23 February 2012 - 8:47Kermit gets an Upgrade

After almost a year, I finally got the care package I was promised by Backcountry Research. They are the makers of the Awesome Strap which I find to be exactly that. Awesome. My goodies were delivered to me in AZ via Dough, who handed me a bag full of Tülbags and Awesome Strap Race (my fave).

Tülbag

I’ve never used the Tülbag before, or even seen one up close, but it is a well constructed bag, useful for carrying things that might get lost, or prevent things from rattling around your pockets. Going to out one of these guys to use soon. Notice the düshbäg on the hang tag, nice kit!

awesome!

Now, with multiple Race Straps, I no longer have to swap my tube/inflator bundle between all of my bikes. Having even one less thing to worry about before going for a ride is a huge improvement for my quality of life, so thanks!

race bundle of joy

Also, since Kermit has been re-activated, I have found that my preferential riding position has changed. I used to favor a more upright position, but have found myself running the bars lower these days. I changed my stem from a 10° rise to a flat, lowered it on the steerer tube. I also thought htis might be a good time to check out the new Niner RDO crabon flat bar. I have been exceptionally pleased with the regular crabon bar, so I’m interested to see what they have done differently.

new cockpit

Also, Mr Kerkove hooked me up with a set of GS2 grips in Team Green, so with my riser bars gone, I thought this would be the perfect time to try them out. As we all know, there is nothing more mockable than riser bars with bar ends. With the increased leverage available with wider bars and bar ends, I also thought this might be a good time to increase my gear, but wouldn’t you know it, winter has decided to come back. The wet snow and yucky roads have sidelined my riding plans for the next few days, so you’ll have to wait until next week for my initial impressions of the new goodies.

Stay tuned for more exciting news tomorrow!