[RBW] Re: Rain Cape Recommendation

[Robert Liebermann]

I've got two of the* J* ones mentioned with the link by Mr. Grossman, 
above. They're just right - good quality, flawless/normal design,US made, 
fully functional. No reason to spend more or less. I 101% recommend these. 
Surprised more people haven't mentioned. Their other stuff is good too. 

//rjl

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/0dbb770b-dd7a-4460-bc11-2155f47c40dd%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Velocity NoBS vs. Atlas?

[Robert Liebermann]

I have both also, and the eyelets and polish level seem to be the 
difference (and label - the Atlas label is nice and pretty, the Nobs label 
less so in a sort of not quite as ugly as the Surly logo level). I haven't 
tried the super shiny version of Atlas yet, just the regular shiny. 

The Nobs seem plenty strong, the Atlas just a little fancier looking.

These are the only rims I've bought in years now, just what I like: US 
made, silver, modest logo-ization, good quality, easy to deal with company, 
'normal' shape, variety of sizes and drillings (and some that aren't 
listed; ask Velocity), strong... 

No need to go with anything else despite fancier names or pretensions, in 
my opinion. 

//rjl
Lake Superior
>
>  
>  
>

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Rebuilding MKS Touring Pedals

[Robert Liebermann]

I find rebuilding MKS Sylvans to be one of their best 'features'. Since 
they always come with too little grease it's a *pleasant ceremony to add 
grease and adjust new Sylvans*, and it's pretty easy in my experience. 

As for keeping the ball bearings herded, I hold the pedal with the 
'bearings of interest' side up, and as I unscrew the cone I keep pressure 
on the bottom ones. I can't remember if there's room for a wayward ball to 
slip between the cone and spindle, but it's never been a problem. I loosen 
the cone just enough to push globs of grease into the crank side, then 
tighten the cone enough to flip pedal the other way up & put a glob of 
grease into the outer bearings. 

Tightening is pretty easy too, once you get a feel for how loose the cone 
ought to be before tightening the locknut. I usually spin the spindle to 
'tighten' the cone, then back off just the right amount, then tighten the 
locknut.

Upon reassembly I get a nice smooth spin. The little bit of grease oozing 
out from the crank end seal tells me that those pedals have been properly 
greased and are ready to go.

MKS Sylvans are my favourite and are on most of my bikes. I just *wish 
they'd stop 'fancifying' them by more polish and make the $#@! spindles out 
of much stronger steel *(cro-mo?), because they bend *way *too easy! 

As a bonus, here's some '*beausage*' photos of my well-worn Sylvans after 4 
tours showing how satisfyingly they wear (note flattened centre areas):




http://rjl.us/velo/2005LHTpix-6.htm

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: 26x1.75-2" tire recommendations

[Robert Liebermann]

On tires (and so forth)  - Schwalbe marathons again - they've become my 
standard tire/tyre (depending on cycle) like MKS Sylvans are my standard 
pedal - on everything. Most recently put them on my 82 Stumpjumper resto. 

The Marathons, apart from being very confusing in variety of tires with the 
same name, are well made, heavy (extra exercise, tougher!), wear forever, 
and have the zillion-mile reflective sidewall (use a tarp if camping and 
want to stay hidden; I suggest  Etowah, made in Missouri - 
http://www.etowahoutfittersultralightbackpackinggear.com/backpacking-tarps.html 
).

OK, another chance for me to say how GREAT the 84 Trek 830 (and 850) are, 
the geometry and long chainstays are perfect, plus 501 was an underrated 
and just cool Reynolds tubeset. Good to know a few others also realize this 
- they're gems. Can you tell it's my favorite bike? Mine: 
http://rjl.us/velo/trek830-1.htm (also a little bit about my tires there). 

And if anybody's interested, the Stanforth Kibo is a new frame/bike very 
like my 830 in geometry, made in England by Lee Cooper (who has a nice 
section in the "Made in England" book about English framebuilders). I'm 
about to zap the $$/£0£ over for one (frameset) today! 
http://www.stanforthbikes.co.uk/ 
Looks like the cost incl. shipping is £840, so extremely reasonable, esp. 
considering the builder (and design). They've got great 'reviews', worth a 
look. I'm not connected other than I think it's a great frame and Mr. 
Stanforth is a cool guy doing a good thing (Cooper also). 

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Clipless or Clips?

[Robert Liebermann]

MKS sylvans and clips or halfs only. Used looks ca. 1989-2004 (and used to 
proclaim 'the only real development in cycles since the derailleur'!) then 
decided I didn't need to be that tightly attached to bike anymore. 

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Handlebar Suggestions for MTB Build?

[Robert Liebermann]

Maybe it's the AM Coffee talking here, but I've been looking for a place to 
suggest, or at least draw attention to *Heinz Stucke's double-level 
handlebar setup*... may as well throw it in here... I forgot/never knew 
what he used/made for them, but ...

You can see a couple pic here and here if somehow unacquainted with the god 
of velotouring and his handlebars:
http://www.cyclingnorthwales.co.uk/pages/heinz_st.htm
http://en.turizmglobal.com/meet-the-man-cycling-the-world-about-50-years-heinz-stucke/

robert liebermann
fox alaska

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Handlebar Suggestions for MTB Build?

[Robert Liebermann]

Remember, you can also use those bars the other way, with the open end 
forward - the stem mount is about in the center, so no matter which way you 
turn them there's about the same for and aft. 

>
> Robert--That trekking bar is really cool. I don't think I'd like to have 
> to reach for the brakes/shifters past the end of the stem, though. I think 
> I want some sweep.
>
>

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Handlebar Suggestions for MTB Build?

[Robert Liebermann]

I'm very loving butterfly bars on my 84 trek 830. 


http://hujev.net/image/med/700_4151.jpg  





(One drawback - no easy mirror location: and I don't like that s*Shh*s*Ha*aA
*A*kkK*k*y kraut mirror!)




Great for town, road, trail, etc. Big! Lots of hand positions (sides for 
torquing/climbing, front for coasting, back for 'just going along', etc. 
More pix and justifications here: http://rjl.us/velo/trek830-1.htm 

I still like randonneur bars on my touring bike (for now), but these 
trekker/butterfly bars are the greatest. 

Various variants from variable makers (Nitto, Humpbert, Modolo, Kalloy, 
etc. etc.) with small differences in shape, angle, etc. 

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Experience with mini "half clips" ?

[Robert Liebermann]

I use half clips on riding around bikes, and full w/straps on longer rides. 
'Getting into' straps only takes a fraction of a second (like friction 
shifting or looking at a map) and I prefer those while touring or long day 
rides. I'm about to try the fancy leather mks halfs on a riding around town 
bike I'm finishing up (1989 Trek 420 since you were curious), and same w/o 
leather on my 1982 (lugged) stumpjumper I'm also finishing up (when I 
bought it a few years ago, not very ridden, it had Christophe specials on 
it).

Anyway, I like half clips, and the Japanese-made MKSs are the best, cheap, 
and available widely. I haven't used Looks in well over a decade, though 
for about 15 years I thought they were the cat's meow. 

Also recommend MKS pedal flips if you're using Sylvan tourings. They even 
work perfectly when bent-down, as seen here on some (mostly) 'beausage' 
photos from last fall's tour: http://rjl.us/velo/2005LHTpix-6.htm

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] looking for a Nitto 34f front rack, or reassurance, or advice or something

[Robert Liebermann]

Having decided I really like my current Surly front rack's configuration 
(high/low possibility, top rack, sturdy - I like to carry my tent and pad 
on the front rack top). I like sturdy and don't mind heavy! 

I don't like those racks with the 'butterfly wing' (my term) lowrider 
add-ons (e.g., F25) that seem to push the bag outward from the hub (and 
can't figure out why that'd be useful, unless one has really huge QR levers 
or wants looks like 1950s FR designs) 

So I decided a while back I'd get a Nitto 34f for a new Woodrup I'm 
getting, to have something a bit fancier than the Surly's ugly soft rub-off 
paint. Nobody else seems to have anything as 'cool' for my needs. 

Looking over some Nitto, Rivendell, etc. stuff the other day I found the 
34f isn't in the2016 Nitto catalog, Rivendell's out , and can't find one 
for sale elsewhere (Ben's used to have them but have been out since last 
summer). Can't tell how much of this related to R's statement that it's 
their design so confused. 

I added my name to Rivendell's let me know if it comes back' list, but have 
never had much luck emailing these sorts of questions to them directly. 

Does anybody have one to sell, or know where to get one, or have 
commentary? 

Is it likely these'll come back at Rivendell, or should I panic buy 
where/when I can? (an increasingly useful 'modern world' skill I learned 
living in the USSR!) Ideally they'll be available into the autumn of 2016, 
which is when I really need it (and when I'm not in alaska). 

Also considering a Tubus 'cosmo' rear rack (again, to replace my existing 
surly rear), since the Nitto 33R seems to push the pannier back way, way 
too far. Wish they'd copy the Surly design in that nice Nitto way! 

Thanks,

robert 'not just another nice rack' liebermann
fox, alaska

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Chainstay protector

[Robert Liebermann]

Hmm, my posts don't seem to make it here, but will try again since nobody's 
mentioned:

The now unavailable and apparently un-invented, but formerly ubiquitous 
(early 80s; height of civilization time) stainless steel adhesive chainstay 
protector is the only way to go (or to have gone). Easy grease wipe-off, 
silver, made of an actual durable material rather than some ugly plastic 
that'll immediately get all chewed & ripped up... 

I bought a few about a dozen years ago on eb (I think the guy made them 
himself), I think soma or somebody very briefly had them about 5 years ago, 
otherwise not seen since everybody had them back in the old days. 

To me this is such an obviously superior, cheap to manufacture, easy, and 
practical in every way thing that it's bizarre nobody's making and selling 
them. I think there is one eb.uk seller with them but the post to the us is 
prohibitive. 

A few years ago I mistakenly tried a vo 'elk leather' one out of curiosity, 
but it turned out to be ugly, of cheap-looking thin shaggy leather, and 
just ridiculous.

Far as I'm concerned, chipped paint is a better situation than any of the 
other 'protectors' nowadays. 

robert 'subversive' liebermann
fox, alaska

-- 
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 rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.