Carolina Fatz July 4th Holiday Hours

Friday July 3. 10-6
Saturday July 4. Closed
Sunday July 5. Closed

Have a great 4th of July.

Thank you

Jason, Nathan, Marcus, Will, and Jimi.

Here is our F1 SL project bike. Dura Ace 7900, Industry Nine Wheels, ITM Carbon Bar, Devox Carbon Stem and seatpost, Cane Creek 110 headset. Special thanks to our local boys I-9 and Cane Creek for making this bike pop.

Weight with pedals. 15lbs 3oz.

Here is a one of our recent road bike builds. F1 sl frame and fork, Sram Red components, Zipp 404 wheels, Ritchey WCS carbon kit.

Weight with pedals. 15lbs 8 oz

The Megalodon

The Megalodon.

The Megalodon was probably the coolest shark ever. They're extinct now. Read more about them at Wikipedia.

Memorial Day Weekend

First off, good luck to all the Carolna Fatz Racers going to Tsali this weekend.  Keep it rubber side down and scorch the trails!!

Second, we will be closed Monday May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Thanks for all your support, and have good day off.

Intense Demo Day

Intense Cycles will be at Carolina Fatz on Saturday May 16th. They will have Spider 2's,Tracers, and Spider 29ers on hand to demo. The guys at Cane Creek will be here demoing there Double Barrell Shocks and showing off their new 110 headsets.

Carolina Fatz will also have a huge sale table, and we will be grilling burgers and hot dogs all day long.

New Bikes, Demo Saddles, Arundel Cages

Arundel Bottle Cages. Light and a carbon Cage that holds your bottle.Demo Saddles: $10 a week. If you decide to purchase a saddle the $10 goes towards that purchase.



Blur XC Carbon
Size: Large
Price: $4199.99


Build Spec: Reba Race Fork, Monarch 3.3 rear shock, Cane Creek S3 headset, Fsa OS 150 stem, Pro Carbon Handlebar, WTB Wolverine Grips, Sella San Marco Ishchia Saddle, WTB 2.14 Moto Raptor tires, XT m 760 hubs, Mavic 117 rims, DT Champion spokes, SLX Crank, SLX front Derailleur, XT Rear Derailleur M771, SLX 11-32 cassette, SLX chain, Avid Juicy 7 Brakes.



Felt Garmin Replica
Price: 849.99
Sizes: 54.56

Blur LT2 Carbon

Santa Cruz has done it again.  They just released the Carbon Blur LT2. 5.6lb frame `140mm of travel. We already have one on order.   Follow this link to learn more.

Paris Roubaix

Team Garmin will be a team to watch in the 107th Paris Roubaix.  Martijn Maaskant will be one to watch in the 107th edition of Paris Roubaix.  He finished 4th in the Tour of Flanders last Sunday.  The guys at Felt are doing everything they can to ensure a victory on Sunday.  They have prepared special Roubaix bikes for him and his teammates.  

Some specific features and include, more tire clearance, a fork with more rake, 27mm Vittoria Roubaix tires and top mount brake levers.  One interesting feature is that the Garmin mechanics have switched the bike to Dura Ace 7800.  They feel it is more durable than the new 7900 version. The mechanics have installed a third eye chain watcher and Arundal Stainless bottle cages.  

Team Columbia will have George Hincapie leading the charge.  Scott has prepared special bikes for the entire team.  The changes include using a frame with standard seatpost.   This gives a more supple ride over the cobbles.  Just like Garmin, Columbia is using a mix of Dura 7900 and 7800 on its Roubaix bikes.  Last the frames have one piece derailleur hanger for snappier shifting over the rough cobbles. 

Coverage of the is on VS at 5pm on Sunday.  

New Clothing and Winter Clothing Blow Out

All winter clothing is now 30 % off. (Exlcudes Merino Wool products)

We have also recieved a fresh order of Fox Helmets, Gloves, Shorts and Jerseys.  Come by and check them out.

We are now stocking WTB tires.  They offer many tread patterns in 26inch and 29 inch versions.  Jason has been running the 2.2 Wolverine. He has raved about how well it rolls and how well it hooks up in the turns. Nate is currently on a Wolverine 2.2 in the front and a Vulpine 2.1 in the back.  

Jason just built up an Intense Spider 2.  The bike has 120 or 130mm in the rear and can have up to a 140mm fork up front.  The guys at Cane Creek set it up with a Double Barrell shock.  Current build weight  27lbs 3 oz

Build Spec:  Intense Spider 2 frame, Cane Creek Double Barrel Shock, Marzocchi 44 ata micro, XTR brakes and drivetrain, Industry Nine Wheels, Thompson stem, Thompson Seatpost, Wtb Wolverine tires, Wtb Pure V saddle, Salsa moto handlebar, Cane Creek lockon grips, Time pedals.

Nate is currently on a Santa Cruz Blur Carbon.  The new Blur has shorter chainstays, a more progressive shock rate and 105mm of travel.  Santa Cruz outdid themselves with this bike.  Current build weight 23lbs 4 oz.

Build Spec:  Blur Carbon Frame, Rock Shox Monarch 3.3 shock, Rock Shox Reba SL fork,Cane Creek 110 headset, XTR drivetain and brakes,  Industry Nine ultralite race wheels, Thompson stem, Thompson seatpost, Salsa Moto Carbon handlebar, WTB Devo SLT seat, ESI grips, Maxxis Crossmark Exception tires(tubeless), Crank brothers Candy Ti pedal.

Blur Carbon Winter Clothing Sale

We have a Large Red Blur Carbon in Stock!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come by and see the latest from 

Santa Cruz Bicycles

New stuff and local group rides

Warm weather has returned and we now have more time to ride in the evenings. That means local group rides are starting up.  The Carolina Fatz mountain bike ride takes place on Wednesday nights at 6:30. We leave from Rice Pinnicle parking lot.  On Tuesdays at 6 a great road ride leaves from the Etowah Ingles.  All abilities are welcome to attend
View Larger Map" 

Here at the shop new spring clothing is showing up every day.  We just recieved a shipement of Shelia Moon cycling clothing for women.  Shelia is a cyclocross racer and freelance designer.  She combines both  talents to make functional stylish cycling clothing.  

Mavic cycling shoes are in stock too.  We have entry level to pro race level in stock.  Mavic has produced shoes for several years.  They were produced under the Adidas brand, but this year Mavic dropped the Adidas name to brand there own shoes.   They make a lightweight,  funtional, and comfortable shoe.  

Last, service is getting busy again.  Our typical turnaround is 3-5 days on most repairs.  Don't forget we scedule appointments too.  Call ahead and we can get your bike back to you within 24 hours.  

Garmin Data for Wednesday shop ride

Here is a link to Garmin Data from the shop ride Wednesday night. Ignore the data after the 1 hour mark because I left the GPS on while I drove home. Everyone else rode 5 more miles. I had to be back home by 8:30. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next ride.

Garmin GPS, Bent Creek Trail conditions

BENT CREEK CONDITIONS

We are going to have warmer weather this week which means it will be a good time to ride. While riding keep in mind that some trails will be muddy and some will be dry.  The trails unthaw when it gets warm and creates a muddy mess.  Avoid some of  the lower lying trails and recently worked on trails.  Trails that have been worked on recently retain more moisture because they are not as packed in as some of the more established trails.   Also we have a great network of forrest service road that can make for a great ride.  

Typically southern facing trails stay dry becasue they have constant sunlight.  Also  well

 established trails are firmly packed and are not suseptible to the freeze thaw cycle.

Get out there and ride but respect the trails!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GARMIN

This week Nathan started using the Garmin Edge 305 GPS bike computer.  This is a great device for recording rides, sharing rides with your buddies, and you can even race yourself.

Follow this link to see what it can do.

SHOP RIDES

Daylight savings time starts on March 7.  We will be doing our shops rides at 6:30pm on Wednesday nights.  Meet at Rice Pinnicle parking area.  Intermediate pace.   Call the shop or email us if you have any questions.

Santa Cruz Blur XC Carbon

Santa Cruz has finally produced a race specific Blur XC.  The new carbon Blur is 4.2 lbs with a Rock Shox monarch 3.3 shock and has 105mm of rear wheel travel.  Complete XTR build with be under 23 lbs.  The bike uses Generation 2 VPP links and the suspension is tuned to the rigors of XC racing.  This means the suspension will be more linear and chain growth has been shortened from 24mm to 15 mm.  The chain stays have been shortend by 7mm down to 422 mm and the bike has 69.5 head angle.  

Frame Price $2299

Complete XT $4699

Complete XTR$6281

We will have these in stock by mid April.  

New Santa Cruz Driver 8

Well the guys at Santa Cruz Biycles have been busy.  They have lauched two new bikes and have plans for one more.  They first lauched the Blur XC Carbon and then the new Driver 8 all mountain bike.  

$2399 US MSRP, powdercoat frame w/RockShox Vivid 5.1

$2561 US MSRP w/Fox DHX RC4(add $200 for anodized finish)

Add $200 for Ano

Intense's New Uzzi VPP (2nd Gen)

>Here's the latest from Intense.  It's their Re-Vamp of the Uzzi featuring the 2nd Generation VPP technology.  Color shown is Works Blue.

It features adjustable travel of 7" or 7.5".  It incorporates the new "G3 drop out" that gives 3 way geometry adjustment to chainstay length, BB height & head angle.  It can run 160 to 180mm forks.  Again as on the Tracer vp the travel adjust does not affect the geometry.  It also has a 1.5 Headtube and ISCG 05 mount so it is Hammerschmidt compatable, and includes cable guides for a dropper seatpost.

Santa Cruz Blur XC Carbon

What?  Another new bike from Santa Cruz.  You got it!

Visit the Santa Cruz Website for more info!

Bad Economy? Time to fix up your old bike.

Get your bike running for 2009 at Carolina Fatz. Nate and Jimi are here to make sure your bike will run its best in 2009. We are running winter tune/overhaul and parts specials through February 28 2009.

Our standard tune includes: adjust shifting, adjust brakes, air up tires, lube chain and cables as needed, check all fixing bolts, clean braking surfaces.

Our standard overhaul includes: all of the standard tune procedures plus, wash bicycle, repack hubs, pull BB and grease threads, pull head set and lube where necessary, true wheels.

Seasonal pivot maintenance is crucial to ensure proper suspension performance. Your suspension will be disassembled, cleaned, regreased and reassembled. During this procedure we check bearings for proper function. They may need to be replaced and the price varies by model.

THE ABOVE PRICES ARE LABOR ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE PARTS.

Call us to make an appointment or just swing by and we will get you riding as quick as we can.

Well the Holidays flew by at Carolina Fatz.  Thank you to all of our loyal customers and all the new customers we met over the Holidays.

This time of year is a great time to get your bike tuned.  Service times are currently 24-48 hours.  Call to make an appointment or just come by and Jimi or Nathan will get your bike running like new.

We just built up the 5.5 FRO with a Rock Shock Revelation and SRAM X:7.  Retail $3299. 

Current Special $2999

Intense's  new 2009 UZZI.

The race season is about to kick off.  The Icycle is January 31 and the Snake Creek Gap TT series is under way in Georgia.  Look for Nathan at these events.  

If you want to improve your mountain bike skills come to the Asheville Velosports camp February 21 and 22.  It will be hosted by Andy Applegate and Nathan Wyatt.  

Merry Christmas to all of our blog followers.  

Check out the new Intense Spider 2

Our Holiday Hours will be as follows:

Tuesday December 23 10-6
Wednesday December 24 10-3
Thursday December 25 CLOSED
Friday December 26 CLOSED
Saturday December 27 10-6

Lance Armstrong, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Kirt Vories, Cyclocross Nationals

More New goodness from Intense

This is the New Spider XVP Version 2. It uses the new Second Generation VPP pivots and links. It'll be available Spring of 2009.
Jimi

Rifle Season

Be sure to wear bright colors while Mountain Biking the next few weeks.  Rifle Season in WNC runs from November 24- December 13.  

If you are in Bent Creek you may encounter hunters like this one.  

Limited Edition Tracer

Brand New From Intense.... Yet Again!


The Limited Edition Tracer. The frames will be CRC Blue with Nickel plated links and bolts. It will be offered as a complete XTR bike with a white Fox Talas 150 RLC fork with tapered 1.5 to 1-1/8 steerer, white DT Swiss wheelset, white grips and saddle. Complete weight minus pedals is 26.4 lbs in a medium.

Carolina Fatz Thanksgiving Sale

Come by Carolina Fatz for huge price cuts on 2008 bikes and clothing. We need to clean out our old inventory to make room for the new 2009 products.

The sale starts today November 20 2008
Holiday Hours:
Wednesday, Nov 6; 10-2
Thanksgiving Day, Nov 27 ; Closed
Friday, Nov 28; 10-6
Saturday, Nov 29; 10-6

Have a great Holiday!

Fall Tune Special

For all the loyal readers of our blog we are offering a Standard Tune Special. Mention that you saw this picture and get a Standard tune for $35.00, regularly $45.00, valid till December 31st 2008.

We are currently offering 24 to 48 hour turnaround. Call to make an appointment or come by and drop your bike off.

Stolen Bike

One of our customers had their bike stolen last night at The Wedge. Here is a description.

Large Anodized Black/Silver Santa Cruz Heckler
Gold Headset and Red Wheels.
Urban Camo Manitou Sherman Fork.

If you find or spot this bike around town email us @ Carolinafatz@gmail.com.

Scott USA

Carolina Fatz is officially a Scott Bicycles Dealer. We just received out first shipment and they are looking for new homes. Scott makes every thing from kids bikes to high end Road and Mountain Bikes.

We also have new Castelli winter clothing in stock.
Also don't forget that we are still doing our night ride on Wednesday night. Meet at Rice Pinnicle @ 630 on Wednesday night. We will ride even if is cold so make sure to bring warm clothing and lights.

New Santa Cruz Nomad is here!

Following in the footsteps of the Blur LT's redesign earlier this year, the Nomad is the latest recipient of SCB's next generation VPP. The Cliff Notes for this redesign are as follows:

• Revised links and VPP shock rates
• Grease ports in lower link
• Carbon fiber upper link
• All-new link hardware
• Shorter chainstays
• Redesigned front triangle
• ISCG 05 mount

Changing from the old clamshell welded top tube design to a triple butted 6000 series aluminum front triangle allowed the engineers to increase strength and stiffness in the front end, incorporate ISCG 05 chainguide mounts and increase head tube diameter to 1.5", yet at the same time reduce frame weight by a third of a pound over the previous model.The VPP revision results in a flatter shock rate, meaning a less dramatic falling rate at the beginning of travel, and less of a rising rate near bottom-out. The instant center of the rear suspension now sits lower than before, and the new design has less chain growth than the old one. These elements make the new bike pedal and climb more efficiently than before. The geometry of the bike still ensures excellent stability, but the suspension feels more lively and the new Nomad feels more snappy and responsive everywhere.

The new linkage design features 15mm diameter alloy axles bolting directly into the frame that are locked in place with ultra-trick collet heads. These control preload on the angular contact bearings in the lower link, which are in turn easily lubed up via the grease ports in the link. Each frame comes with a grease gun. The upper link is molded carbon fiber. These changes result in vastly improved weather resistance, longer intervals between servicing, much easier user serviceability (lower link can be removed without having to take the cranks off), and improved chassis rigidity.

Visit Santa Cruz for More Info.

Later,
Jimi

Intense Tracer 2009

Here is the new Intense Tracer VP. 5.5 or 6 inches of travel.
Generation 2 VPP technology and grease ports for the bearings.
A 1.5 head tube and RP 23 Shock Finish it off.

Singletrack magazine has the First Review.

New Blur LT, 2009 Orbea, Light & Motion, Winter/Fall Clothing

New 2009 Light & Motion Products. $129-$799.

Fall and Winter Clothing now in stock.

Come by and pick up some Carolina Fatz Gear.
Instulated Hincapie Long Sleeve Jersey $110. Hincapie Shorts $90.

We have two new Blur LTs in stock. The one pictured above and below is $3199.
It has an R AM kit and RP23 rear shock.
We also have a Large Anodized Black with an RP 23 and SPX Kit for$4299.

A New Yellow Heckler with the D kit; $2099

2009 Orbea Onix TDA $1899.

Come check out the Sale Rack!

Saturday's Link-O-Rama

The Tru-Vativ Hammerschmidt. It's what everyone is talking about these days. I think we'l see a lot on Singlespeeds, um, I mean Two-Speeders!

See the Bike Magazine article.

You can get a good look at the pre-cursor that some people have been running for a few years now at Schlumpf Innovations.

They look so much alike inside you've got to wonder!
Crankworks '08. Double Backflip. 'Nuff Said?


Bike Magazine Crankworx Whistler Video
Bike Magazine Crankworx Colorado Video

Cyclocross Nationals - Elite Mens

Cyclocross, Rain, and other happenings

It is almost September which means cyclocross season is right around the corner. It is time to glue tires, buy leg warming gel and get ready to race skinny tires on the dirt. If you need cyclocross advise come by shop and talk to Nathan. If you need cyclocross inspiration visit D-Dub's blogspot for a lovely cyclocross poem.

Carolina fatz has plenty of Cyclocross products in stock. We have bikes from Orbea and Santa Cruz. We have tires from Michelin, Maxxis and Hutchinson. We also have plenty of tubular glue. Race information can be found at the following websites,Carolina Masters, MSG Cross, NC Cyclocross, Georgia Cross, Biowheels Cross.


The Service department is still very busy. We are typically 7 days out on most repairs. The sales floor is already seeing new 2009 product. New 2009 products include: Serfas pumps, Serfas Sunglasses, and Fox Forks.

Last there will be no shop ride this week. We have received some much needed rain this week. Hopefully the trails will be fun next week and not be a dust bowl.

Thanks for reading. Happy Trails

Shop Rides

Our shop ride continues to grow. We have been averaging 15 people a ride. Shop rides are a great way to meet other riders and to hang out with our staff outside of the shop. Meet at Rice Pinnicle at 630 on Wednesday nights.

NEW ITEMS

Another week has blown by here at Carolina Fatz Cycling Center. A few new items have made there way into the shop.

The first is the new Bent Creek map. The new map has Greenslick and all the updated closings and openings. We just received a huge shipment of GU including the new ProOctane. Serfas just release some new quick release seat bags with fun print designs and we have them in stock. Finally Carolina Fatz Cycling Center has a rental Thule bike box for those occasions when you must take your bike on a trip. The cost is $9 per day plus deposit.

One item of concern recently has been the destruction of trail work done on Greenslick. Certain members of the cycling community have been removing rock armouring, and logs placed across the trail. If you witness people doing this explain to them the work is done for a reason and if they have a problem with it contact PAS.



Don't forget about the shop rides on Wednesdays. We meet at Rice Pinnacles @ 6:30 ready to ride. Thanks for reading. Cheers

Moustache Contest Finals

The Moustache Contest is coming to and end. Tonight we'll all meet at The Admiral at 8pm for judging. Then perhaps, some Bele Chere revelry. See ya there.
Jimi

Multi Tool Review

Here are some multi tool reviews on Wired.

Happenings at Fatz

First off. Sorry for the lack of updates. It has been very busy around the shop.


New products we have received include, 2009 felt road bikes, Garmin team issue frame( Felt F1 c), 2009 Blur Lt, Industry Nine Road Wheels, and Lake Cycling Shoes


In other news the repair shop continues to be very busy. We are currently 7 days out on scheduled repairs. However do not let that deter you from coming by. We usually have time for a small adjustment if you have 15- 20 minutes to hang out.

Shop rides continue to be on Wednesday nights. We meet at Rice Pinnacle at 630. Nathan is still racing and wraps up mountain bike season this weekend with ORAMM.

Here are some events to keep in mind: The Night Train, ORAMM, Fools Gold.

Last it is time to start thinking about Cyclocross Season. It is just around the corner. If you have any questions about bikes, equipment, or what races to do email or call and ask for Nathan. We currently have bikes in stock from Orbea and Santa Cruz

Tour de France 2008

Valverde makes Kirchen look like he was standing still.

What an incredible pass and win. Sorry about the Commercial.
Live Online Tour de France 2008 Coverage
Here's where you can read, see, hear about, and watch the tour:
Versus Channel Website - The Offical Online US coverage
cyclingfans.com - The most complete list of Video, Audio, Tickers, and News coverage
Steephill.tv - 2008 Tour de France Dashboard
Justin.TV - Good Live Euro-Sport Coverage (England)

That should take care of you.
Jimi

Crazy Times call for crazy moustaches

This week has been off the hook. The Repair shop is now ten days out.

Here are some ideas for all you Moustache growers.


The Enudro de Ocho started today. Go check it out and/or participate and/or help out. Stole this pic from their website.


Here's a couple of links for ya:

How To Avoid the Bummer Life
Moustache May and,
the Moustache Mayor

Till next time....
Jimi

Moustache Contest - Update

Ok, so, we met, and worked out the details and started the contest. Notice the Shaving cream and Razor in the middle of the table.

Moustaches only. Beards won't count, but can be worn.
Prizes will be awarded according to category:
Most Growth,
Most Style,
Creepiest, aka The Molestache,
Possibly a Least Growth as well,
and Best in Show.
Awards party will be Tuesday July 29... most likely.

Jimi