Mike's Guide to Buying Road Bikes

Posted on by mrsoltys
Every once in a while a friend says "Hey Mike, you're into bikes: What do i need to know to buy a road bike?"  I'm sure there are plenty of other good guides on the internet, but because you asked, here's my two cents: 1) Fit - Having a bike that doesn't fit you right is the most guaranteed way you won't enjoy...Read More

Tool of the Week: Flipboard

Posted on by mrsoltys
A co-worker of mine recently suggested I start blogging cool smartphone Apps, and I think this is a great idea.  While doing "Tool of the Week" I've already pointed to a few services that have smartphone apps, and have tagged them with the "Smartphone App" tag, but i'm going to start doing some more posts specifically related to cool apps across...Read More

Tool of the Week: Online 3D printing (rapid prototyping)

Posted on by mrsoltys
[caption id="attachment_863" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Cube 3D printer or the makerbot could be a really fun engineering teaching tool."][/caption] Recently, I've been super intrigued by online 3D printing services (Aka: cloud printing, rapid prototyping).  The principal is simple: You upload a modle to a website, it's printed on a rapid prototyper machine, and mailed to you. I've found 3 services online that...Read More

Gear I Love: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad

Posted on by mrsoltys
I've posted plenty of trip reports: from Canyoneering in Utah to Climbing Pacific Volcanoes, but  I wanted to start a few posts about gear that I love. My first is my Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Sleeping Pad.  I can't put enough emphasis on the importance of a good nights sleep when enjoying outdoors trips: Being tired can make or break your experience!...Read More

Tool of the Week: Google Drive?!

Posted on by mrsoltys
I was taking a mid-day break reading the internets when I saw this post: Needless to say, being the google fanboy that I am, I was stoked. [caption id="attachment_849" align="alignright" width="300"] Note: The file name here was "HPIM3746.jpg," so it was image recognition that told google this picture was in sydney[/caption] I've installed it on my computer, and Google Drive...Read More

DIY bike light

Posted on by mrsoltys
A couple times this season I've gotten caught in the dark on my after work rides.  I've always wanted to try night biking, but my little 55 Lumen headlamp was awkward to strap to my helmet and barely lit up the trail.  Night biking sounds fun because it offers flexibility, it's a bit cooler in the summer, and the trails are less crowded! A...Read More

Gear I love: Using Webbing for Belts

Posted on by mrsoltys
[caption id="attachment_825" align="alignright" width="300" caption="So much selection at McGuckin Hardware!"][/caption] I'm not a fashion icon. In fact, my dress probably screams "cheep and functional." Luckily, living in one of the worst dressed cities in America, this can fly no problem. One of my signature manouvers is wearing webbing for a belt.  I mean really, who wants to pay more than...Read More

I got Engaged!

Posted on by mrsoltys
[caption id="attachment_816" align="aligncenter" width="773" caption="Click the photo to view the engagement album!"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_813" align="alignright" width="140" caption="Engagement Dance! (Click the Image to see us in action!)"][/caption] This weekend the most beautiful, fun, amazing woman I've ever met agreed to marry me! The weather ended up perfect while we ate lunch together and got engaged at the same spot where we...Read More

Cycling Tips: Some notes on drivetrain upgrades

Posted on by mrsoltys
You've gotta be a bikeseuxal like myself to want to change out an entire drivetrain: Maybe you're building a project bike, want to upgrade an existing bike, replacing broken parts, or fixing up an old beater: upgrading the drivetrain can be a whirlwind.  Here's a few tips to get you started.  (Also, these tips might help you if you're trying...Read More

Tool of the Week: Wunderlist

Posted on by mrsoltys
My friend Andrew introduced me to wunderlist when we were working on a project together.  At the time, I thought it was neat, but now I know that it's AWESOME. Wunderlist is a task management tool that syncs across multiple platforms and even has a smartphone version!  I use both the Mac OSx app as well as the iphone app....Read More