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Cyclist advice and talk, ey?
- Thread starter katie ta achoo
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Cool ride I guess! You should show others the trail as well. I use the iPhone app "B.iCycle - GPS cycling computer" to see real time stats as well as a bike trail map while riding and send trails to my email address after each cool ride.
nice thread!
well, i'm back from RAGBRAI - anybody else do it this year? this was my second full year (only road the last three days in 2007).
it was a great ride. my computer clocked 487 miles this year. there were some hilly days (5000+ ft. of climb over 72 miles). i also road my first century on the 5th day (there is an optional loop that day to bring the day's mileage up to 100). some rain too, but overall the weather was great.
tire dip in the mississippi at the end:
the trek madone 5.5 i got to demo for one day:
well, i'm back from RAGBRAI - anybody else do it this year? this was my second full year (only road the last three days in 2007).
it was a great ride. my computer clocked 487 miles this year. there were some hilly days (5000+ ft. of climb over 72 miles). i also road my first century on the 5th day (there is an optional loop that day to bring the day's mileage up to 100). some rain too, but overall the weather was great.
tire dip in the mississippi at the end:
the trek madone 5.5 i got to demo for one day:
^^^That's awesome, mzd.
Thanks. I'll be sure to bookmark that Schwalbe link for future reference.
I think I'll stick with the Satellite Plus tires for now and see how I like them. They have more of a tread on them as compared to the RL Hardcases, so that might be better for when I'm in sandy areas (I ride to the beach often).
The LBS didn't have the Hardcases I wanted in stock, otherwise I would have swapped them out on the spot for the difference in price between them. So for now, I'll get some use out of the stock tires, and if I feel like they are holding me back, I'l upgrade.
Thanks I guess! It isn't a trail- it's an extremely wide bike lane (it's a full car lane wide) along San Vicente Blvd. Here's a link to Google Maps. Once you get to the beach, there is a bike path that you can take north or south.
Thanks. I'll be sure to bookmark that Schwalbe link for future reference.
I think I'll stick with the Satellite Plus tires for now and see how I like them. They have more of a tread on them as compared to the RL Hardcases, so that might be better for when I'm in sandy areas (I ride to the beach often).
The LBS didn't have the Hardcases I wanted in stock, otherwise I would have swapped them out on the spot for the difference in price between them. So for now, I'll get some use out of the stock tires, and if I feel like they are holding me back, I'l upgrade.
Thanks I guess! It isn't a trail- it's an extremely wide bike lane (it's a full car lane wide) along San Vicente Blvd. Here's a link to Google Maps. Once you get to the beach, there is a bike path that you can take north or south.
Surely,
I really like the Beverly Hills Bike Shop (it's where I got my bike).
mzd,
Congrats on doing the RAGBRAI. I was trying to do it w/some friends this year but plans ended up falling through.
Lethal
I really like the Beverly Hills Bike Shop (it's where I got my bike).
mzd,
Congrats on doing the RAGBRAI. I was trying to do it w/some friends this year but plans ended up falling through.
Lethal
Just thought I'd give some props to Cat Eye.
When my bike was stolen, the mount from my Cat Eye light was stolen along with the bike.
I called up Cat Eye to order a new mount, and when I told the rep that I was ordering a new mount because my bike was stolen, he decided to send me a mount free-of-charge. Sure, it's not a large amount of money (with shipping maybe $10) but they could have charged me for it.
I got the part 2-3 days later. That is what I call great customer service.
When my bike was stolen, the mount from my Cat Eye light was stolen along with the bike.
I called up Cat Eye to order a new mount, and when I told the rep that I was ordering a new mount because my bike was stolen, he decided to send me a mount free-of-charge. Sure, it's not a large amount of money (with shipping maybe $10) but they could have charged me for it.
I got the part 2-3 days later. That is what I call great customer service.
I found this way cool, so I thought that I'd share the video. I found it on TechEBlog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9_XEgGQBkQ&feature=player_embedded
I want one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9_XEgGQBkQ&feature=player_embedded
I want one.
News story: iPod zombies blamed for UK road deaths
iPod wearing cyclists lost in music are risking injury and even death according to road safety pressure groups.
As least the "iPod zombies" on bikes aren't as likely to hurt others as the drivers who zip by them while staring at their tiny iPhone-based navigation maps.
As a UK cyclist I have to admit that the average cyclist acts way more dangerously on the road than the average car driver.
Jumping red lights, riding on the pavement, riding without lights, not paying attention before turning across the traffic are crimes cyclists commit all the time
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These are some pretty nice bikes you've got here! I'm a regular over at the Bike Forums and see a lot of diverse bikes. Most of the people in my area bike for exercise so they have really nice (really expensive) road bikes. I figure I would add my commuters (winter and summer) to bring this thread closer to home so to speak.
This is my Centurion Road Bike, made around 1987. The only things that are original on the frame is the frame, handlebars, and rear cog setup. Everything else is from newer bikes (I bought bikes from a second hand shop and used newer parts to fix them and sell them). It's now outfitted with the rack and pannier setup you see, I don't have any pictures of it with bags but I do have pictures of those bags on my winter commuter.
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This is my Trek Mountain Bike, it's my winter commuter built to handle snow and ice. I currently do not have any studded tires but I don't think this winter will be calling for them as our snow is minimal. This is my newest bike as I've only had it for about six months.
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This is my Centurion Road Bike, made around 1987. The only things that are original on the frame is the frame, handlebars, and rear cog setup. Everything else is from newer bikes (I bought bikes from a second hand shop and used newer parts to fix them and sell them). It's now outfitted with the rack and pannier setup you see, I don't have any pictures of it with bags but I do have pictures of those bags on my winter commuter.
This is my Trek Mountain Bike, it's my winter commuter built to handle snow and ice. I currently do not have any studded tires but I don't think this winter will be calling for them as our snow is minimal. This is my newest bike as I've only had it for about six months.
As a UK cyclist I have to admit that the average cyclist acts way more dangerously on the road than the average car driver.
Jumping red lights, riding on the pavement, riding without lights, not paying attention before turning across the traffic are crimes cyclists commit all the time
As I've gotten older, I've become more polite as a cyclist. Admittedly mostly because it's just too much effort to ride dangerously! Sometimes people are obviously amazed that I'll stop at a stopsign!
I think that the key to changing that behaviour is achieving some sort of critical mass. And ensuring that car drivers are aware that bicycles have a place on the road. It seems an uphill battle but I do believe attitudes on both sides of the fence are changing.
Cool bikes, I like the Centurion, it looks like it's definitely a workhorse.
No snow and ice here in the winter so the only concession I make is a waterproof jacket. It did get down to below freezing last night so I did wear gloves and a beanie this morning.
Thank you, the Centurion certainly gets a lot of work its way! I think it was stored in a garage most of its life, it was in great shape at the second hand shop. I paid 40.00 for the complete frame. I think I spent another 100.00 on newer parts and of course all the labor I put into it (completely took it apart and restored everything). I had another bike before this one but it was such a heavy frame (hybrid style), and it was a female frame. I would love to have that frame but lighter, I get a load on the back of my Centurion and kicking my feet up around is impossible. The crotch height is just barely for me, the frame is one to two sizes too large for me.
I'm thinking about getting a newer road bike after the winter is all said and done. I'm thinking about getting one of these;
Shaft Drive Bike
E-Bike
It all depends on what decision I make come March. I will either get my car fixed (estimated 3400 USD), or get a newer bike and continue commuting. I will be getting a promotion during the summer time so I will be able to afford a car, but just because I can afford it doesn't mean I should just pick driving without thinking. My car costs me; Insurance - 170/month, Gas - 175/month, Maintenance/Registration/Misc. - 40.00/month = $385/month = $4600/year. That is a lot of money that could be potentially saved! Although a bike isn't free.
That is why I thought of getting an electric hybrid bike. The problem with most of them is when you pedal, you are going against the force of the motor, only a handful of bikes have a way to disconnect that linkage to make it like pedaling a normal bike. The longest distance from where I live to either location I may be promoted to is around 15 to 20 miles. I can pedal that on my own but would rather have some help to get there quicker (I have asthma so I am a little slower than normal). All of the EBikes I have looked at can go that distance.
I dress fairly warm during the day, the sun is nice. Night time is when I bundle up really well, it's really cold. Here is all the stuff I wear;
pic
20 miles in a Salt Lake winter is a long ways!
I went car free in April, but the town I live in is pretty small, maybe 10 miles from one end to the other.
I've definitely saved a lot of money. I recently joined Zipcar.com though as there are times I just have to have a car. It works pretty well and for short trips, is fairly inexpensive.
eBikes are a great idea but like you say, if the motor goes out or the battery dies unexpectedly, you're sort of stuck. It would be nice if you could fully disengage the motor.
I've also heard that the belt drives are getting better and better, ecovelo.com reviewed one not long ago and even in cold, icy areas, the belts seem to work fine.
Cycling is definitely the way to go to save money and get in shape. I don't regret selling my car at all.
I have a Specialized Crossroads from around 2004, based on thier site's archive, and I'm having all sorts of trouble with the gears on the rear wheel. I love riding, but don't know the tech terms for all related parts. Basically, when I shift into the 5th to 6th gears my chain tends to get caught inbetween gears, and I must stop, get of and forcibly remove the chain. Anyone have a suggestion on a relatively cheap solution?
OK, so how's everyone's early season cycling going?
My first organized ride of this year will be in May (the Santa Fe Century). Has anybody done that one before and have a ride report?
I've not been as diligent as I should in getting in some miles but hopefully we'll have a nice spring here in Colorado. I missed getting a spot for The Triple Bypass but have signed up for 4 good rides this year - the Santa Fe Century, Elephant Rock, the Sunrise Century and the Tour de Cure.
Anyway, hope everyone has a happy and safe cycling season!
My first organized ride of this year will be in May (the Santa Fe Century). Has anybody done that one before and have a ride report?
I've not been as diligent as I should in getting in some miles but hopefully we'll have a nice spring here in Colorado. I missed getting a spot for The Triple Bypass but have signed up for 4 good rides this year - the Santa Fe Century, Elephant Rock, the Sunrise Century and the Tour de Cure.
Anyway, hope everyone has a happy and safe cycling season!
I'm here to report riding is getting better. I got a new prescription inhaler that is different than the one I have before and it has improved my riding very significantly!
I need to take my bikes apart and detail them in the next few weeks though, when I'm sure we are getting the last of our snow.
I need to take my bikes apart and detail them in the next few weeks though, when I'm sure we are getting the last of our snow.
Yeah, this winter was been tricky. I was doing a good bit of riding in January but then it decided to snow again. So far, March is looking good.
I just did my bike maintenance - had to install a new chain. I can't believe how these fancy new chains wear so quickly...
I just did my bike maintenance - had to install a new chain. I can't believe how these fancy new chains wear so quickly...
It's been wet and colder than usual here. We've had 18 inches of rain in Jan-Feb and el Nino isn't letting up so...
However, we have had some nice, bright sunny days, two days ago I was out in shorts and shirt sleeves but today it will be back to jeans and rain slicker. Admittedly, I did end up with blue knees when I wore shorts!
I'm getting a taller stem for my Allant. My knees were starting to bother me so I raised the seat which helped the knee problem but then my neck started acting up again! I've also ordered some new panniers from REI as my old ones are getting a little ratty looking. Hopefully the new ones will be more waterproof than my Axioms.
However, we have had some nice, bright sunny days, two days ago I was out in shorts and shirt sleeves but today it will be back to jeans and rain slicker. Admittedly, I did end up with blue knees when I wore shorts!
I'm getting a taller stem for my Allant. My knees were starting to bother me so I raised the seat which helped the knee problem but then my neck started acting up again! I've also ordered some new panniers from REI as my old ones are getting a little ratty looking. Hopefully the new ones will be more waterproof than my Axioms.
I've been making some adjustments as well. New for this season is a slightly shorter stem and new wheels to come. I was never happy with the wheels I got last year with my bike. They are sturdy and have stayed true over about 2,000 miles of riding last season, but they are just all wrong for the bike (regarding style as well as ride quality). So, I am getting some classic wheels built - mavic open pro, dt swiss spokes and white industires H2/H3 hubs.
Are you still liking the Allant? I have been obsessing over finding a more practical ride for daily use, commuting and winter riding. The search continues...
Are you still liking the Allant? I have been obsessing over finding a more practical ride for daily use, commuting and winter riding. The search continues...
I really like it a lot. It allows a more upright ride and the quill stem (soon to be replaced) allows more adjustability. The seat is actually pretty comfortable and it's reasonably well built.
I'm addicted to bike porn though and am always looking! Two that have really caught my eye are the Torker Graduate which has a 5 speed internal hub and drum brakes and the Batavus Bub
They're both priced around $500 and the Torker has a more tucked down riding position and the Bub, a more upright. They both seem to be well built bikes though.
Nice thread resurrection guys.
I used to ride a lot, had a nice Cannondale that I built myself (stolen) then a red Moulton semi-rigid that I found in a rubbish heap and repaired (given away).
Stopped riding for a while, then started again with a nice Ridgeback city bike (stolen) and now am on (sort of) a Specialised city bike for local rides and a Brompton folding for taking on the Tube and train.
Actually they spend most of their time in the attic, as kids and a partner that doesn't like me carrying kids on my bike in London traffic means I don't cycle much now.
Moving to a new house soon with a garage, and quieter roads. Partner has already approved kids on bike there, so looks like I might be back in the saddle soon. Think we will get some battered beaters solely for the ride to the local tube and back.
I'm idly considering getting or building a Bakfiets (cargo cycle):
I rode a much bigger one in Holland, and it was great fun - could easily transport a full size sofa across the city. Most cars would struggle to do that.
Would be nice for putting partner and kids in but more likely to get a couple of tagalongs and a smaller trailer.
I used to ride a lot, had a nice Cannondale that I built myself (stolen) then a red Moulton semi-rigid that I found in a rubbish heap and repaired (given away).
Stopped riding for a while, then started again with a nice Ridgeback city bike (stolen) and now am on (sort of) a Specialised city bike for local rides and a Brompton folding for taking on the Tube and train.
Actually they spend most of their time in the attic, as kids and a partner that doesn't like me carrying kids on my bike in London traffic means I don't cycle much now.
Moving to a new house soon with a garage, and quieter roads. Partner has already approved kids on bike there, so looks like I might be back in the saddle soon. Think we will get some battered beaters solely for the ride to the local tube and back.
I'm idly considering getting or building a Bakfiets (cargo cycle):
I rode a much bigger one in Holland, and it was great fun - could easily transport a full size sofa across the city. Most cars would struggle to do that.
Would be nice for putting partner and kids in
but more likely to get a couple of tagalongs and a smaller trailer.Yeesh! You've lost a lot of bikes, RT. I really like the look of Bakfiets, but aren't they pretty heavy to pedal?
@hmmfe
I forgot to mention that when my LBS got the Trek Belleville in, I took it for a testride.
It's got a three speed rear hub, lights, rear and front racks, drum brakes and a steel frame. Very cool bike for only $600. Unfortunately, the handlebars are fixed height. No possibility of adjustment at all, so it was a no go for me as I need to ride upright. For the price, I don't think it can be beat. I don't know how you feel about internal gearing, but I think for a commuter bike, especially in the snow, slush, salt and muck of Denver, it would be ideal.
@hmmfe
I forgot to mention that when my LBS got the Trek Belleville in, I took it for a testride.
It's got a three speed rear hub, lights, rear and front racks, drum brakes and a steel frame. Very cool bike for only $600. Unfortunately, the handlebars are fixed height. No possibility of adjustment at all, so it was a no go for me as I need to ride upright. For the price, I don't think it can be beat. I don't know how you feel about internal gearing, but I think for a commuter bike, especially in the snow, slush, salt and muck of Denver, it would be ideal.
Picked up a Specialized Allez Sport a few months ago so no more long distance street riding on my mountain bike (yay). I'm getting in shape for a charity ride at the end of this month (100 day 1, 60 day 2) and there is a double century ride happening this summer that I want to do as well. Most I've done in a day is 106 and 200 just seems insane, but I'm going for it anyway.
Lethal
Lethal
I've looked at the Torker - definitely looks like a good deal. The Batavus is new to me; I'll have to check it out. That is an interesting downtube configuration.
I am tempted to get a breezer and be done with it. At a bit over 30 lbs, though, I think it is too much of a Dutch bike for me.
I have not had a chance to see it in person but I've been eyeing it since last fall. I am all in favor of internal gearing for such a bike. I guess I just need to get out and do a test ride. My initial reaction was that is was a steal for the money. What was the ride like aside from the bar height? I don't understand why threaded forks/quills are not used as much anymore. For a typical riding around town bike, they are the most practical.
Weather is going to be great this weekend - might be the first ride of the year in shorts and a normal jersey!
I did the Seattle to Portland in one day (205 miles) in 1997. I was very out of shape at the time, smoking a pack a day and drinking more than was good for me. I finished it though and two things motivated me: a 30 something woman on a 3-speed wearing a skirt and sandals whose bike had a basket and tassels on the handlebars and (I know you pitch for the other team, but...) the sight of all those muscular bums pumping away in front of me
Afterwards, it made me realize that distance cycling is sort of like the tortoise and the hare fable. It's all about determination and going the distance. What it's not about is being some muscle bound, gearhead. Popping a couple of ibuprofen at the midway point didn't hurt though!
Good luck with both your rides and let us know how it went.
PS, the woman on the 3 speed took two days to ride the distance but, I'm still in awe of her. Americans simply didn't ride upright, 3 speed, internal gear hubs, with baskets and tassels back then.