[RBW] Re: Headlands Ride Report 10.11.10
Hi Manny. So far, my setup has been working out for me. But there are two caveats. One, I have them in a non-traditional position, in that they are slung low relative to the saddle (about an inch drop). Two, the longest ride I've done with them was 55 miles. I'm planning on extending my range with the Quickbeam and just have to go about doing it. Overall, I've done a number of 40-50 mile rides with them. In comparison to drops, there are less hand positions that affect the angle of my back and the angle of my palms and wrists. Those are the biggest limitations I've found with my setup. As you know, when you ride long distances, variation provides welcome relief. With drops, I get these: in the hooks, in the drops, on the ramps, on the bends, and on the top. That's pretty remarkable. With the low-slung 'staches, I go about things thisaway: My normal cruising position is to have my hands just outboard of the hooks, palms facing each other and thumbs hooked under the bars. This is my analog to the hoods positions and it works great. With the inverse levers, I can access the brakes with my pinkie and ring fingers pretty immediately. To vary things up with my hands, I sometimes move my thumbs over the bars, instead of under. When my back starts honking, I sit up and hang onto the bars right at their ends. The extensions that the inverse levers provide make this work out pretty nice, but I can't maintain this position for very long. So, I opt for frequency over duration in these cases. And, every once in a while I'll just sit up straight and ride no-handed. When I need speed or when facing a good seated climb, I put my paws over the hooks, palms facing the ground, elbows bent 90 degrees, and back flattened. Then I tug and churn. I call this my Pineapple Bob tribute: http://tinyurl.com/2ck8gmp. And, for climbing while standing, the bars are the best setup I've ever used. So, there's your very long and detailed answer. I can thank morning coffee and NyQuil for it (shaking off a cold). Best, Lee On Oct 13, 11:39 am, manueljohnacosta manueljohnaco...@hotmail.com wrote: Thanks for the ride report Lee. I really like your set up been thinking of making a bike with the same handlebar/brake combo set up. Hows it ride for you? Any advantage or disadvantages over having drop bars? -Manny On Oct 13, 11:08 am, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Anne. I'm no great bike handler, but here is what I ride. The Quickbeam is a 650B conversion. So far, I've used the 32mm Nifty Swiftys with the lightly-treaded checkerboard pattern. I had trouble with them in terms of traction on some steep upward pitches. I had them at about 50-55 last time I rode these trails. I've used Col de la Vies on a few different bikes in the Headlands and these worked very well. They measure out to about 35.555etc. mm and have good, deep oval-shaped treads. Normally, I run them at 60-65 psi on my commute. On the trails, I set them to about 55-60. Less would probably help both with traction and to provide float on the deeper, sandy stuff. Speaking of deep, sandy stuff, that is the main issue I have with trail riding. On climbs, I can spin out when I hit such a patch, particularly on the one speed. So, I try to pick a decent line and hunker my butt down on the back edge of the saddle when cranking through it, as recommended to me on my last mixed terrain ride report. On descents, I get a little leary of the slip-and-slide action as I pass through the wash. So again, I try to pick a decent line, dampen my speed some before hitting the patch. Then, let loose the brakes and try to keep my line as straight as possible as I forge my way through the deep stuff. Overall, though, I'm a pretty slow descender on trails. Again, I'm a newb to this type of riding and I'm sure there are a lot of smart techniques out there that folks have developed, if anyone wants to chime in here. My Col de la Vies have given out, so I'm thinking about the new Soma 650B tires, which are ~38mm equivalents of your Paselas (at least superficially). I'm interested in seeing how they do on those trails. Plus, they are a little bit lighter than the Col de la Vies. I know, I know, it's all about the engine. But this engine welcomes any help it can get! Best, Lee On Oct 13, 9:55 am, Anne Paulson anne.paul...@gmail.com wrote: Sounds fantastic. What tires do you find necessary for adventures like that? What tires would you recommend for someone who's not a great bike handler? What pressure did you run your tires at? I like riding my Atlantis (32 mm Panaracer Paselas) on dirt fire roads, but lately, at the end of the summer, I've been chickening out and walking more, as the fire roads in the South Bay (and presumably in Marin as well) are covered with gravel and dust. On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 9:50 AM, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Morning, all. I was able to wheel out the Quickbeam
[RBW] Re: Headlands Ride Report 10.11.10
Doug, I hope you do ride some trails soon! I, too, get a lot of inspiration from other listers stories and pics. I just love how these Rivs are so good at both roads and trails. One story from the ride that I just reported: About half-way up this great, paved climbed called Conzelman Road, construction workers were out fixing up the roads. (As locals would know, they are doing major road renovations all in the Headlands and various roads are off-limits for months at a time.). While climbing the road to the half-way point to get to our trail, the construction crew had stopped all traffic. They were laying long swaths of aggregate down, and then ferrying cars across in intervals. They were adamantly refusing access to all cyclists, telling them that there's no way a bike could get across such treacherous ground. Other cyclists were turning back, but I sidled up to the main dude and asked what made it treacherous. He said the beds were aggregate, sharp and pointy, covering the road for a good 50 yards or so. The crew chief gave me a p.o.'d look and said you'll pop your tires and then what will you do!. I thought: this is exactly why I've chosen the kind of bikes, build, and tires that I'm riding. It was born for this. So, I told him I'd take my chances and that I have a very tough bike. So, they let us through. The terrain was no worse than some of the gravely trails in the Headlands. But if you bet that I was sweating it hoping that a freak mishap wouldn't occur, you'd be a winner. As for technique, that is much too elegant a word for what I do out there :) Best, Lee On Oct 13, 5:15 pm, doug peterson dougpn...@cox.net wrote: Lee: Nice photos. Motivates me to head for the trail tomorrow. To your question regarding preference, it's a mood thing. Like you, sometimes I like to push it a bit on the pavement, and other times it's relaxing to just dawdle around in the dirt (of course, for me that usually involves plenty of pushing too!). There are several rides I do where I use a fire trail or similar to connect together a couple of paved areas. These short cuts usually take a lot more time effort than staying on the pavement would. The nice thing about a Rivendell is they are happy to do it all. dougP On Oct 13, 9:50 am, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Morning, all. I was able to wheel out the Quickbeam for a weekend ride for the first time in more than a month. It took me out into the Marin Headlands to explore the wonderful set of trails inscribed there along the southern three ridges. Despite being underpowered and therefore, a bit undergeared, it was a wonderful afternoon. Trails, hills, beaches, and an ocean, with only minimal interruptions by three other cyclists, two runners, and a handful of hikers--all just 10 miles or so from my urban-crushed doorstep. I seem to oscillate between these types of out-back trail rides and longer road rides out into the country. Sometimes it's fun to get into a steady cadence on the road, feel a little speed, and enjoy the breeze in your face. Other times, I just want nothing to do with other bipeds (no offense of course) and head off to the nearest trailhead. Do you all have a preference for one type of riding over another? In any event, I'm just glad I have a bike that lets me do both so enjoyably. Here's the visuals: http://tinyurl.com/2dc6r76 Take care, Lee SF, CA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Headlands Ride Report 10.11.10
Hi Anne. I'm no great bike handler, but here is what I ride. The Quickbeam is a 650B conversion. So far, I've used the 32mm Nifty Swiftys with the lightly-treaded checkerboard pattern. I had trouble with them in terms of traction on some steep upward pitches. I had them at about 50-55 last time I rode these trails. I've used Col de la Vies on a few different bikes in the Headlands and these worked very well. They measure out to about 35.555etc. mm and have good, deep oval-shaped treads. Normally, I run them at 60-65 psi on my commute. On the trails, I set them to about 55-60. Less would probably help both with traction and to provide float on the deeper, sandy stuff. Speaking of deep, sandy stuff, that is the main issue I have with trail riding. On climbs, I can spin out when I hit such a patch, particularly on the one speed. So, I try to pick a decent line and hunker my butt down on the back edge of the saddle when cranking through it, as recommended to me on my last mixed terrain ride report. On descents, I get a little leary of the slip-and-slide action as I pass through the wash. So again, I try to pick a decent line, dampen my speed some before hitting the patch. Then, let loose the brakes and try to keep my line as straight as possible as I forge my way through the deep stuff. Overall, though, I'm a pretty slow descender on trails. Again, I'm a newb to this type of riding and I'm sure there are a lot of smart techniques out there that folks have developed, if anyone wants to chime in here. My Col de la Vies have given out, so I'm thinking about the new Soma 650B tires, which are ~38mm equivalents of your Paselas (at least superficially). I'm interested in seeing how they do on those trails. Plus, they are a little bit lighter than the Col de la Vies. I know, I know, it's all about the engine. But this engine welcomes any help it can get! Best, Lee On Oct 13, 9:55 am, Anne Paulson anne.paul...@gmail.com wrote: Sounds fantastic. What tires do you find necessary for adventures like that? What tires would you recommend for someone who's not a great bike handler? What pressure did you run your tires at? I like riding my Atlantis (32 mm Panaracer Paselas) on dirt fire roads, but lately, at the end of the summer, I've been chickening out and walking more, as the fire roads in the South Bay (and presumably in Marin as well) are covered with gravel and dust. On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 9:50 AM, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Morning, all. I was able to wheel out the Quickbeam for a weekend ride for the first time in more than a month. It took me out into the Marin Headlands to explore the wonderful set of trails inscribed there along the southern three ridges. Despite being underpowered and therefore, a bit undergeared, it was a wonderful afternoon. Trails, hills, beaches, and an ocean, with only minimal interruptions by three other cyclists, two runners, and a handful of hikers--all just 10 miles or so from my urban-crushed doorstep. -- -- Anne Paulson My hovercraft is full of eels -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Headlands Ride Report 10.11.10
Thanks for the ride report Lee. I really like your set up been thinking of making a bike with the same handlebar/brake combo set up. Hows it ride for you? Any advantage or disadvantages over having drop bars? -Manny On Oct 13, 11:08 am, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Anne. I'm no great bike handler, but here is what I ride. The Quickbeam is a 650B conversion. So far, I've used the 32mm Nifty Swiftys with the lightly-treaded checkerboard pattern. I had trouble with them in terms of traction on some steep upward pitches. I had them at about 50-55 last time I rode these trails. I've used Col de la Vies on a few different bikes in the Headlands and these worked very well. They measure out to about 35.555etc. mm and have good, deep oval-shaped treads. Normally, I run them at 60-65 psi on my commute. On the trails, I set them to about 55-60. Less would probably help both with traction and to provide float on the deeper, sandy stuff. Speaking of deep, sandy stuff, that is the main issue I have with trail riding. On climbs, I can spin out when I hit such a patch, particularly on the one speed. So, I try to pick a decent line and hunker my butt down on the back edge of the saddle when cranking through it, as recommended to me on my last mixed terrain ride report. On descents, I get a little leary of the slip-and-slide action as I pass through the wash. So again, I try to pick a decent line, dampen my speed some before hitting the patch. Then, let loose the brakes and try to keep my line as straight as possible as I forge my way through the deep stuff. Overall, though, I'm a pretty slow descender on trails. Again, I'm a newb to this type of riding and I'm sure there are a lot of smart techniques out there that folks have developed, if anyone wants to chime in here. My Col de la Vies have given out, so I'm thinking about the new Soma 650B tires, which are ~38mm equivalents of your Paselas (at least superficially). I'm interested in seeing how they do on those trails. Plus, they are a little bit lighter than the Col de la Vies. I know, I know, it's all about the engine. But this engine welcomes any help it can get! Best, Lee On Oct 13, 9:55 am, Anne Paulson anne.paul...@gmail.com wrote: Sounds fantastic. What tires do you find necessary for adventures like that? What tires would you recommend for someone who's not a great bike handler? What pressure did you run your tires at? I like riding my Atlantis (32 mm Panaracer Paselas) on dirt fire roads, but lately, at the end of the summer, I've been chickening out and walking more, as the fire roads in the South Bay (and presumably in Marin as well) are covered with gravel and dust. On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 9:50 AM, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Morning, all. I was able to wheel out the Quickbeam for a weekend ride for the first time in more than a month. It took me out into the Marin Headlands to explore the wonderful set of trails inscribed there along the southern three ridges. Despite being underpowered and therefore, a bit undergeared, it was a wonderful afternoon. Trails, hills, beaches, and an ocean, with only minimal interruptions by three other cyclists, two runners, and a handful of hikers--all just 10 miles or so from my urban-crushed doorstep. -- -- Anne Paulson My hovercraft is full of eels -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Headlands Ride Report 10.11.10
Lee: Nice photos. Motivates me to head for the trail tomorrow. To your question regarding preference, it's a mood thing. Like you, sometimes I like to push it a bit on the pavement, and other times it's relaxing to just dawdle around in the dirt (of course, for me that usually involves plenty of pushing too!). There are several rides I do where I use a fire trail or similar to connect together a couple of paved areas. These short cuts usually take a lot more time effort than staying on the pavement would. The nice thing about a Rivendell is they are happy to do it all. dougP On Oct 13, 9:50 am, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Morning, all. I was able to wheel out the Quickbeam for a weekend ride for the first time in more than a month. It took me out into the Marin Headlands to explore the wonderful set of trails inscribed there along the southern three ridges. Despite being underpowered and therefore, a bit undergeared, it was a wonderful afternoon. Trails, hills, beaches, and an ocean, with only minimal interruptions by three other cyclists, two runners, and a handful of hikers--all just 10 miles or so from my urban-crushed doorstep. I seem to oscillate between these types of out-back trail rides and longer road rides out into the country. Sometimes it's fun to get into a steady cadence on the road, feel a little speed, and enjoy the breeze in your face. Other times, I just want nothing to do with other bipeds (no offense of course) and head off to the nearest trailhead. Do you all have a preference for one type of riding over another? In any event, I'm just glad I have a bike that lets me do both so enjoyably. Here's the visuals: http://tinyurl.com/2dc6r76 Take care, Lee SF, CA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
[RBW] Re: Headlands Ride Report 10.11.10
I run Schwalbe Marathon Supremes on my Atlantis, 700 x 35. My un- loaded tire pressure is 50 front 60 rear (kinda sorta based on Jan's tire pressure chart). Never thought to lower it off road. I'm moving up a size next time I need tires. I try to keep steady pedal pressure, not pound or otherwise change it too quickly. Sometimes I just 'stall out on hills, sometimes spin. That's telling me it's time for a walk. I have lots of gears use 'em all, especially the little ones. Can't imagine doing this on a single speed - you must have very good technique. Andy M does better on the dirt than I. He uses I believe the Schwalbe XR around 2 wide on 26 wheels. These have a more agressive tread pattern the Supreme but don't seem any noisier on the road. dougP On Oct 13, 11:08 am, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Hi Anne. I'm no great bike handler, but here is what I ride. The Quickbeam is a 650B conversion. So far, I've used the 32mm Nifty Swiftys with the lightly-treaded checkerboard pattern. I had trouble with them in terms of traction on some steep upward pitches. I had them at about 50-55 last time I rode these trails. I've used Col de la Vies on a few different bikes in the Headlands and these worked very well. They measure out to about 35.555etc. mm and have good, deep oval-shaped treads. Normally, I run them at 60-65 psi on my commute. On the trails, I set them to about 55-60. Less would probably help both with traction and to provide float on the deeper, sandy stuff. Speaking of deep, sandy stuff, that is the main issue I have with trail riding. On climbs, I can spin out when I hit such a patch, particularly on the one speed. So, I try to pick a decent line and hunker my butt down on the back edge of the saddle when cranking through it, as recommended to me on my last mixed terrain ride report. On descents, I get a little leary of the slip-and-slide action as I pass through the wash. So again, I try to pick a decent line, dampen my speed some before hitting the patch. Then, let loose the brakes and try to keep my line as straight as possible as I forge my way through the deep stuff. Overall, though, I'm a pretty slow descender on trails. Again, I'm a newb to this type of riding and I'm sure there are a lot of smart techniques out there that folks have developed, if anyone wants to chime in here. My Col de la Vies have given out, so I'm thinking about the new Soma 650B tires, which are ~38mm equivalents of your Paselas (at least superficially). I'm interested in seeing how they do on those trails. Plus, they are a little bit lighter than the Col de la Vies. I know, I know, it's all about the engine. But this engine welcomes any help it can get! Best, Lee On Oct 13, 9:55 am, Anne Paulson anne.paul...@gmail.com wrote: Sounds fantastic. What tires do you find necessary for adventures like that? What tires would you recommend for someone who's not a great bike handler? What pressure did you run your tires at? I like riding my Atlantis (32 mm Panaracer Paselas) on dirt fire roads, but lately, at the end of the summer, I've been chickening out and walking more, as the fire roads in the South Bay (and presumably in Marin as well) are covered with gravel and dust. On Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 9:50 AM, Lee leec...@gmail.com wrote: Morning, all. I was able to wheel out the Quickbeam for a weekend ride for the first time in more than a month. It took me out into the Marin Headlands to explore the wonderful set of trails inscribed there along the southern three ridges. Despite being underpowered and therefore, a bit undergeared, it was a wonderful afternoon. Trails, hills, beaches, and an ocean, with only minimal interruptions by three other cyclists, two runners, and a handful of hikers--all just 10 miles or so from my urban-crushed doorstep. -- -- Anne Paulson My hovercraft is full of eels- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bu...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
