Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: Think SPRING!

« on: February 11, 2011, 12:59:08 pm »

Why wait, get a head start, come to Florida and bring your bikes!!! After growing up in Western New York, Tampa is way better, this time of year.

We'll be down there Thursday, the 17th. We're starting in the Dunnellon area and making our way down to Tampa/St Pete. Bringing the MTBs, too. Woot!

32

Gear Talk / Re: Bicycle Speeds Question

« on: January 26, 2011, 12:55:40 pm »

Like the OP, I used to ride a TT/tri bike. Likewise, I averaged ~20mph on nearly every ride and focused on keeping my speed up for training purposes. I competed in the weekly TT. Unfortunately, I got tired of being restricted to nicely, paved roads. I started riding more chip & seal and dirt. I ended up buying a cyclocross bike and setting up the cockpit like my TT bike, except with much higher stack height. It does have aerobars, fenders with flaps, and the occasional rack. It is much slower (~6mph less). But, it's much more comfortable over long distances, less terrain restricting, and altered my mindset when it comes to riding. I no longer care about speed. I just like to get out and comfortably cover as much area as I can, while enjoying nature.

At 22, I know I wasn't astute enough to realize there's a whole 'nother world in tour/adventure cycling. For that, you have my admiration.

33

South Atlantic / Cross Florida Greenway Connection to the East Coast?

« on: January 26, 2011, 12:43:10 am »

I'm looking to ride the Cross Florida Greenway, from west to east. Is there a connection from the greenway's terminus in Palatka over to the east coast?

I've looked at the greenway site and don't see anything listed.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/cfg/default.htm

There's a near-identical bridge over I-95, at the ~298 mile marker and straight east of Palatka, like the one over I-75. I'm assuming there's some kind of greenway there.

This is at the ~342 mile marker over I-75 and is signed as the greenway.


This is the bridge over I-95 with no signage.

34

Gear Talk / SRAM Dual Drive 24 and 27 speed rear hubs

« on: January 13, 2011, 11:06:36 pm »

I just stumbled onto this rear hub. I thought it might be of value to others.

Dual Drive 24
http://www.sram.com/sram/trekking-comfort/products/dual-drive-24

Dual Drive 27
http://www.sram.com/sram/trekking-comfort/products/dual-drive-27

35

Gear Talk / Re: hub generators

« on: January 07, 2011, 07:34:39 pm »

So, does it vibrate, as claimed?

Define "vibrate."  I noted up thread that there's a buzz starting about 17 mph with the lights on.  I notice it more when I'm coasting than pedaling (probably because when I'm pedaling over 17 I'm pushing hard to stay with a group), and it diminishes at higher speeds.  There's nothing to hear.  The first time I felt it I was wondering if there was something wrong with the bike, like a fender out of its socket rubbing against the tire.  I think it's getting less noticeable with time and miles, but I couldn't swear to that.  Light off, no effect.

In the BQ article, they stated that after two consecutive all-night rides that their hands were numb and tingly. I gathered that it was pretty significant. Total test mileage was 1560 miles. Seems that your experience is/was more favorable. I'll give it more thought, when I'm ready to buy a wheelset.

I'm just looking for a more permanent solution than the battery-powered LED headlights (I run 2) I currently use. I've had two crashes, because the lights weren't bright enough for me to detect the nature of the surface I was approaching. I ride a lot of country roads and they have a tendency to have loose gravel sections. Some are really loose and deep. My lighting deficiency causes me to limit the duration and direction of night rides. I think with the added power of the hub and the ability to power a more substantial light system, I'd be safer. I don't need to be breaking anything, bike or body.

Thanks for your feedback.

36

Gear Talk / Re: hub generators

« on: January 07, 2011, 01:19:01 pm »

while velo-orange.com got a wheel with the Shimano hub to me for less than half that.

So, does it vibrate, as claimed?

37

General Discussion / Re: Wear eye glasses/sun glasses while riding

« on: January 07, 2011, 12:43:35 pm »

Is there any around the Kissimmee Fl area does anyone know that I could visit?

I think if you visit the National Training Center in Clermont, someone there could give you reference to partner businesses who deal in optics. Any of the tri-specific cycling shops, around Clermont/Orlando, can help you, too. I'm not from the area, but, I do follow triathlon. There are many pros based out of that training center.

http://usantc.com/

38

Gear Talk / Re: Fenders for touring

« on: January 06, 2011, 07:54:20 pm »

Just a note on the SKS fenders. The black are truly chocolate brown with black stripes. They don't look too bad on my blk/gray bike, but, I'd rather they accurately describe the color of their product. And, I added flaps to both fenders. My GF appreciates the usefulness of my setup, as she no longer gets stuff thrown into her face as she did before, while following me.

Not a great pic, but, one can see the colors.

39

Gear Talk / Re: hub generators

« on: January 06, 2011, 07:43:03 pm »

Bicycle Quarterly http://www.bikequarterly.com/VBQgenerator.html.

Bicycle Quarterly, Winter 2010 issue, compares the Shimano DH-3N80 hub to a SON delux hub. They found the Shimano vibrated noticeably more than the SON and that it required about twice as many watts to power it. Given BQ's result and Peter White's opinions, I'd definitely go with the SON hub. My next set wheels will be from Peter and have a dynamo.

40

General Discussion / Re: Wear eye glasses/sun glasses while riding

« on: January 06, 2011, 07:31:22 pm »

Interesting, I had more trouble finding someone who could do the inserts in my bifocal prescription.  If you haven't already I would check with Sportrx to see what they have to say.  I would advise actually phoning or emailing them, because I got better advice from Rob via email than what I could glean from their web page.  They just might be able to recommend a model that will work for you.  For example, I know that with the Project Rudy Horus model they were able to accommodate my bifocal prescription and I was unable to get that for my inserts.

If he is still there, I would email Rob at rob@sportrx.net next time you need glasses and see what he suggests.

Thanks for the info.

In contacting all the major glasses manufacturers, I found that the curvature of the protective/shaded lense wasn't compatible with my prescription. My Rx lense is paper-thin in the middle and nearly 3/16" at the edge. The frontside is nearly flat. The compound curves of prescription sunglasses can't accommodate the shape I need. I wear Rudy Project Rydon and the thickness at the edge of even that small-sized insert is alarming. With my lense requirements, I usually restrict myself to the smaller-lensed eyeglass styles, so that they don't look like I'm wearing Coke bottles.

41

General Discussion / Re: Why the low thread numbers?

« on: January 06, 2011, 10:18:32 am »

love to be by myself out on the back roads of farm country in the middle of growing season. Nothing compares to the peaceful solitude which is why I ride.

^^^ I second that.

I'll leave the rest of the topic alone.

42

General Discussion / Re: Wear eye glasses/sun glasses while riding

« on: January 06, 2011, 10:12:46 am »

I agree that it is worth spending on some cycling specific glasses.  That said, I found that for me inserts were not as nice as just having the lenses be prescription.  The inserts made for extra surfaces to fog up or get dirty.  I used glasses with inserts on the Trans America and they were OK, but I like my new cycling glasses much better.

I got really good service from Sportrx online.  The guy who helped me (Rob) was an avid cyclist and an optician and seemed to really know his stuff.  The price wasn't that bad either.

Unfortunately, my vision is so bad that I can't get a prescription lense made from anyone, in a cycling-specific model. I tried. So, I'm stuck with inserts. I have to call Lensecrafters, in advance, so they can order in the material for my lenses. Otherwise, I wait a week on any new pair of glasses. Most people's eyes aren't this bad. The Doc assured me that I won't go totally blind. We'll see.

43

General Discussion / Re: 1st Trip Across America: Tips, Recommendations, and HELP

« on: January 06, 2011, 03:30:31 am »

You've mentioned starting in MN and fundraising. QBP, the world's largest distributor of bike stuff, is based in the twin cities. You may knock on a door, or two, there. They have their own bike brands, including Surly and Salsa. Maybe, with some luck, they'd be willing to help out. They possibly could have some demo bikes lying around that need new homes. Who knows?

REI has the Novara Safari at a reasonable price. I see that a reviewer there has bought one to do the Northern Tier.

Search eBay for bike options, too.

44

General Discussion / Re: Wear eye glasses/sun glasses while riding

« on: January 06, 2011, 03:08:22 am »

You definitely need to look into cycling-specific glasses. The ones I have are from Rudy Project and have prescription inserts. Cycling glasses have much better eye coverage, arms that grip the sides of your head without the need to wrap around your ears, and lenses that are designed to filter UV rays. They're not cheap, but, your vision, safety, and comfort are worth it.

45

Gear Talk / Re: Anyone been touring on the Salsa Vaya yet?

« on: December 05, 2010, 10:40:22 am »

With some tweaking to gearing and shifters this looks like it could be a worthy machine.

The long cage RD will be able to swing a 36T low gear. I doubt you'll need anything lower.

I see they, now, offer a titanium version.....that'd be sweet.