Salsa Casseroll - Moving On **SOLD**

Over 4 years, nearly 20,000 miles, and countless adventures with this bike are coming to an end. I'm looking to sell the Casseroll after many good times on the earth's surface, and I'm planning on adjacent wheel-based adventures. 

I have chronicled many of the aforementioned adventures on this blog, and I hope that you have enjoyed reading about them. All posts related to the bike can be found here. 

Detailed description of the setup is below:

Just overhauled the bike with new cables/housing and deep cleaned all parts and the frame. This bike has been a daily commuter, century rider, credit card touring, and randonneuring setup. I started with the 2012 Casseroll frameset and built it up from there. Over $3500 as built.

54cm (54.5cm top tube) frameset bought in 2011 with Crank Brothers directset headset. I replaced the front rack with a Nitto chromed rack (I still have the original). The fork was reraked by Minnesota frame builder A-Train cycles to improve trail. No toe overlap like it used to have. Three stainless steel water bottle cages. Fenders are Velo Orange hammered aluminum with Brooks leather mudflap on the front fender. Brakes are IRD Cafam cantilever, which are very strong.

Wheels built with Schmidt Son28 generator / dynamo front hub, White Industries rear hub w/ titanium driver, Velo Orange Raid 32h rims with Sapim spokes. Tires are Panaracer Ruffy Tuffy 28c. This is an awesome setup with efficient power generation for the light system.Generator lights are Supernova. Front is E3 triple (800+ lumens). Rear is the E3 rear. They have a stand light feature that keeps the lights on for a couple minutes when you're stopped.

Rear rack is Tubus Carry titanium that holds smaller panniers. Front bag is Velo Orange square bag. Includes pedal power plus, which is wiring from the generator hub to charge most USB powered gadgets (GPS, phone, etc.) while pedaling.

Crank and derailleurs are Ultegra 6700 series. Crank is compact double 50/34 10 speed with 11-28 cassette. Shifters are down tube Dura Ace 10 speed friction front and indexed rear. Handlebar is Salsa 42cm wrapped in Velo Orange elk skin. Stem is generic aluminum 100mm with headset spacer mounted brass bell. Brake levers are Cane Creek. Seatpost is Velo Orange. Saddle will be replaced with a standard saddle, the Brooks will go with me. Includes Topeak frame pump. Bottle cages are wrapped in leather because I would use stainless steel bottles and they would rattle.


The link to the classified ad can be found here.

I'll be sad to see it go, but it will provide for many adventures for someone out there. I'm happy to box and ship if you're not along the Wasatch front here in Utah. Contact info is in the classified ad.

Salsa Casseroll Fork Rerake

Ever since I first started pedaling the Casseroll, I noticed some strange front-end handling characteristics. The bike is designed with a small front rack and, presumably, a small amount of cargo up front. Even with no load, the front end was floppy (that's the best way I can describe it). After investigating the issue, I learned that the front end has an unusually long trail, or horizontal distance between the point directly underneath the front axle and the virtual extension of the headtube to the ground.

 

Here are the measurements of the stock Casseroll:

Head tube angle 73 degrees
Fork rake 50mm
Original trail  54 mm

Toe overlap was another piece of evidence of, perhaps, not quite enough rake. Granted, I run with full-coverage fenders, but the overlap was significant. I reached out to a local frame builder, A-Train Cycles, to petition assistance. Alex was clear about expectations and agreed to take on my project. Huzzah!

After the re-rake of the fork, the measurements are approximately as follows:

Head tube angle 73 degrees
Fork rake 62mm
New trail  41.5 mm

With the fork removed and cleaned, it was ready for delivery.

My Velo Orange fender had pull-through, so I opted to slightly rotate the fender toward the rear and drill a new hole.

Ta-da!

 

Fork re-installed post re-rake.

Ghetto bike workstation. I do what I can.

With the fender rotated toward the rear, the mudflap is about 1/2" from the ground.

The best piece of evidence I have to illustrate that the re-rake project was effective is that I can ride the bike without hands. Previously, such an activity would cause the front end to dive to the side and was nearly impossible. I feel that the bike tracks much more true. Toe overlap is aaaaalmost gone, which is fantastic considering the fenders. Slow speed balance is also improved.

I was a little concerned that the axle-to-crown height would be shortened such to have a negative effect on brake placement and/or fender clearance. From what I can tell the result is minimal shortening of ATC height, so I don't anticipate any issues come winter and the ensuing installation of studded tires.

So far, so good on the re-rake project!

We Cannot Get Out, They Are Coming!

Months have passed since my last entry. I fear that I have been left solitary in the desolation of the battlefield, absent human contact for as long as I can remember. The enemy continues closing in, relentlessly searching for its next victim; its icy, bony fingers constricting the trachea of this world. No one is safe. Nothing is safe. If you want to save our world, you must hurry. We don't know how much longer we can withstand the nothing.

I have developed methods to escape its frozen clutches and engage in stealthy combat, burying my skin beneath multiple layers of raiment. I believe that I am able to travel undetected for short periods of time. I must not remain exposed to this danger for long, as the all-searching eye will eventually detect my presence and reduce me to a hypothermic resemblance of the human form. My only hope is that my persistence will wear down my foe.

For five unbroken months, I have traveled along the East/West axis between my village and the commerce center. 11 miles I travel in each direction, at times with the wind as my ally, other times as my nemesis. Often, the clouds release their moisture in an attempt to reduce my ability to escape the Captain of Evil. I will not give in, however, I am afraid that I am losing the battle.

Bodies of water have developed a unique defense to the adversarial buffetings. Under constant attack, brave drops of the water tribes rush to the surface, sacrificing their ability to enjoy free motion. They attach with perfect rigidity to their fellow soldiers, creating an impermeable, thick skin of protection at the surface in order to protect their kinsfolk who lay quietly beneath. I am humbled by their selfless sacrifices.Their defenses seem to be holding.

But what is this? Who is this grand warrior, this luminescent orb shining from the heavens? Minions of the enemy's force flee before it. The blanched blanket of accumulated cloud droppings reduces form and flees into the underground rivers. The trees respond, attempting to bring forth blossoms, leaves, and life-giving sustenance. Humans, both young and old, exit their dwellings to witness the supposed victory. Smiles emerge upon their faces. But the enemy is strong. He whom I thought was our conqueror has, for unknown reasons, retreated. I fear he will not return. I fear I am slipping into madness. As I am huddled deep within the darkness of my protective abode, I can hear the sinister laugh of my enemy, relishing in his supposed victory. All hope seems to be lost.

It is as I feared. They have taken the bridge, and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out. The shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out, they are coming.

In spite of the loneliness that is inherent in my form of battle, I must continue. 

I share with you images from the wintry battlefield in hopes that you may be able to tell the story:

2012 Rapha Festive 500 Complete - Minneapolis, MN

With about 3 hours to spare, I completed the 2012 Rapha Festive 500 challenge in the SW suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Below are some of the photo/video/fact highlights of this year's cold and difficult challenge:

My final GPS track, atop frozen Round Lake. I didn't quite get the typeface correct.

  Here is a video summary of video & still photo highlights:

 Weather Stats:

• Temperature range of 0-23F (-18 to -5C), much colder with windchills
  
• 2 days had fresh snow at departure, with additional snowfall while riding
• Heavy ice on road shoulders for all but 2-3 of 12 rides.

Bike/Equipment Stats:

• 310 miles (500km) solo
• 195 miles (315km) on Studded tires (Schwalbe Marathon Winter 35c) (Salsa Casseroll)
• 60 miles (97km) on 28c tires (Salsa Casseroll)
• 55 miles (88km) on the Salsa Mukluk Fatbike, including frozen lake riding
• Schmidt hub generator pushing Supernova front/rear lights & accessory charger
• 12 total rides to complete the challenge!

Thank you to Rapha, Strava, and my family and friends in the cycling community for the challenge and the support!

Rapha Festive 500 Ride 11 - Almost done!

Today's ride was BRUTAL, to say the least. Temperatures were 10F (-12C), with winchill around 0F (-18C). The wind chill was real, with a 10mph headwind from the west, challenging me all the way to my turnaround point in Waconia. I have ridden these roads quite a bit in the fair weather in preparation for the Tour de Tonka century, so at least it was familiar territory. As I turned around and headed east, my core warmed back up, and some feeling returned to my toes.

This distance (60 miles ~ 95km) is about my limit in this weather. I had about 65 miles to go to finish the 310 miles (500km) for the challenge, so I was close enough to finish with a fatbike ride in the evening. I deviated from my strategy of repeating smaller-distance loops, which works to stop back in at the house to refuel, and find liquid water. I have found that if I carry a couple insulated bottles wrapped inside the zip-off sleeve of a Chrome jacket, the water will stay liquid at these temperatures. Obviously, bottles of any sort in the cages will freeze quite quickly. Access to liquid water (in addition to incredibly numb toes) seems to be my limiting factor and greatest cause of unpleasant feelings this time of year.

Insulated bottle inside a jacket sleeve

The trusty Salsa Casseroll all ready to go

And the submission to Strava:


About 10 miles (15km) left! I'll get out the Fatbike for this one. 

Rapha Festive 500 Ride 6 - 72km

Today was a lot of difficult riding. Temps flirted with 20F (-7C) with 3-4" (7.5-10cm) of fresh snow overnight. On part of today's ride, I was plowing through 6"+ of snow; lots of exhausting work. I took time today to take photos and video of this craziness. My electronics (helmet cam, Garmin, still camera) are kind of on the fritz--probably due to extended exposure to COLD. Enjoy!





On the Stone Arch Bridge across the Mississippi. The river appears to be hibernating.

Approaching Target Field, where the Twins play better teams.

Approaching the Hiawatha bridge to the Greenway.

Crossing the unplowed Hiawatha bridge.

Saw a ghostbike today on the West River Parkway at Franklin. Ride safe, everyone.

Looking up to the Gold Medal Flour mill ruin.

 

The bike was covered in snow. Even the chainstays and BOTH sides of the seatstays.

Headed West toward Lake Calhoun on the Midtown Greenway.

My favorite overlay from today's ride. The path to the top of the park mound wasn't plowed at all, so it's a little choppy.

 

 

Rapha Festive 500 Ride 5 - 51km

Today's ride was in the mid-teens F (-10C) for the whole of the ride, with the temperature dropping and snow falling toward the end. I'll upload some snippets of video later.

Rapha Festive 500 Ride 3 - 31.5km

Not much going other than a loop in the cold.

Rapha Festive 500 Ride 4 - 43km

At least today is sunny. I had some time midday to grab some frigid miles; I'm hoping for additional pedaling this evening. Today's ride started at about 7F (-14C) and "warmed up" to 12F (-11C). After the first lap, I swapped wheelsets from the pair with the studded tires mounted to the traditional pair. Much lighter and, therefore, less work.

Rapha Festive 500 Ride 1 - 50km

Last year's Festive 500 by Rapha was indeed a challenge. I was living in Madison, WI, and the highest temperature was at freezing (quite warm, in hindsight). This year, I live in Minneapolis, and the temps are quite colder. I am still making an effort to pedal through the challenge this year, so we'll see how it goes!

Today's departure was greeted with +16F (-9C) temperatures and a light dusting of snow, with a wind chill of +2F (-17C). By the end of the 50k ride, temps were +15F (-9.5C), with less of a wind chill. Eek. My layering worked just right, but my feet were still really cold. I doubled up on merino wool socks with a new pair of Teva Chair 5 boots (rated at -25F), but even still...

Here are some pictures:

Around 7AM with 1/2" of fresh-fallen snow

Riding the Casseroll with Schwalbe Marathon Winter tires, Supernova/Schmidt light system, etc.

I'll be shooting for some Mukluk miles this evening if I can sneak away...

University of Wisconsin Arboretum

Today's ride featured a local wonder: the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. Established in the 1930's by the CCC, this cultivated area of land is a treasure in the heart of Madison. The road through the Arboretum is very light on vehicle traffic due to the non-thru traffic design. The visitor's center is best accessed by bike, in my opinion, due to the low traffic and the sights and smells along the way. Although the weather was mid-40's F (7 C) and rainy. I finished the last exam of my MBA program earlier in the day, so I celebrated the only way I know how: on the bike.

Lilac

Brooks & Lilac

Happy trails!

Studded Tires Back On: Schwalbe Marathon Winter

I finally gave in to the terrible road/bike path conditions and installed my winter tires. My 700c tire of choice is the Schwalbe Marathon Winter (35). If I remember right, this is my third winter on this pair.

A couple observations:

1. The extremely durable tungsten-carbide core studs still have plenty of life left. The tread design lends itself to long stud life, as the center section of the tire tread is stud-free. On those sunny and mostly ice/snow free days, I can run the pressure at 80-85psi with a fairly respectable rolling resistance. In this scenario, the studs engage on cornering, which is when ice/snow riding gets sketchy (without studded tires) in my experience. When the snow and ice cover the roads and paths, I drop the pressure about 20psi and fully engage the studs. I have even ridden across a frozen lake with this setup:





Lake Mendota last winter.





2. In addition to having plenty of remaining stud life, I didn't notice any studs missing from the tread. A common occurrence is for a tire to lose a stud or two here and there (Schwalbe sells replacements in packs of 1 dozen). I believe Schwalbe recommends setting in the studs by riding with the new tires on dry pavement for a few dozen miles. Perhaps I did this? The Marathon Winter boasts 240 studs per tire, which is evident in the bulldozer-type feeling one has while churning through the ice and snow. I'm not talking about fatbike snow riding quality, but instead about the relative performance to a regular tire, or even a treaded tire. The Casseroll is transformed into a tank-like vehicle for a few months each year, only to be released into 28c Pasela bliss come springtime. 

Of course, some pics of the before and after:

This is with the Paselas installed.

Snow and ice build up like crazy around the brakes and clog up the fenders.

Even the mudflap packs on huge chunks of ice.

All the space in between the tire and fender is full of ice w/o studded or treaded tires. 

With the studded tires installed, the fender stays much cleaner. 

Notice the stud length.

I love winter riding, and with careful investment in well-designed gear makes it that much more enjoyable. 

Happy trails...