what was that? is that all there is? who is this? this is it.

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100% Merino Wool

November 11, 2006

If you manufacture bikes, bike parts, bike accessories or anything bike, the best way to test the durability of your product is to give it to a bike messenger and let them ride it in the winter time. No one on earth can destroy bike parts like a working messenger in winter weather. Brake pads melt in a few short days, chains are used up, rims don't last long, tires, tires, tires. Every part on the bike is beat much harder in rain, snow and wet conditions. The stop and go, race to the next pick, short sprint work day of a messenger is, in my opinion much harder on a bike than any race could be, aside from cyclocross, but a cross race lasts a few hours, a messenger rides 5 days a week.  Commuting in the rain is hard on your bike, but once again most commutes last a couple hours at the most. Riding, even racing a bike in a long straight line for 4 hours isn't very hard on the equipment. It's like comparing highway miles to city miles. But in this case city miles are harsh little sprints up and down hills, almost riding like a taxi driver drives. Hard on the equipment.  (But I'd like to think messengers are smoother than cab drivers.)

I'm not joking, give me your product, let me ride it. Let me ride it into the ground and I'll write a review for you to publish if you like what you hear, if you don't like it, I'll publish it here. Why should some wanker from Bicycling who calls himself a journalist get his hands on all the product. He just takes it out for a nice dry spin around the block then writes a happy little paragraph about the wonderful performance of the new technology. Because that's his job, that's what he's paid to do and that's where his money comes from. that cheesy magazine is brought to you by those bike companies and their money. I'm paid to deliver legal documents, but I ride the shit out of bike parts and bikes and all kinds of clothing and accessories. When I find something that works, I stick with it and buy it again. From gloves, to helmet liners, to base layers. From brake pads, to chains, to BMX freewheels, to saddles to tires to grips. and I know a few people like me. Product reviews in glossy magazines are comical and for that reason they're worth reading. However a messenger's review of a Banana Republic merino wool sweater, or a pair of Carhartts would be interesting.  I'll gladly write about White Industries freewheels, FSA seatposts, Dura Ace hubs, Brooks saddles and on and on. So all you bike companies take a break from feeding those glossy mag wankers and distribute some product to the messenger community. You may be surprised at what you'll learn about your product.


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TOB said...

You'd be a great product whore. What Carhartts do you use?

Posted November 15, 2006 09:12 PM | Reply to this comment

pilderwasser said...

Howdy Old Bag I use the double front Carhartts. Cut off at the bottom of the double front. If you buy pair with a too-long inseam you can get the double front to go really long. But I cut them off to keep it all out of the drive train, and that extra foot or so of heavy cotton would soak up a lot of water. In a steady rain they do get wet. but in sprinkles they do just fine and they're warm in the winter with a little spandex underneath. It's a compromise, as with any clothing choice. I must say, the crotch is the first thing to blowout. Just when I break them in to where I really like them they blow a hole. And the ass wears out too from a lot of saddle wear. However I have patched a couple pairs and worn them for years. And anything that lasts for years of messenger use is quality.

Posted November 15, 2006 10:45 PM | Reply to this comment

OB said...

Sierra Trading Post -- Double Fronts (2nds) for $33....

Posted November 16, 2006 08:33 PM | Reply to this comment

OB said...

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/product.aspx?baseno=22334&CN=Carhartt-Dungaree-Jeans---Double-Front-For-Men

Posted November 16, 2006 08:34 PM | Reply to this comment

William F. Pilder said...

This particular spew needs a headline that sizzles. Steak without sizzle just sits there. This is Grade AAA steak...some sizzle please. You can also tell me to shut the f... up! :)

Posted November 17, 2006 03:54 AM | Reply to this comment

pilderwasser said...

33 bucks for Carhartts, is a good deal. thanks OB. and I can go back and edit the title on the post dad,to add a little sizzle. Medium Rare.

Posted November 17, 2006 07:55 AM | Reply to this comment

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