Fat Tire Mountain Bikes. The Monster Trucks of the Bike World.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Press Release Announcing "Tom's Tall Bikes, LLC"

For Immediate Release Contact: Thomas L. Nudd

Phone: (214) 952.1002

TOM’STALLBIKES.COM ANNOUNCES MORE AFFORDABLE 29ER MOUNTAIN BIKE LINE

Newly Equipped 2011 GT Karakoram Personal Builds Available Now

DALLAS, September 4, 2012—More than one-third of U.S. adults (35.7%) are obese, and statistics predict this percentage to increase, according to the C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control). In 2008, medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. Obesity is common, serious and costly. That’s why “Tom’s Tall Bikes” was created—to provide a way for “Big and Tall” people to get out and exercise.

“After the ordeal of finding comfortable, yet stylish clothing my whole life, I came up with the idea for Tomstallbikes.com with my population in mind—big and tall. Also, participating in sports events has left my knees aching for days and I found mountain biking to be a great way of getting outside for exercise without my joints hurting as a result. The company is specifically targeting larger-sized mountain-bike pilots who do not have the time or the mechanical know-how to build the bike of their dreams and have not been satisfied with the less-durable models currently on shop racks today,” remarked Thomas L. Nudd, President of Sales and Marketing for Tom’sTallBikes.com, who credits his uncle for the original company name. “Larger people have to be concerned with how durable a product is in order to get their money’s worth, especially a product that supports their weight and height,” he continues.

Tom’sTallBikes.com announces today that the company will begin to reintroduce the 2011 GT Karakoram 3, a 29er mountain-bike that has been stripped of the low-end originally equipped manufacturer parts and rebuilt into an entirely new trail-dominating destroyer of similar mass-produced builds. The new 29er mountain bike, an updated version of the 2011 GT Karakoram 3, replaces the current top-of-the-line models and are designed with the bigger, taller rider in mind. However, if the buyer wants to go with a different frame in which to construct the build on top of, this is entirely possible.

The buyer, creating a set-up of their dream bike, chooses from a list of quality, high-end parts and their favorite color scheme. Tom’stallbikes.com offers this personal, durably built product line for the taller rider as an alternative to the impersonal, mass-assembled, and over-priced models currently flooding the market.

“A rider has wanted to do a build-up for a long time, but is too busy to spend the hours needed searching specifically for the right parts or the right prices. Or, maybe is simply not mechanically inclined? He or she has to settle for some mass-produced, over-priced set-up and is left only hoping it will do the job? Tom’s Tall Bikes takes the worry away from the buyer. He or she simply decides their price range, selects each part from a parts list on Tom’stallbikes.com homepage and clicks ‘Order.’ Tom’s Tall Bikes does the rest. The end product is a fully completed mountain-bike unique to the buyer arriving at their home within two-weeks,” continued Nudd.

Due to the depth of parts selection possibilities and the body measurements of the rider, each finished frame will vary in size, weight and personal feel. Buyers enter their height and weight, choose from a selection of three color-schemes based on three frame colors: black, white or red—including (the color of) shifter cables, shifter cable housings, color-accented ferrules, accent bolts including cage mounting bolts, carbon fiber head tube spacers, wheel sets and front-suspension forks.

Each individual piece such as the wheel set, drivetrain, pedals, handlebar stem, handlebar, handlebar grips, seat and seat post will have a total of four parts the buyer can choose from all ranging in price from low to high. However, each selected part from the inventory lists will remain lower in price than various boutique mountain-bike shops. The only foreseeable delays in shipping are predicated upon any unseen parts shortages, although his reliable vendors have assured him of his customers’ satisfaction.

Tom’stallbikes.com was created in early 2011 by Thomas L. Nudd out of his garage in Wylie, Texas and markets a full line of mountain bikes designed to provide a custom fit per body type and feel as unique as each customer see’s fit to build.

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090412

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The "Lowland"? Oh, You Mean, "Savannah."

I started a blog to tie-in the idea of mountain biking http://www.dorba.org/ if you happen to be in the area. I'd like to hear of your adventures to these places if you are fortunate enough to get the time to go. Also, I would be honored if you took your time out of your day to read about these experiences

through places I get to explore and describing what we see, do and maybe more importantly, what we eat while we are there. I am not paid by businesses I mention on this Blog. I simply hope you enjoy yourself as much as we did on our trip, and that maybe the things you read here will entice you to check them out on your own.

     Since I have decided to make a career change, I find myself with time to reflect on some previous trips taken and all we experienced while there. We are truly blessed to have had the opportunities to go where we have gone for the simple reason that it might be a place we have heard a lot about, via "Travel Channel" http://www.travelchannel.com/video/head-south-to-savannah-11394 or from friends.

     I recently started to go through the hundreds of photos I have on this hard drive (to some, that number is very few, so please don't judge my relative inexperience in all-things digital), I then opened the ninety or so pics taken of the beautiful Savannah, Georgia http://savannahvisit.com/getaways on a trip east taken almost three summers ago. Actually, July 2010 was the month we visited....Whatever.

     Finally, the school year comes to an end, and my Fiance, Dawn, thought we should drive East to visit Savannah since I am a sort of History-buff and I feel like I know little about that part of the country, other than "Grant's March to the Sea" and the related destruction caused during the days of the Civil War. And, that is how we came to drive the two-days and nine-hundred or so miles on a very flat Interstate Highway 20...as simple as that, something spontaneous and fun.

     Anyone traveling this stretch of interstate east from Dallas will not find much to look at as miles fly by. I think, for the most part, if a person rolled a bowling ball down the middle of the road, they wouldn't hit anything. The drive took us past some beautiful lakes once entering Alabama after the marshland of Louisiana and flatness of farmland--corn, cotton, tobacco, and soy. These massive plots were lined with tall trees and some bush rows which provided for distinct recognition of anonymous farmers' land. Crossing the Mississippi Valley provided a very lush, abundantly green mass of terrain to see. Our first night took us to our hotel right off Interstate 20, located in the southern part of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We were glad we pressed-on for the drive. If you are on a budget as we always are, we prefer staying at http://www.daysinn.com/. The rooms are quiet and clean, and the hotel provides a free light breakfast the next morning before you get started on the day. Any little bit to nosh for free is well-worth it.

An overhead view of the UA campus (partial).

      I had been curious about what the University of Alabama's main campus looked like since the school's football program has reigned so prominently in the Southeast Conference for so long. So, we decided to take a short tour in the footsteps of some actual students. Mentally, I tried to envision myself as a student walking this beautiful campus of tall oak trees, wonderful classroom buildings of brick and enormous, gleaming white pillars positioned at the front; true Southern Plantation design lives-on as seen in this Antebellum style. Campus tours are offered, but we didn't call ahead for a reservation, but I do not know this to be necessary. Campus guides were leading newly recruited Freshmen around campus and signage could be seen advertising group tours. If you are a fan of old, established brick architecture, the campus is an excellent place to stretch the legs and go for a walk http://www.ua.edu/.

     As we traveled further and further east, the humidity began to increase substantially. Isn't that what Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Florida are famous for having in the summertime--the unbearable humidity mixed with tropical temperatures? Fair warning. Stay hydrated as well as possible--even if you are in the car. (Your brain is 95% water, and a hydrated brain and body will help you to remain alert). Oddly, this last 8-hour stretch of highway winding through gently rolling hills of Central Georgia felt like the longest. The coast could not arrive fast enough. I kept thinking that each rolling hill we drove over would reveal a line of blue ocean far into the distance. We would have to drive much, much farther to see that happen. To avoid the traffic of Atlanta, we planned to go around the city via the Intrastate providing a well thought-out ease of rush-hour commuters. Instead, we decided to stay on Interstate 20 which led straight through the heart of Atlanta. http://www.511ga.org/ Luckily, traffic was steady and we were not delayed that long. If at all possible, I might try to stretch the trip out to three-days--that's if a car ride doesn't bother you for that long.

     Finally, we reached the end of the line the GPS determined for us before leaving Dallas/Ft. Worth and arrived at the Marriot Riverfront www.marriott.com/hotels/.../savrf-savannah-marriott-riverfront for our stay. We were given the room from a family member who used frequent-flyer miles for the upgrade. We were very fortunate to have had the experience of staying.

A front view of the pub.

Speaking again of keeping hydrated; per a local ordinance in Savannah, people are allowed to walk with open containers and the River Street area houses libation establishments who are more than willing to assist you in your attempt to cool down in the form of something slushy, fruit flavored and extremely potent. http://wetwillies.com And you get to keep the cup. You can thank me later. Other places for libations in the immediate area are http://www.therailpub.com , and Warehouse Bar, located down the street from the previously mentioned, at 18 East River Street.

When I look back at it, I am so disappointed to have not brought our bikes on the trip with us. We didn't have a rack to carry them on and we thought at the time we would be walking everywhere we went considering how the town of Savannah is situated--like a grid going East to West. Thinking of stopping to lock-up our bikes at every turn was too daunting. As it turns out, we walked everywhere, didn't enter any buildings really, except for maybe a restaurant or several (of which, Savannah has plenty) but mostly we walked, snapped photos, and walked...and snapped some more photos. A dying battery warning light appeared frequently in the viewfinder causing more selective snapping, so I rationed. And, the city of Savannah is perfect for biking. Bike lanes span all over the city streets--an easy, hill-less ride.

Savannah is a place where everything you see with your naked-eye would make an interesting photo. Early to mid-1700's architecture and the constant visual reminders of antiquated beauty; weathered Oak trees twisting, thickly gnarled trunks massive in size hang spreading branches like skinny arms curling around as if to tap on the shoulder of someone ever so slightly. Statues tarnished by years and weather (and pollution) rise prominently in small squares at the end of those narrow streets ending old, sleepy neighborhood boundaries. From overhead, these "blocks" resemble large squares. Tourists stop to read each and every plaque about these men of yesteryear. Installed as tributes to former military greatness and those who contributed generously in donating land in founding the area. Savannah is sure to post historical markings on what seemed like every street. Some continue to walk by and maybe give a glance. I couldn't help but to wonder if these people are simply jaded--maybe live in the area leaving open the possibility that they could've read it a thousand times before.

On the subject of food, one of my favorite subjects, we ate lunch at before heading out to
explore the city. Every day, the restaurant has a lunch buffet that is well-worth the $10. charge. Make sure you are hungry when you go. The most delicious fried chicken, green beans, freshly baked rolls--the best macaroni and cheese we have ever tasted. Like I said, BE sure you are hungry when you go. It is a great place to get your stomach full before heading out for a day of site-seeing.

Local legend has it the famous swash-buckling "Black Beard" the pirate frequently stayed in the residence, between voyages of plunder and chaos at sea. The original building of the inn has been added-on to over the years in order to create space for large parties of diners at this historical eatery. Stepping in to the building makes the diner feel as though they have been transported back a few hundred-years in time. When we visited, we were greeted by Captain Jack Sparrow's look-alike complete with swarthy accent, shorter than average stature and impeccably drawn eyeliner. A dead-ringer for the character.

"Hanging on the walls in the Captain's Room and The Treasure Room are frames containing pages from an early, very rare edition of the book Treasure Island. Savannah is mentioned numerous times in this classic by Robert Louis Stevenson. In fact, some of the action is supposed to have taken place in The Pirates' House! Tis' said that old Captain Flint, who originally buried the fabulous treasure on Treasurer Island, died here in an upstairs room. In the story, his faithful mate, Billy Bones, was at his side when he breathed his last , muttering "Darby, bring aft the rum". Even now, many swear that the ghost of Captain Flint still haunts The Pirates' House on moonless nights."

Are Hydraulic Brakes On a Bike Similar to a Car?

I received an email this morning from a guy I sold my first 29er build-up to sometime ago--I think two years-ago if I recall correctly. He was asking about replacing the brake fluid in an old set of Hayes Hydraulics I sold him with the bike. The build-up consisted of parts taken from other bikes I bought new -- all take-offs from those frames. Nothing flashy or light weight or expensive in price. The fact that nothing is wrong with it after the duration of time he has enjoyed riding is a testament to the strength of these heavier parts. It was a good to see; it gave me the assurance that the bike was a good fit for him and his larger size. When he bought the bike, I told him to come back to me if he ever needed any help fixing something; maybe a question about the mechanics and anything else he needed.

I thought of two things after seeing the bike again: one, how cool it was he was riding enough to notice a difference in pressure he created from simple use as he squeezed the lever to slow to a stop. Two, he was enjoying riding enough to use the bike for what it was intended for--riding trails, going off-road in the surrounding area and ultimately, getting some much needed exercise we all need on a daily basis. He, safe to say, is now hooked on riding and makes any excuse every Monday and Tuesday after work to get away so he can go and ride. (He owns a restaurant locally and is around food prepared from family recipes all day long). Now he's thinking of how he can make it lighter, faster on the trails, and so on -- what configurations to ride when he is out there that best match the terrain. Again, how cool is that?

The former educator in me comes out when I have an opportunity to teach by explaining how an item works, which is what I found myself doing when helping him to figure-out what is going on with this caliper. I looked over the wear of this brake pad after popping it out of the caliper unit. After giving the brake handle a squeeze, I determined the unit itself was simply low on brake fluid since it was the one he used most frequently, the rear. This was an easy fix, but I did not have the syringe and fluid he needed at the time. After pouring through my mess of parts for seemingly everything bike-related, the container of brake fluid did not appear. This is odd because only two of my bikes do not use Hayes brakes, meaning the other three do. If I am out of something as essential as brake fluid, the very thing that helps you to stop, I had better have some laying around here somewhere.

I had no choice but to inform him he had to go to the local behemoth bike dealer to get those supplies. I told him what to look for (type, the color of the bottle and kit it comes in) so he would not be bamboozled by one of their salesmen. I haven't heard from him lately, but I have the impression that by this time, he has solved the problem on his own. I'd like to think my explanation has something to do with it, which is one thing I enjoy about turning people on to bikes and the sport of mountain biking. Being able to help people (my former customers) reminds me about how far I have come since building my first one around Christmas time a few years-ago. A great feeling to have.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Bike Porn...2011 Orbea Alma Hydro 29er

I just took some pics of this latest bike I built up. I thought it turned out pretty sick. It rides quick and agile, as the Orbea frame feels small and nimble, but a wholelottafun. Check it out and let me know what you think. I'd really like your feedback. ENJOY.