Messages

16

Gear Talk / Importance of Disk Brakes?

« on: February 08, 2006, 05:25:36 pm »

Thanks very much for the info.  For sure I am new at this stuff and have never even read anything on the techniques to be used for those specialized locations like, gulp, big downhills (why is everyone worried about going up, that is the less dangerous part).  Thanks also to the person who posted the brake pad review web site. Now, if I could only find about a half a dozen different bikes that folks have suggested and ride each one for a week or so to try them out....

17

Gear Talk / Importance of Disk Brakes?

« on: February 07, 2006, 12:19:04 pm »

I was mostly concerned about long, controlled descents where the pads (seem to be mostly hard rubber) heat up to melting and also wear/heat the rims.  Some of the folks on last year's Bike Virginia ride in the Blue Ridge encountered big problems going slow.  My wife, who rode it without any appreciable extra load (other than her svelt self) on a Gary Fisher Nirvana, had trouble controlling her downhill speed due to brake fade.  I have already smashed my collarbone once in a header and would like to avoid brake fade in the middle of a 5-mile descent.  I am pretty sure any brake can handle the occasional stop, but a 10-minute glide is another thing.  I guess I am a bit gun shy about that collarbone incident and I am way older (58) now.

That Co-Motion is really sweet.  Some states have a good junior college program, hope your kids live in one of them.  After seeing your bike, I may have to check into that myself.  Or maybe a home equity loan...

18

Gear Talk / Importance of Disk Brakes?

« on: February 07, 2006, 09:38:51 am »

I agree about the bars.  I rode the Utopia for only about 10 minutes and could see that on a long ride I would have little choice on hand position.  I also really hated the shifters, which were in the way at all times and caused an unintended shift when I gripped the bars to speed up.  Is there that much difference between the Shimano 105 and the Ultegra components on the T2000 and T800?  From looking at the specs, Those items and the fork/wheels/tires are the main differences between the two bikes.  There is a big price difference.

19

Gear Talk / Importance of Disk Brakes?

« on: February 07, 2006, 09:28:34 am »

Good thoughts on the road vs. off-road.  I do plan to keep to the roads.  I also feel I am sort of at the higher end of the size range, at 6'3" and 215 lbs., so those wheels will already be stressed.
What is your bike with the disk brakes?

20

Gear Talk / Importance of Disk Brakes?

« on: February 06, 2006, 03:39:27 pm »

I am looking to buy a new touring bike in the $800-1300 dollar range.  The Trek 520 looks good, but I am not happy with the shifters or brakes.  My wife has done some touring in hilly areas (we live in Virginia) and says brake/rim overheating on long downhills is a real problem.  So, do I opt for something like the Gary Fisher Utopia, with disks, or stick to the Trek?  I have not yet decided on the trailer vs. pannier question either, but I guess if I go with disks I am also voting for the trailer, as none of the disk brake bikes I have seen have the mountings for panniers.  Or is there an alternative for bikes without braze ons?

21

Gear Talk / Why can't I use a carbon fiber bike with a trailer

« on: February 06, 2006, 02:02:07 pm »

The rims will also crack when they are just worn out by the rubbing of the brakes.  I think it is unlikely they cracked just because of the added weight.  My wife cracked her Gary Fisher/Bontrager rims after about 7K miles of commuting.  They were just worn through on the sides.

22

Gear Talk / Brooks Saddles

« on: February 22, 2006, 09:36:27 pm »

With all the talk about shower caps, I wonder how people stop from having a sweaty behind when they ride?  Certainly body oils, salts and sweat are much tougher on the leather than a bit of rain.  After a while the saddle will get impregnated with that stuff and I doubt that much rain would soak in.  Plus, every time you ride in the rain water from the road spray will hit the underneath side of the saddle and give it a a good soaking.  A shower cap seems like a waste of time.  I had a Brooks of some sort on a late, great Raleigh road bike. It was comfy if I remember 30 years ago correctly, but, alas, it was stolen.  I never did a thing to care for it and it never stretched out that I remember. I guess if it did get a bit slack you could use the bolt underneath to take up the slack, but I never had any trouble.  Enjoy.

23

Gear Talk / Brooks Saddles

« on: February 06, 2006, 01:45:44 pm »

I had good luck with my Brooks (not sure what model) until it went away with the rest of my stolen bike.  However, I wonder why everyone is concerned about getting their Brooks saddles wet.  Don't these guys sweat when they ride?  What is a little rain added to the mix of perspiration, body oils, road spray mud, etc.?  I never took any precautions with mine and I remember it as very comfortable, but that was 20 years ago and maybe I have forgotten any problems.  Still, if it can't take a little rain, then it sure can't take a sweaty heinie for long.  

24

Gear Talk / Recumbent advice?

« on: February 06, 2006, 01:50:46 pm »

It might be harder to miss potholes and bumps because you always have to make a more complex calcualtion on where to steer.  See if you can rent one to try out first.

25

General Discussion / Knee Pain Advice

« on: May 15, 2006, 12:13:34 pm »

I am building up my distance capabilities in order to ride in this year's Bike Virginia in June.  In the past, 20-30 milers were no big problem.  I have done 50 miles with one week breaks in between and both times have finished with moderate pain behind my right knee.  It seems to be originating where the calf muscle attaches behind the knee, not ligament or actual joint pain.  Takes several days to subside.  Left knee is pretty good in comparison.  Average speed is 11.7 mph.  Age - 58.  Generally good shape, no problems walking, hiking or skiing.  Never any prior knee injuries.  This seems totally related to biking.  Have tried extending seat a bit, but was too late on the last ride to help.  Use clipless pedals.  Everything else feels comfy - seating, back position, etc.

26

General Discussion / Touring wheels for my sweetheart

« on: February 27, 2006, 11:45:50 pm »

I think she has me pretty well hooked.  And, I like to shop.  Have gotten over the sticker shock, pretty much, can tell the difference between 105 and Ultrega, and am hoping for an IRS windfall this year.  I wonder though, if I were unable to ride, would she tow me in a Nomad or a BOB?  I would want a comfortable ride...