*ISO*: I'm looking for an elastomer from a MTB shock, seatpost, or similar. It can be used and cruddy, I don't care. I'll pay shipping (to 52404) plus a nominal fee.
I have a Wald 3133 QR front basket. It's pretty great, actually, and was quite cheap ($23). It comes off its rack very easily, yet holds securely when it's attached. However, it vibrates a lot once loaded, especially since the load is carried pretty high on the bike. A six-pack of Peace Tree Black River Gumbo Stout (http://www.peacetreebrewing.com/our-beer/) made the basket bounce a lot on the ride home. The basket rack clamps pretty securely on the handlebars, but it has a rear rest that just leans against the stem, as shown in the following pic: I need a shock absorbing bushing to go between the basket mount and the handlebar. I can use a cork or rubber stopper, but figured I'd start with something actually designed to absorb shock. I also figured I can tear apart one of the many old MTB suspension forks at my bike co-op, but I'd prefer to start with one that someone already has lying around. I'll probably just sandwich the elastomer between the rack and stem, and then lash it all together with twine. *Ride report*: I fitted studded tires (Nokian Mount & Ground, 26 x 1.9) to my Schwinn KOM-10 and took it out for a ride yesterday in the frozen wasteland. They fit easily under the SKS P65 fenders (which were fit around 2.1" tires) Pretty good ride, actually. My head was cold (single layer balaclava under the helmet was not warm enough in 20 degree air), but the rest of me was fine. The studded tires felt slower and heavier than the fatty tires I had on before, but this is a townie bike, not a speedster, so I don't really care. The sound of the studs on the pavement is kinda nice, a hum at low speeds and a zzzzip! on downhills. I'm gonna try commuting on mornings the temp is 20 F and up, with a stocking cap in addition the balaclava. Or maybe I'll get a helmet cover to break the breeze. *Bike report*: This bike, a 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10, is a fantastic bike. Based on the previous year Paramountain, the KOM-10 was their MTB team racer that year, handmade by Richard Schwinn's shop in the plant in Greenville, MS. Good geometry, (not a klunker), full lugged Tange Prestige frame, full XT group. I'm fond of the loud "Merica!" paint job. The rear U-brakes aren't great, but with Kool-stop mountain pads, they have about equivalent power to sidepull brakes. It's not too different than the Riv mounties (AR/Atlantis/Hunq/Bomba), and only cost me $70! I added fenders and cruiser handlebars (MUSA Wald) and it's a great all-around townie bike. Its KOM (King of the Mountain) model name, its paint job, and its MUSA origin have given me the bike's current name: "The King of 'Merica", or "The King" for short. Tim Gavin Cedar Rapids, IA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
