[RBW] Re: Yet another round of name that sound

[M D Smith]

I had a similar creaking/clicking sound recently.  I went so far as 
replacing my pedals after repacking the bearings (my initial assumption of 
the culprit,) yet the creak remained.

I then decided to replace the bottom bracket.  I had a spare, after all, 
but was putting off dealing with it out of laziness, basically.  Well, 
after digging myself out of that gumption trap I pulled the cranks and went 
to remove the NDS retainer (this is a Shimano UN-xx with the plastic 
retainer) and, sure enough, it was a tad bit loose.  Not so much that I 
could feel any play, but I was able to tighten it about 3/4 to one turn.  I 
put my spare back in the box, reaffixed the cranks, and nary a creak, 
crack, or click since.  You specifically mention that you haven’t tightened 
the bb.  I’ll bet you a beer that’s the source, and I would certainly 
recommend snugging it up, regardless.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Cheers- Mike in Somerville, Mass
On Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 8:35:26 AM UTC-4 David Wadstrup wrote:

> We've played this game before, and I'm reluctant to begin another round. 
>  But after a fruitless deep dive into a general internet search trying to 
> identify the source of my sound, I thought bringing up my issue here might 
> be of help.  Here goes
>
> I am the proud owner of a beautiful, creamsicle colored Roadeo that I 
> purchased from a fellow list member here a couple of years ago.  I 
> purchased only the frameset, and built up it up myself.  A short while ago 
> I began to notice a creaking, clicking, cracking-type sound when climbing 
> steep-ish hills.  I loosened and re-tightened just about everything(except 
> the bottom bracket) in an attempt to fix whatever the source of the sound 
> might be.  No luck.  While out on a ride yesterday, I noticed that the 
> sound was apparently getting worse.  I started to fear that there was maybe 
> a crack somewhere in the frame, and made a plan to remove the crank and 
> re-install the BB to eliminate it as a possible source(which I ended up not 
> doing.)  But further into the ride, I happened to discover that the sound 
> only occurs when I am in one of the 3 largest cogs on the cassette.  I made 
> about 7 or 8 trips up and down one of the steeper hills on my route, and 
> was able to confirm that it did not happen in the 4th, or 5th, or any other 
> cog in back -- just the 3 largest.  
>
> For clarification, I am running a Shimano 11sp Ultegra group.  The sound 
> is NOT regular.  Meaning that it doesn't occur in the same place in either 
> my wheel's or crank's rotation. It happens both when seated and while I am 
> out of the saddle. It is more of a cracking, creaking, sound rather than a 
> clicking sound(although it does sound clicky,) if that makes any sense.  It 
> sounds like what I'd imagine a a cracked something-or-other to sound like.
>
> I suppose I'll remove and reinstall the cassette when I get a chance, but 
> figured I reach out to you all to see whether anyone has an inkling of what 
> the trouble might be.  Please let me know your thoughts!
>
> Thanks!
>

-- 
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 view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/add26ff3-4147-4264-829c-898d82e9d09en%40googlegroups.com.

[RBW] Re: Something similar to Rustines Constructeur Grips?

[M D Smith]

Hi Ben-

There are a few sets on eBay right now.  Not cheap, but shipping is more 
modest.

Cheers- Mike
On Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 11:11:46 PM UTC-5 Benjamin Kelley wrote:

> Good Day Group,
> I'm building up a new bike (Raleigh Clubman with S couplers I snagged 
> off ebay a while back) and went to purchase some Rustines Constructeur 
> grips, which are my favorite, only to find that supplies of them in the US 
> have dried up.
> Velo Orange doesn't stock any Rustines products any longer. Good thing I 
> bought a bunch of patches a while back.
> Rustines.fr wants 45euros just for shipping.   Bluelug and Harris both out 
> of stock.
>
> Anyone know of any similar grips?  Ribbed, soft, natural rubber.
> Are the VO Kraton basket weave a similar feel?  I could settle for those 
> if so.
>
>
> --ben in KC
>
>
>

-- 
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 view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/16172ba1-5792-4bb4-9304-08ee6ad75839n%40googlegroups.com.

[RBW] Re: PSA 59CM Custom Riv on FC CL

[M D Smith]

Infamous - doesn’t that mean *more than* famous??

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0b6_i_eSgR8

Let’s not get started on plethora...

-- 
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/0569fe67-9dab-4feb-92c2-68c330e1cd19%40googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Heard my first "Hey, nice Riv!" today. Felt chuffed

[M D Smith]

Many years ago, I did a MS ride on Martha’s Vinyard on my then new All’rounder.

The entire field of riders were on mid to upper level aluminum or carbon Treks, 
Specializeds, etc.  (This was ‘04 or so right in the middle of the Lance 
hysteria years.) As we were pulling in to one of the rest areas I overhear one 
of the event mechanics say to another “Oh, a Rivendell.  At least someone’s 
bringing a little class.”

That put a smile on my face for the rest of the ride.

Cheers- Mike, keeping it classy in Somerville, MA

-- 
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: removing broken hex bolt from rack mount

[M D Smith]

Try and EZ out.  It's a brand of "screw extractor" that comes with a 
reverse drill bit.  There are other brands available, as well.  Check 
Google.  I find that often just using the reverse drill bit is enough to 
get those buggers loose.

Good luck!

Mike in steamy Somerville, Mass

On Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 1:31:01 PM UTC-4, jandrews wrote:
>
> Hi
> I have a bolt stuck in the rear lower rack mount on my Protovelo.
> I'm sure some of you have removed one of these successfully.  Any tips? 
>
>
> 
>
> My mini vise grips won't grab on to the protruding nub of aluminum. 
>  Assuming I'll need to drill it out with a certain kind of bit?   I don't 
> currently have a quality drill...but I can probably borrow one.
> Thanks 
> Jason
>

-- 
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.

Re: [RBW] Re: Has RBW ever made bibs?

[M D Smith]

Funny.  I just came across a set (brace?) of the blue Rivendell suspenders 
during spring cleaning the other day.

I’d forgotten I ever had them.  Never worn them, not even once.  

If anyone wants ‘em, let me know off list (Beewak at gmail.)  10 bucks?  

-Mike

-- 
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: David Lance Goines Riv Bike Poster

[M D Smith]

71

-- 
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] Set-up matters

[M D Smith]

Bruce-

Would you repost your photo or send it to me directly (Beewak-at-gmail)?  It 
shows an error when I click the link in your post.

I am going to be mixing up my ride soon and am seriously considering flipping 
my m-bars and would love to see how you did it and how the ergonomics look on 
your bike.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

-Mike in frigid Somerville, MA

-- 
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.

Re: [RBW] Nice day for a ride

[M D Smith]

Patrick-

They are albastache bars.  I've had the original mustache, as well (but alas, 
they were temporarily moved to another bike that unfortunately got stolen.  Now 
that I'm thinking about it I believe Grant originally designed it for use with 
mustaches.)  I like both iterations.  The extra width is nice, but I remember 
liking the angle that the brake levers sit better with the originals.

Either 'stache work for me.  I find the combination of 'staches and Suntour bar 
end shifters to be a perfect shifting setup.

Feel better- Mike

-- 
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] Self assembling bike video

[M D Smith]

A friend of mine just showed me this great video and I thought I'd share it 
here.  It was posted a year ago, it seems, so sorry if this is old news.  But 
in case you missed it:

https://vimeo.com/137011379

I like the sounds the parts make... hubs sound like Jawas!   Interesting seeing 
a coaster brake and the chrome fork crown "sleeve" is neat.  Dunlop valves!  
And I've never seen cotters go in so easily...


Cheers- Mike

-- 
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] FS- older Lewis and Clark trail maps - now FREE for postage

[M D Smith]

Ok - no takers...

I don't want to throw these out.  They are now free for postage.  Should be 
$6.45.  

I'm going to the PO tomorrow.  If anyone wants them and can get me PayPal by 
mid day tomorrow they are yours.

-Mike

Original post:
"Hello- 

I have some older (2005) Adventure Cycling Lewis and Clark trail maps.  I ended 
up never taking the trip.  They are obviously outdated, but I believe ACA has 
updates on their website, and if someone lives or visits up there, they may 
show you some good routes to ride. 

I have maps 3 to 7, from Pierre, South Dakota to Astoria, Oregon. 

ACA sells the current ones for over 15 bucks each.  I'm looking for $20 plus 
shipping for all five, which should be $6.45 USPS. 

I'm moving and don't want to cart them around any more and don't want to 
recycle them either. 

Cheers- Mike"

-- 
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.

Re: [RBW] ATTENTION NY RIV'S

[M D Smith]

I might be able to make it, depending on how late my work day goes.  I'm moving 
out of NYC at the end of the month, so it may be my last chance to meet peeps!

Cheers- Mike in Bklyn, but not for long...

-- 
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] Free for postage- classic bike xeroxes and maps

[M D Smith]

Wow- you folks are fast!

Xeroxes are spoken for.

-Mike

-- 
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] Who makes Canvas Panniers now?

[M D Smith]

Check out Carradice Super C panniers. I love mine.

Cheers- Mike 

-- 
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: Black and Cream Color Scheme

[M D Smith]

Andrew asked:

"... can anyone point to good examples of super dark frames (black, or deepest 
green, say) that had both cream head tubes AND cream seat tubes?" 

To which I reply:

I've always liked this bike, back from my days on the iBOB list.  It's maroon, 
so maybe not as dark as you are thinking, but a real stunner:



Cherrs- Mike in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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: New geo chart

[M D Smith]

Bill wrote:

Have Grant set you up on a custom super light 650b Legolas inspired road bike. 
That would be hot!  


To which I reply:

Please pardon the OT post, but I'd like to share a moment-

I read this list in digest mode on an iPad.  In Bill's post, "650b Legolas 
road" bike is highlighted as a hyperlink.  "Cool," methinks, "must be a photo 
of a sweet bike," and I clicked it.

Lo and behold, up pops the apple map program of my neighborhood searching in 
vain for House number 650B on "Legolas Inspired Rd." and apologizing "result 
not found."  It gave me a chuckle and put a little smile on my face to think of 
an address on Legolas Inspired Road.  That's probably the first smile, let 
alone chuckle, to have crossed my lips in the last 48 hours...

Thank goodness for this list...

Mike in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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: 1st Bombadil on Treasure Island

[M D Smith]

And she's wearing a Brooklyn Cyclones cap!  Representing about as far away fron 
Coney Island as one can get...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_Cyclones

There always next year...


-Mike in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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] WTB - Paselas

[M D Smith]

Hello all-

I'm looking for one or two new or lightly used 700x32 non-tourguard Panaracer 
Paselas tire(s) with the tan sidewalls.

I will probably just end up buying some new ones, but I want to throw it out 
there in case someone traded up (or down) and have some lying around.  These 
are for a city/commuter bike, so dirty is ok as long as there's life left In 
them.

If anyone can help me out, please hit me off-list at beewak-at-gmail and let me 
know what you'd want for them shipped to 11218 (or I can pick them up if you're 
in NYC.)

Cheers- Mike

-- 
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] Just Ride on NYPL blog

[M D Smith]

"Just Ride" was recommended on this recent NY Public Library blog.  Nice to see 
Grant ("daydream maker!") and Rivendell get a shoutout.  Paired with the new 
Bike Snob book.  Louis CK vis à vis Thoreau... Funny.

https://www.nypl.org/blog/2016/09/06/get-a-hobby

Cheers- Mike in muggy Bklyn, NY

-- 
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] Ball Bearing size: MKS touring

[M D Smith]

Hello All-

Would someone happen to know off-hand, or care to measure, what size ball 
bearings are used in MKS touring pedals?

These are the ones (former Rivendell favorites) I'm curious about:

http://www.jensonusa.com/MKS-Sylvan-Touring-Pedal

I know that each race takes 11 balls, but I don't have access to them right 
now.  I want to purchase the balls to repack this weekend.  I have tried a 
search, but only came across conflicting info.  

Thanks a bunch, bunch- Mike in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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] First S24O of 2016, and first on my Appaloosa, tonight!

[M D Smith]

Bill Wrote:

One sub-optimal finding is that I've found that I don't have a water bottle 
small enough to fit into an Iris cage in the third position under the downtube. 
 The smallest bottles I have still hit the fender (P65).  There's water at the 
campsite, so I'm not going to worry about it tonight, but I do want to be able 
to run three bottles someday.  Maybe I can tweak the fender position.  Maybe a 
different cage will position the bottle lower.  Etc.

To which I repy:

Remember back in the olden days, when what are now considered normal bottles 
were "large" and there were smaller sized bottles (without the upper section) 
that were considered "normal?"

Well, see if you can find one of those.  I specifically sought one out for a 
long tour I did and was happy that I made that decision.  I often found myself 
filling up on water in gas station bathrooms.  More often than not, the spigot 
on the sinks were so short that it made the filling of a larger bottle 
impossible.  The only way to refill, I found, was to use the small bottle and 
fill the larger bottles from it.  It was actually a trick I learned (or rather 
an issue I discovered) on an earlier shake down mini tour.

Enjoy your trip!

Cheers- Mike in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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.

Re: [RBW] Re: Story behind differing Rambouillet lug sets?

[M D Smith]

If Pee Wee Herman's too-tight suit was made from tweed and he wore a beard, 
THAT is the bike he would ride!

-- 
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: on bike bag theft

[M D Smith]

Many many moons ago, I bought a limited-release deep ("Northumbrian" 
according to GP) green Lowsaddle Longflap from Rivendell.  (A short run was 
mentioned in the "Progress Report" in an early Reader [remember those 
days?] with a "give us a call if you want to buy one" directive.)

I was living in Austin, TX at the time and I was assistant brewer at the 
late, great Waterloo Brewing Company.  (RIP- at the corner of 4th and 
Guadalupe across form Republic Square Park, for those in Austin.)  One of 
the first days I had it strapped on my bike I had ridden to work and locked 
up to a street sign on Guadalupe, right in front of a giant plate glass 
window.  On the other side of this window was Waterloo's "brew house"- the 
set of kettles where the brew is actually made.  I started mashing in the 
morning's brew.  "Mashing in" is the first step in the brewing process and 
it involves mixing the ground barley with hot water with a large stainless 
steel paddle.  Imagine a metal version of a canoe paddle.  And lots of 
steam, and it's really heavy, that paddle.  Brewing ain't easy.

Well, the grain started coming down, the water was steaming hot, and the 
brew was under way.  As was usual, my eyeglasses started to fog up, so I 
turned my head away from the open vat of steaming water.  As my glasses 
slowly cleared, I happened to be looking out the plate glass window.  I 
found myself silently admiring my "horseless horse" and it's classy new 
saddlebag just as an extremely unsavory character (no shirt, long scraggly 
hair, beat up mountain bike) coasted down Guadalupe and slowed to a stop 
right beside my trusty steed.  To my horror this nefarious miscreant 
proceeded to pull a humongous Bowie knife out of his backpack and set 
himself upon cutting the leather straps attaching my beautiful new 
Carradice to my perfectly broken-in Brooks saddle!!!

Time slowed to a crawl as my brain attempted to process what my eyes were 
seeing...  Instinct kicked in.  I screamed "Hey!!!" at the top of my lungs 
(impotently, as the thick glass stifled any chance my shout could startle 
the reprobate) and attempted to slam my fist against the glass.  The 
brewhouse platform upon which I stood was just a bit too far away from the 
window for me to connect.  My coworker, startled by my outburst, quickly 
assessed what was happening.  She tore out the door to confront the 
evildoer.  As a spied the knife beginning to slice into the fine English 
cowhide I lost any semblance of reason.  Without further thought, I drew 
the forty pound, stainless steel mash paddle out of the mash tun and heaved 
it towards the window.  Julie, by this point, was out the door and yelled 
as she rounded the corner of the building onto the street.  Her cry was 
enough to startle the ne'er-do-well.  He sheathed his blade, casually 
mounted his junker, and rolled away down the hill as if nothing had 
happened (thank God, because in all the commotion no one had thought to 
consider that a 90 pound woman was rushing outside to confront a 
knife-wielding ruffian...)  

My senses suddenly snapped back to the present and I realized instantly 
that not only was my bag safe, but I was swinging a giant piece of metal at 
a plate glass window.  My muscles tensed up and I managed to halt the 
paddle mid-swing, flinging a clod of oatmeal-like mash on to the window but 
stopping with just an inch to spare before surely shattering the glass and 
any hope of my continued employment at the storied brewpub.

The clod of mash slowly congealed and began sliding down the window as I 
returned my attention to the task at hand, continuing to mash in the brew I 
had just started.  My adrenaline rush began to subside and I thanked Julie 
for thinking quick and saving my handsome new Carradice.  Once all the 
grain was safely mixed in, I went out and brought my bike into a more 
protected spot inside the brewery's courtyard.

I had one other (earlier) experience on that same block.  Another scoundrel 
attempted to cut the padlock off my cable lock with bolt cutters wrapped up 
in a t-shirt.  I actually caught him mid-snip.  (Austin, and particularly 
that block, was significantly more seedy in the mid '90s than it is 
now...)  I luckily arranged a much more secure indoor parking situation 
after that and now insist on a stouter U-lock.

But yes, you are correct Patrick, the biggest variable is where you leave 
the bike.  I now live in New York City and I consider these all valuable 
lessons learned.  

I still have that green Carradice Lowsaddle Longflap and kept it on that 
bike for years after this episode.  It's pretty much worn out-  
sun-bleached, patched, stitched-up, and basically retired.  I replaced the 
one partially cut strap, but kept the original as a memento.  In the "big 
city" I have taken to using a single pannier, removing it and bringing it 
with me whenever I leave the bike.  I would not leave *anything* attached 
my bike here...  (And I've jammed BBs and 

[RBW] Re: NYC Rivs

[M D Smith]

Hi all-

I'd be interested in hanging out, as well. I am in Kensington/Windsor Terrace 
area of Brooklyn, so I'll throw the geometric symmetry off a bit...

I'm new-ish to the city, so meeting up with local folks sounds great. 

So please add me to the list! I'm at beewak-at-gmail.com

Cheers- Mike

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Old Riv, thin wool hats that came in blue, green, red, etc...

[M D Smith]

Hi Geoffrey-

Check out these from Smartwool:



("NTS Mid 250 Cuffed Beanie" from Smartwool if that link doesn't work.)

I'm a big fan.  I used to have the Wigwam (?) multicolor hat that Rivendell 
sold eons ago.  I was really bummed when I lost it, then discovered these from 
Smartwool at REI.  I have a number of them now.  Very nice weight, long enough 
to cover my ears if I told the cuff down, and thin enough to fit under a helmet.

Cheers- Mike (haven't needed the hat yet, but soon) in Bkln NY

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Bizarrely on topic: AL absorption through skin

[M D Smith]

Patrick-

I'm still thinking wood is the way to go:

Get a scrap of 1/4" plywood and step on it.  (You could also experiment with 
1/8", but it might be a bit too flexible.)  Trace or have someone else trace 
your foot.  Cut the foot shaped pieces out, or use them as a template to form 
you Platonic ideal of a "barefoot pedal intended for long distance 
riding/comfort."

Now drill holes to zip tie them to your current pedals, file out a small groove 
between the holes so the tie doesn't sit proud of the platform.  Spend a 
contemplative evening sanding them until they are buttery smooth, afix them to 
your pedals, et voilà, Bob's yer uncle!  You could also stain and/or wax the 
wood to give it some extra style.

Cheers- Mike in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Bizarrely on topic: AL absorption through skin

[M D Smith]

Patrick-

Have you considered wooden pedals? 

I can't find the exact thing I'm thinking of, but someone made at one point a 
kit that consisted of pedal spindles that one screwed into pieces of wood to 
make any sized platforms.  I'm pretty sure I read it in an old Rivendell Reader 
at some point.  Does anyone else remember those?

If you google "wooden bicycle pedals" and hit "images" you will get lots of 
ideas for pedals that wouldn't cause an issue with aluminum/skin contact.

Cheers- Mike, usually shod in Bkln, NY

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Bizarrely on topic: AL absorption through skin

[M D Smith]

Or something along these lines

http://problemsolversbike.com/blog/comments/how_to_make_skateboard_pedal_decks_for_clipless_pedals

Could just use regular ply wood.

-Mike

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Re: [RBW] Re: Double leg Kickstands... lets talk

[M D Smith]

On Monday, August 17, 2015 at 1:06:02 PM UTC-4, Montclair BobbyB wrote:

 Patrick: Flickstand does 2 things: keeps the wheel from rotating or 
 steering (flopping). If you can get a rubber band to do both I would be 
 dually impressed... 

 Bobby maybe I don't know rubber bands Birmingham


To which I can't help but reply: 

 [image: Displaying IMG_6932.JPG]

Funny, I was going to mention this method before I saw your challenge to be 
impressed. 

This method works well.  It's not as great with a really loaded bike, but 
something like an old toe clip works better than a Kickstand:

[image: Displaying IMG_6933.JPG]


Just not as quick or light as the rubber band method (which I first saw at 
a bike shop, to keep their floor stock under control, flop-wise...)  I keep 
an extra strap on my bike (usually looped around the handlebar, near the 
stem) just for this purpose.  An irish strap would work, as well.  The 
strap doubles as a pants-cuff-retainer.  Never do you need both at the same 
time...  I guess you could also use a high quality reflective velcro 
retainer, two birds with one stone.

I've always thought it was a bit ridiculous when Rivendell decided it was 
necessary to put kickstand plates on their bikes in the first place.  I see 
them as a solution (and a heavier, clunkier-looking, less than elegant 
solution at that) to a problem that doesn't exist.  In the ten years I've 
owned my All 'rounder (including a multi-month tour) I never missed not 
having one.  I can remember being in a position where I couldn't find 
something to lean my bike against and having to rest it down only a very 
few times.  And many of those were on beach sand, where a kickstand 
wouldn't work anyway.  That's just my personal experience, though.  But 
I've never, ever, felt I needed one.

Cheers- Mike in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Re: [RBW] Re: Double leg Kickstands... lets talk

[M D Smith]

Sorry!!!

but something like an old toe clip works better than a Kickstand:

Should read Flickstand. Stupid auto correct

-Mike

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Searching for a cheapo saddle with B17 like fit

[M D Smith]

Thanks for the ideas, gents!

How could I have missed that VO saddle? That's pretty much exactly what I was 
asking about. 

The security bolt idea is a good one, too.  

The more I think about it, I may try the ball bearing in beeswax/ poor man's 
security bolt approach at first.*  I haven't adjusted the thing since I dialed 
it in anyway.  If the saddle gets snatched, c'est la vie.  And I can replace it 
with VO model if it does take a walk. The 15 year old, perfectly broken in B17 
special that was stolen (with the bike- this Trek is its replacement...) was a 
kick in the gut.  At this point, its replacement is just money.

* (The thought process was thus:  Security bolt is a great idea.  Except I 
don't want to have to carry around extra wrenches. Wait a minute, I have never 
adjusted those once in five years.  Why the heck do I need to do that?  Might 
as well just make them too annoying for any thief to want to meddle with.) 

Thanks for helping me think through this, compadres!

Cheers- Mike

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Searching for a cheapo saddle with B17 like fit

[M D Smith]

Hello All-

I have been a committed Brooks B17 sitter-uponer for ages.  

I have recently moved to the big city.  My Rivendell did not make the move- it 
has been sent to my mother's house for long country rides when I visit her. My 
'80s Trek, however has come with me as an urban all-'rounder.

The Trek is currently sporting a B17 and I'm thinking it's a little flashy to 
leave around NYC unattended. I am wondering if anyone out there knows of a 
simple, cheap, probably plastic, saddle that has the same basic shape and fits 
like a B17. I admit to not really paying attention to anything but Brooks 
saddles for the last few decades, but looking just now it seems that the saddle 
choices these days are 
stripped-down-carbon-wünderbike-have-to-wear-a-diaper-ass-hatchets or 
three-inches-of-foam-sit-up-and-beg-BarcaLoungers with not much in between.

Can anyone recommend (or better yet, have for sale or trade) a regular old 
saddle that has the wide sit bone area of a B17 but doesn't have inches if 
padding?  Scuffed, beat-up or torn examples would be fine if still functional.

Thanks and cheers- Mike, recently landed in Bklyn, NY

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] FS - 46cm Noodles and Cane Creek SCR-5 levers

[M D Smith]

Hello all-

Moving sale continues:

I have a used 46 cm Nitto Noodle handlebar and a pair of Cane Creek SCR-5 
levers I would like to sell as a set.

These are in used, decent condition.

The bars have some tape residue, a few drops of stray shellac, a few scuffs - 
beausage!, but have never been crashed and are in great riding condition.  Same 
with the levers, used but presentable, black hoods (with the lizards- subtle 
whimsy, but don't stand out, but kinds cool when you look close.) There is one 
tiny ~1/2 cm tear in one of the hoods, but in general, good useable shape.

They were on my custom All-'rounder before I switched them out and and never 
looked shabby or out of place. I love this combo for drop levers- very 
comfortable bar/hood platform. I put albastache bars on and was saving this 
combo for future use, but don't feel like lugging them to the new place. 

I'd like $50 for them, plus shipping. Please contact me off list at beewak at 
gmail dot com if interested. 

Cheers- Mike in Htfd Ct

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] FS- Rivendell Reader and Bicycle Quarterly collections

[M D Smith]

I am moving to New York City in a few weeks and need to downsize. I want to 
pass along my collection of Rivendell Readers, catalogs, and flyers and 
(Vintage) Bicycle Quarterlies. I want to offer them up to the list before 
resorting to eBay...

Rivendell Collection:

Rivendell Readers- numbers 11 to 43, except for 12,27,  32. 
15 Rivendell catalogs- number 5 (1999) to 2006.
Various holiday, summer, and new bike flyers, including the Atlantis, Romulus, 
and Rambouillet brochures. 

These have been read over and over and have the beausage to prove it. All are 
still plenty readable. One of the color cover ones is a bit mangled from the 
PO.  Decent used condition for pulp paper that has existed for up to 15 years. 

How's about 50 bucks, media mail postage included. (The box weighs about 12# so 
any other method might get expensive.)


Vintage Bicycle Quarterly/Bicycle Quarterly Collection:

28 VBQ/BQ issues. The first 28 issues inclusive. Vol 1 #1 through Vol 4 #4 are 
VBQ, Vol 5 #1 through Sum 09 are Bicycle Quarterly. Again, used/read condition. 
Better paper than the Readers, and the condition reflects that. 

Pristine back issues are still available at $9.75 a pop. For these I'm thinking 
$90 shipped. That works out to about 3 bucks an issue plus media mail postage. 

Please contact me off list at beewak -at- gmail- com if interested.

Cheers- Mike in Htfd, CT, soon to hail from Bkln, NY

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: sf-la coast tour thoughts and preparation

[M D Smith]

I have used the Big Agnes system and I am not a huge fan.  I LOVE the 
sleeping bag (I forget the model name, but it's a 40 degree rated down bag 
- perfect for all but wintertime bike touring.)  It's the pad I couldn't 
stand...  I use the bag but ditched the pad, opting for my trusty 3/4 
length Thermarest (which works fine in the BA's sleeve, which is genius) 
instead.

The things I did not like about the BA pad:

-You have to blow it up.  I much prefer the self inflating Thermarest.  
When I get to my destination for the eve, I set up the tent, unscrew the 
pad's valve, and throw it in there.  After I eat, have a beer, and fart 
around camp for a bit the pad is mostly inflated requiring only a few puffs 
to firm it up before bed.

-The BA pad was noisy.  I tend to move around a lot as I go to sleep and 
the BA pad sounds like a candy wrapper in a movie theater every time you 
move a muscle.

-Also, the stiffness of the thick BA pad affixed to the bottom of the bag 
made me feel trapped in it.  When I wake up in the morning, the first thing 
I do is lie on my back and lift my knees for a few minutes.  I could not do 
this with the full length BA pad in the sleeve and being stuck in a rigid 
sleeping bag made me very claustrophobic.

Obviously these are just my quirks, so take that as you may, but I'd 
recommend a few nights test ride on your floor or in your backyard before 
heading out on a multi day trip with the BA system.  As I said, I highly 
recommend the sleeping bags, I just don't like the pad.  

-Mike





On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 11:32:04 PM UTC-4, Dennis Hogan wrote:

 +1 for John's Big Agnes system. I don't have it but wish I did. Am 
 contemplating velcro to attach the bag to the pad but haven't tried the 
 idea yet. Am also a side sleeper and find the bag and pad seem to have a 
 -/+ relationship of mutual attraction leading to sore mornings.
 Dennis in PDX

 On Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at 4:16:45 PM UTC-7, John Bennett wrote:

 Best sleep system, bar none, is made by Big Agnes. The inflatable pad 
 fits into a sleeve integrated in the bag. No more slipping off. Fantastic!

 https://www.bigagnes.com/Products/SleepingBags

 Cheers,

 John





-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] WTB: 650B wheels/rims

[M D Smith]

Hello All-

I am looking to do a 650b conversion on my sweetheart's awesome Shogun mixte as 
a birthday present for her. 

I kind of have to do it on the frugal side.  I have a line on brakes and tires. 
I am looking for a budget set of 650B wheels (120 OLD, unfortunately.) 

I would also interested (preferred, actually) in a pair of 32 hole rims. I 
might end up exploring other hub options, so I'm open to other drillings.

Please let me know if you have anything lying around. I can do cash or trade. 
I've got (used...) a 46cm Noodle bar, some Cane Creek levers, Mafac cantis, MKS 
lite touring pedals, a Brooks Champion Flier ( sprung B-17) and some other 
stuff. 

Please contact me off list at beewak -at- gmail -dot- com

Cheers- Mike in Htfd, CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

Re: [RBW] Hunq's Slipping Seatpost

[M D Smith]

+1 on this!

I would say that a slipping ANYTHING is unacceptable.  This isn't rocket 
surgery:  Huffy or whatever they are selling at Wally World these days can 
manage to get parts to fit together.  The Taj Mahal of seatposts 
shouldn't need to be modified to fit a brand new frame...

If Rivendell has a boilerplate workaround for this, I would say they may 
need to reconsider their QC specs and that of their suppliers.

Just sayin'...  I can't think of many other companies that would be given a 
free pass on something like this.

-Mike

On Monday, April 27, 2015 at 1:51:27 PM UTC-4, jay hartman wrote:

 I know the folks at Riv are nice people and all, but if your brand new 
 $2000 frame is out of spec, then the right thing to do is send it back and 
 get a new one with the correct tolerance. I could understand using such 
 workarounds on an old frame of unknown history, but on a new bike that's 
 totally unacceptable. 
I could almost understand if it were a Surly, or some other budget 
 frame, but it would still bother me. 

 Jay Hartman


-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: All beausage team nomination

[M D Smith]

On Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 8:38:43 PM UTC-4, frank_a wrote:

 I'm sure this one will be hard to top. It originally belonged to Dan Boxer 
 (former[?] frame builder). 
 - Frank


I think I remember the harvest gold one.  Did he do a 'round the world tour 
just after it was built?  If so, it is somewhat of a sister to my harvest 
gold allrounder.  They were Curt-built at just the same time ('05,) same 
color, same-ish size.  Mike has mid fork braze-ons and a different fork 
crown, though. Mine has not been coddled, but the paint is certainly in 
better shape!

Mike - in (finally!) spring-like Htfd, CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: New bicycle brand from Merry Sales = New Albion

[M D Smith]

Sorry to drift this, but both the brewery and, presumably, the bicycles 
were named after Nova Albion, the name Sir Frances Drake gave to northern 
California upon claiming it for Queen Elizabeth I.  The ship is the Golden 
Hind.  Albion=white after the cliffs of Dover so New Albion= New England.

I like the connection of ships and bikes.  I often describe my Rivendell to 
the carbon/tri/training set as akin to a wooden sailboat (slowly going 
nowhere, at great expense) while the carbon bikes are more like modern 
speedboats.  I like to wrap my bars with green tape on the starboard and 
red on the larboard 
http://www.cyclofiend.com/cc/2007/cc360-michaelsmith0807.html.  

And (ahem... pardon the self promotion) if anyone wants to know more about 
the brewery and can wait a few months, check 
out thecomicbookstoryofbeer.com

Cheers- Mike in Htfd, CT



On Monday, March 23, 2015 at 11:06:05 PM UTC-4, Bill M. wrote:

 Ahem.

 I don't see Rivendell as the inspiration for the New Albion head badge, 
 and the name is hardly original.
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Albion_Brewing_Company
 The New Albion Brewing Company was founded in 1976 in Sonoma, CA, and was 
 the first modern American microbrewery.  
 Any guesses what their label looked like?

 http://www.beerinfo.com/2012Winter/NewAlbionBottle.jpg
 The name is now owned by the folks that make Sam Adams, and apparently the 
 brand has been re-introduced with essentially the same graphics.  

 I can't quite believe that the head badge was designed with no 
 foreknowledge of the beer brand labels, especially given the beer reference 
 on the bikes' home page, and a model called Homebrew.  It feels a little 
 disingenuous to me.  I'd feel better about it if Merry Sales and KE would 
 acknowledge the connection overtly, but that might run them into some 
 copyright issues with the folks that own the name in the brewing world.

 Bill
 Stockton, CA

 On Monday, February 17, 2014 at 12:28:35 PM UTC-8, grant wrote:

 I swear to God, Allah, Buddha, the Dalai Llama, Bob Dylan, and 
 Nebuchadnezzar that I had nothing to do with it. Jim from Merry Sales DID 
 email me early art of the badge, and I said hmmm, really...? Was a little 
 bummed, but more surprised than bummed, I also know a nd like the badge 
 designer, talked to him about it, have made peace with all, and at no point 
 did things get even close to ugly. After Jim assured me it was not 
 functionally like the Atlantis, no problem. The first one was the red road 
 bike. Next, this Betty Foy-ish colored mixte. It's all fine, but Nope, I 
 had nothing to do with it.

 We may come out with our own boodjay bike in a year, but --- that's just 
 a rumor at this point.

 On Friday, February 14, 2014 7:40:06 PM UTC-8, eflayer wrote:

 http://newalbioncycles.com/
  
 Makes me wonder if, or the degree to which, Grant Peterson may be 
 associated with these bikes. Not sure how they are differentiated from 
 Soma, but some nice stuff coming.



-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: My Bleriot Looks Like That?

[M D Smith]

Beautiful Bikes!

At the bike shop at which I used to work we used to always wipe down 
customers' bikes with Lemon Pledge as the final step of any tune 
up/overhaul/major service.  Customers always really appreciated it, even if 
they didn't know quite exactly why their bike looked so good.  We felt that 
if they are dropping that kind of dough for (in reality, usually) quite 
simple (to us, at least) work, we owed them at the least a bit of WOW 
factor...

I also used to intentionally leave a teensy bit of green Park grease 
somewhere subtle but conspicuous (like a bit of seepage around a brake 
cable barrel adjuster) jst so's they knew we did something.  I'd also 
adjust the cables with the barrel adjusters two turns out, rather than 
screwed all the way in, so the customer could have a bit of tweeking room 
to get the feel just right.  The little things count, and go a long way!

Cheers- Mike in Htfd CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Woolpower sizing?

[M D Smith]

I am a huge fan of the Woolpower half zips.  They are truly mithril-like:  
light as a feather and warm beyond their delicate-ness.

I find they fit true to size.  I am a larger fella and wear an XL.  You will 
find that you'll wear them every day and they do start to stretch out after a 
few weeks but washing them tightens them right back up. 

-Mike, slowly starting to thaw out in Htfd, CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Ride Report: O'Neill Park in Orange County California

[M D Smith]

Complete with Patrick O'Brian!

Tea in the grog mug so as to not debauch any sloths? 

-Mike in chilly Htfd, CT
 

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Product placement coup by Riv in Consumer Reports review of Ford Transit Connect van

[M D Smith]

I understand that the crank arm adds to the curvy-ness in that shot, but don't 
all Atlantii have curved chain stays? I remember that being a selling point 
(to fit big tires- remember when that was rare? How far we've come!) when 
they first started making them.

http://www.cyclofiend.com/rbw/atlantis/atlflyer/06.html

Upper right caption.

I don't own an Atlantis, but I had a talk with GP when he was drawing up my 26 
Allrounder.  I had requested room for 2 1/2 tires and a 46-42 half step setup. 
He explained to me (or at least this is how I remember it from 10 yrs ago) that 
the Atlantii could fit the big tires because of the curved stays, but the 
curves ate up too much space to fit a 42 middle ring while maintaining a decent 
chain line. We went with straight, road dent stays that allow for decent tire 
clearance and the half step. 

Happy Thanksgiving all! Enjoy your canned fish and I will enjoy my stuffing!

Cheers- Mike in Htfd CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Noodles to Albastache stem length?

[M D Smith]

I swapped out 46mm Noodles for Albastaches last year.  I am using an 11cm 
Nitto Technomic Deluxe.  I was thinking I was going to need to switch out 
the stem, but tried the A-staches with the original stem first. To my 
surprise, they feel great.

On other bikes, I've had to use a shorter stem when I've gone from drops to 
original mustache bars.  

I say try it first before plunking down money on a new stem.

Cheers- Mike in Htfd, CT

On Thursday, August 14, 2014 5:50:00 PM UTC-4, Mike wrote:

 I haven't been following this list too closely over the past year so 
 forgive me if this topic is redundant. I'm thinking of giving the 
 Albastache bars a try on my LHT. I have plenty of steerer tube so there's 
 no issue with getting the bars high enough. What I am curious about is stem 
 length. I know with the old mustache bars it was recommended to go about 
 2cm shorter than you would with drop bars. What's the recommendation with 
 the Albastaches? 

 Thanks,
 mike


-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: 650b wheel building question

[M D Smith]

I've always understood that the higher the tension, the stronger the wheel.

I haven't re-read the Brandt book for a number of years, but isn't his 
technique effectively get the spokes so tight that the wheel starts to taco, 
then back off a bit?

Mike in Htfd CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: the new Suntour?

[M D Smith]

The Exceed crank arms look very nice.  I particularly like the idea of an 
adapter to allow the use of 110/74 bcd chainrings.

I'm a big TA Cyclotouriste fan, particularly now that it's easier to source 
chainrings, but it would be nice to be able to use more normal rings.

Cheers- Mike in Htfd, CT


-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: Quickbeam Tire and Gearing Recommendations

[M D Smith]

On Tuesday, April 29, 2014 4:59:07 PM UTC-4, Deacon Patrick wrote:

 Trail: definitely SS. Dirt road, I will likely play with fixed. Dos Enos 
 free hubs by White Industries look intriguing.



To which I reply:

Patrick-  Congrats on the forthcoming new steed!

I am very interested in hearing about your potential experimentation with 
riding fixed, considering your vertiginous condition.  It always takes me a 
minute or two for my legs to make the transition from riding free to fixed 
and I'm curious how it works out for you.  I spent a few years commuting 
exclusively on a fixed Trek.  Whenever I pulled the All 'Rounder (derailer 
bike) it always felt to me like something was dragging or rubbing in the 
drivetrain, slowing it (and me) down until my brain accustomed itself to 
the lack of inertia pulling my feet over the tops of the pedals.

Keep us posted-  (like I have to tell *you* that...)  I'm looking forward 
to seeing some nice shots in the high country!

Cheers- Mike in much less picturesque Htfd, CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RBW] Re: 25.4 Albastache?

[M D Smith]

On Thursday, February 27, 2014 11:55:58 AM UTC-5, Kevin Mulcahy wrote:

 Would anyone else suggest installing the 26.0 bars in the 25.4 quill? I've 
 done it a couple times and have lived to tell about it. If you spread the 
 clamp as you install you won't even scratch the bars. 

 Kevin
 Chicago, IL 


To which I reply:

PLEASE DO NOT DO THAT

I have seen a number of aluminum handlebars fail, usually catastrophically, 
often ending in horrible scenarios.  (Full disclosure, 3 or 4 times, once 
horribly, always scary.)  100% of the time it has been due to a mismatch in 
handlebar sleeve diameter to stem bore diameter.  A classic (pardon the 
pun) situation is the dude who thinks his old (sorry, super cool vintage) 
 Cinelli or TTT (26.4mm) stem is close enough to his fancy 26.0mm 
handlebar or vice versa but it is analogous to trying a 26 in a 25.4 stem.  
Yes, you can get it to fit.  The issue is that in order to get it tight 
enough not to rotate you've got to torque the sh*t out of it.  That results 
in the bar going ever so slightly out of round, which creates two big 
stress risers smack in the middle of the bar.  Aluminum really doesn't like 
this.  Next time you are riding, particularly out of the saddle, try to 
imagine how much force is applied due to the leverage from your hands (and 
all your body weight) at the end of those bars to the junction of the stem 
and bar.  The reason we all love Nitto so much is because of their (real, 
implied, imaginary?) higher standards of quality control.  By jamming a 
handlebar into a mismatched stem you will be defeating everything that 
Nitto's engineers designed and putting yourself in real risk of serious 
injury.

Sorry to yell, but this is a really dangerous idea and I can't address it 
without envisioning the specter of my buddy's f*cked-up face after he hit 
the ground due to forcing the wrong sized bar into a stem.  His bike looked 
wicked retro-cool though!!!

-Mike in frigid Htfd, CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[RBW] Re: Sweater/Top recomendation

[M D Smith]

My all time favorite sweaters are the lightest weight (200g/m) zip neck 
base layers from Woolpower.  They are out of Sweden, I believe, but there 
are a few places that sell it on the interwebs.  Most of mine were 
purchased from Granfors Bruks (lately famous in these circles for making 
the axes that Rivendell seems to be so besotted over these days...)
 
http://www.woolpower.se/en/
 
http://www.woolpower.se/en/products/base-layer-garments/zip-turtleneck-200/
 
http://216.147.25.196/klar.html
 
They are almost ethereal:  a woolen version of Mithril, if you will.  Not 
the cheapest thing you'll ever find, but worth every penny.  Super 
lightweight, breathable, and, if I say so my damned self, quite pleasing on 
the eye.  I wear one over a regular old T shirt just about every day from 
October until April.
 
NB:  I have one of the 400g/m sweaters as well and it is just too dang warm 
to wear in anything but the most frigid of Scandinavian wind storms.  That 
one, covered by a rain/wind shell, is as warm as any winter coat I have 
ever owned.  And I live in New England... The 200g/m is a perfect garment.  
 
Cheers- Mike in Htfd, CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Re: [RBW] Practical differences - SON vs Shimano Dyno hub?

[M D Smith]

Eric wrote:

The main problem I've noticed on the Shimano dynohubs is the tendency for the 
connection to go bad.  On my wife's bike usually means taking a small knife and 
removing the oxidation on the connector.  Eventually it will be a problem.  
That's one advantage the SON has. 

To which I reply:

To help prevent oxidation on the connectors, go to Radio Shack or an auto 
supply place and get some dielectric grease. Put a dab in the connector. It 
works very well to prevent oxidation of electrical components in harsh 
environments. 

It's cheap insurance and good for lots of other electrical connections as well. 
I always put a tiny dab on the battery ends in my tail light, too. 

Lots of auto places have tiny packets at the check out station for a buck or 
two. 

Cheers- Mime in Htfd CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Re: [RBW] Practical differences - SON vs Shimano Dyno hub?

[M D Smith]

Stupid phone- Should have signed off:

Mike in Htfd

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[RBW] Re: New rig and Sunday afternoon ride

[M D Smith]

Very nice All-rounder! 

I have custom (Curt-built) A/R as well (26 wheels, though) and am pleased 
as punch with it.  How exciting to have a future old friend and traveling 
companion!

I was just looking at my records and I ordered it in January of '03 and it 
was delivered at the end of July '04.  It seemed like an eternity and I 
probably purchased parts for three complete bikes in that time...  (Wow, I 
can't believe it's been that long.  I guess I have to start planning a 10 
year anniversary tour for next summer!)

One thing I notice about your bike is that it has the diamond shaped old 
style decal on the seat tube rather than the more recent wrapped all the 
way around rectangle.  Was this an option?  Are they moving back to the 
older style?  Just curious.  I was always fond of the older diamond style 
and it's nice to see a new bike with that style.

Enjoy the ride and thanks for sharing!

Cheers- Mike in Htfd CT


-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[RBW] Re: FS Odds-n-Ends

[M D Smith]

Sorry to post this to the list, but your email keeps bouncing back to me...
 
I am interested in the Nitto M-bars if they are still available.  Please 
get back to me at beewak at gmail dot com.
 
Thanks- Mike

On Tuesday, April 2, 2013 4:05:19 PM UTC-4, Tex69 wrote:

 I accept Paypal to same address.
 Buyer pays shipping. I usually use UPS but can use another if preferred. 
 More information at http://texluavullcyclingforsale.blogspot.com/
 Prices suggested OBO.

 **Nitto 25.4 Moustache Bar RM016N - very good condition- $50

 **Shimano Ultegra Brifters- 3x9 capable- aesthetically very well used but 
 work fine $40

 **Sakae SR-MT100 Adjustable seatpost- somewhat vintage- $10

 **Shimano Deore front derailer (Sheldon's spelling)- well used but 
 serviceable- $10


-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[RBW] Re: RivReader asks if aluminum bars should be replaced after 5 years?

[M D Smith]

Ryan wrote:

I had a friend who broke his collarbone recently when his vintage cinelli 
bars snapped during a decent. I immediately thought about this.


To which I reply:

One thing to keep in mind is that vintage (anything pre-1998) Cinelli bars 
are very slightly larger (26.4mm) than most high end stems, which are 
26.0mm.  One can sort of fit the bars into the stem, but when the clamp 
bolt is tightened it deforms the bars and slightly ovalizes them.  That 
makes all sorts of stress risers that will ultimately lead to a 
catastrophic snap.  I've seen broken aluminum bars a few times, and every 
one was crammed into an undersized stem.

-Mike in Htfd, CT

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[RBW] Re: Does shellaced tape feel crusty?

[M D Smith]

By no means do I mean this to be snarky, but the following statement 
gave me a little chuckle:
 
 However, I successfully reused some [handlebar tape] on a kickstand where 
I wasn't very concerned about the aesthetics.
 
I also like the feel of shellaced bar tape.  I particularly appreciate how 
long the tape lasts as compared to untreated cloth tape.  One thing, 
however, is that on really hot, humid days or after rain, the shellaced 
tape can feel a little sticky.  No worse than cork or foam or regular tape, 
but worth noting.
 
All in good fun- Mike in Htfd CT

 
 

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[RBW] Wtb 27 tires

[M D Smith]

Hello all-

My girlfriend just came into a sweet mixte that I'm going to soup up for her 
into a all'round city bike. The (original!) tires on it are hard as a rock and 
too skinny regardless and need to be replaced. This bike takes 27 tires (630 
bcd) 

Before I go and buy some, I thought I'd throw it out here. Does anyone have 
some decent, used, 27x at least 1 1/4, but preferable wider tires?

Let me know what you have offline. Special bonus for anyone in central 
Connecticut: will trade for beer...

Cheers- Mike in Htfd CT




 

-- 
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 http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[RBW] Re: Tip for riding in the rain with eye glasses...

[M D Smith]

My helmet is a Bell Metro, which has a small brim which keeps a lot of the 
rain off.  But my main way of dealing with precipitation is to carry an 
extra bandana in my pocket and give the glasses a quick wipe every few 
minutes.  Works with mist, too.

Cheers- Mike in Htfd, CT

-- 
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-bunch@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to 
rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.