Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers — joined in the serious business of keeping our food, shelter, clothing and loved ones from combining with oxygen." --K. Vonnegut On Tuesday, March 5, 2013 11:06:10 AM UTC-8, Patrick Moore wrote: > > I think well designed and well made things show wear well, as well as > wearing well. > > Odd: I had neighbors who were fanatical about house cleaning, even > dusting baseboard tops weekly. Their houses looked sparkling and new, > but somehow sterile. A wealthy family to whose house I once took my > daughter lived in a beautiful neighborhood with many mature trees > (exotic in our location) but with -- I kid not -- nary a dead branch > or leaf on the immaculate lawns. > > Patrick Moore, sternly trying to persuade himself that this is indeed > true as he collects yet another little scratch on one of his beloved > customs, and who pronounces it, properly, in the French manner, > "bow-sahj". > > "All things gradually decay and head for the reef of destruction, > exhausted by the long lapse of time." > > On Tue, Mar 5, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Zack > > wrote: > > one of the things i love about rivendell is the commitment to make > things > > that age with beauty - they call it beausage, the japanese call it > > wabi-sabi. > > > > > > -- > > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google > Groups > > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send > an > > email to [email protected] . > > To post to this group, send email to > > [email protected]. > > > Visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > > > > > > > -- > > - > Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA > For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW > http://resumespecialties.com/index.html > - > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
I think well designed and well made things show wear well, as well as wearing well. Odd: I had neighbors who were fanatical about house cleaning, even dusting baseboard tops weekly. Their houses looked sparkling and new, but somehow sterile. A wealthy family to whose house I once took my daughter lived in a beautiful neighborhood with many mature trees (exotic in our location) but with -- I kid not -- nary a dead branch or leaf on the immaculate lawns. Patrick Moore, sternly trying to persuade himself that this is indeed true as he collects yet another little scratch on one of his beloved customs, and who pronounces it, properly, in the French manner, "bow-sahj". "All things gradually decay and head for the reef of destruction, exhausted by the long lapse of time." On Tue, Mar 5, 2013 at 11:57 AM, Zack wrote: > one of the things i love about rivendell is the commitment to make things > that age with beauty - they call it beausage, the japanese call it > wabi-sabi. > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > -- - Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW http://resumespecialties.com/index.html - -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
> no drag except in the dark Can't speak to the bargain varieties, but the Schmidt SON Dynohub has no noticeable drag when not on. Even when the lights are on - least ways LED lights - its drag is not noticeable. And this from someone who has bikes with Maxicar and highly custom Campy front hubs. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
The ideal for me is what I am building my new (to me) Hillborne into: Flat pedals so I can wear whatever shoes I am wearing. Fenders - longboard Dyno: never going back. Lights always on front and back Racks fore (Gamoh porteur (thanks for all the suggestions) with Wald 139 basket) and aft (Public bikes rack with spring) Alba bars (upright is all right) 8 speed on back 11-32 40x26 + chainguard with no front derailer- essentially a 1x8 with a bailout option. If I am using the 26 more than once a week (month? year?) I will consider a front derailer 38mm tires Brooks saddle So many of these are personal choices I know. But this is a customization group, isn't it?? Looking forward to finishing up in the next two weeks. Edwin in Nashville -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
I agree that a Quickbeam is a great commuter. I have both a QB and a Hunqa and the QB is my commuter of choice unless I'm actually hauling stuff around in which case the Hunqa can't be topped. I'm glad not to have to worry about shifting in traffic when I really should be paying attention to something else. I don't have a lot of hills on my current commute which is actually ridiculously short (though I add several miles to my return journey just because), but I've never had any real trouble climbing with my QB, it just takes a different approach than with a bike with lower available gearing. Aloha, Bob On Sun, Mar 3, 2013 at 7:00 AM, ascpgh wrote: > I agree a Quickbeam is a fabulous commuter, in the right circumstance. I > have to have some gears in my terrain, the varying weather, the seasonal > ebb and flow of my riding stamina and the physical exhaustion of the day > (or night) makes them a must. Not all of them get used by a long shot, but > this is also the bike I ride on the roughest surfaces, going back to the > rationalization of its purchase and selling off the hard tail MTB and > permanently loaning my too-small XO-2 that I had been using before. > > My experience with the mech disk brakes is different than Jeremy's. For > what I get in all-weather function, the wear issue is easily within > expectations. Three sets of pads over seven years daily use. No more frozen > rim brake pads when trying to stop the second time (anyone else had that > thrill?). Maybe it's just my set up and use, but I have few complaints > given that the bike was an experiment for disk brakes to start with. > > Last year at a local metric century which took every opportunity connect > lowest to highest points in the three rivers, my friend and I were on the > highest elevation facing a four mile downhill in absolutely pouring rain, > he on his open wheel Richard Sachs CX with cantilevers, me on my fendered > Rambouillet with Shimano double pivot side pulls. I was stunned by the > comparison to my commuter's disks in such conditions. On a workday I have > no choice if pouring such as that, I just go and never consider the higher > weight of that bike as loaded or my expectation of the brakes will both > modulate and stop. My calipers under those conditions were near > uselessness, my friend wore through his front and back salmon pads in that > one paved road descent despite no actual signs of useful friction either. > > An ideal commuting bike is very much a product of the conditions in which > it will be used and the shape that I am in when I ride it, expected > variances in both being anticipated. Unlikely that anyone could dictate the > design of a commuter precisely to the expectation of everyone. If it is > your daily driver then you have a lot of time while riding to be thinking > about what would be better about it. Most product managers would shrink > from any findings from a focus group of n=1. Beauty of this list is that > number is a bit larger but still of some cohesiveness, and even this > audience would not be impressive to the MBA-types that get involved in > product development once the sums at stake are beyond those of the > founders/craftsmen/zealot visionaries. > > Andy Cheatham > Pttsburgh > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > > -- Robert Harrison Honolulu, HI [email protected] statrix.com -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
I agree a Quickbeam is a fabulous commuter, in the right circumstance. I have to have some gears in my terrain, the varying weather, the seasonal ebb and flow of my riding stamina and the physical exhaustion of the day (or night) makes them a must. Not all of them get used by a long shot, but this is also the bike I ride on the roughest surfaces, going back to the rationalization of its purchase and selling off the hard tail MTB and permanently loaning my too-small XO-2 that I had been using before. My experience with the mech disk brakes is different than Jeremy's. For what I get in all-weather function, the wear issue is easily within expectations. Three sets of pads over seven years daily use. No more frozen rim brake pads when trying to stop the second time (anyone else had that thrill?). Maybe it's just my set up and use, but I have few complaints given that the bike was an experiment for disk brakes to start with. Last year at a local metric century which took every opportunity connect lowest to highest points in the three rivers, my friend and I were on the highest elevation facing a four mile downhill in absolutely pouring rain, he on his open wheel Richard Sachs CX with cantilevers, me on my fendered Rambouillet with Shimano double pivot side pulls. I was stunned by the comparison to my commuter's disks in such conditions. On a workday I have no choice if pouring such as that, I just go and never consider the higher weight of that bike as loaded or my expectation of the brakes will both modulate and stop. My calipers under those conditions were near uselessness, my friend wore through his front and back salmon pads in that one paved road descent despite no actual signs of useful friction either. An ideal commuting bike is very much a product of the conditions in which it will be used and the shape that I am in when I ride it, expected variances in both being anticipated. Unlikely that anyone could dictate the design of a commuter precisely to the expectation of everyone. If it is your daily driver then you have a lot of time while riding to be thinking about what would be better about it. Most product managers would shrink from any findings from a focus group of n=1. Beauty of this list is that number is a bit larger but still of some cohesiveness, and even this audience would not be impressive to the MBA-types that get involved in product development once the sums at stake are beyond those of the founders/craftsmen/zealot visionaries. Andy Cheatham Pttsburgh -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
While I haven't used hydraulics, will agree with Jim they seem the most maintenance free and probably the bestest choice for winter riding in places like Minnesota. Tried cable pull discs one winter and it was not a good thing. Snow/slush gummed up the caliper right quick. (Might have been bad luck on my part. Others have had no problems.) My city bike has cantilevers. Never had a problem of adjustment in winter. Abrading through a rim, yes. Diving under, no. Pauls are extra nice due to the sealed springs. For other city biking likes - flat bars, but not as swept back as the Albatross or Bosco. Want some weight on the front wheel for control on ice and snow. Fenders, yes. Aluminum for extra width, but think plastic might survive longer being banged around. Dyno hub, but willing to forego with the newest recharables. Tires - 38 to 40 are fine. Gears - my city bike is a 1x9. Definitely rear rack (my preference in handling and setup) and at least one Blackburn bottle cage that can hold a coffee thermos. All that said, my SimpleOne was used a lot last year as a city bike and it has drop bars, no dynohub, no full size rear rack (swap saddlebags with the Nitto grip) and only one gear. Great bike, but don't end up carrying as much on it and usually avoid the steepest climbs in St. Paul. Eric Platt St. Paul, MN On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 8:09 PM, Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery < [email protected]> wrote: > I disagree with the person who said that maintenance of hydraulic brakes > is expensive and/or difficult. I have three bikes that have Avid hydraulic > disc brakes, from the cheapest to upper-midrange models. In several years > of all-conditions riding and intermittent storage, I've not had to bleed > any of them. They are the closest thing to a no-maintenance brake that I've > ever used. > > I have bled hydraulic brakes for others. It only takes a few minutes. > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
I disagree with the person who said that maintenance of hydraulic brakes is expensive and/or difficult. I have three bikes that have Avid hydraulic disc brakes, from the cheapest to upper-midrange models. In several years of all-conditions riding and intermittent storage, I've not had to bleed any of them. They are the closest thing to a no-maintenance brake that I've ever used. I have bled hydraulic brakes for others. It only takes a few minutes. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
I like the fewest gears as possible thought. Along those lines, a Sturmey Archer AW 3 speed hub works wonderfully for me. I have a pretty big cog on the back to really take advantage of the range. They're readily available and basically indestructible (YMMV) from what I've seen. Coaster versions available as well for true simplicity. On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 2:53 PM, Liesl wrote: > On Saturday, March 2, 2013 4:05:21 PM UTC-6, stonehog wrote: >> >> I think the best city bike is the one that gets the most "city people" >> out biking instead of using a car. Different strokes for different folks. >> > > Touché! > > And Patrick, it's a little off thread-topic, but yes. The Appaloosa for > the custom. Variations from the prototype: 26" wheels, canti brakes, room > for big tires. Expect a QB type crank up from with no derailler and a > 8-speed cassette in the back. > > liesl > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > > -- Cheers, David Redlands, CA ** "Censorship is telling a man he can't have a steak just because a baby can't chew it." -*Mark Twain* -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
On Saturday, March 2, 2013 4:05:21 PM UTC-6, stonehog wrote: > > I think the best city bike is the one that gets the most "city people" out > biking instead of using a car. Different strokes for different folks. > Touché! And Patrick, it's a little off thread-topic, but yes. The Appaloosa for the custom. Variations from the prototype: 26" wheels, canti brakes, room for big tires. Expect a QB type crank up from with no derailler and a 8-speed cassette in the back. liesl -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
I think the best city bike is the one that gets the most "city people" out biking instead of using a car. Different strokes for different folks. http://flic.kr/p/dQi1ay My current favorite is my Bosco'd Miyata with front rack and Compass 26x1.75 tires. With the diamond wrap and bright colors it is my Sweet Bike for the city. I like the bars as it allows me to get low when I want to go fast (along with the nice tires), but I can also sit bolt upright in traffic and take in the stunning views. The big rear bag and front basket make it a versatile errand bike, and the fact that it's an old mountain bike means I care less about theft when I have to make a stop... Brian Seattle, WA On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 1:24 PM, PATRICK MOORE wrote: > Oh, and averaged 17 mph overall, clock running (per Cyclemeter on the > iPhone) -- such a sorry boast, but given my age and condition, I am > pleased -- and I didn't kill myself. 10 years ago I'd maintain 23 in a > lower gear on the same bike path. I stopped and fixed a flat for a > tyro on a very strange Trek hybrid: belt drive with full, plastic > chaincase, straight '90s mtb bars with bar ends and thumb shifters, V > brakes, and -- oddest of all -- Spinergy 4-blade wheels shod with > cyclocross tires. fortunately the rear setup allowed easy withdrawal > of the tube without removing the wheel. I realized that I forgot to > hook up the rear brake after finishing, but I assume his front still > worked. So I guess the godlings, minor deities, devas, familiar > spirits and guardian angels gave me a bit of a push in reward for my > charity. > > On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 2:16 PM, PATRICK MOORE wrote: > > Liesl: did I understand right that you are going to get an > > Appaloosa-type for your custom? If so, a fixed/ss Appaloosa? > > > > I love fixed. I just got back from a very nice 21 mile out and back on > > the now glass-smooth Rio Grande bike path on the gofast, which was > > very comfortable, particularly after yet another tweak to the bar > > (narrow Maes Parallels: I moved the brake hoods up about 1/2 inch: > > perfect). > > > > Very nice day. 60F as I left, sunny, with a light, shifting wind > > varying from N to W. Just to test things I rode ~19 out of the 21 > > miles in the hooks: pushing it for my current fitness, but only minor > > neck discomfort in the last few miles and now, sitting at the > > computer, no problem -- this with only ~300 miles during Jan and Feb. > > I generally move around more. And my very sensitive left palm: I > > continually changed left hand position, but only minor discomfort -- > > this for a hand that, on anything except drop bars, goes numb after 10 > > minutes. Ends of hooks resolutely and determinedly horizontal -- > > that's the secret for my left hand. (The Midge on the Fargo can't be > > set up this way, so I have to resort to padding.) No gloves. > > > > If anyone uses the new, 559X1.5" Grand Bois tires, I'd like to know > > what the true diameter is. I bet I could fit these on the Riv commuter > > -- tho' it would obviate fenders. I bet I could get plastics over the > > Kojaks at 32 mm, but 37 mm: nope. Wondering if I should bother to swap > > out the 46 on the commuter for a 48 so I can swap the 16 t cog for a > > 17/20 dingle > > > > On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 1:18 PM, Liesl wrote: > >> -as few gears as the terrain will let you get away with. QB or White > ENO > >> with DOS set-up is great > >> -seating position that allows great access to brakes and ability to see, > >> e.g. mustaches, albas, or boscoes > >> -fenders and biggish tires > >> -dyno lighting (I'm with Anne RCW on this one) > >> -capacity for carrying stuff so good braze-on's and saddle loops > >> -not so pretty that you worry constantly that it'll get swiped > >> -clipless/strapless pedals > >> -reflectors/tires with reflective sidewalls > >> -a nice little jingling bell or several > >> -a handlebar bag such as Keven's for really quick access to keys, ID, > >> sunglasses, warmer gloves, etc > >> > >> Liesl It's-March-and-Spring-is-Finally-Around-the-Corner in Minneapolis > >> > >> -- > >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google > Groups > >> "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send > an > >> email to [email protected]. > >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > >> Visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > >> > >> > > > > > > > > -- > > > > - > > Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA > > For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW > > http://resumespecialties.com/index.html > > - > > > > -- > > - > Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA > For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW > http://resumespecialties.com/index.ht
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
Oh, and averaged 17 mph overall, clock running (per Cyclemeter on the iPhone) -- such a sorry boast, but given my age and condition, I am pleased -- and I didn't kill myself. 10 years ago I'd maintain 23 in a lower gear on the same bike path. I stopped and fixed a flat for a tyro on a very strange Trek hybrid: belt drive with full, plastic chaincase, straight '90s mtb bars with bar ends and thumb shifters, V brakes, and -- oddest of all -- Spinergy 4-blade wheels shod with cyclocross tires. fortunately the rear setup allowed easy withdrawal of the tube without removing the wheel. I realized that I forgot to hook up the rear brake after finishing, but I assume his front still worked. So I guess the godlings, minor deities, devas, familiar spirits and guardian angels gave me a bit of a push in reward for my charity. On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 2:16 PM, PATRICK MOORE wrote: > Liesl: did I understand right that you are going to get an > Appaloosa-type for your custom? If so, a fixed/ss Appaloosa? > > I love fixed. I just got back from a very nice 21 mile out and back on > the now glass-smooth Rio Grande bike path on the gofast, which was > very comfortable, particularly after yet another tweak to the bar > (narrow Maes Parallels: I moved the brake hoods up about 1/2 inch: > perfect). > > Very nice day. 60F as I left, sunny, with a light, shifting wind > varying from N to W. Just to test things I rode ~19 out of the 21 > miles in the hooks: pushing it for my current fitness, but only minor > neck discomfort in the last few miles and now, sitting at the > computer, no problem -- this with only ~300 miles during Jan and Feb. > I generally move around more. And my very sensitive left palm: I > continually changed left hand position, but only minor discomfort -- > this for a hand that, on anything except drop bars, goes numb after 10 > minutes. Ends of hooks resolutely and determinedly horizontal -- > that's the secret for my left hand. (The Midge on the Fargo can't be > set up this way, so I have to resort to padding.) No gloves. > > If anyone uses the new, 559X1.5" Grand Bois tires, I'd like to know > what the true diameter is. I bet I could fit these on the Riv commuter > -- tho' it would obviate fenders. I bet I could get plastics over the > Kojaks at 32 mm, but 37 mm: nope. Wondering if I should bother to swap > out the 46 on the commuter for a 48 so I can swap the 16 t cog for a > 17/20 dingle > > On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 1:18 PM, Liesl wrote: >> -as few gears as the terrain will let you get away with. QB or White ENO >> with DOS set-up is great >> -seating position that allows great access to brakes and ability to see, >> e.g. mustaches, albas, or boscoes >> -fenders and biggish tires >> -dyno lighting (I'm with Anne RCW on this one) >> -capacity for carrying stuff so good braze-on's and saddle loops >> -not so pretty that you worry constantly that it'll get swiped >> -clipless/strapless pedals >> -reflectors/tires with reflective sidewalls >> -a nice little jingling bell or several >> -a handlebar bag such as Keven's for really quick access to keys, ID, >> sunglasses, warmer gloves, etc >> >> Liesl It's-March-and-Spring-is-Finally-Around-the-Corner in Minneapolis >> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "RBW Owners Bunch" group. >> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an >> email to [email protected]. >> To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. >> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. >> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. >> >> > > > > -- > > - > Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA > For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW > http://resumespecialties.com/index.html > - -- - Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW http://resumespecialties.com/index.html - -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
Liesl: did I understand right that you are going to get an Appaloosa-type for your custom? If so, a fixed/ss Appaloosa? I love fixed. I just got back from a very nice 21 mile out and back on the now glass-smooth Rio Grande bike path on the gofast, which was very comfortable, particularly after yet another tweak to the bar (narrow Maes Parallels: I moved the brake hoods up about 1/2 inch: perfect). Very nice day. 60F as I left, sunny, with a light, shifting wind varying from N to W. Just to test things I rode ~19 out of the 21 miles in the hooks: pushing it for my current fitness, but only minor neck discomfort in the last few miles and now, sitting at the computer, no problem -- this with only ~300 miles during Jan and Feb. I generally move around more. And my very sensitive left palm: I continually changed left hand position, but only minor discomfort -- this for a hand that, on anything except drop bars, goes numb after 10 minutes. Ends of hooks resolutely and determinedly horizontal -- that's the secret for my left hand. (The Midge on the Fargo can't be set up this way, so I have to resort to padding.) No gloves. If anyone uses the new, 559X1.5" Grand Bois tires, I'd like to know what the true diameter is. I bet I could fit these on the Riv commuter -- tho' it would obviate fenders. I bet I could get plastics over the Kojaks at 32 mm, but 37 mm: nope. Wondering if I should bother to swap out the 46 on the commuter for a 48 so I can swap the 16 t cog for a 17/20 dingle On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 1:18 PM, Liesl wrote: > -as few gears as the terrain will let you get away with. QB or White ENO > with DOS set-up is great > -seating position that allows great access to brakes and ability to see, > e.g. mustaches, albas, or boscoes > -fenders and biggish tires > -dyno lighting (I'm with Anne RCW on this one) > -capacity for carrying stuff so good braze-on's and saddle loops > -not so pretty that you worry constantly that it'll get swiped > -clipless/strapless pedals > -reflectors/tires with reflective sidewalls > -a nice little jingling bell or several > -a handlebar bag such as Keven's for really quick access to keys, ID, > sunglasses, warmer gloves, etc > > Liesl It's-March-and-Spring-is-Finally-Around-the-Corner in Minneapolis > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > -- - Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW http://resumespecialties.com/index.html - -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
Jeremy, you must be a younger guy because you left out coaster brakes, the only real set it and forget setup from back in the day. I don't ever remember servicing my 3 speed coaster brake setup, I mean in a decade. Granted I would not descend a mountain with it, but for city riding 3 speed and coaster brake always worked great. On Mar 2, 2013 12:15 PM, "Jeremy Till" wrote: > I would I generally agree with GP's considerations about city bikes, but > would add a couple of my own additions: > > -As few gears as is possible. Why? Drivetrain reliability. The fewer > gears you have, especially if you're down to one or no derailleurs, means > that there's much less stuff to go wrong/out of adjustment, and a much > lower chance that a drivetrain problem will put the bike out of comission > or at least make the ride less enjoyable (of course, friction shifting > helps here). Furthermore, chains that shift less and with smaller > chainline error will be more efficient and last longer. Now, if your city > bike is also your only bike, or you live in a city where there are > significant and extended climbs, a full triple might be "as few gears as > possible." But, if you're going to have a bike which is the designated > "city bike," i say simplicity rules. > > -Brakes that have clearance for 30mm+ tires and fenders AND allow for > consistent braking performance for a year+ WITHOUT adjusting the brake > pads. This is the biggest failing of the V-brakes and cantilever brakes > that are common on this type of bike currently--as the pads wear, the go > out of alignment, eventually to the point where they are no longer fully > contacting the braking surface of the rim, and could potentially catch in > the spokes. Yes, it does happen slowly so it's no problem for the > attentive garage mechanic who checks their brakes every few months, or the > consumer that takes their bike into the shop religiously. For the majority > of people that just want to ride their bike and treat it like their car > (i.e., don't worry about it until something isn't working right), allowing > their brake pads to wear for a year+ then makes the brakes really > ineffective or potentially dangerous, and often more difficult to adjust > properly since the pads have worn at an angle. > > IMHO, this is one of the biggest problems in brake design right now, and > hopefully will get some attention as practical bikes with fat tires get > more attention. Mechanical disc brakes don't work, since they too go out > of adjustment as the pads wear. Hydraulic discs are cool in that they > self-adjust for wear, but they (along with mech. discs, but moreso) require > a very specific frame/wheel/handlebar (no drop bars, yet) setup to work > well. Plus bleeding them when they need it is complex and costly. Cheap > disc brakes on cheap frames are the worst. Drum brakes in theory might be > a good idea, but they are as rare as hen's teeth in the US. The only ones > I see regularly are the hilariously ineffective Shimano Nexus Roller Brake > units. > > Road sidepull caliper brakes are my favorite brakes in terms of their > ability to deliver consistent braking performance with minimal adjustment > over time, save maybe dialing out the barrel adjuster. BUT, as GP and > others are fond of pointing out, they have significant limitations when it > comes to tire + fender clearance. Tektro does good in this regard, > especially with the R559 series of brakes, but most Tektro brakes pay for > their clearance by being flexy. I'd like to see them get some competition, > hopefully from Shimano. > > -I know everyone here likes dyno lights but battery lights have come a > long ways recently, and they are still way cheaper/simpler that a dyno > light setup. Plus many now feature USB rechargeability so for most > commuters the inconvenience of having to charge batteries in minimal. If > your night riding is occasional, short, and usually at one end of the day > (riding home) then they win in my book. I do think that what many dyno > lights have shown, however, is that lights mounted low down, on the fork, > are much more effective for seeing than lights mounted on the handlebars, > so I'd like to see more commuters have provisions for light mounting on the > fork. > > Consider all of the above, my Quickbeam does pretty well for me as a > commuter bike. It has a fixed gear for reliability (plus the control), > which also minimizes the amount I use the brakes and reduces the problems > from brake pad wear on the cantilever brakes. The mid-fork tabs are > awesome for mounting a Gino light mount for my lights. And of course, fat > tires, fenders, a rack, and a big saddlebag. I'll post pictures of the > setup one of these days. > > On Saturday, March 2, 2013 6:37:01 AM UTC-8, Patrick Moore wrote: >> >> I just saw that thanks to Off the Beaten Path's link to Grant's very >> good review of the Herse book. The following article, on city bikes >> and the needless frou
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
Yeah, I've found myself forced to ride 15 miles home with a cheap, newly purchased, 2D cell Walgreen's flashlight taped to the underside of the bar hook -- not reassuring. OTOH, I commuted for several years the same 30 miles rt with rechargeables, and I'm hardly methodical. The dealmaker with dynamos, IMO, is the very wonderful LED lights that have showed up in the last 10 years -- wasn't the IQ Fly an early one? And the more recent ones are even better. (My brother just built his first dyno wheel for a used Fly and was amazed at how good it is, outclassed tho' it be.) A bottle and a Fly would make a very usable and very inexpensive setup. On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 10:24 AM, Anne Paulson wrote: > This depends very much on what kind of person you are. If you're a > methodical person who follows routines and is disciplined, > rechargeables will be just dandy. If you're a ADHD type who forgets > to do things, batteries and rechargeables are a recipe for finding > yourself riding in a dark night with no lights. Lots of people are not > methodical. I love that I can turn my light on in the fall, after not > doing any night riding all summer, and get light. Every time. > >> -I know everyone here likes dyno lights but battery lights have come a long >> ways recently, and they are still way cheaper/simpler that a dyno light >> setup. Plus many now feature USB rechargeability so for most commuters the >> inconvenience of having to charge batteries in minimal. > -- > -- Anne Paulson > > My hovercraft is full of eels > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out. > > -- - Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW http://resumespecialties.com/index.html - -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
I think a Quickbeam would make an excellent commuter. As for mechanical disks, which I've used now on two bikes: I've got over 1500 miles on my current set of disk pads -- come to think of it, they may have double that for all I know, since I forget if they came with my Fargo or if I installed them after purchase; at any rate, at least 1500 miles, the pads have half their width left, and they are still fully in adjustment -- which in any case is easy with the caliper dials. IME, the real hassle of disks is that it is easy to bend the rotors and, once you do this, you can't perfectly straighten them out again. But for weather-proof-ness, ease of wheel removal and swapping between rims of different width, and power -- tho' not modulation or looks -- they seem to me to be ideal. Note that disks on a fixed gear would seem to me to be overkill. I agree that the more occasional the use, the more viable a battery light -- as long as your batteries have very long shelf life. One option that splits the difference with advantages compared to either is a good bottle or bb dynamo. I'd post a photo of my Riv fixed commuter, but y'all are familiar with it already -- prolly ad nauseam. On Sat, Mar 2, 2013 at 10:15 AM, Jeremy Till wrote: Mechanical disc brakes don't work, since they too go out of > adjustment as the pads wear. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
Re: [RBW] Re: Latest BLUG post (2/28)
This depends very much on what kind of person you are. If you're a methodical person who follows routines and is disciplined, rechargeables will be just dandy. If you're a ADHD type who forgets to do things, batteries and rechargeables are a recipe for finding yourself riding in a dark night with no lights. Lots of people are not methodical. I love that I can turn my light on in the fall, after not doing any night riding all summer, and get light. Every time. > -I know everyone here likes dyno lights but battery lights have come a long > ways recently, and they are still way cheaper/simpler that a dyno light > setup. Plus many now feature USB rechargeability so for most commuters the > inconvenience of having to charge batteries in minimal. -- -- Anne Paulson My hovercraft is full of eels -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
