Bicycle thread

[pierce]

Originally Posted by EvilGenius

What kind of gearing do they use on those things?

really really tall

just before the put the lid on it, you can sorta see how big the front chain ring is.

[pierce]

Originally Posted by kbasa

How Repack Trail on Mt. Tam got its name...

god, I hated those New Dimensions 'inch-pinch' coaster brakes on the old bomber bikes we rode on Tam circa 1970-72. would pack them with high temp moly grease and they'd still boil out coming down Eldridge Grade.

[pilot]

Is the end of summer a good time for buying a used bike like it is motorcycles? I found a few on Craigslist, but not the model Dave told me about. I think I'll wait till cooler weather and try to steal one then.

[Mercury264]

Originally Posted by EvilGenius

Yeah, that's what I've heard.

They make little pills or something you can put in there to help keep it clean, but I'd rather just use water.

Or...stick it in the freezer between rides.

[EvilGenius]

Originally Posted by Mercury264

Or...stick it in the freezer between rides.

To keep mold out?

[ducnut]

Originally Posted by pilot

Is the end of summer a good time for buying a used bike like it is motorcycles? I found a few on Craigslist, but not the model Dave told me about. I think I'll wait till cooler weather and try to steal one then.

If I remember right, that was a Specialized(?). If you go to their site, you can do a dealer search up to 2500mi radius. The store's links are listed, too. Just pick on their sites and look through the "specials" listings. I'd been looking for a leftover Tricross and spoke to a couple shops that had them. Some were willing to ship, others wouldn't. I searched eBay, one morning, and the very bike I was looking for popped up. What was recommended to you is a pretty simple bike. So, buying one disassembled, or NIB, won't be too difficult to put together. Deals are out there year 'round, if you don't mind a leftover.

[Oznerol]

Originally Posted by pierce

btw, the *only* two hydration kits I'd spend money on are A) Camelbak and B) Platypus. all the noname/clone stuff I've seen sucks.

Deuter. Does not suck.

My Race X Air I is more comfortable than either of the CamelBaks I've owned. After 3 years of heavy use it's faded and sweat stained but otherwise in perfect condition. Their bladder closure system is a lot more elegant than CamelBak's, IMO, and makes it much easier and less-messy to fill the bladder to the 'brim', and to clean it.

The only complaint I ever had about the thing was that the original bite valve would dribble. They put out a revised version, I bought and installed one, problem solved.

[pierce]

about to go look at a 08 Specialized Expedition Woman's Sport, Small, for my wife...



http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...d=08Expedition

guy wants $225 for it. says its like new. I know, only a sorta OK deal, bike was probably $350 new.

[ducnut]

Originally Posted by Bimble

Dunno who here follows such things, but the Tour Divide commenced this past Friday, June 11th.

http://tourdivide.org/

5-time winner, Matthew Lee is once again in the lead and is riding approx 154 miles per day.

13 out of 48 have already retired from the race. Hypothermia is a very real concern with record rainfall and snow on the course. Mechanicals are ever present.

The 2008 Tour was filmed and is playing at various locations.
We saw it Tuesday night and were both just awe-struck at the labor of this race.

http://www.ridethedividemovie.com/screenings/

I don't know if I'll ever attempt such a race, but man is it dream-inspiring!

Just ordered the DVD.

[Oznerol]

Originally Posted by pilot

Is the end of summer a good time for buying a used bike like it is motorcycles? I found a few on Craigslist, but not the model Dave told me about. I think I'll wait till cooler weather and try to steal one then.

I don't know about used, but it's a good time to buy new bikes from shops looking to clear inventory that's about to become 'leftover'.

[Mercury264]

Originally Posted by EvilGenius

To keep mold out?

[Dahveed]

Originally Posted by pierce

btw, the *only* two hydration kits I'd spend money on are A) Camelbak and B) Platypus. all the noname/clone stuff I've seen sucks. platypus makes some great sized bags for putting in a motorcycle tankbag.

+1

And he's being charitable when he says they only suck. They leak, they grow stuff in them, taste funny, etc.

I've only used the Camelbak and the no-name kind. I'd believe him when he says Platypus is good.

I bought my kids 2 brand-x at Costco. We loaded them up and drove an hour to a local state park (Dinosaur Valley in Glen Rose). The both leaked at the valve and lost about 1/2 their water. Into my back seat. Then, even after washing them, both of my kids complained of stomach issues. While we were hiking in the woods. Fun. I bought them Camelbaks in the next week.

[Dahveed]

Originally Posted by EvilGenius

When I'm done my bike will look like this.

You won't wanna pedal that thing up Col du Anything. Looks like it weighs plenty and I bet its real warm in there too. In this weather, it would be a solar oven, not a bike.

[Bimble]

Originally Posted by Oznerol

Deuter. Does not suck.

...

Yeah? I really like their suspension system but for some weasily reason or other I've never popped for one. I guess I haven't cooked my back enough yet to take the hint.


... Osprey makes a similar system, but I know nothing about their hydration bladders.

[EvilGenius]

Originally Posted by Mercury264

Good idea!