Anyone into bicycles and bicycle racing?
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Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
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URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=25409
Printed Date: April-28-2024 at 6:35pm
Topic: Anyone into bicycles and bicycle racing?
Posted By: john b
Subject: Anyone into bicycles and bicycle racing?
Date Posted: March-30-2012 at 9:16pm
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My daughters longtime boyfriend/partner publishes an online magazine dedicated to bicycle culture. If you have an interest in bicycles/racing/art I think you will enjoy the magazine. Bicycles are a bit of engineering magic, and can be quite beautiful. http://tenspeedhero.com/ ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Replies:
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: March-30-2012 at 9:26pm
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and stress, Wilbur and Oliver were bicycle makers, some steal the thunder and on their license plates say "first in flight" both boys from Dayton Ohio, so actually Ohio invented flight lol ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: reidp
Date Posted: April-02-2012 at 5:12pm
Sure Eric  , I'll bite. And Ohio also invented moon walking right, as Neil Armstrong IS/WAS from Ohio? Well wrong again, as everyone knows it was Michael Jackson. Also I read somewhere, Ripley's I believe, where it said that the Wright brothers were actually born in NC, but graciously moved to Ohio to help them finally grasp the concept of bicyle riding. Then they drew some little sketches of bicycles with wings in OH, but later "invented" flight, which must include actually lifting off the ground, in NC. ------------- ReidP /diaries/details.asp?ID=231&yrstart=1971&yrend=1975 - 1973 Mustang |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-02-2012 at 5:16pm
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I'll check it out. I've been very actively cruising craigslist for a good used bicycle. I figured they'd be a dime a dozen, but it seems like prices on good, name brand, ones have spiked a bit, or at least held value. The fact that I'm looking for 60cm or above makes it a little more challenging as those sizes are rarer. I'm thinking it might theoretically be possible to make my commute once in a while by bike. It's pretty long, but there is a ready made bike trail that would cover most of it. It's just getting to the start of the trail, and leaving from the end of the trail that could be a bit treacherous. |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-02-2012 at 5:44pm
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I used to ride the 19 mile round trip to work and back every day it was fair weather. It took about the same time as driving in traffic, about 25 minutes each way. Itkept me young and thin. I was a truck driver back then so it didn't matter if I arrived sweaty. I sweated enough once I got there kicking freight on my peddle run. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: JMurph
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 11:46am
| I ride a fair amount. Last year I put in around 75 to 125 miles a week during the spring through fall. This year I plan on riding my first century in October. I'll check out the site also. |
Posted By: GottaSki
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 12:17pm
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I'll czech it out Yeah, i ride too. about 1500 a year. And mountain bike. and downhill Haha, great parody of bike culture... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgCqz3l33kU&feature=g-all-f&context=G25e64f5FAAAAAHgAQAA" rel="nofollow - mofo bike "Every day i ride the tour de fawk you!" haha ------------- "There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worthwhile as messing around with boats...simply messing." River Rat to Mole |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 12:23pm
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You guys are pretty avid cyclists! I wish I could get it back. I will try hard this summer. After watching a lot of the videos I am not surprised there are some cyclists in the group. There are a lot of great athletes on the water lurking here. I am not one. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: scottb
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 1:15pm
| I ride to work pretty often when the weather cooperates. I really hate riding in the rain though, so if it looks like rain, I'll drive and then, of course, it doesn't rain. I put gas in my Tahoe this morning for the first time in over two weeks. |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 1:24pm
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You live pretty close to me Scott. Do you ever ride the Prairie Path/ Fox River trail system? It's a good ride. They have been improving it over the past 10 years or so. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: scottb
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 2:12pm
| When I was a kid, I used to ride the Fox River trail all the time. I work in Naperville, and every now and then I'll go for a ride during lunch and take the Prarie Path to the Fox River Trail down to Batavia and back. Out and around Fermi Lab and back is another good lunchtime ride. |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 2:36pm
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What do you guys think would be a reasonable distance to commute by bike? My commute would be about 25 miles each way, but about 18 of those miles would be on a nice trail, which would make it a little easier. I'm trying to engineer away, where I bring my bike into work in the car on one day, and then ride it home that day or the next day. The only missing piece of the puzzle is getting a ride into work the morning I ride my bike home in the afternoon. I suppose I could ride my bike in the next morning to get the car, but I think back to back rides could be tough until I increase my conditioning. I do have a locker room at work though, which helps. |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 3:00pm
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That's an epic commute to do on a regular basis. You must be in great shape to consider it. Try some 25 mile rides for fun first. It is much harder after a day of work, and with some rain and a stiff headwind thrown in, it can really build character. Don't go over your head or it will be a chore, not a pleasure. I would not try a 50 mile commute except to show I can do it, and then, probably only a few times. I do a 58 mile loop on a semi regular basis, with some significant health handicaps, but I am not dependent on being anywhere at any particular time. Mrs. B also provides sag wagon support should I have a mechanical, physical, or mental breakdown on the road. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 3:27pm
| It's probably more my naivete that has me considering it. But, I figured if I just rode the bike home, on a nice Friday, then I'd have the next day to kind of recover. It's the logistics of a one way ride I'm kind of stuck on. If I had any co-workers that lived near me, it would be easy to catch a ride in to work, so I could ride the bike home. |
Posted By: dmiracle
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 4:35pm
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Have often wondered if any of the CCFans ride. I ride regularly, 100+ miles per week. Rode almost 3000 last year (including my first century). Here's my other Nautique......  ------------- Doug |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 4:38pm
| Wow, nice bike Doug. I know Keith is a bike rider as well, although I think mountain biking. He posted a video on his CCF Youtube account. |
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 4:44pm
I (we ride) Cannondale R1000 tandem - 24 speed - Aerospoke rims running stoker crank shorteners so the kids can ride ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4487" rel="nofollow - 1998 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 5:02pm
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We ride .... in the woods ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: Keith
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 5:06pm
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I agree that building bikes, especially mt. bikes, sure is fun engineering. Replacing warn out parts, upgrading components, shock maintenance, etc. is a lot of fun. -Keith ------------- Former: /diaries/details.asp?ID=6170" rel="nofollow - 97 Sport Nautique 1994 Ski Nautique 86 Silver Nautique 79 Mustang |
Posted By: scottb
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 5:49pm
A 25 mile commute is not too bad if you are only doing it one direction and you don't have to get home in a hurry. Another option is to drive half-way and ride your bike the other half. As the sun comes up earlier, I start adding miles to my morning commute. |
Bri892001 wrote:Posted By: scottb
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 5:57pm
Trek Madone 5.2 Family hauler ... 
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Posted By: dmiracle
Date Posted: April-03-2012 at 6:17pm
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Nice bike and that family hauler is one cool shot! ------------- Doug |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-10-2012 at 2:33pm
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What do you guys think of this for an entry level commuter, road bike: http://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/2950053531.html" rel="nofollow - Lemond Tourmalet for $475 
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Posted By: scottb
Date Posted: April-10-2012 at 5:52pm
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I think that is a good entry level commuter bike, and it looks like the price is pretty reasonable compared to similar Tourmalets that are for sale. One thing I noticed is that the bike has a triple crank but his description refers to a double. |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-10-2012 at 5:56pm
| Thanks Scott, I'm going to email the owner. I like the color and the lines of it, but I figured I should ask rather than make a purchase just on looks. |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 1:58am
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That LeMond appears to have a very large frame. Are you very tall? ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 2:00am
I love the Madone. I am riding an older 5000 right now. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 2:07am
I'm about 6'3", although I am a little concerned about the standover height. I've noticed a lot of the newer ones kind of curve down a bit, that one is just straight horizontal. I'll definitely have to make sure I have the proper clearance 
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Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 2:18am
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I am 6'0" and ride a 56cm frame. That looks like at least a 62cm. The height is one thing, but the length of the top tube (reach) goes up proportionally with the size of the frame. You can get a short stem to make up for some of it if it is too long, but don't go too big. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 8:34am
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Reid, we just needed your HOT air in Kitty Hawk for lift ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 12:30pm
Good advice. The seller did warn me on the size of it. Part of me is wondering if I should go brand new and get the exact right fit. A local shop is a Jamis dealer, and the guy that owns it seems pretty good. I was looking at something like this: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/satellite/12_satellitesport_spec.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/satellite/12_satellitesport_spec.html |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 1:18pm
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At 25.25 pounds that bike is no lightweight! My old 04 Trek 5000 is not state of the art, but it still weighs only 18 pounds. ikes like it can be had used pretty cheap, and it comes with Shimano Ultegra components, a big step from the components on that bike. It is carbon fibre so that is part of the weight savings. The 5000 listed for about $2,200 new, but I see them on eBay for around $700 frequently. There are lots of other good makes as well, I am not married to Trek. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: scottb
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 1:47pm
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I don't think that a 62cm frame will necessarily be too big for someone who is 6'3". You will just have to try it out. I'm 6'0", and I have always been comfortable with a 58cm frame. You can always go to a bike shop and take a few bikes for test rides. Pick a shop that you like before you pick the bike. |
Posted By: bhectus
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 4:23pm
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Just got back into riding again after a 5 month hiatus from a lower back injury. First ride back Sunday was 40 miles at 19mph avg, felt great! Typically will put in 100-120/week. My steed:  My old one:  ------------- '02 Ski Nautique 196 w/ 5.7 Apex bowtie - Sold '87 Barefoot - sold '97 Super Sport Nautique - originally custom built for Walt Meloon '97 Ski Nautique '83 SN 2001 |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 5:10pm
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Very nice! ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-11-2012 at 5:26pm
| Definitely impressive. You guys aren't messing around. |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: April-12-2012 at 12:48am
Here is a pretty typical Sunday in my back yard. I am lucky to host the Half Acre Beer professional racing team from time to time. This is after a 90 mile training ride, followed by the usual barbeque and beer (Half Acre of course). I have hosted the Ten Speed Hero racing team a couple of times this year as well. Notice the podium fashioned from buckets and anything else we could find around the garage. We also had the podium girls and special jerseys for the stages of the training ride.   ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-25-2012 at 5:51pm
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So, I wound up buying the bike I linked too above. I've taken it on a handful of rides after work and last Saturday. The frame size seems to be a good fit. I can't believe how much lighter and faster shifting it is compared to my old bike. Of course, now the bug to get gear to enhance the experience has already kicked in. Two things. One, the seat, for my old bike I had bought one of those gel filled and man part relief channeled https://www.serfas.com/" rel="nofollow - Serfas seats. I don't have my old one, but was going to buy a new one. The seat the bike came with is very hard. A friend who is an avid bike commuter says I'll eventually get accustomed to that, but his bike is little more commute friendly, so I'm not sure he fully understands the situation. So far, I haven't gotten used to it. Should I spring for the channeled deal again for $55 or will I eventuually become accustomed to the stock? Also, clipless peddles: (still getting used to the fact that you clip-in to clip-less peddles, oh well). The PO threw in peddles with "cages" and they're ok but a little annoying to start from a stop in because I have to flip them around into position each time. I've done some research, and it seems like the SPD Mountain Bike style might be better for commuting, since you can walk around in them. I also saw in a magazine article that the Look Keo "Easy" pedal might be a good choice for beginners, but I'm gathering you can't walk around in the compatible shoes. Any thoughts? |
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: April-25-2012 at 6:19pm
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I was never a big fan of clipless pedals until I tried a set of Speedplay Frogs. easy in and out and cleats can go on sandals, traditional bike shoes or MB hiking type shoes so you can walk around easily and still have the benefits of clipless. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4487" rel="nofollow - 1998 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: Bri892001
Date Posted: April-25-2012 at 6:50pm
Oh, cool. I should look into those as well. Just did some quick research, and it seems like they should be really easy to use. |
Posted By: cphase
Date Posted: April-25-2012 at 7:20pm
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+1 for Speedplay(X2 for road, track and Frogs for MTB) ------------- Thanks, Jeff http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=6549" rel="nofollow - 82 SN http://www.archlinux.org" rel="nofollow - Arch Linux |
Posted By: scottb
Date Posted: April-26-2012 at 4:46pm
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If you don't mind spending the money, go ahead a get a new saddle. If you have a shop nearby w/a lot of choices, see if they will let you try out a few. You will have to flip the typical road bike clipless pedals, too, but they will hang rear side down, so they are easier to get into than cages. cages = clips Lots of places online to get gear, but this is one I really like. http://www.pricepoint.com" rel="nofollow - PricePoint |