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.
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!
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.
by kgsbikes on July 23, 2010
in Bikes
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.
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 and massive Head Tube
