Messages

16

Gear Talk / Re: Why internal hubs?

« on: February 16, 2011, 09:31:39 pm »

When riding in the muck or picking up road grime, seems the maintenance is about the same other than having more than a single cog in the rear to clean vs. multiple cogs. Just can't quite understand the attraction, especially since I put forth the time and effort to try it out myself and realized that the short comings were significant enough to encourage me to move on from it and back to the traditional exposed drive train.

So far what I have heard is there is increased durability, but without a definition of durability, less maintenance (as in cleaning I suppose), and fewer adjustments needed. Not very convincing, is it? This simply makes me feel much better about my decision to abandon the lusty NuVinci. Thanks all. Incidentally, I still dig that hub! So very cool and a mechanics marvel. The Rohloff ain't bad either, very German in design, but lacking the simplicity of the NuVinci.

17

Gear Talk / Re: Why internal hubs?

« on: February 12, 2011, 10:41:50 pm »

Threedogs, the purpose of the thread is to see if others have experienced internal hubs and came to the same conclusions as myself. I am not in any way attempting to claim they are anything other than great. As a former bike mechanic of 20+ years I have had to overhaul plenty SA hubs. They are not bombproof as one would believe, especially as the miles pile on. Internal hubs are alluring, but I am no longer tempted by them. Just believe externally geared bikes are more practical. I seem to be in the minority, if not the lone minority!

18

Gear Talk / Re: 1986 Miyata 610

« on: February 12, 2011, 07:23:17 am »

Sheldon Brown's procedure is way too much work.

Here is an alternative: Grab the drop outs with your hands and pull them apart. I have done this at least a dozen times including a Claude Butler, 70's Paramount, and a  Matthew, all without disturbing frame alignment or integrity. Waterford is offering a premium service that really is not required for a 5mm spread (2.5mm either side of center line). After all this ain't rocket science.

The 610 is perfectly capable of self supported touring as my friend Rich rode one in 1988 2500 miles across the country and into Banff, Canada. The bike was completely stock. It took him 2.5 months. Two complaints he had was the rack that came with it was too flexible for the load he carried, and the stock tires wore out too fast.

19

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.

20

General Discussion / Re: Motorbike riders out there?

« on: February 12, 2011, 06:58:37 am »

Odd man out here, my motorized 2 wheeler is a Motoguzzi Jackal. Deceptive looking standard as it has a cruiser look, but rides like a standard in the way it corners and flows. I like riding it as much as my bicycle. The best part is I can do all the work on it myself as it was designed for the back yard mechanic. Great bikes and one of the lucky few to have one.

21

Gear Talk / Re: Oversized touring frames?

« on: February 10, 2011, 05:01:35 am »

Why not build your own frame? Easy to do and very satisfying.

22

Gear Talk / Re: Soma Frames

« on: February 10, 2011, 04:58:19 am »

If the Shogun has lots of miles then fatigue may be an issue. If it is pristine, then likely it has low miles and will be fine. Go with the Shogun if it meets the low mileage criteria and is of sufficient build quality and design for the job.

23

General Discussion / Re: Luxuries

« on: February 10, 2011, 04:49:24 am »

My luxury is tea. Don't need it, but really desire it some days so I bring it.

24

General Discussion / Re: Which bike tyre should I go for please?

« on: February 09, 2011, 07:43:11 am »

I have used Specialized Armadillo tires with excellent results. The Marathons are great, too.

25

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.

26

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT: Need help setting my bike up

« on: February 05, 2011, 09:55:20 pm »

Yes, yes, yes to mud guards. 2lbs max for a set of SKS. The weight is no big deal for the benefits they provide.

27

General Discussion / Re: finishing

« on: February 05, 2011, 09:52:06 pm »

I have been riding for a long time and used to live for the ride, the journey of the event. Now, the destination seems to be what motivates me to get on the bicycle, but once rolling the journey sinks in and keeps me going. When I stop, the destination once again becomes the motivator until I am riding and then the journey takes over motivation duty. It is an odd routine, but works for me.

Now on my motorcycle the journey is the only thing that keeps me on it. Could care less where I am headed to, just want to ride. I suspect in the future the motorized bike will take more of my time than the bicycle unless fuel price becomes a barrier to enjoying the ride.

28

General Discussion / Re: Around the US

« on: January 23, 2011, 01:32:26 am »

You know I am a fan of solo rides regardless of distance. Go where you want to go, do what you want to do...Mama Cass said it all.

29

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.

30

General Discussion / Re: Surly LHT: Need help setting my bike up

« on: January 20, 2011, 04:02:53 pm »

Great ideas on equipment from all. Gotta say, Brooks saddles are unbeatable for long term comfort, but ya gotta break 'em in for a few hundred before you go.
The Morph pump is simply the best I have encountered in 30 years of riding.
SKS fenders are excellent.
SPD Shimano are super durable.
Suspension post is just another piece of equipment that could fail.
Brakes: just stay away from el cheapos.
There are many front lights that can double as a flash light. Princeton Tec, Blackburn, Cateye, etc. Yes, must have a rear flashing light. Lots of good ones out there.

Have fun.