Since 2010, I have been pedaling with a "midfoot" position, that is, the pedal axle is underneath the center of my arch. I began doing this because of a calf overtraining issue, but now it has become habit. Last year I heard of an "innovative" platform pedal, and, wondering what it could be, checked out their website. I became more skeptical as I read, all they did was make the pedal wider.... that is, until I read why it was wider. The pedal is wider because it is designed to be placed midfoot, exactly how I had been riding. With a normal pedal midfoot, the pedal body is narrower than the arch. But with the Pedaling Innovations Catalyst pedal, the platform is wide enough for the arch to be supported at both ends, just like an arch bridge's foundations. This results in a more comfortable pedal to stand on. Pedaling midfoot reduces stress on the calf muscles. The calf contributes almost no power to the pedal stroke, so this actually saves energy. The pedals work great and integrated flawlessly into how I ride.
Our child would throw rocks in the creek all day long.....
Meanwhile I tried to climb Dunsinane Mountain, which is completely trail less and seldom climbed... I got to the North Ridge, and didn't like the look of the loose rock scrambling ahead so turned back.
Garage Sale
All items are cash pay or Paypal, buyer pays shipping.Ultralight Frame bag for Fisticuff 54 cm
This frame bag is custom sewn for the Vassago Fisticuff 54 cm, but will also fit many similar sized cyclocross or road frames.
It weights a scant 4.5 ounces or so and is made from cuben fiber, for the ultimate in strength at low weight. It features a #8 YKK water resistant zipper, and reflective tape and bright orange color for commuter bike visibility. It secures to the frame with 1.5 mm cord (included) to save weight over using velcro, and experiment with the method. Each side of the bag has a small hole where the crank arms rubbed the bag (only when large hard sided objects where in the bag). More careful bag packing will prevent the problem from continuing. I can patch the holes before shipping. The zipper is in great shape.
Regular price new on this would be $150. Get it now for $75 including shipping to the 48 states.
Rare 29er V brake 240s wheelset!
There where only a handful of these rear hubs made by DT Swiss. It is a non-disc 240s rear hub with singlespeed cassette, 135mm quick release. Mike Curiak laced them up with butted spokes to Stans 355 29er rims, I got the wheelset used.
The unique wheelset is very light but ready for rough endurance riding, touring, commuting, or bikepacking on or off road.
The rear hub makes for a very strong wheel build because the non-disc and singlespeed cassette means the flange spacing is as wide as possible, giving the rear rim the best support from the spokes. This means a light weight rim will be stronger.
The front hub is a standard 240s non-disc hub.
Run it singlespeed, or with a few cogs from a cassette - I used 5 cogs from an 8 speed cassette.
Comes with Schwalbe Marathon Racer 35 mm tires and tubes, probably 90% tire life left.
Get this rare workhorse for about the cost of the rear hub - $325.
WTB Silverado and bike saddle
Only a couple hundred miles on it, doesn't work for me. $40.
