bikefix Initial Review: StemCAPtain thermometer and clock
While we’re not ‘unboxing’ or ‘first look’ types here at bikefix, seeing as the Stem CAPtain is one of the most commented-on accessories I’ve installed in a long time, I figured that we’d do a quick post… (more)
StemCAPtain Thermometer
Happy Summer
I hope everyone is enjoying the summer as much as we are here at StemCaptain. The long winter we had here in CO finally decided to loosen it’s grip, and the riding couldn’t be better!
Some of the crew decided to participate in the first annual Lamebird “Extreme Sports” Triathlon this past weekend. In honor of revered old school Colorado kayaking legend Gordon Banks, the Lamebird attempts to take on 3 sports. Gordon’s version (called the Sickbird) starts at 4:00 am with an ascent of the classic trad climb the Naked Edge in Eldorado Canyon (5 pitch, 5.11a). This is followed by a lung busting mountain road ride with 3000 ft. of climbing up a winding narrow canyon to the put in for Upper South Boulder Creek. A casual class 5+ kayak decent down the SBC has you back in Eldo in no time. Right! Sick…
Not being anywhere as near bad-ass as Gordon, or one of his comrades such as Forrest Noble, we decided to start our own tradition. The Lamebird starts with a night of drinking and BBQ — need to hydrate and carb up of for the events to follow! The planned 1:00 pm start was pushed back when Graeson decided that the Mexico vs. Argentina World Cup Soccer game couldn’t be missed (sorry for G that Mexico lost). 2:30 start, single pitch 5.5 on the Elephant Buttresses was attempted — not quite pulled off. Many factors to blame, but it’s not the blamebird, it’s the Lamebird! Next phase, Boulder Creek Path to Betasso’s Canyon Link Trail, followed by 2 loops on the buffed out flowy Betasso singletrack – yes! to our delight the ride direction arrow was pointing left (okay we only did one loop). Back to town just in time to tube the top part of Boulder Creek. We probably only deserved Taco Bell, but how could we not go for margs on the Rio rooftop after all that?
The Lamebird. It’s no Sickbird 
Normal stem caps just sit there.
The StemCAPtain adds style and function to your bike. Simply remove your existing 1″ or 1 1/8 ” threadless headset style stem cap and replace it with the CAPtain. It’s easy.
Compass Has Arrived!
The new compass has joined the Captain fleet!!! A little bit smaller in overall outer diameter than the classic Captain at 1.260″, it is closer to the size of a normal 1 1/8″ stem cap. The Captain is here to keep you on track!
A couple of notes.. To get an accurate reading, the compass needs to be pretty close to level. This is a sum collaboration of the angle of your head tube, the grade of the terrain, and the lean of your bike. Many times on the trail or pavement, these forces will conspire to an optimum and your reading will be true. The bouncing of the bike also helps keep things true by nudging the liquid suspended indicator into alignment. But - when choosing between heading N when it would take you off a cliff, or S into a bear cave.. find a decently level surface, hit the front or rear brake while standing over the bike and gently pull or push the handlebar to lift the front or rear tire just a bit off the ground to level the compass (there’s an indicator bubble there to help). If you are really hard core, adjust for true north… and now, it’s Time to Ride…! We think you will like our little new addition to the StemCaptain fleet.
Cheers~
StemCaptain Crew.
StemCaptain @ Denver Veloswap 2009
StemCaptain will be at Veloswap in Denver (http://veloswap.com/) this weekend, Sat. from 9 am – 4 pm. If you’re local, come by and see us at booth P432. A prototype of the compass will be there for some final viewing before going in to production in the next few weeks. We’ll also have current product for sale, wholesale info, and free beer koozies for the first hundred or so visitors. Hope to see ya!
Compass in Beta, Ready this Fall
This compass is going to be a sweet addition for the back country rider, as well as someone navigating the tight streets of a city. The Captain will always be there to help you find the way.
New Parts, New Stores
Been awhile since we’ve posted – that’s because we’ve been hard at work getting a new (and slightly improved) batch of StemCaptains made, just in time for prime riding season. The new clocks and thermometers feature a solid construction with a tempered glass lens, glow-in-the-dark sweep hands, and a new mounting ring style that installs even easier that the last build. These clocks are accurate and can take a beating.
The thermometers are very sweet too. One note on the thermometers that has come up a few times… Just like the any thermometer, if it’s in direct sunlight, it is going to give a slightly higher reading that actual. Our thermometers are accurate to +/-2 deg. F, and they look great!
New pics to follow on the site; the new stuff has a slightly different look that I think you will like.
Also, starting next weekend our product will be featured at two new stores in the front range: Full Cycle Bikes in Ft. Collins, and on the Hill in Boulder (as well as currently available at the Pearl St. store). Later in June we plan to have them at Pedal Power in Eagle, CO.
Stay tuned!
See you on the trail,
StemCaptain
www.stemcaptain.com
Upslope Brewing Company
Installation Instructions on YouTube
Wondering how the StemCaptain works? It’s pretty simple really. If you have a threadless headset, you simply unscrew the stem cap on your bike and replace it with ours. Check out the video on YouTube, or email us at info@stemcaptain.com with any questions.
StemCaptain Write Up
Nice litte write up last week.