Press Play Performance Lab teams with Pegasus Bicycle Works

Fast Freddy Rodriguez being tested at Press Play Lab

Press Play Performance Lab 
has a new, east of the hills, home at Pegasus Bicycle Works! We have joined forces to bring you the best fitting team available in the bay area. 

"No fit system here."

"Bike fitting is part ART, part SCIENCE, and part EXPERIENCE. While there are many bike fitting schools out there, we don’t limit ourselves by subscribing to just one way of fitting. Our bike fits are based on biofeedback. In other words, we use advanced, state-of-the-art technology and our medical experience to find the best fit based on YOUR anatomy, pedal stroke, alignment, previous injuries (probably most important), core strength, stability, and flexibility. Having years of physical medicine experience, we have learned early on that we must test each change we make. We carry that over to our fits. Each fit change gets tested by science, not by a guess." -Press Play

This philosophy is why we are working together. There are plenty of "one size fits all" methodologies out there. And I have never personally felt that any of the fitting ideologies fully encompass what I see as "bike fit". After fitting for so long, I can see where you are inflexible or which of your legs is shorter. Which knee is dropping in or bowing out. Where  your pelvis is tilted or rotating. Once you have been on the trainer for a bit, all those anatomic pieces of the puzzle become evident. And there are things you cannot see about yourself while riding. I was fit by Mitch a few weeks back and I learned what my body looks like while I ride. All those things I noticed on others, I could never see or feel myself doing while I rode. Mitch also took me through the Surface EMG testing. And I learned which of my muscles were firing and when, all through my pedal stroke. Based on the results I now have exercises I perform before my ride to prime those muscle groups not working enough. No gimmicks, just understanding of how your body works on the bike. The results? Well lately I have been posting some PR's on Strava. While the amount of riding I'm doing hasn't  really changed, the way I feel has. And the simple priming exercises seem to be helping along with the on-the-bike tweaks and pedaling form development. Sound interesting? 

Check out the Press Play site at www.pressplaylab.com or

Schedule ONLINE here
http://pressplaylab.com/2015/02/bike-fit-services-now-danville-ca/

We are starting with appointments on Fridays for now, but will open up other days of scheduling as demand grows.

Every bike fit includes:
Saddle Pressure Sensors during bike fit 
TT, Road, Cross and Mountain Bike

• Body evaluation including flexibility, stability, leg length, and alignment as it relates to cycling.
• Pedal forces, stroke, and power analysis using our Pro Analysis technology 
• Saddle and Foot Pressure sensor data
• Saddle Testing (bring some of your own or test what we have in stock)
• Orthotic evaluation/testing
• Shim/Wedge testing
• Changes to bike fit
• Exercises (in video format!) to correct dysfunction and become more efficient and powerful
• Fit Sheet
• All test results, exercises and fit changes explained
• Force Time Plot

  

The Return of Eddy Merkcx to Pegasus

Sometime in 1997, before the days of Pegasus, I began selling Merckx bicycles. Back then they were mostly steel. Sometime in 2002 or 2003, Merckx came out with their Scandium alloy frame and it was amazing. Even by todays high standards, that frame still holds it own. Many material iterations have come from Belgium via Italy at times, but one thing has always remained the same, Eddy's passion and frame geometry. He has never involved himself in the plight of the weight weenie or chasing fades. His calling has been to produce a bike that handles the way he believes a bike should and that is above all else, safe to ride. After a 5 year hiatus from carrying Merckx, we are proud to once again offer his line for 2015. It is a simple line up that originates from the developement of his flagship model, the 525. The 525 pictured here was sent to me as a Demo. After 250 miles of riding, I was admittedly smitten. Uncompromising speed, you push and it pushes back harder. Few bikes challenge you to go harder each time you ride them. After every effort you are left grinning ear to ear and wondering how fast can I really go. Now lets point this rig down hill. I have NEVER descended with such brazen confidence on any other bike period. Those of you who have ever ridden with me know how I am when the road gets twisty and loses elevation. "On rails" is not close to the unwavering ability for this bike to track in complete harmony. Both wheels hold a line that seems unearthly, like a magnetic force has taken over between you and the pavement. And when you do need to hit the brakes... be prepared. Look at the front end of this bike, does it say 'uncle'? That over abundance of carbon is there for a reason that becomes evident the minute it gets to speed.
While all this sounds great maybe to someone that races, I no longer do and my forty-something body no longer seeks speed at the price of comfort. While I was not able to do any rides over 80 miles aboard the 525, I would not hesitate. But most carbon bikes today can boast about great comfort, but you typically compromise for it. 525? That is the number of victories Eddy accomplished in his unrepeatable career, well at least in my lifetime. 

Next we have the Mourenx 69. The Merckx endurance bike. Built in the shop with a 2015 Chorus group...more to come as I embark on my next ride on this taller headtubed, longer wheelbased iteration of the Merckx geometry.

Morning inspiration by Jack Handy

Climbing above the fog. There are times when we are so "in" our world that we think the sun will never shine again. A shift in perspective often leads to a road that proves otherwise and can often offer a new view and revelation of the world around us...

Bianchi brings Eroica to California

Calling all pre-1987 bikes and riders!! Bianchi is bringing Eroica to California. Here is your chance to participate in a challenging and fun retrospective ride honoring the sport of cycling. This is not a race, but rather a homage to the "Heroic" feats performed by cyclists and racers of a bygone era. This a great reason to dust off that classic you have in your garage. Try a day on a steel bike with toe clips and straps, 5-6 gears on a freewheel and a wool jersey and shorts with an actual deer chamois. (well maybe not that far, a modern chamois is ok) If you are missing some of the items in Article 6 (see website), we have all the solutions for you. Guaranteed to be a memorable event!

 http://www.eroicacalifornia.com

Colnago 50th Anniversary Re-build with 2015 Chorus

As promised, the Colnago 50th Anniversary build. The photos don't capture how nice this bike is, nor how well it rides. By many accounts and collectors of Colnago, this frame is still considered one of the best to ever roll out of Cambiago, not that many of Ernesto's bikes still do. It is a reminder that when we think short term profit we can sacrifice long term quality and heritage. Sure some fine bikes come out of Asia, but I'm not sure the passion still remains. When you fork over your hard earned dollars for a fine, high-end Italian bike you aren't expecting to see a made in China sticker on the BB, or do you? What do you think? Does having "old world" craftsmanship still hold any value to any of you out there? When it comes to handmade products I have always felt that the builder leaves a bit of himself in every bike he or she builds. There is an underlying knowledge that exists when a person understands what they are building and why. As opposed to someone that is performing their job. My question is, "What is the value of that knowledge?". Are we willing to pay what it will cost for a small manufacturer to stay in business?
Colnago has eclipsed their 60th Anniversary now, so this bike is over ten years old. But to rest your feet on the pedals and glide across the pavement, you would never know.

                                     

 


                   

  

 

The Show must go on... insert Pink Floyd song

Cyclocross racing is live from Austin, TX. The show must go on, even with the shenanigans from yesterday.  Hopefully all is forgiven!

Watch it live via the link below.

http://live.behindthebarriers.tv/2015-nationals

TURKEY DAY Appetite Ride

TURKEY DAY Appetite Ride @ the shop leaving at 9:00 a.m. Arrive early if you want coffee! We hope to see all of you then. For those of you that are planning around your families, we estimate our return time to be 11:30 a.m.,or so... Have a great Thanksgiving, no matter what!

Fall Repair and Maintenance Clinic

before you get this far, stop by for the tutorial

How has the year treated your bike so far? We are starting the Fall Clinic series on Saturday October 18th @ 4pm.

The first course always runs through the basics for those you who are not comfortably familiar with your bicycle. We cover roadside repairs and basic maintenance of your amazing machine. We cover all makes and models of bikes, so don't think your bike type or brand will be shunned here. That Rainbow jersey goes further than it's traditional 'World Champion' designation.

When do I service my bike? How often do my shocks need to be serviced? When are my brake pads too worn?
We wil answer

Please RSVP to chris@pegasusbicycleworks.com 

We will host the event with some finger-food and beverages! (both hard and soft) Growlers may be present for you fellow beer lovers.

Saturday October 18th @ 4pm.

           

Creaky noise coming from cranks? 

Pad on left is new, pad on right is done.

                            

Gear Review: Challenge Fango Open-Tubular Cyclocross Tires.

          For a while now, I’ve been looking for a set of cyclocross tires that would be perfect for our local trails, as well as some of the great trail systems across the bridge in Marin. Knowing about the Challenge brand, and their expertise in making some of the best tires on the market, I decided to pull the trigger and purchase a pair of their brand new Fango 33 Open Tubulars. Challenge advertised these tires as the perfect tire for a myriad of conditions and riding styles. I’ve ridden their Grifo’s in the past, and loved them, but felt that I needed a bit more “bite” in some of the loose corners I find myself in every ride.

Handmade Italian Goodness

          “Open-Tubular” tires are essentially a tubular tire without the typical sew-up you find on tubular tires. The 300 TPI tires have the same casing of their Fango tubulars, but fit on your standard clincher wheel. Personally, I threw in a pair of latex tubes to get even closer to the feel of a tubular (warning: latex tubes are featherweights compared to standard butyl tubes, so they are more prone to a flat on rough trails). The true test would be riding these tires on my home trails of shell ridge and on the Diablo Trails

They look good too!

          I’ve been riding these tires for over 500 miles now, and I have never been so impressed with how a tire feels in such a variety of conditions. The open-tubular casing on the Fango’s are insanely supple, giving me better control of the bike on the trails due to the greatly improved ride quality. Unlike a lower TPI count tire, the Fango’s adhered to the trails so well, letting me push through corners at much higher speeds than I would be able to on a 120TPI tire. Another quality of these tires is how buttery smooth they are, even over the eroded and rutted trails that make up a good part of the lower Shell Ridge Open Space due to this drought. 

500 miles of hard riding.

          The Bottom Line: The Challenge Fango tires are absolutely killer! One of the best multi-purpose tires I have ever ridden. From hard pack, loose sand, loamy trails of Marin, and the occasional mud pit, these tires can handle it all extremely well. However, I feel like the Fango’s are more suited for softer trail surfaces, more than the hard-packed fire roads we have in the summer. With that said, the Fango’s will handle our local trails with ease. I have only one word of warning: The Challenge Fango’s are extremely supple tires, with a softer casing than the majority of cyclocross tires on the market. Try to avoid riding on pavement for longer stretches, or you will wear out the center treads faster than usual.

Front Tire Wear

          The Challenge Fango’s retail at $100 per tire. Yes, they are quite pricey, but you get what you pay for. These tires are completely handmade in Italy, with quality that you will feel out on your first ride, all the way to your final ride on these fantastic tires. Plus, the tan sidewalls look so good!

Shred On.

-Gio

Bianchi Infinito CV.

Recently, we were lucky enough to obtain one of the few Bianchi Infinito CV's in a color option only found in Europe, and still handmade in the Italian factory.  Gio has already stated his love for the bike in a review earlier this year, so we'll cut to the chase: This is one of the best bikes Bianchi's has EVER made.

We have one Infinito CV left in the shop in a size 57 equipped with Shimano Ultegra 11-speed and Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels.

Check out photos of this incredible bike below.

The "Countervail" Rear End.

Handmade in Bianchi's home country.

The Barn Burner.

There is no doubt about it, Summer riding is here.  Our shop ride group today consisted of Mel, Chris, Darren, and Gio (me).  Meeting early for the ride would prove to be necessary the second we hit the dirt.  The temperature was predicted to top off around 100 degrees today, so we needed to get on the trails quick, before the heat really turned up.

To start things off, we decided to take on Dan Cook, and get some elevation in the legs.  To say the least, this climb hurt more than any of us expected.  We have all ridden Dan Cook numerous times, yet we were not prepared for the amount of pain this climb would put in the legs.  For some reason, the trail seemed steeper than usual (probably due to the heat), making things a bit more challenging for us.  Dan Cook is one of those climbs you love to hate, yet every time you make it to the top, it feels so good.  First climb of the day was over, but you could bet it wasn't the last.

Chris Hammering.

Beautiful Day Today! 

After summiting Dan Cook, we headed out to Wall Point for more climbing, and of course, a blistering descent.  After stopping for longer than we probably should have, all of our legs were feeling like jelly (climbing can do that to you).  Wall Point is one fast descent, with short, punchy climbs scattered throughout, giving our legs little time to rest.  At this point, the heat was starting to kick up, making conditions even more challenging.  The ride had quickly changed from a 'casual' shop ride, to all of us digging deep and giving each other hell.  To get away from the heat, we tore down "Sandy Hill" into the valley of Castle Rock.

The views made it all worth it.

    

Chris and Darren.

The green is gone, and the Golden Hills return.

Heading down Wall Point.

HELL YEAH!

The valley of Castle Rock Park is always a good place to rest on hot days.  Being covered in shade, especially after being exposed to the sun and heat for the past hour was much needed, and much deserved.  Flying through the fire roads and stream crossings (and almost wrecking once), was a blast.  We took our time as we turned around to head back to the shop, and to suffer up one more climb.  Sandy Hill is a relatively short climb, but is extremely steep, only made worse on top of the fact that we were all exhausted already.

As we finished the final climb, it was all downhill from that point.  The group coasted back to the shop, but not before Chris went head over heels in the Macedo parking lot as we were horse-watching..

Tired, sweaty, hot, and happy to be back at the shop.  We all recovered with plenty of food and tasty beverages, reminiscing over the ride and just how tough this one was.  This was one of the hardest days i've ever had on my cyclocross bike, and the hardest shop ride in recent memory.  Thanks Darren and Mel for suffering with us!

Join us every Sunday morning at 8:30 for our weekly shop ride, and every Thursday at 6:30pm for the off-road evening ride in the Diablo Foothills.

This was a fun build. Our good friend Dave's OX Brand Titanium Cruiser 29'er. The bike was in need of some serious love, and it came out beautifully. This was one of the more challenging builds I've had, but I'm stoked to have it done (for now...)
Thanks Dave for letting me work on this beauty! See you soon.

-Gio

This bike was sweet!

WTB

Beauty.

                                                                        

Awesome looking welds!