We have begun accepting bicycles for inspection, get your bike in now and get ready for the MS 150. Inspection guidlines follow:

Bicycle Safety Inspection Minimum Standards

FRAME

• Straight by visual inspection.
• Structurally sound, no separated or cracked frame tubes, no rusted thru tubes.
• Head tube, top and down tubes must be straight.

FORK

• Must be aligned with frame.
• Fork ends secure an undamaged.

HEADSET

• Properly adjusted as to not cause binding and tight enough to not cause wobbling due to movement.
• Pitted headsets that cause “indexed” steering should be replaced.

STEM

• Not past limit line.
• Secure in frame.
• No stripped bolts or nuts.
• Properly secure handlebar so that it will not move or spin upon hitting a bump.

HANDLEBAR

• No bent or uneven bars.
• No visible cracks.
• Must have bar end plugs.
• Grips must be secure.
• Bar ends or aero bars must be properly installed and tightened.
• No Corrosion.
• Bar end position.

Brake Levers

• Must be in a position so that they can be safely reached.
• Must be secure on handlebar.

SHIFT LEVERS

• Must function properly (test operation of gears).
• Must be securely attached on to frame or handlebars.

DERAIILLEUR

• High and low adjustment limits must be properly set.
• Hanger alignment must be checked.

BRAKE CALIPERS/SYSTEM

• Must be properly adjusted so they safely stop the bike.
• Disc brakes must be free running with no rotor drag.
• Brake calipers must be securely attached.
• Brake pads must be properly aligned with the rim.
• Brake pads must have proper amount of pad material left.

WHEELS

• Quick release skewers must be properly installed.
• Must be true to within 1/8 of an inch.
• No major flat spots or other visible rim damage such as cracks on rim surface or ferrules.
• Spokes need to be in good working order; severely rusted spokes are a safety issue and make roadside repairs very difficult.
• Hubs must turn freely and not have excessive play.
• Nuts and bolts must be secure.

TIRES

• No excessive dry rot.
• No large cuts or deviations in casing that may cause tube failure.
• No large brake induced bald spots.
• No trainer tires.

PEDALS

• Toe clip and straps must be secure.
• Pedals must turn freely.
• Pedals must be tight on cranks.
• Clip less systems must be functional.
• Recommended to bring shoe in for proper testing.

CABLES/HOUSING

• Must be secure on frame.
• Housing should be in good condition, not crimped or bent.

CRANKS/BOTTOM BRAKETS

• Must be secure on frame.
• No missing chaining bolts.
• No visible cracks.
• Crank bearings turn freely, and have no more than 1/8 inch of side-to-side play.
• Chain ring straight.

CHAIN

• No kinks that would affect shifting or cause skipping under a load.
• No plate separation.
• No corrosion.

SEAT AND POST

• Seat must be secure on post.
• Post may not be above maximum limit.
• Seat binder mechanism must be in good working condition.
• Seat height must be properly adjusted to fit rider.

ACCESSORIES

• All accessories on the bike must be properly installed so to not cause a hazard.  Items such as frame pumps, computers, bags, aero bars, or cards in the spokes must be such as to not cause danger by becoming entangled with the rider or their bike, or cause poor operation or access to brakes, shifters, etc., etc.

The National MS Society is continuously seeking new and different ways to build awareness for multiple sclerosis in the community. Lone Star, along with a volunteer task force, has created a fun way for anyone and everyone to join the movement to create a world free of MS – MS3Things. MS3Things is a video contest to promote MS Awareness Week as well as awareness for the disease.

Check it out at www.MS3Things.org.

Built up the Funday and it is one sweeet ride! It’s for sale, so if you want, come n’get it.

Transit Bmx Contest from Alec Gates on Vimeo.

I was a bit worried saturday morning that the weather might pose a threat to our event. Cold temperatures had descended upon us quite heavily in the last few days, and we had just gotten our first freeze in some time. Fortunately, the weather took a turn for the best, and arriving at the park we were greeted with sunny blue skies.

Hector was our master of ceremonies once again, and he did another magnificent job.

Would you trust these guys to judge your contest?

The Beginner class was first on deck. In being our largest class of 10 riders, they were divided into two groups of 5 and let loose onto the course.

Practice for Beginner was a bit hectic at first, but everyone seemed to figure things out as they went along.

Finally, our podium.

Beginner
1. Aeron Tillmon
2. Travis Guajardo
3. Donald Vacek

Next up was our expert class, and they definitely lived up to the billing. A few of our Beginner riders had made the move up this second go around, and all looked to have progressed since the last event.

Justin made the step up to expert and was rewarded with 3rd place for his efforts. Most noticable was his first tailwhip pulled in competition.

Andrew Manelis layed down his usual relaxed style and flow on the course to earn second place. It’s possible he could have taken the gold, but a fall late in the finals put a stop to his efforts.

First place went to Lucas Dartford, who kept it clean and technical all day long. Well-deserved gold!

Expert Final Results
1. Lucas Dartford
2. Andrew Manelis (Not Pictured)
3. Justin Mayberry

I won’t try to explain everything that happened in pro class. Just know that Danny Hickerson owned the course.

All pictures courtesy of : Courtney Dawn Cook

My personal thanks to Ian at the Humble Skatepark for being our catalyst. The sincerest of gratitude to Alec for shooting the footage, and taking on the task of editing it for us.

Thank you to all our sponsors who helped make this event possible; S&M Bikes, Kink bikes, Blackout Distribution, Fit Bikes & Hydrade. We couldn’t have done it without your continued support. Now, somebody turn on the weather machine and let’s get to Spring!

Some of you may be familiar with the cycling fatality that occurred this past Saturday in NW Harris County. The cyclist killed was Stafford Campbell. Stafford was a long time MS 150 participant and volunteer of the Lone Star Chapter. Some of you may have personally known Stafford. Stafford was more than a participant or a volunteer to us at the chapter, he was family. For years since his retirement Stafford has spent at least two days a week at the chapter office assisting the development staff and other departments with our MS 150 efforts and other chapter business. Stafford was also a familiar face at our packet pick-ups and at the other bike events in the chapter either as a rider or volunteer. Needless to say we are always saddened by the death of any cyclist, but Stafford’s death has struck at the heart of our organization and staff and for so many that new Stafford through his involvement with the chapter.

In the event you knew Stafford or would like to attend his services as a show of support to the family by the cycling community, his memorial services will held Saturday December 5th at 11am in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Houston located at 7401 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024.

Barry Turner

We just received a full assortment of arm, leg, knee, and head warmers.

Dirt Jam scheduled for the 10th, more details to follow.

Trio of 2010 single-speed bikes from Specialized.

Integrated bar/stem on the Roll 1

Fixed or free, it’s your choice.

Steel is real, and especially in regards to the feel. Reynolds 520 cromo on this puppy.

Stumpjumper 29′er Single Speed

Some nice hydraulic brakes to keep you from flying off the trail.

The eccentric bottom bracket is a beauty, ain’t it?

They didn’t skip style on the compression cap either.

If you want to see more of these bikes, get your butts into the shop!