We’re in the van on the way home from another successful NAHBS adventure, but I wanted to post today’s photos for your viewing pleasure. Sure is amazing to see that much raw talent under one roof. These guys really do represent the best of the best.

If you haven’t seen them, check out Friday’s and Saturday’s photos, too.

Without further delay, here are more pics from day number two of the 2010 North American Handmade Show. Look for in-depth coverage in both issues #148 of Dirt Rag and Issue #6 of Bicycle Times. Be sure to check out the additional pics from day one and day three.

Yes, the green trike is a pedal-powered lawn mower, courtesy of Ted Wojick.

As you know, we’re in Richmond for the 2010 North American Handmade Bike Show. After spending most of the day figuring out a work-around for various photographic issues, I finally got down to the business of shooting bikes. Didn’t get as many bikes shot as I’d like, but here’s a sampling of mountain bikes from Igleheart, Engin, Banjo Bicycles, Shamrock Cycles, Peacock Groove. Caelifera, Rich Adams, and Signal. More to come tomorrow.  Enjoy.

[Ed notes: Since this original post, Justin's added a day two gallery and day three gallery.]

Thought I’d take a quick moment to introduce my newest test rig: Kona’s new-for-2010 Abra Cadabra. The Cadabra family–Abra Cadabra retailing for $3,699, Cadabra retailing for $2,799–sports the second generation (G2) of Kona’s Magic Link rear suspension, first introduced on the 2008 CoilAir. Kona’s martketing materials certainly make the G2 Magic Link on the Cadabra sound mighty interesting by providing 4″ of travel while climbing and 6″ of travel while descending. Here’s some information on Kona’s website about the theory behind the Magic Link design.

I’m pretty stoked about this bike for a couple of reasons; 4-6″ of travel that adapts to your needs automatically, the 69º headtube should be about right for the application, and the sub 30 lb weight could round this bike out to make a hell of a package.

So, how does it ride? Good question. As I’m sure you’re well aware, we’re in a bit of a holding pattern until our 20″+ of snow melts. We’re actually planning a Dirt Rag spring break trip to the deep south simply to do some bike testing.

For now though, I’ll just have to show you some pictures and specs.

Dirt Rag has teamed up with Dohm to bring you a soft and stylish wool cap. Dohm caps are made in Colorado on antique knitting and sewing machines that are powered by hand, which takes more time and produces the best in quality craftsmanship. The fibers that run through the machines are world class yarns which are produced under the strictest environmental standards.

Dohm’s Super Soft visor cap is made of 50% fine Merino wool, 30% wool, and 20% polyamide. Our noggin topper has a soft fleece headband liner, shapeable visor, contoured cap flap and features our Dirt Rag logo above the left temple. This cap will surely keep you warm, whether you’re waiting at the 24-Hour race transition tent, camping, or finishing a cold ride.

Available for $32, one size fits most, and offered in either Coal or Magma color. Click here…

Weekly meeting after weekly meeting, I’ve been promising to get this done, but this morning our esteemed web editor said that he’s “counting on me” to write a blog and submit it today. The blog post based on my experience with the “new” Santa Cruz Tallboy. What to do? I have a few words written down, but not much, and the deadline for the full print article is right around the corner as well. Doh!

Let’s keep it short and sweet. The kids over at Santa Cruz have been delving into the “latest and greatest” of materials, carbon fiber. I’ll get into it more in the upcoming print article, but Santa Cruz tells me that this 29 inch frame is 2 pounds lighter than if it were made of aluminum. So what do I say? You’d be stupid not to! No need to discuss the pluses and minuses right now, this is my first 29er test ride under 30 lbs.

Let me give you an idea of just how much I’ve been procrastinating on this. I picked up the bike after Interbike’s On-Dirt Demo back in September, rode her in Flagstaff on the way home, and this post has been due ever since. This amounts to my incredible squandering of the immediacy of the internet, and for this I am sorry.

The ride however, was not sorry. In Flag, riding up mount Elden was certainly the proof to this low-cal pudding, as I was able to keep up despite the past week’s long workdays and longer nights.

After the hill comes Lower Moto, a technical trail if there ever was one. Rocks, baby, rocks. Big wheels sticking to rocks for awesome traction, yet the lightness and stiffness abounding as I carve the tiny spaces between the derailleur infringing rocks on the sides of the narrow trail.

Yea, I like this bike, it’s no wonder it’s the receiver of much hype. Let’s finish with this Justin Steiner shot of me stunting…

Mine is flat black, the best color, and has a XPX 29 kit. That’s mostly Shimano XT, a Fox F29 RLC100 and a RP23 shock. MSRP is $4874 this way, but a complete is available for as little as $3599. Frame price is $2350 before shock upgrade. Company website: www.santacruzmtb.com.