[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-09 Thread Rene Sterental
It must be wonderful to be able to get away for the whole summer and just go
touring. I'll be eager to see how your GDR planning and execution comes
along.

René

On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 11:10 AM, Ray Shine  wrote:

>   Thanks, Rene, but Roger gets the lion's share of the credit, as does our
> other touring pal, David.  I am still in touch with both.  I am trying to
> talk David into riding the GDr with me next summer, since he is a true
> mountain biker.  I could use a good coach.
>
> As for the bike, those are preliminary shots.  I actually departed with a
> standard Brooks B17 (not a sprung saddle), GripKing platform pedals, Nitto
> front and rear racks, Ortlieb panniers, and Schwalbe Marathon Supremes,
> 700x35.
>
> A couple of summers back, I toured the Oregon Coast on the Romulus towing a
> BOB trailer.  So, I have done both modes.  I am still undecided about
> panniers or trailer for the GDR next summer.
>
>
> --- On *Mon, 11/9/09, Rene Sterental * wrote:
>
>
> From: Rene Sterental 
> Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
> To: [email protected]
> Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 10:53 AM
>
>
>  Ray,
>
> I just checked out the site for your summer tour. What an amazing job! I'll
> have to devote many nights to read it in full detail, but I already checked
> you fully equipped Atlantis. Are you using the same Nitto pannier rack on
> the front as well as the rear? How do you like the sprung Brooks saddle?
>
> I'm going to see if I can recruit my wife to go through this virtual
> journey with me during the evenings... :-)
>
> Kudos to Roger for putting it all together!
>
> René
> [email protected]<http://us.mc820.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]>
>
> On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 8:34 PM, Ray Shine 
> http://us.mc820.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]>
> > wrote:
>
>>   Sure, but it's not my blog.  My riding companion, Roger, gets all the
>> credit for the blog, although many of the pix are mine. Anyway, good shots
>> of some great country, as well as of our bikes and gear.  Here's the link:
>>
>> http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/longjourneysmallsteps
>>
>>
>> RS
>>
>> --- On *Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental 
>> http://us.mc820.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]>
>> >* wrote:
>>
>>
>> From: Rene Sterental 
>> http://us.mc820.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]>
>> >
>> Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
>> To: 
>> [email protected]<http://us.mc820.mail.yahoo.com/mc/[email protected]>
>> Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 8:26 PM
>>
>>
>> Wow Ray! What a great summer! Where did you go? Do you have any pictures?
>>
>> René
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:57 PM, Ray Shine 
>> http://mc/[email protected]>
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>Rene -- I have a 60cm Atlantis on which I toured fully loaded this
>>> past summer.  Next summer, my plan is to use the Atlantis on the GDR as a
>>> 29er.  I have considered using a suspension seat post, but not sure about
>>> that yet.  I also haven't decided on panniers or a trailer.  Last summer I
>>> toured the Western Express on it rigged with front and rear panniers.
>>> Anyway, I have no reservations about taking a "29er Atlantis" on the GDR.
>>>
>>> RS
>>>
>>> --- On *Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental 
>>> http://mc/[email protected]>
>>> >* wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> From: Rene Sterental 
>>> http://mc/[email protected]>
>>> >
>>> Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
>>> To: 
>>> [email protected]<http://mc/[email protected]>
>>> Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 1:37 PM
>>>
>>>
>>> Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of
>>> the Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why
>>> you are now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?
>>>
>>> I was sized for a Bombadil 60, which would run 700c wheels and if my
>>> understanding is correct, basically turn it into a 29er bike. Am I right?
>>> According from what I've been reading, there is a very lively discussion in
>>> the "modern" mountain bike magazines as to whether the 26" hard tail is
>>> dead, being replaced 

[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-09 Thread Ray Shine
Thanks, Rene, but Roger gets the lion's share of the credit, as does our other 
touring pal, David.  I am still in touch with both.  I am trying to talk David 
into riding the GDr with me next summer, since he is a true mountain biker.  I 
could use a good coach.
 
As for the bike, those are preliminary shots.  I actually departed with a 
standard Brooks B17 (not a sprung saddle), GripKing platform pedals, Nitto 
front and rear racks, Ortlieb panniers, and Schwalbe Marathon Supremes, 700x35.
 
A couple of summers back, I toured the Oregon Coast on the Romulus towing a BOB 
trailer.  So, I have done both modes.  I am still undecided about panniers or 
trailer for the GDR next summer.

--- On Mon, 11/9/09, Rene Sterental  wrote:


From: Rene Sterental 
Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
To: [email protected]
Date: Monday, November 9, 2009, 10:53 AM



Ray,
 
I just checked out the site for your summer tour. What an amazing job! I'll 
have to devote many nights to read it in full detail, but I already checked you 
fully equipped Atlantis. Are you using the same Nitto pannier rack on the front 
as well as the rear? How do you like the sprung Brooks saddle?
 
I'm going to see if I can recruit my wife to go through this virtual journey 
with me during the evenings... :-)
 
Kudos to Roger for putting it all together!
 
René
[email protected]


On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 8:34 PM, Ray Shine  wrote:





Sure, but it's not my blog.  My riding companion, Roger, gets all the credit 
for the blog, although many of the pix are mine. Anyway, good shots of some 
great country, as well as of our bikes and gear.  Here's the link:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/longjourneysmallsteps 


RS

--- On Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental  wrote:



From: Rene Sterental 
Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
To: [email protected]
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 8:26 PM 





Wow Ray! What a great summer! Where did you go? Do you have any pictures? 


René


On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:57 PM, Ray Shine  wrote:








Rene -- I have a 60cm Atlantis on which I toured fully loaded this past 
summer.  Next summer, my plan is to use the Atlantis on the GDR as a 29er.  I 
have considered using a suspension seat post, but not sure about that yet.  I 
also haven't decided on panniers or a trailer.  Last summer I toured the 
Western Express on it rigged with front and rear panniers.  Anyway, I have no 
reservations about taking a "29er Atlantis" on the GDR.

RS

--- On Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental  wrote:


From: Rene Sterental 
Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
To: [email protected]
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 1:37 PM 





Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of the 
Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why you are 
now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice? 


I was sized for a Bombadil 60, which would run 700c wheels and if my 
understanding is correct, basically turn it into a 29er bike. Am I right? 
According from what I've been reading, there is a very lively discussion in the 
"modern" mountain bike magazines as to whether the 26" hard tail is dead, being 
replaced by the 29er that doesn't really need any suspension for cross-country 
riding.


I was also wondering whether to go for the Atlantis (size 60) or the Bombadil 
(size 60) as both run 700c wheels. The overlap between the two seems to be so 
great, that the only "real" difference according to Mark and Keven was the 
thickness of the tubing. After reading the articles on BQ regarding "planing" 
of bicycles and how you get "in tune" with the bicycle, I also wonder which 
bike would ride better long term, but I guess that will also be depending on 
who rides it and how. I'm sure planing has a lot to do with how wonderful my 
AHH rides for me.


René
[email protected]



On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM, jinxed  wrote:


OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire
question I posed earlier.

I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had
actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the
printed max size specs. Reason being, my buddy had a set he was not
using and were available to me. But since I could not find a
definitive answer, I just ordered up the Quasi-Motos to be safe. I
don't honestly have a huge preference either way and have generally
run a 2.0-2.2 tire on my mtb's for years anyway. Well, as I mentioned
I am waiting for spokes to finish the wheels for the bike so I am
using my Bleriot wheels in the meantime. I rolled out for a ride this
morning and swung by to meet my friend, and just for grins we took his
wheelset with the Neo's on it and threw it in the Bombadil. As I
suspected they fit fine if your intent is 

[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-09 Thread Rene Sterental
Ray,

I just checked out the site for your summer tour. What an amazing job! I'll
have to devote many nights to read it in full detail, but I already checked
you fully equipped Atlantis. Are you using the same Nitto pannier rack on
the front as well as the rear? How do you like the sprung Brooks saddle?

I'm going to see if I can recruit my wife to go through this virtual journey
with me during the evenings... :-)

Kudos to Roger for putting it all together!

René
[email protected]

On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 8:34 PM, Ray Shine  wrote:

>   Sure, but it's not my blog.  My riding companion, Roger, gets all the
> credit for the blog, although many of the pix are mine. Anyway, good shots
> of some great country, as well as of our bikes and gear.  Here's the link:
>
> http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/longjourneysmallsteps
>
>
> RS
>
> --- On *Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental * wrote:
>
>
> From: Rene Sterental 
> Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
> To: [email protected]
> Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 8:26 PM
>
>
> Wow Ray! What a great summer! Where did you go? Do you have any pictures?
>
> René
>
> On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:57 PM, Ray Shine 
> http://mc/[email protected]>
> > wrote:
>
>>Rene -- I have a 60cm Atlantis on which I toured fully loaded this
>> past summer.  Next summer, my plan is to use the Atlantis on the GDR as a
>> 29er.  I have considered using a suspension seat post, but not sure about
>> that yet.  I also haven't decided on panniers or a trailer.  Last summer I
>> toured the Western Express on it rigged with front and rear panniers.
>> Anyway, I have no reservations about taking a "29er Atlantis" on the GDR.
>>
>> RS
>>
>> --- On *Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental 
>> http://mc/[email protected]>
>> >* wrote:
>>
>>
>> From: Rene Sterental 
>> http://mc/[email protected]>
>> >
>> Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
>> To: 
>> [email protected]<http://mc/[email protected]>
>> Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 1:37 PM
>>
>>
>> Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of
>> the Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why
>> you are now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?
>>
>> I was sized for a Bombadil 60, which would run 700c wheels and if my
>> understanding is correct, basically turn it into a 29er bike. Am I right?
>> According from what I've been reading, there is a very lively discussion in
>> the "modern" mountain bike magazines as to whether the 26" hard tail is
>> dead, being replaced by the 29er that doesn't really need any suspension for
>> cross-country riding.
>>
>> I was also wondering whether to go for the Atlantis (size 60) or the
>> Bombadil (size 60) as both run 700c wheels. The overlap between the two
>> seems to be so great, that the only "real" difference according to Mark and
>> Keven was the thickness of the tubing. After reading the articles on BQ
>> regarding "planing" of bicycles and how you get "in tune" with the bicycle,
>> I also wonder which bike would ride better long term, but I guess that will
>> also be depending on who rides it and how. I'm sure planing has a lot to do
>> with how wonderful my AHH rides for me.
>>
>> René
>> [email protected] <http://mc/[email protected]>
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM, jinxed 
>> http://mc/[email protected]>
>> > wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire
>>> question I posed earlier.
>>>
>>> I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had
>>> actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the
>>> printed max size specs. Reason being, my buddy had a set he was not
>>> using and were available to me. But since I could not find a
>>> definitive answer, I just ordered up the Quasi-Motos to be safe. I
>>> don't honestly have a huge preference either way and have generally
>>> run a 2.0-2.2 tire on my mtb's for years anyway. Well, as I mentioned
>>> I am waiting for spokes to finish the wheels for the bike so I am
>>> using my Bleriot wheels in the meantime. I rolled out for a ride this
>>> morning and swung by to meet my friend, and just for grins we took his
>>> 

[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-09 Thread Mike

"Damn, just another cm on either side (I'm referring to the seatstays
clearance) and I'd seriously consider getting one. But my wheels
measure 65mm edge to edge, and those are knob-less Big Apples; I
expect that the Exiwolfs on the same rims might stick out even a bit
further."

It is surprising how tight the clearance is on the Bombadil
considering how generous clearance usually is on a Rivendell. Still,
it's a great looking bike. This particular set-up is extremely
appealing.

--mike


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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-09 Thread PATRICK MOORE
On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 2:08 PM, jinxed  wrote:

>
> OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire
> question I posed earlier.
>
> I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had
> actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the
> printed max size specs.[...] we took his
> wheelset with the Neo's on it and threw it in the Bombadil. As I
> suspected they fit fine if your intent is purely mountain biking. No
> you can't run fenders, but the rear has as much clearance as any other
> MTB I've had, and the front, although tighter, is plenty fine for the
> dry conditions we have here in Colorado.


Damn, just another cm on either side (I'm referring to the seatstays
clearance) and I'd seriously consider getting one. But my wheels measure 65
mm edge to edge, and those are knob-less Big Apples; I expect that the
Exiwolfs on the same rims might stick out even a bit further.



-- 
Patrick Moore
Albuquerque, NM
For professional resumes, contact
Patrick Moore, ACRW at [email protected]
(505) 227-0523

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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-08 Thread Ray Shine
Sure, but it's not my blog.  My riding companion, Roger, gets all the credit 
for the blog, although many of the pix are mine. Anyway, good shots of some 
great country, as well as of our bikes and gear.  Here's the link:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/longjourneysmallsteps

RS

--- On Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental  wrote:

From: Rene Sterental 
Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
To: [email protected]
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 8:26 PM

Wow Ray! What a great summer! Where did you go? Do you have any pictures?
René

On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:57 PM, Ray Shine  wrote:


Rene -- I have a 60cm Atlantis on which I toured fully loaded this past 
summer.  Next summer, my plan is to use the Atlantis on the GDR as a 29er.  I 
have considered using a suspension seat post, but not sure about that yet.  I 
also haven't decided on panniers or a trailer.  Last summer I toured the 
Western Express on it rigged with front and rear panniers.  Anyway, I have no 
reservations about taking a "29er Atlantis" on the GDR.


RS

--- On Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental  wrote:


From: Rene Sterental 
Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
To: [email protected]

Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 1:37 PM

Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of the 
Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why you are 
now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?


I was sized for a Bombadil 60, which would run 700c wheels and if my 
understanding is correct, basically turn it into a 29er bike. Am I right? 
According from what I've been reading, there is a very lively discussion in the 
"modern" mountain bike magazines as to whether the 26" hard tail is dead, being 
replaced by the 29er that doesn't really need any suspension for cross-country 
riding.


I was also wondering whether to go for the Atlantis (size 60) or the Bombadil 
(size 60) as both run 700c wheels. The overlap between the two seems to be so 
great, that the only "real" difference according to Mark and Keven was the 
thickness of the tubing. After reading the articles on BQ regarding "planing" 
of bicycles and how you get "in tune" with the bicycle, I also wonder which 
bike would ride better long term, but I guess that will also be depending on 
who rides it and how. I'm sure planing has a lot to do with how wonderful my 
AHH rides for me.


rené[email protected]

On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM, jinxed  wrote:




OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire

question I posed earlier.



I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had

actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the

printed max size specs. Reason being, my buddy had a set he was not

using and were available to me. But since I could not find a

definitive answer, I just ordered up the Quasi-Motos to be safe. I

don't honestly have a huge preference either way and have generally

run a 2.0-2.2 tire on my mtb's for years anyway. Well, as I mentioned

I am waiting for spokes to finish the wheels for the bike so I am

using my Bleriot wheels in the meantime. I rolled out for a ride this

morning and swung by to meet my friend, and just for grins we took his

wheelset with the Neo's on it and threw it in the Bombadil. As I

suspected they fit fine if your intent is purely mountain biking. No

you can't run fenders, but the rear has as much clearance as any other

MTB I've had, and the front, although tighter, is plenty fine for the

dry conditions we have here in Colorado. I suppose things could get

gummed up if you spend a bunch of time in the slop, but I find in

those cases the build up around the brakes and drive train stop you

before anything else. It's pretty rare to get any big mud-fest riding

along the Colorado front range and on those occasions narrower tires

would be better suited. Check out the pictures though as your idea of

acceptable clearance may differ drastically based on your geography.



As for todays ride my friend said I could run his wheels till I get

mine done, and boy the fat knobby tires were a huge improvement off

the beaten path as would be expected. Being able to run a lower

pressure really smoothed out the edge and gripped the loose stuff like

it should. Again pretty basic stuff with no magic involved, but wicked

fun for sure. And as far as the stance of the bike, well it just got a

bit more serious!



I must admit, I had been sort of on the fence thinking I should have

gone with an Atlantis for mtb duty while I was waiting on the Bombadil

to show...but I think those little demons have lost their voice.



Here is a small flickr set from today with some tire clearance shots.



http://tinyurl.com/ydg9tzu




















--~--~-~--~~---

[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-08 Thread Rene Sterental
Wow Ray! What a great summer! Where did you go? Do you have any pictures?

René

On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 6:57 PM, Ray Shine  wrote:

> Rene -- I have a 60cm Atlantis on which I toured fully loaded this past
> summer.  Next summer, my plan is to use the Atlantis on the GDR as a 29er.
> I have considered using a suspension seat post, but not sure about that
> yet.  I also haven't decided on panniers or a trailer.  Last summer I toured
> the Western Express on it rigged with front and rear panniers.  Anyway, I
> have no reservations about taking a "29er Atlantis" on the GDR.
>
> RS
>
> --- On *Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental * wrote:
>
>
> From: Rene Sterental 
> Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
> To: [email protected]
> Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 1:37 PM
>
>
> Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of the
> Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why you
> are now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?
>
> I was sized for a Bombadil 60, which would run 700c wheels and if my
> understanding is correct, basically turn it into a 29er bike. Am I right?
> According from what I've been reading, there is a very lively discussion in
> the "modern" mountain bike magazines as to whether the 26" hard tail is
> dead, being replaced by the 29er that doesn't really need any suspension for
> cross-country riding.
>
> I was also wondering whether to go for the Atlantis (size 60) or the
> Bombadil (size 60) as both run 700c wheels. The overlap between the two
> seems to be so great, that the only "real" difference according to Mark and
> Keven was the thickness of the tubing. After reading the articles on BQ
> regarding "planing" of bicycles and how you get "in tune" with the bicycle,
> I also wonder which bike would ride better long term, but I guess that will
> also be depending on who rides it and how. I'm sure planing has a lot to do
> with how wonderful my AHH rides for me.
>
> René
> [email protected] <http://mc/[email protected]>
>
>
> On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM, jinxed 
> http://mc/[email protected]>
> > wrote:
>
>>
>> OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire
>> question I posed earlier.
>>
>> I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had
>> actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the
>> printed max size specs. Reason being, my buddy had a set he was not
>> using and were available to me. But since I could not find a
>> definitive answer, I just ordered up the Quasi-Motos to be safe. I
>> don't honestly have a huge preference either way and have generally
>> run a 2.0-2.2 tire on my mtb's for years anyway. Well, as I mentioned
>> I am waiting for spokes to finish the wheels for the bike so I am
>> using my Bleriot wheels in the meantime. I rolled out for a ride this
>> morning and swung by to meet my friend, and just for grins we took his
>> wheelset with the Neo's on it and threw it in the Bombadil. As I
>> suspected they fit fine if your intent is purely mountain biking. No
>> you can't run fenders, but the rear has as much clearance as any other
>> MTB I've had, and the front, although tighter, is plenty fine for the
>> dry conditions we have here in Colorado. I suppose things could get
>> gummed up if you spend a bunch of time in the slop, but I find in
>> those cases the build up around the brakes and drive train stop you
>> before anything else. It's pretty rare to get any big mud-fest riding
>> along the Colorado front range and on those occasions narrower tires
>> would be better suited. Check out the pictures though as your idea of
>> acceptable clearance may differ drastically based on your geography.
>>
>> As for todays ride my friend said I could run his wheels till I get
>> mine done, and boy the fat knobby tires were a huge improvement off
>> the beaten path as would be expected. Being able to run a lower
>> pressure really smoothed out the edge and gripped the loose stuff like
>> it should. Again pretty basic stuff with no magic involved, but wicked
>> fun for sure. And as far as the stance of the bike, well it just got a
>> bit more serious!
>>
>> I must admit, I had been sort of on the fence thinking I should have
>> gone with an Atlantis for mtb duty while I was waiting on the Bombadil
>> to show...but I think those little demons have lost their voice.
>>
>> Here is a small flickr set from today with some tire clearance shots.
>>
>> http://tinyurl.com/ydg9tzu
>>
>>
>
>
>  >
>

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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-08 Thread Ray Shine
Rene -- I have a 60cm Atlantis on which I toured fully loaded this past 
summer.  Next summer, my plan is to use the Atlantis on the GDR as a 29er.  I 
have considered using a suspension seat post, but not sure about that yet.  I 
also haven't decided on panniers or a trailer.  Last summer I toured the 
Western Express on it rigged with front and rear panniers.  Anyway, I have no 
reservations about taking a "29er Atlantis" on the GDR.

RS

--- On Sun, 11/8/09, Rene Sterental  wrote:

From: Rene Sterental 
Subject: [RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
To: [email protected]
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2009, 1:37 PM

Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of the 
Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why you are 
now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?

I was sized for a Bombadil 60, which would run 700c wheels and if my 
understanding is correct, basically turn it into a 29er bike. Am I right? 
According from what I've been reading, there is a very lively discussion in the 
"modern" mountain bike magazines as to whether the 26" hard tail is dead, being 
replaced by the 29er that doesn't really need any suspension for cross-country 
riding.

I was also wondering whether to go for the Atlantis (size 60) or the Bombadil 
(size 60) as both run 700c wheels. The overlap between the two seems to be so 
great, that the only "real" difference according to Mark and Keven was the 
thickness of the tubing. After reading the articles on BQ regarding "planing" 
of bicycles and how you get "in tune" with the bicycle, I also wonder which 
bike would ride better long term, but I guess that will also be depending on 
who rides it and how. I'm sure planing has a lot to do with how wonderful my 
AHH rides for me.

rené[email protected]

On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM, jinxed  wrote:



OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire

question I posed earlier.



I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had

actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the

printed max size specs. Reason being, my buddy had a set he was not

using and were available to me. But since I could not find a

definitive answer, I just ordered up the Quasi-Motos to be safe. I

don't honestly have a huge preference either way and have generally

run a 2.0-2.2 tire on my mtb's for years anyway. Well, as I mentioned

I am waiting for spokes to finish the wheels for the bike so I am

using my Bleriot wheels in the meantime. I rolled out for a ride this

morning and swung by to meet my friend, and just for grins we took his

wheelset with the Neo's on it and threw it in the Bombadil. As I

suspected they fit fine if your intent is purely mountain biking. No

you can't run fenders, but the rear has as much clearance as any other

MTB I've had, and the front, although tighter, is plenty fine for the

dry conditions we have here in Colorado. I suppose things could get

gummed up if you spend a bunch of time in the slop, but I find in

those cases the build up around the brakes and drive train stop you

before anything else. It's pretty rare to get any big mud-fest riding

along the Colorado front range and on those occasions narrower tires

would be better suited. Check out the pictures though as your idea of

acceptable clearance may differ drastically based on your geography.



As for todays ride my friend said I could run his wheels till I get

mine done, and boy the fat knobby tires were a huge improvement off

the beaten path as would be expected. Being able to run a lower

pressure really smoothed out the edge and gripped the loose stuff like

it should. Again pretty basic stuff with no magic involved, but wicked

fun for sure. And as far as the stance of the bike, well it just got a

bit more serious!



I must admit, I had been sort of on the fence thinking I should have

gone with an Atlantis for mtb duty while I was waiting on the Bombadil

to show...but I think those little demons have lost their voice.



Here is a small flickr set from today with some tire clearance shots.



http://tinyurl.com/ydg9tzu











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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-08 Thread Rene Sterental
Very well said! I couldn't have said it any better, and it represents just
how I feel. I am, too, leaning towards the Bombadil... but have a couple of
days to finish making up my mind.

I loved your pictures and your tales about the Bombadil. Hope your wheels
arrive shortly!

René
[email protected]

On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 2:19 PM, jinxed  wrote:

>
> On Nov 8, 2:37 pm, Rene Sterental  wrote:
> > Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of
> the
> > Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why
> you
> > are now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?
>
> Rene,
> I would have been just fine on either bike and would be doing the same
> mental acrobatics with either choice. For the frame sizes I ride, the
> biggest difference between the two would have been the wheel size. But
> for me, the difference between a 26" wheeled Atlantis and the 650b
> Bombadil would have been pretty subtle I think. Originally, I had
> never even considered the Atlantis since I was looking for a mountain
> bike and the Bombadil was sort of billed as such. But while on the
> phone with Riv, they asked me if I had thought about the Atlantis. I
> never had, but it sort of hit me that it too could be set up as a
> perfect off road beast. It was sort of like being asked if I preferred
> my coffee with cream and sugar, or if I wanted cream and sugar in my
> coffee. Ummm..."Yes please".
>
> I could justify either bike no matter how I looked at it. Is it
> redundant, or beneficial to have your on road and off road bike share
> wheel sizes? Could either the Atlantis or Bombadil do anything
> different/better than my Bleriot? I did have some reservation
> regarding 650b rim/tire availability and choices, and was worried
> about having both of my bikes running them. But I think those worries
> have been well addressed and ultimately it was not a factor.
> Aesthetically I think both bikes are beautiful and would be proud of
> either one, but the Bombadil did have a slight edge in the unique
> finish and certainly spoke to me based on my frame building
> experience.
>
> The reality is, if somehow the bike in my garage suddenly turned into
> an Atlantis...I would still be seeing single track zipping by when I
> close my eyes and think about riding. You will develop a love affair
> with what ever you choose because the attachment comes from the
> adventures you share, not the glossy paint, lack thereof or name on
> the down tube.
>
> >
>

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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-08 Thread jinxed

On Nov 8, 2:37 pm, Rene Sterental  wrote:
> Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of the
> Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why you
> are now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?

Rene,
I would have been just fine on either bike and would be doing the same
mental acrobatics with either choice. For the frame sizes I ride, the
biggest difference between the two would have been the wheel size. But
for me, the difference between a 26" wheeled Atlantis and the 650b
Bombadil would have been pretty subtle I think. Originally, I had
never even considered the Atlantis since I was looking for a mountain
bike and the Bombadil was sort of billed as such. But while on the
phone with Riv, they asked me if I had thought about the Atlantis. I
never had, but it sort of hit me that it too could be set up as a
perfect off road beast. It was sort of like being asked if I preferred
my coffee with cream and sugar, or if I wanted cream and sugar in my
coffee. Ummm..."Yes please".

I could justify either bike no matter how I looked at it. Is it
redundant, or beneficial to have your on road and off road bike share
wheel sizes? Could either the Atlantis or Bombadil do anything
different/better than my Bleriot? I did have some reservation
regarding 650b rim/tire availability and choices, and was worried
about having both of my bikes running them. But I think those worries
have been well addressed and ultimately it was not a factor.
Aesthetically I think both bikes are beautiful and would be proud of
either one, but the Bombadil did have a slight edge in the unique
finish and certainly spoke to me based on my frame building
experience.

The reality is, if somehow the bike in my garage suddenly turned into
an Atlantis...I would still be seeing single track zipping by when I
close my eyes and think about riding. You will develop a love affair
with what ever you choose because the attachment comes from the
adventures you share, not the glossy paint, lack thereof or name on
the down tube.

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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-08 Thread Rene Sterental
Why were you thinking you should have gone with the Atlantis instead of the
Bombadil, if I may ask? Can you expand what your thoughts were and why you
are now convinced the Bombadil was the better choice?

I was sized for a Bombadil 60, which would run 700c wheels and if my
understanding is correct, basically turn it into a 29er bike. Am I right?
According from what I've been reading, there is a very lively discussion in
the "modern" mountain bike magazines as to whether the 26" hard tail is
dead, being replaced by the 29er that doesn't really need any suspension for
cross-country riding.

I was also wondering whether to go for the Atlantis (size 60) or the
Bombadil (size 60) as both run 700c wheels. The overlap between the two
seems to be so great, that the only "real" difference according to Mark and
Keven was the thickness of the tubing. After reading the articles on BQ
regarding "planing" of bicycles and how you get "in tune" with the bicycle,
I also wonder which bike would ride better long term, but I guess that will
also be depending on who rides it and how. I'm sure planing has a lot to do
with how wonderful my AHH rides for me.

René
[email protected]


On Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 1:08 PM, jinxed  wrote:

>
> OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire
> question I posed earlier.
>
> I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had
> actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the
> printed max size specs. Reason being, my buddy had a set he was not
> using and were available to me. But since I could not find a
> definitive answer, I just ordered up the Quasi-Motos to be safe. I
> don't honestly have a huge preference either way and have generally
> run a 2.0-2.2 tire on my mtb's for years anyway. Well, as I mentioned
> I am waiting for spokes to finish the wheels for the bike so I am
> using my Bleriot wheels in the meantime. I rolled out for a ride this
> morning and swung by to meet my friend, and just for grins we took his
> wheelset with the Neo's on it and threw it in the Bombadil. As I
> suspected they fit fine if your intent is purely mountain biking. No
> you can't run fenders, but the rear has as much clearance as any other
> MTB I've had, and the front, although tighter, is plenty fine for the
> dry conditions we have here in Colorado. I suppose things could get
> gummed up if you spend a bunch of time in the slop, but I find in
> those cases the build up around the brakes and drive train stop you
> before anything else. It's pretty rare to get any big mud-fest riding
> along the Colorado front range and on those occasions narrower tires
> would be better suited. Check out the pictures though as your idea of
> acceptable clearance may differ drastically based on your geography.
>
> As for todays ride my friend said I could run his wheels till I get
> mine done, and boy the fat knobby tires were a huge improvement off
> the beaten path as would be expected. Being able to run a lower
> pressure really smoothed out the edge and gripped the loose stuff like
> it should. Again pretty basic stuff with no magic involved, but wicked
> fun for sure. And as far as the stance of the bike, well it just got a
> bit more serious!
>
> I must admit, I had been sort of on the fence thinking I should have
> gone with an Atlantis for mtb duty while I was waiting on the Bombadil
> to show...but I think those little demons have lost their voice.
>
> Here is a small flickr set from today with some tire clearance shots.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ydg9tzu
> >
>

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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-08 Thread jinxed

OK so I was able to shoot some better pictures and verify a tire
question I posed earlier.

I while back I posted the question to the forum to see if anyone had
actually tried a set of 2.3 Neo-Motos in a Bombadil frame despite the
printed max size specs. Reason being, my buddy had a set he was not
using and were available to me. But since I could not find a
definitive answer, I just ordered up the Quasi-Motos to be safe. I
don't honestly have a huge preference either way and have generally
run a 2.0-2.2 tire on my mtb's for years anyway. Well, as I mentioned
I am waiting for spokes to finish the wheels for the bike so I am
using my Bleriot wheels in the meantime. I rolled out for a ride this
morning and swung by to meet my friend, and just for grins we took his
wheelset with the Neo's on it and threw it in the Bombadil. As I
suspected they fit fine if your intent is purely mountain biking. No
you can't run fenders, but the rear has as much clearance as any other
MTB I've had, and the front, although tighter, is plenty fine for the
dry conditions we have here in Colorado. I suppose things could get
gummed up if you spend a bunch of time in the slop, but I find in
those cases the build up around the brakes and drive train stop you
before anything else. It's pretty rare to get any big mud-fest riding
along the Colorado front range and on those occasions narrower tires
would be better suited. Check out the pictures though as your idea of
acceptable clearance may differ drastically based on your geography.

As for todays ride my friend said I could run his wheels till I get
mine done, and boy the fat knobby tires were a huge improvement off
the beaten path as would be expected. Being able to run a lower
pressure really smoothed out the edge and gripped the loose stuff like
it should. Again pretty basic stuff with no magic involved, but wicked
fun for sure. And as far as the stance of the bike, well it just got a
bit more serious!

I must admit, I had been sort of on the fence thinking I should have
gone with an Atlantis for mtb duty while I was waiting on the Bombadil
to show...but I think those little demons have lost their voice.

Here is a small flickr set from today with some tire clearance shots.

http://tinyurl.com/ydg9tzu
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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-07 Thread PATRICK MOORE
Thanks for the good description, and congratulations. Let us have more
photos when you can.

On Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 7:17 PM, jinxed  wrote:

>
> Well after much debate, reading, soul searching and money saving...I
> have a Bombadil. This is a quick and dirty first impression and I will
> follow up better later.



-- 
Patrick Moore
Albuquerque, NM
For professional resumes, contact
Patrick Moore, ACRW at [email protected]
(505) 227-0523

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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-07 Thread Esteban

That's a nice write-up and build.  Looks really cool.  Almost
steampunk.  The raw steel under the clear coat is the key, as I have
that too:

Here's my favorite part (indeed, David):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25671...@n02/2480924892/in/set-72157604736650031/

Esteban

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[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-07 Thread James Dinneen
Great article. Enjoy the bike and do the "real camera" pictures as soon as you 
can. Jim D.                 Massachusetts

--- On Fri, 11/6/09, jinxed  wrote:

From: jinxed 
Subject: [RBW] Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!
To: "RBW Owners Bunch" 
Date: Friday, November 6, 2009, 9:17 PM


Well after much debate, reading, soul searching and money saving...I
have a Bombadil. This is a quick and dirty first impression and I will
follow up better later.

http://tinyurl.com/ybnpgx8

Ordering:
The order went fairly smooth, with only a minor delay for paint. Or
clear powder coat to be more accurate. I had called up Riv a week
before I had money in hand just to be sure they had a 52 available,
which apparently they had a few. When I was funded, I made the call
ordered the frame/fork/hs and some other random bits including the
bullmoose bar. All was well, and was to ship the next day. A week
later I called nervously fearing it was lost. As it turns out, the
frame they had was literally "raw" and still needed the clear coat. So
off it went. A week later, that frame came back, but the clear was
flawed, so they sent another one off. So one more turn around and BOOM
my bike is on the way! Hot dog!! Got my shipping confirmation, and a
few day later I had Mr. UPS knocking on my door.

Receiving:
Always the fun part...just like Christmas. If I have learned one thing
in my 16 years in the bike industry, it's that Rivendell knows how to
package bikes and frames. I was floored when I got my Bleriot. I have
packed somewhere over 1000 bikes and hold the title of "Pack King" at
my shop...but I was seriously humbled upon opening the box. The
Bombadil was no exception.

Inspecting:
Le Dang. What a fun and beautiful frame. I have been very lucky to
work with and around some really cool bikes over the years. I even
worked manufacturing them for a couple. Having built bikes from raw
tube sets, the nature of the raw powder coat really makes me happy.
Generally frames would undergo a bead blast even if being cleared,
which gives a really nice satin metallic finish and still shows off
the brazing. But I have to say, skipping the bead blast is what really
shows off the beauty of the steel. I had a couple days waiting on some
build parts so it was fun to really spend time checking out all the
brazing and lug work. I'm extremely happy with the construction
quality, and feel the price tag was more than fair for the amount of
work represented. Keep in mind, I chose to pay retail for this as
opposed to being able to pro-deal something from work.

Assembly:
The frame seemed fairly well prepped out of the box, but I chased the
bottom bracket shell and honed the seat tube for measure. Frame
alignment was spot on both with a gauge and the good ol string
measure. Dropout alignment was also perfect. Nothing had to be
tinkered with, and went together very smoothly.

Initial impressions:
First off, ignore the pictured wheelset and tires, those are off my
Bleriot. I am still waiting on spokes to finish the wheels which will
be shod with Pacenti Quasi-motos. They will be built on Dyad rims with
Chris King classic MTB hubs, 3X DT double butted spokes. Otherwise, it
is set up as planned. Now the bar was a real gamble for me. I was
really up in the air between the bullmoose and going with a moustache
set up like my Bleriot. I really love the moustache bars, but was not
sure how I would like them on a dedicated mountain bike so I opted for
the more "traditional" stance. I was even more worried when I placed
them on the bike. They really seemed odd to me. Very high and very
swept back. I sunk the quill as far as it would go, and looking at it
figured I would be looking to trade them for moustache bars. But once
it was out of my stand (and dining room) and I test rode it...well
they may be staying. Very comfortable and the sweep puts the angle of
the bar at a very neutral wrist position for me. I am extremely eager
to get this bike in the dirt with knobbies. It has been several years
since I had a bike with v-brakes, and I had forgotten just how well
they can work. I decided to go "V" over much better looking canti's
only for function off road, and I am glad I made that choice. The
majority of the parts are modern XT, which although looks modern still
seemed suiting in it's industrial black and silver finish. Original
XTR would have been nice, but this stuff was super budget friendly,
and works fantastic.

Ride:
Every bike seems to have it's own feel that can be very hard to
convey. You seem to notice it on the first couple rides when the bike
is fresh and you haven't become accustomed to the subtleties yet. The
first out of the saddle sprint, the first hard leaning corner, a rough
downhill, that kind of stuff. I spent about an hour doing a shakedown
ride where nothing shookdown. I mixed paved trails with flat
relatively straight single track and hard pack gravel. I felt perched
high but connected solidly to the ground. The bike did not feel
sluggish a

[RBW] Re: Fresh off the work stand...my Bombadil!

2009-11-07 Thread newenglandbike

You couldn't have chosen a better bike!   I also ride a Bombadil, and
when not riding it in the woods, it makes me look forward to getting
up and going to work.


On Nov 6, 9:17 pm, jinxed  wrote:
> Well after much debate, reading, soul searching and money saving...I
> have a Bombadil. This is a quick and dirty first impression and I will
> follow up better later.
>
> http://tinyurl.com/ybnpgx8
>
> Ordering:
> The order went fairly smooth, with only a minor delay for paint. Or
> clear powder coat to be more accurate. I had called up Riv a week
> before I had money in hand just to be sure they had a 52 available,
> which apparently they had a few. When I was funded, I made the call
> ordered the frame/fork/hs and some other random bits including the
> bullmoose bar. All was well, and was to ship the next day. A week
> later I called nervously fearing it was lost. As it turns out, the
> frame they had was literally "raw" and still needed the clear coat. So
> off it went. A week later, that frame came back, but the clear was
> flawed, so they sent another one off. So one more turn around and BOOM
> my bike is on the way! Hot dog!! Got my shipping confirmation, and a
> few day later I had Mr. UPS knocking on my door.
>
> Receiving:
> Always the fun part...just like Christmas. If I have learned one thing
> in my 16 years in the bike industry, it's that Rivendell knows how to
> package bikes and frames. I was floored when I got my Bleriot. I have
> packed somewhere over 1000 bikes and hold the title of "Pack King" at
> my shop...but I was seriously humbled upon opening the box. The
> Bombadil was no exception.
>
> Inspecting:
> Le Dang. What a fun and beautiful frame. I have been very lucky to
> work with and around some really cool bikes over the years. I even
> worked manufacturing them for a couple. Having built bikes from raw
> tube sets, the nature of the raw powder coat really makes me happy.
> Generally frames would undergo a bead blast even if being cleared,
> which gives a really nice satin metallic finish and still shows off
> the brazing. But I have to say, skipping the bead blast is what really
> shows off the beauty of the steel. I had a couple days waiting on some
> build parts so it was fun to really spend time checking out all the
> brazing and lug work. I'm extremely happy with the construction
> quality, and feel the price tag was more than fair for the amount of
> work represented. Keep in mind, I chose to pay retail for this as
> opposed to being able to pro-deal something from work.
>
> Assembly:
> The frame seemed fairly well prepped out of the box, but I chased the
> bottom bracket shell and honed the seat tube for measure. Frame
> alignment was spot on both with a gauge and the good ol string
> measure. Dropout alignment was also perfect. Nothing had to be
> tinkered with, and went together very smoothly.
>
> Initial impressions:
> First off, ignore the pictured wheelset and tires, those are off my
> Bleriot. I am still waiting on spokes to finish the wheels which will
> be shod with Pacenti Quasi-motos. They will be built on Dyad rims with
> Chris King classic MTB hubs, 3X DT double butted spokes. Otherwise, it
> is set up as planned. Now the bar was a real gamble for me. I was
> really up in the air between the bullmoose and going with a moustache
> set up like my Bleriot. I really love the moustache bars, but was not
> sure how I would like them on a dedicated mountain bike so I opted for
> the more "traditional" stance. I was even more worried when I placed
> them on the bike. They really seemed odd to me. Very high and very
> swept back. I sunk the quill as far as it would go, and looking at it
> figured I would be looking to trade them for moustache bars. But once
> it was out of my stand (and dining room) and I test rode it...well
> they may be staying. Very comfortable and the sweep puts the angle of
> the bar at a very neutral wrist position for me. I am extremely eager
> to get this bike in the dirt with knobbies. It has been several years
> since I had a bike with v-brakes, and I had forgotten just how well
> they can work. I decided to go "V" over much better looking canti's
> only for function off road, and I am glad I made that choice. The
> majority of the parts are modern XT, which although looks modern still
> seemed suiting in it's industrial black and silver finish. Original
> XTR would have been nice, but this stuff was super budget friendly,
> and works fantastic.
>
> Ride:
> Every bike seems to have it's own feel that can be very hard to
> convey. You seem to notice it on the first couple rides when the bike
> is fresh and you haven't become accustomed to the subtleties yet. The
> first out of the saddle sprint, the first hard leaning corner, a rough
> downhill, that kind of stuff. I spent about an hour doing a shakedown
> ride where nothing shookdown. I mixed paved trails with flat
> relatively straight single track and hard pack gravel. I felt perched
> high but c