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Posts Tagged ‘Specialized’

Recent Roll: Garrett Chow and His FEA Specialized Venge

Recent Roll: Garrett Chow and His FEA Analysis Specialized Venge

I’m still filing through all of my film photos from the 2013 ATOC but wanted to share with you a few showcasing Garrett Chow and his own FEA-inspired Specialized Venge. Without going too much into what an FEA model is, or Finite Element Analysis, I’ll give you a basic rundown. In a 3D software like Solidworks, an FEA charts the areas of high-stress or load. FEA readouts are essential when prototyping a new frame or component. They allow the designer and the engineer to address areas of high stress.

On a bicycle, these areas tend to be in the bottom bracket, seat mast or seat tube extension and the end of the forks. Garrett used the FEA diagram to become a literal paint sceme on his bike. Some areas have clear lines of demarcation, while others are almost faded into each other. It’s a truly incredible paintjob and the whole time we were walking around the San Jose stage of the ATOC, people were literally picking their jaws up off the ground.

I shot a few portrait-style photos with Garrett on his bike and maybe one day I’ll end up shooting it in more depth, but for now, check out a few more below.

Tools of the trade:
Mamiya 7ii / 80mm
Kodak Portra 400

Recent Roll: Fill’er Up

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So… that’s how Garrett Chow can go so fast on that thing.

Tools of the trade:
Yashica t4
Fuji Pro 400H

Initial Reaction: White Leather Specialized 74 Road Shoes

I have a problem. I can’t seem to turn down a pair of road shoes. Especially the 74 road from Specialized. These shoes have all the bells and whistles of a modern road shoe but are clad in a supple kangaroo leather. Complete with Specialized’s Boa technology, the only thing that’s throwback about the 74s is their material.

Right off the bat though, you’ll notice that the silhouette is lower than other shoes. By comparison, the heel is a centimeter lower than others I own. I thought it would be an issue with rubbing but all it took was putting the shoes on, tightening the two Boa lace systems and immediately, you can feel how different these shoes are.

It doesn’t end there. The Full Body Geometry system features in the outsole and High Performance Footbed change your alignment while pedaling, while reducing hot spots. Without going too far into this fit theory, it essentially straightens your legs as you pedal. Basically it feels like your cleats are wedged towards the outside of your shoe. A sensation that disappeared after a few miles.

The Boa system is easy to adjust on the fly, after you’ve done 30 miles or so (my feet swell during riding). While some have complained about the heel cup and ankle rub, I will say that like a good work boot, fit is essential. You’ve really got to nail down your size, so buy from a local dealer, or be prepared to send a pair back if you ordered online. At $400 a pop, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper fit. A shoe that’s properly fit will not rub.

For instance, I normally wear a 47 but ended up sticking with a 46. They’re were a bit tight on the sides of the shoe but have already begun to form around my foot. There is no fore and aft movement when I pedal: they’re snug but comfortable. Since I have only ridden these a few times, I’ll have to leave this Initial Reaction where it stands, with a follow up to come. Until then, check out some more photos in the Gallery.

Guest Gallery: Mike Martin’s Photos from All Chips on the Table

Since I can’t make it out to every rad event that takes place in SF, It’s nice to have Mike Martin of Mash to offer up some choice photos from the The Bicycle Art & Design of Garrett Chow: All Chips on the Table gallery show and Cutty Cross race. This show looked amazing and these photos will serve the purpose of introducing you to Garrett’s work if you’re unfamiliar.

Also, don’t miss out on a few shots of Garrett’s Specialized Concept Venge road bike after the show photos.

Guest Gallery: Garrett Chow’s Custom Specialized Carbon Crux CX by Mike Martin

Mike Martin is a very busy guy. When he’s not at the Mash SF storefront, he’s planning an event, working on his clothing line Martin or out shooting video. That doesn’t leave a lot of time for his other passion: photography. It’s not everyday that you see photos from Mike, so when he showcases inspirational photos like these, I had to reach out to him.

Garrett Chow’s work that comes out of his studio in the Specialized facilities is always far from ordinary and his new Custom Specialized Carbon Crux CX is a perfect example of his craftsmanship. Many thanks to Mike for the high res photos. Check them out below!

Click on the above photo to launch the gallery, or here to open in a new tab.

Product Review: Specialized 74 Gloves

Every time I post a photo of these on Instagram, people always ask what they are, thinking they’re some expensive luxury cycling item. The truth is, the Specialized 74 gloves are some of the best gloves I’ve owned and they don’t even scratch the bank account. They’ve held up to daily use, haven’t stretched or loosened up at all and look damn classy. Check out more below.

Matt Reyes for Specialized

I met Matt and the rest of the Wheel Talk guys at Interbike two years ago, right before they announced they had been working with Specialized on their P-Fix 26″ fixed freestyle completes. In those two years, fixed freestyle has grown and grown and grown. Hats off to Matt for hustling hard and matching his riding with his positive attitude.

Beautiful Bicycle: Garrett Chow’s Specialized S-Works Road

As Garrett and Walton were packing their car up to head back to SF from the Golden Saddle Cyclery Champagne Brunch, I grabbed his Specialized S-Works road bike and took a few photos of it. I don’t think you can get anymore balleur than this. Slammed, drop stem, murdered out paint and coming in around 13lbs, this bike is a beast!

Click on the above photo to launch the gallery, or here to open in a new tab.

Tom LaMarche Specialized 2012

Where is Tom LaMarche? He’s still ripping FGFS in the Northeast for Specialized. Tony showed me some of this while he was in town. All of which was filmed in about two days. Damn. That statue garden drop is serious. Glad to see my boy’s still got it.

Wheel Talk Fixed: Matt’s P-Fix

A little color goes a long way, or a lot of color can make an otherwise drab-looking bike pop. Case in point is Matt’s P-Fix. A few cans of spraypaint and voilà. See more at Wheel Talk Fixed.