The weather was nice on Saturday and I finally got out for a decent ride.  I took the Surly 64cm Long Haul Trucker (LHT) out for its inaugural spin and it rode well - very comfortable. 

I remember when the LHT first came on the market, I was pleased that Surly had decided to make a good production touring bike with the features and  geometry that I would select if I were building a custom touring bike.  Until recently, the biggest LHT was a 62cm, a little too short for me.   A few months ago I noticed they had introduced a 64cm. I immediately snapped up a frame to build up as a winter project.  In fact, the 64cm LHT geometry is pretty close to my custom-built Mercian.

Speaking of my Mercian, a few weeks ago I purchased a set of Velo Orange Campeur racks.  I thought I’d install them on the Mercian, replacing the Surly racks that I’ve had on it for the past few years.  The Surly racks are unapologetically over built and I like them.  But I was really intrigued with the VO Campeurs and purchased a set.  The French-inspired VO racks are prettier and a few pounds lighter.  

So far, all I’ve done with the Campeurs is get them installed.  I haven’t used them on the road fully loaded.  They seem pretty nice, but that should be expected at $350 for the pair.   Unfortunately, the rear rack came without some of the hardware bits.  I was able to work around it, but I’ll be checking in with VO to see about getting all the hardware just in case I decide to install them on a different bike.

This past year Ironweed had the opportunity to work with some really great folks.  Most recently, we added Wallingford Bicycle Parts to our list of retailers.  Many Ironweed customers are probably familiar with Wallingford.  Their product line is top notch.  So I am proud to have Ironweed as a part of their offerings.  I remember discovering Wallingford when I was looking for the proper gear to outfit my Mercian.  They had everything I needed including Gilles Berthoud fenders.  

I would be remiss if I didn't mention a couple of our Midwest retailers. First is Budget Bicycle Center in Madison.  If you're in the Madison area, I suggest you pay them a visit.  They have the largest collection of classic and vintage bicycles for sale anywhere in the world!  I have spent hours in their used bike shop ogling the impressive collection.  It’s like going to a bicycle museum except you can buy the exhibits!

Another retailer and long time supporter is 30th Century Bicycles here in Iowa City.  Locally, we referrer to them as 30 Cent.   It's a shop of the people, started by a couple of former Iowa City Bike Library volunteers and board members.  In some ways, their shop is really an extension of the Bike Library’s mission.  They are committed to getting people on bikes and offer a very welcoming environment; particularly for those new to cycling. They've sold quite a few Ironweeds over the past couple of years. 

I would also like to thank Bike Friday for including Ironweed bags on their 20th anniversary New World Tourist.  I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this very special bike and to help in the celebration of their 20th year of making top quality, hand-built folding and travel bicycles in the USA!   

I’m looking forward to great things in 2013!

Brian 

It hasn’t rained much this summer.  That may be an understatement given this is the driest and hottest summer on record for the Midwest.   Nonetheless, I sometimes ride in the rain or on wet streets.

I’ve spent hours riding in rain of all sorts: heavy rain, sprinkles, thunderstorms (not recommended), icy rain.  Sometimes I have rain gear, sometimes not.  Sometimes I use an umbrella (yes, I do this for short distances).  Consequently, there is one accessory that is on every bicycle I ride… fenders, or as they are known across the pond, mudguards. 

Granted, when it is raining fenders do little to keep you completely dry, but they do help.  Mostly, they keep things clean – like you and your bike and your cargo.  If you ride in the winter on slushy roads, fenders keep your bike and your backside cleaner.  Winter is hard on bicycles and ruinous to bicycles without fenders.

In addition to being a practical accessory, they also can dress up your ride.  Thankfully, over the past 7 or 8 years, we’ve seen plenty of new choices.  I use Gilles Berthoud fenders on my Mercian, Planet Bike Cascadias on my commuter and Velo Orange stainless on some of my other bicycles.  But there are plenty of other fine fenders out there.

The one thing all of the fenders I use and recommend have in common:  they are full coverage.  There is nothing worse than riding on wet streets with a front fender that is too short to keep the front tire from spitting a rooster tail on your feet, and thus arriving at your destination with sodden shoes and socks.