Since I started this blog, I’ve gotten to know some pretty cool people in the industry. Not just racers and guys with dream jobs in the cycling industry,  (I’m talkin’ about you, Tim Jackson!) but everyday people with a passion for the sport, who decided to start a business selling cycling-related gear and clothing. So if you’re looking for a unique gift, and want to support a small business, here are a few suggestions.*

Mike, from Stem Captain - makers of handlebar bling that’s useful.

Sarah, from Go-Girl - because women should be able to pee standing up. Like men.

Ben & Nick from Fyxation - some pretty cool, colored rubber for your fixed gear.

Ashley from Outlaw Earth - messenger bags and urban wear, made in the USA

Matt, from One Gear Clothing - T-shirts and caps with original art for fixed gear enthusiasts.

*While I may run banners and say a few nice words for some of these companies, none of them have compensated me for doing so, although product may have been provided for review purposes. If they’re listed, it’s because I like them, plain and simple.

Welcome to the holiday season! I’ve been so busy with shopping for bike parts, replacing bike parts, testing bike parts, buying and selling bike parts on eBay, and even sneaking a few rides in when it wasn’t snowing or freezing, I’ve neglected to write anything.

Rather than take yet another cheap shot at vBulletin4 beta, which has disappointed so many people over on Bikeforums.net, I should be grateful. Less commercial sites like Twospoke.com or SoCalforums.net have seen an increase in traffic as a result of this badly conceived roll-out. This results in cyclists of all interests and abilities seeking out other sites, and perhaps finding a better fit among like-minded enthusiasts. That can’t be a bad thing, unless you’re in it for revenue, rather than just having a passion for the sport.

In a normal year, I make exactly nothing from my blog. That doesn’t quite cover the nominal cost of domain registration or the hosting bill. If you’d like to contribute something to offset the cost, feel free to click through the ads to the right and buy something nice for yourself, or a cyclist friend. Note that Huck N Roll is currently offering a generous 20% off Shimano MTB gear, and RealCyclist is offering 20% off Shimano Road components. Jump on that while it lasts.

Cheers,

Brian