There has been an ongoing discussion on Facebook regarding the interval training workouts that begin at KGS Bikes on Monday and Thursday mornings. Dubbed, Special High Intensity Training, with all the irreverance the acronym can deliver, these are workouts that were created years ago during coaching sessions when Kevin was living in Little Rock Arkansas, coaching a cycling team.

The question was asked when we were describing the location of today’s workout on MapMyRide, what does all this have to do with a custom bicycle? The answer is easy. Custom bicycles designed by KGS put on in such a good position that much harder workouts can be accomplished. Not only this, the extra intensity shortens the workout time and because of the great positioning, recovery is quick and the chance of injury is much lower.

The true value of the extra effort that goes into a custom KGS Bicycle is highlighted in these little workouts that do big things for fitness, concentration, mental toughness and enjoying life.

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by kgsbikes on August 7, 2010

in Bike Rides

Red Licorice Events Ring of Fire Ride

Red Licorice Events Ring of Fire Ride

Our friends at Red Licorice Events are putting on a great ride in Luckenbach, called the Ring of Fire, on Saturday, August 14, 2010.

Alternatively, you may not want to do the ride, but you can help in a big way. Volunteers are needed to help with the ride and Red Licorice has asked  us to help spread the word. If you believe you can help, please go here. If you wish to participate, go here.

Ride, volunteer, do what you can. It is a great day in Luckenbach.

We also will post events on the KGS Bikes site here so if you need help, please ask!

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The Woman’s Touch at KGS Bikes

by kgsbikes on August 2, 2010

in Press Release

Angela Hubner on her Parlee Z5

Angela Hubner on her Parlee Z5

Things are moving very quickly at KGS and I am pleased to announce Angela Hubner as my new business partner.   Angela has a masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and has extensive experience as an enterprise resource planning consultant for SAP, Oracle, and PTC’s Windchill. Her knowledge of the technical side of our internet based business is critical and her perspective as a woman cyclist is as well. Welcome Angela and thank you for finding us!

Kevin and  Angela will work jointly to continuously improve our ability to serve all our friends and clients around the world.

As many people know, there are more women on this planet than men. Additionally, there are fewer women bicyclists in America than men, by a huge margin. KGS Bikes has a very large percentage of women clients and there are good reasons for this. First, we recognize that women learn and experience things differently than men. Because of this a traditional bike shop can be quite intimidating for women.

Our studio is comfortable and quiet and all questions are appreciated and answered to the best of our ability. Of course our BalancePoint™ Positioning System works great on people of either gender so women don’t wind up on a bike that was not designed for her.

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An Open Letter to Renzo Formigli from KGS Bikes

by kgsbikes on July 23, 2010

in Bikes

KGS / Formigli Asiel RF

The KGS / Formigli Asiel RF built for Kevin Saunders

Dear Renzo,

I was able to test ride the Asiel RF this morning for 30 miles. I would like to formally thank you for exceeding my expectations. The frame performed exactly as the design would dictate and the additional features that make this a Renzo Formigli masterpiece were quite evident.

First, I was very impressed with the fork. The mass of the fork is in the right place, it is laterally stiff and as such cornering and descending are much more stable, and the 1 1/2″ lower headset bearing is a huge improvement over the current standard.

Second, the mass of the frame and fork did prove to be superior in both dampening the harsh ride of our Texas chip-seal roads and in efficiently transferring the power from the pedals to the cogs. I am 225 lbs and a former track sprinter; with this combination of size and strength I can quickly assess if a frame is good or not. The RF is very, very good.

Third, I agree with you that the current light frames are too light. They resonate road sounds, are very delicate and are harsher riding. The ride on this bicycle with Topolino VX4.0 wheels and Continental Sprinter tires is fantastic. I like having a little more robust frame and lighter wheels so the center of mass is where it should be: low, centralized and on a non-moving part.

Formigli RF Fork

Note the 1 1/2" lower headset bearing on the fork

Fourth, the finish on the frame is outstanding. I have very particular clients and all who have seen the bike now want one. This is fantastic.

Finally, your desire to continue to improve the design and make the bike better and better is admirable. I very much respect where you have come from and where your vision is taking you.

For years, KGS Bikes only had Parlee as a true “flagship” brand in frames. They were so much better than everyone else there was just no comparison. Now I can honestly say that we have two equally fine flagship lines, Formigli and Parlee. They are much different, yet so similar: tube to tube construction with carbon reinforcement around the joint, not simply a prefabricated lug, superb craftsmanship and most importantly, a ride and performance that matches what is specified when we work with the client. This matches expectations and reality exactly which is what a true custom hand crafted bicycle should do.

I am thrilled to be able to objectively describe the experience on your frame and KGS Bikes looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship with you.

Ciao,

Kevin

Formigli RF Down Tube

Formigli RF Down Tube and massive Head Tube

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KGS Bikes mentioned in Forbes

8 July 2010

We had the most interesting phone call recently. Andy Greenberg, Forbes writer, called and wanted to interview me. He said Forbes was publishing an article on the most expensive bikes in the world. I spent about an hour explaining the difference between our premium custom bicycles and the over the top luxury bikes that can [...]

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KGS Bikes at The Driveway Criterium

24 June 2010

Today and every Thursday, look for the KGS Bikes tent at the Pure Austin Fitness Driveway Series Criterium Races, by Kenny Hill Autowerks. This weekly event is changing the face of bicycling in Texas. The location is Driveway Austin, which is a motorsport academy and retreat. What this means is the road is closed to [...]

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Don’t try this at home. Incredible Bicycle Acrobatics

23 May 2010

This is a really impressive performance. The precision and timing is unbelievable.

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Dex Tooke needs help for his RAAM attempt: Mechanic and Medic

20 May 2010

I have been passing on updates on my friend Dex Tooke’s solo attempt at the Race Across America, or RAAM. He sent me an emergency plea last night and it is being spread throughout the network to find some help for this great guy. Kevin, One of my key crew members has had an emergency [...]

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3Bar energy bars for cyclists and triathletes

18 May 2010

Nutrition, or lack thereof, is a big topic these days. Athletes have greater caloric requirements and like obese people, many are in fact under nourished. Finding nutritionally dense food is not that easy. I am learning about finding locally grown produce and getting grass fed beef and hormone free raw milk as a way to [...]

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The BicyCore trainer – Why didn’t I think of that?

17 May 2010

Sunday afternoons are typically quiet at KGS Bikes, with a friend or two dropping in, possibly someone new who is discovering a bicycle studio that is not like other stores. Inventor Shawn Arstein came in with a device that was so unusual and interesting I had to see him demonstrate it. He calls the device [...]

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