A Garmin TCX to KML converter that works!

http://www.oe-files.de/oefiles/gmaps/tcx_to_kml_html

This works pretty well via the website, and I will try using the stylesheet template on my own for batch processing. Nicely done so far, but I might try to get more metrics to come up in Google Earth.

Bike fitment, saddle height, and knee strain

So, having a better idea of what's going on with my knees, I am searching for more information on proper saddle height. Granted, most information is based on road bikes, with mountain bikes being more upright, but it should be a good place to start.

Size chart
http://www.prodigalchild.net/Bicycle6.htm

Dave Moulton's blog post on sizing
http://davesbikeblog.blogspot.com/2006/02/different-thought-on-frame-sizing.html

As I find more stuff, I will add it. Although I might just create more posts. Who knows...

Specialized Rules! And Crank Bros are good, too...

So, I had an interesting ride with the Moab yesterday. I took it out for a light ride, and used my Crank Bros. Eggbeater MXR pedals. Now, I got these a little while ago, but had 2 rides on them before this (one each on a Cannondale CAAD2 mountain bike, and on the Surly Cross-Check) and decided to throw them on the Schwinn for a ride up and down Garden Canyon Wash. On the way back, I was surprised to have my left foot fly out, only to find that my pedal had unscrewed itself from the XT crank arm. Awesome. The bearings in the pedal (such as they are) seized up so I wound up spinning the threads out. I took off my shoe, and screwed the pedal back into the crank arm with the pedal still clipped-in (try yanking the pedal off with no leverage; it's entertaining). When I took off my shoe, I found that one of the soccer-style cleats broke off, and the other had the nut (mounted to the shoe) come loose and left it to rattle around on the nose of the shoe. This, coupled with stitching coming undone, and another nut-mount that came loose made me thing I was going to have two things to warranty. I tightened the pedal, again, with an allen wrench and carefully rode back home.

This morning, I went to the shop (Sun 'n Spokes) and told them what happened. After a bit of a laugh, I got a new pair of shoes (pictured) and upgraded to the Eggbeater SL after giving them my old ones. The upgrade was due to them being able to warranty the old ones and get fresh ones in exchange, hence a zero-out in stock. I have the Eggbeater SL on my Stumpy and have never had an issue.

With this, I will continue to pimp out Specialized stuff (I've had to warranty some arm/knee warmers, a saddle, and a saddle bag; never an issue) due to great issues. Also, I will continue to recommend the Eggbeater SL but will probably not be such a fan of their cheaper pedals. At least their warranty support has been great from what I've heard, and this situation worked out for me.

Finally took a pic of the Stumpy, but...

It's crap! I will dig up (or take) better pics tomorrow. I know, I know; likely story...

My Stumpy

Well, since I put the Schwinn up here I might as well put my Stumpy here.

Large, Blue, SJ FSR, fsr technology, M5 manipulated alloy frame with Transform monocoque TT, sealed cartridge bearings, disc compatible, 120mm travel, replaceable derailleur hanger, two sets of water bottle bosses
Fox Triad
Fox Talas RL, 100-140mm, rebound, compression adj, LO, alloy ST
Specialized 3D forged CNC machined, 4 bolt, 31.8mm OS clamp, 8 degree rise
Easton - EC70 CNT MonkeyLite Carbon Bar, Hi Rise, 31.8mm clamp diameter
Oury Lock-On
FRONT BRAKE Avid Juicy 7 hydraulic disc, S/M 185mm, L/XL 203mm, polygon rotor
REAR BRAKE Avid Juicy 7 hydraulic disc, S/M 160mm , L/XL 185mm, polygon rotor
FRT DERAILLEUR Shimano M-580 LX, 34.9mm clamp, top swing, dual pull
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano XT Shadow
Shimano M570 LX 9spd shifters
Shimano XT, 9spd, 11/32
Shimano M-760 XT Hollow Tech II, 2-piece crank/BB 22A/32A/44A with Shimano Dura-Ace chain, XT BB
Crank Brothers Eggbeater SL
Mavic Crossmax SL Wheelset
Specialized Eskar, 2.3 tires run tubeless, using Stan's to set them up, and Specialized Air-Lock afterward
Specialized Phenom 143 Saddle on Thomson 30.9 x 400mm seatpost
Salsa Lip Lock 34.9mm clamp ID, Blue

New (to me) bike

This is the Schwinn Moab I just got.

Schwinn Moab 1, Red (I guess it's a large, but it's a great size whatever it is)
2004 Marzocchi Marathon SL (currently 45psi in both positive chambers, and 200psi in the negative)
Shimano Deore hubs with Sun Rhynolite rims
Shimano XT Cranks FC-M752
Shimano XT shifter/lever combo ST-M750
Shimano XT Rear Derailleur
Shimano XT Front Derailleur
Shimano LX Cassette (9-Speed)
Specialized Low-Rise bar (31.8mm)
Oury Grips
Specialized Pro-Set MTB 90mm 12* (static, uses sleeves)
Specialized Phenom Gel Saddle
Specialized Mag-Pro flat pedals or Crank Bros EggBeater MXR
Generic Seat Post
Shimano Deore V-Brakes BP-M420
CST Cheyenne 2.1 Tires

I have had a couple rides on it, but only out front of the house. So far, so good. I don't see myself taking it on many of the rocky rides I do since I can't stand on the pedals for very long (if at all) thanks to my super-fun knees. However, the fork tuning seems to be coming along quite well, although I will be fiddling with the negative air chamber pressure a bit more.

I am waiting for a Specialized Pro-Set MTB 90mm 12* stem to come in. I thought I was getting it with the bike, but the box had the wrong stem in it. So, Shane at Sun 'n Spokes is letting me keep this stem (provided I don't mess it up) while we wait for the correct one to come in.