Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Accurate Wheel sizing Schwalbe Marathon Supremes 700x35

« on: May 17, 2011, 11:03:02 pm »

after measureing the tire using the rolling method, we have a local park that has mile and 1/2 mile markers on the trail. I'm able to dail it in with longer distances.

2

Gear Talk / Re: Gear Chainring

« on: May 15, 2011, 11:42:44 am »

I have a Co-Motion Mocha Tandem with 26” wheels. How does this effect gearing? Assuming the same gear combination how would it differ from a 700 wheel while climbing up hill? BTW mine has 52-39-30 front and 11-28 rear.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Tandem crank legth

« on: May 07, 2011, 11:10:13 am »

Wow, what great info....I will give the 175's a chance to see how it works for the long run. to answere peddleboy17, my other crank sizes are MB 175, touring Surly LHT 170, road 170. these cranks all came on the bike when purchased as standard. All frames are 50CM.

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Gear Talk / Re: Pletscher Double Kickstand installation

« on: May 07, 2011, 10:46:32 am »

didn't know that existed, thx.....

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Gear Talk / Tandem crank legth

« on: April 30, 2011, 12:56:03 pm »

I recently purchased a Co-Motion Tandem Mocho because of its short standover height. I’m 5’6” and my wife is 5’5”. The dealer set us up with a 175mm front crank and 170mm rear.  The difference in size is to keep the captain from spinning too fast for the stoker. After doing some research I find I should be using a 165mm. Co-Motion factory sets them up with 170 front and rear only. I purchase a small bike and I get a big crank. If I want a smaller crank, only a very few companies offer it and it’s not cheap. Any advice?

6

Gear Talk / Pletscher Double Kickstand installation

« on: April 30, 2011, 11:49:51 am »

I found the secret to the pletscher kickstand installation. See pictures on photo bucket. This is an installation on a Co-Motion tandem that had some challenges with cables and chainring but the same concept works. Purchase neoprene washers at hardware store (Ace Hardware) or body shop as they are used for automotive fenders. They protect the paint and keep the kickstand secure the first time. The pictures show a different bolt that I needed for a wider frame application. I’m now going to install this on my Surly.

http://tinyurl.com/pletscher-kickstand

7

Gear Talk / Re: Magicshine headlights

« on: November 21, 2010, 11:58:40 am »

Geomangear has stopped selling Magicshine because of a battery safety problem. Not sure what the specific issue is... If yours is less that 90 days  old you can return it. They are working with the manufacturer to replace batteries. Go on Geomangear website for more info.

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Gear Talk / Re: Cycling Sandals

« on: October 24, 2010, 11:43:20 am »

I think that’s the tradeoff. The Shimano sandal is stiff which is great for riding but not walking. I found the Keens to be a little harder to release from the cleat, but I thought that was adjustment and lubrication. I’ll tweak on it a little today to see if that gets any better.... I’m a beginner and I’ve used the Keens bare footed for two 40mi rides and they’ve been very comfortable. I may not  be transferring maximum power because they are pliable as you have stated....

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Gear Talk / Re: Magicshine headlights

« on: October 23, 2010, 06:36:40 pm »

Great minds think alike....Check out pix of magicshine install

http://s1119.photobucket.com/albums/k629/mu2flyer/Magicshine/?albumview=slideshow

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Gear Talk / Re: Magicshine headlights

« on: October 21, 2010, 04:53:09 pm »

I purchased the commuter package which comes with the headlight, taillight, charger and associated cords. Geomangear sent it out very quickly just as they advertise. As far as I can tell both taillight and headlight come with handlebar style mounts only. Since I can’t mount to the handlebar I had to devise a method to install on the very front and back of my Surly racks. I have seen many mounting systems but nothing to install a handlebar style mount to a single threaded #10 screw receiver that the Surly racks have. So far I am impressed with the quality and function. Both lights are very bright making daytime riding safer as well. I’ll report back after I have used it for a while....

11

Gear Talk / Re: Cycling Sandals

« on: October 19, 2010, 11:21:54 pm »

So far my Keen sandals have been great. I did 40 mi a couple of days ago and 20mi today without sinching them down. i know i'm a beginner, but i like them.....

12

Gear Talk / Re: Shaking on the downhills

« on: October 19, 2010, 11:15:00 pm »

that's interesting, which bike and set up ?

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Gear Talk / Re: Magicshine headlights

« on: October 05, 2010, 01:29:43 pm »

Yes I’ve read many of the articles and reviews and found mostly positive comments. I haven’t been able to find anything on ACA about Magicshine. One reviewer has used it for five months mountain bike racing with positive results. Should work well for touring..... Three hours run time on high might be a problem but I don’t see run times on other products much better....

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Gear Talk / Magicshine headlights

« on: October 05, 2010, 11:26:51 am »

I've been reading about Magicshine headlights.....great price point & sounds pretty good......Anyone have any experience?

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Gear Talk / Re: Cycling Sandals

« on: October 02, 2010, 11:42:39 am »

I have the Keens and they’re great. Feels like a regular sandal when walking. I tried the Shimano and Keens at REI and found the Shimano to be hard and clunky while walking. I suppose that’s good to have a stiff sole for riding but not so good for walking. Be careful with the Keens as you forget they’re biking sandals with a cleat at the bottom that can scratch hardwood floors.