Cycling

ttf_slide advantage · Mon Jun 26, 2017 12:21 am

I have recently gotten back into bike riding after a long time away from it.

Is anyone here into fixed gear bikes? I really enjoy the simplicity of them. No derailleurs to mess with. Pure riding. Of course there are compromises but I don't mind not having extra sprockets.

I own a 29-er mountain bike hard tail (GT Peace bike) and a just recently purchased no name vintage track bike - which has just a front brake. I've learned that serious track bike enthusiasts sometimes have no brakes at all even if they ride them away from tracks (where they are banned in races)

And there is a cult following for these messenger type bikes.

Just wondering who else on the forum might be into this too!

ttf_jack · Post by **ttf_jack** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 2:07 am

Decades ago, fixed wheel was seen by many in the UK as a pure form. Even when derailleur gears were essential in massed-start road racing, some time-trial racing specialists liked a fixed wheel. I did. A fixed wheel teaches you to pedal smoothly and quickly.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 5:37 am

Yeah, I think gloved hand on the front wheel is your brake.

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 9:55 am

I sold my car about five years ago and have been bicycle-only since then.

A single gear ratio would be seriously impractical for all the things I end up doing with my bike.

So... I dunno if that makes me a serious cyclist or a non-serious cyclist.

https://www.youtube.com/v/cg2mjYm4tNI

ttf_Ellrod · Post by **ttf_Ellrod** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 10:14 am

I recently replaced my 30-year old Trek (well, the shop refused to fix it! Something about liability and lawyers) with a Charge Grater. Not expensive (especially on sale). Basic components: 8 speed cassette, single chain ring, simple cantilever brakes. Nice and light. Very functional.

ttf_MikeBMiller · Post by **ttf_MikeBMiller** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 1:53 pm

I have almost as many bikes (4) as trombones (5). 1 road, 1 cross, 1 hard tail, 1 full suspension. But over the past couple of years I have gotten slack about riding, usually only getting out a couple of times a week. I used to do 4-6 hour rides pretty regularly. I hope to reverse that trend in July, when I actually go a whole month with no rehearsals or gigs.

ttf_bubbachet · Post by **ttf_bubbachet** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 2:13 pm

Sitting on a hardtail 29er, full suspension 29er, a road bike, a gravel bike, and a commuter bike.

My wife is understanding, to say the least. We had to plan our basement renovation around bike storage!

ttf_slide advantage · Post by **ttf_slide advantage** » Mon Jun 26, 2017 2:54 pm

Quote from: robcat2075 on Jun 26, 2017, 09:55AMI sold my car about five years ago and have been bicycle-only since then.

A single gear ratio would be seriously impractical for all the things I end up doing with my bike.

So... I dunno if that makes me a serious cyclist or a non-serious cyclist.

https://www.youtube.com/v/cg2mjYm4tNI

Okay, I'm impressed

ttf_Graham Martin · Post by **ttf_Graham Martin** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 5:20 pm

Well this is a coincidence. I recently purchased an Everest mountain bike. It is an amazingly complex piece of equipment considering I got it in K-Mart for less the $200. The idea was to replace the long walks with my dog Maggie, which she is no longer capable of due to old age, and do a bit of cycling on a beaut local mountain bike track we have close to here. Unfortunately it has been sitting in the garage ever since because I just cannot master the 21 gears it has. The most I ever had on a bike before was 3. I have been reading all the books but those front and back wheel gear controls seems to be a bit more than I can handle these days.

ttf_Ellrod · Post by **ttf_Ellrod** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 5:29 pm

Graham: My new bike is an 8-speed. One shifter.

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:19 pm

Quote from: Graham Martin on Yesterday at 05:20 PM Unfortunately it has been sitting in the garage ever since because I just cannot master the 21 gears it has. The most I ever had on a bike before was 3. I have been reading all the books but those front and back wheel gear controls seems to be a bit more than I can handle these days.

Just leave the front gear on the middle and shift with the back one. That will be enough range for most purposes.

ttf_DaveBb · Post by **ttf_DaveBb** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:35 pm

Until now I've been riding my KHS Comp which I bought new in 1995 (steel frame, after market v-brakes, rigid front end)
pretty much like this one:
http://www.vehibase.com/khs-montana-comp/photo-1.htm
When I bought it I paid a few hundred $ for a Marzocchi fork with a huge 55mm of travel, but it fell apart after about 12 years so I put the original fork back on.

Last weekend I picked up one of these:
http://www.bikebarn.co.nz/2017-merida-big-nine-600-blue.html
(11 speed derailleur on the back and none on the front, hydraulic disc brakes, fork with adjustable air and rebound)

It cost fewer dollars than the KHS did (never mind the effect of inflation over 22 years). Haven't taken it for a ride in the forest yet but I expect the difference to be night and day (bring on the weekend). Bikes provide more gadgets for your money than trombones - I guess that's a result of mass production.

I'll be putting some road tyres on the KHS and keeping it for short trips close to home. Apparently 90s mountain bikes have a bit of a following now as classics, especially in the UK.

ttf_Ellrod · Post by **ttf_Ellrod** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:38 pm

In these parts, the hipsters are all over 70's 10-speeds.

ttf_MrPillow · Post by **ttf_MrPillow** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:42 pm

I've been pretty busy the past few days.

ttf_Ryebone · Post by **ttf_Ryebone** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:49 pm

Having recently moved to a stones throw from Dupont Forest I discovered I am woefully ill prepared for anything but the 'easy' trails. I have a late '70's Mondia Super converted to 650b with as wide a tire as I can stuff in it. Santa Cruz Chamelion on order...Rivendell, Serotta...here one can stand up and kiss the ground ...humbling

ttf_MikeBMiller · Post by **ttf_MikeBMiller** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:55 pm

Quote from: Ryebone on Yesterday at 07:49 PMHaving recently moved to a stones throw from Dupont Forest I discovered I am woefully ill prepared for anything but the 'easy' trails. I have a late '70's Mondia Super converted to 650b with as wide a tire as I can stuff in it. Santa Cruz Chamelion on order...Rivendell, Serotta...here one can stand up and kiss the ground ...humbling

I ride at DuPont all the time. Beautiful place. Where do you live?

ttf_MrPillow · Post by **ttf_MrPillow** » Tue Jun 27, 2017 8:22 pm

Quote from: Graham Martin on Yesterday at 05:20 PMI have been reading all the books but those front and back wheel gear controls seems to be a bit more than I can handle these days.

Like Rob said, just because you have 21 gears doesn't mean you have to use all of them. If you leave the front in the middle ring and just use the back you're down to 7, or leave the back on the middle sprocket and you're down to 3. Ride it and play until you figure out what works for you.

ttf_Graham Martin · Post by **ttf_Graham Martin** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 1:42 am

Quote from: MrPillow on Yesterday at 08:22 PMLike Rob said, just because you have 21 gears doesn't mean you have to use all of them. If you leave the front in the middle ring and just use the back you're down to 7, or leave the back on the middle sprocket and you're down to 3. Ride it and play until you figure out what works for you.

Thanks. I'll definitely give that a try.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 5:22 am

Quote from: MrPillow on Jun 27, 2017, 08:22PMLike Rob said, just because you have 21 gears doesn't mean you have to use all of them. If you leave the front in the middle ring and just use the back you're down to 7, or leave the back on the middle sprocket and you're down to 3. Ride it and play until you figure out what works for you.

When I rode a lot, back in 10-speed days, I only used six gears. I shifted "cross-over," meaning shift the back sprocket 1, 2, 3 to the middle gear, then shift the front sprocket and use 3, 4, 5 in the back. The way my tooth count was there wasn't a huge advantage to using all 10 possibilities.

I still have that Schwinn Super La Tour, it sits on a mag trainer that I really should use more. (and might, now that knees are making running a problem)

Anyway, you can greatly simplify. IIRC the little front sprocket on a 21 speed is a granny gear that nobody ever needs, and the big one is for Olympic athletes.

ttf_Orffbone · Post by **ttf_Orffbone** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 7:49 am

Quote from: MrPillow on Jun 27, 2017, 07:42PMI've been pretty busy the past few days.

(cramp and go slow)

ttf_B0B · Post by **ttf_B0B** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 8:22 am

I've finally started working close enough to home (10 miles one way) to commute by bike again. And my new work even has showers!

That said, with drivers these days... Yeah... no fixie for me. I need to be able to go 25+ mph and get there quickly to help lessen my chances of getting run over by angry drivers.

There is a big bike community around me, but also a lot of hit and runs, and at least once a year some story in the local paper about a biker killed by a car, with either the driver not found, or driver charged with the lowest level of manslaughter possible. Hey, you killed a guy? 6 months community service for you!

My third or fourth time commuting to the office, there was a local news story about an unconscious biker found that morning, about a quarter mile away from my route.

I really like the commute, but hate some of the things that come with it.

ttf_BGuttman · Post by **ttf_BGuttman** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 9:14 am

Your situation would be different if you lived in Holland. There the bikers rule over the autos.

Americans seem to have no patience for slow moving vehicles. Of course many American cyclists have helped the animosity by riding on the lane dividers in slow or stopped traffic; and generally ignoring traffic signals (which they are also supposed to follow).

ttf_B0B · Post by **ttf_B0B** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:04 am

Quote from: BGuttman on Jun 28, 2017, 09:14AM Of course many American cyclists have helped the animosity by riding on the lane dividers in slow or stopped traffic; and generally ignoring traffic signals (which they are also supposed to follow).

Yup, the damned if you do, damned if you don't... Many drivers don't consider bikes vehicles, and thus rightly belong on the road, until... the bikers don't abide by laws and regs that only apply to vehicles.

Should note, the law in most states is that bikes are indeed considered vehicles and can not only lawfully ride on the road, but often it is illegal to ride in other places such as sidewalks. In all fairness, while there is minimal education about traffic laws for drivers, there is very little to no education of or about other vehicles such as bikes and how they co-exist in the same space.

I do occasionally violate the rules of the road from time to time, but do so because often I find the action is actually safer and helps traffic move better.

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 11:34 am

There is a small movement to legalize a bicycle rolling through stop signs at empty intersections, AKA the "Idaho Stop"

ttf_Radar · Post by **ttf_Radar** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 1:24 pm

I recently got back into biking for fitness and recreation myself. I am using a Trek Mountain bike I inherited from my son. My bike has three sprockets in the front and seven in the back (which I believe is overkill). The area I ride in has many bike paths that are mostly paved and I would probably do better with something more on the road bike side of the house. I can't imagine pushing myself up some of the hills here on a single gear bike, we have some pretty steep climbs.

ttf_MikeBMiller · Post by **ttf_MikeBMiller** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 2:25 pm

The latest trend in mountain bike gearing is towards having just one chain ring in the front with a giant cassette in the back that can be as large as 46 teeth. This takes a bit of getting used to, but once you are used to it, it is great to not have to worry about front shifting, and the gear range can be about the same as a 3 x 10.

ttf_Radar · Post by **ttf_Radar** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 2:34 pm

Quote from: MikeBMiller on Jun 28, 2017, 02:25PMThe latest trend in mountain bike gearing is towards having just one chain ring in the front with a giant cassette in the back that can be as large as 46 teeth. This takes a bit of getting used to, but once you are used to it, it is great to not have to worry about front shifting, and the gear range can be about the same as a 3 x 10.
This is pretty similar to how I use my current mountain bike, I rarely move from the center sprocket in the front, and mostly use the 7 in the back to change for inclines as required.

ttf_Ellrod · Post by **ttf_Ellrod** » Wed Jun 28, 2017 2:38 pm

Quote from: MikeBMiller on Jun 28, 2017, 02:25PMThe latest trend in mountain bike gearing is towards having just one chain ring in the front with a giant cassette in the back that can be as large as 46 teeth. This takes a bit of getting used to, but once you are used to it, it is great to not have to worry about front shifting, and the gear range can be about the same as a 3 x 10.

Quote from: Radar on Jun 28, 2017, 02:34PMThis is pretty similar to how I use my current mountain bike, I rarely move from the center sprocket in the front, and mostly use the 7 in the back to change for inclines as required.

Which is why I was drawn to my new 8-speed city bike. One derailleur, cantilever brakes, no disc brakes, no suspension. Simple and light.

ttf_PhilE · Post by **ttf_PhilE** » Thu Jun 29, 2017 9:43 pm

Quote from: B0B on Jun 28, 2017, 08:22AMI've finally started working close enough to home (10 miles one way) to commute by bike again. And my new work even has showers!

That said, with drivers these days... Yeah... no fixie for me. I need to be able to go 25+ mph and get there quickly to help lessen my chances of getting run over by angry drivers.

There is a big bike community around me, but also a lot of hit and runs, and at least once a year some story in the local paper about a biker killed by a car, with either the driver not found, or driver charged with the lowest level of manslaughter possible. Hey, you killed a guy? 6 months community service for you!

My third or fourth time commuting to the office, there was a local news story about an unconscious biker found that morning, about a quarter mile away from my route.

I really like the commute, but hate some of the things that come with it.

Much the same here in the city.
I was driving home from work one day and saw a cyclist up ahead in the line of traffic. A minute later he was lying on the grass on the side of the road. A truck had side swiped him and sent him flying. The truck pulled up down the road. I pulled up at the cyclist in time to see the truck take off. Got his plate number. The cyclist had a broken shoulder and grazes all down one side. His helmet was mashed. He was conscious and asked me to call his wife and look after his bike for him which I did. When he got out of hospital he came to my place to collect his bike. The frame looked ok to me but he said it was a write off because it was carbon fibre and could crack at any time. He had paid mega bucks for it.

We live a bit out of town so I ride around the back roads and tracks without seeing too many cars.

My bike is a 21 speed Giant mountain bike about 10 yrs old. Bought it for my son but he doesn't use it any more.

It is quite hilly here so I've found a use for all 21 gears. Great fun.

ttf_slide advantage · Post by **ttf_slide advantage** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 2:53 pm

Update.

A week ago yesterday I was riding my track bike around Dallas' lovely White Rock Lake. I was pedaling up a concrete incline on the cycling/pedestrian path. When I got the top of it, to my horror I saw 4 steep concrete steps descending. I had no time to stop and I tumbled down, head over heels.

I did a face plant on the concrete. Resulting in a dislocated right thumb, two sprained wrists and a few nasty abrasions on my knees, one shoulder and my face. Fortunately my lips and teeth were spared and I didn't break anything.

I saw my orthopedist today and upon reviewing the ER X-rays he told me I'll be back 100% in 2 weeks.

I have been practicing, but I've had to modify my slide hand grip. I am using my ring finger and middle finger. Slide dexterity has taken a back seat, but I survived.

I'll be back on the bike saddle soon.

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 3:21 pm

Quote from: slide advantage on Today at 02:53 PMA week ago yesterday I was riding my track bike around Dallas' lovely White Rock Lake. I was pedaling up a concrete incline on the cycling/pedestrian path. When I got the top of it, to my horror I saw 4 steep concrete steps descending.

Where is that incline? I used to do White Rock Lake every day but it's been several years.

ttf_slide advantage · Post by **ttf_slide advantage** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:17 pm

It is right by the spillway......and the irony is not lost on me!

I'm not blaming anyone but myself, but I think it would be a good idea to post signs alerting cyclists to descending steps ahead!

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 4:25 pm

Quote from: slide advantage on Today at 04:17 PMIt is right by the spillway......and the irony is not lost on me!

I'm not blaming anyone but myself, but I think it would be a good idea to post signs alerting cyclists to descending steps ahead!

OK, I know that part. I've always come from the other direction.

ttf_play_louder · Post by **ttf_play_louder** » Mon Jul 17, 2017 11:51 pm

I ride a fixed gear. It is awesome. I wrote about it on my blog.
https://chillikebab.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/fixie-temptation/

My other bike is a cargo bike that I use for hauling groceries, children, furniture and of course a trombone...
https://chillikebab.wordpress.com/2017/07/14/finishing-touches/

Great that so many trombonists also ride. Who else carries their trombone on a bike?

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Tue Jul 18, 2017 6:32 pm

Quote from: slide advantage on Jul 17, 2017, 02:53PMUpdate.

A week ago yesterday I was riding my track bike around Dallas' lovely White Rock Lake. I was pedaling up a concrete incline on the cycling/pedestrian path. When I got the top of it, to my horror I saw 4 steep concrete steps descending. I had no time to stop and I tumbled down, head over heels.

Just a wacko thought, but.... would it be worth learning to ride a bike down stairs, just to know how to handle that kind of unexpected encounter?

ttf_drizabone · Post by **ttf_drizabone** » Wed Jul 19, 2017 12:18 am

Quote from: robcat2075 on Jun 27, 2017, 06:19PMJust leave the front gear on the middle and shift with the back one. That will be enough range for most purposes.

When you get used to changing the gears on the front, use the small ring (this gives you your low ratios) when you are going up hill, the middle for level ground and the large for high ratios to use downhill,

and run over as many cane toads as you can.

ttf_robcat2075 · Post by **ttf_robcat2075** » Wed Jul 19, 2017 11:23 am

Into cycling? Here's hardcore...

I think my legs look tired: A Tour de France cyclist shares a shocking look at the toll the race takes

Tour de France legs in French flag colors...

ttf_slide advantage · Post by **ttf_slide advantage** » Wed Jul 19, 2017 1:23 pm

Quote from: timothy42b on Jul 18, 2017, 06:32PMJust a wacko thought, but.... would it be worth learning to ride a bike down stairs, just to know how to handle that kind of unexpected encounter?

I was riding a track bike with narrow profile tires. Not designed to ride down steep cement steps.

If I had been riding my 29-er hardtail mountain bike I probably would have been okay. Wide tires and all.

Both bikes are fixies (meaning they are fixed geared; no derailleurs)

ttf_MikeBMiller · Post by **ttf_MikeBMiller** » Wed Jul 19, 2017 2:29 pm

Quote from: slide advantage on Yesterday at 01:23 PMBoth bikes are fixies (meaning they are fixed geared; no derailleurs)

Dude, that is hard core! I know a guy that used to ride a fixed gear single rigid 29er all over Pisgah. He finally gave it up an got some gears and suspension.

We have had 2 cyclists killed by cars in the past month around here. I am almost scared to ride a road bike these days with all the idiots out there updating their FB pages while driving down the road.

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 11:19 am

Quote from: MikeBMiller on Jul 19, 2017, 02:29PM
We have had 2 cyclists killed by cars in the past month around here. I am almost scared to ride a road bike these days with all the idiots out there updating their FB pages while driving down the road.

Years ago a guy from Byte magazine wrote his column while doing a bicycle trip, typing 40 words a minute while riding a bike.

No keyboard.

He put four switches on each handlebar. On or off, 1 or 0. That gave him 8 bit ASCII.

Now that's cycling!

ttf_timothy42b · Post by **ttf_timothy42b** » Sun Jul 23, 2017 11:19 am

Quote from: MikeBMiller on Jul 19, 2017, 02:29PM
We have had 2 cyclists killed by cars in the past month around here. I am almost scared to ride a road bike these days with all the idiots out there updating their FB pages while driving down the road.

Years ago a guy from Byte magazine wrote his column while doing a bicycle trip, typing 40 words a minute while riding a bike.

No keyboard.

He put four switches on each handlebar. On or off, 1 or 0. That gave him 8 bit ASCII.

Now that's cycling!