several different models. I have a Gilles Berthoud leather saddle in house and a Fizik Kurve (courtesy of North Central Cyclery).  Totally different saddles with totally different purposes in mind.  However, there is only one way to know what works and that is to try them out.  E got a 'cork' model of the Gilles Berthoud for her Muk and it is beautiful! 

The new Salsa 2014's are out and I have a new Fargo coming.  The update from last year is subtle, but welcome.  I think I am most excited about the addition of a Carbon fork that has mounts for the Anything Cages.  I had always planned on adding a Carbon fork even though it was going to mean the loss of the cages.  Now I don't have to compromise.  I am toying with the idea of going IGH and the venerable Rohloff.  My Fargo is my go anywhere touring machine and the thought of not messing with derailleurs while in some far off land is very appealing.  If you have an opinion on Rohloff's I would love to hear them.  I have been toying with a little 3 spd IGH on my Hooligan and have become quite fond of it, shifting nuances and all.

There are a couple of other surprises coming, including a Fish and a special project being built just for me. Summer will soon come to a close and the traveling will begin anew!! Fall, late fall, and winter plans are shaping up nicely.

2014 Salsa Fargo -- Even Better Than Before

Salsa has once again found a way to improve on what was already any amazing bike.  I have made no bones about the fact I think the Fargo is the ultimate go anywhere bike, especially for those looking to tour far and wide.  The new 2014 model offers up several key changes that make it an even better long distance traveler.  The first is the addition of the Alternator Dropouts, something that IGH and Single Speed fans have longed for.  The Alternator dropout will allow for easy setup of a Rohloff or Alfine a breeze; configuring the bike as a Single Speed; or even as a bailout in the event of a broken rear derailluer. I personally will be adding a shiny red Rohloff to my new 2014 Ti Fargo. 

The second major enhancement is the addition of a Carbon Fork specifically designed for the Fargo.  Salsa has re-engineered their Anything Cages and in doing so, have changed the placement of the braze-ons/mounting position for the cages.  Moving the cages forward, in an attempt to help absorb some of the energy that cage impact might incur. 

In addition to moving the mounts forward, Salsa has added these mounts to the new Fargo Carbon fork.  For those of us that prefer the ride characteristics of a Carbon fork, we now have the best of both worlds allowing us to have a Carbon Fork and to keep our Anything Cages.  OMG, I am drooling just thinking about it...  There are a few other changes, including the geometry correction to handle a 100mm suspension fork and a slight shortening of the chain stays, but these are nowhere near as exciting to me as the dropouts and the carbon fork.

 I will post pics as soon as mine arrives, but in the meantime Dirtrag has a great writeup and some nice images for everyone to drool over.   

Here is an update.  One of my friends sent me to this image where in the background you can see what appears to be the new Ti Fargo. 

Fuji X 100s in stock

The X100s is incredibly hard to find, and Amazon has a few of these in stock right now. Going fast so you better act quick. These are sold and fulfilled by Amazon, not a third party.

UPDATE: They are all gone, but more are on the way.  Keep checking the link.​

Fat Bike Extraordinaire - The Salsa Beargrease

Check it out here​

The Ultimate Point & Shoot?

Could it be that Sony has created the finest point and shoot ever?  Well the reviews are in on the Sony RX100 and they are simply outstanding.  The small compact is loaded with features including an awesome Zeiss lens that is 1.8 on the wide end enabling you to get a bit of that creamy brokeh that Zeiss lenses are known for.   The camera won't replace your high end DSLR but if you are looking for a carry around camera that will produce stunning imagery then this could be the one for you.  ​

If you decide to make the leap and purchase the RX100, please be sure and use my Amazon Link.  It does not cost you anything to do so and helps me to keep this site running.  Currently the RX100 is the hottest camera on Amazon so get your order in quickly while supplies last.  This looks to be one amazing new camera.​