Topics

1

Classifieds / Fuji Touring Series V for sale

« on: March 31, 2011, 05:46:48 am »

I have owned since new in the box a 1986 Fuji Touring Series V bike for sale. Has original frame/fork/wheels all of which show age. Some rust on top tube cable guides and a dent in top tube as a result from a fellow rider tipping it while staying at a hostel. Has 70's era Suntour front and rear derailuers, Suntour barcon shifters, 70's era Sugino road crank, Sachs 13-34 7 spd freewheel (not matched to capacity of rear der.) Suntour XC Pro cantis, and MKS touring pedals true to the originals. No saddle. Love the bike, but have been riding a custom frame for the past 9 years and decided it is time for it to see the road again under another person's watch. Seeking 200 US dollars.

2

General Discussion / No new bike this year

« on: March 13, 2011, 10:57:42 am »

Guy spun out in front of me causing me to broadside him. Totaled my trusty old Volvo 240. 21 years with that beast and now I have to replace it. Found a car, but the money saved for two new bikes this year is gone. Can't even buy the wheels I planned to build. Just ain't fair.

3

Gear Talk / Hub recommendations?

« on: February 18, 2011, 06:41:29 am »

After 20 years, 1 mountain bike, 2 road bikes, and untold thousands of miles (50k+) the old Mavic 501 hubs went south this past fall. Axle broke, couldn't get it out of the hub so I dumped them. Have decided to move on to cassettes so I am looking for the same quality and durability. Have considered Phil Wood, but will need to save up through the mid way point of the riding season (Michigan) so need something more affordable right away. Yes, lace my own wheels. I do know that if they had been Phil Wood hubs, the company would have replaced the axle for me at a minimal charge which makes them very tempting. I keep stuff for a very long time so I buy top shelf product and do not cut corners. Ideas anyone?

4

Gear Talk / Why internal hubs?

« on: February 12, 2011, 07:11:15 am »

After being convinced of the advantages of low maintenance of an internal hub I tried one and came away unimpressed. Sold it this past year. Started thinking about the maintenance issue and realized that one pays a very large sum to avoid the clean/lube cycle of external gears and the chain/cassette replacement cycle of said same gears by going to the internal hub. As for gear selection I have never been stumped on how to get a low enough gear ratio coupled with a high enough ratio with an external gear system. How does one justify the added expense, weight, and complexity (non standard parts) of the internal hub system?

Keep in mind for 600 to 1200 dollars US one can literally purchase 60k to 100k worth of chains and cassettes.

5

Gear Talk / Bluemel fenders

« on: February 05, 2011, 09:56:20 pm »

Does anyone know if Bluemel fenders are available? I believe they were made in England. My last pair finally broke.

6

Gear Talk / NuVinci hub report

« on: January 22, 2011, 07:43:00 am »

Have been riding a mountain bike with the NuVinci hub (First generation) and gear ratio controller. Must say it was interesting and sort of exciting at first, but now it has become somewhat of a pain in the rear to use effectively. What I have found is the need, when on trails, to constantly monitor the ratio selection, that is, keep a hand on the controller and constantly move the thing. Must be my body is not adapting to the concept of a CV gear set up. On the road it is acceptable, but still not what my body has learned over the years.

One very big drawback is the weight. Same gripe I have about the Rohloff hubs. Too much rear end weight for lifting the rear end of bike over trail obstructions or going downhill and rolling down 6-12 inch drops. The thing just "clunks" along. Not my cup of tea.

Workmanship is very good, functions as advertised, just not sure I will ever get used to it. Sold it to a buddy who wanted it for a general purpose street bike and he reports happiness.

7

Gear Talk / Head lug for 11/8

« on: January 12, 2011, 08:18:29 pm »

Anyone know where to find head lugs for the 37mm head tube size to allow use of 11/8 steerer?

8

General Discussion / Serious back/rump problems

« on: December 31, 2010, 05:11:50 pm »

I have just about had enough pain to last a life time. Two weeks ago went for a short cold weather ride and enjoyed it much, however two days later my back and rump have been giving me serious pain to the point of hardly able to stand, and sitting is absolute torture once I get up.

After some research I have isolated the muscle group giving me the problem. Glluteus Medius seems to be the one. Have been stretching it which helps considerably, plus doing the same yoga and pilates that have been keeping my back strong for 20+ years after injuring it while racing.

Anyone out there have some ideas for me? If this can't be resolved I don't see how my riding can continue. Really am desperate! Canceled plans to build a new frame until this can be cleared up. Help!

9

General Discussion / camera choice

« on: December 29, 2010, 03:17:46 pm »

Long time tourist, now doing day trips only. My Pentax MX film camera is still fine, but want to go digital to rid my self of the expense of buying and processing film. What camera will shoot like a simple 35mm film slr? Don't want tons of functions, just functionality that has super simple controls and good picture quality. So far I have found nothing as simple as my film camera that takes quality photos. Suggestions requested. Thanks.