This is a Bike Thread

wintermute

wintermute

Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
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That's right. And I don't mean motorcycles. I mean those pedal-powered sissy-wagons that often support that often support the lycra-clad speed set. What are you riding?

I've got a 2006 Bianchi Volpe modded with Salsa Bell Lap handlebars, Shimano bar end shifters running in friction, Cane Creek brake levers, Brooks Professional saddle in British racing green, Ritchey pro seat post and Continental TravelContact tires. It's sort of an uber-hybrid - capable of pretty decent speed on the road and able to even do off-road single track as long as there's nothing too technical. The nice thing about the Brooks is that I can wear normal shorts/jeans even on extended rides.
 
Well, for my winter riding; mostly commutin to work; I have my old Diamondback Outlook (circa 1997) from high school. Its modded out with Jones XR 26x2.25 tires, no-name alloy seat post, used saddle from a mid-90's Trek Nav, Deore LX rear deraillure, Deore front deraillure, Sram MRX grip shifts and a Schwinn G-force rigid fork as well as Niterider Sol and Blackburn Mars 3.0 lights. In warmer weather I commute on my Raleigh M60 with Sram drivetrain. This summer I'm probably going to upgrade to a Tassajara, we'll see...
 
I'm a disabled vet, with asbestoses of the lungs, so my stamina & breathing are not the best. I need to get into some exercise to keep myself up & try to improve my life a little. I am thinking about a "recumbent" bike, and wondered if anyone could give me some tips on good, affordable models, what to avoid, etc??? I know they can be fairly expensive. One I priced locally was around $1200, but I don't really know much about them.
 
oldfogey said:
I'm a disabled vet, with asbestoses of the lungs, so my stamina & breathing are not the best. I need to get into some exercise to keep myself up & try to improve my life a little. I am thinking about a "recumbent" bike, and wondered if anyone could give me some tips on good, affordable models, what to avoid, etc??? I know they can be fairly expensive. One I priced locally was around $1200, but I don't really know much about them.
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Aha, another vet! Hello, brother.

I'm fortunate to have escaped disabled status, myself.

I've been using recumbents for over 15 years (learned my right knee was in trouble at War College -- they took my running shoes away and pointed at the pool and the bikes). Never could find a good, affordable one for use at home. I've either been using high quality bikes at nearby military gyms or at local gyms I've joined.

The problem is that the bike has to be good and sturdy to give you a smooth, efficient workout without causing more troubles than it solves. I've also investigated some of those standing elliptical machines, but they cost over $2K and I'm not sure they're really any better for us.

If you come across a good answer, I'd appreciate a note! :thumbup:
 
My Specialized Crossroads gets me around town pretty well when I don't want to give up my parking spot out front.
 
I don't ride as much as I'd like (or should) but here's mine, shop-built on a Monument Cycles frame:

Bike1.jpg


I've since added an Old Man Mountain rack, Nashbar bags, and a water bottle cage.
 
I've been mountain biking since the 8th grade. I'm in my third year of college now.

Here's my '07 Trek Fuel EX 8. I've got Crank Bro's Eggbeater SL's, Kenda tubeless tires, and a Thompson Elite stem and seatpost (not in the pic). It takes a ton of abuse and is a very efficient bike. The Avid brakes are unreal.

438807675_3e5d6ea9ee.jpg
 
A TOTAL city bike, Cannondale SM400 frame, with not one stock nut left on it, stealth black, almost all logos are gone, on Mavic rims, with a SUNTOUR drivetrain, and some fairly good spring forks.

The other one is a Giant NRS2, with Manitou Black Platinum fork, Fox rear, and a Shimano drivetrain.

They have been gathering dust in the garage, as I have not ridden in over a year. That will change in two months.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I really have to get back into riding this season. My bikes:

Waterford 1200 (the Reynold 753 one, silver brazed... a work of art).

Kona Kilauea (mid-1990's, trashed derailleur hanger so I converted it to singlespeed)

Fort CC.Onix singlespeed. Sweet ride, nice components, got it for a steal.
fort1.jpg


Surly 1x1 singlespeed. Even sweeter components than the Fort. Spotted it on Craigslist locally and got it for a steal, but needs some brake work (SQUEAK!) and a new bottom bracket, both of which are easy to do.
surly1.jpg


surly2.jpg


surly3.jpg
 
wintermute said:
lycra-clad speed set.
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I am currently riding a 05 Giant TCR-0 Full Carbon Fiber, Dura-Ace, Compact Crank, Rolf Vigor Wheels, Fizik saddle. Weighs in at 16#'s even. I love it. Very fast bike with a great ride. Not nearly as fast as my Buell but 50+ MPH (downhill) on a bicycle still scares the crap out of me. This is what my frame looks like.

f04-TCR-C-zero_CF_flat.jpg


I also have a Giant Cypress SX Hybrid that I set up for commuting.

I used to laugh at all those folks in spandex riding around. Many who shouldn't be allowed in public while wearing spandex. I never thought I would see myself stretching my shorts and jersey on. The fact is I hate running and as a cop and health conscious 30 something I found that cycling is very enjoyable and keeps my motorcycle skills up. Oh yeah I forgot it also helps me stay in shape. I have a few Centuries that I have done and plan on doing more.


Now if I could just get rid of the snow we have. I can quit snowshoeing on the weekends and and start rolling again. Can't wait for spring.
 
Although I've commuted on everything from a '60s Schwinn middle weight bike to fixed gear, mainly I commute on an Airborne Carpe Diem (titanium) equiped with Campagnolo Centaur triple. It has a honey/copper Brooks B-17 saddle from which I hand a Carradice (sp?) saddle bag. Cheap flat pedals for street shoes.

I'll try to snap a pic later.
 
i'll preface this by stating i'm not a bike guy... but last spring i went on a search for a simple one speed bad looking mountain bike that wouldnt bust my wallet, sounded easy but its not specially since im a bigger guy and just not comfortable on some of the single speed bikes (i.e BMX and jump) and didnt want a cruiser bike so i ordered a 2007 Redline Monocog 29'er, its a damn tank couldnt be happier for my first real bike purchase.bigger but not really heavier than most MTN bikes, i get alot of looks and questions about it.:D
cool bike worth checking out
ivan
 
IVANKERLY - that redline is one nice bike. They make some nice practical designs. If you ever feel like upgrading to a nice steel 29'er, check out the Surly 1x1, like Chiro75 up there or the Surly Karate Monkey.

Awesome bikes everyone.
 
wintermute said:
IVANKERLY - that redline is one nice bike. They make some nice practical designs. If you ever feel like upgrading to a nice steel 29'er, check out the Surly 1x1, like Chiro75 up there or the Surly Karate Monkey.

Awesome bikes everyone.
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thanks and in my research i stumbled across some of the names you mentioned, but i figured since im not a hardcore bike guy the redline would suit me just fine, love it, never had a good bike before always had well worn huffy's and murray bmx when i was a kid! Kinda what i wanted in a bike now... looks cool, simple and tough love the 29'er
thanks
ivan
 
When I get back into some decent shape (Spring time) I' ll hop back on my Ti Road bike (complete with good old Dura Ace and DOWNTUBE index shifters!) and see if I can make it a season. Right now, it' s me and my old Cannondale hybrid 200 series home brew. :D

N.

www.dozierknives.com/forum
 
As I tend to rebuild and sell old bikes, I go through a bunch of them. My current ride is a very vintage (1972 or thereabouts) Cilo (That's a Belgian brand) with a Columbus frame and (mostly) Shimano 600 components.
I've extensively rebuilt the thing, replacing the crappy Malliard wheels and hubs with Shimano items, and going from a 6-speed freewheel to an 8-speed freehub.

The brakes are still rather marginal Wienemanns, I keep looking for a pair of long-reach Shimano 600 calipers at a reasonable price.

47b7d906b3127cceb814890101e600000026108AcNGzhu3bNn


I also have a home-built recumbent which is a highly-refined version of the cheap "No Weld" plans you can buy online.
(No pics right now)
It's made up of at least 3 different bikes, weighs 38 pounds, and actually rides quite well.

For Oldfogey asking about "bents", there are lots of models available, and they tend to be more costly than regular bikes due to the relatively low sales.
Here's a link to "Bikeforums":
http://www.bikeforums.net/
Which has an active recumbent thread as well as tons more information.
 
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