tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49623320312079424962024-03-19T04:48:18.610-04:00Bikes and PlaygroundsA blog about riding around with my kids and my compulsive bike buying.Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.comBlogger340125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-19784212349492204342024-02-20T12:47:00.002-05:002024-02-20T18:59:13.753-05:00New Bike: my $100* Jones LWB**! (2012 Specialized Expedition)<p> * The frame was $100 on ebay. I probably could have found a complete bike locally for not much more if I wanted to be patient, but this came up at the right time when I was looking for a winter project.</p><p>** Not really a Jones of course. But after owning two Rivendell Clem Smiths and two Jones LWBs, I guess I felt like trying another long chainstay bike.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XjV04UUn7AJGEC6_UgWh9eqywfhagjYuHbR5GuvOkf-ULDJOwrtgF4gubvOpPpJkRqSrOXEU_RvcexWprDMMQSkuMWjX7-qB5T-Rxl6vhnoU0DRZfyK182DhDorvT6xUQwuALrhcpwvyRzlrLEROqptklsuUFgEf8UfUWgwphBy-9XXZIIMoXU1SxFs/s4032/IMG_6527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XjV04UUn7AJGEC6_UgWh9eqywfhagjYuHbR5GuvOkf-ULDJOwrtgF4gubvOpPpJkRqSrOXEU_RvcexWprDMMQSkuMWjX7-qB5T-Rxl6vhnoU0DRZfyK182DhDorvT6xUQwuALrhcpwvyRzlrLEROqptklsuUFgEf8UfUWgwphBy-9XXZIIMoXU1SxFs/w400-h300/IMG_6527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>This frame as envisioned by Specialized is an old man's comfort bike:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg8ZafEd43av6NltYC4sO2h_js6eqWt64s7jXllQDWstCTokfRn7C41pPxQ0AuJ6AEBOOUMJ_hcz7DLEQEGlLXVoa_xvI25jufpVH06LRU3jISI43ql5RwEHZFQTqT243vCXjB_6DSW_Z0aX688CLUyLpMCMVLI3wTjG_R-UbHI5a9PBog2Kb1bIYPnA/s1045/2012%20Spec%20Expedition%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1045" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKg8ZafEd43av6NltYC4sO2h_js6eqWt64s7jXllQDWstCTokfRn7C41pPxQ0AuJ6AEBOOUMJ_hcz7DLEQEGlLXVoa_xvI25jufpVH06LRU3jISI43ql5RwEHZFQTqT243vCXjB_6DSW_Z0aX688CLUyLpMCMVLI3wTjG_R-UbHI5a9PBog2Kb1bIYPnA/w400-h220/2012%20Spec%20Expedition%20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In my version, it's now a middle aged man's all rounder. How and why to make that happen:<div><br />If you want a long chainstay bike, there only a few options beyond the Clem and Jones LWB:</div><div><br /></div><div>- an early to mid 80s mountain bike</div><div>- some kind of cargo bike</div><div>- some weird old Trek touring bike (770? I don't know)</div><div>- custom</div><div><br /></div><div>Or this Specialized Expedition from 2012, with chainstays stretching to 500mm (longer than the Jones or vintage bikes, shorter than most new Rivs). This frame had some good things and bad things going for it:</div><div><br /></div><div>- it's very slack: 68.5* head angle and 67.5* seat angle as delivered. Slack head angles are cool right now for mountain bikes, but nobody is really looking at seat angles this slack for a bike that has performance aspirations.</div><div><br /></div><div>- the aluminum frame is lighter than the other options above, seems well made, and has modern fittings. Even a kickstand plate!</div><div><br /></div><div>- 26" wheels are strong, tough, and cheap, and I had a nice pair of tires ready to use for this build (Panaracer Gravel Kings 26 x 2.1")</div><div><br /></div><div>- nice long 200mm head tube (in my size Large) to get the bars up without huge spacer stacks</div><div><p>Along with the tires, the build was mostly a parts bin build for me, aside from digging up some new/used (and mismatched) wheels off ebay.</p><p>My main concern was dealing with that slack seat tube angle. I initially built it up with a straight block Thomson post from my bin, but that was still a bit slack. I ended up ordering a cheapie seat post with a removable clamp head--that let me easily reverse the seat on the post, which I couldn't do with the Thomson. The seating position feels pretty normal now:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedaEjGzxEtBRswxitrg2YXj1F6GsWm55Zh0BFS-9RS6WtFerA4yTTnwgvym4ZM9SeA9Mg7xrnNNNz082YEtC_IDmFbh2r9haBkX8aI5m26fgkYskKEDo4Rj4PCeqyEJdxIBlQa3M7zkOBzDHHoJljXy5wB0KqW7SNNbRtP4Ktf7Ph3yKsf19P8E32IkA/s4032/IMG_6511.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiedaEjGzxEtBRswxitrg2YXj1F6GsWm55Zh0BFS-9RS6WtFerA4yTTnwgvym4ZM9SeA9Mg7xrnNNNz082YEtC_IDmFbh2r9haBkX8aI5m26fgkYskKEDo4Rj4PCeqyEJdxIBlQa3M7zkOBzDHHoJljXy5wB0KqW7SNNbRtP4Ktf7Ph3yKsf19P8E32IkA/w400-h300/IMG_6511.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For the drivetrain, I ended up using an S Ride 8 speed setup I had picked up earlier in the winter when Soma was blowing them out for 65% off. I got the shifter, derailer, chain, and cassette for less than $10 each. And it shifts really well! It feels a lot like my Deore 10 speed drivetrains, noticeably smoother than the Advent budget stuff I've used on other builds.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h3Fxlw6LS02aR8h90by5ZasNh_sJL9qQLVvz5dD9LaFKHvA_xkEcBM6ZMYR9hfjbstdMKSyyZL7SGAthkpnl5IBinBatxAHpwPf9iq-ZkMd_2FpSmlFwf8u8ZEBitBzVKhFr2zgGF0UKpOhYQpEi2zdGQyCL2d4l4hoJTK3kHrRoM-m0Pyc3_SPiUVU/s4032/IMG_6529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-h3Fxlw6LS02aR8h90by5ZasNh_sJL9qQLVvz5dD9LaFKHvA_xkEcBM6ZMYR9hfjbstdMKSyyZL7SGAthkpnl5IBinBatxAHpwPf9iq-ZkMd_2FpSmlFwf8u8ZEBitBzVKhFr2zgGF0UKpOhYQpEi2zdGQyCL2d4l4hoJTK3kHrRoM-m0Pyc3_SPiUVU/w400-h300/IMG_6529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's nice to have a Jones bar laying already, already wrapped, to mount that S ride trigger shifter onto:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwoAMs-oDyT3q0VXlWLIWx3dy3QRUC_LjpSxTjjQh9C5JLVxIEENAUUgQLJSahiDRkQH4Eig4Q4zat32XqjOWzK62tZHJzy0QqhfAH4SxgE-8HVqfMniXFi3WnTYG-kXGBbkViWR_jzFJChdgTI9oRsLmvPWjk4d3Qm7hoOXO02dOPEFWDT1Zo-3EkOA/s4032/IMG_6530.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwoAMs-oDyT3q0VXlWLIWx3dy3QRUC_LjpSxTjjQh9C5JLVxIEENAUUgQLJSahiDRkQH4Eig4Q4zat32XqjOWzK62tZHJzy0QqhfAH4SxgE-8HVqfMniXFi3WnTYG-kXGBbkViWR_jzFJChdgTI9oRsLmvPWjk4d3Qm7hoOXO02dOPEFWDT1Zo-3EkOA/w400-h300/IMG_6530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I tried two different forks for this, but ended up sticking with my initial build, an old Nashbar 700c cross fork. It's 420mm axle to crown, and while I can't use the brake posts, they do make a nice rack mounting location:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZIq6kflT7EotAddiIp_lPEJojq8NqPNjAjFji1ohkOchCTJmY7lyuNJB0FNdSXwA0dDpXoKvFma4jm7IkycuoLY0Qw7KJgGbraPK5zjsWi-o7M59CCaszQCVIcKMgEsH0Z3sGTdCbYk1CTsC4UAVhs3IapACdk6XORAAizCDxRByiql6yLTOr-ZKR90/s4032/IMG_6531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZIq6kflT7EotAddiIp_lPEJojq8NqPNjAjFji1ohkOchCTJmY7lyuNJB0FNdSXwA0dDpXoKvFma4jm7IkycuoLY0Qw7KJgGbraPK5zjsWi-o7M59CCaszQCVIcKMgEsH0Z3sGTdCbYk1CTsC4UAVhs3IapACdk6XORAAizCDxRByiql6yLTOr-ZKR90/w300-h400/IMG_6531.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>My other fork attempt was with a Salsa Fargo V2 29er fork off my shelf, at 465mm long:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLATjbQIDJv4RjjcGNu2L2nAuH4Yck-lns3v6uBG4RRXn_8XGhCn0xFpYXWXkm2e9ap5j2R1xwZCN6TLxsxVnh-LZT0dcWk6X_W3zm6xlVqDlhU12M5Y_hLJXS5LXCD3R3JScHzLAs6cuASpXk1aM3WuVr4tTmiBZkwsYc21rXcPuDxfecT20CgeCbff8/s4032/IMG_6487.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLATjbQIDJv4RjjcGNu2L2nAuH4Yck-lns3v6uBG4RRXn_8XGhCn0xFpYXWXkm2e9ap5j2R1xwZCN6TLxsxVnh-LZT0dcWk6X_W3zm6xlVqDlhU12M5Y_hLJXS5LXCD3R3JScHzLAs6cuASpXk1aM3WuVr4tTmiBZkwsYc21rXcPuDxfecT20CgeCbff8/w400-h300/IMG_6487.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Strangely, the Fargo fork got the angles close to nominal, but the handling felt a bit floppy. With the Nashbar fork, the angles are about two degrees steeper (maybe 71/70), and I like the handling better. Unfortunately, it drops the bottom bracket quite low, about 10.25". </p><p>I looked at ordering a new fork for this project, with a length in between these two, but I've already spent about as much as I want to on this one.</p><p>Brake wise, I have a Shimano mechanical disc up front, and some more Soma bargain V brakes in the rear. The rear runs full housing through the frame, which makes it feel pretty spongy, even with compressionless housing. But the power is good enough to easily skid the tire:</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpl7-mNUkj3ktjkgPiPSw7igFHzZbxJXgAjghxHfheHTrfWZVBvnT7ztadhkSGTJYtqdktStP4_ZbRzMk1b99jUYXC3W5198nAbUtqVl2Xjjyd1F-3jPo5hIOMukOU3iqRABcY2B2qERL2iYgVQ-Xkt-Duos3n2MsKp-JWLDnqQ1byPzTUvM6py-NrqQ/s4032/IMG_6507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpl7-mNUkj3ktjkgPiPSw7igFHzZbxJXgAjghxHfheHTrfWZVBvnT7ztadhkSGTJYtqdktStP4_ZbRzMk1b99jUYXC3W5198nAbUtqVl2Xjjyd1F-3jPo5hIOMukOU3iqRABcY2B2qERL2iYgVQ-Xkt-Duos3n2MsKp-JWLDnqQ1byPzTUvM6py-NrqQ/w400-h300/IMG_6507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One downside of my bargain S basement S ride transmission is that the cassette is only 11-32. In a rare move for me, I dusted off my front derailer bin and turned it into a 2x8 machine, using my last Suntour XC Pro crankset, and 44/34 Salsa rings, and an XT front derailer:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvU2I2XCG1xASPL8FxSc3Brk2kSJwdpWGyaYVMwR4lWN1Qe02C2GCGC0TIrP3nHh7MPWbEvnN_GJTK2D_EzFo1yu6AYOlk_Wi-1UasGKtAQfaZaVb-xmS7dWZg3m8XqHxYqbFWmmFu-iQcZE3tYVcmdA09FQSlse8v5OB8bGWxbsUTfVlEzEbVmI3rek/s4032/IMG_6506.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvU2I2XCG1xASPL8FxSc3Brk2kSJwdpWGyaYVMwR4lWN1Qe02C2GCGC0TIrP3nHh7MPWbEvnN_GJTK2D_EzFo1yu6AYOlk_Wi-1UasGKtAQfaZaVb-xmS7dWZg3m8XqHxYqbFWmmFu-iQcZE3tYVcmdA09FQSlse8v5OB8bGWxbsUTfVlEzEbVmI3rek/w400-h300/IMG_6506.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Actually, "XC Pro Crankset" is a bit of an exaggeration, since I think the left arm is a mismatched XC Comp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm pretty happy with the final result. It's a fun bike to ride around town and catch the mellow city park trails. The low bottom bracket will keep me from really using it as a mountain bike, but I have other bikes for that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_gCb3qAbSoL_fvDx0nTK_k37NiZXMGDPcE5xNdCA4T6zu1wB-z3SFbyP6NEQ-LB4wo0mW9zrUfXl74rZp8b8lBhA0_TH6PKIomF2PSLyUe2vNtG55Ujg-l5UaIOhI6bi6moC6vZBrPXazjrGlGirvYjD5om19T_akeHriWKe_MOEC-OG9g2dvURhldM/s4032/IMG_6488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_gCb3qAbSoL_fvDx0nTK_k37NiZXMGDPcE5xNdCA4T6zu1wB-z3SFbyP6NEQ-LB4wo0mW9zrUfXl74rZp8b8lBhA0_TH6PKIomF2PSLyUe2vNtG55Ujg-l5UaIOhI6bi6moC6vZBrPXazjrGlGirvYjD5om19T_akeHriWKe_MOEC-OG9g2dvURhldM/w400-h300/IMG_6488.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bHpLiPNDPbIliQgL8_W5xuy9alLB0qfbDE1c3EL0-LPaIZ4s_rl8DerKvHFmAkRuFPAKdHB-duEeV4p7vO9ZgK7LjNrtD-RrAQ58nUiA_O6c1L9qe0tdzDVp-n03ae65c5itnkzmEZeVp0Hs6EixiXA12BsspsU3Iy7NNRq6FjmcpI6d9fdlOdrZmlc/s4032/IMG_6489.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bHpLiPNDPbIliQgL8_W5xuy9alLB0qfbDE1c3EL0-LPaIZ4s_rl8DerKvHFmAkRuFPAKdHB-duEeV4p7vO9ZgK7LjNrtD-RrAQ58nUiA_O6c1L9qe0tdzDVp-n03ae65c5itnkzmEZeVp0Hs6EixiXA12BsspsU3Iy7NNRq6FjmcpI6d9fdlOdrZmlc/w300-h400/IMG_6489.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Typically for an around town bike, I've built up either a 700c road or cross frame, or an old mountain bike. I think the Expedition has some advantages over both of those:<div><br /></div><div>- Compared to a cross bike, it has fatter tires, a better fit with Jones bars, better brakes, and much more standover--nice when I stop a lot while running errands</div><div><br /></div><div>- Compared to an old mountain bike, it has a much greater stack and a lower bottom bracket, making it much more stable feeling. No more of that "halfway to an endo feeling" riding position of old NORBA racers!</div><div><br /></div><div>It's not perfect of course. The low bottom bracket will give me pedal strikes off road, and that, combined with the long stays, makes it pretty hard to lift the front wheel. An XL might have fit me better. But it was a fun build when I needed a project!</div><div><br /></div><div>(I am still eyeing the Jones bikes on sale, though)</div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-41847089121327963722024-02-17T21:16:00.005-05:002024-02-18T06:32:51.948-05:00New Bike: Brompton, and the Folding Bike Continuum<p>Round about four years ago, I stopped on the way home from Detroit to buy a Bike Friday I'd found on Craiglist. I was riding a Dahon, my first folder, and I was hoping the <a href="https://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2020/01/bike-friday-silk.html">Silk I bought that day from Roger </a>would be a nice upgrade. I didn't care for the Silk, and ended up driving to Indianapolis to meet a guy from Chicago and <a href="https://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2020/02/bike-friday-crusoe.html">trade it for a Crusoe</a>, which I still have and enjoy.</p><p>Which is a long intro to leading up to another CL search, another meeting with Roger on the way back from another trip to Detroit, and another new folding bike. This time, a Brompton:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFaCoR3lQc-MA_36OHmiW3yvI6isaOl_bOu_kegRVBwfPio9XVhO0jsxcoF3rhk-V5EGCSjLIuVakbRceZWMqMN_JxoY_poQu4PO_6tToVGbLHzfdX0eGyOOWmta6yzBGfSMe2Hhe72mqqb1YzIHThyphenhyphenbzz7iMTr_9mWW-8FjHJcNlHY9a5pl__drlqtA/s4032/IMG_6367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFaCoR3lQc-MA_36OHmiW3yvI6isaOl_bOu_kegRVBwfPio9XVhO0jsxcoF3rhk-V5EGCSjLIuVakbRceZWMqMN_JxoY_poQu4PO_6tToVGbLHzfdX0eGyOOWmta6yzBGfSMe2Hhe72mqqb1YzIHThyphenhyphenbzz7iMTr_9mWW-8FjHJcNlHY9a5pl__drlqtA/s320/IMG_6367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I've never ridden a Brompton, and I was curious to compare it to my other folders. Roger is shorter than me, so I ended up making my own telescoping seat post out of some cheap Amazon parts:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzp7ypXdk6LwF2NUkpamlbx2LXn7ta57l2kHM8UewUa_xkAHphqbNqv2NPCIhsvcH5MtlEG5wamwANNPJFfD6ERGWL_NUUNCZ2mMAht8uuVjC_7YEd8IwsFVqnz7YxRY-RXQ3iCRS-sC8Q2bKMIjOKE4ArT97zjubTdMq906ENveYn0xt2vMPNrA0s40/s4032/IMG_6522.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGzp7ypXdk6LwF2NUkpamlbx2LXn7ta57l2kHM8UewUa_xkAHphqbNqv2NPCIhsvcH5MtlEG5wamwANNPJFfD6ERGWL_NUUNCZ2mMAht8uuVjC_7YEd8IwsFVqnz7YxRY-RXQ3iCRS-sC8Q2bKMIjOKE4ArT97zjubTdMq906ENveYn0xt2vMPNrA0s40/s320/IMG_6522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The lower post (31.8mm? I need to check) is a regular seat post with the head cut off, a 27.2 seat post with a clamp inserted above that, and a beer can shim to make it work. It's not super slick, but it works well enough. I also had to add taller handlebars:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlqhPVkwyZDxIRkXGUtzg6xFWimA9qjEjXm7fWacY9h95JKdYVDCtjeMx-sTGtbLHsiDMJGV8Kx0XGoD7xHjfOCIiapiTQJGp8iqDiagb1YgPTAocW9lPazvYj29_e3n_JuzfpAKMKtyzJCe-PhKdfZO7eeKgUPA4B5wGJkyyNN6GThlTODOp5z-TZPc/s4032/IMG_6520.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlqhPVkwyZDxIRkXGUtzg6xFWimA9qjEjXm7fWacY9h95JKdYVDCtjeMx-sTGtbLHsiDMJGV8Kx0XGoD7xHjfOCIiapiTQJGp8iqDiagb1YgPTAocW9lPazvYj29_e3n_JuzfpAKMKtyzJCe-PhKdfZO7eeKgUPA4B5wGJkyyNN6GThlTODOp5z-TZPc/s320/IMG_6520.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Which gave me a reasonably comfortable riding position for my 6'3" self:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FtuNQ4pMGX3QdMr_hgx5nW7Dm3JNbSA5qThQIb9uorgJ1NI8ZrBqZeKnlaJWelhuqPbFpPGilOliSOOyLpWyC411eNkB9ovE81RIYeWrdgGuKdQq15h34UJ7_1eHkLUi1gneiszR9Ljxi9GAsu-OWAFnhYGWvanQKlw237WXiNvp4BblDhXyiDtbYL0/s4032/IMG_6519.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FtuNQ4pMGX3QdMr_hgx5nW7Dm3JNbSA5qThQIb9uorgJ1NI8ZrBqZeKnlaJWelhuqPbFpPGilOliSOOyLpWyC411eNkB9ovE81RIYeWrdgGuKdQq15h34UJ7_1eHkLUi1gneiszR9Ljxi9GAsu-OWAFnhYGWvanQKlw237WXiNvp4BblDhXyiDtbYL0/s320/IMG_6519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also added some folding pedals:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tB8EfDgyDUdwAVwy0j0muPgaaSjnB_htGrS0n1-GSN-FEKL_Rni7knGTX8sx5sjQ5Yn_NMz-4HpCIqsuFaYwAG0-DIF_vAXjvlCKJphGfCgeOpVXBWsy5P-OWHjQgjAHPOG92ABdD7bdZFr39ebFFq5gOJw8ZamTmHWB1kpttMDTm3z7-XiteiAK0Fo/s4032/IMG_6521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tB8EfDgyDUdwAVwy0j0muPgaaSjnB_htGrS0n1-GSN-FEKL_Rni7knGTX8sx5sjQ5Yn_NMz-4HpCIqsuFaYwAG0-DIF_vAXjvlCKJphGfCgeOpVXBWsy5P-OWHjQgjAHPOG92ABdD7bdZFr39ebFFq5gOJw8ZamTmHWB1kpttMDTm3z7-XiteiAK0Fo/s320/IMG_6521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Brompton fold is very, very refined. For instance, the frame clamps have a small indent on the fatter end. This is a place to insert your finger and allow you to spin the clamps more easily. Smart!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B2nuxQVzw3AMW_bZ_ZEWECioDYypyE1wc4aHAHYPRay7O-wTmJ1SrssUteZtTGoPYZrjUkNh22IHdP-2KeTB2_AI-DdobFFti0cf4eaBdxEajTPMgJG2e-4hxtvFxZ1f1Co5TfNNjIVQxQv4fwbLWVQg06ps1JSnGLB4YinEW2vC-PA3V9SUEOAKQKQ/s4032/IMG_6523.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B2nuxQVzw3AMW_bZ_ZEWECioDYypyE1wc4aHAHYPRay7O-wTmJ1SrssUteZtTGoPYZrjUkNh22IHdP-2KeTB2_AI-DdobFFti0cf4eaBdxEajTPMgJG2e-4hxtvFxZ1f1Co5TfNNjIVQxQv4fwbLWVQg06ps1JSnGLB4YinEW2vC-PA3V9SUEOAKQKQ/s320/IMG_6523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The result is a super compact fold that is stable and easy to carry as a package:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDTmT-wsHeoDatAKa6nBp2wrVX4YGCdCDeZYdIXjbkPXYbIb4R9vIZJ6xEgldsSbV1Tp_DYI7e2-CXoVhv5MClliIfQtaebZRuACQooMvP0yiThX5poB80Uk992wWs1Qz5969fpnBHVp0AlS_c76ofvWmC2bh-559vvi2_F2iHA2p-h50oeeboVDIG-4/s4032/IMG_6526.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDDTmT-wsHeoDatAKa6nBp2wrVX4YGCdCDeZYdIXjbkPXYbIb4R9vIZJ6xEgldsSbV1Tp_DYI7e2-CXoVhv5MClliIfQtaebZRuACQooMvP0yiThX5poB80Uk992wWs1Qz5969fpnBHVp0AlS_c76ofvWmC2bh-559vvi2_F2iHA2p-h50oeeboVDIG-4/s320/IMG_6526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>My taller bars do slightly impact the fold: the lower grip hits the ground, causing the folded bike to sit not-quite-squarely. I think Brompton offers a taller stem mast, but the taller bar was a cheaper option for me, and like my telescoping post, it works well enough.</p><p>The Brompton has a few other neat features: a wide range three speed rear hub, and front and rear dyno lights. The front light had a short in it, but luckily I had a Herrmans light sitting on the shelf that plugged right in, and has a lovely beam pattern.</p><p>So, a super slick fold, simple gears, always available lights... it's easy to see the appeal of the Brompton as a multi modal commuter machine. What doesn't quite work so well for me is the actual ride itself. It's not a bad riding bike--almost every bike is fun to ride in some respect--but compared to my Crusoe, it feels slow yet with twitchy handling. There's only one hand position, and not much flexibility here due to the constraints of the fold. It's not a bike that's my first pick when I go out to the garage and look over my little fleet of seven bikes. </p><p>I'm not saying the Brompton is a bad bike. It's just not a great bike for how I use a folding bike. If I flew with a bike, or took a train to work, a Brompton would be ideal. For a ride leaving right from my garage, not so much.</p><p>So in my folder experience, I started with a Dahon Speed. It's a typical 20" wheeled bi folder. Not a super compact fold, but also not painful to ride:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAAm4q8d2s84HS0ByhnpNd4t-YMcErtQ1jMaagTIGq0mAZauMsE1p8tOPvXV1tCyQKVv2iXo5lws_yopgE9mAlY0Y5i-0zBzOHQCX5tJhHgYbqhkA4SWABWbVdWkr8Y5CK2IS-3QkrcHLiCc2SR2UfJrelasUqMthOAWS3jeLNlEEck1D4GW_lHMsm2c/s4032/IMG_1699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAAm4q8d2s84HS0ByhnpNd4t-YMcErtQ1jMaagTIGq0mAZauMsE1p8tOPvXV1tCyQKVv2iXo5lws_yopgE9mAlY0Y5i-0zBzOHQCX5tJhHgYbqhkA4SWABWbVdWkr8Y5CK2IS-3QkrcHLiCc2SR2UfJrelasUqMthOAWS3jeLNlEEck1D4GW_lHMsm2c/s320/IMG_1699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXKib7-R44JiWzls5REfLb_abrlMtoeomcBu3qGMNm34Jccjq3qiFSQiNfJqI6sVHHNctNVhI9N4OPCDPcMphB1dLPqjx0sAuTHI_NQlLMP38KivKOtAKHBaSmY_LKp4Nx3Jrbls0r5LNxtkZjWLo89heyMp1ILzdGa2FCwsPMLnRrrWhUN6PvhyphenhyphenH5Xc/s3264/IMG_1174.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXKib7-R44JiWzls5REfLb_abrlMtoeomcBu3qGMNm34Jccjq3qiFSQiNfJqI6sVHHNctNVhI9N4OPCDPcMphB1dLPqjx0sAuTHI_NQlLMP38KivKOtAKHBaSmY_LKp4Nx3Jrbls0r5LNxtkZjWLo89heyMp1ILzdGa2FCwsPMLnRrrWhUN6PvhyphenhyphenH5Xc/s320/IMG_1174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>(I'm not sure why I didn't drop the seat post in the picture of my folded Dahon, but it's the only folded picture I had handy)</p><p>Then my BF Crusoe, which rides like a good bike but has a messy fold:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs-fAwaBJ0Szn2M2pcvWNsOmOBu8WXPsM-KX4zf1n_HReY_FRztaoUCUZ4UFTWJukMKXPCa48IckRMrT3PHqdr5osAY1K171zzrEiZRCg7gQLY9gX1JEscpsyS62MsZAFkr_F8o9KqeGrKKzThBGDAN2CYpseoWOQFy5Mft1EEGOR0ecOHlSGpljKHg4/s4032/IMG_2444.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxs-fAwaBJ0Szn2M2pcvWNsOmOBu8WXPsM-KX4zf1n_HReY_FRztaoUCUZ4UFTWJukMKXPCa48IckRMrT3PHqdr5osAY1K171zzrEiZRCg7gQLY9gX1JEscpsyS62MsZAFkr_F8o9KqeGrKKzThBGDAN2CYpseoWOQFy5Mft1EEGOR0ecOHlSGpljKHg4/s320/IMG_2444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG1Lk6S7UtQrjQKh87c79mvzPXA56Ck-Kat1w_YCqqtPMvecPFZLN4gONDcJjD8VBHUutA-frBoB2UOGnA-9Ty_zbKLeljis_SkIRWgoqwHCrpQ05CUNdI2aFbCNFnkFOAYV3-ol5zAXALrsREdYRXON6TMkrAW69InVdl63k_NZUvLWxN1b9iKO1zeQ/s4032/IMG_2671.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAG1Lk6S7UtQrjQKh87c79mvzPXA56Ck-Kat1w_YCqqtPMvecPFZLN4gONDcJjD8VBHUutA-frBoB2UOGnA-9Ty_zbKLeljis_SkIRWgoqwHCrpQ05CUNdI2aFbCNFnkFOAYV3-ol5zAXALrsREdYRXON6TMkrAW69InVdl63k_NZUvLWxN1b9iKO1zeQ/s320/IMG_2671.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>In the defense of the BF, it's sold as a "packable" bike, not a folder. The concept is a bike you would carefully pack in a plastic Samsonite case that is airline checkable, then unpack when you arrive at your vacation destination and ride from your new base.</p><p>The three bikes plot a pretty linear curve between ride quality and folded size. This is my Folding Bike Continuum:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C4z51WKN3sXfzayC2eY04PloJJYr7VUpC_o_L1VGrxFJcdaCCmlPdXILY-nlXOWdECkjaGUs0bpPuTdlpLAEu8Vl7UcQDogB2F6HmQtfgZlV_h3wqLwtpHKhDhiqHQ_o5AfKi71CfrnquEcB7hx4FZ4MLvyJYs7Rl8MxnaCyTKLvrPjZbzkbAvobQQE/s426/FBC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="426" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0C4z51WKN3sXfzayC2eY04PloJJYr7VUpC_o_L1VGrxFJcdaCCmlPdXILY-nlXOWdECkjaGUs0bpPuTdlpLAEu8Vl7UcQDogB2F6HmQtfgZlV_h3wqLwtpHKhDhiqHQ_o5AfKi71CfrnquEcB7hx4FZ4MLvyJYs7Rl8MxnaCyTKLvrPjZbzkbAvobQQE/s320/FBC.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The Brompton has the best fold, but is the least fun to ride for me. If I were to fold the bike as part of every ride, it would be the clear choice.</p><p>The Bike Friday has the best ride, but the biggest and messiest fold. The less I fold it, the more I like it. For quite a while, it was my #1 choice of bikes to grab from the garage and roll out into Dublin.</p><p>The Dahon is somewhere in between: a reasonable fold, and OK to ride.</p><p>For my use, the Dahon style is probably the best folding bike. This would allow me to throw it in my car's trunk for the occasional use during a business trip or local trip, while still being a fun alternate bike to ride around the neighborhood.</p><p>There's a reasonable chance I'll sell both my Brompton and my BF to go full circle and return to a Dahon style. The churn is relentless.</p>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-57737559384019772892024-02-17T19:57:00.002-05:002024-02-18T06:35:34.834-05:00New Bike: 1982 Specialized Sequoia<p>I've had my '84 Trek 610 for about two years now. It's set up as a geared/fendered/650B bike right now, which had me missing a nice 700c fixed gear. I put up a wanted post on the iBOB list and ended up meeting Andrew to buy this old Specialized Sequoia frameset. I quickly got to building and set it up in an image of what my Trek used to be, a 700c Albastache-barred fixed gear:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugqwhduK7SEqXIahPTVdK5H8SX3-PZMk8gzIgXNyPoQWdvCon_a87vw2bwHd8ImJXMdUpOxEl68TrRTEscgnkqBP0XymaQANLXD9VcX363I_JmkptL_ZJFRw3UBbMdfwGOVduhwZ6MDh7k_-dyLNRP80HIxh3FCzF9xf9Ezyii8vjIoGl5uQ-Y3kTYos/s4032/IMG_6402.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugqwhduK7SEqXIahPTVdK5H8SX3-PZMk8gzIgXNyPoQWdvCon_a87vw2bwHd8ImJXMdUpOxEl68TrRTEscgnkqBP0XymaQANLXD9VcX363I_JmkptL_ZJFRw3UBbMdfwGOVduhwZ6MDh7k_-dyLNRP80HIxh3FCzF9xf9Ezyii8vjIoGl5uQ-Y3kTYos/s320/IMG_6402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>A 44t crank drives my 17/20 Surly dingle cog, and a 22t freewheel on the flip side, giving me three gears:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWdk3EGgtNF6TaWcBGnPwSP7RfNFSEdQ2mOzAxu2J1PkblvA9TJZ9l-lMTh0fvKFTgPGvYLVsEHPQ-bdzdrmPri1Jh5fep6nMPtMThXZlMiHpNMH_AQtyqCyYxS5oCkSgPD5oo70e57QAXMnKPp4BY-eoLHsb4sgb7AvDFHHYei-gsg79BAkhDzsGCqU/s4032/IMG_6533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWdk3EGgtNF6TaWcBGnPwSP7RfNFSEdQ2mOzAxu2J1PkblvA9TJZ9l-lMTh0fvKFTgPGvYLVsEHPQ-bdzdrmPri1Jh5fep6nMPtMThXZlMiHpNMH_AQtyqCyYxS5oCkSgPD5oo70e57QAXMnKPp4BY-eoLHsb4sgb7AvDFHHYei-gsg79BAkhDzsGCqU/s320/IMG_6533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In theory, this gives me a normal fixed gear, an easier fixed gear if I'm tired, and an off road gear.</div><div><br />In practice, I have yet to change gears and probably never will, but it's fun to set this kind of thing up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sequoia, at 66cm, is about a half size bigger than my litany of 25.5"/65cm vintage Treks. I like the taller head tube, but the reduced standover isn't so exciting.</div><div><br /></div><div>These frames seem to have a better reputation than old Treks, but so far, it rides pretty much the same. The lugs are slightly thinned, but I've had that on some of my older Treks as well. They're both fine riding machines.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's my latest setup, really just moving the bag up front:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJRl5iwO3RhnMPbql4hjjjuYVxO4MDVCPg1ZnwmWRZ-32VhfwdEtElf8EcEhu3LiLPALGCsdLjk3JpXcsjtYhW3JO_Wll_VOWlGWyQ4Wc15M9nrlrr4c95cS9iQzSVn_Oa7W64OTa7ur-Of6yVH2fYT7vDzfjaL3uKNlf6r3Kl9rUibULzAKtOxA7Vss/s4032/IMG_6532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJRl5iwO3RhnMPbql4hjjjuYVxO4MDVCPg1ZnwmWRZ-32VhfwdEtElf8EcEhu3LiLPALGCsdLjk3JpXcsjtYhW3JO_Wll_VOWlGWyQ4Wc15M9nrlrr4c95cS9iQzSVn_Oa7W64OTa7ur-Of6yVH2fYT7vDzfjaL3uKNlf6r3Kl9rUibULzAKtOxA7Vss/s320/IMG_6532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm playing around with making PVC pipe stand offs to hold the bag slightly off the bars. I need to refine the cuts on these somewhat to make them more stable, but they're not bad now.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWllQHlYA6UcN3Z46cYNwSY2sOy3qQM6GuSd-J93Fl_4Sk4HnDmyTGmD50Qj0nSgRTHSSC-kY-tZKqPfLKG2Pr0hHnttF1KpKVNLPLfOtCA-XlRfsBWTBmuD6zz80bhaQG1KwUoqJfskab6m0_2KeOD9TwW44sbyN829xoc6X7v2nJ1BUnMwwe90bChc/s4032/IMG_6534.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWllQHlYA6UcN3Z46cYNwSY2sOy3qQM6GuSd-J93Fl_4Sk4HnDmyTGmD50Qj0nSgRTHSSC-kY-tZKqPfLKG2Pr0hHnttF1KpKVNLPLfOtCA-XlRfsBWTBmuD6zz80bhaQG1KwUoqJfskab6m0_2KeOD9TwW44sbyN829xoc6X7v2nJ1BUnMwwe90bChc/s320/IMG_6534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The tire clearance seems about the same as the Treks as well, though right now that's limited by my Tektro R539 brakes, not the frame. Here's a Soma SV tire, claimed at 33mm, but actually more like 30mm:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJt-lVFddcuDl4vLSEmsak32ihueyjAgTuFasQiXscOM5So23Hu_DOA9-c72CS7INhyphenhyphenLH-dEMcq6XWbqvwZokd3Ti_iszzoRRBmr-RoFu_rm-WTeOtuBXyF798DXfopiQzAl3p1dqPrueJCwyIRMYYKFEOafpHgKPiGAhgQ5nPHyXTJjOXHx1tNYnRLo/s4032/IMG_6535.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJt-lVFddcuDl4vLSEmsak32ihueyjAgTuFasQiXscOM5So23Hu_DOA9-c72CS7INhyphenhyphenLH-dEMcq6XWbqvwZokd3Ti_iszzoRRBmr-RoFu_rm-WTeOtuBXyF798DXfopiQzAl3p1dqPrueJCwyIRMYYKFEOafpHgKPiGAhgQ5nPHyXTJjOXHx1tNYnRLo/s320/IMG_6535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Andrew said he could fit 700x38mm (35mm actual) Gravel Kings on the bike, so now I'm trying to hunt up some brakes with better clearance... though that will exacerbate the standover issue. But perhaps I could fit the current tires with fenders. </p><p>I like this bike, but at seven right now, I'm getting the down sizing itch. I think I'll only end up with this or the Trek, but not both. Stay tuned for the churn!</p><p><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><span><!--more--></span>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-51532523453575517952023-10-12T20:04:00.004-04:002024-02-23T06:35:54.385-05:002023 Mega Bike Update<p>Looking back over my bike fund spreadsheet, there's a lot of action to cover in my usual bike churn. More than usual, even. I don't write here much anymore, but sometimes it's useful for me to track my history and collect my thoughts about what has passed through the garage. </p><p>With the addition of the Rapide from my last post, I sold my <b>Ragley Marley </b>(cheap-ish) to my buddy Marc, trying to consolidate my moutain bike fleet down to boost wheeled 29ers. I had a lot of good rides on the Marley, and no real complaints with it, but the churn is relentless. I credit the Marley with opening up my eyes to the newer geo bikes, and how well they can work:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pzJTOEqhlYXh4w7Hm4kh7IvmdHT-ja_3Rgi9D2-W5ZeFsA2h0W-lOiF_x5DZ2g3H1S-NlZ5qr1ieYaL1YLJ-c7_BdlIM0JKJ34UxtnOsHLhH63nCk0Sb5YgQttSBLQY84IYw85kyHblUjbujlqXiaTQXi7VezcrzydsKCNQwIFLVNFFUYBC7jUqvS1c/s4032/IMG_2394.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pzJTOEqhlYXh4w7Hm4kh7IvmdHT-ja_3Rgi9D2-W5ZeFsA2h0W-lOiF_x5DZ2g3H1S-NlZ5qr1ieYaL1YLJ-c7_BdlIM0JKJ34UxtnOsHLhH63nCk0Sb5YgQttSBLQY84IYw85kyHblUjbujlqXiaTQXi7VezcrzydsKCNQwIFLVNFFUYBC7jUqvS1c/w400-h300/IMG_2394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I mentioned in my previous post that I picked up a <b>VO Neutrino</b>, but there was both buyer's and seller's remorse here--it went back to the previous owner a few months later:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-2UkdKz6cCYyWziIZNqn5VM7B8CnDhQwpNp99gJEYFXFMmA0ZNYTccuvz9jUcJA_bZHj7lDKbtYlh3wYg43s8HufCa0Vzv7Z_mKSf9hJzOwvR2bHj5YdSMrEqnHma_VuwDZx0iQ3w4t2-_O9fttQiFuAp-6vb21zqn46xbVuWevXVZCJz55iFGoOjgA/s4032/IMG_4570.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-2UkdKz6cCYyWziIZNqn5VM7B8CnDhQwpNp99gJEYFXFMmA0ZNYTccuvz9jUcJA_bZHj7lDKbtYlh3wYg43s8HufCa0Vzv7Z_mKSf9hJzOwvR2bHj5YdSMrEqnHma_VuwDZx0iQ3w4t2-_O9fttQiFuAp-6vb21zqn46xbVuWevXVZCJz55iFGoOjgA/w400-h300/IMG_4570.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I really can't find the point of a small wheeled bike that doesn't fold. Maybe if I lived in a 600 square foot apartment, but I have a roomy garage.</p><p>The next month, I sold the <b>Marin Nicasio</b> I had built from the frame up. It was OK, but also nothing special. Henry rode this for a while, but once he had his driver's license, he was pretty much done with bikes:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfMLTltVtXMCO5kBz3UkDfEuJcyQCNSDuNcaD0xCZtPdAoVFRHsPZiKdb7zFLPVmfoDR4vOnAMuDxYzzbZi79UCYArSLMdla_78EBSi-0eGRaOspkfL3lMw-5bal-wSiMM7vkyIq1ZpI-gVBtuu44qolGg2JPCl9KsZlNQ1P5nCjG7kHSAiHs-JVtO7o/s4032/IMG_2918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfMLTltVtXMCO5kBz3UkDfEuJcyQCNSDuNcaD0xCZtPdAoVFRHsPZiKdb7zFLPVmfoDR4vOnAMuDxYzzbZi79UCYArSLMdla_78EBSi-0eGRaOspkfL3lMw-5bal-wSiMM7vkyIq1ZpI-gVBtuu44qolGg2JPCl9KsZlNQ1P5nCjG7kHSAiHs-JVtO7o/w400-h300/IMG_2918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>In September (of 2022, mind you, my blog is that back loaded), I ordered up a custom color <b>Handsome Devil</b>. I was missing a 700c rim braked crossy frame than can be run as a fixed gear, and they were on sale:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesO0qkCdXGsWJ4z4Pu-Hw9MouEKhfQnnI3t62GZ6T7Zkw-iOgciXYb3uY-Lf8x7JZthyphenhyphen1eOLzHwkC_8-caaB1JHOx9BsjHBtMyhmX5eqyaiaRVh6UALglMi_6C8pKMYISNdOd3MzuBRojhfQuHf3oLtHOJK3uKrchqNUVKZGHMScPiV9jcEO86ECDWsE/s4032/IMG_5063.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesO0qkCdXGsWJ4z4Pu-Hw9MouEKhfQnnI3t62GZ6T7Zkw-iOgciXYb3uY-Lf8x7JZthyphenhyphen1eOLzHwkC_8-caaB1JHOx9BsjHBtMyhmX5eqyaiaRVh6UALglMi_6C8pKMYISNdOd3MzuBRojhfQuHf3oLtHOJK3uKrchqNUVKZGHMScPiV9jcEO86ECDWsE/w400-h300/IMG_5063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It was a nice riding bike, but doomed because at 60cm, the largest size it came in, it was still a size or two too small for me. I should know better, but sometimes I try to will something to work when it clearly won't.</p><p>Keeping to my idea of a boost 29er fleet, I picked up this <b>Ragley Big Wig</b> frame from the Pinkbike classifieds. It should be like a steel, 29er version of my Ragley, right?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT7DU4uQCcWrdGvTTDW2rwrlKsGzpQ5qxOltv7bEbyikIzn40Wnhzx5bkNZKhLWyJWCSLtr3tcxRUv_wk9rK7UAC9FFInitUZD2F78n8VXCC4RTKTQ5NJvLu_Dla6ALex5PF7MtfulbPhac2MwLQy_nsxFQn_nqWMJWjfRySmDOo5NqB08326P7uZuUo/s4032/IMG_4962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqT7DU4uQCcWrdGvTTDW2rwrlKsGzpQ5qxOltv7bEbyikIzn40Wnhzx5bkNZKhLWyJWCSLtr3tcxRUv_wk9rK7UAC9FFInitUZD2F78n8VXCC4RTKTQ5NJvLu_Dla6ALex5PF7MtfulbPhac2MwLQy_nsxFQn_nqWMJWjfRySmDOo5NqB08326P7uZuUo/w400-h300/IMG_4962.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>It handled fine, but based on the Marino and the Big Wig, I now have a theory of modern steel trail mountain bikes: they don't work. Too stiff. Too heavy. They don't have the flex of a good steel frame, so why not make it out of aluminum that's lighter and cheaper and rides at least as well?</p><p></p><div>I picked up this <b>Titus Silk Road</b> frame on a black Friday sale last year for ridiculously cheap:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFBlRWURCZSu-s2zqW8VvANMHLU0zIpGdGgQew9oE74uCl35B6HmVs1UPzazIRzGcdEcIx1rg_RCJZtqXYPQFAMsVyAwFT3z4DJB4j-4ijKAcyo-nHNedNJrx89LLwnnblGiE3wWqXboTaPS3jVvu27e2M7t63t8hd5exsa-FJQDnWcK5Z3xXI8Ay2jY/s4032/IMG_5772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFBlRWURCZSu-s2zqW8VvANMHLU0zIpGdGgQew9oE74uCl35B6HmVs1UPzazIRzGcdEcIx1rg_RCJZtqXYPQFAMsVyAwFT3z4DJB4j-4ijKAcyo-nHNedNJrx89LLwnnblGiE3wWqXboTaPS3jVvu27e2M7t63t8hd5exsa-FJQDnWcK5Z3xXI8Ay2jY/w400-h300/IMG_5772.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Built up with a random collection of cheap parts, it was a great riding bike. At some point, though, I decided it wasn't right for my riding--too much for riding around town, not enough for mountain biking. I halfheartedly tried to sell it until I looked around one day and realized Sam had outgrown his old bike, and he could fit on this... so he inherited it. I'd like to say owning a titanium framed/carbon forked wonder bike has turned him into a dedicated rider bike, but that's not to be. He does ride it a bit more than his previous bike, though. That's something. And if he ever gets tired of it, I already kind of want it back.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I've had four or five Rivendells up to this point in my life. I grew up (bike wise) reading the classic Bridgestone catalogs in college, and I really appreciate Grant's philosophy for Rivendell. But a lot of his bikes have never clicked for me. Including this<b> Rosco Platypus </b>I bought new:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNnNr_xchvQRrK0XfgBFHdUhKyBGdzztBWJGuLx0B8pXag3onoVXLIXuasQ_DHHQkXEK1eVndWGoieyzKrpsdAJLyY2anevdu3nfb77RWPHXwy5t-YOznq81_pB9FH8TnW4pTahJiDCexnnYQ26vnWNBVMAV4zl4Zmn9Pq2f39iCUhe8csV1qsY0oCGo/s4032/IMG_4894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNnNr_xchvQRrK0XfgBFHdUhKyBGdzztBWJGuLx0B8pXag3onoVXLIXuasQ_DHHQkXEK1eVndWGoieyzKrpsdAJLyY2anevdu3nfb77RWPHXwy5t-YOznq81_pB9FH8TnW4pTahJiDCexnnYQ26vnWNBVMAV4zl4Zmn9Pq2f39iCUhe8csV1qsY0oCGo/w400-h300/IMG_4894.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was a wonderful color, a great looking, functional bike, but one of the slowest feeling bikes I've ever ridden. The kind of ride where you stop to make sure a brake pad wasn't dragging.<div><br /></div><div>True story: I was riding the Rosco home from the library, trudging up a hill alongside Dublin road, when I got passed by an older guy on an old, squeaky mountain bike with one of those huge gel tractor seats. That it my enduring image of my time with the Rosco.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't learn lessons about Rivs, and I don't learn my lessons about fat bikes, either. I bought a <b>Giant Yukon </b>fat bike off the PB classifieds in time for last winter:</div><div><br /><div>...which I can't even find a picture of. It was nice enough: big 27.5 wheels, hydro disc brakes, nice aluminum frame with a carbon fork. It fit well, but those fat tires are like boat anchors. Almost as slow as a Rosco Plat. It wouldn't even last through the winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>edit: I found one picture of the Yukon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE-hGmvfDA0lEPrpssxKAGfepnkbrbw_pKRwHhTXpyjrKyt78XWvnE-JAy635MDRXtm0gEYqn8CXcw5s1NV_fDPYOGz6xpuIPeDbI21ICnvRnFEzoCWvbKxrhh3juFkfYGE9MPkwFqq_-nfhtTXdDFRVs6BzudM462vcLL4Jtx6ntSTRFgnlvuTODLQA/s4032/IMG_5218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE-hGmvfDA0lEPrpssxKAGfepnkbrbw_pKRwHhTXpyjrKyt78XWvnE-JAy635MDRXtm0gEYqn8CXcw5s1NV_fDPYOGz6xpuIPeDbI21ICnvRnFEzoCWvbKxrhh3juFkfYGE9MPkwFqq_-nfhtTXdDFRVs6BzudM462vcLL4Jtx6ntSTRFgnlvuTODLQA/w400-h300/IMG_5218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That winter, I sold the Rosco, Big Wig, Yukon, the Vitus Rapide, and even the <b>Bike Friday tandem</b>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBJVVRPUhBG7yRWNFqwQ-WfA_YuUHmZwHddUz0rRYT9vY1Y0djYBhrfZ9Dzg0TYags_9iNbARQCIsG3d1oEPdQzml3EZX9xwGrZfoJkWwnBMVOu2ECAaan0RXtn06aEBbMrb100ZuBFIjjmZQWe3WyoQRswdU_n1r7EDWm_aFmW9pNu5nyjFsolaC9B4/s4032/IMG_2764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBJVVRPUhBG7yRWNFqwQ-WfA_YuUHmZwHddUz0rRYT9vY1Y0djYBhrfZ9Dzg0TYags_9iNbARQCIsG3d1oEPdQzml3EZX9xwGrZfoJkWwnBMVOu2ECAaan0RXtn06aEBbMrb100ZuBFIjjmZQWe3WyoQRswdU_n1r7EDWm_aFmW9pNu5nyjFsolaC9B4/w400-h300/IMG_2764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>To replace the mountain bikes, I picked up a nicely priced <b>On One Scandal,</b> brand new from England:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho__H9OEJ6DZLvAyoD-eUg2k00kO09XnLX41PWzANCNB6vZqc5M9MJZ3zugK-INBS7m-tjgiQIUv269NUM7gqfj4PHtxZryDG5qyKJPhyzBzV3x9nypmQW0nTYCoyAMi3j17PoOYii5bLa9pPRpvHD2eoWqDM0Si0Bn4fsYYED9ZpQZ6juLLtVMeqmLIg/s4032/IMG_5349.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho__H9OEJ6DZLvAyoD-eUg2k00kO09XnLX41PWzANCNB6vZqc5M9MJZ3zugK-INBS7m-tjgiQIUv269NUM7gqfj4PHtxZryDG5qyKJPhyzBzV3x9nypmQW0nTYCoyAMi3j17PoOYii5bLa9pPRpvHD2eoWqDM0Si0Bn4fsYYED9ZpQZ6juLLtVMeqmLIg/w400-h300/IMG_5349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>GX 12 speed, Sram brakes, Pike fork... it was a great spec, good geo, but another bike that didn't click with me, even with a dropper added. Too much new tech outside my comfort zone. It was sold by the spring, along with the Handsome Devil.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still on the lookout for a hardtail to replace my Marley, I tried a used <b>Salsa Timberjack</b> frame, built up very old school with cable brakes and friction shifting:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1q8gATNGs81H1QsNar7jVv9w6mletWM2Ltt-Loamk7YWmf_Prc5dRTwVo6wVI7jWmPIWW7dOkFiDE_UAqBcYLWywoKFGFyllIjE7uEWnN5zKtNii_vgYkIb-bue1KyzXo1qmg1eudjwUB6lPyuFpD_FsSJiXwT-XbCPjS_HJsn3fljcIMKPfGGjVvfI/s4032/IMG_5765.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1q8gATNGs81H1QsNar7jVv9w6mletWM2Ltt-Loamk7YWmf_Prc5dRTwVo6wVI7jWmPIWW7dOkFiDE_UAqBcYLWywoKFGFyllIjE7uEWnN5zKtNii_vgYkIb-bue1KyzXo1qmg1eudjwUB6lPyuFpD_FsSJiXwT-XbCPjS_HJsn3fljcIMKPfGGjVvfI/w400-h300/IMG_5765.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Turns out, friction shifting kind of stinks on a hard charging mountain bike, and despite my complaints about the too low bottom bracket on my Vitus Mythique, the Timberjack felt too high. The frame was originally designed for 27.5 wheels, but the generous clearance allow you to fit big 29er wheels like I did. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.</div><div><br /></div><div>I quickly flipped the TJ frame and impulse bought an <b>NS Eccentric</b> aluminum frame:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4QUDMym4DOHE1s_4ZkR2GZPh9JA6hSKuEFzP9IB7sJyqd-iJkz5SnBkjDgXNO8U0asbjonjJy_Jk0iiiHgMT-a9BAUo8-dYugyymjsUfCefYYV9QeDz7KlbIl1UEl0-7JRhPUeuL5JiwC7iFPJVot3DtXw-j9GFaurbElyQXvS8hK6b6ghICfxRYlec/s4032/IMG_5936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4QUDMym4DOHE1s_4ZkR2GZPh9JA6hSKuEFzP9IB7sJyqd-iJkz5SnBkjDgXNO8U0asbjonjJy_Jk0iiiHgMT-a9BAUo8-dYugyymjsUfCefYYV9QeDz7KlbIl1UEl0-7JRhPUeuL5JiwC7iFPJVot3DtXw-j9GFaurbElyQXvS8hK6b6ghICfxRYlec/w400-h300/IMG_5936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I've had the NS for several months now, and it's a nice bike. Nicely finished, handles well, no real vices at all. I'm sure I'll find some reason to dump it, but with the bike market so soft right now, I'm in no hurry. I might try it with a carbon fork this winter.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This summer, I also sold my <b>Xootr Swift </b>to loyal customer John (who has also purchased my Dahon, Ritchey, Raleigh Technium, Handsome Devil, and maybe something else I forgot).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1NcRb3WXeuPtWZb-4fSo40t_LFHrN8elLobVS6L6sfsrK_cnlds1W02GAiSNmWFyBww4b91NeqHrOb4sB6w6NetNurpDGRIJCu-wCXO01nyrecCeH21TqhSqCYGdfSzQEWhOV1C9ERWrgap-YKNdvrvUqzOMt8KvhThf5Uq22g-ApjhWQE4rdYXbRb0/s4032/IMG_5782.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1NcRb3WXeuPtWZb-4fSo40t_LFHrN8elLobVS6L6sfsrK_cnlds1W02GAiSNmWFyBww4b91NeqHrOb4sB6w6NetNurpDGRIJCu-wCXO01nyrecCeH21TqhSqCYGdfSzQEWhOV1C9ERWrgap-YKNdvrvUqzOMt8KvhThf5Uq22g-ApjhWQE4rdYXbRb0/w400-h300/IMG_5782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Xootr was a fun bike, but ultimately too small for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're a loyal reader/stalker, you will realize this leaves me with four bikes:</div><div><br /></div><div>- <b>NS Bikes Eccentric</b> hardtail 29er, shown above.</div><div><br /></div><div>- <b>Vitus Mythique </b>full suspension 29er, though this has been on loan to my brother all summer:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnNrbMy2qIjoGTj5NzrZaYgosubi6j5eaAid3ane0t76y1G6Q3_WMvKkgT5n0NFmTR1mib56riPgq-PNrnQPB0jvDJK6ayL83HJ2vFuvZI33daq79mpnsdLdzZ0WRhHTXA4Y0hqgqCcgjnGXmcT03D-K09dQd7MGeuDuAgxq9A-tcnxZmMGSLZWwt5y4/s4032/IMG_3805.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnNrbMy2qIjoGTj5NzrZaYgosubi6j5eaAid3ane0t76y1G6Q3_WMvKkgT5n0NFmTR1mib56riPgq-PNrnQPB0jvDJK6ayL83HJ2vFuvZI33daq79mpnsdLdzZ0WRhHTXA4Y0hqgqCcgjnGXmcT03D-K09dQd7MGeuDuAgxq9A-tcnxZmMGSLZWwt5y4/w400-h300/IMG_3805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>- <b>Bike Friday Crusoe</b> folder, though it's a pretty frustrating bike to fold to throw into the car for a casual ride. But it's such a nice riding bike, it keeps its spot. The less I fold it, the more I like it:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KKBs67mGbCYUKFEbTE7WGpuswghFRyt8G8HbgZpWh33vV90LHQKpjlFd5zmSb9B0lSsWJLpci6VnH1IznXlmYxMV90bRZuKeuJ1sAC4PkjojU6v-mleZg0lvd3Y13boFxAnKJA-iTCGaa6DdFs93ApQ9sElGSVn2P4ELpLtn1jiijkpHPKrzOH234_o/s4032/IMG_5956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KKBs67mGbCYUKFEbTE7WGpuswghFRyt8G8HbgZpWh33vV90LHQKpjlFd5zmSb9B0lSsWJLpci6VnH1IznXlmYxMV90bRZuKeuJ1sAC4PkjojU6v-mleZg0lvd3Y13boFxAnKJA-iTCGaa6DdFs93ApQ9sElGSVn2P4ELpLtn1jiijkpHPKrzOH234_o/w400-h300/IMG_5956.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><p>- <b>1984 Trek 610</b>, converted to a 650b with a VO fork to give better braking:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1lgUc2i3lgeKWF3p1HOWTwYEljLkwzv5UGNr3gWsuLB_IfkmWj4RonVF7EYIZhHPY9Qs-ZsouQT8zG_CEnmUh1vk3VN_tUs7xulqjyLP2xAorff2N2KP3UeVSu82og2uSb8p9lGNISDILHGZAytzq01_zkN1qqRo3dXbSwTjRF2QixfEaO7lfVMjRTE/s4032/IMG_6058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1lgUc2i3lgeKWF3p1HOWTwYEljLkwzv5UGNr3gWsuLB_IfkmWj4RonVF7EYIZhHPY9Qs-ZsouQT8zG_CEnmUh1vk3VN_tUs7xulqjyLP2xAorff2N2KP3UeVSu82og2uSb8p9lGNISDILHGZAytzq01_zkN1qqRo3dXbSwTjRF2QixfEaO7lfVMjRTE/w400-h300/IMG_6058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>The Trek is a nice riding bike, smooth and responsive, especially on the 38mm Pari Motos, and it has far and away my most ride time this season. I had it set up fixed initially, but the bottom bracket is just too low with the 650b conversion. So of course now I'm on the hunt for a 700c rim braked crossy frame than can be run as a fixed gear.</p><p><br /></p></div></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-89979727445062268322022-06-26T20:02:00.000-04:002022-06-26T20:02:23.798-04:00The Churn CounterIt's been a while since my last post, so you might imagine that I have had some turnover in my bike fleet.<div><br /></div><div>You would be correct. </div><div><br /></div><div>I sold my Marino, but it wasn't the only bike to pass through my garage:</div><div><br /></div><div>Thinking that the success of conventional wisdom in my full suspension mountain bike would translate over to a hybrid style city bike, in December I impulse purchased this Kona Dew when I found an XL in stock:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphmagbuMZhg93tR2QSNQwySAj3e9wTmJYwypYOSfUnzkQKY2hn_qcCeN6vIEGdLoki0i6tdHeoQkCMmBNorPn024r3kzj0Mp-I7OMR_GjEuXDLi3KAEpDqh1irYpzbAkoNhdbRlba6dUzST1nJw7WzKk3wJYguoBoah33PoRvfCOTSzpbgP83Nd0N/s4032/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphmagbuMZhg93tR2QSNQwySAj3e9wTmJYwypYOSfUnzkQKY2hn_qcCeN6vIEGdLoki0i6tdHeoQkCMmBNorPn024r3kzj0Mp-I7OMR_GjEuXDLi3KAEpDqh1irYpzbAkoNhdbRlba6dUzST1nJw7WzKk3wJYguoBoah33PoRvfCOTSzpbgP83Nd0N/s320/IMG_4144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It rode well enough and was comfortable, but the fat tires can feel a bit ponderous for my bike paths, and the cheap mechanical disc brakes didn't feel great. It was an interesting experiment, but I sold it off this spring. I just like my mix of odd steel bikes, fixed gears, and small wheeled bikes better.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Some time back I picked up this Windsor Tourist frameset from ebay. Steel, fixed gear, but just a bit overbuilt for what I want. At least, it didn't feel as lively as my old Cross Checks, and didn't have the tire clearance of the CC even after I banged on the chainstays for more room. It finally went back on ebay and is now on its way to California.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOosv73XM1hU0LxaVCe5_G-ibBPhT0LSR8jgpW5iPMD6mquixFgXfQkmmj6Ds5du4sHfXxzfgUalZxR4pg7YG3GjEIVWtkspPMGr5GhSKLKOTITyrgbZJMcmW1MqEW1iRaHObRHnZ8NEC8FzPQ-5vUdTf3zzNLfEm0qmwoUvI4ohDtNu7MxnTcAhx/s4032/IMG_4187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOosv73XM1hU0LxaVCe5_G-ibBPhT0LSR8jgpW5iPMD6mquixFgXfQkmmj6Ds5du4sHfXxzfgUalZxR4pg7YG3GjEIVWtkspPMGr5GhSKLKOTITyrgbZJMcmW1MqEW1iRaHObRHnZ8NEC8FzPQ-5vUdTf3zzNLfEm0qmwoUvI4ohDtNu7MxnTcAhx/s320/IMG_4187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another winter find was this mid 90s Mongoose, free from a garage sale. I played around trying to revive the gooey Quadra fork, but that didn't help the frame that was a size or two too small for me. Too bad, because it was a nice looking frame. It was sold on Craigslist for a tiny profit (even with a starting price of "free", I still had to dump some money in it to get it rolling)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK6OzzEoykxh2oDPtmz9N1dNmO5AkT-BBKosAE7ALgcY9g2AzVkwtTPn5lo0mrT7j9ksH-lB3d4LRP-m2BWjhnBUCsax046QjoYmbko7cFpp9wn4ZR_U3q9SBympymhkei2FOtK12uj3GNapu_ZQtDXlCY9VIUH2XoMlbDp3HJO9KrJK6idpDSzVE/s4032/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK6OzzEoykxh2oDPtmz9N1dNmO5AkT-BBKosAE7ALgcY9g2AzVkwtTPn5lo0mrT7j9ksH-lB3d4LRP-m2BWjhnBUCsax046QjoYmbko7cFpp9wn4ZR_U3q9SBympymhkei2FOtK12uj3GNapu_ZQtDXlCY9VIUH2XoMlbDp3HJO9KrJK6idpDSzVE/s320/IMG_4208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I keep thinking I need to find a small wheeled bike to combine my Bike Friday Crusoe and Xootr Swift. The Crusoe is fast and lively, one of the best road bikes I've ridden, but is limited in tire clearance and a hassle to fold. The Xootr fits bigger tires and folds a bit easier, but isn't as small folded and a bit small overall for me. I thought this Bike Friday NWT fixed gear could combine the two: it has a better fold and more tire clearance than my Crusoe, and is a bit longer than my Xootr. And it was a great blue color. But something just didn't click for me--I think I like my Crusoe and Xootr too much--and I ended up trading it for the Neutrino, below.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVR7MMfQtqWjQSPyw7fNxPcONt9DhYpxyNKmL2_n30PqJ_OvAPRy_gBMtPdC6B3begcU9MI3M2knlvRXKxh4qOhcaoj49RiipmVQS6FMpcRxMnVin_lkibd7NnHS46BP6FSjRSd11h_giLjPaDHaKTId_Pai61T4ZmjnycMSeE2aeYuxbsd2pb5A_/s4032/IMG_4375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVR7MMfQtqWjQSPyw7fNxPcONt9DhYpxyNKmL2_n30PqJ_OvAPRy_gBMtPdC6B3begcU9MI3M2knlvRXKxh4qOhcaoj49RiipmVQS6FMpcRxMnVin_lkibd7NnHS46BP6FSjRSd11h_giLjPaDHaKTId_Pai61T4ZmjnycMSeE2aeYuxbsd2pb5A_/s320/IMG_4375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Sometime last fall or winter I picked up yet another used Trek frameset, a 1984 Trek 610. Pretty much the same as all of my other old Treks, bit in a bit nicer shape. It's now my main fixed gear bike:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00cv1TYH-ksLMDxFLaoFmUYZkRVagjTqncUqOZELf-nsGS1015Mz4snu6bJSarTrnVyhUGSjm5FHd3tLPFW5vPPWlhvKMY4CfQ7ofwFGF-Lse1XA2arxEnkcJpuW6PMiOOE20LMERUhB4Ht_VeoJAj8TMfjd8oPfDYVPtQhwfBv6smiIlt7HTut3w/s4032/IMG_4600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00cv1TYH-ksLMDxFLaoFmUYZkRVagjTqncUqOZELf-nsGS1015Mz4snu6bJSarTrnVyhUGSjm5FHd3tLPFW5vPPWlhvKMY4CfQ7ofwFGF-Lse1XA2arxEnkcJpuW6PMiOOE20LMERUhB4Ht_VeoJAj8TMfjd8oPfDYVPtQhwfBv6smiIlt7HTut3w/s320/IMG_4600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This front mounted saddle bag is a great way to carry stuff, and the Albastache bars are set up just right for me:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO_YZokEpaOQUKgM7EZFEBiMVcNCyiI8CQC1qKSwy_kOpL5qJptiGgI6SD6sZvrKpidvzLeTwuOUVEMZnrxYJfCA32f-mOym3qye4Fntk19hohuQ0FH-lEpdvA4vT0zkYWWEqFdCzSm1xBHchz8OwmhNoXCRSdsRpvK1twyNRXuAXxtHd6bFDDis6/s4032/IMG_4602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO_YZokEpaOQUKgM7EZFEBiMVcNCyiI8CQC1qKSwy_kOpL5qJptiGgI6SD6sZvrKpidvzLeTwuOUVEMZnrxYJfCA32f-mOym3qye4Fntk19hohuQ0FH-lEpdvA4vT0zkYWWEqFdCzSm1xBHchz8OwmhNoXCRSdsRpvK1twyNRXuAXxtHd6bFDDis6/s320/IMG_4602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Something that always eventually turns me off of these old Treks is the brakes. They're awful in a 650b conversion, and not a lot better with 700c. These Tektro brakes look great and offer great modulation and good power... in the dry. In the wet, I'm glad it's a fixed gear so I can backpedal to slow down.<div><br /></div><div>Tire clearance is another issue for old Treks. These 32mm Gravel Kings are nice tires, and I could maybe go up to a 35mm tire, but I can't fit a fender even at this size. Then again, with the poor braking in the wet, this isn't a bike I should ride in the rain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PTE03FbOU1DH1ECZ5qll9qiHwJo2C6co0UrL-P0LFDPJGPTJiEa0HIAkkjI6DxeHjZcHaHeEegqnv3QnWhiytaewBDOAogYTlLCMGcQ1C6bPdYi9ma-XC7ixvD5gYXIFhZQbHm0e8snp8SnYhOFBN4Yr30IVuhZ4d1U2MFW_0yygYkURV6IJi3Nf/s4032/IMG_4604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PTE03FbOU1DH1ECZ5qll9qiHwJo2C6co0UrL-P0LFDPJGPTJiEa0HIAkkjI6DxeHjZcHaHeEegqnv3QnWhiytaewBDOAogYTlLCMGcQ1C6bPdYi9ma-XC7ixvD5gYXIFhZQbHm0e8snp8SnYhOFBN4Yr30IVuhZ4d1U2MFW_0yygYkURV6IJi3Nf/s320/IMG_4604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometime I dream of having Franklin Frames make me a custom frame, with tubing like the Trek, brakes and clearance like the Cross Check, and a longer front and rear center than either. Maybe someday.</div><div><br /></div><div>I mentioned earlier that I traded the BF NWT for a Velo Orange Neutrino. The Neutrino mini velo is a bike that I've been interested in, but I could never justify actually buying one. But for a trade, it seemed like a fun thing to try:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CbHX96b_NCG13aneGXSzCewAlQZMWgZHyTUxkTG1uPmBocPyLxlGtoEZYMjV2bVetIsG8MitifIkD3slBMBdp-XTtkIsbE8Vy3FcTyRjVZv4R3fRsMtzV5RYf1iB0puqSXa4P9KrWW0d1UROAp6qHl27auRBuZRiiHuu6bm3H2fteX1TxLEUAXEV/s4032/IMG_4606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CbHX96b_NCG13aneGXSzCewAlQZMWgZHyTUxkTG1uPmBocPyLxlGtoEZYMjV2bVetIsG8MitifIkD3slBMBdp-XTtkIsbE8Vy3FcTyRjVZv4R3fRsMtzV5RYf1iB0puqSXa4P9KrWW0d1UROAp6qHl27auRBuZRiiHuu6bm3H2fteX1TxLEUAXEV/s320/IMG_4606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Good tire clearance, but for some reason, I don't much care for disc brakes, except for mountain bikes. Road bikes are fine with good strong cantis or V brakes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiUL3EXxOiH6ngeKMKvtc1QFqvrSrweuzRl6QUb2DbVKLDnzcplgLk4JjI5aNdnpxtMIlG7gFlBxaKlp-QdNOcsgFvY2-CLVyp072q-Ip_Fspg2aLVv_fD5cvp-XAujqPO2Q4r9FLkxTYMjc1YhNi1a8tzfMH4fDTmiR3jlQa_WxiGy9c4cRjF2Ke/s4032/IMG_4607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiUL3EXxOiH6ngeKMKvtc1QFqvrSrweuzRl6QUb2DbVKLDnzcplgLk4JjI5aNdnpxtMIlG7gFlBxaKlp-QdNOcsgFvY2-CLVyp072q-Ip_Fspg2aLVv_fD5cvp-XAujqPO2Q4r9FLkxTYMjc1YhNi1a8tzfMH4fDTmiR3jlQa_WxiGy9c4cRjF2Ke/s320/IMG_4607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love the feel of the Jones bar, but it's an awkward looking beast. Then again, mini velo.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUQQJSZ9nbGutXlw86FyXmT1Jnzr0c41UwwGk7pw_GR_GgG6odBdZ4Ga1kTbKPWO_fXSFkGQ6L5Yvax8sy5xrPALLoJHlSFCIBBxxacG4CBN7k1HnW4JVCvoAIiC3HYwPJ6eYa84PUSNIGs3bmlUnRl_3eE-wPXkCjC_V4saOxiznedq9LDNypkn8/s4032/IMG_4608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUQQJSZ9nbGutXlw86FyXmT1Jnzr0c41UwwGk7pw_GR_GgG6odBdZ4Ga1kTbKPWO_fXSFkGQ6L5Yvax8sy5xrPALLoJHlSFCIBBxxacG4CBN7k1HnW4JVCvoAIiC3HYwPJ6eYa84PUSNIGs3bmlUnRl_3eE-wPXkCjC_V4saOxiznedq9LDNypkn8/s320/IMG_4608.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I can't see much point to the mini velo concept. It doesn't really save much space in my garage. It barely fits in my car with the seats folded down. It rides fine, but so does my Xootr, and it folds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe part of it is that the VO kind of looks like a normal bike, but strange, while the Xootr or BF are in their own folding bike aesthetic world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, for my 50th birthday last month, I treated myself to a new mountain bike. This Vitus Rapide was on sale, a chance to try out a modern XC hardtail:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTBAicd-qrSbYOYZ8AgktuJG0cbn5KPvPKv8PYOx2AeqrDn9-xCPf92B3d4zKrTck4NcEb7uERUdNU3h3nwaPrQscVpar4dcn_Ivgb1Tb9YYHcr8zQYl2YL-GR5xSEKS8iFJkNjraSsYuZ06VzMIYjsvvq6OSDXKgceG-49Z0zdeSeRR76-b58krI/s4032/IMG_4612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTBAicd-qrSbYOYZ8AgktuJG0cbn5KPvPKv8PYOx2AeqrDn9-xCPf92B3d4zKrTck4NcEb7uERUdNU3h3nwaPrQscVpar4dcn_Ivgb1Tb9YYHcr8zQYl2YL-GR5xSEKS8iFJkNjraSsYuZ06VzMIYjsvvq6OSDXKgceG-49Z0zdeSeRR76-b58krI/s320/IMG_4612.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div></div></div><div>"Modern" because it has a 67 degree head angle, but "XC" because it only has a 100mm travel fork, narrower (2.0") tires, and a lower front end. After adding the dropper from my Marley, it handles my local trails very well, though I can't help but thinking a 120mm fork and 2.3" tires would really add to its capability. I thought this would immediately replace my Marley, but again I'm hoping for something that can combine them: 29er wheels, but some of the more trail capability of the Marley. Another maybe someday bike.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with me, someday often isn't that far off as my fleet keeps churning.</div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-76072704328571271612021-11-28T19:45:00.003-05:002022-06-26T19:26:56.447-04:00Henry's Rat Rod<p>Henry and I spend all together too much time watching car shows on TV. These are the HGTV equivalent shows where they buy a beater and fix it up over the course of an hour. Some of the projects that really caught our attention were the rat rods, where they fix up the car underneath but leave the outside looking deliberately rough. I don't have the time/space/money/know-how for much car work, but a bicycle rat rod is something we can try together...</p><p>Our project started with an early 90s Schwinn High Plains off CL. The previous owner was abandoning his dreams of a fat tired drop bar bike with a 3 speed internally geared hub, so we picked up the pieces for just $50.</p><p>Once again, I failed in blogging by not taking a clean "before" picture. But we got to work stripping off the parts, and then stripping the powder coat from the frame and fork. Two coats from one can of paint stripper was enough to peal it down to bare metal:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnd4HRVPbJU_n5TiEpRKL6cLGD40Y0bklSqf0RotG-Z1ho1gDzmWMWhacdkvTR7f55rLyL3Lkha_niDXYxjCeaEJ37oKHz-V90L2bfjZfxxAyJFGSCtU5qJgJZXIUlUU5RSyKqA4v1co/s2048/IMG_4011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnd4HRVPbJU_n5TiEpRKL6cLGD40Y0bklSqf0RotG-Z1ho1gDzmWMWhacdkvTR7f55rLyL3Lkha_niDXYxjCeaEJ37oKHz-V90L2bfjZfxxAyJFGSCtU5qJgJZXIUlUU5RSyKqA4v1co/w400-h300/IMG_4011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We then applied a layer of clearcoat over the bare metal. My expectation is this will only slow down the rust. Henry is looking forward to the rust as it surely develops.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>For the build, the original IGH rear wheel didn't work out. Even poking directly into the hub with a spoke, I could only get two gears to work, and the high gear made a clicking sound. I found a set of serviceable 26" wheels with nice Panaracer Gravel King tires for $60 of CL again, so on those went... minus the nice tires, since Henry wanted to use the whitewalls we picked up earlier at that source for all quality bike parts, Wal Mart. Not the most supple tires, but they do look cool:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46-bqclQSoJYUeL2_xwhA-r35MJsoHlKD-3iEIya6Ecr2KKJKhmjMGCgWSDzzE_TCRoaSYgJaIPIdMqnLbW9r0itToqWclPVcIFc99XJAle6dpBz8M5jwHAhjJKPatU71864nGFBPerU/s2048/IMG_4138.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46-bqclQSoJYUeL2_xwhA-r35MJsoHlKD-3iEIya6Ecr2KKJKhmjMGCgWSDzzE_TCRoaSYgJaIPIdMqnLbW9r0itToqWclPVcIFc99XJAle6dpBz8M5jwHAhjJKPatU71864nGFBPerU/w400-h300/IMG_4138.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(unfortunately, a side effect of this is that now I have a pair of nice 26" tires sitting around, which fit exactly nothing else in my shop. This could ultimately lead me down the path of a vintage mountain bike build of my own).</div><div><br /></div><div>I had a spare Advent nine speed drive train laying around, so that went on, as well as the new Velo Orange handlebars I had just bought for myself, and my favorite old Selle Italia Flite saddle. At 15, Henry can do the low bars. I would flip them upright! And yes, we'll shorten the cables at some point. Someday. The shifter cable and housing was lifted directly off his Marin Nicasio pre-fixed gear, so this quick zip tie job let us get the gears on there quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>I only had one V brake in my bin, which was fine... Henry is used to just a single front brake from his regular fixed gear bike.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl1dYrhxSc2M-Nmo0QJHNZHKRbPnkSYkpVdym1PU-wB59BAMNc-Xewwgxez1P50JnJOm_3FLkcJoMBwfwjyesuydQR9Tccbu_gYEqplCa7cCgqDrMVkZmiyWuss_41dUfsgD-Z9KEnes/s2048/IMG_4139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsl1dYrhxSc2M-Nmo0QJHNZHKRbPnkSYkpVdym1PU-wB59BAMNc-Xewwgxez1P50JnJOm_3FLkcJoMBwfwjyesuydQR9Tccbu_gYEqplCa7cCgqDrMVkZmiyWuss_41dUfsgD-Z9KEnes/w400-h300/IMG_4139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With the paint off and the clearcoat on, you can see the lugwork and brazing of the frame. It even has bottle stars! Nice features for a bike that probably ran $300 in 1990.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQws78yUEywExUuDJAdWh-HlUEiSH2WtYEQu-ZS1YWZCjtMh60I8Qlg-PSvUBpjqPYkCdVKFC3BRAgJXvFHEvnha95BHnj2lsiEWi88E2ku2DJSiCqXXQvcQXz3skGynHVZS1S8FcX7UY/s2048/IMG_4140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQws78yUEywExUuDJAdWh-HlUEiSH2WtYEQu-ZS1YWZCjtMh60I8Qlg-PSvUBpjqPYkCdVKFC3BRAgJXvFHEvnha95BHnj2lsiEWi88E2ku2DJSiCqXXQvcQXz3skGynHVZS1S8FcX7UY/w400-h300/IMG_4140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>How many of today's entry level bikes do you figure will still be running in 30 years time? Anyway, I'm enjoying this time while Henry works on and rides his bikes. In a year, he'll be driving, and I expect the bikes will be forgotten.</p>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-71893643825500377042021-10-04T17:37:00.000-04:002021-10-04T17:37:07.567-04:00The Triumph of Conventional Wisdom: Vitus Mythique<p>For the better part of the last two decades, I've been chasing my slightly offbeat image of what a mountain bike should be. 29ers when everyone was on 26ers, single speeds, rigid bikes, Jones bikes, plus tires, funny handlebars and suspension seatposts... I've had them all. In the meantime, the mainstream trail bike has been coalescing around a pretty stable image: a 29er full suspension bike, 130-140mm travel, with an aluminum or carbon frame, a dropper post, slack geo, and a mild rise handlebar. Which basically describes my latest bike, a Vitus Mythique:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3Fc-5TH9T0pGfY0JCozXmDzjelZH48Z5GF4IVBVwPD2OdhTL8ZKCJHI7MGTsrhsZ5ZNazYvM_X3epDZ8oW6SK0n3SdJAyrTbaPE4lSpipTla6t0vcXhUTH-Ceo2cCnoL40fGMWKpftA/s2048/IMG_3799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3Fc-5TH9T0pGfY0JCozXmDzjelZH48Z5GF4IVBVwPD2OdhTL8ZKCJHI7MGTsrhsZ5ZNazYvM_X3epDZ8oW6SK0n3SdJAyrTbaPE4lSpipTla6t0vcXhUTH-Ceo2cCnoL40fGMWKpftA/w400-h300/IMG_3799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>You know what? Sometimes conventional wisdom is conventional because it just works.<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>I ordered the Vitus from Chainreactioncycles. The order took a few days to process, but once it shipped, this massive box from Northern Ireland showed up on my front porch in Ohio the next day:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiRogoZqKeq8jOQTCiW6XkJN8bRVmiX_8vSFzhZOzreY7ZuN4pbXhyeS4xkr2IA5kRaO3QTnV8DrdPQBW_qMy7JKOI07w9bk9-wE1oebIpYvY4mXaoRv8vbXaZLnUkaNontRy5yAeS0o/s2048/IMG_3795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwiRogoZqKeq8jOQTCiW6XkJN8bRVmiX_8vSFzhZOzreY7ZuN4pbXhyeS4xkr2IA5kRaO3QTnV8DrdPQBW_qMy7JKOI07w9bk9-wE1oebIpYvY4mXaoRv8vbXaZLnUkaNontRy5yAeS0o/w400-h300/IMG_3795.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Everything was packed well, no scratches and nothing was bent:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjsr11KaQlB26q8dOwHfwC0Y69cGfI5xbuHBwbkRvyU3c10_RzgGFvNXle08OLjF4VFlbHrU15IznEQ-DICNSLEAIDKqlUwEhDu5WDth3ZM_TxSnAqUnF6-3_t7a1JX0EEA8q8b8H25I/s2048/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjsr11KaQlB26q8dOwHfwC0Y69cGfI5xbuHBwbkRvyU3c10_RzgGFvNXle08OLjF4VFlbHrU15IznEQ-DICNSLEAIDKqlUwEhDu5WDth3ZM_TxSnAqUnF6-3_t7a1JX0EEA8q8b8H25I/w400-h300/IMG_3797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They even included a pedal wrench, a multi tool, a bell, and some townie pedals:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_v13pxqxH4mWcK9hj_mUaRFnIN1yIiTGf39OsKLI8j8x60GXWuf_9tgXw7J1NF-Dm_k9fbl2kGHjzN3kXwe6DnuABhwaMv-ru_LC6CmmnoQxibBQeX5RsUPO2qAeAVH7EIJ9S317hwk/s2048/IMG_3796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_v13pxqxH4mWcK9hj_mUaRFnIN1yIiTGf39OsKLI8j8x60GXWuf_9tgXw7J1NF-Dm_k9fbl2kGHjzN3kXwe6DnuABhwaMv-ru_LC6CmmnoQxibBQeX5RsUPO2qAeAVH7EIJ9S317hwk/s320/IMG_3796.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>The only change I made so far was to swap the stock bar for a carbon bar with a bit more rise, to help my aging back. No weird sweepiness here.</p><p>It's pretty amazing how well this bike works. The brakes are strong, the shifting is spot on, and the dropper drops.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI6L_z7VwsvN820aaIbBs0LvlTxtyQ3LJXurprr5idvicHoFDLyuz3R7eZBpL0EXtxzXEPgDSl2vlCBdjaxKPaVXU5TIlIP9lvzbDQNFOtR5ICr8ewKCWsq3k4OTxwKrZhsScs6w936c/s2048/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzI6L_z7VwsvN820aaIbBs0LvlTxtyQ3LJXurprr5idvicHoFDLyuz3R7eZBpL0EXtxzXEPgDSl2vlCBdjaxKPaVXU5TIlIP9lvzbDQNFOtR5ICr8ewKCWsq3k4OTxwKrZhsScs6w936c/w400-h300/IMG_3804.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It handles well, very neutrally, I don't even think about it. The 29x2.35 tires grip well and keep a pretty light feeling for the steering.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfT1hAAQje-0Trhko0E3CJKTBmpU-trHGj_pE7xXds1ei4cbcfUiDqU9TPgLmLOJaGSvZ7URMtDFJNYyiMsZ2VeOuHQc69Pu4idSrl5nCrBXlqt0Qw2XT7VGjFiwwCMekyL5F5t6BsQY/s2048/IMG_3805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfT1hAAQje-0Trhko0E3CJKTBmpU-trHGj_pE7xXds1ei4cbcfUiDqU9TPgLmLOJaGSvZ7URMtDFJNYyiMsZ2VeOuHQc69Pu4idSrl5nCrBXlqt0Qw2XT7VGjFiwwCMekyL5F5t6BsQY/w400-h300/IMG_3805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It weighs just about the same as my Marino, and only about two pounds more than my Ragley. That was a bit depressing.</p><p>I have some complaints:</p><p>- the bottom bracket is too low. I've never had so many pedal strikes. I ordered the 130mm travel version, but doing it over, I would have opted for the pricier 140mm travel version, just to get the increased bottom bracket height. I'll be swapping the 170mm cranks for something shorter, when I can find something in stock, but in the meantime, I'll be playing the stupid pedal ratchet game.</p><p>- the suspension quality isn't the best. The linkage design (a Horst four bar) is great, pretty supple and active, but it doesn't bob excessively when I stand up to put power down. But the fork is initially too soft, but rarely reaches full travel, while I have the shock set up firm (to keep the pedals off the ground), but it hits full stroke easily. Again, the more expensive versions of this bike would have better quality suspension bits, and these are inline with the price of the bike.</p><p>It's a bad sign for the Marino that I kept shopping even right after I got it. Another bad sign is that I'm already trying it in townie mode, with big slicks, a Jones bar, and a 38t front ring:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCAgZ1Mwr8raUz6FYkXAMyiTgiUtihRy0L4ALkePbBR6I-r71rut1T2eWCDRTP8c90MXcaCP8bdfznF_W7cb-q4UX8bsILfBCkzMceQ-6vX-zNqmL9qt0jL4eb3AV0-8IxwiRESiO1Ig/s2048/IMG_3983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCAgZ1Mwr8raUz6FYkXAMyiTgiUtihRy0L4ALkePbBR6I-r71rut1T2eWCDRTP8c90MXcaCP8bdfznF_W7cb-q4UX8bsILfBCkzMceQ-6vX-zNqmL9qt0jL4eb3AV0-8IxwiRESiO1Ig/w400-h300/IMG_3983.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>And a third strike is that I didn't really enjoy it all that much in this mode. My Bike Friday is a lot more fun to ride.</p><p><br /></p><p>The conventional build of my Vitus is a better mountain bike than the Marino (excepting the Marino's higher bottom bracket). This has me now looking at an aluminum hybrid for my city bike. Wouldn't something like a Kona Dew work better than all my various old mountain bikes, cross bikes, vintage bikes, and folders? Maybe we'll see.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-18759953393358947202021-09-30T21:10:00.001-04:002021-09-30T21:10:49.560-04:00More Travels with Sam, S24O and backpacking<p>Sam and I have been getting out quite a bit this early fall. Driving, biking, or walking, Sam is ready to go.</p><p>One of early random road trips was up to Malabar Farm state park. Why? Because we threw a penny at the map of Ohio and it landed nearby.</p><p>We found a nice hiking trail to a small cave there:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGuSCYup4KGx-nCZ6QMz0caZS7z_E8aS_snsz3RHA454GRFDZ3MeTBkYCVlkV0Bz6zWxXapVj_od3oUljNbrpxVKuCISTYTjHVkud1sM8LMu1wtcb59gKcXDe4x9K96VD7MhkJC6x4sY/s2048/IMG_3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGuSCYup4KGx-nCZ6QMz0caZS7z_E8aS_snsz3RHA454GRFDZ3MeTBkYCVlkV0Bz6zWxXapVj_od3oUljNbrpxVKuCISTYTjHVkud1sM8LMu1wtcb59gKcXDe4x9K96VD7MhkJC6x4sY/s320/IMG_3780.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And a cool blue butterfly:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT15BEFPKlHdAj2ax_qX1eYjqKoDh-MFIdWASvOHuwqbc2OuW-PkD0rKmHpGNDJkiMfvDcKcNfty4OYk2O8_rb4KjMbqlfej87ndOcRzu8uKrTvaygaGfUYXPI8yIcefRS3sSgfuCBAE/s2048/IMG_3779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT15BEFPKlHdAj2ax_qX1eYjqKoDh-MFIdWASvOHuwqbc2OuW-PkD0rKmHpGNDJkiMfvDcKcNfty4OYk2O8_rb4KjMbqlfej87ndOcRzu8uKrTvaygaGfUYXPI8yIcefRS3sSgfuCBAE/s320/IMG_3779.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Sam has a budding interest in geology, so our next trip was to Flint Ridge State Quarry:<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88G5Lm3MfiXMK8NA57OIBtgLrg4CmnRLMZjx4qrNeoKqGk8bZVwiiIlyuXIYPGzDmc7UleisA0mpUPVVn_ioO5xCSftmcARYb-4pbK6YV9Id2G_J15Wzp49cYiu0yX7KY-evlwJxq2U4/s2048/IMG_3832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88G5Lm3MfiXMK8NA57OIBtgLrg4CmnRLMZjx4qrNeoKqGk8bZVwiiIlyuXIYPGzDmc7UleisA0mpUPVVn_ioO5xCSftmcARYb-4pbK6YV9Id2G_J15Wzp49cYiu0yX7KY-evlwJxq2U4/s320/IMG_3832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One of the internet comments about this place asked, where's the flint? Uh, look down, you're walking all over it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QaYxgAgWJ3G19rkWDVTAQgec-H-yYBxP-fBGmPLNiXrwsebtI0a25BI5WDuoZ9iyz_DZVVsZDEY_cf8L-KUdVJde8p3IEq7lKGsU3sun7G3ZAgat9EhYko9evYeJQJpdE0VK01cV8-4/s2048/IMG_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QaYxgAgWJ3G19rkWDVTAQgec-H-yYBxP-fBGmPLNiXrwsebtI0a25BI5WDuoZ9iyz_DZVVsZDEY_cf8L-KUdVJde8p3IEq7lKGsU3sun7G3ZAgat9EhYko9evYeJQJpdE0VK01cV8-4/s320/IMG_3834.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We rewarded a morning of hiking with lot of meat for lunch at the City BBQ in Newark:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2o_DGobmCzB43RYyz_DRwg2elDLaH2lq8B86sCtYiQLvCn8V6ycFv8Wn3CRyF1_OY-IGjWCpBcpy27s9dinnJRy1y85K5mOePycBkqg9Rtp2XQ2I3vk9br0V_IcFOVDp-ATW8o_Rh84/s2048/IMG_3835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2o_DGobmCzB43RYyz_DRwg2elDLaH2lq8B86sCtYiQLvCn8V6ycFv8Wn3CRyF1_OY-IGjWCpBcpy27s9dinnJRy1y85K5mOePycBkqg9Rtp2XQ2I3vk9br0V_IcFOVDp-ATW8o_Rh84/s320/IMG_3835.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Later was a quick trip just to Columbus, first to the Shrum mound in Columbus:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLGkXG60XqqMP54wZvWOZZFIM5I1a4xOUiPa7JXJJJKuvFJa8gpP8QeZHGae1g2QZNtMORKe9kmjivya3cuER79H1Z0Y0rboUeZvDHE8KHqp-neXBipZlopwNV4s0auYzI494498r8Q8/s2048/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLGkXG60XqqMP54wZvWOZZFIM5I1a4xOUiPa7JXJJJKuvFJa8gpP8QeZHGae1g2QZNtMORKe9kmjivya3cuER79H1Z0Y0rboUeZvDHE8KHqp-neXBipZlopwNV4s0auYzI494498r8Q8/s320/IMG_3845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And then to the sword in the stone:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7o2lAMTX9zGzs3CyuQpVFDLY-naS3QySEMaOMYZb-N3C-hpQbeK5xV9S7099BT5zY7EdO_fls0NN9JPN1xA5KnGu6oPFDxUaV5VZjLv1xDl68U5s-UnWi9ipRqi5j9XOPYTzd6NJqlI/s2048/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7o2lAMTX9zGzs3CyuQpVFDLY-naS3QySEMaOMYZb-N3C-hpQbeK5xV9S7099BT5zY7EdO_fls0NN9JPN1xA5KnGu6oPFDxUaV5VZjLv1xDl68U5s-UnWi9ipRqi5j9XOPYTzd6NJqlI/s320/IMG_3846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Alas, neither of use could draw it out, so Britannia will have to be without a hero for a bit longer.</div><div><br /></div><div>We finally got an S24O in this year, to our usual spot. Alas, the frozen yogurt place on the way there was permanently closed, so we went to the Kroger next door to get some ice cream bars. I saw this bike parked outside:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPScH3Ua8sFYBkjuRVc-k0Sk6J6wUk23-rEKzHYccQ7SCBYxgiYkUMGxWYBxBNIZt-Qxw4w4hIU9VQhAISAvuipu-eTC_aTfCIYKkOQJvaJSnaUcuR0-iP20at0EhXc2KGTjmnfYVNfc/s2048/IMG_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPScH3Ua8sFYBkjuRVc-k0Sk6J6wUk23-rEKzHYccQ7SCBYxgiYkUMGxWYBxBNIZt-Qxw4w4hIU9VQhAISAvuipu-eTC_aTfCIYKkOQJvaJSnaUcuR0-iP20at0EhXc2KGTjmnfYVNfc/s320/IMG_3848.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Note the custom dual layer home-welded bars. Possibly a sign your bike is too small:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ-6uH5U_TrIP8ZmR4dqV8VI57AJfztlHXFBpoJUxMIk-QUai_Q4p034IdYzUFD92JhBD0CkPwy3LTM4HON8fTyPXai9In0kwRYZPxXOEzEp6gtOqUlx8lv-H188-33XZdc1XdXA8xyg/s2048/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJ-6uH5U_TrIP8ZmR4dqV8VI57AJfztlHXFBpoJUxMIk-QUai_Q4p034IdYzUFD92JhBD0CkPwy3LTM4HON8fTyPXai9In0kwRYZPxXOEzEp6gtOqUlx8lv-H188-33XZdc1XdXA8xyg/s320/IMG_3849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On this trip, Sam was riding my/his/now mine again Xootr:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW3h_qKa__Ai_Zipzoil6tAhwU4SD0AnR02ehdp6ZFPS-AFwSVWYNIQoYzXlWV3g5p6sgEEfeeETgu69hoRfX4axNVLGZJ7RQ_TZ-Wtn7z78w11VQcABtiePJm5RCxEVFVgtok2sQY4w/s2048/IMG_3850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicW3h_qKa__Ai_Zipzoil6tAhwU4SD0AnR02ehdp6ZFPS-AFwSVWYNIQoYzXlWV3g5p6sgEEfeeETgu69hoRfX4axNVLGZJ7RQ_TZ-Wtn7z78w11VQcABtiePJm5RCxEVFVgtok2sQY4w/s320/IMG_3850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He finally tired of the rough ride of the small wheels, so we recently got a Raleigh Redux off CL for him, putting the Xootr back in my hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>But on this ride, I rode my free Trek:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLySu7Lp3NAUwl7C-bOrrxPdn-WldHUh5c6MUfpxcB7Jzcp9EO7kMktmwoi6AkYxMXWQs_WunxMKL68UgV9J5plHEFKS0R0uVWniAtpFmbrRXqGRUbSr-Gl0fM89ycAOPhyWWHHHYs7A/s2048/IMG_3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLySu7Lp3NAUwl7C-bOrrxPdn-WldHUh5c6MUfpxcB7Jzcp9EO7kMktmwoi6AkYxMXWQs_WunxMKL68UgV9J5plHEFKS0R0uVWniAtpFmbrRXqGRUbSr-Gl0fM89ycAOPhyWWHHHYs7A/s320/IMG_3851.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We played a bit of chess then retired to the tent to read for the evening.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIrw4VUaznrDHqGXYBV0dHN34_dAXwHnCnBquLh2509kugqWXhVjShMPgiDbNWV9I_nvqdxheFGbhRQCK25SIkXczMgNmHfdCYoqvxmtFPs0u4j__apnJhShoxYl3U3jafdMaNu3KuBg/s2048/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxIrw4VUaznrDHqGXYBV0dHN34_dAXwHnCnBquLh2509kugqWXhVjShMPgiDbNWV9I_nvqdxheFGbhRQCK25SIkXczMgNmHfdCYoqvxmtFPs0u4j__apnJhShoxYl3U3jafdMaNu3KuBg/s320/IMG_3852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was hoping for a quiet Sunday night, but someone down the road was still blasting music for a late night Labor day eve party. Luckily we had ear plugs, so we managed to get some sleep.<div><br /></div><div>The next day, our usual Tim Horton's was drive thru only. Not the best on a bike, and the line of cars was long anyway. This time the nearby Giant Eagle provided our breakfast for us:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp9-7YJbt4YaFet8WQtvdLqx81Sb-uskfn5tEjS5zllBRjfkEbY1xOUPTR0Jg5gEQ5aohdAEWN5GgrxHO0xpWvMM2_lJ5SJ003VBILCv3UWCeR19JRvYpZJHaOMR84d3tV1AsA8oDCh4/s2048/IMG_3853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp9-7YJbt4YaFet8WQtvdLqx81Sb-uskfn5tEjS5zllBRjfkEbY1xOUPTR0Jg5gEQ5aohdAEWN5GgrxHO0xpWvMM2_lJ5SJ003VBILCv3UWCeR19JRvYpZJHaOMR84d3tV1AsA8oDCh4/s320/IMG_3853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The next weekend, the boys and I met my fried Charles and his son Stephen for an overnight backpacking trip to Twin Valley Trails:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcC1vusDznMs_BVLgBQRJHfKDn8hQqEhbnqL3WBr_UZ0ie1rgnee6t6yL9MjvYG9v245ismTy6yeHv5gj1FFEFRGBemLPGiUipyvBKs8eC73FWOPEYQyU0oc7H8A4pJEVkj0yg6iy7yQ/s2048/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcC1vusDznMs_BVLgBQRJHfKDn8hQqEhbnqL3WBr_UZ0ie1rgnee6t6yL9MjvYG9v245ismTy6yeHv5gj1FFEFRGBemLPGiUipyvBKs8eC73FWOPEYQyU0oc7H8A4pJEVkj0yg6iy7yQ/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After dinner, Charles had makings for s'mores. Sam had to make a marshmallow free s'more due to his braces, but he made it work:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5edRiLdczX3Mx3V0U4_iMMdOMJwZyF3BzScg8vcBg2TRyThcLGX-A1JxqzI8nRxotWiqO1CaTtvJjYfM7mvAiEyesEsgDLHtKSVPBEAjaJXhsCMXvdy6g5e_ArGCGgxzWQ1HFon5PNg/s2048/IMG_3866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5edRiLdczX3Mx3V0U4_iMMdOMJwZyF3BzScg8vcBg2TRyThcLGX-A1JxqzI8nRxotWiqO1CaTtvJjYfM7mvAiEyesEsgDLHtKSVPBEAjaJXhsCMXvdy6g5e_ArGCGgxzWQ1HFon5PNg/s320/IMG_3866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After dinner was a chess tourney, Sam emerging as the champion in a surprise upset over Henry:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSik2VteXx1nIrECQKJU1o6uZy_uYPjlM8KHb7qFR5fGBJYydwup4dU5Sjg9VpkcWwdJKtpcPKusHHXwm1OVrgtam2ugUNVVXEJRTZqs0o9tC0WGFaUA4ik4j1M6AXsgHg6Iz1Vez6m9E/s2048/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSik2VteXx1nIrECQKJU1o6uZy_uYPjlM8KHb7qFR5fGBJYydwup4dU5Sjg9VpkcWwdJKtpcPKusHHXwm1OVrgtam2ugUNVVXEJRTZqs0o9tC0WGFaUA4ik4j1M6AXsgHg6Iz1Vez6m9E/s320/IMG_3867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The boys and I had a tent, while Charles and Stephen hammocked:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfIwzVDdvAahXzfBoWqB5Jd0928ECpORyK7PGqQdfSJ9dn3EBhgQ_N0IwDOBq6iwM6szLOs5i1cP1jr7kOnNvSo_Mxp0TzhCQi2aroiQfXhUshfF7lobHekQ6LqkLeqwqK7RFQJkqC3k/s2048/IMG_3870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfIwzVDdvAahXzfBoWqB5Jd0928ECpORyK7PGqQdfSJ9dn3EBhgQ_N0IwDOBq6iwM6szLOs5i1cP1jr7kOnNvSo_Mxp0TzhCQi2aroiQfXhUshfF7lobHekQ6LqkLeqwqK7RFQJkqC3k/s320/IMG_3870.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We hiked out the next morning:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJO5QNOKqxlXo5WJ4buAI4L1oTqcrYMOu21Ly7Z-lxqvdEpo_PMirXyPzk16nCLYCs9dw84OM9_koSpPhnRqqqnDmQABTWW1UYdE6dTfD8CM_Mb7wUFepqead5Z0hT2fw2nKYLWyORrE/s2048/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJO5QNOKqxlXo5WJ4buAI4L1oTqcrYMOu21Ly7Z-lxqvdEpo_PMirXyPzk16nCLYCs9dw84OM9_koSpPhnRqqqnDmQABTWW1UYdE6dTfD8CM_Mb7wUFepqead5Z0hT2fw2nKYLWyORrE/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Across the dam, Henry was trying to race away from our barrage of dam jokes:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJlcBK89V5bEtzzjugH_a3xifvBRuJ09NlDVMMu_54F-uDnrBadAT7kaaWTrU6Uy75MmvLA8z_cb54FPObOw6i8kEjCOwmcyNKTdY6GS-Ijz4VvtH2r2RPx6jOr7_PKLCwLInnjXGF-g/s2049/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJlcBK89V5bEtzzjugH_a3xifvBRuJ09NlDVMMu_54F-uDnrBadAT7kaaWTrU6Uy75MmvLA8z_cb54FPObOw6i8kEjCOwmcyNKTdY6GS-Ijz4VvtH2r2RPx6jOr7_PKLCwLInnjXGF-g/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Lastly, Sam and I managed to catch the <a href="https://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2019/09/urban-s24o.html">Scioto Fest</a> this year. We parked at Antrim park and rode the tandem a dozen miles down to Scioto Audubon park:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuKOWb-ILHW_G0pdCpL0nh7xH4DcEzJuOL45NmshJTmW3dczJSP3yhdQvU9SFnIDD1FEA9vPU4kuRxd73faiL_fpLx1n0QtHmX1SsXFZmZN9jejgjN4tBazAUDsnan1iY1A2bQ_Z7JbA/s2048/IMG_3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuKOWb-ILHW_G0pdCpL0nh7xH4DcEzJuOL45NmshJTmW3dczJSP3yhdQvU9SFnIDD1FEA9vPU4kuRxd73faiL_fpLx1n0QtHmX1SsXFZmZN9jejgjN4tBazAUDsnan1iY1A2bQ_Z7JbA/s320/IMG_3882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The promised food trucks turned out to be a single food truck. Happily we enjoyed Thai spring rolls with spicy sauce for dinner, and a local beer for me:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnST5HNm3iNpxRmkeORXG_RI1lNmXQeAEEaQ_7dCrjvt7k47HuChU6eYz7feODOxczjdK0YqDEgKRPZPWZHkcun1rQaq2qzOf_r8iB9yDQDGdLIXLWOvexG4FsKGaPB2rQUCLXuBPV8mw/s2048/IMG_3884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnST5HNm3iNpxRmkeORXG_RI1lNmXQeAEEaQ_7dCrjvt7k47HuChU6eYz7feODOxczjdK0YqDEgKRPZPWZHkcun1rQaq2qzOf_r8iB9yDQDGdLIXLWOvexG4FsKGaPB2rQUCLXuBPV8mw/s320/IMG_3884.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The point of Scioto Audubon park is the climbing features, but we stuck to the small stuff:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufhXJzGvvuishmX9uZmHu199WT4vkk_fVZoQ5PsLMpr4YmI3_OY4NLBYga41Rtr3x792mzihWeP4OeGupCYKgVRS0Guj6KhyPrO7uDToAIGhHGGRfJckqbLmZbuRp_NSkxjeQKn3Na5I/s2048/IMG_3885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufhXJzGvvuishmX9uZmHu199WT4vkk_fVZoQ5PsLMpr4YmI3_OY4NLBYga41Rtr3x792mzihWeP4OeGupCYKgVRS0Guj6KhyPrO7uDToAIGhHGGRfJckqbLmZbuRp_NSkxjeQKn3Na5I/s320/IMG_3885.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and the obstacle course, where Sam was chased by a giant tire:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNRCxzmTYJl2KhkounqrQZ1g4DMvJSURXvhziBXKrM2Vbzus_QZGfxmutd5reE4or94GMS27pBxqh5Tr9iq07s1ZhcSwn-zDIYiCQl7pBEBg1i55-4CgMG88u6oYJCGsFDDb9ee26Q9E/s2048/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNRCxzmTYJl2KhkounqrQZ1g4DMvJSURXvhziBXKrM2Vbzus_QZGfxmutd5reE4or94GMS27pBxqh5Tr9iq07s1ZhcSwn-zDIYiCQl7pBEBg1i55-4CgMG88u6oYJCGsFDDb9ee26Q9E/s320/IMG_3886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We crossed the logs into the sunset:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf49TrOrGC0uCMfpXyH3qy8PqYF6t5ROgXUIqe5xN4OOIL0gwE_vi1wkeqg2noW9WLElboXlm4EG_JoQQRq3G2HRzku9PZsxCTyIg67XKs8IlIsw0UHPJ3-YXwsPhWBzDx9qk_6OegECI/s2048/IMG_3887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf49TrOrGC0uCMfpXyH3qy8PqYF6t5ROgXUIqe5xN4OOIL0gwE_vi1wkeqg2noW9WLElboXlm4EG_JoQQRq3G2HRzku9PZsxCTyIg67XKs8IlIsw0UHPJ3-YXwsPhWBzDx9qk_6OegECI/s320/IMG_3887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBoIyVVpjkQZ-bDKEmSKlxcLaQAzZtZAzOLx2_Ty7ylRo8Sm0cxQFEFxPYhyphenhyphenE17LteYISL0x3L5hRrtcNPbzsmU1QuvxYkOpPK8_KgDullWnpc1wEJAlc5f7j2PYjF-4AMkMub3OAaio/s2048/IMG_3889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhBoIyVVpjkQZ-bDKEmSKlxcLaQAzZtZAzOLx2_Ty7ylRo8Sm0cxQFEFxPYhyphenhyphenE17LteYISL0x3L5hRrtcNPbzsmU1QuvxYkOpPK8_KgDullWnpc1wEJAlc5f7j2PYjF-4AMkMub3OAaio/s320/IMG_3889.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And played around until the band started up at dark:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUd0aHHhYXzS8gpJiuY8usGYP6fsEJCqMcU202OpqJ-AKWtjrS0EMn9jqE7pNmrsrENlepdR6Ihhb3Us8kE5QwOg7GiC5pbYvws3PoTyUFm1J4pdYDRNdocWnfI9jj8_He7gkXuruN1k/s2048/IMG_3890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUd0aHHhYXzS8gpJiuY8usGYP6fsEJCqMcU202OpqJ-AKWtjrS0EMn9jqE7pNmrsrENlepdR6Ihhb3Us8kE5QwOg7GiC5pbYvws3PoTyUFm1J4pdYDRNdocWnfI9jj8_He7gkXuruN1k/s320/IMG_3890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We had some pizza (more food arrived!) and another local beer (for me), while we listened to the local band Hebdo.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__W5BEZjJU-L5mfm7pUOXhQN2lPjRqdASWOm_rwjnnNjGmT1GM_FPTTuVCZ-77GmIpdYhpQ14wC7c76Iwb6d-4yJ4M3NxtjJKkIDi_GAfcwLW5-HMFuCCXAwAHd-tTtdlCSFV987d7Xo/s2048/IMG_3891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__W5BEZjJU-L5mfm7pUOXhQN2lPjRqdASWOm_rwjnnNjGmT1GM_FPTTuVCZ-77GmIpdYhpQ14wC7c76Iwb6d-4yJ4M3NxtjJKkIDi_GAfcwLW5-HMFuCCXAwAHd-tTtdlCSFV987d7Xo/s320/IMG_3891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was Sam's first concert, and it was really great to be out seeing a live band, hanging out with your kid, on a beautiful fall evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>We got up early the next morning to ride home past downtown Columbus in the pre-dawn:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvBDvt95BWhS8NJpUPO8Ogjs8HrrbfRrNSz7WXNQ8sovjiaxObn_oHRbFQw9HjupatrzzbJZlvDUshyxnpZqlliCthVyx8MKWl7rfUmlZ6hqLrCKcOYNftjbVWgWtCuTIaKc15t0ZgYs/s2048/IMG_3892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvBDvt95BWhS8NJpUPO8Ogjs8HrrbfRrNSz7WXNQ8sovjiaxObn_oHRbFQw9HjupatrzzbJZlvDUshyxnpZqlliCthVyx8MKWl7rfUmlZ6hqLrCKcOYNftjbVWgWtCuTIaKc15t0ZgYs/s320/IMG_3892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>And more donuts for breakfast on the drive home. Not a bad fall so far.</div></div><div><br /></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-91439731978581655152021-08-27T20:40:00.002-04:002021-08-27T20:40:33.784-04:00New Custom Marino, and Various Other New Bikes<p>In the bike nerd corners of my internet, there is sometimes discussion about <a href="https://www.marinobike.com/" target="_blank">Marino bikes</a>, an extremely affordable custom frame builder out of Peru. For less than the cost of a generic Taiwanese frame, you can have a custom frame delivered to your door. Finally, on a bit of a whim, I plunked down my $100 deposit last December. I wanted something like a steel version of my Marley, but not quite so slack, with more stack, more mounting points for stuff, and a little bit longer chainstays. And built for 29" wheels, since they have mostly taken over the mainstream mountain bike market. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uHBLE9gu_S_uRr_dnOiCveTPF7RZW8vtlXoxiC2fRxjUq70jj-UmE1N9h-NkvM7QDfRRFEw4iiQ-8CnNJ5W1-tw3vRnr_hmaxRuS8XaQUxxeN6bn_QXHi9evsVOaicldyFqfCATVQpA/s2048/IMG_3791.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uHBLE9gu_S_uRr_dnOiCveTPF7RZW8vtlXoxiC2fRxjUq70jj-UmE1N9h-NkvM7QDfRRFEw4iiQ-8CnNJ5W1-tw3vRnr_hmaxRuS8XaQUxxeN6bn_QXHi9evsVOaicldyFqfCATVQpA/w400-h300/IMG_3791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I never really appreciated the thought that goes into designing a hardtail's geo. The big question is, what length fork do you design around? If you plan to run a suspension fork (as I did), do you design around a fork length at 25% sag, no sag, or something else? In the end, I took a bit of a pass on this, and designed it around a 485mm rigid fork (eg, Krampus style fork), knowing that the sus fork would slacken the angles and raise the bottom bracket. My geo ended up like this:</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoKfD_0ZUYok89QCRMAkOwgsf0fTFcwEpKbt7lsAW7yIQJEvqtNfInVgdn-ID_gVHcijAYjfPkgEX6gRgUJCY0Z1D1Sj9tX4ZRbkzBwpGSuXvT9XM0ds-DeZbo1sRN8-iCGp85vqpPYs/s1715/Marino+geo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1715" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoKfD_0ZUYok89QCRMAkOwgsf0fTFcwEpKbt7lsAW7yIQJEvqtNfInVgdn-ID_gVHcijAYjfPkgEX6gRgUJCY0Z1D1Sj9tX4ZRbkzBwpGSuXvT9XM0ds-DeZbo1sRN8-iCGp85vqpPYs/w640-h330/Marino+geo.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Not super long or super slack by today's standards. I wanted something a little more nimble for our Ohio trails, while not being nervous like old school 29ers.</p><p>Another custom choice was with the tubing. I'm firmly in the camp that likes some frame flex, and most XL frames are significantly overbuilt for my 175 pounds. So I used the smallest diameter top tube Marino offered, in the generic (but heat treated) 4130:</p><p><br /></p><p>top tube: 28.6 9/6/9</p><p>down tube: 34.9 9/6/9 </p><p>(my old Soma Juice had this combo of a skinny top tube and a larger (+2 sizes) down tube, and rode really well)</p><p>seat stays: 16mm (the skinniest Marino has)</p><p>I initially wanted a 160mm head tube for a bit more stack, but Marino only offers fixed lengths of head tubes. I was between 150mm and 180mm, and chose the shorter option... but still a nice 20-30mm increase over a typical XL 29er frame. This is one of the cost saving measures they use.</p><p><br /></p><p>I picked my color (green, no more black!) and proceeded to wait. Marino initially quoted 10-12 weeks of lead time, but some people on the net suggested doubling that lead time. In the meantime, I spent the winter collecting parts here and there as I found deals or available parts I liked:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFiy6MdAIHV7M1OhBEhBJQ5DpldS_Tq2wRoOFymyMiN_NQB1_xayFOiAsQmRZBlDzyJizbRFG49YimZI0IqwOofiDCCyezl31TRTgNiRax73n6V8FgI0wEIRh8g_1LbGxmWlCr2KRuwE/s2048/IMG_3283.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFiy6MdAIHV7M1OhBEhBJQ5DpldS_Tq2wRoOFymyMiN_NQB1_xayFOiAsQmRZBlDzyJizbRFG49YimZI0IqwOofiDCCyezl31TRTgNiRax73n6V8FgI0wEIRh8g_1LbGxmWlCr2KRuwE/w400-h300/IMG_3283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Strangely for me, this was mostly new parts: custom wheels from Universal Cycles, Shimano twin piston hyrdo brakes, blue collar 10 speed Deore drivetrain, and a Ruby gold fork.</p><p>I was resolved to remain chill about waiting for this frame, not bugging Marino with status request emails.</p><p>Of course, the problem with this course is that I had a whole pile of parts in the garage, needing only a frame for a nice early spring project. I searched around for a while, getting a bit more intent, until I finally gave up and ordered a Chinese carbon frame off ebay. Literally the next day, I found a used Salsa Timberjack on ebay for a nice price. I grabbed that while I could. Could I cancel my Chinese order? No. So the lesson here, after you buy something, stop looking! A lesson I have yet to learn.</p><p>The Timberjack frame arrived before the Chinese frame, so I built it up and got in a few rides. It rode fine, a pretty neutral frame. This is where I would normally share a picture, but a computer crash has lost that for the ages. It was black.</p><p>Once the carbon frame arrived, I went ahead and sold off the TJ for a tiny profit, and built up the carbon:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDdZYRfsa2JNwZu1yyId1Mbj-Yv2hm5v_b8v1x2-gqp7WH6vVfXa6UQEmoyoqBcj7O3oLoehDmgTndgif3dbDeHyLQnjFY2w4xQYBUMHNypAXxr8ryx6Xtr2cxmElx2Z0IBmk3cs-Oe8/s2048/IMG_3428.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDdZYRfsa2JNwZu1yyId1Mbj-Yv2hm5v_b8v1x2-gqp7WH6vVfXa6UQEmoyoqBcj7O3oLoehDmgTndgif3dbDeHyLQnjFY2w4xQYBUMHNypAXxr8ryx6Xtr2cxmElx2Z0IBmk3cs-Oe8/w400-h300/IMG_3428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The frame was light, and stiff, but didn't ride all that well. It didn't have any special carbon smoothness, and didn't feel especially responsive when I was pedaling. Even though I had mostly given up on the Marino by this point, I still sold off the carbon frame to look for something else. One thing I did find was an old Titus 29er frame on Pinkbike for sale. Dated, but cheap, it was titanium, and it was made in the US. Plus, I had a spare straight steerer fork and QR wheels to build it up with. Why not?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGQnPHINrjPTocBRDJZ9GhiziEACaJe9G_5VveFFWpDvYMVJ7Y-Lh2I_h6lTjCjpJnYxRSnWTa2lx6yzU6tZQeyMHpbZ23qSTKRtISB3btEOJIxpUdXIZGbK_n6_v9_d_acODY7FfTms/s2048/IMG_3543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGQnPHINrjPTocBRDJZ9GhiziEACaJe9G_5VveFFWpDvYMVJ7Y-Lh2I_h6lTjCjpJnYxRSnWTa2lx6yzU6tZQeyMHpbZ23qSTKRtISB3btEOJIxpUdXIZGbK_n6_v9_d_acODY7FfTms/w400-h300/IMG_3543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>I "borrowed" the brakes and shifting from my Marino stash, but otherwise mostly built it up with old parts from the bin. It was a fun experiment, but not really a fun bike. That old school 29er geo just doesn't work as well for me after I got used to the newer, slacker bikes. I quickly sold this guy off for a healthy profit, and started the hunt again.</p><p>I was a bit surprised then a few weeks later when I got an email out of the blue from Marino: my frame was done!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tEgkr1morApQL56L3PmAKj96ecH6Yo-_hVj0heBTlxCiVp3ubSRKfRpFcBRGZVGcdr5AoKByjFk6bsr17yKy4YLwn2ugAef2tv4sZM9Qe3jp3QqZGyaVwmmwmsaOPxS0W68uELPPus8/s1080/Marino+frame.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1080" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tEgkr1morApQL56L3PmAKj96ecH6Yo-_hVj0heBTlxCiVp3ubSRKfRpFcBRGZVGcdr5AoKByjFk6bsr17yKy4YLwn2ugAef2tv4sZM9Qe3jp3QqZGyaVwmmwmsaOPxS0W68uELPPus8/w400-h300/Marino+frame.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Even at this point (early June), I still had another month of waiting while my frame slowly made its way through customs from Peru to the US. All in all, it was about six months from order to delivery, which is very reasonable for a custom mountain bike. In these pandemic times, that might actually be faster than waiting for the next batch of Surlys, etc. to arrive.</p><p>By the time we got home from our summer vacation, my frame was waiting for me and I got to work building:</p><p>With the short seat tube, I have room for a 170mm dropper, and still have decent standover clearance:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqMxBAgjKL16K4mFVhX6Lo2M6J75Bf3xYi-8hTr5ghl4A2KVr7Y35gi-xb_U0UFbpqRQ_jRm4phryipOuAtpTgf1cWd_TjSvbOo-fjqxIdhxI-WsMJKhqcQOHL3yqQu0PeRm6nHCYNQw/s2048/IMG_3785.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqMxBAgjKL16K4mFVhX6Lo2M6J75Bf3xYi-8hTr5ghl4A2KVr7Y35gi-xb_U0UFbpqRQ_jRm4phryipOuAtpTgf1cWd_TjSvbOo-fjqxIdhxI-WsMJKhqcQOHL3yqQu0PeRm6nHCYNQw/w400-h300/IMG_3785.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since I sold off my Deore drivetrain with the Titus, I'm trying out the Advent X on this build. So far, I think I should have kept the Shimano stuff, I'm really struggling to get this Advent stuff to shift cleanly into the 48t cog.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8BjdKBOG7BTTsfrb2S5t7w7VARL8-t0kl4KW6wJcCkhXZXelP3Ycj5RiOxeqZNe71bvz8Xsw6pdHMXTXeNxu8iO8r_Nx8YY675EKrnjlXcZ27wlHhYYIPU_HvEmfMXqEe8rFjjco9cY/s2048/IMG_3786.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8BjdKBOG7BTTsfrb2S5t7w7VARL8-t0kl4KW6wJcCkhXZXelP3Ycj5RiOxeqZNe71bvz8Xsw6pdHMXTXeNxu8iO8r_Nx8YY675EKrnjlXcZ27wlHhYYIPU_HvEmfMXqEe8rFjjco9cY/w400-h300/IMG_3786.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The four piston brakes I initially ordered for this build ended up on the Marley, so I ordered some new Shimano M4 something something. I like them so far, a nice lever shape:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjEn6fDV-ITP_ZP0ToKQFO-R7JZbwoWQhplFtq8k-ZmiVWrT9nBRSVACs2j7B3B4RxchxtuAjUcLKtzUBiQLO9YNlG8pZeJMFjeviGCuT6k6-XsNBit4mSbiiZDSrnk1PosX96eAbCaA/s2048/IMG_3789.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjEn6fDV-ITP_ZP0ToKQFO-R7JZbwoWQhplFtq8k-ZmiVWrT9nBRSVACs2j7B3B4RxchxtuAjUcLKtzUBiQLO9YNlG8pZeJMFjeviGCuT6k6-XsNBit4mSbiiZDSrnk1PosX96eAbCaA/w400-h300/IMG_3789.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I initially tried a Jones bar on this bike, but a quick trip up and down the street told me that didn't work at all. I rode my Bike Friday to my LBS and grabbed this Spank Oozy, which fits just fine.</div><div><br /></div>The Marino uses a nice chainstay brace to keep good clearance around the rear tire:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjq7T9hLQbtJIOGRiyMjuDJy2r7BR6d67RK3KjxAs5LrKIocKzmLcvyHvdkHRPIYvu2hRo36Ng2AirFmhdetpNsMXa0dhkW9ZBJ-6dTDznl2Y80g89-MH8NRykbMGiCQTBj5LSTXf5T8/s2048/IMG_3787.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjq7T9hLQbtJIOGRiyMjuDJy2r7BR6d67RK3KjxAs5LrKIocKzmLcvyHvdkHRPIYvu2hRo36Ng2AirFmhdetpNsMXa0dhkW9ZBJ-6dTDznl2Y80g89-MH8NRykbMGiCQTBj5LSTXf5T8/w400-h300/IMG_3787.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I spec'd clearance for 29x2.8" tires, but I don't think that's realistic: there's good clearance for this 2.4" tire, and a bit more, but I don't think a 2.8" would fit. Not a big deal for me, since I don't actually expect to use tires that big.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV_AwVUY2_wX6zLnxM4l6lrUPA30YoDrp54-JMVTwm-Bhd78QgF_vvqkx1Rgs_JFfG-qT_zcn_lpQ7102CqHt3Jqm9yPjYgoD06ivXP7Qw0ALugZmMi-hDdJgphJ9EISZtHdkt74sFzs/s2048/IMG_3790.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbV_AwVUY2_wX6zLnxM4l6lrUPA30YoDrp54-JMVTwm-Bhd78QgF_vvqkx1Rgs_JFfG-qT_zcn_lpQ7102CqHt3Jqm9yPjYgoD06ivXP7Qw0ALugZmMi-hDdJgphJ9EISZtHdkt74sFzs/w300-h400/IMG_3790.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The only other questionable part of the frame build is the gusset on the top of the top tube, it's clearly off center:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_FeD6Li8Q3BBErqxzmVG8ry9tbOX8Rgq6__02JetPHW73s5GsZL1cKiivXoV9Ewety5fSmQHcSqZ3H2GcvBRQFq5iTs84vnIS7zTeqH8l6AOFydvkQF7ZkTL1UoRnf2gKzWclsy3Sk/s2048/IMG_3788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ_FeD6Li8Q3BBErqxzmVG8ry9tbOX8Rgq6__02JetPHW73s5GsZL1cKiivXoV9Ewety5fSmQHcSqZ3H2GcvBRQFq5iTs84vnIS7zTeqH8l6AOFydvkQF7ZkTL1UoRnf2gKzWclsy3Sk/w400-h300/IMG_3788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Something to look at while I'm pedaling, but I don't mind it. It's part of being hand made.<div><br /></div><div>I've had the Marino built up for some time now, and have taken it out several times. So far, it's a bit of a mixed bag. I'm really happy with the fit and handling. When climbing, it doesn't have the wheel flop of my Marley, but it feels equally confident going down. My disappointment is in ride quality, it doesn't feel especially lively or springy like I want in a steel frame.</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried the 27.5 wheels from my Marley to see if the Bonty Race tires on them would spice things up:</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8_l0umgwk5PWWu-nM9vaHTdrktu-3t340Q9dDyx0cjIjLkQZTJTKlPywYa13hv8WTKOLwzkGQYRmSVGRY1w77yT1dDUCPClk3EZLqJM8wzhVQM7JcBfiqQL61KxPnsgaj9CufwX4jL0/s2048/IMG_3770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8_l0umgwk5PWWu-nM9vaHTdrktu-3t340Q9dDyx0cjIjLkQZTJTKlPywYa13hv8WTKOLwzkGQYRmSVGRY1w77yT1dDUCPClk3EZLqJM8wzhVQM7JcBfiqQL61KxPnsgaj9CufwX4jL0/w400-h300/IMG_3770.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It made the bike feel a bit different, but it didn't prove to be a big change. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was feeling a bit down on the Marino. Why carry around the weight of this heavy* steel frame, if it doesn't ride as well as my $200 Marley? (*no, I didn't weigh the frame, but it felt heavy when I pulled it out of the box. Built up, it's about two pounds heavier than the Ragley).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've had a small change of heart after some back to back riding. I took both bikes to P2 and knocked off a lap each. On this day, the Marino definitely felt a bit smooth and easier to pedal. Due to the 29" wheels? Maybe. I need some more saddle time on the Marino on a variety of trails to get a better feel for it. But dark clouds are on the horizon: I've already ordered (and by now, ridden) yet another new mountain bike that had me grinning after each ride.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-88458308003010612242021-06-16T06:01:00.002-04:002023-10-08T08:06:44.191-04:00How to list a bike for sale (with special notes for Bike Fridays)<span style="font-family: verdana;">I look at a lot of used bike postings for sale. Some would say, "too many!", and they would be right. In any case, a lot of these postings are crap. A typical example has a photo like this:</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ad-HDs-08h4uTNRNrenpKgTt-CTRzxqvAUfTLgjTYak80v4H6YVZ7ZkPZuWceZQrI-B9iML2ABpDKXkXo-XVIpvGLqx_5frtfBC8iWjH-jWr8s0pPIeFdcvdq4y0VSzV_qphhQdSQII/s449/Breezer+bad+photo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="449" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ad-HDs-08h4uTNRNrenpKgTt-CTRzxqvAUfTLgjTYak80v4H6YVZ7ZkPZuWceZQrI-B9iML2ABpDKXkXo-XVIpvGLqx_5frtfBC8iWjH-jWr8s0pPIeFdcvdq4y0VSzV_qphhQdSQII/w400-h296/Breezer+bad+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">and no size or useful detail pictures. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">For some reason, Bike Friday ads are the worst offenders. They usually don't mention the size, and will only have one or two lousy, off angle pictures. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">A good bike ad should have six elements:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. The make AND model of the bike</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. The frame size</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. Useful pictures</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. Component details</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">5. The seller's location</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">6. The price</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Let's tackle these one by one:</span></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>1. Make and Model:</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like cars, bikes have a make (the company that designed and maybe built the frame), and a model (the specific name of that bike within the lineup). My car is a Honda (make) Civic (model), and my bike is a Bike Friday (make) Crusoe (model). Usually both of these are labeled on a sticker on the frame somewhere, though Bike Fridays often don't list the model name. That takes a bit of inside knowledge of what you have then.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>2. Frame size:</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is NOT the wheel size. Kid's bike are measured by wheel size (20", etc), but adult bikes are sized. A conventional bike has two key measurements:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2a. seat tube length</b>: most bike makers list their frame by the length of the seat tube, or they use a "shirt size" S-M-L-XL designation... regardless, you can measure your bike for sale along the seat tube (the red line). This runs from the center of the bottom bracket (the axis the crank spins on) to the top of the seat tube (this is called center to top or c-t, some old road bike makers measure center to center (c-c), which would be bottom bracket to green line, resulting in a bit shorter size listed):</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdxovkiLhyh04uyjzYGfYmRkyQT4MMpkkFMkVQEIQhEHNGZZeznyBFahttV4On7V4v7u4PCQdbR82FVqKP4GNoXTIcE6WBhO7vSmoaYaHl7ypwWyXMR5LGht2STQ42795jSpi8SgG_QY/s2048/FS+image+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdxovkiLhyh04uyjzYGfYmRkyQT4MMpkkFMkVQEIQhEHNGZZeznyBFahttV4On7V4v7u4PCQdbR82FVqKP4GNoXTIcE6WBhO7vSmoaYaHl7ypwWyXMR5LGht2STQ42795jSpi8SgG_QY/w640-h480/FS+image+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2b. top tube length</b> (green line) is measured from the intersection of the top tube (green line) at the center of the headtube (the tube the forks goes into) horizontally to the center of the seat post or seat tube.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">On an old bike like the Fuji above, the green line is parallel to the top tube, but most bikes these days have sloping top tubes. In this case, the green line is still measured parallel to the horizontal and it's called the effective top tube length:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP-pbbefakEkOVnYgH-CB-w5_2wZpQIx7Um-ewM_rA5lfWpuyBzMEduAXIz_b78nFAuWkGFZ1WWQLhwIa1eqvwXi63ltSzUv-p8KMJ9OwnD4BYRyWPHhhnVVQGZqMQl84sfm9D5Xyo-Y/s2048/FS+image+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP-pbbefakEkOVnYgH-CB-w5_2wZpQIx7Um-ewM_rA5lfWpuyBzMEduAXIz_b78nFAuWkGFZ1WWQLhwIa1eqvwXi63ltSzUv-p8KMJ9OwnD4BYRyWPHhhnVVQGZqMQl84sfm9D5Xyo-Y/w640-h480/FS+image+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">In either case, measure from the center line of the <b>intersection </b>of the head tube/top tube junction to the centerline of the seat post or seat tube (orange lines).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bike Fridays are measured a bit differently. Unlike most folders, they come in real sizes, but are measured differently than big wheel bikes. From my experience, BF measures the green line from the <b>center </b>of the head tube height, not the <b>top </b>of the head tube, horizontally back to the seat post or seat tube (UPDATE: most BF models have parallel seat and head angles, so you can measure horizontally from anywhere along the yellow lines)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfDydKu44rO1zHRf9lyHtHXDnjYlWYjHNBtPiAigtDw0UsbkARFdax9LzEdNL7Hq1nRr-kLuOSuscy-BVIn05JRJG1r7Ywsdd2NeBm_GPuyHXnBByau9_6vk7TtCxF4ynavuU64KD2EM/s2048/FS+image+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfDydKu44rO1zHRf9lyHtHXDnjYlWYjHNBtPiAigtDw0UsbkARFdax9LzEdNL7Hq1nRr-kLuOSuscy-BVIn05JRJG1r7Ywsdd2NeBm_GPuyHXnBByau9_6vk7TtCxF4ynavuU64KD2EM/w640-h480/FS+image+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>3. Useful pictures:</u></b> Notice the bikes above are almost dead on side shots. This is the best image for showing the overall bike size and proportions. Lean the bike against a neutral background, step back, and crouch down so you're level with the bike. 98% of lousy bike ads have a picture taken from a standing perspective (too high) and with a cluttered background, and usually not a true side view--see the Breezer at the top of this post. Do this for <b>both </b>sides of the bike.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pro tip: back up several extra steps, and then zoom in to the bike. This can make the opposite side of the handlebars "disappear" behind the near side. It makes for a neater picture.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the two basic side shots, take pictures of the parts and any damage or oddities of the bike. Especially for online pictures, lots of pictures will help the buyer understand the condition. Crank, rear drivetrain, tires name, controls, etc, are all pictures I usually take. If I have a bike for sale currently (pretty good odds), you can see examples in my <a href="https://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-for-sale-post.html" target="_blank">for sale post</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">And make sure the bike is clean.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>4. Component Details</b>: Your pictures should show most of this, but what derailers, wheels, hubs, tires, shifters, does the bike have? If you don't understand bikes, most of these parts will have their make and model printed on them somewhere. Look for names and take pictures or note this in ad... or both.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">If anything in the picture is NOT included, be sure and note this as well. Often pedals, saddles, and accessories are kept by the seller. It's best just to remove these before taking pictures, but a bike can look odd without a saddle. I usually leave the saddle for pics and note if I'm keeping it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><b style="font-family: verdana;"><u>5. Your Location</u></b><span style="font-family: verdana;">: especially for online ads, people want to know about where you are so they can understand how difficult it will be to get the bike. Can you meet in person, or will it have to be shipped? For security, it's best not give your actual address, but city and state is enough.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u><b>6. Price</b>:</u> don't expect sellers to make random offers, you should set a price. eBay completed auctions is the best guide to actual selling prices. Bicyclebluebook is completely worthless. In pre-COVID times, for a relatively recent bike, I would start at 40-50% off the new price and adjust from there. COVID craziness has made pricing bikes tougher.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bike Fridays, like most folding bikes, seem to hold less of their value than other bikes. Riv fans claim their bikes hold their values better, but I haven't seen this in my experience. Rivs are just more expensive to start with, so they're pricier on the used market. Off brand bikes are worth less: A Surly or Specialized will sell faster than a Bikesdirect Windsor, for example. And no one cares "what you have into the bike," it's worth what the market will bear.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">That's it! Compared to cars or motorcycles, bike are fundamentally easy to sell: there's no insurance, no registration, and you can move it around the country in a simple cardboard box. Have fun!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-11346190575872705732021-04-18T17:47:00.003-04:002021-04-18T17:47:58.451-04:00Travels with SamSam and I both had an urge to get out this winter. Apparently the urge to hit the road for a pointless destination, listen to the Beatles, and eat fast food is genetic. Or maybe we were just tired of being inside all winter.<div><br /></div><div>Our first trip was to bravely ascend to the highest point in Ohio, Campbell Hill (1550 feet). Being men of daring, we managed this without supplemental oxygen:<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGSNkXPWYOFKkks5gnF8g5N_HAPOunB-uh7Yn4yXJ0cQeVhhz7YwYp1vagt6Fcho27clBtCN5lHGEvEKe9S6Uf2ZB9mye6jfrAfmZQ_HMDlJBV7kQrGw0LjRZMATQL6JJ7jlnDY19XTo/s2048/IMG_3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGSNkXPWYOFKkks5gnF8g5N_HAPOunB-uh7Yn4yXJ0cQeVhhz7YwYp1vagt6Fcho27clBtCN5lHGEvEKe9S6Uf2ZB9mye6jfrAfmZQ_HMDlJBV7kQrGw0LjRZMATQL6JJ7jlnDY19XTo/w400-h300/IMG_3354.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Of course, once we'd been to the highest point in the state, our next trip had to be to the lowest point:</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCNSoiePIy01mHsifJqtAN7DVrzpPLD88gknI0TO2G9eXTkoTVbUzqH7OjpB4bQGL7fuVR_6OB2V0719HwVMNe0IuXIw0zPKKcd3_v9Hr-E5zpiRnevkwO6a_B9i3UO5b0m0J3XAV7g8/s2048/IMG_3360.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCNSoiePIy01mHsifJqtAN7DVrzpPLD88gknI0TO2G9eXTkoTVbUzqH7OjpB4bQGL7fuVR_6OB2V0719HwVMNe0IuXIw0zPKKcd3_v9Hr-E5zpiRnevkwO6a_B9i3UO5b0m0J3XAV7g8/w400-h300/IMG_3360.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We determined this was the Ohio river in Cincinnati. Without scuba gear, the shore was as close we could come. </div><div><br /></div><div>The park with the flying pigs was surprisingly uncrowded on this February day:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKI3A02CRPkIQgu1nxDyd31-5R9DB8TvB3XiZR5r7rI1aKZ5Ipj8zI8aNcOvDhdoq2JsXpyTTTcOZF4Xm9EkkhVeiokqIFNvertAfH6K7ntfAYJMpIpfLJAPZX7g310EGOuO5HUQzXRPU/s2048/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKI3A02CRPkIQgu1nxDyd31-5R9DB8TvB3XiZR5r7rI1aKZ5Ipj8zI8aNcOvDhdoq2JsXpyTTTcOZF4Xm9EkkhVeiokqIFNvertAfH6K7ntfAYJMpIpfLJAPZX7g310EGOuO5HUQzXRPU/w400-h300/IMG_3361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotlzuN-MWwYM2Osf0-3r-sf21Ab2NIW-2K763Q2socQ6BCuuFVx6YemUGgRSwz6bX1kxEbiRo0s6I6p7HgTJ84mlAuB-DKIuirJTQRoOiN0hdHRGSBDoNM6yk_rRsvTIrMTJvxPjSuDs/s2048/IMG_3363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotlzuN-MWwYM2Osf0-3r-sf21Ab2NIW-2K763Q2socQ6BCuuFVx6YemUGgRSwz6bX1kxEbiRo0s6I6p7HgTJ84mlAuB-DKIuirJTQRoOiN0hdHRGSBDoNM6yk_rRsvTIrMTJvxPjSuDs/w400-h300/IMG_3363.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The following weekend, we were off to Serpent Mound. I'd somehow stumbled across this site on a solo motorcycle tour many years ago.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAFgNpJkaiC2VzfGS-pPmJalR6V4iLxUDgZXoj_HnecA7XLg0eahRxhn9AIRTUFWUIO_oLETpjfb9Efoh2iov7P7Ctde_Mo50zLgF3DaeU2Tfku1BcYOYlel_WQzzs8iQu8j5eZVcpm0/s2048/IMG_3376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAFgNpJkaiC2VzfGS-pPmJalR6V4iLxUDgZXoj_HnecA7XLg0eahRxhn9AIRTUFWUIO_oLETpjfb9Efoh2iov7P7Ctde_Mo50zLgF3DaeU2Tfku1BcYOYlel_WQzzs8iQu8j5eZVcpm0/w400-h300/IMG_3376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's really in the middle of nowhere and/or south-central Ohio, making me wonder how I ever came across this. It's a cool sight, though:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81sSMYjjxRZOfeSlC2qQ9fP0gM6lhZx8a4t7GGsuvmFslBB9WS16okbWKNkySOM15McU4yK1ByrwNZo1venM1pJgE-6AtMU1LSDrjl1dVdKwKia1XIwbPYpXoonqsKZttpuunvQdzbx0/s2048/IMG_3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81sSMYjjxRZOfeSlC2qQ9fP0gM6lhZx8a4t7GGsuvmFslBB9WS16okbWKNkySOM15McU4yK1ByrwNZo1venM1pJgE-6AtMU1LSDrjl1dVdKwKia1XIwbPYpXoonqsKZttpuunvQdzbx0/w400-h300/IMG_3379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our next trip was a short jaunt to Urbana to play a round of disc golf at one of the highest ranked courses in the state:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKepjT0hdUN_Jpsfw-kaf-qNGlsvLHSj7MOTUyW7Tonk2DkcPyH6jc5eMtl2QvK0w5w8up_mXIXsYKNJsWQu9oyoFOn3XoOb9-GBCJgUJSZyGT6yxAAC-jmCsWeAow_fcB_GMjoTZ0cHc/s2048/IMG_3383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKepjT0hdUN_Jpsfw-kaf-qNGlsvLHSj7MOTUyW7Tonk2DkcPyH6jc5eMtl2QvK0w5w8up_mXIXsYKNJsWQu9oyoFOn3XoOb9-GBCJgUJSZyGT6yxAAC-jmCsWeAow_fcB_GMjoTZ0cHc/w400-h300/IMG_3383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then a bigger trip to....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQEBoaKR4aJgR9_OKzuRSPVi_8nIq9wy1rod2DRF3jXi2V38gsYeVjpQpjpDApnUVg4MSMnSvUXYvHjlnUti0ti7A3sl5oaaUrkoggLvCRQJHCuhx8pa4IbNAa1ZPoVxn_uAh7SHqpac/s2048/IMG_3394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQEBoaKR4aJgR9_OKzuRSPVi_8nIq9wy1rod2DRF3jXi2V38gsYeVjpQpjpDApnUVg4MSMnSvUXYvHjlnUti0ti7A3sl5oaaUrkoggLvCRQJHCuhx8pa4IbNAa1ZPoVxn_uAh7SHqpac/w400-h300/IMG_3394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Sam really wanted to see this giant stamp:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSst6-ht9-ULra7d2DZ25rMp-YwFouOFSa0o2cILHCz3J6mYPRFTKR44vOCKALZHcBjZtki0e7BGu_7bQx6RotwRY1gft2d81Q2aaRYHFSuw_pxhf7YCAV8uSyiCvE5N1OvYr1Lt5LA0A/s2048/IMG_3396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSst6-ht9-ULra7d2DZ25rMp-YwFouOFSa0o2cILHCz3J6mYPRFTKR44vOCKALZHcBjZtki0e7BGu_7bQx6RotwRY1gft2d81Q2aaRYHFSuw_pxhf7YCAV8uSyiCvE5N1OvYr1Lt5LA0A/w400-h300/IMG_3396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We are too covid-cautious to go in the museum, but we stopped outside the Rock and Roll hall of fame:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYSx-DNXQW2XqhXxV8Jd6tam8p85ASZo7hQGy80izNZeRL18LQKEWfn3XOpAgqPpYRvPepGDm7iqdxNlklHHa3BfDPwPrl9sPzhRjoTIoUvebUR7HIikVxQ1YZ0IL-3JtfG7Oo7uRBNg/s2048/IMG_3398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYSx-DNXQW2XqhXxV8Jd6tam8p85ASZo7hQGy80izNZeRL18LQKEWfn3XOpAgqPpYRvPepGDm7iqdxNlklHHa3BfDPwPrl9sPzhRjoTIoUvebUR7HIikVxQ1YZ0IL-3JtfG7Oo7uRBNg/w400-h300/IMG_3398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Oddly for a 12 year old, Sam has a definite interest in geology, so our last trip was to Oakes Quarry park near Dayton. We poked around the tailings and found a few interesting fossils:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmvl30o5_C-GeiF92vVgXdOqavRU9Vzi6fBB5qm8p2Mwzy9N455RznVn_sO0MLqdRnDK78Pzg8ZuCsyGLhsDH4q0PVG09jVhlp9c2bHle8pxwscO1UYXKhniyLoPrQ7XoH_c8fhJB_2c/s2048/IMG_3406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfmvl30o5_C-GeiF92vVgXdOqavRU9Vzi6fBB5qm8p2Mwzy9N455RznVn_sO0MLqdRnDK78Pzg8ZuCsyGLhsDH4q0PVG09jVhlp9c2bHle8pxwscO1UYXKhniyLoPrQ7XoH_c8fhJB_2c/w400-h300/IMG_3406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Walking across the flat, treeless quarry floor made me think of Utah or Wyoming more than Ohio:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrbge9oExz-SQZU7Rkbc0aepng5X5690NXKr59CTNxpyu0FQ2zVZEleeiwyDX3G1Zd95U_UUMAAMFNLBOewqbD_c3TXpwIqeCvmEXgfmZOJzmaKkyO0JGbnBhHM0e3Co0PSg79FXa1H4/s2048/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrbge9oExz-SQZU7Rkbc0aepng5X5690NXKr59CTNxpyu0FQ2zVZEleeiwyDX3G1Zd95U_UUMAAMFNLBOewqbD_c3TXpwIqeCvmEXgfmZOJzmaKkyO0JGbnBhHM0e3Co0PSg79FXa1H4/w400-h300/IMG_3407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That same day, we met the rest of the family for a picnic lunch and hiking at nearby John Bryan State Park:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0G2nm0NbBSfZ0FBw6GGQlyGnwFgaO3Y7hqVJN-TMbKaXuK3rm0MYyLVfh2VMXFks1cVBmm-f9B7pUGSrBB8PFbSEZhKXY46qFoEtAk2MhNKcxGI22epRuCR3aIkYBFykb2hZ6asX9QE/s2048/IMG_3410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0G2nm0NbBSfZ0FBw6GGQlyGnwFgaO3Y7hqVJN-TMbKaXuK3rm0MYyLVfh2VMXFks1cVBmm-f9B7pUGSrBB8PFbSEZhKXY46qFoEtAk2MhNKcxGI22epRuCR3aIkYBFykb2hZ6asX9QE/w400-h300/IMG_3410.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The boys and I stayed overnight to camp and enjoy some brotherly bonding at the campfire:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnOPrRffjxKjIz9eKRBO1_uBSCFAHv25kuGCwPefZrwQzdy_mmgToZAsBIh5UpRSkNppgwIvIUXex86Fprxc8A85FdVW3cD9iElt2BwOfB1MkbQTBh_l6rkOWfW9O4wqiRBuMqOQsffY/s2048/IMG_3412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnOPrRffjxKjIz9eKRBO1_uBSCFAHv25kuGCwPefZrwQzdy_mmgToZAsBIh5UpRSkNppgwIvIUXex86Fprxc8A85FdVW3cD9iElt2BwOfB1MkbQTBh_l6rkOWfW9O4wqiRBuMqOQsffY/w400-h300/IMG_3412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and eat some fried bananas, which Henry pronounced, "pretty tasty."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7n26X0DWd0j6ekd3wbJsJ0Sx55RiD5KEdXZ6sunQYsNsSN1c9wQZUJrAMtOzN1kCTlKALVgIRF6TcxAH5OylJbZZlFCAs35zK6lM4rs2p6QPcD8YkUves5KIAOVrL5QDVD3wSzuuXEU/s2048/IMG_3413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7n26X0DWd0j6ekd3wbJsJ0Sx55RiD5KEdXZ6sunQYsNsSN1c9wQZUJrAMtOzN1kCTlKALVgIRF6TcxAH5OylJbZZlFCAs35zK6lM4rs2p6QPcD8YkUves5KIAOVrL5QDVD3wSzuuXEU/w400-h300/IMG_3413.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I expect more trips will come this summer, once we're past the spring sports season. Stay tuned.</div></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-42708068993608627302020-10-18T07:37:00.007-04:002020-10-18T07:38:34.194-04:00Summer of Bike Churn (Fleet Update)<p>This has been an extremely strange and awful summer, in the big picture, and in my little bike universe, it's been odd in its own way. With the bike shops cleaned out of inventory, I did my own inventory clear out, buying a few frames and quickly selling them as bikes. Mostly just because I could. Here's what went down during the Covid era:</p><p>February: we mostly had no idea Covid was here, and I sold my <b>Trek Fuel </b>to a coworker in a fit of full suspension simplifying:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5DMIH9tjPEXK2IBHOJZBzglXFlCy4j_Fao2p8VX-gUxbFlylUpIBd_isdvu0M5F-CGh_w7NAfp1vWcwTtUw_ofelsHh0qVPLUXZTSvkxy8POoV2HlID7ZDMQZ12qHRwlvhW4GdHu908/s2048/IMG_0823.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5DMIH9tjPEXK2IBHOJZBzglXFlCy4j_Fao2p8VX-gUxbFlylUpIBd_isdvu0M5F-CGh_w7NAfp1vWcwTtUw_ofelsHh0qVPLUXZTSvkxy8POoV2HlID7ZDMQZ12qHRwlvhW4GdHu908/w400-h300/IMG_0823.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>March: I sold my first folder, a <b>Dahon speed</b>, to an iBOB:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l4K5F_CdwH6zq5qCegnxzJFvelxtgtfQYCH6ilPZZZonBIXzzn0LhmRfmRV11GS0N7NJav_AnTnCpC-LeUXSyk-8jwjVBKJS01YeJXPi-z0XwC27UN56RPPwV-vC9_PPPVBy7oiZhvo/s2048/IMG_1979.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l4K5F_CdwH6zq5qCegnxzJFvelxtgtfQYCH6ilPZZZonBIXzzn0LhmRfmRV11GS0N7NJav_AnTnCpC-LeUXSyk-8jwjVBKJS01YeJXPi-z0XwC27UN56RPPwV-vC9_PPPVBy7oiZhvo/w400-h300/IMG_1979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div> and I also bought the<b> Xootr Swift</b> from a different iBOB:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMo5dy8UhScv4WGgA3fgH6o2JSi3mSeT8qeH9SQn_fFGYwp2E495doLrALnR6OoF5XqplxM5QklkdDYAGS70b1qMXwdhUs-Qoxm9iQZUr4j_o9kpyPrtLGGt1bdOR9L5lUNKd0J3JP7Uc/s2048/IMG_3043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMo5dy8UhScv4WGgA3fgH6o2JSi3mSeT8qeH9SQn_fFGYwp2E495doLrALnR6OoF5XqplxM5QklkdDYAGS70b1qMXwdhUs-Qoxm9iQZUr4j_o9kpyPrtLGGt1bdOR9L5lUNKd0J3JP7Uc/w400-h300/IMG_3043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>I took April off while I figured out working from home, etc.</p><p>In May, I sold my (second) <b>Jones </b>to an iBOB:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxCKgAC1lXDjH0Pi-O8KkxLrfVo2N2qC1rGfVRVCYCjPhpsLH5iR4L5IwxI6QBlYR_BYhRckWZcgpkaCw3Q2JbOQu755ow1hjwNb8WeAPuGSotdc_NfydndHZV-dXIn1FOtyZb0UYY34/s2048/IMG_1986.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxCKgAC1lXDjH0Pi-O8KkxLrfVo2N2qC1rGfVRVCYCjPhpsLH5iR4L5IwxI6QBlYR_BYhRckWZcgpkaCw3Q2JbOQu755ow1hjwNb8WeAPuGSotdc_NfydndHZV-dXIn1FOtyZb0UYY34/w400-h300/IMG_1986.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and bought the<b> Bike Friday</b> tandem:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGyO3wUMXx7yIh94VX-tDtRuz0vUjDITLM8asyWrC0EbW1a1cM_BI9o7HDFmyVBZiEhP3JXs4vFFJsaYvGy1Jjc1RCSgX_vEZd0Nsh71JuS6bv4ddvy9KKRX9EL2yqz5TYpZc_MuGcWM/s2048/IMG_3072.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBGyO3wUMXx7yIh94VX-tDtRuz0vUjDITLM8asyWrC0EbW1a1cM_BI9o7HDFmyVBZiEhP3JXs4vFFJsaYvGy1Jjc1RCSgX_vEZd0Nsh71JuS6bv4ddvy9KKRX9EL2yqz5TYpZc_MuGcWM/w400-h300/IMG_3072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In June, missing a full suspension bike, I bought a NOS <b>GT Sensor</b> Carbon frame from the Pro's Closet:</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48G0kEqVrcuRdFSXEaW_Wc3Ijj8fiBjZEoMhhtC-gB5Gd_Sk10xB_8y1Mj8A-CGrGUQ_LNFWqvBIVn8AEY-2mymUzaTL3wh2DX_CvqOxKxh61JtGGJwkR2lIlrC9oN1nxtL2Eu6nWEm0/s2048/IMG_2876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48G0kEqVrcuRdFSXEaW_Wc3Ijj8fiBjZEoMhhtC-gB5Gd_Sk10xB_8y1Mj8A-CGrGUQ_LNFWqvBIVn8AEY-2mymUzaTL3wh2DX_CvqOxKxh61JtGGJwkR2lIlrC9oN1nxtL2Eu6nWEm0/w400-h300/IMG_2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also sold my <b>Mercier </b>fixed gear:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsuhst2gGOwfaK4XwPGS7P7bO47GEU0oHV0Ef-sov6K462yfi-3ouUMV9WfK1c5ipsNh1058M__a1iADZj-CILqKUCHeesDXjvzTXihdSlK9XykmkNF8To1ih7iUQd9hFoz754oIkLdY/s2048/IMG_2757.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsuhst2gGOwfaK4XwPGS7P7bO47GEU0oHV0Ef-sov6K462yfi-3ouUMV9WfK1c5ipsNh1058M__a1iADZj-CILqKUCHeesDXjvzTXihdSlK9XykmkNF8To1ih7iUQd9hFoz754oIkLdY/w400-h300/IMG_2757.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Still in June, I bought a NOS <b>Marin Nicasio</b> frame to be my all rounder all road bike:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NASv5L74Y91Y6qSl5KV8GTwOHTeGZF_Mjmp0Nkfb7zzv2eJ-GMft9I6jaA9KVF-Bt95CSVh7FYS3K3LeqUotDCQxKMATaQJbcjgM3BNIiKn1XigHYOaH4qY-86BY2uu87BjR6Dn6EzQ/s2048/IMG_2918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NASv5L74Y91Y6qSl5KV8GTwOHTeGZF_Mjmp0Nkfb7zzv2eJ-GMft9I6jaA9KVF-Bt95CSVh7FYS3K3LeqUotDCQxKMATaQJbcjgM3BNIiKn1XigHYOaH4qY-86BY2uu87BjR6Dn6EzQ/w400-h300/IMG_2918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a month of full suspension ownership, I was back in the simplifying cycle and sold the GT (I need to keep this in mind as I'm thinking about another full sus bike now)</div><div><br /></div><div>I used the GT money to buy a second <b>Surly Cross Check</b> frame:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XcJ4YJ-TU-5tS6Ux1tYG17xG0EGgnqrA80ybkdDHfKn0hgJ81mVS4Nu8wZCg0Y7eiCyqhPZ90__plizbAIehbRwui6Zr6d8FlY34uLx4YXl4mKT0z9glWiEXR92tAve57EAtHwvarzY/s2048/IMG_2974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5XcJ4YJ-TU-5tS6Ux1tYG17xG0EGgnqrA80ybkdDHfKn0hgJ81mVS4Nu8wZCg0Y7eiCyqhPZ90__plizbAIehbRwui6Zr6d8FlY34uLx4YXl4mKT0z9glWiEXR92tAve57EAtHwvarzY/w400-h300/IMG_2974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div>But in August, I bought a <b>Rivendell Roadini</b>. I quickly sold the CC, thinking the Roadini would be a better road bike:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcggDQIeekRkoFzSXMZBFzbEvJe39Y2wzx5RntfDJWQUrjwIZuv7_lZr1Gin_XZYMeTjheS75sFXStszpxb0HlUX4micbnSbtnEqnLnN5G3_CChYl1B-Zs5aOI7-jJ3DgkDht9OgrKVys/s2048/IMG_3037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcggDQIeekRkoFzSXMZBFzbEvJe39Y2wzx5RntfDJWQUrjwIZuv7_lZr1Gin_XZYMeTjheS75sFXStszpxb0HlUX4micbnSbtnEqnLnN5G3_CChYl1B-Zs5aOI7-jJ3DgkDht9OgrKVys/w400-h300/IMG_3037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I wasn't really happy with the Roadini. It's feels closer to a vintage touring bike than a sport touring bike, so in late August I ordered a NOS <b>Ritchey Ascent </b>gravel frame to be my all round all road bike. Again:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o_2dlZooJTiYkqsCqjA-50jWJRq00pIlBb6O_QppsvzoKvFEgic_5SXCkCC5VOvIuvFYLBubg6qG2fZyJPDY2dYOrqqW3KE2gZmlgvORG-XMVjeSO5psl-egg4TXZgXTGycZMR4YbmY/s2048/IMG_3096.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o_2dlZooJTiYkqsCqjA-50jWJRq00pIlBb6O_QppsvzoKvFEgic_5SXCkCC5VOvIuvFYLBubg6qG2fZyJPDY2dYOrqqW3KE2gZmlgvORG-XMVjeSO5psl-egg4TXZgXTGycZMR4YbmY/w400-h300/IMG_3096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGbeofiMuq4vU1WFKp8i6tB8EirmjxTamI8AJfJ73Nx02iFHi8VrdkdJeJUwPrnTPbny1C2Y0P-0b-ibe1AiOj-31p6ml1CVlRlF_Ht__e4co2WZEWNjK-hrqA1deJwGtet38glFg2Os/s2048/IMG_3097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGbeofiMuq4vU1WFKp8i6tB8EirmjxTamI8AJfJ73Nx02iFHi8VrdkdJeJUwPrnTPbny1C2Y0P-0b-ibe1AiOj-31p6ml1CVlRlF_Ht__e4co2WZEWNjK-hrqA1deJwGtet38glFg2Os/w400-h300/IMG_3097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In September, I sold the <b>Roadini</b>, and Henry claimed the <b>Nicasio</b>. The <b>Ritchey </b>rides well enough, but there are no gravel roads around me. I need to keep telling myself: I don't need a road bike with fat tires, no matter how cool they look.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Which brings us to October. So far, this month I drove to Dayton to pick up another vintage <b>Trek </b>bike, a '79 <b>710 </b>with full 531 tubing:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEawFHZpNljEbMi3Fqfas4cIhvufvvktv5ahcfqblj9Csm9QeAjiE2OXaW1I8Cz0vmT73ckJPYFwmJBKhgXUYVJ_QiD8bDUl4J4gGHtYq83xbqnsH00-YS4DEmCibyY5xQ1HjlfvXkFQ/s2048/IMG_3145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEawFHZpNljEbMi3Fqfas4cIhvufvvktv5ahcfqblj9Csm9QeAjiE2OXaW1I8Cz0vmT73ckJPYFwmJBKhgXUYVJ_QiD8bDUl4J4gGHtYq83xbqnsH00-YS4DEmCibyY5xQ1HjlfvXkFQ/w400-h300/IMG_3145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I missed the simplicity of the fixed gear of the Mercier and the caliper brakes of the Roadini, but I didn't miss the oversized tubing of either of those. I rebuilt the Trek into a 27" wheeled fixed gear. All road on 28mm tires!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlCe66bywGZRKp0eGyBzBHjEt07ek87tkRdT5kWmAt7kixd1oXlCOaeU_FHNdakrr6GdOyagCn_nP93Mn4hnst5MLv9jfriB2VOHst326diEXF8SLO1e1tA9JNN-nFRD-fXCuMfWHiaQ/s2048/IMG_3158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlCe66bywGZRKp0eGyBzBHjEt07ek87tkRdT5kWmAt7kixd1oXlCOaeU_FHNdakrr6GdOyagCn_nP93Mn4hnst5MLv9jfriB2VOHst326diEXF8SLO1e1tA9JNN-nFRD-fXCuMfWHiaQ/w400-h300/IMG_3158.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Wide Salsa Cowchipper bars are a huge improvement over the narrow original bars, even though I lose any eroica credibility with them:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXX6lsc7TdV5T75iSAX9dXD1broDHbPY2DuwJPxBmzjrsqtx7cx-kNrAwhNsApACiXxac9uJkgzEUsNitfnJ0f5AiJm0_KV3s44uV6ZkJmUyAQ9HeXHeFSw4Kt92YX7k_1lP4DQEMUCg/s2048/IMG_3164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXX6lsc7TdV5T75iSAX9dXD1broDHbPY2DuwJPxBmzjrsqtx7cx-kNrAwhNsApACiXxac9uJkgzEUsNitfnJ0f5AiJm0_KV3s44uV6ZkJmUyAQ9HeXHeFSw4Kt92YX7k_1lP4DQEMUCg/w400-h300/IMG_3164.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><p>I sold the <b>Ritchey </b>to the fellow who bought the Dahon (and my old Technium customer, I should give him a volume discount), and he'll probably pick it up this winter.</p><p>Yesterday, I bought a <b>Bike Friday Pocket Llama</b> from ebay, so the Xootr is likely in danger. The original owner recently emailed me and asked if I wanted to sell it back to him, and he will likely get his chance.</p><p>And then the stalwarts of my fleet:</p><p>I've really been enjoying my <b>Ragley Marley</b>. The new mountain bike geo really does work better in sketchy situations, and modern aluminum feels fine:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1f5awm07OQDKZhD7_AkQYZ15ziRc4G1t1c48tfehgRqa-UEGnxeY0wwfdusI-Uw4FZWFqVkUrzf9-cmfmHhafuwE6062qtiLZn_4nb0BUJoTbBvSzBdVDa0iqLe-3j7FP5ArrQ4O41I/s2048/IMG_3156.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1f5awm07OQDKZhD7_AkQYZ15ziRc4G1t1c48tfehgRqa-UEGnxeY0wwfdusI-Uw4FZWFqVkUrzf9-cmfmHhafuwE6062qtiLZn_4nb0BUJoTbBvSzBdVDa0iqLe-3j7FP5ArrQ4O41I/w400-h300/IMG_3156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Though I find myself missing a skinnier tired 29er on some trails. My latest thing is to look for an older 29er frame and build up a drop bar single speed, just for something different to ride.</p><p>I had my <b>Bike Friday Crusoe</b> ready to sell at one point, thinking I should just keep the cheaper Xootr, but Jodi wisely advised me to let the kids try it first. I resized it so Sam could ride it. He liked it well enough, but seemed to prefer his old mountain bike. That gave me just enough time to miss the BF, so I reclaimed it, and I've been enjoying it since. It's one of the two fastest feeling (planiest?) bikes I've owned, the other being my old Raleigh Technium:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPbtNmO1hkOvRkKiY3g7wXFLEw_ORJDl917Vhyphenhyphen6rhqWhuPrV21MnBe6c8lYgiApTOH8-k2uWA_ie5_Xd3dTFnj-m3qPfQXux_pHcQUH5eUHudj_vk-vgdIGdBpbeGdS5ubc5Op_8uTjs/s2048/IMG_3044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPbtNmO1hkOvRkKiY3g7wXFLEw_ORJDl917Vhyphenhyphen6rhqWhuPrV21MnBe6c8lYgiApTOH8-k2uWA_ie5_Xd3dTFnj-m3qPfQXux_pHcQUH5eUHudj_vk-vgdIGdBpbeGdS5ubc5Op_8uTjs/w400-h300/IMG_3044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>So my current fleet is:</p><p>- <b>Ragley Marley</b>, for mountain biking</p><p>- <b>Bike Friday Crusoe</b>, for fast road riding and running errands</p><p>- <b>Trek 710</b>, for fixed gear</p><p>- <b>Xootr Swift</b>, for... small wheeled off road riding? Which the Llama will replace</p><p>- <b>BF Tandem</b>. I'm going to have three Bike Fridays pretty soon. Odd.</p></div></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-81506189974233577512020-08-23T07:38:00.000-04:002020-08-23T07:38:32.372-04:00Backpacking (Wild Cat Hollow)<p> I've never been much of a backpacker, but I'm getting out quite a bit this year. Three trips! So far!</p><p>The third trip was just me and twins--Henry stayed at home with a claimed sore leg. Wildcat Hollow is a loop in SE Ohio with many, non reserved campsites. I like having this flexibility of where to camp.</p><p>We walked the 16 mile loop clockwise, passing this old school house (now a vulture's nest) on the first day:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZfONWJVfRxMSNLuj1rbmUUNQrB0jyGpSYGTY3VnbmxTP0NPkZ0DdpT9-iDMjfTMI9E2y_EkQv-kbJKsQAL7y3NsedpsEVo6OjYInXqvV0wlIVuyJQ3h7VumoxdkCo-3zAUQVJN9Uti0/s2048/IMG_3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZfONWJVfRxMSNLuj1rbmUUNQrB0jyGpSYGTY3VnbmxTP0NPkZ0DdpT9-iDMjfTMI9E2y_EkQv-kbJKsQAL7y3NsedpsEVo6OjYInXqvV0wlIVuyJQ3h7VumoxdkCo-3zAUQVJN9Uti0/w512-h384/IMG_3013.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>My twins in their twin backpacks:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWyY0U99oPFASbhieaXqCgrwDsvRTwVS_pA-2aBaEqKPN4VtVOVFmIm4PsRt9DE2e6aLCZ7ih9wwqqsezEp8ChOudiaceBE80wIuPvuZXbrXC1lZq688hQXsB0m-7G8gmu8IbcHuPZ_U/s2048/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWyY0U99oPFASbhieaXqCgrwDsvRTwVS_pA-2aBaEqKPN4VtVOVFmIm4PsRt9DE2e6aLCZ7ih9wwqqsezEp8ChOudiaceBE80wIuPvuZXbrXC1lZq688hQXsB0m-7G8gmu8IbcHuPZ_U/w384-h512/IMG_3015.JPG" width="384" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This REI Tarn model is the only good kid sized pack I can find. It actually cost more than my new pack from Aliexpress, though!</div><div><br /></div>Taking a break on day one:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiq8KMedzjvk0qQqczjFxf1OoRusi41wEo-5dfZsjhD4kJlhmZmTbiQaWjzHOQ-DwYegubnWgwqb8hG8GgdmrYr4uKipRJG_GuKdGTfGGDzaGSiCyCvCdVut_smUOSRG6tPXcdQhOIoA/s2048/IMG_3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUiq8KMedzjvk0qQqczjFxf1OoRusi41wEo-5dfZsjhD4kJlhmZmTbiQaWjzHOQ-DwYegubnWgwqb8hG8GgdmrYr4uKipRJG_GuKdGTfGGDzaGSiCyCvCdVut_smUOSRG6tPXcdQhOIoA/w512-h384/IMG_3017.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sam got tired and started complaining on day 1, while Kate waited until day 2 to crack. But both kids trouped on and did well.</div><div><br /></div>For this trip, I slept in my hammock while the twins shared my two man tent. My plan in case of rain was to hope it wouldn't rain, which worked out fine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJH1mKb8_cV3AxpquMs0LFD_XZV0QwIKXLHdSFCR6-IYkZOn9Wf3tKNPrwFNMtoYBRBoBF5wsf3XFtpfCaAOp9PKdZTz3NdsNQitGCDhyJ7KMrc_8NMo16qByLJnMbLtsQUd2iQxHt_g/s2048/IMG_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJH1mKb8_cV3AxpquMs0LFD_XZV0QwIKXLHdSFCR6-IYkZOn9Wf3tKNPrwFNMtoYBRBoBF5wsf3XFtpfCaAOp9PKdZTz3NdsNQitGCDhyJ7KMrc_8NMo16qByLJnMbLtsQUd2iQxHt_g/w512-h384/IMG_3018.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bought new straps from Warbonnet to replace the lousy stock straps on my Wal Mart hammock. To my mind, these new straps are perfect: simple, light, easy to adjust, and a huge range of length capability:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32wHje_3oWyCfD1zQGxz4nLV_5zTOELPBuLFn6BP7SOoUwcfAHXo9-z6OBnRGyInADZYazfmkHID3KWxJGEv6PsQvVqxhm1xOMga9uw59SzTzFa88Q0k-toHMu_zgrPHXIfAQWn-Lmk4/s2048/IMG_3020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32wHje_3oWyCfD1zQGxz4nLV_5zTOELPBuLFn6BP7SOoUwcfAHXo9-z6OBnRGyInADZYazfmkHID3KWxJGEv6PsQvVqxhm1xOMga9uw59SzTzFa88Q0k-toHMu_zgrPHXIfAQWn-Lmk4/w512-h384/IMG_3020.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>After dinner, we enjoyed, sort of, this astronaut ice cream bar Henry had got me for Father's day. It looks like an ice cream bar, sort of tastes like an ice cream bar, but had the texture of styrofoam mixed with sand.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNqNqprn_SfC-Hp9DCAuBSEMslwaaIEKF9Un5s0lMercdf6_9p6RT4cRT5OCKjPGy1tAOqTs-MP8BSqKj-AjXhktdAdJ7qtJuaHeUDZwpQ87eIaUib6mm6wTrOqhlZM-mH7GFurOQQmA/s2048/IMG_3019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNqNqprn_SfC-Hp9DCAuBSEMslwaaIEKF9Un5s0lMercdf6_9p6RT4cRT5OCKjPGy1tAOqTs-MP8BSqKj-AjXhktdAdJ7qtJuaHeUDZwpQ87eIaUib6mm6wTrOqhlZM-mH7GFurOQQmA/w512-h384/IMG_3019.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a trail, Wildcat Hollow was OK. There weren't any great views as rewards for the hiking, so the hiking and camping was the reward for us (and the ice cream bar, I guess). There were several nice camps sites spread throughout the trail, so lots of options where to sleep. Some of these sites are quite large, so I'm starting to plan a guys trip here this fall.</div><p><br /></p><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-41775597873753281752020-08-23T07:00:00.002-04:002020-08-26T20:54:08.863-04:00New Bike: Rivendell Roadini<p>Just after I impulse bought my 2nd Cross Check frame, I impulse bought a complete Rivendell Roadini road bike. I've been doing a little more road riding this summer, getting out of my usual Dublin loops. My thought was a real road bike would be more appropriate for this.</p><p>At least in these crazy times, I could sell me CC at a slight profit... if I close my eyes and ignore the parts that I used to build the frame. I'm cleaning out my parts bin, at least.</p><p>Here's the Roadini on my initial ride up north:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92wEh7Bd5HOBmifsGoKd9WTPt0JAveHWU8BMFtEDnxKJQQCmdXPNorHjbb2Zs73DQbWvq3pHHOf4-JoaKN7Vaw6vYAR99UznknZaqHMyTihFEYCbZAy_3GlK4NU1uaGgU2wTg6C0OPMQ/s2048/IMG_3042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92wEh7Bd5HOBmifsGoKd9WTPt0JAveHWU8BMFtEDnxKJQQCmdXPNorHjbb2Zs73DQbWvq3pHHOf4-JoaKN7Vaw6vYAR99UznknZaqHMyTihFEYCbZAy_3GlK4NU1uaGgU2wTg6C0OPMQ/w384-h512/IMG_3042.JPG" width="384" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I swapped in my saddle, fixed the Brit style brakes, added bags, etc, and I was ready to roll:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN_CHrFw-HKCutGP0FsueeHKk8US-v6ecusmST-NbhSgz3oJuw0IaSkvO1Nc4h5xuvbL6fFiN-CBXuHXkiKdPIRLpg87UBoaBG3t6fOH7563OfR0s2i6jJlYh_Gz5S-5OJG8vl6D3-xk/s2048/IMG_3037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN_CHrFw-HKCutGP0FsueeHKk8US-v6ecusmST-NbhSgz3oJuw0IaSkvO1Nc4h5xuvbL6fFiN-CBXuHXkiKdPIRLpg87UBoaBG3t6fOH7563OfR0s2i6jJlYh_Gz5S-5OJG8vl6D3-xk/w512-h384/IMG_3037.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The drivetrain is a friction 1x8 drivetrain, with a homemade chain guard. The kind of build you find on the iBOB list:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmYv_JXqz2XZEbL6oCxKE7Y6qzrmvYAYHHG-takd6DMB3MGW8q5n54CcFHN9CZPa9VDygTHCn49BOx_Pqh6g0J-oQy9_ujR6PzzY6xJZrJb7AnAZqBF8wu6DpclkrrZMmXPenyYjiAC8/w512-h384/IMG_3039.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="512" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Roadini has this new lug that Riv is proud of. The ball socket on the seatstays allow them to be aligned before brazing, but it makes for a blobby joint to my eyes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC_B7NOFfSxqZAick9idc986MHAce3_X4geLHexcmr2Drv5k6lo1Vcvef6iBQTDH1mFmL5e7jf9eAlH9thaiW4rhSoh8LhRQyeJV50k7r1QE0Uf9uyd394X3NPq2thyMMbQOXwc5QjE0/s2048/IMG_3041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC_B7NOFfSxqZAick9idc986MHAce3_X4geLHexcmr2Drv5k6lo1Vcvef6iBQTDH1mFmL5e7jf9eAlH9thaiW4rhSoh8LhRQyeJV50k7r1QE0Uf9uyd394X3NPq2thyMMbQOXwc5QjE0/w512-h384/IMG_3041.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><p><br /></p>The brakes are mid reach, good clearance for the 38mm tires, but no room for fenders with fat tires like this. I've mostly used Tektro brakes on my caliper bikes, and I was surprised by how strong these Shimano brakes are. But they're also a bit grabby. The V brakes on my CC are better in every respect, except for the clean, compact looks of the caliper:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZxkipW7I4AuR1XJrois96KD4LJqDrNpSZKH0n6dfk_9j04xh9526wmuHyQTvXwfgu1mco39EznNWQdt0SYxq0aUtRqH1rnZS7RqpHOBoiCPMTtwPA_nma88c6-xvOIvQtaJYqF5Qq-Y/s2048/IMG_3040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZxkipW7I4AuR1XJrois96KD4LJqDrNpSZKH0n6dfk_9j04xh9526wmuHyQTvXwfgu1mco39EznNWQdt0SYxq0aUtRqH1rnZS7RqpHOBoiCPMTtwPA_nma88c6-xvOIvQtaJYqF5Qq-Y/s640/IMG_3040.JPG" /></a></div><br />I mostly bought the Roadini for the massive head tube (and the orange paint). I'm hoping that big stack will make the drop bars more comfortable for me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjEUcdFD_sUQQ8afwRFW6r1PyQphP3pzK9AV908LAEouXMlg-YppkediA_Z3BKs0rG0Wfl1nHKrmqfTFeNwgzAoj6013Td1UdcmoH_Ix95Fqks4VaNxdy9P1vXw-DFk-Pqxi4aLyecNY/w512-h384/IMG_3038.JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="512" /></div><br />So far, I have mixed feelings about this orange cat. Looking at the drawing for the frame, I was worried the tubing would be much too stout for me. The top tube and down are 31.8~28.6 tapered tubes. That's one or two sizes over traditional road bikes, and even bigger than my CC, etc. Despite this, it doesn't ride too stiffly, but it's not a planer by any means. It feels in a class with my CC. <p></p><p>The fat tires and long wheelbase give it a very smooth and stable ride. I'm still not comfortable on the bars. The VO parallel bars don't have any flare in the drops, which I miss when I'm down there. I spend most of my time on the ramps behind the brake levers, which is OK, but not as good as the main position on a swept, Jones type bar. </p><p>Some day, I'll have to admit that drops just aren't for me. I love the power feeling down in the drops, but I can't ride there consistently.</p><p>The Roadini is positioned as a sporty road bike, but with the stable handling, heavy tubing, and plush tires, it feels more like an old school touring bike. I need to give it some more miles this summer and fall to see how much I like that.</p>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-68504216088074586332020-07-24T13:51:00.001-04:002020-08-23T07:01:12.893-04:00Cross Check AgainMy bike fleet has had a lot of churn this spring and summer. I sold the Jones, the Mercier fixed gear, bought and sold a full suspension bike, and bought the Marin frame. All of those transactions left me with a pretty flush bike fund, so when I found many online stores were out 62cm Surly Cross Checks in the new mustard yellow color, I knew it was a sign that I should order the last one I found.<div><br /></div><div>This is almost a repeat for me. I had a Cross Check from around 2007 for about six years. That old black bike carried me through many miles of rides and <a href="https://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2013/10/ways-to-build-surly-cross-check.html" target="_blank">many different builds</a>. I had a spare rim brake 700c wheelset hanging around, waiting for another frame--which turned out to be another CC. I knew the wheels would fit, as they were the same ones from my old CC!</div><div><br /></div><div>I received the frame on Tuesday and quickly got to work:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ab4UguPUyq13C5s-0VCg7VHDbbXBxDQMltooKcHSwgH6kx7w1jhV5GyOe5maHOnV_RlctaQ6CRwWvwewJ0B94Z94Y8VcuVag0fJuqGraYipQhdKvEx7ZbyLMRRBqkVlI42C_Mcy6puA/s2048/IMG_2965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ab4UguPUyq13C5s-0VCg7VHDbbXBxDQMltooKcHSwgH6kx7w1jhV5GyOe5maHOnV_RlctaQ6CRwWvwewJ0B94Z94Y8VcuVag0fJuqGraYipQhdKvEx7ZbyLMRRBqkVlI42C_Mcy6puA/w400-h300/IMG_2965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div>The build went pretty smoothly, until I found I was missing a star fangled nut for the steerer tube. Sam and I took the tandem down to roll: to pick up a new nut. It's nice to have an LBS I can ride to.<div><br /></div><div>One other issue came up in the build: the powdercoat was so thick in the dropouts that I couldn't slam the wheel all the way back. I ended taking a file to the left hand dropout to make enough room for the wheel axle.</div><div><br /></div><div>By Tuesday evening, I was on the road:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEJObDWurp-rkauP6b9H14Sufxl9IW01Y6Q8IrYGIuMaPSvwE8CBhxPUUIF3mEOGiX2wPWL94ltG4YqDO25NuPYSkGz3YfyjfxTxRB0Dzkhxn2uddo0KRRo_kfoEs5oF97gAH-6g4NxA/s2048/IMG_2966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEJObDWurp-rkauP6b9H14Sufxl9IW01Y6Q8IrYGIuMaPSvwE8CBhxPUUIF3mEOGiX2wPWL94ltG4YqDO25NuPYSkGz3YfyjfxTxRB0Dzkhxn2uddo0KRRo_kfoEs5oF97gAH-6g4NxA/w400-h300/IMG_2966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The crank is the same Ritchey Logic from my old CC, but this time with 42/36 rings. Even with a fixed gear, I'm running flats these days:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvXoJ7K-fqyeM9h37bzjTRn0oibojpFlY152W4M-pvLHDPWzZiV3APuRPjt_Xp8lN6EVPkY-r1jbaV47KeOraEL_iYVZj7H2ZUbjbU0nPQoJdx_XnNn6i5si_FXV2BduYYkJLE5Nbvco/s2048/IMG_2967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvXoJ7K-fqyeM9h37bzjTRn0oibojpFlY152W4M-pvLHDPWzZiV3APuRPjt_Xp8lN6EVPkY-r1jbaV47KeOraEL_iYVZj7H2ZUbjbU0nPQoJdx_XnNn6i5si_FXV2BduYYkJLE5Nbvco/w400-h300/IMG_2967.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I started my build with a Surly Open bar, but I found I like the Jones Loop better. Purple grips aren't the best color match, but it's what I had on hand, and I like the way they feel.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvqd7B5uMdr7UVa0Y4Ag6PighSbSEz0vPCSPbMctxnkN5svXH0bm2cfkV8fORVo9XHXYNDbOQs4Wz-ADvg1JoUWWepeHS1eBz8b5B-wBwi2RCYWZ3fx4edcdxkEyz21if9iwVhfKA7UY/s2048/IMG_2968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvqd7B5uMdr7UVa0Y4Ag6PighSbSEz0vPCSPbMctxnkN5svXH0bm2cfkV8fORVo9XHXYNDbOQs4Wz-ADvg1JoUWWepeHS1eBz8b5B-wBwi2RCYWZ3fx4edcdxkEyz21if9iwVhfKA7UY/w400-h300/IMG_2968.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's unfortunate that rim brakes are being displaced by discs. These brakes are powerful, cheap, simple to work on, and feel great in use. And they're quiet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmix_xcHC423oRRruD1PCvfyJLpkEPGuZpHx_Qg68O8_38XfWvyuSGmHmyPF25aN0Gwd95DBROD2e8gF0s2r27LhvZWgRRknkChHOVCnQB4s9FZ5W0fA6gakR4JwxNPAkWv6xcCsJqgZ4/s2048/IMG_2970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmix_xcHC423oRRruD1PCvfyJLpkEPGuZpHx_Qg68O8_38XfWvyuSGmHmyPF25aN0Gwd95DBROD2e8gF0s2r27LhvZWgRRknkChHOVCnQB4s9FZ5W0fA6gakR4JwxNPAkWv6xcCsJqgZ4/w375-h500/IMG_2970.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><div><br /></div>One driving factor for this build was me purchasing a rare Surly Dingle cog from the iBOB email list. This $35 cog ended up costing me $500 for a new frame to go with it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsiggr1L0OaHdNW-_CTUZa4zHfcWdEgcMHsuisFBMcosmkasMsb-e69Kw-ixV1LhO7AK68gNXQIGzUQRDF0mWwSZxqyxjBzPSqRT0K3QVV2MDGG21UipWKTh6sTVKeHoaMLu7Rt5PPXA/s2048/IMG_2972.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsiggr1L0OaHdNW-_CTUZa4zHfcWdEgcMHsuisFBMcosmkasMsb-e69Kw-ixV1LhO7AK68gNXQIGzUQRDF0mWwSZxqyxjBzPSqRT0K3QVV2MDGG21UipWKTh6sTVKeHoaMLu7Rt5PPXA/w400-h300/IMG_2972.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With the new dingle cog, I changed my gearing a bit this time around. I have a 42/36 combo up front, with 17/20 fixed and 16/19 freewheel on the rear. Mathematically, about half of those gear combinations are usable, but in practice, I just leave it in the 42/17 all the time. I like the *idea* of all those gear options, even if I never use them. It's like AWD in a car.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0EZojivUrI73WfLcJpS_Y4wddlMccpH8nVR5jLfBOw5jgcKa5reo95RCQRxS4lx-K9UfBdKQ8sGbMvMemtju4WBTwdAdKIKLYGBMSs89rTuacZ8-WjnWKhyG20nLqQR_VGBpRhqboxY/s2048/IMG_2973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf0EZojivUrI73WfLcJpS_Y4wddlMccpH8nVR5jLfBOw5jgcKa5reo95RCQRxS4lx-K9UfBdKQ8sGbMvMemtju4WBTwdAdKIKLYGBMSs89rTuacZ8-WjnWKhyG20nLqQR_VGBpRhqboxY/w400-h300/IMG_2973.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm running fat Soma Supple Vittesse 48mm tires. These are indeed supple, giving an incredibly smooth ride. I could probably fit a fender in the front, but not in the rear with these. I'm not going to worry about that for a while.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have today (Friday) off, thinking I could go mountain biking. But with yesterday's rains, every local trail was too muddy. A good excuse to head out on my new CC. I made some tea in a travel mug and headed out early, going north in a roundabout way to the Blues Creek nature preserve, where I stopped to drink my tea and admire my new bike:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Xn90ROCGtoGfDAav9ym1YVPvCbkvTcw0ut_Viqmu8eVGV6XSKT29Tg1YMfWmZLL6zSHVO0nCyl7Yji6ByJ9u3XXmPErd-jfZf9xORR31LCY-stVP-NUVBp5DPc3Lg2tOQr4jO4ThEh4/s2048/IMG_2975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Xn90ROCGtoGfDAav9ym1YVPvCbkvTcw0ut_Viqmu8eVGV6XSKT29Tg1YMfWmZLL6zSHVO0nCyl7Yji6ByJ9u3XXmPErd-jfZf9xORR31LCY-stVP-NUVBp5DPc3Lg2tOQr4jO4ThEh4/w400-h300/IMG_2975.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div>All told, about 27 miles, and nearly two hours of riding. I was impressed how comfortable I was with the Jones bar. No constant shifting to find a comfortable hand position, no hand tingles, no back pain. </div><div><br /></div><div>It makes me pretty happy I wasn't able to go mountain biking today.</div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-15451242472775006382020-07-24T13:31:00.002-04:002020-08-23T07:01:44.054-04:00Hammock S24OI've been eager to try hammock camping. I have a cheap leisure hammock, but it doesn't have any bug protection. Nice camping hammocks quickly add up to $300+, but I'm just dipping my toe in the water with the Wal Mart cheapie, $40. Possibly this is as bad as trying mountain biking with a $100 Wal Mart bike, but if I do like hammock camping, I really don't want to fork out for multiple $300 setups for the kids as well. <div><br /></div><div>Last Friday, I quickly threw together a quick S24O. Henry and Kate were on board, but oddly Sam decided to stay home and watch a movie with Jodi.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had to stop for dessert on the way to camp:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ25Rb8QTbAxdolRbBeVMQh-b7b7R5ZxGBqTP1RTPLOzhdT3AjV2TTXSCK0qxoVy2-qyleiZs8Nfa57xKWUmKQaQhe9EmYS3rNkrxqLgECzWVpHgfIKtZOpZuWzxA_PARonJLrYoOm05E/s2048/IMG_2944.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ25Rb8QTbAxdolRbBeVMQh-b7b7R5ZxGBqTP1RTPLOzhdT3AjV2TTXSCK0qxoVy2-qyleiZs8Nfa57xKWUmKQaQhe9EmYS3rNkrxqLgECzWVpHgfIKtZOpZuWzxA_PARonJLrYoOm05E/w400-h300/IMG_2944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div>We set up in our usual spot. Henry and I both had our hammocks, while Kate had our backup tent all to herself:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa2KrZoXz6sh3y5Dw9eY-ph8aazLaitwwRl2Y5C3z5YpJuTuXHLmSLMOM_ASfJNv-gVoE0wWzTTy28ciiTdXn7hx9hgUVUWEW0qvcBEf8-k4JyZKW1i0KZ0kcnsBvYG_KbwaHgaLt31k/s2048/IMG_2945.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa2KrZoXz6sh3y5Dw9eY-ph8aazLaitwwRl2Y5C3z5YpJuTuXHLmSLMOM_ASfJNv-gVoE0wWzTTy28ciiTdXn7hx9hgUVUWEW0qvcBEf8-k4JyZKW1i0KZ0kcnsBvYG_KbwaHgaLt31k/w400-h300/IMG_2945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here's my fancy new hammock. The straps it comes with are ridiculously short, and I could only attach one side of the bug net to the tree--that's why the right side higher than the left.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi52ynS5d8cdfTwQQzFOVdmA6ic1r7L0t0hHu66FbHh6PP2cQemJ1Wmv4DLepa_XHz5bHQwhyphenhyphenZLL_-aN0Ru2L2RCz_848VgzGH6ItZwtP1S9bjl9kOsEXUEk4YkNi_lrJICz7MHUXgn70/s2048/IMG_2946.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi52ynS5d8cdfTwQQzFOVdmA6ic1r7L0t0hHu66FbHh6PP2cQemJ1Wmv4DLepa_XHz5bHQwhyphenhyphenZLL_-aN0Ru2L2RCz_848VgzGH6ItZwtP1S9bjl9kOsEXUEk4YkNi_lrJICz7MHUXgn70/w400-h300/IMG_2946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>For this ride, I was riding my new Marin Nicasio. I was ready to sell this bike, but after this trip, Henry claimed it. It's funny, he can now ride an XL sized frame (with the seat slammed).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7ESGtfG7RclTltJ2-rMe17z65dgu-fPlTAwRpJCCx8UvZtGIVU8qjluLoNsR6fAnYZDItEpMBkipsQz8P4X9SGufkJWjwu0rUshgMGKbMhdjlU4GsR1SNyzAbRNM-Yux3jGmYbuXfno/s2048/IMG_2947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7ESGtfG7RclTltJ2-rMe17z65dgu-fPlTAwRpJCCx8UvZtGIVU8qjluLoNsR6fAnYZDItEpMBkipsQz8P4X9SGufkJWjwu0rUshgMGKbMhdjlU4GsR1SNyzAbRNM-Yux3jGmYbuXfno/w400-h300/IMG_2947.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Henry was using my Bike Friday for this trip. He does have his own bike (actually, two of them), but I think he prefers to take one of mine.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYSJZJ4kF-Xs31mq-9a0QDJkvZWpiK97MYeiJspaSgRH6MCbCwL0XIqCDorVABUWBqr9q1KiX0cFmTc96QENVJEzHhFUDrgajLwbPMc2UmQMePHvkWxYowVMGpuU4297vK7M_Jwn5nbI/s2048/IMG_2948.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYSJZJ4kF-Xs31mq-9a0QDJkvZWpiK97MYeiJspaSgRH6MCbCwL0XIqCDorVABUWBqr9q1KiX0cFmTc96QENVJEzHhFUDrgajLwbPMc2UmQMePHvkWxYowVMGpuU4297vK7M_Jwn5nbI/w400-h300/IMG_2948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And Kate was on her Trek:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEToMHsaUEqLXeBv_gaGZYq5gbGOCtkB8cJa8ed6tJcmZsqmt-v0d8Ehxg1sJFLa507bWI_YDobHRNubDgwk6PxzCeefAu_4b4lnLgPWBz7b-bGoW_7o_HiAz0MJZ0WGCXWu2CgypYByQ/s2048/IMG_2949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEToMHsaUEqLXeBv_gaGZYq5gbGOCtkB8cJa8ed6tJcmZsqmt-v0d8Ehxg1sJFLa507bWI_YDobHRNubDgwk6PxzCeefAu_4b4lnLgPWBz7b-bGoW_7o_HiAz0MJZ0WGCXWu2CgypYByQ/w400-h300/IMG_2949.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Kate had the four man tent all to herself. She did not complain.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OdZ8Fq1NEl2iQvfyRoa9a5QA1GUH_pPzLzE0Tke0LzpAEkpQDGSqWy7yVMQ0AVscgD1Xo1Y2nqcqLCDgJYQO5ehUwAhQOvW-4Et_UmlIHzWm0uwfYwv4Jo6tviGVtWKjH046IfFYw_g/s2048/IMG_2950.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OdZ8Fq1NEl2iQvfyRoa9a5QA1GUH_pPzLzE0Tke0LzpAEkpQDGSqWy7yVMQ0AVscgD1Xo1Y2nqcqLCDgJYQO5ehUwAhQOvW-4Et_UmlIHzWm0uwfYwv4Jo6tviGVtWKjH046IfFYw_g/w400-h300/IMG_2950.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While Henry had my old two man hammock:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJwcxmPzl-0h6520luZ3PYLcIHVNefn9GhRXY1zpjZWnJI9F6wqU7_YZP8szGXi9w8IhoJfhBXVoUbjO2GHBXo1J9ss91l-fsI-CtqJXWwKb3CgrKYo1qDhutD0C3M07GcbA9zAg2XHw/s2048/IMG_2951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJwcxmPzl-0h6520luZ3PYLcIHVNefn9GhRXY1zpjZWnJI9F6wqU7_YZP8szGXi9w8IhoJfhBXVoUbjO2GHBXo1J9ss91l-fsI-CtqJXWwKb3CgrKYo1qDhutD0C3M07GcbA9zAg2XHw/w400-h300/IMG_2951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It wasn't a great night of sleep. This spot is pretty near a busy road, and there was live music from a party up the street until 11:30 or so. I had forgotten ear plugs, so the noise kept us up for quite a while.<div><br /></div><div>Henry wasn't comfortable in his hammock, and gave up around midnight and headed for the tent. I stuck it out all night in my hammock. I was using a Ridgerest pad under me for insulation. It was so hot when we went to bed that I just laid on top of my sleeping bag. When I got cold later in the night, I couldn't figure out how to wiggle into the sleeping bag. I mostly got it on top of me as a blanket instead. I also didn't have a pillow, thinking the hammock would support my head well enough, but I had trouble getting comfortable without one. In the end, I tossed and turned all night, which is pretty comparable to how I usually sleep when I'm tent camping. But I think there's potential to improve the hammock setup.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also need to figure out a tarp setup for the hammock. Right now, I'm only a fair weather hammock camper.</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, we were all up early. Henry found another bike to ride to breakfast:</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mx5HHH4Di9P2SKQRX19-OhMB8Z6Ln8x24ZNn7TBP3aJn4R4anaxamhXSLamNfTYm6CQM-Wa0bDY0s-uGgPgRc_oLJTDh9U-o7BVIILTwre3VnhBlJZBbLYPKBVkGGB51yI2hV8VbIwY/s2048/IMG_2953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8mx5HHH4Di9P2SKQRX19-OhMB8Z6Ln8x24ZNn7TBP3aJn4R4anaxamhXSLamNfTYm6CQM-Wa0bDY0s-uGgPgRc_oLJTDh9U-o7BVIILTwre3VnhBlJZBbLYPKBVkGGB51yI2hV8VbIwY/w400-h300/IMG_2953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>That didn't get him very far, so he was back on the BF for our ride to Tim Horton's and then home.</div></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-40543303449805126472020-07-13T16:22:00.000-04:002020-07-13T16:22:31.836-04:00New Bikes In and OutI've had some churn recently in my bike fleet. I sold my Jones (again) to a fellow iBOB, which caused my bike fund to spike up. I had the desire (again) to buy a full suspension bike. I surfed around for quite a while before coming across a NOS 2015 GT Sensor Carbon Team at the Pro's Closet. Nicely priced, and I wanted 27.5" wheels to give the bike a more fun feeling. Bigger wheeled full sus bikes I've had in the past have mostly just felt dull. The only boingy bikes from my history that I look back fondly are my '97 Pro Flex 857 and my '03 Specialized Epic, both short travel 26" wheels XC machines. Then again, there's likely also a lot of nostalgia going on here. Anyway, flush from the Jones sale, I jumped on the Sensor frame and got to building it up:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9OxqOwRz0widELo_OYOVB1lxshF7GweAANvnzCdeFarYlaJJfkWUGoVxyTBjCOZflHOfaoFuSzqMBuhhOODjIDBei6BB-7qHfkAcjKO8abQpT6gDLIYYGKsJJ-m5y3b3ir_88fe68ck/s2048/IMG_2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9OxqOwRz0widELo_OYOVB1lxshF7GweAANvnzCdeFarYlaJJfkWUGoVxyTBjCOZflHOfaoFuSzqMBuhhOODjIDBei6BB-7qHfkAcjKO8abQpT6gDLIYYGKsJJ-m5y3b3ir_88fe68ck/w400-h300/IMG_2839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div>I had a spare Suntour Raidon fork, a spare 650b wheelset, plenty of tires, and the drivetrain from the Jones. I ordered up some new Shimano hydro brakes and I was ready to roll... after I figured out the cable routing on the Sensor:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3clUjsYO2g3UmWzHoSvpii6vQtxEqyOGWRTnDGCe6mkvkklf8uUN_xEppaJ-ZDzCSc_lv-acJWX1M6g6UiyzrK8GTujOA_tiZUNx_-3Zx7T-Ofik1z8Y73jc7TAPD1DXUMpF4qbW6Hf8/s2048/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3clUjsYO2g3UmWzHoSvpii6vQtxEqyOGWRTnDGCe6mkvkklf8uUN_xEppaJ-ZDzCSc_lv-acJWX1M6g6UiyzrK8GTujOA_tiZUNx_-3Zx7T-Ofik1z8Y73jc7TAPD1DXUMpF4qbW6Hf8/w400-h300/IMG_2840.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>GT put a lot of thought into the routing on the Sensor, and thankfully nothing is internal except the dropper. However, there are a half dozen bolt on clamps on the down tube to control the cable routing. Every time I adjusted the fixed part of my dropper seat post height, I had to loosen everything to reset the cable lengths. I did this at least three times while getting everything set up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here it is all together:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tZTqBj_p44JCUFomziB8DzJaYuEikECvncIzdz-8TwUYeRwjWdUYhCw3E9EHNTSzhV_KpeFZh-a6ovcoUDXowzlrU0BQAr9HjC8HIM9za79J5TjwzmBOuRh6N8Lgifan78R_cMFWR90/s2048/IMG_2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tZTqBj_p44JCUFomziB8DzJaYuEikECvncIzdz-8TwUYeRwjWdUYhCw3E9EHNTSzhV_KpeFZh-a6ovcoUDXowzlrU0BQAr9HjC8HIM9za79J5TjwzmBOuRh6N8Lgifan78R_cMFWR90/w400-h300/IMG_2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl02yMx3vO6iOoVtRFDGRfRCz2Jcb1giCMFov2Fnkf3YNjXym1SXdbxUgo-tx8uYdOmaF_xCUEm71UvfUlI6enxj3beHhwIw26ZbR9639EZVBeUPDBXZZgUQm9CcDZ05wUNjuPB3iaHY/s2048/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIl02yMx3vO6iOoVtRFDGRfRCz2Jcb1giCMFov2Fnkf3YNjXym1SXdbxUgo-tx8uYdOmaF_xCUEm71UvfUlI6enxj3beHhwIw26ZbR9639EZVBeUPDBXZZgUQm9CcDZ05wUNjuPB3iaHY/w400-h300/IMG_2896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>My generic 32t narrow wide ring from the Jones was already shot, so I used a spare 38t. It was fine at flat Alum Creek, but took some grunting at hillier Chestnut Ridge. The "Snail" brand NW ring didn't last long at all, let's hope I have better luck with the Decker:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7djQ7KPf0Fn1PtmBoQORREi66_5pNZPX_j6uAq3gFP-ez-Fy6J1-m_mY_JvnbRJ8XdAJzVpomkcDuDvOJD4L-7sy8R4Eev01BB7Ja9E65EhyG0-fThdhYdrLzqemWeDePdpQuccTMRo/s2048/IMG_2877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7djQ7KPf0Fn1PtmBoQORREi66_5pNZPX_j6uAq3gFP-ez-Fy6J1-m_mY_JvnbRJ8XdAJzVpomkcDuDvOJD4L-7sy8R4Eev01BB7Ja9E65EhyG0-fThdhYdrLzqemWeDePdpQuccTMRo/w400-h300/IMG_2877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Soma Dream bars were actually too tall for me, so I kept sliding them down the steerer to get the fit right. Purple grips are my attempt to break up the boring blackness:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywf8LNfnqoxXpKB7Z5CyStVoKrSKbzgp9OmsazMi9SyoW4BCofMKg0j8PCGn7N55ieZvOkyKiHAMIneThY7YwxBcEd7lox38w5_uhPDJw-oejAIUuwnND44x_fMtG0WMjDEFkq8wTcfw/s2048/IMG_2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywf8LNfnqoxXpKB7Z5CyStVoKrSKbzgp9OmsazMi9SyoW4BCofMKg0j8PCGn7N55ieZvOkyKiHAMIneThY7YwxBcEd7lox38w5_uhPDJw-oejAIUuwnND44x_fMtG0WMjDEFkq8wTcfw/w400-h300/IMG_2878.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The shock has a remote for the 3 way climb-trail-descend function:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cGO_fqHwCKkPTpprZvwGJoyS5b7ZZg_qurycd29gjLhhUT2Wck9kknfQrhrwLuAoiKs5gA9gy9gMb00441JwMmXfcVt8rFIQ94H3KcsVuB1coOlh7mGGon459P6vEG5TdjKmAx8oGeM/s2048/IMG_2879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cGO_fqHwCKkPTpprZvwGJoyS5b7ZZg_qurycd29gjLhhUT2Wck9kknfQrhrwLuAoiKs5gA9gy9gMb00441JwMmXfcVt8rFIQ94H3KcsVuB1coOlh7mGGon459P6vEG5TdjKmAx8oGeM/w400-h300/IMG_2879.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>GT's suspension was called "AOS" at this time, which stands for... something. It doesn't matter. It looks like an iteration of the i-Drive, with the bottom bracket floating partially with the suspension:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHl9onk9ZZLNRkqLObYZrsHgTfBXwsJO0ZjcduODh-N9EbBQDY_CHcWk0PcecXKKhzT1OtSRwyQeL_PtMbE5tdWXEepqmTiH49DltFmWSRV98SRM6tls23FUvHQiPv6NTMZTSyYpMsUw/s2048/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHl9onk9ZZLNRkqLObYZrsHgTfBXwsJO0ZjcduODh-N9EbBQDY_CHcWk0PcecXKKhzT1OtSRwyQeL_PtMbE5tdWXEepqmTiH49DltFmWSRV98SRM6tls23FUvHQiPv6NTMZTSyYpMsUw/w400-h300/IMG_2881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the end, it all worked well enough. The suspension pedaled well, and seemed pretty bottomless. I was happy with the fit. The bike looked pretty good, even considering the purple grips. But... I found out quickly I would rather be riding my Marley. It's a simple tool for hitting the trail:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsxraUROaoTtTNDRimrDLsk84CHgrw3GSdvolOdxGOiXFglYBHbdw2sOu8CfO-Taehyphenhyphenly6QkWSOKfyBSvspZH4t7tHV1159wlFRW-PHTycf1CkdWRrZ2NRehECKtRPU9lYlWGhu_J_y0/s2048/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsxraUROaoTtTNDRimrDLsk84CHgrw3GSdvolOdxGOiXFglYBHbdw2sOu8CfO-Taehyphenhyphenly6QkWSOKfyBSvspZH4t7tHV1159wlFRW-PHTycf1CkdWRrZ2NRehECKtRPU9lYlWGhu_J_y0/w400-h300/IMG_2891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So my full suspension back to hardtail cycle was very quick this time, about a month on the new bike and it was on CL. With the crazy bike market right now, I sold it quickly for a fair price. And now my bike fund is even <b>more </b>flush, since I bought the frame and sold the bike.</div><div><br /></div><div>I kept the purple grips, since I didn't want that to turn off the next buyer. I found a use for them on this bike:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHqKQ2syZDGleECkywG4NUVe5Pi8F7ki8RukjNVqsyrttMY1Nbt_Lq7Rvx5QtPpcGMVT0jH5FYruRX2qqd-IKgyweWfMXofChy75MpUqegmEcczepjd3OCNiuYstDtI9tTkoulLmnJ-I/s2048/IMG_2918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHqKQ2syZDGleECkywG4NUVe5Pi8F7ki8RukjNVqsyrttMY1Nbt_Lq7Rvx5QtPpcGMVT0jH5FYruRX2qqd-IKgyweWfMXofChy75MpUqegmEcczepjd3OCNiuYstDtI9tTkoulLmnJ-I/w400-h300/IMG_2918.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I need a general all around bike, so I picked up this NOS Marin Nicasio frame off ebay. My thought was I could experiment with 700c or fatter 650b wheels on it. I started out with my 700c set that needed a home:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBoSnS7pss4mhfAzwUqvhxeokgfTCYi5SpF9ZBCPgZtjhziV7F-1eoWnAO4powydpbRN-PDk8Y5-ufLSTmHz6VBikS-vfu3EJ_Hf3cmkWmlD2gayzoU2zoGvQnvZpo9HtFw-pqwSC7sc/s2048/IMG_2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBoSnS7pss4mhfAzwUqvhxeokgfTCYi5SpF9ZBCPgZtjhziV7F-1eoWnAO4powydpbRN-PDk8Y5-ufLSTmHz6VBikS-vfu3EJ_Hf3cmkWmlD2gayzoU2zoGvQnvZpo9HtFw-pqwSC7sc/w400-h300/IMG_2919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>WTB team rims, i25, with nice Sram X9 hubs. I also used this build to put my Advent 9 speed drivetrain to use. To do this, I had to buy a geared hanger for the Nicasio, since it only came with a single speed dropout. The Paragon Machine Works dropouts was relatively cheap, made in the US, and slipped right in:<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NIMdo2CaKpM7FSyWy5ho1t93NX4_B1TDJ-JyKajYp8CJW1VbLUkDbKrc1wVO_lwPhkjshrX2qkDU_89u77xkexoiEsNOe9ZOJLtZiaBraRpHgjR5xhCrTDTaUJ9XYQ474pPaFdQ42fg/s2048/IMG_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NIMdo2CaKpM7FSyWy5ho1t93NX4_B1TDJ-JyKajYp8CJW1VbLUkDbKrc1wVO_lwPhkjshrX2qkDU_89u77xkexoiEsNOe9ZOJLtZiaBraRpHgjR5xhCrTDTaUJ9XYQ474pPaFdQ42fg/s320/IMG_2920.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The frame didn't come with a headset, so I picked up an FSA headset to match it's integrated cups. I tried for a blue top cap to match the frame, but the color was way off. I ended up sanding off the blue anodization:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdQUUbmaooD6fcYYSkqo4fEEFYldenH4OdKD171GuwYye-KeqcSovy5BLf4tpFZik3kJ30akzW694rlA3B3Fj8eKcZgtBuTVlmYn8VlTOx7UljRNg2_AOTMoDiASUcbsbbKATfIPBJOE/s2048/IMG_2921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPdQUUbmaooD6fcYYSkqo4fEEFYldenH4OdKD171GuwYye-KeqcSovy5BLf4tpFZik3kJ30akzW694rlA3B3Fj8eKcZgtBuTVlmYn8VlTOx7UljRNg2_AOTMoDiASUcbsbbKATfIPBJOE/s320/IMG_2921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Up front, I used my old Nashbar cross fork. I had a plan to mount my old rack to the front canti mounts, so they would have a use:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYF9COUParHYaneL2YMY2sVaqfoYawsOW6kjfr4UShfozBvxnzRCID-xAqc0EGyh4WCTH0vJKQOwfzZfpGx0o5wDbUgqojTSDaF_fyhrMtwKzCajLO5opieqD0RLcRJPYAWCz3PkYVGs/s2048/IMG_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYF9COUParHYaneL2YMY2sVaqfoYawsOW6kjfr4UShfozBvxnzRCID-xAqc0EGyh4WCTH0vJKQOwfzZfpGx0o5wDbUgqojTSDaF_fyhrMtwKzCajLO5opieqD0RLcRJPYAWCz3PkYVGs/w300-h400/IMG_2922.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But then my first test ride turned up a problem: the rear end flares out to fit the sliding dropouts, and with my super low Q Suntour XC Pro crankset (~145mm), my sandals tick off the frame on every stroke unless I point my heels out or slide my feet forward. That's pretty annoying.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgb78xX3oWyMPBorxriE5KLg0od-fdQneaXjRAyBDGTeNOee59dIH9rfqV01TDxEl9RWIoCNP477uu0uto3STyxMa5UMDrrJp_cOFd6BAiyo7cDLSQv73EfVrfV5uOaDt_MDJOyPbKYY/s2048/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgb78xX3oWyMPBorxriE5KLg0od-fdQneaXjRAyBDGTeNOee59dIH9rfqV01TDxEl9RWIoCNP477uu0uto3STyxMa5UMDrrJp_cOFd6BAiyo7cDLSQv73EfVrfV5uOaDt_MDJOyPbKYY/s320/IMG_2923.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the end, I think this will be a fatal flaw for the Marin for me. It rides well enough, and I think it looks great (even with the purple grips), but the wide stays aren't for me. </div><div><br /></div></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-19412930744500780392020-07-03T16:39:00.001-04:002020-07-03T16:39:38.098-04:00Backpacking (Zaleski and TVT)Sam got a new, actual backpacking backpack for Christmas, so we finally gave it a try last month. I had a Monday off, so the boys and I headed to Zaleski for an overnighter on a Sunday afternoon. I hoped it would go better than my <a href="https://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2013/07/henrys-first-backpacking-trip-at.html" target="_blank">last trip to Zaleski</a>, which was Henry's first (and last) backpacking experience, where we got lost and walked several extra miles on the road. Henry still hasn't let me forget about that one.<div><br /></div><div>The weather was cloudy and cool, perfect backpacking weather, until it started to rain as we pulled into the trailhead parking lot. We cooled our heels in the car for about 20 minutes to let the rain pass, and the weather was fine after that. The only other rain we got was overnight, where we could enjoy the gentle sound of the rain on the tent's nylon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cB5Pb15CwYZGdQT_PTWFN-YRJawHrlT1VruWSYOaqK4zpA0nPL4bWtXz6vym5Vj8_3BX5nmgw6EhlTY6Zfbg4aLIkAuZSvs6hjRZNZknm7k7RAmJF5-Hup-W8lcPXgIY2diCqVBO3-k/s4032/IMG_2842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cB5Pb15CwYZGdQT_PTWFN-YRJawHrlT1VruWSYOaqK4zpA0nPL4bWtXz6vym5Vj8_3BX5nmgw6EhlTY6Zfbg4aLIkAuZSvs6hjRZNZknm7k7RAmJF5-Hup-W8lcPXgIY2diCqVBO3-k/w300-h400/IMG_2842.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were hiking the south loop of Zaleski, which I have never hiked before. It starts off with a steep climb from the parking lot, and the trail rolls quite a bit after that.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>There were some nice views over the valley where the old rail line ran, back when the Hope iron furnace was active:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXD3NijeSpbJPOBcLY-85LQfA_m0EjNihgKyLHwtu2GFQAA_gs0vTNpXS3HisatJGLsaHHLE-nx-SvnkBwBacKlMhFdOB5o6Gd72cFzL9_Qv1XWIsGQYcRLN-d0vK3zMt5OFWY9M4AcY/s4032/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXD3NijeSpbJPOBcLY-85LQfA_m0EjNihgKyLHwtu2GFQAA_gs0vTNpXS3HisatJGLsaHHLE-nx-SvnkBwBacKlMhFdOB5o6Gd72cFzL9_Qv1XWIsGQYcRLN-d0vK3zMt5OFWY9M4AcY/w400-h300/IMG_2843.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This picture doesn't show it, but the trail drops off very sharply just to the right. We moved past this quickly!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tDVoRsw-Qa3-OKVGatb7SpRmJZpumoULbH3WE1Tu3uDBQWXOyybBIwpzy71g3k2pJu_gwZ60O6AJm4t1q5FolVqFIgvncx3oUS8dvE6ACcVq9FPyaYxo1gTPvP-k8BiV2qPvVav0038/s4032/IMG_2844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tDVoRsw-Qa3-OKVGatb7SpRmJZpumoULbH3WE1Tu3uDBQWXOyybBIwpzy71g3k2pJu_gwZ60O6AJm4t1q5FolVqFIgvncx3oUS8dvE6ACcVq9FPyaYxo1gTPvP-k8BiV2qPvVav0038/w400-h300/IMG_2844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The trail dropped down to large pond:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2idXqZxxLmtNZlMHCjZSGSdbdPPBObk2Kuvl-GwS5SIOf3UgKgckpJf5O9gYUKSpe76ASkJ61vjnRXqGxDqP2o66tIA1SuGjJoBnG6WTzYiH8MatDFba1ra_SGfIh9Z9pZ_ZeoBM-iQ/s4032/IMG_2845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2idXqZxxLmtNZlMHCjZSGSdbdPPBObk2Kuvl-GwS5SIOf3UgKgckpJf5O9gYUKSpe76ASkJ61vjnRXqGxDqP2o66tIA1SuGjJoBnG6WTzYiH8MatDFba1ra_SGfIh9Z9pZ_ZeoBM-iQ/w400-h300/IMG_2845.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Where beavers were active, though we didn't see any:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45ERg-QJ497uCtjGVvNZuyBxixwyjfrjTg9_iqwCE1gpEgSm4bXGnDW7MOo9YoL76AuRBmqivcUhpH1iCaILByhfKpq52o0MRFSTkSEBDsHyDTfGev_7XzqzFaG0FGsD_G22ZuDHfkGI/s4032/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45ERg-QJ497uCtjGVvNZuyBxixwyjfrjTg9_iqwCE1gpEgSm4bXGnDW7MOo9YoL76AuRBmqivcUhpH1iCaILByhfKpq52o0MRFSTkSEBDsHyDTfGev_7XzqzFaG0FGsD_G22ZuDHfkGI/w300-h400/IMG_2847.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There was a lot of blowdown on the trails that required us to scramble through, over, or around them. This was an easy one:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-GFyv5PS7YnKNGSmG73aoo1H9Ny6CTidm3Tkzf9CeHeQJbQ9CZqeWvtCQ8R_Jmf1MZiCZWneisfk9smTVQ8EfW_cmSG2vDT8jvVrrtTsLmfdtpYPt2nS7A0VK-Z5h2OGHEaaCSy_AEo/s4032/IMG_2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-GFyv5PS7YnKNGSmG73aoo1H9Ny6CTidm3Tkzf9CeHeQJbQ9CZqeWvtCQ8R_Jmf1MZiCZWneisfk9smTVQ8EfW_cmSG2vDT8jvVrrtTsLmfdtpYPt2nS7A0VK-Z5h2OGHEaaCSy_AEo/w400-h300/IMG_2848.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I spotted this little newt on the trail on our way out the next morning:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAav3oDOOKEHSwTZb6ujbAp2zIFLD03ZWLRyEu-3JJ16PJ8pKrOm14ul-eJ0ilrcnBzKNPJ0-0IyJB7eERFg-KL5oemWm5H2yaA2ft1HJHGbJ7GCRSXmP7_EXhTTIA5_viZ1jcXXii_M/s4032/IMG_2849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAav3oDOOKEHSwTZb6ujbAp2zIFLD03ZWLRyEu-3JJ16PJ8pKrOm14ul-eJ0ilrcnBzKNPJ0-0IyJB7eERFg-KL5oemWm5H2yaA2ft1HJHGbJ7GCRSXmP7_EXhTTIA5_viZ1jcXXii_M/w400-h300/IMG_2849.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This trail was wide and easy, but a lot of the trail on day 2 was brushy, muddy, and tangled:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75IVh9z5SdGGIlX51PKlnp5Uc6aRZXFL1ZXAzUW9aIpmXnVR2RNFiMfoGqPURdoxnQav6TpXEKO-MwwE4-h244qiYyaHwCG0qGwk2CumDzyAsArFynBzISf9pWavjc8idCGcwpUGc4rQ/s4032/IMG_2850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75IVh9z5SdGGIlX51PKlnp5Uc6aRZXFL1ZXAzUW9aIpmXnVR2RNFiMfoGqPURdoxnQav6TpXEKO-MwwE4-h244qiYyaHwCG0qGwk2CumDzyAsArFynBzISf9pWavjc8idCGcwpUGc4rQ/w400-h300/IMG_2850.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But it was worth it to find these cool caves along the trail:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nyS7tOnJNLoUoR8lJoCoDy-9JbUmhi6OCHWNwV57ahDmuoOuzHld5VSFbux3KXmhSOErNUASaBN_2HjoMYi8ijw5F8tLbVnXrkhvV6U7qn_wswzGYIEvKuV-3fzCV_TRhq-EVIvT3sQ/s4032/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nyS7tOnJNLoUoR8lJoCoDy-9JbUmhi6OCHWNwV57ahDmuoOuzHld5VSFbux3KXmhSOErNUASaBN_2HjoMYi8ijw5F8tLbVnXrkhvV6U7qn_wswzGYIEvKuV-3fzCV_TRhq-EVIvT3sQ/w400-h300/IMG_2851.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bDYdCzjIK1t328tp_YB1T7KhdF_ytD1fqDLMcxryqiU8pV1ZMtaKgQNbIYlrjcUoTv4mlGjh5QFNDjpp-kFLyXbAvvG6jFQ6oqDh1msTitEfe1pHdJNrnsLMwXj3AaPBvMnkDVQIAFg/s4032/IMG_2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bDYdCzjIK1t328tp_YB1T7KhdF_ytD1fqDLMcxryqiU8pV1ZMtaKgQNbIYlrjcUoTv4mlGjh5QFNDjpp-kFLyXbAvvG6jFQ6oqDh1msTitEfe1pHdJNrnsLMwXj3AaPBvMnkDVQIAFg/w400-h300/IMG_2852.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was more impressed by this giant mossy rock than the boys:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuirRnER0lKpY-bPGQGPKG2JgTatSos1TnknVSwItEZQ5o0D2e_YUPxVH0tGfiGqqe96R1P98tSbOgRvevLx4Yy7hdj0BC4Rx59Isqq0AJYcghXVRYvMBslbC2KyvP9tuQy6SrRGfUu8/s4032/IMG_2853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuirRnER0lKpY-bPGQGPKG2JgTatSos1TnknVSwItEZQ5o0D2e_YUPxVH0tGfiGqqe96R1P98tSbOgRvevLx4Yy7hdj0BC4Rx59Isqq0AJYcghXVRYvMBslbC2KyvP9tuQy6SrRGfUu8/w400-h300/IMG_2853.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We were doing fine on the way out, until we lost the trail at this blowdown. The trail curved, but we stumbled through it to follow a creek instead. Turns out, the ODNR doesn't typically make hiking trails than run down creeks.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYGoNekIu5N_5mXD-v6Qwm4cG4jNuKAlDGMeWV0MIMpK_EtDu_s__oLUnwoqcnDmALLPL2ExlZHe7tBIhKlbjrB8Rvjk4VuvpG0bG5QAVrKz5fHA6VrIYPY_uLAV8FpvjEGEOHRgIsRw/s4032/IMG_2854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoYGoNekIu5N_5mXD-v6Qwm4cG4jNuKAlDGMeWV0MIMpK_EtDu_s__oLUnwoqcnDmALLPL2ExlZHe7tBIhKlbjrB8Rvjk4VuvpG0bG5QAVrKz5fHA6VrIYPY_uLAV8FpvjEGEOHRgIsRw/w400-h300/IMG_2854.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span>But one detour aside, the boys did great and had a good time. We did about eight miles on the first day, and 6.5 on the way out. Even with all the hills and brush, the boys didn't complain and toughed it out. The only concern was their packs: Sam's was too big for him, and Henry was using a cheap daypack without a waist belt. I would fix that for our next trip:</span><div><span><br /></span></div><div>This past weekend, I took the three kids to the Twin Valley trail near Dayton. This was where <a href="https://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2017/08/backpacking-with-sam.html" target="_blank">Sam had his first trip</a>, and this was to be Kate's first trip as well. The forecast called for thunderstorms in the afternoon, but it looked like the dark rain clouds were all well north of us when we started.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAeZ5oEBkfrL779QYEAUMrdQsvaJnnePdXZPkm67g59Mn0Lar237u0PKDRbyrm6eyicTUk2PmSz862iVEum1OShzWLHNUgxbedrE4LXDfyqh6MLloyPkPENipjvlxpJNhjwnWyNWkp2A/s4032/IMG_2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAeZ5oEBkfrL779QYEAUMrdQsvaJnnePdXZPkm67g59Mn0Lar237u0PKDRbyrm6eyicTUk2PmSz862iVEum1OShzWLHNUgxbedrE4LXDfyqh6MLloyPkPENipjvlxpJNhjwnWyNWkp2A/w400-h300/IMG_2883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Twenty minutes down the trail, this was us:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzxbgLkog13sHXGdlcRbB7ixtzvWasBMBQmqdm9GNHyYC42pcH8Z7mz3QVW31u8sOMlNDOHLl-66dEQAHuRMm_pZIhoK9JX_A8q18ZaND6cU8-tXaBifh9kkwMt3SJuSENucMM5s6eHE/s4032/IMG_2884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzxbgLkog13sHXGdlcRbB7ixtzvWasBMBQmqdm9GNHyYC42pcH8Z7mz3QVW31u8sOMlNDOHLl-66dEQAHuRMm_pZIhoK9JX_A8q18ZaND6cU8-tXaBifh9kkwMt3SJuSENucMM5s6eHE/w400-h300/IMG_2884.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even in a steamy poncho walking down a muddy trail, Kate was still grinning and saying how much she liked backpacking. <div><br /></div><div>We were trying out walking sticks on this hike. After our last trip, my mom sent each of the boys a wooden walking stick (thanks Mom!). The same day those arrived, we also got a pair of collapsible hiking poles from Amazon. So, everyone had a walking stick, and we could compare the old school wooden stick to the modern aluminum pole. Our consensus was:</div><div><br /></div><div>Wood: better hand grip, more solid feel, silent</div><div>Aluminum: lighter, sharper tip has better grip on the ground</div><div><br />We'll probably remove the rubber tips on the wooden poles and carve a point into them. That should improve their trail grip a lot.<br /><div><br /></div><div>All the kids did fine on this trip. We walked backwards from the loop Sam and I did earlier, so our longer day was the first day. It was about 6 miles to camp and dinner. Henry really wanted to try an MRE:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNWaQPVZ5yEQkZBmkH1jFPb5VcvbmyrPBDF6G8DUhaz9WzvPOfWz8dnsdxgJgjiPhbgq_nvMNnizN8BVTj0LRaxAXxOTkbOibJ7ryen-e8vyFmrACoRi2iroN4CG-zX1yt3TVB98Rcus/s4032/IMG_2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNWaQPVZ5yEQkZBmkH1jFPb5VcvbmyrPBDF6G8DUhaz9WzvPOfWz8dnsdxgJgjiPhbgq_nvMNnizN8BVTj0LRaxAXxOTkbOibJ7ryen-e8vyFmrACoRi2iroN4CG-zX1yt3TVB98Rcus/w400-h300/IMG_2885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The self heating was super cool, but no one like the actual entree (we had the chorizo). Who would have guessed army cooking wasn't the best?</div><div><br /></div><div>We had to go mid week as this was the only day I could reserve a campsite, but it turned out we were the only campers at the three Cedar Ridge backcountry sites. Maybe the weather forecast scared everyone off (we only saw one other hiker on the whole trip) We had site A, but for future reference, B looked the best:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF21Pn3OooZB4EDNvKdT1EBvSCEf4LwB6V8UOFxc-9V_oq4bZ0CxriHeKmrVNKvxdjXg68xsGYlx1X8kFNIMfzJtWZNNCYk16iDg8yio76SCoTd9MshEf_7CAj2ww9S_OW8lxoJKKAsjQ/s4032/IMG_2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF21Pn3OooZB4EDNvKdT1EBvSCEf4LwB6V8UOFxc-9V_oq4bZ0CxriHeKmrVNKvxdjXg68xsGYlx1X8kFNIMfzJtWZNNCYk16iDg8yio76SCoTd9MshEf_7CAj2ww9S_OW8lxoJKKAsjQ/w400-h300/IMG_2886.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Twins at the Twin Valley Trail on day 2:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzyqfZ1BUt9MgOvAajL1gdCWLwk_hbQi5BoGh1pCyaJbPxu76yDwr5LAr6UO7jhJxwtSzALSvJnBuroXvxV88A3gWp2b-l04j3Ogj3VqHsKn9oBgZJbSCes74MUw-0WQHOF7xl0VmoZ0/s4032/IMG_2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzyqfZ1BUt9MgOvAajL1gdCWLwk_hbQi5BoGh1pCyaJbPxu76yDwr5LAr6UO7jhJxwtSzALSvJnBuroXvxV88A3gWp2b-l04j3Ogj3VqHsKn9oBgZJbSCes74MUw-0WQHOF7xl0VmoZ0/w400-h300/IMG_2889.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The kids were up at 6:00 am on the next day, so we had a fine, cool morning to hike out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N2B8d3LsjA6FOOenvyY8vk4dGLYOyjoXmKHVUc90kj8WyB6TR_8UUYvjJnPPekgCA1zhzJPJM5bKpvJlUJr4XnZTWjQV9gheFpK0TADGI9KguBT3Yv0bvkkDZrkJxFK3Oh6nxeHbma0/s4032/IMG_2890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N2B8d3LsjA6FOOenvyY8vk4dGLYOyjoXmKHVUc90kj8WyB6TR_8UUYvjJnPPekgCA1zhzJPJM5bKpvJlUJr4XnZTWjQV9gheFpK0TADGI9KguBT3Yv0bvkkDZrkJxFK3Oh6nxeHbma0/w400-h300/IMG_2890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div>After our last trip, I ordered a new, smaller pack for Sam, gave Sam's pack to Henry, and stuck Kate with the cheap daypack. Since Kate cheerfully soldiered through a trip with the daypack, I ordered another pack like Sam's after we got back. We're set for our next trip!</div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-36868672121521317142020-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:002020-06-14T07:00:02.268-04:00Another Bike Friday: Tandem Traveler XLI've been keeping my eye out for a Bike Friday tandem for some time. One recently came up on the BF Yak email list. The price was great, but the seller didn't really know much about bikes to answer my questions. I took a chance and bought it. He shipped it from the west coast, some assembly required:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDA24nhUfToL1XCJgoX0nc9KgvRLI54iDn0lo6qEb1XTvKjW9DVxuzQSz92uPg0oenht-XSRDB52BAlirDLcufBzc5mYrjB_1Um2nxaavPUX94BXtNRJINgJwWmfXCfmT9rJkJ7bpkT4/s4032/IMG_2760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDA24nhUfToL1XCJgoX0nc9KgvRLI54iDn0lo6qEb1XTvKjW9DVxuzQSz92uPg0oenht-XSRDB52BAlirDLcufBzc5mYrjB_1Um2nxaavPUX94BXtNRJINgJwWmfXCfmT9rJkJ7bpkT4/s320/IMG_2760.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>The BF tandems are meant to be taken apart, but the previous owner clearly didn't understand how. Every cable quick connector that was meant to be unscrewed was still together, while the cables were unbolted at random points. Small parts were wrapped in sticky duct tape, difficult to open. But even with his inflated shipping cost and poor packing job, I'm still happy with the deal I got.</div><div><br /></div><div>To reverse this karma, when I sold my Jones, I used this same box to send it out to the west coast, packed very carefully. The buyer was happy to get it.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It took some time, but I got it back together:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03nWW-i9qqJ1kiiU-06xZB8GpOYetlIOvVSNL0jrJX2SiaA-KIb0HM_S1-RoH3DqRPseFDbm8GhmpDBSZA4LGVKXAOlC3V_5cmOE_9OYxJ1_X4n1t8bsoOeQfaNbnzm_Hj99Jb1iC18o/s4032/IMG_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03nWW-i9qqJ1kiiU-06xZB8GpOYetlIOvVSNL0jrJX2SiaA-KIb0HM_S1-RoH3DqRPseFDbm8GhmpDBSZA4LGVKXAOlC3V_5cmOE_9OYxJ1_X4n1t8bsoOeQfaNbnzm_Hj99Jb1iC18o/s320/IMG_2764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The PO even had the bottle cage facing the wrong way, which would make bottle removal tricky:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHlPNM2hOianliXzQ0YmbNmBGLQgm_VLnGx9eJ5d3DCf5f5hr48eR_rACgv8SZH3Z_rmKvOPWt9jUXPiFW0PSN-0rGSbzccajHtNpxVUDT5PKR9RZL5kV6NtuPvsNzDLB1XKXE6DLn7A/s4032/IMG_2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHlPNM2hOianliXzQ0YmbNmBGLQgm_VLnGx9eJ5d3DCf5f5hr48eR_rACgv8SZH3Z_rmKvOPWt9jUXPiFW0PSN-0rGSbzccajHtNpxVUDT5PKR9RZL5kV6NtuPvsNzDLB1XKXE6DLn7A/s320/IMG_2765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The drivetrain was Shimano 9 speed, with the Sram 3 speed dual drive hub:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclFtaZRvX0r6GHeC3-ScBr9J6-pBxw_r6mxkITG1sUM-s8QZEk3jkOxKiqGKtgnFRB-IiK65-RXvRlMlxqHLNQHTY7a2MuAPmU9TLE6FrLGUhBejGEj7Qv0SqK7WWqk4_DrS-QqpcUiw/s4032/IMG_2766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclFtaZRvX0r6GHeC3-ScBr9J6-pBxw_r6mxkITG1sUM-s8QZEk3jkOxKiqGKtgnFRB-IiK65-RXvRlMlxqHLNQHTY7a2MuAPmU9TLE6FrLGUhBejGEj7Qv0SqK7WWqk4_DrS-QqpcUiw/s320/IMG_2766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Alas, the shift lever on the dual drive was broken, and it was stuck in the easiest gear:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTdda3Y80Z_CRXi0NH9LSOJsJNMa9OGO37UC-zuKb-w95HW_6mXEXCedELUqRq4d8vqxmxvYle3q9ZEc6k8I5sExqzz0NVIkC5jjf0RvaPzqeCb723F1QGnnn7DQJE0W2KWhgAZMpDFQ/s4032/IMG_2767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTdda3Y80Z_CRXi0NH9LSOJsJNMa9OGO37UC-zuKb-w95HW_6mXEXCedELUqRq4d8vqxmxvYle3q9ZEc6k8I5sExqzz0NVIkC5jjf0RvaPzqeCb723F1QGnnn7DQJE0W2KWhgAZMpDFQ/s320/IMG_2767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The DD hub has a backup drum brake to supplement the Avid cantis:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyMaJzIkEaOsCkou17w-Abl_rKaOkFuOSlxZJ2hixIBWfTRZUGyvOqK02q4152GJhgwlD1t7RwBIqBhysQVhJyPsUrrt1usRV6o5acQVun1Fzt9vfADupXeJ59HXAG8rS0Gp6E2a48K0/s4032/IMG_2768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyMaJzIkEaOsCkou17w-Abl_rKaOkFuOSlxZJ2hixIBWfTRZUGyvOqK02q4152GJhgwlD1t7RwBIqBhysQVhJyPsUrrt1usRV6o5acQVun1Fzt9vfADupXeJ59HXAG8rS0Gp6E2a48K0/s320/IMG_2768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>STI shifting up front on BF H bars. I was worried the fixed stem would be too short for me, but it's working OK so far with the extra forward extensions of the H bars:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cHrtBD2D-_-M-c8QqyVRbV2NKHwWwfDGcBBEQ7G4ZDzHjpoNMYd6IBt76e1rtktQuGzh8meKMpsbz6rc5-fW_VH7EroKJOEKM2EZVG8-IZsYWTyVFFarlbNfvJPVmIO7616Sf5I3VQc/s4032/IMG_2769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cHrtBD2D-_-M-c8QqyVRbV2NKHwWwfDGcBBEQ7G4ZDzHjpoNMYd6IBt76e1rtktQuGzh8meKMpsbz6rc5-fW_VH7EroKJOEKM2EZVG8-IZsYWTyVFFarlbNfvJPVmIO7616Sf5I3VQc/s320/IMG_2769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I have a though to replace the bar and stem combo someday, and I'll probably go to V brakes at that point. But the skinny Schwalbe tires had to go ASAP:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMrLrAzMyKbLrgQ_DnCw-EKMHm0z4EzHGZPwWrU3HT4pfjuMYDA4Syu5sxjOB2OpbiqlIajLYw2zkyr9mgmsKEM8VQYmr99Plmv-Ds_S3Wtbcm51fSDXwp9wC4CllUtqZDwbv3DEkaXU/s4032/IMG_2770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMrLrAzMyKbLrgQ_DnCw-EKMHm0z4EzHGZPwWrU3HT4pfjuMYDA4Syu5sxjOB2OpbiqlIajLYw2zkyr9mgmsKEM8VQYmr99Plmv-Ds_S3Wtbcm51fSDXwp9wC4CllUtqZDwbv3DEkaXU/s320/IMG_2770.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My mom didn't know what to get me for my birthday, but it turns out a pair of Maxxis Grifters in 1.85" were just my size:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVrQ27Te4jXYlOVJpcAvhXUo-d2mMX9LmxOH2cNmQq6qCFtBvRITLDV0dxA3y66CHjoYd4KDBQAaWlYyGo-Mp84h2AABuR806iMdLBroLWvQtM_tjHGIaHAT9byo61lFvDrugJjKe2FU/s4032/IMG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVrQ27Te4jXYlOVJpcAvhXUo-d2mMX9LmxOH2cNmQq6qCFtBvRITLDV0dxA3y66CHjoYd4KDBQAaWlYyGo-Mp84h2AABuR806iMdLBroLWvQtM_tjHGIaHAT9byo61lFvDrugJjKe2FU/s320/IMG_2802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>More comfort and they roll better:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6SXsymnHD50JKQsXZ_ayvDrKnOv_dp6lYa7Bhmqhomj6FCTR5x9ToY8GHNmp6wEiOQGrGGDo9N2CNSQfTtuqSCFJksJJrzqCHqqc0XT5v1uMcfxjkrWYsPUV5x3Ne4iYmndaIjVTbFU/s4032/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6SXsymnHD50JKQsXZ_ayvDrKnOv_dp6lYa7Bhmqhomj6FCTR5x9ToY8GHNmp6wEiOQGrGGDo9N2CNSQfTtuqSCFJksJJrzqCHqqc0XT5v1uMcfxjkrWYsPUV5x3Ne4iYmndaIjVTbFU/s320/IMG_2803.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I also swapped out the pedals, saddles, and replaced the heavy rear wheel with a normal one. Now it's a 1x9 setup, which is adequate for around here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been putting some miles on it now with my usual stoker:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4tJWKmZ1r3x1qV9Yx4EYzUZRX2FinVTpUwsoPsc3546vMr9DTHYBW0jJjuiCOntHRmL9HzfluYbu4wta5VCoQ-ZwtTc3lrPcjoN-4inie8geZdQlU5suU3PBQOg9ZUXelUDGO0asyyM/s4032/IMG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4tJWKmZ1r3x1qV9Yx4EYzUZRX2FinVTpUwsoPsc3546vMr9DTHYBW0jJjuiCOntHRmL9HzfluYbu4wta5VCoQ-ZwtTc3lrPcjoN-4inie8geZdQlU5suU3PBQOg9ZUXelUDGO0asyyM/s320/IMG_2809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I like it a lot better than the Trek tandem. It seems more lively, and I appreciate the lower Q factor of the normal Shimano cranks--since the drivechains are all on the right side, the BF uses normal cranks. Nice. Sam has more room in the stoker cockpit, and we both like the easy standover. Sam also likes using the bar ends as an alternate hand position.</div><div><br /></div><div>We found the giant carp again at the Avery park pond on our first big ride:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_1NnmLgjEXE-Z0FtSTZxih_zJF-MgC_uXZfx2pauGNM_H371kIS4kPFwZ7zMSGx6tkbj1qgTbcFO41ml2ayQL6c_SsXzzgcoTk-JF3L3-WDsvT3fXu882SPDU4R_Gp1fDzH8Dutc99E/s4032/IMG_2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_1NnmLgjEXE-Z0FtSTZxih_zJF-MgC_uXZfx2pauGNM_H371kIS4kPFwZ7zMSGx6tkbj1qgTbcFO41ml2ayQL6c_SsXzzgcoTk-JF3L3-WDsvT3fXu882SPDU4R_Gp1fDzH8Dutc99E/s320/IMG_2808.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Henry and Kate have both been on it as well. Kate is fine with it, but the Thudbuster is too soft and boingy for Henry's weight. When we rode to the park for an afternoon of lazing in the hammock and outdoor reading and chess:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMzoRq_tuO6rUjOf5yxwT6PTj66mC0FmYTj05bWidElpicmRTvZna4SRrR-I-mZN-u-TUtlN5XsfMomdiiagYxb_txPwBJCk6faxBoDajD45W_83_mL4ciub-mziPHy-8BhU_BqRpTEI/s4032/IMG_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMzoRq_tuO6rUjOf5yxwT6PTj66mC0FmYTj05bWidElpicmRTvZna4SRrR-I-mZN-u-TUtlN5XsfMomdiiagYxb_txPwBJCk6faxBoDajD45W_83_mL4ciub-mziPHy-8BhU_BqRpTEI/s320/IMG_2828.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Henry ended up riding Sam's bike back home.</div><div><br /></div><div>After getting the new tandem dialed in, Sam and I took a back to back loop on both tandems. We both strongly preferred the BF. More comfortable, faster, and it's a BF. I'm slowly turning into a BF fanboy. I sold the Trek last weekend, so we're back down to one tandem.</div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-14787214693910531352020-05-23T14:24:00.000-04:002020-05-23T14:24:31.803-04:00Scooting (Razor A5 vs. A6), and Folding BikesWe got Henry a larger Razor scooter (the A6) for Christmas last year. He wasn't immediately taken with it, but Kate was very happy, since Henry would no longer be stealing her old Razor A5. But with the shutdown, he's using it more. During the early part of the shutdown, Henry and I took both scooters out for a ride around our neighborhood. It was fun, and a new form of exercise, even if there isn't a lot of dignity in an adult riding a kid's scooter. But as a guy who rides a bike with 20" wheels while wearing knickers, clearly I'm not too concerned about dignity.<div><br /></div><div>So I ordered a Razor A6 for myself, then Kate wanted a new scooter as well, and suddenly the garage is a awash in scooters. A few weeks back, I had an idea for a "big scoot." I drove my car down to the Dublin rec center one Saturday morning (~7 miles away), and unfolded my Xootr to ride home:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe6npCnu52VUuhWdqRcR6J2ocyK4d720rqFWeIXYL7B71WDM8P8Xn3XrdbZwsN-S4ua9rmaTVmu1CzAe8xuqI_ghrO3Rd239XFGnpKWH3HbEL6V1C6a6cuJ1MVDOjuypoW5-jcSteUPM/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe6npCnu52VUuhWdqRcR6J2ocyK4d720rqFWeIXYL7B71WDM8P8Xn3XrdbZwsN-S4ua9rmaTVmu1CzAe8xuqI_ghrO3Rd239XFGnpKWH3HbEL6V1C6a6cuJ1MVDOjuypoW5-jcSteUPM/s320/IMG_2744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>I have to have some way to justify having two folding bikes while I can't travel. </div><div><br /></div><div>My plan was that we could have a pleasant glide down to Dublin (it's a net downhill), and then drive back. Unfortunately, Kate wasn't feeling well that Saturday, so it was just me and Henry. And, the prevailing winds pulled a 180 on us, and we fought a headwind all the way into town. But it was still fun. We packed a picnic lunch, stopping at the playground near our old house to enjoy our manly picnic of nuts, beef jerky, and Coke:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHcPeYMeO5viN1EgBLe2en-S8oPXqw0b958EVM0ivc80q535s3Irowf9QN3UFIWtgKHDRySJs07Kfq1JnF8hDe9Cx3RrEYjQxHceBkGR8qMZUrBYQkiyQeYqHIEWQkPUDzSOED7OyFzI/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHcPeYMeO5viN1EgBLe2en-S8oPXqw0b958EVM0ivc80q535s3Irowf9QN3UFIWtgKHDRySJs07Kfq1JnF8hDe9Cx3RrEYjQxHceBkGR8qMZUrBYQkiyQeYqHIEWQkPUDzSOED7OyFzI/s320/IMG_2746.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Razor A6 has bigger wheels and a taller bar than the A5. It's marketed for teens and adults, and I'm pretty happy with it so far. One other key upgrade over the A5 is the folding release nut that also tightens the scooter, taking out the slack that gave Kate's old A5 the nickname "Ol' Rattly."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_-t-kiBPyE_PfCwOPvBaCUuJhIYuYOp5Kt-HX03yeMdUqfA_Z82Iez2eH6G4IjMepA86CeZextzasykwhR_b0fwXQb6dsBWC7e80vlYH9Yfvf54xX2C-RuXL5gziDDYr-R5ZGoUzL78/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_-t-kiBPyE_PfCwOPvBaCUuJhIYuYOp5Kt-HX03yeMdUqfA_Z82Iez2eH6G4IjMepA86CeZextzasykwhR_b0fwXQb6dsBWC7e80vlYH9Yfvf54xX2C-RuXL5gziDDYr-R5ZGoUzL78/s320/IMG_2747.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A few Saturdays later, the weather was good again, and it was Kate's turn. This time I took the Bike Friday for the ride home:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgott8LbcBJ05joMT2sbOQRDkVRhOGVUDVxh4ZLg_qD5Rqa0srHXKfWIRQWjU4dN-XB8ofviSM2TdXbyNX1VNukNPDY9_K9UkuSdZK6-I1xk96WDXDttgRSwk_fMn3dS34mtCGyu2TsxT0/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgott8LbcBJ05joMT2sbOQRDkVRhOGVUDVxh4ZLg_qD5Rqa0srHXKfWIRQWjU4dN-XB8ofviSM2TdXbyNX1VNukNPDY9_K9UkuSdZK6-I1xk96WDXDttgRSwk_fMn3dS34mtCGyu2TsxT0/s320/IMG_2761.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I just got lucky, or maybe I'm getting better at folding the BF, but this time the chain didn't come off, and I got it in and out with minimal hassle. And it rides so much more energetically than the Xootr. I'm starting to make a niche for each folder: the Xootr is for local rides with the kids, while the Bike Friday is for longer solo rides into town.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had moved my front rack and bag to the Xootr, with an idea I might end up selling the Crusoe, but I don't see that happening now. I moved the bag back to the Bike Friday this weekend. The handling is much improved with the bag onboard--it's a little darty without it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kate and I stopped for lunch in Avery Park, where we saw this giant koi fish in one of the ponds as we left:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCgD1O_NAaBxA3MLXjwFjxSlVKh3OBZq4Xa4Fg6UvEhn40GJ52ezhbnn_R3LZeYZdK-I2oMQzISr4CPH92ewnxEb_yXStlV8TOWafwsKz3flptuNWsXUkac0xP9TfbTSlREV-phVe43s/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCgD1O_NAaBxA3MLXjwFjxSlVKh3OBZq4Xa4Fg6UvEhn40GJ52ezhbnn_R3LZeYZdK-I2oMQzISr4CPH92ewnxEb_yXStlV8TOWafwsKz3flptuNWsXUkac0xP9TfbTSlREV-phVe43s/s320/IMG_2762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Kate and I have matching scooters. We had to add some stickers to tell them apart!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lxOHZn0tRUIqlIBX1MHxrf2lgRM7wscd7LNyDELOuOrTSv5FVFQOK9hD4ynLu_qE7bblrDwItzGdDq9fbJuo2VD6EAs9LoCxh2udW8DRhnBK3uC23In3hQxZ1S1xtuH_vxtOErSDn-A/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2lxOHZn0tRUIqlIBX1MHxrf2lgRM7wscd7LNyDELOuOrTSv5FVFQOK9hD4ynLu_qE7bblrDwItzGdDq9fbJuo2VD6EAs9LoCxh2udW8DRhnBK3uC23In3hQxZ1S1xtuH_vxtOErSDn-A/s320/IMG_2763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-40626551906325771452020-04-19T07:45:00.001-04:002020-04-19T09:27:14.722-04:00Fleet Update XMy bike stable is in a bit of an odd state right now. My bikes are in good form, but many of them aren't really quite right for me right now. Let's take them one by one, as usual in my rough order of preference at this point in time:<br />
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1. <b>Ragley Marley.</b><br />
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It's a bit odd to put this cheap, generic aluminum hardtail mtb on the top. I'm not mountain biking much these days, except for the pond loop behind our house. Certainly nothing that will challenge this long and slack hardtail with 120mm of travel up front.<br />
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But... I like cheap bikes that punch above their weight, and the Ragley is that. The bargain $80 Suntour fork works well, and the overall bike ride well, even though it's aluminum. Big tires help. I've been practicing my cornering technique (and my manuals) on our flat pond loop, learning my way around the new school geo on a trail that might work better with an older, 72 degree HA 29er.<br />
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I didn't have any major complaints with the Advent nine speed drivetrain I had on the bike, but a closeout special led me to upgrade to Box 11 speed:<br />
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The extra low range will be nice when I get back to this hills (46t vs. 42t on the Advent), but the Box stuff doesn't have the smooth feel of Shimano, Sram, or even Advent. The shifter effort is higher, and many shifts end in a loud "clunk!" Though I do like that the shifter has dual direction activation, like Shimano:<br />
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Something else I like about the Marley is the bars. I've had these Salsa Bend 2 bars forever, and never really liked then. But recently rotated them so the ends point up slightly, instead of down, and now I really like them. Maybe more than my Jones bars, at least comparing the main grip position. The Jones loop bar wins on versatility and number of positions.<br />
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<b>2. Bike Friday Crusoe</b><br />
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The Crusoe is what I use as my road bike these days. It actually does pretty well for this role. It's lively, rides well, and is comfortable.<br />
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There are some downsides to using a 20" wheeled folder as my main road bike (besides looking like a clown, most likely). The small wheels throw out an anchor whenever I ride across grass, and the bike has a slightly loose, slightly creaky feel that a full size bike doesn't have (or the Xootr, for that matter).<br />
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<b>3. Jones</b><br />
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I'm not riding the Jones much these days. I tried it with big, 29x2.5" slicks, but that feels a little unwieldy. Maybe that's due to mostly riding 20" tired bikes, though my Ragley with 27.5x48mm Gravel Kings was still a fun ride. The Jones is OK on the pond loop, but feels like overkill there. Of course, the Ragley is overkill there as well, but at least it's cheaper overkill.<br />
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I think I'll get back in sync with the Jones when I get back to trail riding. It's such a good climbing bike. I'm curious to see how the short chainstay Ragley compares. On my few rides so far, I prefer the Jones, at least when climbing. But for now, it hangs on a hook on the ceiling.<br />
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<b>4. Xootr Swift</b><br />
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It's not really fair to put the Xootr nearly last. It's the cheapest of my bikes by far, about 1/3 the cost of the next runner up. I like the way it rides: it has a solid feeling that the BF lacks. But, whenever my ride is going to be more than about 10 miles, I find myself reaching for the Crusoe. It's a better road bike, while the short wheelbased Xootr feels more like a folding bike. The Xootr is my bike for short neighborhood jaunts with the kids. When I'm travelling again someday, it might move up the charts with it's better folding system over the BF.<br />
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<b>5. Mercier Kilo WT</b><br />
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It's for sale. Make me an offer. Fixed gear isn't my thing anymore, and a recent flat reminded me how much I hate track ends:<br />
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I'm always thinking about what bike comes next. My bike budget won't support it right now, but I'm thinking I need:<br />
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- a 27.5 fat tired road bike to use with my spare disc wheelset, those GK tires, and that Advent drivetrain. This would replace the Crusoe as my solo road bike. I'm looking at a Surly Midnight Special, Ritchey Ascent, or Black Mountain Road Plus. Or maybe a custom Marino. It seems like I have most of the parts I need, but once I figure in everything I still need, I come pretty close to four figures. That means I need to sell something for this.<br />
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- an old lugged road bike. Just because I want one. The risk here is I will try to convert it to 650b, again. Though maybe with braze on cantis... but this would fill about the same role as the 27.5 bike above.<br />
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- a late 90s hardtail. V brakes, maybe a short travel fork. Something from my heydey of mountain biking. I think the fork will help raise the stack over the earlier NORBA bikes. This desire is mostly due to too much reading of my old mountain bike magazines late at night. I have no rational need for this bike, I just want it. A Voodoo Bizango (again) would be ideal.<br />
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Assuming the Mercier sells, I'm at four bikes, but three more wants. Seven bikes is too many for me, so something will have to give.Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-90101025945539290182020-04-19T07:05:00.001-04:002020-04-19T07:05:39.879-04:00COVID travelsIt's a bit odd, but I find myself riding less than I thought I would during this coronavirus pandemic. Being home all the time, I thought I would be itching to get out. But the weather has been lousy, and a lot of my local riding is motivated by riding errands: returning books to the library, Kroger runs, stops for ice cream.<br />
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Much of that is gone, so I'm trying to find other reasons to ride. A few weekends back, Sam and I rode around town looking for little free libraries. I had some books to unload.<br />
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Our first stop was the nearby Tartan Ridge park near GRE. Nothing but kids' books there, so we kept on rolling.<br />
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We had stopped here earlier on a nice day for a little hammock reading, and I noticed the library box then:<br />
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Back to our scouting ride. Along Muirfield, someone had left little encouraging notes along the trail. We had to stop and check them out. I'm seeing a lot of stuff like this lately, or notes chalked on the sidewalk. People are working out their feelings about the pandemic.<br />
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I had an idea there might be a Little Free Library (LFL) near Amberleigh park, but there was not. We did take the stairs down to the river and skipped rocks into the Scioto. Sam is getting better at skipping.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YU2BhZGC1gdkO0RhrALfS829Xgvyg-JcmW1y94ZKxh1knZdVsr4OEVft7prJSB4yZziMUYcSu9ywYtVNdaaN1sGZP6T0-_AElGoi1S3FJk3VQYsLUtAVtq5bp3-WgB8MDjnr_0GT_FY/s1600/IMG_2705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YU2BhZGC1gdkO0RhrALfS829Xgvyg-JcmW1y94ZKxh1knZdVsr4OEVft7prJSB4yZziMUYcSu9ywYtVNdaaN1sGZP6T0-_AElGoi1S3FJk3VQYsLUtAVtq5bp3-WgB8MDjnr_0GT_FY/s400/IMG_2705.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Notice also the U shape on the stair rail: I think this is a slide to bring a kayak down to the river. Pretty cool for Dublin.<br />
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We finally hit pay dirt at the LFL near Bailey elementary. I've found a good book here before, so I wasn't too surprised. We traded in two books for a Jack Reacher novel and an almost new "Destroy this Diary" for Sam:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9j5LXwCnxM9xgNGudaECk_O86LLDiiMWJPdecrlXFCcrXcvEXBN6z03mointUoo631_FtkWoJoysL6Wh-GQUgbe-xUVQFXDmJlrPr_ZTR3CKEJ5M787StkDfCsBBDi-Q7xzYHEFVQYU/s1600/IMG_2706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil9j5LXwCnxM9xgNGudaECk_O86LLDiiMWJPdecrlXFCcrXcvEXBN6z03mointUoo631_FtkWoJoysL6Wh-GQUgbe-xUVQFXDmJlrPr_ZTR3CKEJ5M787StkDfCsBBDi-Q7xzYHEFVQYU/s400/IMG_2706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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We found a random LFL near a church, nothing there, and then made our last stop at the LFL near Scottish Corners. Well stocked, but nothing for us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyppBo19WnfBU2eza1CXa9wAuByb7aBPVuBrVn36sPhj24V2VQ_qbrdr9oePwTHHm34UsabLc2_RDV0ToX8BqeYJXBMl6S0rpLWrQo1vTfLVO42g1oUSJISKRotFlxGAEwZucuAcxe170/s1600/IMG_2707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyppBo19WnfBU2eza1CXa9wAuByb7aBPVuBrVn36sPhj24V2VQ_qbrdr9oePwTHHm34UsabLc2_RDV0ToX8BqeYJXBMl6S0rpLWrQo1vTfLVO42g1oUSJISKRotFlxGAEwZucuAcxe170/s400/IMG_2707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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More tandem miles. It's working well enough, the but the old Shimano 8 speed drivetrain skips every now and then. This is disconcerting, especially for Sam when it catches us by surprise. This weekend I finally replaced it with my old Sram X7 9 speed. It shifts better, and has a bit more range.<br />
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Last weekend, we braved the cold wind and grey skies to explore the new construction zone near our house. Henry was captaining the tandem this time:<br />
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We stopped to climb some local mountains:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNX2-XTz1HtLIhFro8KeXqOGXqM1cb3VTdwbO73AD_VDLuLCTAygVpXzRyC35abAyeyGuV-WKTefjav4yb4CITwDTyE0dzj3wImuMx6_N6DWoEYAbPcXmPAKAtGqooUmz-dV0KnO7H1M/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNX2-XTz1HtLIhFro8KeXqOGXqM1cb3VTdwbO73AD_VDLuLCTAygVpXzRyC35abAyeyGuV-WKTefjav4yb4CITwDTyE0dzj3wImuMx6_N6DWoEYAbPcXmPAKAtGqooUmz-dV0KnO7H1M/s400/IMG_2713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Kate wanted to go home and get her own bike after this, and Henry was done captaining. Kate is really riding a lot more since she picked up Sam's (and Henry's) old Trek hybrid. Maybe it's a better fit for her than Jodi's old Trek mountain bike. She'll often roll out in the morning to take a lap through the neighborhood on her own, though I joined her one Saturday:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqSU7PSsNVIValdNUbNwe3NCOrHe5_QV-szJ0H8f5WeiaKFDCMU89dAwyXyxhLVK1fmprlDoLlDYkLmTjkY4oGliniJDGQmvoNcG1p142b2AafIg8ccTQCOrOMCZ-3lFWXymWqxV6SZ0/s1600/IMG_2686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqSU7PSsNVIValdNUbNwe3NCOrHe5_QV-szJ0H8f5WeiaKFDCMU89dAwyXyxhLVK1fmprlDoLlDYkLmTjkY4oGliniJDGQmvoNcG1p142b2AafIg8ccTQCOrOMCZ-3lFWXymWqxV6SZ0/s400/IMG_2686.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's good to have these kids to keep me riding!Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-78416610624999610452020-04-04T13:25:00.002-04:002020-04-05T08:26:43.613-04:00New Folding Bike: Xootr Swift (and vs. Bike Friday Crusoe)Often I get the urge to buy bike X. Usually, the intersection of this desire, my bike fund balance, and the availability of a deal on "X" don't coincide, so nothing happens. But sometimes, these three stars align, and a new bike rolls into my fleet. Recently, I decided I really wanted to try a Xootr Swift folder, to compare how its simpler fold stacks up against my Bike Friday (just in case anyone else is comparison shopping these two out of production models). Since Xootr stopped making bikes about three years ago, they're pretty thin on the ground. In this case, I pushed the celestial alignment a bit by putting a "wanted to buy" up on one of my bike email lists. Ryan from Seattle quickly responded with a nice price on a Swift, and I've had it about a month now.<br />
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Yep, I bought a new travel bike just as travel everywhere is stopped. Great timing again.</div>
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Ryan's Swift was basically stock. A better blogger than I would have taken pictures of the stock condition, but I had a rainy afternoon off when I got it, so I immediately set to business to changing out parts from my stash. New tires, saddle, pedals, fenders, and five or six handlebar and stem combinations later, I ended up here:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ8QFhYJIpvzpT3T7Hu2R3_wEMgHrVolz8s933T9EWchMi3-okCt4yLwIbFdzbLcAhTjcmEzzF-fLLDLjY-ooFBvvdwIH2dGagyS2pwr7mrwRbEYgK_J6q9SxDFZb1ybD3q-5mLZ1HNs/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQ8QFhYJIpvzpT3T7Hu2R3_wEMgHrVolz8s933T9EWchMi3-okCt4yLwIbFdzbLcAhTjcmEzzF-fLLDLjY-ooFBvvdwIH2dGagyS2pwr7mrwRbEYgK_J6q9SxDFZb1ybD3q-5mLZ1HNs/s400/IMG_2675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Swift has some things in common with the BF. Both hinge around a lateral axis, rather than a Dahon style vertical axis. And both are built with mostly normal bike parts (100/132.5 hubs), so upgrades are easier with normal parts. In addition, the Swift's entire rear triangle folds forward, which allows the use of track ends. This makes a fixed gear folder an easy operation, though I have the stock gearing on mine. The track ends are actually a bit of a negative at the moment: if I get a rear flat, I'll probably have to partially remove the fender to get the wheel out. I'm not looking forward to this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-jTn1wYsrMnSPEND6vCWABs1BNgIaF2wt0nDFCPLaHlk7Vzd-buE7ZDiln1ssDSBRSUiwhfG6BJ7CbssiLTIT9TWnmTvL7D-pEHgstKHTIRu1vfnxOHG3sauzOy8FGVZwEXe5Yobv-k/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-jTn1wYsrMnSPEND6vCWABs1BNgIaF2wt0nDFCPLaHlk7Vzd-buE7ZDiln1ssDSBRSUiwhfG6BJ7CbssiLTIT9TWnmTvL7D-pEHgstKHTIRu1vfnxOHG3sauzOy8FGVZwEXe5Yobv-k/s400/IMG_2678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happily, I haven't flatted any of my Tioga PowerBlocks yet. I ran these on my Dahon, but in a smaller 1.75" size. These 1.9" tires barely clear the rear chainstays of the Swift, and only work because I slid the rear wheel all the way rearward. I later realized there still isn't enough clearance between the chain and tire--the chain rubs the tire lightly in the lowest gear:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nWUwhtJke_v1jEgHVW2sa8DS59gfDuMwxu2ZM6T-rxirUjvWXc3RRm7Xy7EtEK45ijkXdwDsgbsDM9GLaK2xW6BcNA6p2-tCDCyXnHaJyVHafcCFYF8WD6h02Fr6qWiAv8hE75ba3xk/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0nWUwhtJke_v1jEgHVW2sa8DS59gfDuMwxu2ZM6T-rxirUjvWXc3RRm7Xy7EtEK45ijkXdwDsgbsDM9GLaK2xW6BcNA6p2-tCDCyXnHaJyVHafcCFYF8WD6h02Fr6qWiAv8hE75ba3xk/s400/IMG_2652.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sliding the rear wheel back also means I had to make some standoff brackets to mount the fenders:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouHIlDts5eZRCwZ8UK3lDYgOD5kk5IyVUfcn4MZzMDlXqE0OMXAbRF_uaxtGtJdTNIl92WARF_48BOJ4jOJgG9d-9fy41fbcIPs0EtDwtAjZQaf0-eCCKwBSnSWqRop3MiCyFASahDq4/s1600/IMG_2677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouHIlDts5eZRCwZ8UK3lDYgOD5kk5IyVUfcn4MZzMDlXqE0OMXAbRF_uaxtGtJdTNIl92WARF_48BOJ4jOJgG9d-9fy41fbcIPs0EtDwtAjZQaf0-eCCKwBSnSWqRop3MiCyFASahDq4/s400/IMG_2677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the Swift folded:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIzUVKXxmiQZLeSdXZAiysgD8ju6WN4u03Q1MJb6amncMCUaYoyLgXZTty7k8WK4dFRXvHKJuJDVUY7QmWS55m4BDRDrexztUt9LLqrHFjbyU2sMA4wS8PweuDRblJ8IagcgyQf9asAM/s1600/IMG_2683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIzUVKXxmiQZLeSdXZAiysgD8ju6WN4u03Q1MJb6amncMCUaYoyLgXZTty7k8WK4dFRXvHKJuJDVUY7QmWS55m4BDRDrexztUt9LLqrHFjbyU2sMA4wS8PweuDRblJ8IagcgyQf9asAM/s400/IMG_2683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a quick operation: open two QRs, flop the rear wheel forward, and slide the seat post down to lock the rear wheel in place. The handlebar also pops off with a QR if needed. Since the chain stays with the crank, it usually doesn't come off, as it always does on my BF. But the BF makes for a more compact package:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kLjX2HQFVeYs23vgUMaGyMGtrnYHIgHD0_TI53c0jeGjZ1aBBycrex7l6eZzyv5mjwuKdVd4CtcrJYStdwnMeSP42Kg_MiS-d2-5ckQRH_-um5PGfNKiZKcvgHwbIhnZC3TXfUHJ4uk/s1600/IMG_2671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kLjX2HQFVeYs23vgUMaGyMGtrnYHIgHD0_TI53c0jeGjZ1aBBycrex7l6eZzyv5mjwuKdVd4CtcrJYStdwnMeSP42Kg_MiS-d2-5ckQRH_-um5PGfNKiZKcvgHwbIhnZC3TXfUHJ4uk/s400/IMG_2671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Loading each bike into the trunk of my Accord, both take up quite a bit of space, but the Swift is decidedly easier to wrestle into the trunk. The Friday kind of flops around as you try to manage all the pieces and keep the fold together:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ak-wcAWvjPeLsLlmhB9yf3Iw0SrHAgWhicWaF3msDYmOXluTMOP4O911kg-Suyqa1jlieKA4SsrGMwGklHDYF5mEfzaGLgCceS-c2gq8cqiFQ3basdHCj8tRcexSguHrS-jDFe6l9BM/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ak-wcAWvjPeLsLlmhB9yf3Iw0SrHAgWhicWaF3msDYmOXluTMOP4O911kg-Suyqa1jlieKA4SsrGMwGklHDYF5mEfzaGLgCceS-c2gq8cqiFQ3basdHCj8tRcexSguHrS-jDFe6l9BM/s400/IMG_2682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxa7y9u6RBIJCJraP_qH-e2jr9htDupiCKapwxPMZkFjGmjsbnc0ymav4fUgNnw-qOSY2LeYidm7X0yFgjigJFAzXLMTendfB3NTh-uTPehMaMS2Otak0z-qpw_1f0hCtligfDtmIzP0/s1600/IMG_2673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxa7y9u6RBIJCJraP_qH-e2jr9htDupiCKapwxPMZkFjGmjsbnc0ymav4fUgNnw-qOSY2LeYidm7X0yFgjigJFAzXLMTendfB3NTh-uTPehMaMS2Otak0z-qpw_1f0hCtligfDtmIzP0/s400/IMG_2673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then put the BF back together and remember you should have worn gloves:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4z-36QQMS4wv-RfpN7DIqbeUeoNHAlXG8RXzXqXWibJtZJSjWLqbz-pZac2t12QIUzJIhmLDyh2Nz5j7ek52QWae2_GmIQHjiiz9TIv_nfdjvxfifF38fy1pGkZdnqaxCj4JL5zbqiQ/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4z-36QQMS4wv-RfpN7DIqbeUeoNHAlXG8RXzXqXWibJtZJSjWLqbz-pZac2t12QIUzJIhmLDyh2Nz5j7ek52QWae2_GmIQHjiiz9TIv_nfdjvxfifF38fy1pGkZdnqaxCj4JL5zbqiQ/s400/IMG_2681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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and don't forget to adjust the rear brake and derailer cable housing, which inevitably get pulled too tight when the bike folds.<br />
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For me, the Swift wins the folding contest pretty easily. It's not a super compact fold, but for my use (throwing it in my trunk for business trips or local travel), it folds small enough. The BF is more of a packable bike than a folding bike. </div>
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The ride quite a bit differently, as well. If I had to sum them up, I would say the Crusoe rides like a road bike or a fast hybrid, while the Swift feels more like a mountain bike with slicks. The BF fork tire clearance maxes out with my 35mm Kojaks, a slick road tire. The H bars feel a lot like the hoods position of a drop bar, and the frame has the springy, lively feel of a spirited road bike. Truly, it feels like a normal bike until you look down.</div>
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The Swift is also fun to ride, but in a different way. It has a solid feel to it. I don't hesitate to hop it off curbs or cut through construction sites. It's aluminum frame is decidedly stiffer than the BF, but it's not too stiff. The riser bars give it a '90s mountain bike feel. Initially, I thought the handling felt a bit squirrely, but a longer stem let it fit better and calmed down the front end, though it still doesn't have quite the normal bike feel of the BF. Possibly this is because the wheelbase is 2" shorter.<br />
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After many bar and stem combinations, I ended up with the cheap steel bar that come on our Trek tandem. It has a nice sweep and rise to it:<br />
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In the end, I like them both. The BF is a better riding bike for most of my needs, but the Swift rides well enough, and is a better folding bike. For now, it's fun to have both to choose from, even when all my rides are local.</div>
Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-22473938643130920672020-03-21T16:49:00.001-04:002020-03-21T16:49:26.762-04:00Jones UpdateAt one point this late winter, my bike fleet was effectively* down to just three bikes: my Bike Friday Crusoe, my Jones LWB, and my Ragley Marley (I say effectively because I'm not counting bikes for sale, or the tandem). The Crusoe fills the role of a road bike for me, and the Marley as the mountain bike, so I decided to turn the Jones into an all rounder. Again. This turned out to be a little prescient, as now with the coronavirus going on, I'm not sure I'll be doing all that much mountain biking in the near future. I've never had a serious crash off road, but it's probably my activity with the greatest potential. Now is not the time I want to visit a hospital.<br />
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Anyway, you can probably imagine the minor changes needs to turn the Jones from a capable mountain bike to a capable all around machine: gearing, tires, and a way to carry stuff. This is what I ended up with:<br />
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For gearing, I didn't want to spend all my time in the 32x11 combo, so I added a 38t narrow wide ring up front. I'll manually change gears when I need to go to a lower range. I ordered a red ring in an attempt to break up the boring blackness of the Jones, but it's a bit too much with the blue pedals:</div>
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I put one of my Wald baskets up front. It's a super easy install with all the braze ons on the Jones, though I ended up using a second stem to mount the top point of the basket. I ordered up a Rivendell shopsack that's a perfect fit.<br />
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For rubber, I had a Schwalbe SuperMoto for the rear, but the matching front tire had a broken bead. I'm trying this Maxxiss Grifter. It's comparable in size to the Schwalbe, reasonably priced at $30 or so, and seems to roll well.<br />
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I'm happy with how this turned out. The Jones is a fine handling bike, road or trail, and comfortable on either. I was doing a shake down ride through Dublin where I stopped to see what a little free library had in stock. A women walking by said, "that bike looks like it could do anything." That's a pretty succinct summary of the Jones right there.Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962332031207942496.post-59404363191011660372020-02-16T07:06:00.004-05:002020-02-16T07:06:28.418-05:00Bike Friday CrusoeLate last year, I picked up a Bike Friday Silk from Craigslist up near Toledo. I was really impressed with the fold, but not so much with the ride. I didn't care for the complexity of the internally geared hub or the disc brakes. I offered it up for sale or trade on my various bike email lists, and ended up making a deal with Dan from Chicago. Over Christmas break, we met one Saturday in Indianapolis, about half way between us. The boys and I turned it into a road trip to visit Indy, though we ended up mostly just walking around downtown when we found out the 16 bit arcade is 21 and over only in Indiana. Dang. This is us at the downtown library:<br />
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Anyway, it was still an excuse to listen to our Trojan War podcast and go out for a steak dinner. And to get my new bike, a Bike Friday Crusoe from the same generation as my Silk:<br />
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The Crusoe was Bike Friday's sport model. It was built with the frame from the higher end road bikes, but with V brakes for bigger tire clearance. More on that later.<br />
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The bike came with a 3x9 Shimano drivetrain, but I already swapped this out for a 53t 1x setup. I don't really need a 15" low gear:<br />
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The lower part of the seat post is titanium, and it has very noticeable flex when I hit a bump while seated.<br />
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Alas, the seat mast doesn't fold forward like it did on my Silk. The seat mast (and the stem) simply remove with a bolt or quick release. This makes for a bit smaller package when everything is boxed up, and is a bit lighter, but I think it might be more of a hassle when I'm trying to just throw everything in my trunk. I'll have to see how it does in my travels.<br />
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The Crusoe also pivots behind the bottom bracket. The Silk pivoted with the bottom bracket and the chainstays as a unit. This made for a much cleaner fold as the chain (or belt, for the Silk) didn't move relative to the crankset. With the Crusoe, the chain tends to come off when I fold it. This improved somewhat when I replaced the triple crankset with the single ring and a chain guard, but it's still not as smooth as the Silk.<br />
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The bars are the Bike Friday H bars. I thought these would be too narrow, but they're actually quite comfortable. And note the painted to match stem. It's a good thing Dan and I are the same size!<br />
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My only complaint with the Crusoe is the front fork. The rear tire clearance is generous, looks like it could easily fit a 2" tire with a fender, but the tight fork limits me to about 35mm tires up front. These Schwalbe Kojaks are nice enough, but I'm spoiled by my fatter tires. If I like travelling with the Crusoe, I might ask BF about getting a New World Tourist fork for it:<br />
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I added my bags and racks, and I'm ready to roll:<br />
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It's a really nice riding bike. It has a lively, muscley feel that I was missing from the Silk. The fit is just right for me, and I like the simple brakes and drivetrain.<br />
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Compared to my Dahon, the BF is much more solid feeling bike, without the whole bike shimmy when I shake the bars. The longer chainstays make the bike a little less darty, even with the smaller tires.<br />
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So far, I really like how the Crusoe rides. I wish the drivetrain and seatmast folded like the Silk instead of turning the bike into a mini construction project whenever I travel with it. This is just theory at this point, however, as I'm just riding it around locally. I'll see how it goes with some more road trips this spring.Eric Daumehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08910609725656013290noreply@blogger.com0