612 Track Cranks
December 30, 2008, By: Jeff
I've been riding the sample 612 Track Cranks since early September, and I am happy to report that they've held up great and are the best cranks for freestyle that I have ever ridden.
They are stiff and burly and have survived all the punishment I have been able to dish out. I have also become a big fan of the large square side sections which are great platforms for any kind of trackstand trick where you need to balance on part of the crank arm. As you can see from the photos of my abused Brooklyn, they have also withstood the salt and nastiness of the Minnesota winter with grace and charm.
I feel like we've made the right choice for our first crank offering with these; they are stiff, durable, and fairly inexpensive at $124 MSRP. This forging is available in a multitude of configurations from the manufacturer (which is why you may see variants on the market from other brands) and we have chosen what we believe are the strongest and smartest of the available options to carry the All-City name.
First and most importantly, the 612 Track Crank is cold rather than melt forged. Cold forging allows a better grain structure in the alloy, which in turn yields a stronger and more durable part. The cold forging process also provides a harder finish, making it less prone to scrapes and scratches. Secondly we have chosen a classic finish and shape for our chainrings (ships with a 46t ring), rather than the blocky "chainweel" style you often see on track rings today. These features add a bit to the price, but in the end we feel lthat it's well worth the extra price for a stronger crank, that looks great, and will continue to do so for a longer period of time. If you need a stiff and strong, 144 BCD track crank, give the 612 a shot. The first shipment is due sometime in late January.
Stupor Bowl 12 January 30-31
December 20, 2008, By: Jeff
The big one is back in Minneapolis for it’s 12th year. Be there.
Link here:Stupor Bowl 12
Minneapolis Messenger History
December 19, 2008, By: Jeff
Yesterday, our good friend Tim G dropped off a couple pieces of Minneapolis bike messenger history at the All-City offices and I thought that I’d share them with you.
This is the NACCC shirt from 2000, when it was held here in Minneapolis.
This is the legendary Minneapolis Messenger Jersey, you’ll notice the sponsors which include the infamous Sex World. I’ve only seen a few of these over the years, and never one in new condition before.
Tim G worked the streets of Minneapolis from 87-04. He was one of the originals, and now makes his living servicing Campagnolo components. He has always been a source of inspiration for me on the long journey that has lead to All-City, which is why we named the 314 Messenger Chainring after him. Tim’s messenger nickname was Pi or 3.14. Since both Pi and 3.14 would make lousy chainring names we decided to call it the 314 (three one four) Messenger ring. It’s just like the ring you see below but in a 130BCD; meaning that it would make a perfect replacement ring for a Sugino Messenger crankset, or any other 130 BCD crankset that you’d like to put a 1/8 ring on.
We are making them in 42,43,44,46, and 47 tooth patterns. I personally like to ride a 42 X16 or a 43X16 ring on the streets but haven’t been able to easily find them so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to make sure they’re available to the public. I know alot of you out there run a 44X16 and I’d like to encourage you to try a 43 tooth ring instead. It just might be the perfect freestyle setup. Skid patches galore.
Pedals In Stock Soon
December 17, 2008, By: Jeff
The first shipment of pedals will hit our distributor during the early part of January. We have both the Cecil Pro Track Pedal and the Standard Track pedals arriving sometime around the 7th. This is the first All-City component to become available, and we are excited to offer them to you.
The Cecil Pro Track pedal was named for a Minnesota local legend who operated the Shakopee Velodrome in the 70’s and early 80’s. It is a traditional sealed bearing low profile track pedal and was designed to accomdate single toe straps. Because of the low profile “Keirin” shape, this is basically a single sided pedal. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a high quality sealed bearing pedal without the NJS price. There are four color choices available.
The “PD” number is our distributor’s (Quality Bicycle Products) part number. Simply take that number into virtually any bike shop in the U.S. and ask them to order you up a set.
Cecil Pro Track Pedal Black, PD4700
Cecil Pro Track Pedal Red, PD4701
Cecil Pro Track Pedal Gold, PD4702
Cecil Pro Track Pedal White, PD4703
The Standard Track Pedal is a great value basic track pedal that was designed to accomodate double straps. The bearings are not sealed, but I have always had really great luck with them. They are a basic pedal but they represent a high benchmark for low cost track pedals.
These are an excellent choice for someone who wants an affordable dual sided track pedal that can accomodate double straps.
Standard Track Pedals Black, PD4720
Standard Track Pedals Red, PD4721
Standard Track Pedals, Gold PD4722
Standard Track Pedals White, PD4724
T-Shirts
December 17, 2008, By: Jeff
Cityscape logo t-shirts are currently available.
Shirts are printed on American Apparel men’s and women’s t-shirts right here in Minneapolis Minnesota. The charcoal grey men’s features black ink, while the ladies shirts sport grey ink. These are available in limited quantities as we plan on changing the colors available each time we do a run. The next color that will be available will be classic black with white ink for the men and silver ink for the women.
Don’t sleep on the charcoal grey, or you’ll miss out. Year’s from now you’ll be able to use this charcoal grey shirt as proof that you were down from day one.
Availiable through your local bike shop
Welcome
December 15, 2008, By: Jeff
Hello and welcome to the first All-City blog post.
We will be using this blog to keep you up to date on product developments, All-City news, reports from our daily lives and the Minneapolis cycling scene, events, and other goings on in the urban cycling world that we feel you may want to know about.
Also if you’d like to contribute with photos of your ride or hometown scene, events in your area or races you’d like to promote, please send the information our way. We’re always looking to see what kinds of bikes people are riding, and are always stoked to help get more people out and participating in their local cycling community. It is our goal that this blog will not only reflect our company and lives, but also yours as well.
Cheers and hope to hear from you soon,
Jeff, jeff@allcitycycles.com
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