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Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: AlephZero on April 21, 2017, 06:31:07 PM

Title: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 21, 2017, 06:31:07 PM
Greetings, fellow cyclists and other MTOers, who may be thinking of starting cycling!

I'd like to start a thread here, where we all could generally talk about all things related to cycling, share ideas, ask questions and maybe a little bit promote cycling as a great mode of transport  ;) :angel: :pok:

All types of cyclists are welcome, whether it's commuting, utility, recreational, exercise or sport.

Let's talk about bikes, ways of servicing your bike, accessories (locks, lights, fenders etc.), riding styles, tips of riding in various weather conditions, riding clothing... the list is endless :ahhh

Post any related Youtube content here as well.
 
Here are couple other cycling related threads on this forum (do please post links to other threads I've missed :) ):
Bike Porn Thread (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,5435.msg92153.html#msg92153)
Winter Cycling Thread (https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,48560.msg804170.html#msg804170)

And finally a message from our friend Sgt. Phil Esterhaus:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jmg86CRBBtw

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!  :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 21, 2017, 07:18:43 PM
Good bike locks are important part of your bike's security, of course what is adequate security differs from area to area and from bike to bike. Some rely just on simple cable locks, while others need to invest significant sums of money for ultra security bike locks.

As some of you may already know, I have a new e-bike coming, so I decided to get it a proper lock. Let me introduce you Abus Bordo 6000/90:

I'm really a fan of these Abus' folding locks, 'cause they take almost no space when not in use:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/Abus%20Bordo%206000%20002.png)

You can see they are quite heavy duty (more specs below):
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/Abus%20Bordo%206000%20004.png)

Complete circumference is 90cm:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/Abus%20Bordo%206000%20005.png)


The lock consists of 5mm thick hardened steel bars, riveted together with "special rivets" (yes, I know that sounds funny).
It has premium lock cylinder for high protection from picking.
The bars are covered with silicone cover preventing the lock to damage the bike paint.
Two keys supplied.
Flexi-mount holder, either mount it on a bottle cage mount or use the non-slip velcro straps to mount it anywhere you like.

It's not a lightweight, at 1.2Kg is quite hefty lock, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna trust some skinny smurf cable lock to keep my new 2000e bike safe :D

Also not the cheapest, I got it at 67 euros plus 10 euros delivery from bike-discount.com, always check your local prices first  :tu:


Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 21, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Oh yes, I was also going ask you folks a question:

Best way to keep your bike lock lubricated and rust free? Some time ago, when I still had the Kryptonite New York lock, I just used the bike chain oil, but I'm not sure it's the best way to go...  :think: Abus themselves recommend "resin free oil", whatever that means  ???
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on April 22, 2017, 01:32:36 PM
I have just gotten my bike out of the basement for the year and started riding again.  I've only been out 2-3 times, but I hope to increase that significantly this week.  Unfortunately, some of the paths I usually cycle on are underwater right now as they go alongside the river, and the river is flooding them out.  Some people have been claiming that they are observing water levels not seen in 20 years.  As this is only my second summer here, I can't confirm or deny that, but I will say that large parts of paths that I used to cycle on are better suited to kayaking right now!   :ahhh

Still, I am going to try and get out some and maybe photograph some of the affected areas, because it is pretty cool.  Plus, I really could use the exercise.  The last few times I went out I was exhausted afterwards!

Def
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 25, 2017, 07:12:47 PM
So, my E-bike arrived...  :mail:  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

However, I have no pics yet since it's smurfin' sleeting and raining outside   :-\

I have to say, however, first time riding an E-bike... It's something completely different ;)
At the lowest setting, it's just like pedaling is really easy, but then you have three more
power settings on it! On the higher settings, it really feels like someone is behind you
pushing you along!  8)

Now, mine is just electric-assist bike, and the assist is limited to 25 km/h as required
by Finnish law (higher powered E-bikes must be registered as mopeds), but that is
well enough for me for way ahead to the future :tu:

And trust me, there will be pics, as soon as there's proper weather to take 'em :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on April 25, 2017, 07:20:28 PM
Realised this would be more suitable here.  :facepalm:

So, my E-bike arrived...  :mail:  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

However, I have no pics yet since it's smurfin' sleeting and raining outside   :-\

I have to say, however, first time riding an E-bike... It's something completely different ;)
At the lowest setting, it's just like pedaling is really easy, but then you have three more
power settings on it! On the higher settings, it really feels like someone is behind you
pushing you along!  8)

Now, mine is just electric-assist bike, and the assist is limited to 25 km/h as required
by Finnish law (higher powered E-bikes must be registered as mopeds), but that is
well enough for me for way ahead to the future :tu:

And trust me, there will be pics, as soon as there's proper weather to take 'em :D

It sounds really cool.  8)
Whats the ranges?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 25, 2017, 07:26:08 PM
I did install a rack on the E-bike today, pretty much first thing after I rode the bike home from work (I ordered the bike to work as we get DHL delivery twice a day :) )

Topeak Uni Super Tourist Disc DX (now that's a mouthful of a name ;) ):

(https://cdn.topeak.com/global/storage/app/media/_mediathumbs/product-racks-uni-super-tourist-dx-uni-super-tourist-dx-disc-93e74a308cd4336ded024de83b776862.jpg)

Not the easiest to install on your own, but it didn't take that long, would definitely be easier if a friend to hold it in place while screwing the various screws in... Used my Skeletool and Topeak Ratchet Rocket to install it, would have been a bit better if I had had a socket set instead of the Skele, but since no crazy torque was needed, the Skele held the nuts well enough :tu:

Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 25, 2017, 07:31:12 PM
Realised this would be more suitable here.  :facepalm:

So, my E-bike arrived...  :mail:  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

However, I have no pics yet since it's smurfin' sleeting and raining outside   :-\

I have to say, however, first time riding an E-bike... It's something completely different ;)
At the lowest setting, it's just like pedaling is really easy, but then you have three more
power settings on it! On the higher settings, it really feels like someone is behind you
pushing you along!  8)

Now, mine is just electric-assist bike, and the assist is limited to 25 km/h as required
by Finnish law (higher powered E-bikes must be registered as mopeds), but that is
well enough for me for way ahead to the future :tu:

And trust me, there will be pics, as soon as there's proper weather to take 'em :D

It sounds really cool.  8)
Whats the ranges?

Not quite sure just yet, but I kinda calculated that it should run around 70km on full charge, I guess we will see how it goes  :)

The problem is, the official range calculations are for people under 85kg, not proper man size :D

So, me, being around 125kg, it's a bit hard to estimate how much the extra weight affects the range just yet, but I will let you know how much km's I get out of it  :salute:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on April 25, 2017, 07:37:25 PM
Realised this would be more suitable here.  :facepalm:

So, my E-bike arrived...  :mail:  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

However, I have no pics yet since it's smurfin' sleeting and raining outside   :-\

I have to say, however, first time riding an E-bike... It's something completely different ;)
At the lowest setting, it's just like pedaling is really easy, but then you have three more
power settings on it! On the higher settings, it really feels like someone is behind you
pushing you along!  8)

Now, mine is just electric-assist bike, and the assist is limited to 25 km/h as required
by Finnish law (higher powered E-bikes must be registered as mopeds), but that is
well enough for me for way ahead to the future :tu:

And trust me, there will be pics, as soon as there's proper weather to take 'em :D

It sounds really cool.  8)
Whats the ranges?

Not quite sure just yet, but I kinda calculated that it should run around 70km on full charge, I guess we will see how it goes  :)

The problem is, the official range calculations are for people under 85kg, not proper man size :D

So, me, being around 125kg, it's a bit hard to estimate how much the extra weight affects the range just yet, but I will let you know how much km's I get out of it  :salute:
Thanks!  :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 25, 2017, 07:52:54 PM
Realised this would be more suitable here.  :facepalm:

So, my E-bike arrived...  :mail:  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

However, I have no pics yet since it's smurfin' sleeting and raining outside   :-\

I have to say, however, first time riding an E-bike... It's something completely different ;)
At the lowest setting, it's just like pedaling is really easy, but then you have three more
power settings on it! On the higher settings, it really feels like someone is behind you
pushing you along!  8)

Now, mine is just electric-assist bike, and the assist is limited to 25 km/h as required
by Finnish law (higher powered E-bikes must be registered as mopeds), but that is
well enough for me for way ahead to the future :tu:

And trust me, there will be pics, as soon as there's proper weather to take 'em :D

It sounds really cool.  8)
Whats the ranges?

Not quite sure just yet, but I kinda calculated that it should run around 70km on full charge, I guess we will see how it goes  :)

The problem is, the official range calculations are for people under 85kg, not proper man size :D

So, me, being around 125kg, it's a bit hard to estimate how much the extra weight affects the range just yet, but I will let you know how much km's I get out of it  :salute:
Thanks!  :cheers:

No problem, bro :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on April 26, 2017, 03:24:23 PM
I suppose the range varies greatly on whether you get to go down a lot of hills versus going back up!   :ahhh

I can't wait to hear your experiences on the e-bike!  I have been thinking about (but not getting due to expense!) a recumbent trike or e-trike (ELF bikes are seriously drool worthy!)  but I really can't justify the cost to myself.  Perhaps if I had a job I could commute to, but as it is I pretty well stick to walking or biking for local stuff (within 5-10kms) and the Jeep for everything else.

Def
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 26, 2017, 05:26:18 PM
I suppose the range varies greatly on whether you get to go down a lot of hills versus going back up!   :ahhh

I can't wait to hear your experiences on the e-bike!  I have been thinking about (but not getting due to expense!) a recumbent trike or e-trike (ELF bikes are seriously drool worthy!)  but I really can't justify the cost to myself.  Perhaps if I had a job I could commute to, but as it is I pretty well stick to walking or biking for local stuff (within 5-10kms) and the Jeep for everything else.

Def

Well, since most of my riding is commuting, the hills even each other out :D

As for the experiences... This morning we had 3 to 4 inches of fresh wet snow  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

Had I been pedaling my old bike, there would have been a smurfton of smurfty smurfwords heard all over the town, but with the e-bike, no problemo  8)

Only thing was some nasty spots of packed slush, which at one time almost made me fall as the front wheel slipped, but I was able to stop be bike and stay upright...

All in all, it has already cut about 10 minutes off my commute each way, and after Kirky :kirky: stops messing with the weather, I assume that to be even greater (Kirky, I have my eye on you :rant: )  :pok: :D

 :cheers:

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 26, 2017, 05:40:52 PM
Some of you may have noticed the same: typical round grips on your handlebars result in aching or numb hands. For me this especially true, only after two days with the stock grips on the e-bike (and I sure they are quality grips, just not for me) I HAD to swap them (which I was going to do anyways, so a moot point I guess ::) )...

New grips (new to the bike, not especially new to me as I took them off my old hybrid) are Ergon GP2 ergonomic grips:

(http://cdn.ergonbike.com/img/png-583/42410028_detail_1.png)

I love Ergon grips, they are very comfortable, and even with my poor blood circulation, I rarely get numbness on my fingers and only rarely aching hands, which mostly is caused by vibrations caused by riding on uneven road surface.

The old urban tank of a bike of mine, Specialized Hardrock has a pair too, the GP1 Biokork:

(http://cdn.ergonbike.com/img/png-583/42410006_detail_1.png)

They are not perfect, when they grips get wet, the rubber grip area gets quite sticky, which doesn't feel that nice against bare palm, but definitely makes the grippy as smurf!

And finally the disclaimer: I'm not in any way affiliated with Ergon or any stores that sell their products, just a happy customer  :)

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!  :salute:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on April 26, 2017, 10:04:55 PM
I've never heard of those.  They look pretty cool.  I hate it when my hands go numb.  Wearing gloves has helped a bit but my fingers get all tingly after 20-25 minutes of riding.  Maybe I'll check these out at some point.

Def
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 27, 2017, 06:05:36 PM
Well, the sun came out for a moment, so here are the promised pictures of my new electric steed  :D

Fellow MTOers, Ladies, Gentlemen & Kirky, I present thee... Cube Reaction Hybrid ONE!!!  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

Couple overview pics, and yes, it's bright blue and green, 'cause that's how I roll these days (http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Funny/083ae811-fe88-4e97-aab0-7e05417dca5a.png) :
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-04-27%2017.32.59.jpg)

(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-04-27%2017.32.38.jpg)


Little closer up to the battery pack (Bosch), which is 400 Watt Hours (around 11 Ah)
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-04-27%2017.33.10.jpg)


User interface, consisting of the display unit and the control unit on the left:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-04-27%2017.33.25.jpg)


Close-up of the motor (also Bosch)  and the drivetrain, 1x9 gears (Shimano):
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-04-27%2017.33.57.jpg)


And finally another overview pic from the right hand side of the bike :) :
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-04-27%2017.34.21.jpg)

Hmm what else...

It sports hydraulic disc brakes, which work very well (Shimano Deore  BR-M315).

The saddle is quite comfortable even for so quite narrow one, made by Selle Italia.

Also showing the Abus Bordo 6000 lock and Topeak Uni Super Tourist DX Disc rear rack.

Not yet showing SKS Shockboard XL and SKS Velo 65 Mountain 29" fenders or Cube Cubestand CMPT kickstand, all of which I hope will arrive next week :)

Enjoy! :tu:

Oh and... Let's be careful out there!


Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 28, 2017, 06:15:04 PM
Alright, since I may need to ride some distance this weekend, I had to put the battery on the charger early, but as it still had 2 bars out of 5 and 40+ km already done, I'd say the 70 km is rather accurate, and that's with me doing the steep hills with the highest "turbo" assist  :D

Edit: Almost forgot... Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!  :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on April 30, 2017, 02:04:35 AM
That's a great looking machine you have there!

There are a lot of times I really wish I had some assist on my bike!   :ahhh

I can't wait to hear how it gets on after your longer trip.  You really don't get a feel for a machine until you get a chance to push it a bit and I am looking forward to hearing how well it responds to that.

Def
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on April 30, 2017, 04:29:26 AM
That's a great looking machine you have there!

There are a lot of times I really wish I had some assist on my bike!   :ahhh

I can't wait to hear how it gets on after your longer trip.  You really don't get a feel for a machine until you get a chance to push it a bit and I am looking forward to hearing how well it responds to that.

Def

I don't need assist, lol, I need full auto.   :facepalm:   I blame all the beers.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on April 30, 2017, 04:30:04 AM
Nice looking bike there Aleph.   :tu:   :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 01, 2017, 07:52:07 PM
Thanks guys, I really like it myself  :)

I just did a small trip around the town today, 8km, I hoped for a longer trip to the neighboring town, but there's quite strong wind and I didn't quite feel up for it today... Soon however, soon :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 03, 2017, 06:27:31 PM
(Posting couple of posts from my Random Smurf thread, as they are relevant to this thread  :D )

I'm pretty pissed off smurf today...

Ok, so I got the kickstand for the E-bike today, it's a Cube kickstand, for Cube bikes, says on the description that it fits all Cube E-bikes, except full suspension ones.

It doesn't fit.

SMURFING SMURFSMURFING SMURF! :rant:

The bike has the special, I guess lug is the right word, for it, but it's too thick, no matter how hard I pushed it didn't go in and already damaged the paintwork.

No replacing it either as I voided the warranty already by trying to file it to fit  :-\

As far as I know, they only have that one type of connection for the kickstands, so that's 37e gone for good...

Ok, a follow-up to yesterday's smurf-up (that's a word from now on 8) )...

Went and bought couple of files and with some 20 mins of careful filing, I managed to fit the kickstand on the bike and while it didn't go all the way in, it seems really solid. So not wasted 37e after all :)

Also installed the fenders, front one went in easy, back one needed some thinking and zip ties (who doesn't love zip ties ;) ) to stay off the tire, but as I took the bike for a spin around the block, I didn't hear and scratching noises, so another success I'd say  :cheers:

I hope sun will show up tomorrow, so I can take some pics for you guys.


 :cheers:

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Kev D on May 03, 2017, 07:34:08 PM
Have you ridden it enough to determine what distance you will get out of a full charge?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 03, 2017, 07:54:33 PM
Have you ridden it enough to determine what distance you will get out of a full charge?

Well, I haven't ridden the battery flat, but I'd say 60 - 70 km on my riding style is about right (I like to use the turbo assist on steep hills :D )

Probably 80km if I used only the lowest assist all the time, but where's the fun in that?  ;)


Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on May 04, 2017, 12:21:02 AM
Good thread, aleph. :tu:

Been trying to get more miles in over the last few months, but seemingly too busy to get some photos.  I need to post some pics of the fleet when I get chance.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 04, 2017, 05:48:14 PM
The E-bike is now pretty much fully kitted, except for the light, but I don't need that until maybe October so no rush there...

Added front and rear fenders (SKS Shockboard XL and SKS Velo 65 Mountain 29"), and a kickstand (Cube Cubestand CMPT):
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-05-042017.56.44.jpg)

Little improvisation was required as the support that came with the rear fender could not be used due to the fact that the lugs where it was supposed to be connected on the frame were already used for the rack.. so Zip ties to the rescue! :tu:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-05-04%2017.56.59.jpg)

Cube's own Cubestand CMPT kickstand is quite sturdy, although installation was challenging to say the very least:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Bikes/2017-05-04%2017.57.16.jpg)

:cheers:

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 07, 2017, 05:07:46 PM
Did a little Sunday bike-trip to the neighboring town, about 25km round trip. Weather's not too bad, it's a bit chilly still, but it was quite nice for biking. I didn't have my camera with me, so only couple snaps were taken with the K10000...


Stopped by the marina, which unsurprisingly is still empty as Lake Keitele is still quite iced up...
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Photos/IMG_20170507_153035.jpg)

... and thus, the boats are still in winter storage
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Photos/IMG_20170507_153039.jpg)

Also stumbled upon old Valmet 565 tractor sitting on some house's lawn:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Photos/4c191297-9426-4e8e-880d-e629652c2831.jpg)

Why is the old tractor interesting, you ask... Well for obvious reasons, it's beautiful piece of old machinery but also because it's an old product of my current employer, Valtra (the company name was changed to Valtra in 2001)  :)

All in all, the new E-bike is quite nice for longer distance riding as well, although, I'm wondering if I should get a little more comfortable saddle... The one that came with the bike is fine for commuting, but on a longer trip... at the end of the trip today, I was REALLY feeling all the bumps on the road :P

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!  :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 11, 2017, 08:35:51 PM
So, I couldn't wait til fall to get my new bike light, because that would have been way too sensible, right?  ::)

So the mailman  :mail: was kind enough to deliver this yesterday:

Fenix BC30R!
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Forum/IMG_20170511_205313.jpg)

It's a two Cree XM-L2 LED bike light:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Forum/IMG_20170511_205442_20170511205743480.jpg)

THe handlebar holder is adjustable both up and down, and left and right:
(http://i737.photobucket.com/albums/xx12/CaineKitty/Forum/IMG_20170511_205500.jpg)


Few specs:

Four modes plus Burst:
Burst: 1600 lumens
High: 800 lumens
Med: 500 lumens
Low: 200 lumens
Eco: 100 lumens

And in addition 200 lumen flashing mode.

Built-in 5200 mAh rechargeable battery.

Digital display showing the run-time of each mode to the minute.

Aluminum alloy construction.

Water resistant to IPX-6 standard.

:cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Kev D on May 13, 2017, 05:45:05 PM
Bike lights sure have come a long way the last few years. They'll see you coming with that one
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Smashie on May 13, 2017, 06:18:21 PM
Yup they have. The last ones I had looked like this

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170513/ffb46f07402266669d0e44205335f127.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Kev D on May 13, 2017, 07:00:45 PM
I had those once upon a time to, they soon went through a pair of D cell batteries
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 14, 2017, 07:25:44 PM
Bike lights sure have come a long way the last few years. They'll see you coming with that one

Yup, they sure will and more importantly, I will see where I'm going :D

Although there's quite good street lighting on my commute route, so I doubt I will need the higher modes on my commute...


:cheers:

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on July 12, 2017, 08:32:43 PM
So, since Photobucket stole my photos (and they can go eat smurf), I'll repost some of the photos here...

Cube Reaction Hybrid ONE 400:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4279/35473803030_1197af0090_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4207/35820900026_c29643ae4e_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4206/35473803410_7236b7e9e5_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4210/35473803760_1c992b5be2_b.jpg)

I do have some improvements on the bike, but I have to fix some things before new photos ;D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on July 12, 2017, 08:34:42 PM
And the pics of Fenix BC30R as well:

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4071/35629694341_e93650f3b9_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4055/35761491295_d198df8039_b.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4108/35629694031_0232422d3f_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on August 13, 2017, 04:40:16 PM
Um yes, the handlebars of my E-bike are getting a lil crowded...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4383/36119380480_155e06f9e7_b.jpg)

From bottom to the top:
Ergon GP2 grips
Bosch Intuvia E-bike control unit
Rixen & Kaul Klickfix BottleKlick with Topeak Modula 2 and Bottle
Knog Oi! Bike Bell
Rixen & Kaul Klickfix Handebar adapter for E-bikes with Mini Basket
Bosch Intuvia E-bike display unit
Fenix BC330R Rechargeable Bike Light with the Burst Light button between the grip and gear shifter

 :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on August 15, 2017, 06:27:10 PM
I've had 3 years and some 9000km on e-bikes. The folding models in my case. Jerusalem is incredibly hilly and it's a great tool. My current bike has a 48V battery in it, no 25km/h limiter and a thumb throttle which is nice (though somewhat illegal). I've had to give them up for the moment due to health issues and am now commuting using a car :( My battery is 13.5 amp which will give me about 40km distance due to the hills. Unfortunately battery life drops linearly from my experience and 3 separate batteries so that after a year of constant use it will give only 60% of the charge that it once had even though the battery is rated for about two years worth of charges.

My biggest problem with these bikes is that the are mostly not built to handle the power on the road, at least not the ones I've had. The brakes and tires are too small, suspension not sufficient and when you are keeping up with road traffic at 50km/h, indicators and brake lights become a must as well as a good set of mirrors. I'd also question bike helmets protection at those speeds. I've fallen off a few times during those 3 years and with narrow lanes and almost no bike lanes in this country, commuting at that speed and without proper equipment is a real worry, a fractured knee was the last result of a fall (the one time I didn't put knee guards on!) and I've had to replace 3 helmets. Recent models released here are equipped with (much) wider tires, have dual hydraulic disk brakes, a brake/indicator light system and dual mirrors as standard.

I'd like to build a 'proper' e-bike one day for myself. Based on a mountain bike system with a mid drive system and with all the extras I believe are needed. One day. :)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on August 15, 2017, 07:19:37 PM
I've had 3 years and some 9000km on e-bikes. The folding models in my case. Jerusalem is incredibly hilly and it's a great tool. My current bike has a 48V battery in it, no 25km/h limiter and a thumb throttle which is nice (though somewhat illegal). I've had to give them up for the moment due to health issues and am now commuting using a car :( My battery is 13.5 amp which will give me about 40km distance due to the hills. Unfortunately battery life drops linearly from my experience and 3 separate batteries so that after a year of constant use it will give only 60% of the charge that it once had even though the battery is rated for about two years worth of charges.

My biggest problem with these bikes is that the are mostly not built to handle the power on the road, at least not the ones I've had. The brakes and tires are too small, suspension not sufficient and when you are keeping up with road traffic at 50km/h, indicators and brake lights become a must as well as a good set of mirrors. I'd also question bike helmets protection at those speeds. I've fallen off a few times during those 3 years and with narrow lanes and almost no bike lanes in this country, commuting at that speed and without proper equipment is a real worry, a fractured knee was the last result of a fall (the one time I didn't put knee guards on!) and I've had to replace 3 helmets. Recent models released here are equipped with (much) wider tires, have dual hydraulic disk brakes, a brake/indicator light system and dual mirrors as standard.

I'd like to build a 'proper' e-bike one day for myself. Based on a mountain bike system with a mid drive system and with all the extras I believe are needed. One day. :)

Those 50km/h E-bikes need to be registered as mopeds here, and are mostly not allowed ride on what we call "light traffic lanes", which are meant for pedestrians and bicycles, also you will need a proper motorcycle helmet.

I'm quite happy with the 25 km/h limit, the E-bike still cut my commute time in half, and I specifically wanted a quality factory built bike with Bosch motor and battery for longevity. Not cheap, but as they say, you get what you pay for :)

I ride about 2500+ km a year just for my commute, all year around, sometimes in 15 cm of snow in the winter, which is where the E.bike will help the most :)

Edit: No disrespect to your bikes at all, I've not ridden them so I wouldn't know :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on August 15, 2017, 07:27:52 PM
I've had 3 years and some 9000km on e-bikes. The folding models in my case. Jerusalem is incredibly hilly and it's a great tool. My current bike has a 48V battery in it, no 25km/h limiter and a thumb throttle which is nice (though somewhat illegal). I've had to give them up for the moment due to health issues and am now commuting using a car :( My battery is 13.5 amp which will give me about 40km distance due to the hills. Unfortunately battery life drops linearly from my experience and 3 separate batteries so that after a year of constant use it will give only 60% of the charge that it once had even though the battery is rated for about two years worth of charges.

My biggest problem with these bikes is that the are mostly not built to handle the power on the road, at least not the ones I've had. The brakes and tires are too small, suspension not sufficient and when you are keeping up with road traffic at 50km/h, indicators and brake lights become a must as well as a good set of mirrors. I'd also question bike helmets protection at those speeds. I've fallen off a few times during those 3 years and with narrow lanes and almost no bike lanes in this country, commuting at that speed and without proper equipment is a real worry, a fractured knee was the last result of a fall (the one time I didn't put knee guards on!) and I've had to replace 3 helmets. Recent models released here are equipped with (much) wider tires, have dual hydraulic disk brakes, a brake/indicator light system and dual mirrors as standard.

I'd like to build a 'proper' e-bike one day for myself. Based on a mountain bike system with a mid drive system and with all the extras I believe are needed. One day. :)

Those 50km/h E-bikes need to be registered as mopeds here, and are mostly not allowed ride on what we call "light traffic lanes", which are meant for pedestrians and bicycles, also you will need a proper motorcycle helmet.

I'm quite happy with the 25 km/h limit, the E-bike still cut my commute time in half, and I specifically wanted a quality factory built bike with Bosch motor and battery for longevity. Not cheap, but as they say, you get what you pay for :)

I ride about 2500+ km a year just for my commute, all year around, sometimes in 15 cm of snow in the winter, which is where the E.bike will help the most :)

Edit: No disrespect to your bikes at all, I've not ridden them so I wouldn't know :D

I'm amazed at you riding in the snow! The bikes here with their thin tires are treacherous enough just in rain. That's what fractured my knee. First rain of the year, wet and slick with a years worth of oil from the road. My bike can't do 50km/h on it's own but on a flat and with my pedalling, it's quite easy to get to. Heck I keep the power on 3/5, full power scares the heck out of me. :)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on August 15, 2017, 07:49:34 PM
I've had 3 years and some 9000km on e-bikes. The folding models in my case. Jerusalem is incredibly hilly and it's a great tool. My current bike has a 48V battery in it, no 25km/h limiter and a thumb throttle which is nice (though somewhat illegal). I've had to give them up for the moment due to health issues and am now commuting using a car :( My battery is 13.5 amp which will give me about 40km distance due to the hills. Unfortunately battery life drops linearly from my experience and 3 separate batteries so that after a year of constant use it will give only 60% of the charge that it once had even though the battery is rated for about two years worth of charges.

My biggest problem with these bikes is that the are mostly not built to handle the power on the road, at least not the ones I've had. The brakes and tires are too small, suspension not sufficient and when you are keeping up with road traffic at 50km/h, indicators and brake lights become a must as well as a good set of mirrors. I'd also question bike helmets protection at those speeds. I've fallen off a few times during those 3 years and with narrow lanes and almost no bike lanes in this country, commuting at that speed and without proper equipment is a real worry, a fractured knee was the last result of a fall (the one time I didn't put knee guards on!) and I've had to replace 3 helmets. Recent models released here are equipped with (much) wider tires, have dual hydraulic disk brakes, a brake/indicator light system and dual mirrors as standard.

I'd like to build a 'proper' e-bike one day for myself. Based on a mountain bike system with a mid drive system and with all the extras I believe are needed. One day. :)

Those 50km/h E-bikes need to be registered as mopeds here, and are mostly not allowed ride on what we call "light traffic lanes", which are meant for pedestrians and bicycles, also you will need a proper motorcycle helmet.

I'm quite happy with the 25 km/h limit, the E-bike still cut my commute time in half, and I specifically wanted a quality factory built bike with Bosch motor and battery for longevity. Not cheap, but as they say, you get what you pay for :)

I ride about 2500+ km a year just for my commute, all year around, sometimes in 15 cm of snow in the winter, which is where the E.bike will help the most :)

Edit: No disrespect to your bikes at all, I've not ridden them so I wouldn't know :D

I'm amazed at you riding in the snow! The bikes here with their thin tires are treacherous enough just in rain. That's what fractured my knee. First rain of the year, wet and slick with a years worth of oil from the road. My bike can't do 50km/h on it's own but on a flat and with my pedalling, it's quite easy to get to. Heck I keep the power on 3/5, full power scares the heck out of me. :)

That's why we have 2.25 inch studded winter tires for, riding on snow and ice (around 400 studs on Schwalbe 29" Ice Spiker Pro's). Also my summer tires are Schwalbe 2.35" tires, no problems in the rain.

PS: I actually went 49.5 km/h today on a steep downhill, it gets quite scary...  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on August 15, 2017, 07:57:18 PM
I've had 3 years and some 9000km on e-bikes. The folding models in my case. Jerusalem is incredibly hilly and it's a great tool. My current bike has a 48V battery in it, no 25km/h limiter and a thumb throttle which is nice (though somewhat illegal). I've had to give them up for the moment due to health issues and am now commuting using a car :( My battery is 13.5 amp which will give me about 40km distance due to the hills. Unfortunately battery life drops linearly from my experience and 3 separate batteries so that after a year of constant use it will give only 60% of the charge that it once had even though the battery is rated for about two years worth of charges.

My biggest problem with these bikes is that the are mostly not built to handle the power on the road, at least not the ones I've had. The brakes and tires are too small, suspension not sufficient and when you are keeping up with road traffic at 50km/h, indicators and brake lights become a must as well as a good set of mirrors. I'd also question bike helmets protection at those speeds. I've fallen off a few times during those 3 years and with narrow lanes and almost no bike lanes in this country, commuting at that speed and without proper equipment is a real worry, a fractured knee was the last result of a fall (the one time I didn't put knee guards on!) and I've had to replace 3 helmets. Recent models released here are equipped with (much) wider tires, have dual hydraulic disk brakes, a brake/indicator light system and dual mirrors as standard.

I'd like to build a 'proper' e-bike one day for myself. Based on a mountain bike system with a mid drive system and with all the extras I believe are needed. One day. :)

Those 50km/h E-bikes need to be registered as mopeds here, and are mostly not allowed ride on what we call "light traffic lanes", which are meant for pedestrians and bicycles, also you will need a proper motorcycle helmet.

I'm quite happy with the 25 km/h limit, the E-bike still cut my commute time in half, and I specifically wanted a quality factory built bike with Bosch motor and battery for longevity. Not cheap, but as they say, you get what you pay for :)

I ride about 2500+ km a year just for my commute, all year around, sometimes in 15 cm of snow in the winter, which is where the E.bike will help the most :)

Edit: No disrespect to your bikes at all, I've not ridden them so I wouldn't know :D

I'm amazed at you riding in the snow! The bikes here with their thin tires are treacherous enough just in rain. That's what fractured my knee. First rain of the year, wet and slick with a years worth of oil from the road. My bike can't do 50km/h on it's own but on a flat and with my pedalling, it's quite easy to get to. Heck I keep the power on 3/5, full power scares the heck out of me. :)

That's why we have 2.25 inch studded winter tires for, riding on snow and ice (around 400 studs on Schwalbe 29" Ice Spiker Pro's). Also my summer tires are Schwalbe 2.35" tires, no problems in the rain.

PS: I actually went 49.5 km/h today on a steep downhill, it gets quite scary...  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

Try doing 65km/h downhill on 20" thin tires. Yikes!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on August 28, 2017, 08:17:41 AM
The dark season is coming, which means I need to be seen while I bike to work.

So... I installed a few reflectors on the E-bike...  ;)

A Cateye front reflector on the basket, held on by a screw:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/36463370700_e29eb4083f_b.jpg)

Couple of Busch & Muller red rear reflectors, zip tie installation:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4385/36688967702_b51e2ca8ef_b.jpg)

And four Busch & Muller spoke reflectors (those were just click in types):
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4412/36463366400_ffa394d697_b.jpg)

If you ride in the dark, make sure you will be seen too!

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on August 28, 2017, 10:36:55 AM
Probably next month I will buy the winter tires for the E-bike...

Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Performance:

(https://www.schwalbe.com/files/schwalbe/userupload/Images/Produkte/_2016/ice_spiker_pro/_detail_ice_spiker_pro.jpg)

400+ studs on each tire...

I've been using these for years, and they are extremely grippy on ice, on snow and decent on bare asphalt (except of the noise they make on it)

As far as I know, these are the BEST winter tires in existence :tu:

:cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on August 29, 2017, 01:24:22 PM
Probably next month I will buy the winter tires for the E-bike...

Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Performance:

(https://www.schwalbe.com/files/schwalbe/userupload/Images/Produkte/_2016/ice_spiker_pro/_detail_ice_spiker_pro.jpg)

400+ studs on each tire...

I've been using these for years, and they are extremely grippy on ice, on snow and decent on bare asphalt (except of the noise they make on it)

As far as I know, these are the BEST winter tires in existence :tu:

:cheers:

Those look incredible!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on August 30, 2017, 07:24:12 PM
Probably next month I will buy the winter tires for the E-bike...

Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Performance:

(https://www.schwalbe.com/files/schwalbe/userupload/Images/Produkte/_2016/ice_spiker_pro/_detail_ice_spiker_pro.jpg)

400+ studs on each tire...

I've been using these for years, and they are extremely grippy on ice, on snow and decent on bare asphalt (except of the noise they make on it)

As far as I know, these are the BEST winter tires in existence :tu:

:cheers:

Those look incredible!

They don't only look incredible, they are... Quite a few times I've thought "ok it wasn't all that slippery today" only to step off the bike and have my shoes slip on the ice :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on August 31, 2017, 08:51:07 AM
Probably next month I will buy the winter tires for the E-bike...

Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro Performance:

(https://www.schwalbe.com/files/schwalbe/userupload/Images/Produkte/_2016/ice_spiker_pro/_detail_ice_spiker_pro.jpg)

400+ studs on each tire...

I've been using these for years, and they are extremely grippy on ice, on snow and decent on bare asphalt (except of the noise they make on it)

As far as I know, these are the BEST winter tires in existence :tu:

:cheers:

Those look incredible!

They don't only look incredible, they are... Quite a few times I've thought "ok it wasn't all that slippery today" only to step off the bike and have my shoes slip on the ice :D

Have you got any suggestions for really grippy tires for rain and general oily roads?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on August 31, 2017, 09:13:34 AM
Have you got any suggestions for really grippy tires for rain and general oily roads?

What size wheels/tyres?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on August 31, 2017, 08:23:56 PM
Have you got any suggestions for really grippy tires for rain and general oily roads?

What size wheels/tyres?
Currently 20".
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on September 01, 2017, 11:02:02 AM
What's the ETRTO number (something like 37-406) on the side of the tyre, and what have you got on there at the moment?  There are a few different 20" sizes out there - the 406 is the most common I think.  You don't need tread on tarmac, and nothing will grip on oil.  Schwalbe will probably make something suitable - Marathon, Marathon Racer or Kojak, depending on what width you can fit in your frame.  I like Panaracer - they make the Minits and Pasela that look like they will work.  Or Continental Contact/Contact Speed.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on September 01, 2017, 11:42:58 AM
I'll have to check, the bikes in work at the moment and I won't be back there till Sunday.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 01, 2017, 04:06:13 PM
My recommendation would be wither Schwalbe Marathon Plus (nice pretty much indestructible tire) or Schwalbe Big Apple (nice cushiony ride)

Both with quite minimal pattern, since basicly a slick tire would be optimal on tarmac, just different in which one is more important to you,
durability or ride comfortability :)

That said, it's all depending how wide tire your bike takes...

Few are shown in here, just choose the right tire size (https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour.html)

:cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on September 03, 2017, 08:24:27 AM
My recommendation would be wither Schwalbe Marathon Plus (nice pretty much indestructible tire) or Schwalbe Big Apple (nice cushiony ride)

Both with quite minimal pattern, since basicly a slick tire would be optimal on tarmac, just different in which one is more important to you,
durability or ride comfortability :)

That said, it's all depending how wide tire your bike takes...

Few are shown in here, just choose the right tire size (https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour.html)

:cheers:

That Marathon Plus does look really good. Thanks!

Although a slick tire is good on tarmac, I'm specifically looking for one which will grip the road in rain. I know treads won't make a huge difference for that but is there other technology which might help?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on September 03, 2017, 08:42:19 AM
What's the ETRTO number (something like 37-406) on the side of the tyre, and what have you got on there at the moment?  There are a few different 20" sizes out there - the 406 is the most common I think.  You don't need tread on tarmac, and nothing will grip on oil.  Schwalbe will probably make something suitable - Marathon, Marathon Racer or Kojak, depending on what width you can fit in your frame.  I like Panaracer - they make the Minits and Pasela that look like they will work.  Or Continental Contact/Contact Speed.

57-406. Rather wider than the usual. Schwalbe don't have anything in it.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 03, 2017, 09:45:44 AM
My recommendation would be wither Schwalbe Marathon Plus (nice pretty much indestructible tire) or Schwalbe Big Apple (nice cushiony ride)

Both with quite minimal pattern, since basicly a slick tire would be optimal on tarmac, just different in which one is more important to you,
durability or ride comfortability :)

That said, it's all depending how wide tire your bike takes...

Few are shown in here, just choose the right tire size (https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour.html)

:cheers:

That Marathon Plus does look really good. Thanks!

Although a slick tire is good on tarmac, I'm specifically looking for one which will grip the road in rain. I know treads won't make a huge difference for that but is there other technology which might help?

Not that I've heard of, but at normal cycling speeds (and e-bike speeds) wet tarmac should not be an issue.

Linking an article by Sheldon Brown, the patron saint of all cyclists: http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#tread

There you should have all the information you need, check the rest of his site as well, there is vast loads of bicycle information.

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
:cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on September 03, 2017, 12:04:48 PM
Unless you really need the total puncture proofing, if Street clear of the Marathon Plus. Too heavy, too slow.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on September 03, 2017, 12:08:23 PM
My favourite bike:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4362/36856114391_c71fc558bc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Y9RdL8)
 :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 03, 2017, 02:24:41 PM
Slick, very slick! :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on September 03, 2017, 04:22:53 PM
Unless you really need the total puncture proofing, if Street clear of the Marathon Plus. Too heavy, too slow.
Keep in mind that I've travelling up to 50km/h. That's about 30mph. It's one of the only one Schwalbe recommend for motors that go up to that speed from their own line. Not that they have them in the correct size so it's rather academic :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on September 03, 2017, 04:25:28 PM
My recommendation would be wither Schwalbe Marathon Plus (nice pretty much indestructible tire) or Schwalbe Big Apple (nice cushiony ride)

Both with quite minimal pattern, since basicly a slick tire would be optimal on tarmac, just different in which one is more important to you,
durability or ride comfortability :)

That said, it's all depending how wide tire your bike takes...

Few are shown in here, just choose the right tire size (https://www.schwalbe.com/en/tour.html)

:cheers:

That Marathon Plus does look really good. Thanks!

Although a slick tire is good on tarmac, I'm specifically looking for one which will grip the road in rain. I know treads won't make a huge difference for that but is there other technology which might help?

Not that I've heard of, but at normal cycling speeds (and e-bike speeds) wet tarmac should not be an issue.

Linking an article by Sheldon Brown, the patron saint of all cyclists: http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#tread

There you should have all the information you need, check the rest of his site as well, there is vast loads of bicycle information.

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
:cheers:

Thanks for the link! Reading it now.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 04, 2017, 12:05:41 PM
Unless you really need the total puncture proofing, if Street clear of the Marathon Plus. Too heavy, too slow.
Keep in mind that I've travelling up to 50km/h. That's about 30mph. It's one of the only one Schwalbe recommend for motors that go up to that speed from their own line. Not that they have them in the correct size so it's rather academic :D

Also the weight of the tire is kind of non issue when you have an e-bike :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on September 04, 2017, 12:13:26 PM
Unless you really need the total puncture proofing, if Street clear of the Marathon Plus. Too heavy, too slow.
Keep in mind that I've travelling up to 50km/h. That's about 30mph. It's one of the only one Schwalbe recommend for motors that go up to that speed from their own line. Not that they have them in the correct size so it's rather academic :D
I know nothing about motorbikes. ;)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 07, 2017, 08:10:26 PM
It's getting a bit rainy over here in Finland as the fall descends upon us, so one needs a bit of rain gear...

So here are some of mine (and while all of them are sold by Varusteleka, I am not by all means affiliated by then, just a happy customer)

Mil-Tec US Model Rain Poncho, Ripstop Nylon (https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/mil-tec-us-model-rain-poncho-ripstop-nylon/15340)
(https://www.varusteleka.fi/pictures/15340.jpg)

British MVP Rain Jacket, Desert DPM (https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/british-mvp-rain-jacket-desert-dpm-surplus/25059)
(https://www.varusteleka.fi/pictures/25059.jpg)

British MVP Rain Trousers, Desert DPM (https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/british-mvp-rain-trousers-desert-dpm-surplus/25047)
(https://www.varusteleka.fi/pictures/25047.jpg)

And yeah, some of you UK lads may be familiar with the latter two ;)

In any case, I'm just saying, Mother Nature... Bring it ON! ;)

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on September 07, 2017, 08:30:39 PM
I wear this:

http://www.blackrockworkwear.com/high-visibility/hi-vis-jackets/120-high-visibility-coat

and this:

http://www.blackrockworkwear.com/high-visibility/hi-vis-trousers/25-high-visibility-overtrousers

Nope, it's not bike wear at all but it's utterly impervious to the incredible rainfalls that come so suddenly here. From sunny and bright to the road being 15cm deep under water in just 10-15 minutes. Keeping in mind also that an electric bike does not quite require the weight and movement considerations of a push pedal bike. The coat is particularly comfortable, warm and tough. I barely wear a regular coat any more. Most of all, on a bike in conditions like that, being seen is unbelievably important. Especially in a middle eastern country where wet driving is far from the particular expertise of the drivers, unlike in northern Europe where I learnt to drive and gained my experience.

Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on September 08, 2017, 03:19:42 PM
Of course there is always this:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2062991411/under-cover-the-bike-umbrella-der-fahrrad-schirm?ref=category_newest

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 08, 2017, 04:13:44 PM
 :facepalm:

 :rofl:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: ToolJoe on September 16, 2017, 03:32:38 PM
Anybody here ride a road bike with disc brakes? I'm thinking about making the move to one..  :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 16, 2017, 05:58:55 PM
Not riding a road bike, but disc brakes are always a good idea :tu:

 :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Spartan19 on September 17, 2017, 02:08:05 AM
+1 A lot nicer than brake pads, especially if you like to kick the back end out for a drift stop! :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on September 17, 2017, 07:10:47 AM
All my bikes have disc brakes and they're great, but I reckon my next one will probably have rim brakes.  Really it depends what you want to do with it - for all year round use, in bad weather, with heavy loads or off road they make sense.  But for a fast, light, summer bike rim brakes might be best.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on September 29, 2017, 11:08:43 PM
Welcome to Skidsville. (https://www.pinkbike.com/news/mike-hopkins-skidsville-video-2017.html)  8)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on September 30, 2017, 06:38:55 AM
Found the youtube version, so it gets embedded instead:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5nZn9ogjtU
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 30, 2017, 04:13:47 PM
 :salute: :tu: :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on October 13, 2017, 12:59:32 PM
Stuffed my bike into the verge on the way into work this morning. :ahhh  Lost the front wheel on a wet and slippy corner, landed on my hip and slid across the road on my side.  Fortunately it was a quiet lane but I didn't feel up for riding the rest of the way into work so turned round and went home.  Finding it tough to sit down comfortably now. :(
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on October 13, 2017, 02:38:30 PM
Stuffed my bike into the verge on the way into work this morning. :ahhh  Lost the front wheel on a wet and slippy corner, landed on my hip and slid across the road on my side.  Fortunately it was a quiet lane but I didn't feel up for riding the rest of the way into work so turned round and went home.  Finding it tough to sit down comfortably now. :(

Bike ok? Hope you get yourself fixed soon!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on October 13, 2017, 04:22:36 PM
Bike ok?
Ha, that was my first thought too. :D  Just a scratched brake lever and pedal, and some ripped bar tape.

Feeling stiff now but vitamin I is working wonders. :salute:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on October 21, 2017, 10:42:41 AM
It's getting that time of year again, my fellow cyclists, so...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4055/35761491295_d198df8039_b.jpg)

(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1441/3806/products/PDW_Summer_Lifestyle_201713_1024x1024.jpg?v=1500493876)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4412/36463366400_c5c689c5fa_k.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4389/36463370700_b1460250a2_k.jpg)

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4385/36688967702_adeece0393_k.jpg)

Make sure you are seen wherever you may ride!

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on October 21, 2017, 10:47:56 AM
As a side note, I got me a new floor pump: Topeak Joe Blow Mountain...

(https://cdn.topeak.com/global/storage/app/media/_mediathumbs/product-pumps-floor-pumps-joeblow-mountain-joeblow-mountain-1-b1c515f7db9d8b17669ae9eed435dcb0.jpg)

Specifically meant for large tires, it has an oversize cylinder for that extra air volume, up to 5 bar/75psi pressure
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: ToolJoe on October 21, 2017, 05:43:56 PM
That is a nice looking pump. A few years back, I needed a new pump and went to the bike shop and asked what they use on the floor. They showed me and I bought it. Probably 8 years later, it is still trucking along..
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on January 17, 2018, 08:33:27 PM
I took a fall couple weeks back (curse that damned slush) I think there's still a hole of my shape on the snowbank beside the road (I was really lucky to fall on the soft snow instead of the hard road surface)

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 21, 2018, 09:16:14 AM
I guess it's about the start of the "Cycling Season"...  ::)

All my fellow cyclists, let's bring back this thread, and share all bike related things!  :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 21, 2018, 09:18:38 AM
I swapped the summer tires on the bike couple weeks ago, and boy is there a difference...

Seriously, the bike almost rolls on its own now, the battery lasts almost twice as long, and riding is fun again  :pok:

  :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on May 02, 2018, 09:19:26 PM
My new bicycle is a vintage Gazelle (Dutch made in 1978). It´ll last another 40 years if I take care of it. This is their last model done with steel frame, wheels, and ball bearings, with later models including more and more parts made of aluminium and Teflon. The bicycle is heavy, but smooth as a Rolls Royce. I´ve been riding it for 4 weeks now, over 100km per week and I love it. The ding dong bell is new.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: magentus on May 03, 2018, 12:05:54 PM
That's a lovely bike Ron!  :cheers: Very apt bell too. Make yourself heard with it  :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on May 03, 2018, 05:54:11 PM
Thanks Mags. What I like best is the ancient brake system. Drums with steel levers, no cables. The brakes are synced too.  8) 8) 8)
Also: Sturmey Archer 3-speed and oil bath chain guard. The bike needs little maintenance and is a great for daily commuting.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on May 03, 2018, 06:14:23 PM
Thanks Mags. What I like best is the ancient brake system. Drums with steel levers, no cables. The brakes are synced too.  8) 8) 8)
Also: Sturmey Archer 3-speed and oil bath chain guard. The bike needs little maintenance and is a great for daily commuting.

It's probably thief proof also. Who would choose that bike over the latest multicoloured funky wonder?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on May 03, 2018, 06:19:40 PM
Thanks Mags. What I like best is the ancient brake system. Drums with steel levers, no cables. The brakes are synced too.  8) 8) 8)
Also: Sturmey Archer 3-speed and oil bath chain guard. The bike needs little maintenance and is a great for daily commuting.

It's probably thief proof also. Who would choose that bike over the latest multicoloured funky wonder?

People like me. There aren´t many  :D

The best thing is I got this bike for free and needed only E 50 to get it back in like new condition.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on May 03, 2018, 07:17:28 PM
Thanks Mags. What I like best is the ancient brake system. Drums with steel levers, no cables. The brakes are synced too.  8) 8) 8)
Also: Sturmey Archer 3-speed and oil bath chain guard. The bike needs little maintenance and is a great for daily commuting.

It's probably thief proof also. Who would choose that bike over the latest multicoloured funky wonder?

People like me. There aren´t many  :D

The best thing is I got this bike for free and needed only E 50 to get it back in like new condition.

As I get ready to pull the plug on a $3000 recumbent trike, stories like that make me cry.  :rofl:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 03, 2018, 07:29:49 PM
Thanks Mags. What I like best is the ancient brake system. Drums with steel levers, no cables. The brakes are synced too.  8) 8) 8)
Also: Sturmey Archer 3-speed and oil bath chain guard. The bike needs little maintenance and is a great for daily commuting.

Classic stuff! Awesome bike, Ron! :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 03, 2018, 07:31:40 PM
Thanks Mags. What I like best is the ancient brake system. Drums with steel levers, no cables. The brakes are synced too.  8) 8) 8)
Also: Sturmey Archer 3-speed and oil bath chain guard. The bike needs little maintenance and is a great for daily commuting.

It's probably thief proof also. Who would choose that bike over the latest multicoloured funky wonder?

People like me. There aren´t many  :D

The best thing is I got this bike for free and needed only E 50 to get it back in like new condition.

As I get ready to pull the plug on a $3000 recumbent trike, stories like that make me cry.  :rofl:

As an owner of 2000e+ E-bike, I kinda get that, but then again, I couldn't ride that one over here, I'm too out of shape... We have hills you know  ::)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on May 03, 2018, 07:46:02 PM
Thanks Mags. What I like best is the ancient brake system. Drums with steel levers, no cables. The brakes are synced too.  8) 8) 8)
Also: Sturmey Archer 3-speed and oil bath chain guard. The bike needs little maintenance and is a great for daily commuting.

It's probably thief proof also. Who would choose that bike over the latest multicoloured funky wonder?

People like me. There aren´t many  :D

The best thing is I got this bike for free and needed only E 50 to get it back in like new condition.

As I get ready to pull the plug on a $3000 recumbent trike, stories like that make me cry.  :rofl:

I saw the pic in your thread. If that´s what you need to move around, go for it !

I got mine through sheer luck. I was going to buy a new one and had the money ready too when it was gifted to me.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on May 03, 2018, 07:56:29 PM
BTW I got my first bicycle as my sixth anniversary birthday present, and I´ve been riding bicycles ever since. Classics, ATBs, racers, you name it. Next August 18th is my 56th birthday; I can´t even begin to guess how many miles I pedalled away in 50 years.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 03, 2018, 08:23:42 PM
BTW I got my first bicycle as my sixth anniversary birthday present, and I´ve been riding bicycles ever since. Classics, ATBs, racers, you name it. Next August 18th is my 56th birthday; I can´t even begin to guess how many miles I pedalled away in 50 years.

I just got the first anniversary on my E-bike, 3145km in the first year  :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on May 03, 2018, 08:55:36 PM
BTW I got my first bicycle as my sixth anniversary birthday present, and I´ve been riding bicycles ever since. Classics, ATBs, racers, you name it. Next August 18th is my 56th birthday; I can´t even begin to guess how many miles I pedalled away in 50 years.

I just got the first anniversary on my E-bike, 3145km in the first year  :cheers:

That´s about 1000 times pi. Now if you have wheels of 1 meter in diameter ...  :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 04, 2018, 12:51:35 PM
Mmm, pi...  :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Pacu on May 27, 2018, 03:22:22 AM
I remember back in 1989 seeing my first mt bike in taos new mexico. We were hiking Philmont scout ranch during that summer. Between 1990 and 2000 i must have had 20 plus mountain bikes, just 3 road bikes. My first bike was a Ross pos , heavy as hell chrome monster. Then I got into Treks. 930, 950, 990, Y with xt.  I had a Schwinn homegrown back when Schwinn was awesome there for a bit. I had a Ritchey with an awesome yellow Judy rockshox.  I had a Girvin with the funky handlebar suspension, I had the privilege to ride an Ibis bowTi for a bit.

I'm a bit timid when it came to road bikes. At 6'5 it seemed like i was far away from the ground . Clipping in for the first time was terrifying . The road crowd at the local bike club were not very welcoming of new roadies. They would smoke you leaving you in the dust. I mainly just road with friends in bike tours around Texas. Hotter than Hell was one we went to quite a bit. 100 miles in 100 plus August heat.

I haven't ridden a bike in a few years although I still have my 2000 Trek 8000 and Specialized Allez with Campy. I need to fix my back rear derailler on my mt bike and ease back into cycling. That skidders youtube video was pretty much my childhood. Always on a bike when I was younger. 
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 23, 2018, 06:58:50 PM
It's starting to be that time again, fellow cyclists...

Get those lights on, check the batteries, and most importantly.. BE SEEN!

https://youtu.be/Jmg86CRBBtw

Lets be careful out there... Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on September 23, 2018, 07:15:03 PM
I don´t like riding in the dark, but I have to, or else I´ll be late for work. I´m leaving at 06:30, now well before sunrise, and I´ve been using lights again for the past two weeks.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on September 23, 2018, 07:17:45 PM
I'll be riding in the dark both ways soon, from mid october to mid march or so...

Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on October 12, 2018, 03:04:53 AM
My ride...
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on October 14, 2018, 06:40:51 PM
Time for my yearly lights rant  :D

It's about the time, my fellow cyclists!

Get those lights and reflectors ready so that not only YOU will see, but also you will BE SEEN!

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on October 15, 2018, 12:39:45 AM
I don’t ride in the dark myself. Camp setup before nightfall. And sleep!  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on October 21, 2018, 11:10:03 AM
Time for my yearly lights rant  :D

It's about the time, my fellow cyclists!

Get those lights and reflectors ready so that not only YOU will see, but also you will BE SEEN!

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!

I'll add visible clothing. Seriously, it makes a huge difference.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on October 21, 2018, 05:47:34 PM
Time for my yearly lights rant  :D

It's about the time, my fellow cyclists!

Get those lights and reflectors ready so that not only YOU will see, but also you will BE SEEN!

Ride safe, ride smart, have fun!

I'll add visible clothing. Seriously, it makes a huge difference.

That is very much true!  :cheers:

I have Endura hi-viz helmet cover and a Respro hi-viz Sam Browne belt (don't like the hi-viz vest cause it makes me sweat  :P)

(https://static.endura.co.uk/E0098YV_lg.jpg)

(http://respro.com/images/product_images/23/sam-browne-utility-belt__zoom.jpg)

Both have hi-viz and reflective elements and the helmet cover even has a rear light (which I rarely use though)

Also, few of my jackets have velcro on the upper arm, so I stick reflector patches on those as well, and I have hanging reflectors for just about every jacket I own  :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on October 21, 2018, 10:15:00 PM
I went for a walk on the moors of Kampina (Netherlands) today. There is a war memorial there, lest we forget and it was all in vain.

A cyclist of the resistance carrying food in a milk bin.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on October 21, 2018, 10:20:06 PM
I don’t ride in the dark myself. Camp setup before nightfall. And sleep!  :tu:

I absolutely love riding at night.  Roads are quiet, there's no one around and you get to see the best wildlife - badgers, foxes, owls. :dd:  Best bit is when the moon is bright and you switch your lights off, cruising along in silence, lit only by a silvery glow. :)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: TonySal on October 27, 2018, 11:11:01 PM
Opinion question please!
If you could, which modern road bike would you buy?
I had an 'English Racer' as a kid and a 1980 Motobacane *Italian?
but has the thin tires and uncomfortable ram horns.
I need something NYC rugged but comfortable for my advancing age!
Thanks guys,  stay safe!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on October 28, 2018, 09:37:47 AM
Worth having a look at the new 'gravel' bikes, I reckon. Fatter tires, disc brakes and a more upright position will help with comfort and control. Go to a decent bike shop and get them to get the right size.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: TonySal on October 28, 2018, 01:57:37 PM
Worth having a look at the new 'gravel' bikes, I reckon. Fatter tires, disc brakes and a more upright position will help with comfort and control. Go to a decent bike shop and get them to get the right size.
Thanks, yes I would go to pro shop.  Any brand or are they similar in price point?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on October 28, 2018, 03:39:35 PM
Some better than others for sure, but I don't know what the US market is like.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on November 24, 2018, 03:58:13 PM
Caught a flat yesterday...

When checking the tire before changing a new tube (and winter tires) on, I found this tiniest of piece of gravel, like a tiny arrowhead, lodged into the tire...  :oops:

I guess I should have changed the winter tires on earlier, they have a kevlar protection layer  :-\

Oh well, ride smart, ride safe, have fun!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on December 03, 2018, 05:17:59 PM
Opinion question please!
If you could, which modern road bike would you buy?
I had an 'English Racer' as a kid and a 1980 Motobacane *Italian?
but has the thin tires and uncomfortable ram horns.
I need something NYC rugged but comfortable for my advancing age!
Thanks guys,  stay safe!
You really need to hit the bike shop...and don’t buy...most shops carry a couple of brands...hit another shop and keep looking. Then research the ones you like You will find one.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: TonySal on December 18, 2018, 04:24:33 AM
Opinion question please!
If you could, which modern road bike would you buy?
I had an 'English Racer' as a kid and a 1980 Motobacane *Italian?
but has the thin tires and uncomfortable ram horns.
I need something NYC rugged but comfortable for my advancing age!
Thanks guys,  stay safe!
You really need to hit the bike shop...and don’t buy...most shops carry a couple of brands...hit another shop and keep looking. Then research the ones you like You will find one.
Thanks! Of course I would pbysically look and resesrch and ask you guys and da wife.....
Title: When N+1 = 11
Post by: PTRSAK on January 10, 2019, 01:37:23 PM
Hello my name is Peter and I have a Problem.
I don't know how it got like this, I just had my 20+ year old MTB with flat tyres sitting out the back and probably hadn't thrown a leg over it in years.

Then one day I spotted a scruffy looking GT Avalanche 3.0 in a charity shop for $40 and it followed me home. Started riding with my (then) girlfriend a bit and grew tired of the knobby tyres on the road etc.

Next I saw a nice Giant CRX-One in a pawn shop, a size or two small for me really but I come from a MTB background and old skool bikes were small so I felt at home on it. 105 components, Gatorskins, 20 gears. Now THIS was something different. so effortless.

Another pawn shop, another day and another bike. More near to the correct size for me this time, a decade old but high-end roadie with Ultegra group and a quite aggressive geometry. Alloy frame with Carbon seat stays and forks. Rides very nicely and was soon upgraded to current 11sp 105. Been riding this one to work for the last year, 25km each way commute.
Before I started on the pure leg powered ride to work I was running a DIY eBay kit e-bike. Actually clocked up over 3200km on that beast with the savings in petrol over that distance paying for the bike and some.

Somewhere along the way I modernised my MTB mount to a Fuji Tahoe Pro which soon after I got needed the frame replaced after cracking around the top of the seat tube. Now Astrix Rook frame with Deore 3x10sp and hyd disc brakes.

bought a bunch of parts and built up a bike with the idea of doing a bit of bikepacking but then chanced upon a near new more suitable bike at a price I couldn't pass on.

Recently I swapped my ebike for another one that was in need of work, plus a nice little Bianchi road bike, plus a Specialized Secteur Comp (in bits), plus a Giant ATX MTB only a couple of years old but a bit neglected, plus a Norco Wolverine MTB, PLUS a Reid Harrier Fixie/single speeder...

There isn't a room in my house that doesn't have a bike or parts of bikes in it. From where I sit I can see four bikes.

I need to get some of these things moved on. I'm sure if I sold most of these I could pool all the money and buy somethng REALLY nice like a Madone or a Roubaix. Actually my current dream bike is a Diverge Sport, I'd swap my entire fleet for one of them.

I know, I know...  :worthless:  maybe some day.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on January 10, 2019, 01:41:16 PM
 :like:

I know, I know...  :worthless:  maybe some day.

 :iagree:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on January 10, 2019, 04:04:11 PM
 :iagree:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: PTRSAK on January 10, 2019, 10:58:22 PM
Just a taste until I can take a fleet picture
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on January 11, 2019, 02:00:28 AM
Nice  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on January 29, 2019, 09:13:52 AM
Been trying to get out on my bike more this year - I'm 180cm and 87kg so I could afford to lose a few kg.  Target for the year is 100km/week - easily doable if I commute to work by bike twice a week, or one longer ride at the weekend.  Currently at 660km for January alone. :D  Already feel faster and fitter, even if I haven't lost any weight yet.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 29, 2019, 09:21:59 AM
I rode through a forestry block today - 30km of gravel goodness. My butt is a little bit sore. I plan to ride more.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on January 29, 2019, 09:24:15 AM
Nice.  How did the bike/frame/fork swap shenanigans go?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 29, 2019, 09:29:08 AM
Pretty good, just welded it. Did I not post pics? I was a little grumpy breaking my collar bone right before the race...
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 29, 2019, 09:32:08 AM
Hit some gnarly downhill trails while I was up north and scared the crap out of myself.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on January 29, 2019, 12:58:50 PM
Pretty good, just welded it. Did I not post pics? I was a little grumpy breaking my collar bone right before the race...

I don't know. :think:  Hope your collar bone is feeling better now.  Bust mine about 25 years ago, still gives me a bit of grief every now and then.

Hit some gnarly downhill trails while I was up north and scared the crap out of myself.

Always fun. :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 29, 2019, 08:46:00 PM
It's hay making season, both my shoulders hate me right now.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 29, 2019, 08:48:21 PM
Need to get a little kit bag thing together for my rides. Another tools rabbit hole to fall in... wOOp wOOp!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: TonySal on January 30, 2019, 01:56:39 AM
Need to get a little kit bag thing together for my rides. Another tools rabbit hole to fall in... wOOp wOOp!
Do mean a little one, goes under the seat?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 30, 2019, 06:00:37 AM
Need to get a little kit bag thing together for my rides. Another tools rabbit hole to fall in... wOOp wOOp!
Do mean a little one, goes under the seat?

Pretty much.   :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on January 30, 2019, 08:26:57 AM
Another tools rabbit hole to fall in... wOOp wOOp!

It's a deep one.  I've got too many bike bags... 

2 traditional touring saddle bags
3 'bikepacking' saddle bags
2 frame bags
3 small saddle bags
1 tool roll/seat pack
1 top tube bag
1 handlebar bag
1 bikepacking bar harness
3 panniers

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 30, 2019, 08:56:37 AM
Another tools rabbit hole to fall in... wOOp wOOp!

It's a deep one.  I've got too many bike bags... 

2 traditional touring saddle bags
3 'bikepacking' saddle bags
2 frame bags
3 small saddle bags
1 tool roll/seat pack
1 top tube bag
1 handlebar bag
1 bikepacking bar harness
3 panniers

 :facepalm:

Yes but what kind should I be looking for?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on January 30, 2019, 08:58:15 AM
What do you want to put in it?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 30, 2019, 09:04:02 AM
I'm thinking less as possible. Tube, allen keys, pump etc. I still need to work out just what the essentials are.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on January 30, 2019, 09:23:43 AM
Some kind of tool roll with integrated strap.  Secure, easy to load and make finding what you need simple.  Mine's a Bigxtop: https://www.bigxtop.com/products/saddle-roll
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on January 30, 2019, 09:36:29 AM
I should never have looked...   :dwts:   now I want... LOTS!
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on January 30, 2019, 01:18:08 PM
I need a pump.... had to do my Kaiteriteri loop tonight with flat tyres.  :-[
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: PTRSAK on February 03, 2019, 09:02:41 AM
I'm still grinning like a mad thing a week later on this one.
I was browsing the local Bicycle group on Facebook Marketplace and spotted a listing for various bits and pieces, clicked on the ..more and in amongst it was the following item "Trek Emonda S4 60cm frame and most components, no wheels or front brake, been used on an indoor trainer, suit fix up for commuter or such. $200.00."
Well, I just had to have a look at that... Drove the 150km to the seller's  semi rural location after work and snapped myself up what could be the bargain of the year. The seller is a SERIOUSLY keen cyclist and this was his "old" bike which, as the listing stated, he had been using on a trainer. He had decided to get rid of it and compared to his new bike was worth almost nothing to him...  But a 2015 Trek Emonda  is worth a LOT more than $200... any other listings I could find (albeit for complete bikes) range from $900 to $1200. I have a full 11spd 105 groupset that was on my old bike which I have swapped over onto the Trek and refitted the original 9spd Ultegra gear back on the Raceline.
Even the 10spd Tiagra components I removed from the Trek are worth almost $200.
So, now the flagship of my fleet is what I would call a 2015 Trek Emonda SL4 seeing it has the upgraded groupset over standard. All up it owes me a hair over $500 and would be worth close on three times that. The wheels are pretty average, they were take-offs from a new Merida Scultura 4000 that I picked up for a song. Might have to do some more horse trading and get a pair of carbon rims for my birthday later in the year.
It took a lot of horse trading to get here, but I have my (realistic) dream bike.
Have you ever held a bare carbon frame?  they weigh NOTHING!

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7885/33091574018_fcb13d3981_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/SqbY4C)
Trek Èmonda. (https://flic.kr/p/SqbY4C) by Peter Thorpe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142073398@N03/), on Flickr

Fun fact.  Emonda, Madone and Domane are anagrams
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on February 03, 2019, 09:50:51 AM
Need to get a little kit bag thing together for my rides. Another tools rabbit hole to fall in... wOOp wOOp!
Do mean a little one, goes under the seat?

Pretty much.   :tu:
One of these then.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: PTRSAK on February 03, 2019, 01:09:54 PM
Some of my other pickups of recent times.
I traded a bunch of stuff for my e-bike. (which had paid for itself in saved fuel over the 3000km I put on it. But I never ride it now so I was happy to trade it.
In exchange I got the following.

This lovely little Italian gem, I think it's c2003, 9spd Campagnolo Xenon (I've swapped in a sub compact Shimano chainset (48-34) because my old legs can't push a 42 tooth "small" chainring up Brisbane hills.) This one is a keeper for now.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7858/32026061607_6759845a21_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QN2WkZ)
Bianchi Reparto Corse. (https://flic.kr/p/QN2WkZ) by Peter Thorpe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142073398@N03/), on Flickr

There is his old DIY ebike which I have stripped and am rebuilding, no current pics. it will be a fix up and sell job.

This 2012 model Specialized Secteur Comp which is a size or two too small for me (thankfully, or I'd want to keep it) which is a damn nice bike and I should be able to get a reasonable price for...

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4809/40004062703_f9ede0f58f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23X2h82)
Specialized Secteur Comp. (https://flic.kr/p/23X2h82) by Peter Thorpe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142073398@N03/), on Flickr

I also got this Giant ATX 1 27.5 Mountain Bile. It's a bit scruffy with yellowed plastic windows in the gear shifter indicators and covered in scratches and chips on the paintwork. Imagine my surprise when I found it was a 2017 model.
Some people don't deserve nice things. It carried a RRP of $649.00 here but this one is in such bad shape I'd be lucky to get $150 for it.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7851/46916895862_b70ab7f570_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2etTmzC)
Giant ATX 1. (https://flic.kr/p/2etTmzC) by Peter Thorpe (https://www.flickr.com/photos/142073398@N03/), on Flickr

There was also a reasonable quality Fixie that I've already moved on for $100.00
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Higgins617 on February 05, 2019, 01:39:54 AM
(http://gallery.multitool.org/var/resizes/Higgins%27-shots/20190204_165646.jpg?m=1549326961)

My main ride, shes old(2004). But I was dead set on getting a Trance as I was sold on their Maestro suspension design, and this one popped up for sale about 5 years back. Bike had about 15 total miles put on it, as told by the computer the previous owner put on. Bought to be used on paved paths(beyond me why that was a good idea) and they never took to riding it. Good fit for me and all original paperwork came with it. I love the way it rides, won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on February 05, 2019, 10:01:01 AM
Found a pump on special, blackburn mammoth anyvalve, bought and mounted.
Clearance box had lezyne xl tyre levers, should do the job.
Place where I went to look at socks had a lezyne glueless patch kit, didn't get any socks but did get the patches.
Frame/seat bags seem either low quality or way too expensive so still looking around for one.
Bike tools also don't seem to be great value, might have to improvise something there.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on February 05, 2019, 10:07:17 AM
Chain tool is the only tricky one to improvise.  Get a small standalone one and add a few hex keys (3/4/5/6 mm probably), a T25 torx and a small screw driver and you should be good to go.  I quite like the Squirt PS4 in my tool kit too.  Some cable ties, duct tape and a rag maybe.  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on February 05, 2019, 11:56:23 AM
Found a pump on special, blackburn mammoth anyvalve, bought and mounted.
Clearance box had lezyne xl tyre levers, should do the job.
Place where I went to look at socks had a lezyne glueless patch kit, didn't get any socks but did get the patches.
Frame/seat bags seem either low quality or way too expensive so still looking around for one.
Bike tools also don't seem to be great value, might have to improvise something there.
Looking forward to pics in the Bike Tools thread...  :popcorn:

And you can patch the blisters on your feet from not wearing socks.  :2tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on February 05, 2019, 12:19:29 PM
Mine is probably one of the Topeak Aero Wedge Saddle Bags: https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/catalogindexsearch.do?formAction=search&searchString=saddle%20bag&sortOrder=price%3Aasc&savePrefs=false&pageSize=20
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on February 06, 2019, 05:58:47 AM
Pretty good, just welded it. Did I not post pics? I was a little grumpy breaking my collar bone right before the race...

I don't know. :think:  Hope your collar bone is feeling better now.  Bust mine about 25 years ago, still gives me a bit of grief every now and then.

Hit some gnarly downhill trails while I was up north and scared the crap out of myself.

Always fun. :D
Hope your collar bone is healing up...I broke mine maybe 5 or 6 years ago...didn’t hurt one bit untill about 3 hours later...the morphine was great!  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on February 07, 2019, 10:37:59 PM
Had a little free time and did some biking around the lake.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on February 08, 2019, 12:31:00 AM
Hope your collar bone is healing up...I broke mine maybe 5 or 6 years ago...didn’t hurt one bit untill about 3 hours later...the morphine was great!  :tu:

Thank you, it's getting there.   :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on February 08, 2019, 12:44:38 AM
Survived my first 50+ km ride yesterday.
Most was sealed, then a gravel uphill (bout a 500m vert gain) followed by some downhill trails.
Still jumping the bars on advanced stuff but really enjoying the intermediate grade.

Wish I could afford a dh bike.
And some protective gear to go with.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: PTRSAK on February 08, 2019, 01:29:02 PM
In Just over a month I'll be cycling past Zoidberg's place on my way from Christchurch to Queenstown...
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on February 09, 2019, 03:14:37 AM
In Just over a month I'll be cycling past Zoidberg's place on my way from Christchurch to Queenstown...
The route in your other thread looks great!  :popcorn:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on February 15, 2019, 07:41:52 PM
Anyone here used the LM bit kit holders as tyre levers?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on February 15, 2019, 08:02:46 PM
Interesting.... I suspect they would bend.  :dunno:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on February 16, 2019, 09:52:38 AM
Quick search and:

Detron made me look at the LM-bit-cards (http://forum.multitool.org/gadget-freak-and-edc-forum/budget-edc-upcycle-reuse-to-save-money/msg812746/#msg812746). Anyway I noticed that the cards are shaped similar to a bike-tyre-lever and since I had some bike repair to do, I put that theory to the test.
It works albeit its not perfect. Its difficult to get initial grip, so I had to use both levers at the same time. It worked better for putting the tyre back on. Also they lack a hook so one has to hold them in place. Although that problem could simply be solved by adding a staple nail to the "lanyard hole".

Needless to say I removed the purpose built tyre-levers from my road kit :D

P.S.: hey if you have any other ideas on how to use those cards, please post it here.

(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=48923.0;attach=89557;image)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on February 16, 2019, 10:21:54 AM
Good idea. :tu:  Though in my experience if you can't remove or fit a tyre with just your hands then you need a very strong tyre lever.  If the bit card works, you can probably get away with just your thumbs.

I do carry dedicated tyre levers, but I use tubeless tyres that are a very tight fit on the rims.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on February 16, 2019, 11:19:58 AM
Copy that.   :cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on February 16, 2019, 11:33:10 AM
Something like a nail through the hole could be used to hold it against the spoke.  :think:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on February 16, 2019, 11:44:02 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wspSS_LX_Y
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on February 16, 2019, 04:08:27 PM
Anyone here used the LM bit kit holders as tyre levers?

Not for my tires... I use pretty heavy duty Park Tool levers for mine...

(https://www.parktool.com/assets/img/product/_productDetail/TL-1.2_001.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Rapidray on February 17, 2019, 05:11:39 PM
I carry those also!  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: PTRSAK on February 19, 2019, 12:36:51 PM
I sold those two bikes,  $180 for the Giant and $360 for the Specialized. So, a tidy little profit on each and well needed funds for the trip.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 08, 2019, 08:13:45 AM
Flat tyre!   :viking:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 01:24:39 AM
Trying out the glueless patches.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7883/47332254871_a1bd1cfa25_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 01:29:44 AM
A bit of the kit.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7927/46417390145_7b23b263ba_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 01:31:01 AM
More kit stuff.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7886/40367048573_0f9ce3df05_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 01:34:08 AM
There are a couple gloves behind the yellow rag. Leaves just enough room for a phone and a few gels.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7855/46417388195_314e4d04b8_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 01:39:58 AM
Still need a small container for oil.
And maybe a mini sharpie to mark the punctures with.
A shorter stem, wider bars and a more comfy seat are also on the future wants list.

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7910/46417387085_53fef07c20_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 01:47:27 AM
The clearance gloves have arrived, Neo Red looking pretty Pink.   :facepalm:

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7800/47279707072_358d465b53_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on March 10, 2019, 05:22:19 AM
What?!? No B133 Self-vulcanising fluid?  :o

Nice set up.  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 06:48:53 AM
What?!? No B133 Self-vulcanising fluid?  :o

Nice set up.  :tu:

Thought I had put some in with some old school patches but maybe with the tube as backup I decided not to bother.

:cheers:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on March 10, 2019, 07:36:11 AM
A comfy seat (but not a grandma one) and a pump are on my list too.
I would bike more if I didn't get a sore arse after 10 minutes.

What?!? No B133 Self-vulcanising fluid?  :o
I just checked my current stuff - it's just called "Rubber Solution". I guess for when one has a rubber problem....  :think:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: hiraethus on March 10, 2019, 08:10:15 AM
I like the gloves.  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on March 10, 2019, 07:50:50 PM
I like the gloves.  :tu:

:cheers:   I am really liking the feel, totally worth looking terrible for.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Buzzbait on April 08, 2019, 05:55:29 PM
Me in  the chill zone a couple weeks ago.

(https://i.imgur.com/n0TeFhkh.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on April 08, 2019, 06:54:06 PM
 :like:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on April 20, 2019, 11:40:05 AM
Brought home a folding bike yesterday.

On my way home from work, I was only 1km away from home when I spotted it for sale at the side of the road.
Took it for a test drive and noticed that the clutching system is set completely wrong.
Took the bike back and offered €20 less after showing the issue.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190420/a103f9e21b35069120421b19e5bafde2.jpg)

I wanted one for a long time but never spared the cash.
Perfect for getting groceries and bread when on a campsite!

Going to clean it up in a few and see if I can set the clutching system right.
If not, my dad said he could do it. :D

With it came a lock and shopping basket too. There's still a warning sticker on the pedals and some protective foil on the front mudguard.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on April 20, 2019, 12:15:18 PM
 :like:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on April 20, 2019, 03:37:13 PM
All cleaned up and everything set the way it should.
Runs and switches gears like a charm!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190420/e56b70f369b109b059d6fd382560a184.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: bonc on April 25, 2019, 04:23:00 PM
 :tu:

Nice! I also use folding bike to commute every day. Going to the train station, no need to pay for the bike, and going to work from there. Brilliant!

One benefit, my old pants fit again  :D

Brought home a folding bike yesterday.

On my way home from work, I was only 1km away from home when I spotted it for sale at the side of the road.
Took it for a test drive and noticed that the clutching system is set completely wrong.
Took the bike back and offered €20 less after showing the issue.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190420/a103f9e21b35069120421b19e5bafde2.jpg)

I wanted one for a long time but never spared the cash.
Perfect for getting groceries and bread when on a campsite!

Going to clean it up in a few and see if I can set the clutching system right.
If not, my dad said he could do it. :D

With it came a lock and shopping basket too. There's still a warning sticker on the pedals and some protective foil on the front mudguard.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on April 25, 2019, 04:33:33 PM
Thanks :D

I later found out that the pedals can be collapsed inwards too :facepalm:

:rofl:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on April 25, 2019, 07:12:31 PM
Which folder did you carry today ?

 :rofl:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on April 25, 2019, 07:41:40 PM


Good one! :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on April 26, 2019, 01:34:26 PM
Which folder did you carry today ?

 :rofl:

:rofl:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: styx on April 26, 2019, 03:14:09 PM
well i'm in the market for a bike. since i'm looking at a hardtail mountain bike, any tips on what to look out for? i already saw that the prices can go from €100 to €3000
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Ron Who on April 26, 2019, 09:22:43 PM
My 2 cents but it´s over 50 years of bicycle experience:
 
Choose a quality brand with a good dealer network and spare parts available.
Good bikes don´t come cheap.
Not so good bikes are nothing but trouble.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on April 26, 2019, 09:58:41 PM
My 2 cents but it´s over 50 years of bicycle experience:
 
Choose a quality brand with a good dealer network and spare parts available.
Good bikes don´t come cheap.
Not so good bikes are nothing but trouble.

 :iagree:

But, a lot of famous brands have bikes from the previous year on sale at a nice discount.  I just bought myself a brand new Merida Silex 700 Gravelbike from 2018 at a really nice discount, and funny thing is, the model didn't even chance for 2019  :D.  (often they only chance colours from one year to another, sometimes its a completely new design).

And you do have to be lucky to have one in the right size, I need and XL bike and a lot of times these are still leftover from the previous year.

Don't know about other brands, but Merida has an outlet on their site (at least on their Benelux site, don't know about other countries sites), on which you can see all the models and what discount you get on them, and which sizes are available, but I found my bike at a local bikeshop, because on the Merida site it was only available at normal retail price, since they only had the 2019 model (which is exactly the same as the 2018 as far as I know). But the bikeshop owner said he had that bike in stock for a year, and since it was a size XL he thought chances of him selling it to anybody else than me were slim ... so I got a discount  :D.

Here's a pic of my latest bike:

(https://i.imgur.com/mJWSaL6.jpg)

Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on April 26, 2019, 10:21:00 PM
Do you use it to ride exactly next to the bike lane too? :pok:

:rofl:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on April 27, 2019, 01:39:35 AM
Do you use it to ride exactly next to the bike lane too? :pok:

:rofl:

As the matter of fact, yes  :twak:.

It's a gravelbike, which is a crossbreed between a mountainbike, cyclocrossbike, roadbike and touringbike ... We bought a cyclocrossbike for my oldest son and since cyclocrossbikes are a bit too uncomfortable for my aging bones I prefered the gravelbike, which is a lot more comfortable, but still able to go off-road or go quite fast on-road.  Most of our biketrips contain a mix of off- and on-road, but we try to go off-road as much as we can, which isn't that difficult in the area here.

Here's a pic from my boy on his new cyclocross bike (Merida CX600 Mission) at the same location, but showing the other side of the first pic.

(https://i.imgur.com/ObsMgbW.jpg)

As a fellow Belgian you should know that we love to take bikes like that into the field ...  :twak:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on April 27, 2019, 01:45:14 AM
I almost bought a bike and helmet today at a tag-sale, both were cheap, but the bike didn’t have any suspension and the helmet just didn’t fit right,
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on April 27, 2019, 09:23:06 AM


As a fellow Belgian you should know that we love to take bikes like that into the field ...  :twak:

Fair enough...

What age is your son?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on April 27, 2019, 11:26:46 AM

Fair enough...

What age is your son?

He turned 14 last january,  but he's already 1,83m tall, while only weighing 52kg.

What I can't understand is how the 10cm that I am taller than him can add 60kg in weight...  :think:.

Weird...  :dunno:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on April 27, 2019, 11:39:59 AM
He turned 14 last january,  but he's already 1,83m tall, while only weighing 52kg.

What I can't understand is how the 10cm that I am taller than him can add 60kg in weight...  :think:.

Weird...  :dunno:
Muscles...let's keep it at muscles.

I'm 28yo and 1,80m...
Was it a choice to start breeding giants? :rofl:

Anyway, on topic, you guys ride together, right?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on April 27, 2019, 08:27:07 PM
Found a seat while out tag-sale hopping, must say a BIG diff in size and way more comfy!
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on April 27, 2019, 09:01:35 PM
Here’s a pic of the seat,
Look at the under half and the size of the springs, I must say it feels a little diff since it’s not solid and you bounce around a little but way more comfortable the. That other one!
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on April 27, 2019, 09:02:37 PM
Found a seat while out tag-sale hopping, must say a BIG diff in size and way more comfy!
JR

Good find, a comfy seat makes bike riding so much more fun  :tu:.

Muscles...let's keep it at muscles.

I'm 28yo and 1,80m...
Was it a choice to start breeding giants? :rofl:

Anyway, on topic, you guys ride together, right?

Yeah, more muscles was my guess as well, that or more brain ...

And yes, we ride together, but I have to give it to him, he planned it very well.  About 5 years ago my mountainbike trips were all around 60km long (all off-road) and I did one of those at least once a week, then my boys (and especially the oldest one) wanted to ride along, but after like 15km he would be so tired that we had to end our trip.  And now, a couple of years later all my stamina and leg-muscle is gone, I've got about 20kg extra to push forward, and now mister 14 year old, 1,83m with his 52kg rides away from me on every uphill climb, while whistling a song ...

 :viking:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: styx on April 28, 2019, 08:27:24 AM
thanks for the input guys.

as for your son, give him a barbell
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on May 24, 2019, 04:18:08 PM
Kit update.
Swapped out the levers for some slightly smaller ones that came with some other stuff I bought.
Added a little oil bottle.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47923363788_9b52eb8432_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 24, 2019, 06:25:00 PM
That’s nice
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on May 25, 2019, 12:32:21 AM
The pink gloves clash with the red bike though.  :ahhh
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on May 25, 2019, 10:37:06 AM
The pink gloves clash with the red bike though.  :ahhh

But they match my shoes. Pic is from google but yes I really do have these.

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4un2h71ju4/TeiaRuyEtdI/AAAAAAAAABA/AqQmpI78mOs/s1600/Rainbow870.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: comis on May 25, 2019, 11:06:41 AM
But they match my shoes. Pic is from google but yes I really do have these.

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4un2h71ju4/TeiaRuyEtdI/AAAAAAAAABA/AqQmpI78mOs/s1600/Rainbow870.jpg)


Fav!  :like:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 25, 2019, 04:02:49 PM
Fabulous!  :like:  :pok:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on May 25, 2019, 04:56:39 PM
I could say something but I'm nice, but I like them, I’d wear them!
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Top-Gear-24 on May 25, 2019, 09:56:16 PM
Only thing missing now is a matching helmet ...  :pok:

Show content
(https://cf2.s3.souqcdn.com/item/2018/07/06/36/35/20/66/item_XL_36352066_142861916.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: zoidberg on May 25, 2019, 11:34:04 PM
Only thing missing now is a matching helmet ...  :pok:

Show content
(https://cf2.s3.souqcdn.com/item/2018/07/06/36/35/20/66/item_XL_36352066_142861916.jpg)

No no no. The helmet matches the bike. And it all ties in with my yellow windbreaker, true story.

The clearance gloves have arrived, Neo Red looking pretty Pink.   :facepalm:

(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7800/47279707072_358d465b53_b.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MrMckay on May 26, 2019, 07:33:54 PM
I really need to get a pic of my bike
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 27, 2019, 08:10:52 PM
I really need to get a pic of my bike

Definitely! :worthless:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on July 08, 2019, 02:32:36 PM
Can anyone recommend a good pump that has a flexible hose for my MTB? (Not a floor one)
I normally go Topeak for bike accessories but I think they only have one. Lezyne seem to have a few...
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on July 08, 2019, 07:11:03 PM
Can anyone recommend a good pump that has a flexible hose for my MTB? (Not a floor one)
I normally go Topeak for bike accessories but I think they only have one. Lezyne seem to have a few...

I you can find SKS Spaero double action pump, I highly recommend it. The catch? It's discontinued.  :(

(https://www.universalcycles.com/images//products/large2/76045.jpg)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on July 08, 2019, 07:15:30 PM
Can anyone recommend a good pump that has a flexible hose for my MTB? (Not a floor one)
I normally go Topeak for bike accessories but I think they only have one. Lezyne seem to have a few...

I have this one now, really like it actually. Small, reliable, solid build, works well. Screws onto the valve and you don't lose air by screwing it on or off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XLGKU2S
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on November 03, 2019, 06:58:57 PM
Finally I join the club. :D
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=71711.0;attach=457315)

Display folding bikes in shops are far in between here.  >:(
Went with Tern partially because of being able to examine display models at one shop.  :cheers:
Is it a good or poor brand?  :think:

Ended up with the Tern Link B7.
Now to pimp it out with more lights and some unicorn stickers. :D
Maybe a better saddle.  :think: I want to use this bike to go exploring a little.  :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on November 03, 2019, 08:47:16 PM
 :tu:

What's the terning circle like?  :facepalm:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on November 03, 2019, 09:06:07 PM
:tu:

What's the terning circle like?  :facepalm:
:rofl:
Smooth. But slightly over sensitive steering.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on November 04, 2019, 09:42:03 AM
Smooth. But slightly over sensitive steering.
Ahh... a millennial bike then...

Can we see it folded up?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on November 04, 2019, 09:54:27 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/0z8tri1.gif)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Mechanickal on November 04, 2019, 10:09:48 AM
For crying out loud!!

Giphy and Imgur became true PITAs to share gif files externaly.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on November 04, 2019, 10:47:53 AM
Hey, I'm Gen Z, not one of those old Millennials! :twak:

Only got 2 smurf pics at the moment:
(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=71711.0;attach=457361)

(https://forum.multitool.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=71711.0;attach=457363)
Pretty cool how it has magnets to lock the two halves together.   :)
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on November 04, 2019, 10:56:07 AM
For crying out loud!!

Giphy and Imgur became true PITAs to share gif files externaly.
Indeed. >:(
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on November 04, 2019, 05:49:40 PM
....I need some kind of rain poncho....
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on November 05, 2019, 08:10:11 AM
I don't think he frequents this thread.  ::)

Do/will you take it on public transport?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on November 05, 2019, 12:04:01 PM
Do/will you take it on public transport?
Yes. And locking up at University bike racks. :dwts:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: styx on January 21, 2020, 10:23:54 PM
well I pulled the trigger on a Kato Ghost 2.9 from 2019
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Don Pablo on January 21, 2020, 11:40:26 PM
A bike like that is bound to be impressive. :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: styx on January 24, 2020, 10:57:10 AM
i hope so. only managed to get one ride in that was about 7km. hoped that the weather will be better this weekend
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on May 15, 2021, 08:02:30 AM
[ALEPHZERO USES THREADNOMANCY!][IT'S SUPER EFFECTIVE!!!]

So yeah, I was biking to the neighboring town on the other day, to get my first covid vaccine jab...

Meanwhile, THIS happened:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51180505009_f997b8aab5_z.jpg)

IT'S OVER 9000!!!!!  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

 :D
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on March 04, 2022, 04:48:32 PM
[ALEPHZERO USES THREADNOMANCY!][IT'S SUPER EFFECTIVE!!!]

So yeah, I was biking to the neighboring town on the other day, to get my first covid vaccine jab...

Meanwhile, THIS happened:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51180505009_f997b8aab5_z.jpg)

IT'S OVER 9000!!!!!  :ahhh :ahhh :ahhh

 :D

Did you hit 9999.9 ?
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on March 17, 2022, 04:21:39 PM
Did not want to create a new thread just for this. Bud if you are a bike nerd like me you will be following this thread I guess. And if you are into the competitive side of cycling Milan Sanremo is coming up. Any predictions for the most unpredictable race of the season  :D 

I am rooting for Gilbert to complete his Classics wins. He is  pass his prime but hope he pulls it off.

Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on March 21, 2022, 06:26:43 PM
Did not want to create a new thread just for this. Bud if you are a bike nerd like me you will be following this thread I guess. And if you are into the competitive side of cycling Milan Sanremo is coming up. Any predictions for the most unpredictable race of the season  :D 

I am rooting for Gilbert to complete his Classics wins. He is  pass his prime but hope he pulls it off.

I'm waiting Ronde van Vlaanderen myself, for me it's the start of the season  :dunno:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: AlephZero on March 21, 2022, 06:29:20 PM
Did you hit 9999.9 ?

And no, I haven't hit that yet, I've been working from home since march 2020  :pok:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on March 21, 2022, 07:47:50 PM
I'm waiting Ronde van Vlaanderen myself, for me it's the start of the season  :dunno:

 :ahhh  The strongest can and will always ride away, most of the time anyway. Love that about this race. The better out of the two cobbles classics IMO.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on March 21, 2022, 08:16:38 PM
Not the best of pics but here’s me taking my recumbent trike that I built from roughly 4 diff bikes,,
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on March 22, 2022, 03:41:50 AM
Not the best of pics but here’s me taking my recumbent trike that I built from roughly 4 diff bikes,,
JR
Must be very rewarding to ride it after the build. Did it take a lot of planning? Where do you plan on riding it?


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Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on March 22, 2022, 12:30:36 PM
Must be very rewarding to ride it after the build. Did it take a lot of planning? Where do you plan on riding it?


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I bought two old bikes off a lady for like $2 each, I had a junky mountain bike, and someone donated one goofy one when I was asking if anyone had any bikes, from that all I did was from mind, no blueprints no planing, (I kinda have a little gift, I can take like 2-2D images and make them 3D and then spin them around and rotate them like the computers do, back when I was like 15 I took a placement test to tell you what you should do in life, my out come one part of the test which dealt with imaging I got every answer correct I was the second person to do so in the state, yet it told me blueprinting) anyway just if I take that part from that bike and cut it there and then take that bike and cut it there I can mount that there to that frame and then there to that part, and with a seizure disorder I can’t weld do to the flashing even though back in the day I could, so everything you see is nut and bolt, I’d like to find someone who could weld it and then I’d paint it..
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on March 22, 2022, 04:55:53 PM
I bought two old bikes off a lady for like $2 each, I had a junky mountain bike, and someone donated one goofy one when I was asking if anyone had any bikes, from that all I did was from mind, no blueprints no planing, (I kinda have a little gift, I can take like 2-2D images and make them 3D and then spin them around and rotate them like the computers do, back when I was like 15 I took a placement test to tell you what you should do in life, my out come one part of the test which dealt with imaging I got every answer correct I was the second person to do so in the state, yet it told me blueprinting) anyway just if I take that part from that bike and cut it there and then take that bike and cut it there I can mount that there to that frame and then there to that part, and with a seizure disorder I can’t weld do to the flashing even though back in the day I could, so everything you see is nut and bolt, I’d like to find someone who could weld it and then I’d paint it..
JR

Talent and determination... a winning combo  :salute:  I am not an expert but I remember Top Gear keep showing us the failed 3 wheeled car that keeps flipping when cornering. There must be some geometry or trick to stop it from doing that, hence the earlier question.

For casual around the block rides nuts and bolts are fine I think. The most important thing is you got the famous trike/recumbent flag  :tu:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: MadPlumbarian on March 23, 2022, 12:44:59 AM
Talent and determination... a winning combo  :salute:  I am not an expert but I remember Top Gear keep showing us the failed 3 wheeled car that keeps flipping when cornering. There must be some geometry or trick to stop it from doing that, hence the earlier question.

For casual around the block rides nuts and bolts are fine I think. The most important thing is you got the famous trike/recumbent flag  :tu:
I can’t be on my own, I need to be escorted so it’s more or less to just take casual rides with the Mrs who never rode a bike before because she lived in Philly where she never needed one, that and she wasn’t good with balance, so a friend bought her a trike for her bday and to see her take her first ride was amazing, I got it on video and a bunch of pics, I even grabbed the kids bike and just rode down the street to the corner with her even though I shouldn’t but I just had to be part of it,
As for the cornering I haven’t had any problems..
JR
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on March 23, 2022, 03:33:01 AM
I can’t be on my own, I need to be escorted so it’s more or less to just take casual rides with the Mrs who never rode a bike before because she lived in Philly where she never needed one, that and she wasn’t good with balance, so a friend bought her a trike for her bday and to see her take her first ride was amazing, I got it on video and a bunch of pics, I even grabbed the kids bike and just rode down the street to the corner with her even though I shouldn’t but I just had to be part of it,
As for the cornering I haven’t had any problems..
JR
That will be awesome . 6 wheels, 4 legs, 2 noggins and 1 heck of a story to tell. Best of luck!

Me and my wife rode a tandem before our kid and we had a lot of fun. Tried a few multi day charity rides too, but those were exhausting and stopped doing that


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Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: Syncop8r on March 24, 2022, 11:47:46 AM
I am not an expert but I remember Top Gear keep showing us the failed 3 wheeled car that keeps flipping when cornering. There must be some geometry or trick to stop it from doing that, hence the earlier question.

That was probably a Reliant Robin, which had the single wheel at the front which is more unstable (especially with the overhanging shape of the body over it).
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on March 24, 2022, 03:41:56 PM
That was probably a Reliant Robin, which had the single wheel at the front which is more unstable (especially with the overhanging shape of the body over it).

I see and that makes sense. Not an issue with bicycles and motorcycle trikes I guess.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: pomsbz on April 18, 2022, 06:18:01 AM
I have a delta recumbent which is two wheels at the back and one at the front and indeed you have to be careful cornering with it. Like max 10mph for a tighter turn. Otherwise it suddenly becomes a bike again rather than a trike which is somewhat nerve wracking.
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: dks on April 18, 2022, 11:23:48 AM
I see and that makes sense. Not an issue with bicycles and motorcycle trikes I guess.


I think, Clarkson, said that in reality they were quite hard to tip over and they had to use weights and camera tricks to actually get them to tip over.

You also have the option to have 2 wheels at the front and one at the back, which should make the vehicle more stable ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-wheeler )
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on April 18, 2022, 04:44:37 PM
I have a delta recumbent which is two wheels at the back and one at the front and indeed you have to be careful cornering with it. Like max 10mph for a tighter turn. Otherwise it suddenly becomes a bike again rather than a trike which is somewhat nerve wracking.

Love your mental image of it trying to be a bike a again  :rofl:
Title: Re: The Cycling Thread
Post by: rishardh on April 18, 2022, 04:49:20 PM
I think, Clarkson, said that in reality they were quite hard to tip over and they had to use weights and camera tricks to actually get them to tip over.

You also have the option to have 2 wheels at the front and one at the back, which should make the vehicle more stable ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-wheeler )

I am not surprised that it was staged. It's entertaining and that's why we watch. They probably got the idea from Mr. Bean  :rofl: