Re: The bicycle thread

701
took peacedove out for a spin last night, it whirs around pretty well, climbs what hills we have in low gear with some pedalling assist. i've been using it as an electric scooter that i can help get up to the top if needed and it's perfectly adequate for that. i weigh just under 200 lbs, if you're lighter than that it may not need help at all around here.
i'm retired. what's your excuse?

Re: The bicycle thread

702
I've been using my old Peugeot as a stationary bike, with a padded seat angled so I can sit up on it and not use my hands much.
The good news is nothing is broken--I have always had bones like concrete and the only bones I know for certain I ever broke was my nose--but even that didn't show up on the x-rays.
But I do have the equivalent (as described to me) of a torn meniscus in both wrists, plus other damaged ligaments and tendons. Now, 2 months later, I'm still having certain motions painful and gripping stuff, especially with the left is tough. I see the hand ortho on Monday and probably will need cortisone shots. I'll ask about P/T. All the cuts and scrapes are long healed.

So I haven't been on the eBike much (weather has mostly sucked).

Update: The Peugeot UO-8 is now fully 50 years old--I bought it with my summer earnings in HS in 1972. The rims, spokes, hubs (Normandy), MAFAC brakes & handles, shifters, kick stand, front skewer, and the entire frame are original, But the seat post, seat, seat locking bolt, and grips have been changed. The grips aren't tape but are closed-cell foam which has held up for, I guess, 30 years.

I still have the rear skewer but a special one was needed to accommodate the trainer. There's no longer a pump that fits where the original Tricolour one, and, of course, the bottle and Kryptonite lock. I took off the rear rack years ago.

Major changes are:
Bottom Bracket--the old cotter pin on was replaced by a cotterless square one.
Third crank&sprocket set--this one added a third hill-climbing sprocket taking it from 10 to 15 speeds.
Third front derailleur, designed for 3 sprockets rather than two. The original thrust Simplex was junk.
Alloy pedals with newer toe clips and straps.
Cluster was replaced decades ago for a much quieter one.
Third rear derailleur, needed to accommodate the extra front sprocket. Again, the orig Simplex was junk.

Of course the tires, cables, and cable casings have been replaced as needed. Still, it takes only a minute or two to pop the bike out of the trainer and immediately put it on the road. But that's what I use my eBike for!
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."

Re: The bicycle thread

703
I have mixed emotions about posting this, but here goes.

At various times, I've been a cycling instructor, certified by both the League of American Bicyclists and by the (much better, in my opinion) CyclingSavvy program.
I've gotten fussed at for having the opinion that edge-of-pavement linear parks, sometimes called "bike lanes," are a bad idea bordering (if you'll pardon the pun) on a VERY bad idea. Edge-of-pavement bike lanes do one thing well, and that's the ONLY thing they do well: Make cyclists and motorists irrelevant to one-another until moment of impact.

But the proliferation of bike lanes in my area continues, and my own feeling is that it has "othered" cyclists. I don't see as many utility cyclists as I did ten years ago.

I digress. Often. On to the gist of this post:

Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of my own experience with what traffic wonks call a "type 13" crash--the type most feared by many cyclists. I was hit from behind by a motorist.

What I remember was hearing the motorist approach from behind at well over the legal maximum speed (probably fifty in a thirty-five zone), and seeing the side of a white car pass me too close. The next thing I remember was hearing Paisley's ring tone as hospital staff were getting ready to do an MRI. At the time, I sort-of remembered being in an ambulance, but I don't recall that now.

Looking back, and having read the report by the EMTs that transported me to the hospital (I had suffered a head injury, so they were hauling ass to get me to the nearest trauma center), I was able to talk with the EMTs, and tell them who I was and where I lived, but not able to remember three words ten seconds after being asked to remember them. I DO remember thinking it odd that I wasn't panicked at my awareness of being in the hospital, even if I didn't actively recall how I got there.
I was off my bike for a week or two, had purchased a walking stick just in case while off work for a week recovering, and there's a whole other story about dealing with insurance companies and such. When I started back at work, I was riding my bike to work, but with a bit more trepidation when I saw a car approaching from behind.
It's been four years. A lot has happened* that has been unrelated to the crash or to cycling, and the course of life has made it inconvenient to use my bicycles as I once did. I was quite fond of using a bicycle instead of a car or a light truck (I've hauled some interesting loads using my Bikes at Work trailer). My current physical location is such that using a bicycle to go grocery shopping or to the library or to the Post Office or to the hardware store involves long stretches of unpleasant roads with high motor vehicle speeds and no good places for motorists to pass, and I just don't want to deal with the rancor from the self-entitled motorists. I miss my last house for that reason. The current house was chosen for reasons that took priority over being in a neighborhood conducive to utility cycling--compromises are a reality in life--and while I miss being able to hop on a bike and bring home a cart-load of groceries, I'm mostly okay about it.

And I have a couple of great utility bikes that I'm considering selling. Drop me a line if you're interested in a Surly Big Dummy or a mid-1970s Raleigh Superbe 3-speed or a purpose-built commuter hybrid with dynamo light system. The Big Dummy has a whole lot of add-ons that are hard to find these days.

*A bit less than a year after the crash, I walked out of a retail job over an assortment of issues, some related to the pandemic (this was 2020), some related to how that company's HR person was ignoring crappy behaviors by "coworkers" and fussing at me. I was able to do that because I had some money from the insurance settlement subsequent to the crash. Since this was during the period of LOTS of protests over the LMPD killing of Breonna Taylor (within fifteen miles of where I lived at the time), and since my spouse and I had been talking about the looming perceived need to develop self-defense plans, some of that settlement money funded my first several firearm purchases and eventually being directed to this forum by Hiker, who I have known since 1997.

I still care about cycling issues, but it's a real challenge to get on a bike any more.
Eventually I'll figure out this signature thing and decide what I want to put here.

Re: The bicycle thread

704
Growing up a bicycle was the primary means of transportation for boys and girls even into drivers license ages, but I had always been taught to ride against the traffic flow if riding on streets and that's how most of use traveled; in small packs when on empty streets and in single file when there were cars or trucks.

The reason was simple; I would be looking towards oncoming threats rather than the threats approaching from behind.

About the time I did get my drivers license and to drive the Red & White Nash Metropolitan the law said bicyclists must drive with the traffic flow.

I always thought that was an error.
To be vintage it must be older than me!
The next gun I buy will be the next to last gun I ever buy. PROMISE!
jim

Re: The bicycle thread

705
sig230 wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 7:50 am Growing up a bicycle was the primary means of transportation for boys and girls even into drivers license ages, but I had always been taught to ride against the traffic flow if riding on streets and that's how most of use traveled; in small packs when on empty streets and in single file when there were cars or trucks.

The reason was simple; I would be looking towards oncoming threats rather than the threats approaching from behind.

About the time I did get my drivers license and to drive the Red & White Nash Metropolitan the law said bicyclists must drive with the traffic flow.

I always thought that was an error.
Lots of people were taught to ride facing motor traffic, as if people using bicycles were "pedestrians on wheels." There's been a fair bit of research and crash analysis over the last couple decades, and it's demonstrably safer for a solo cyclist to ride in the left tire track of same-direction motor traffic. "Cyclists fare best when they act as and are treated as operators of vehicles." The only difference between operating a motorcycle and operating a bicycle is the travel speed.

The problem with riding facing motor traffic is that closing speeds are additive. Both the cyclist and the motorist have far less time to adapt to the presence of the other. By riding well out into the travel lane, a motorist approaching from behind has line of sight opportunity to see the cyclist at often a quarter mile distance. I was commuting to a job about thirteen miles from home for a couple years, and my commute route followed a four-lane road with a 45-mile-per-hour speed limit for about half that distance. Because I rode well out in the right travel lane, motorists coming up behind me could recognize me as a cyclist at far enough distance that most would change lanes between three and five hundred meters before they got to me. On two-lane roads, they had time to slow and watch for safe places to pass, and I would habitually communicate with motorists to discourage or encourage passing as I felt safe to do so.

I miss riding for utility, and would far prefer using my bicycle for grocery runs, but the two-lane road with poor sight lines between my current house and the nearest grocery store would be a real hassle, and I can't justify putting myself through that, even "pre-crash" me would balk at the idea.
Eventually I'll figure out this signature thing and decide what I want to put here.

Re: The bicycle thread

706
BearPaws wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 10:17 am
sig230 wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 7:50 am Growing up a bicycle was the primary means of transportation for boys and girls even into drivers license ages, but I had always been taught to ride against the traffic flow if riding on streets and that's how most of use traveled; in small packs when on empty streets and in single file when there were cars or trucks.

The reason was simple; I would be looking towards oncoming threats rather than the threats approaching from behind.

About the time I did get my drivers license and to drive the Red & White Nash Metropolitan the law said bicyclists must drive with the traffic flow.

I always thought that was an error.
Lots of people were taught to ride facing motor traffic, as if people using bicycles were "pedestrians on wheels." There's been a fair bit of research and crash analysis over the last couple decades, and it's demonstrably safer for a solo cyclist to ride in the left tire track of same-direction motor traffic. "Cyclists fare best when they act as and are treated as operators of vehicles." The only difference between operating a motorcycle and operating a bicycle is the travel speed.

The problem with riding facing motor traffic is that closing speeds are additive. Both the cyclist and the motorist have far less time to adapt to the presence of the other. By riding well out into the travel lane, a motorist approaching from behind has line of sight opportunity to see the cyclist at often a quarter mile distance. I was commuting to a job about thirteen miles from home for a couple years, and my commute route followed a four-lane road with a 45-mile-per-hour speed limit for about half that distance. Because I rode well out in the right travel lane, motorists coming up behind me could recognize me as a cyclist at far enough distance that most would change lanes between three and five hundred meters before they got to me. On two-lane roads, they had time to slow and watch for safe places to pass, and I would habitually communicate with motorists to discourage or encourage passing as I felt safe to do so.

I miss riding for utility, and would far prefer using my bicycle for grocery runs, but the two-lane road with poor sight lines between my current house and the nearest grocery store would be a real hassle, and I can't justify putting myself through that, even "pre-crash" me would balk at the idea.
The last couple decades have been somewhat different than the late 1940s and 1950s.
To be vintage it must be older than me!
The next gun I buy will be the next to last gun I ever buy. PROMISE!
jim

Re: The bicycle thread

708
I would hold onto the bikes unless you've got space issues. Who knows if your circumstances may change again, or the geography around you. Most of the bikes I've gotten rid of (or had stolen) in my life, I miss. I expect you will too.

Photo for cred. Prepping for my first century in 1978. Bike stolen in 1980. :(

Re: The bicycle thread

709
Great to see this thread again. I still ride at least five days a week and use the bike for errands as well. I use a hand-me-up Specialzed Rockhopper from my son, who outgrew it. It's ancient, and I've been replacing worn out parts this past year. Will have to get a new rear wheel, as the spokes keep breaking. My bike mechanic will inform me when the nickel and dime repairs will become counter productive, forcing me to get a new bike. I wonder whether he gets commission. Hehe

CDFingers
The wolf came in; I got my cards; we sat down for a game.
I cut my deck to the Queen of spades, but the cards were all the same.

Re: The bicycle thread

710
While very little will prevent you from being struck deliberately by some psycho with a mad on, there are several steps I have taken.
1) Flashing lights. I currently have two flashing rear lights I set with different patterns. My newest helmet has a red flasher as well. My front headlight has 3 modes: Full on, Dimmer, and flashing. I notice that cars approaching me from either direction tend to see me--the BIGGEST danger bicycles and motorcycles share. (I ride both).
2) Left bar-end mirror.
3) A Garmin Varia rear radar that sends a loud signal to both my phone AND my Garmin watch. The Varia is rechargeable and periodically goes on sale for $100. There's a version with a flashing tail light but..I have that covered. Even with headphones on, the Varia sends a loud signal through them.
4) My new smart helmet. Not only does it have that rear flashing light, it has speakers and a mike to replace earbuds or headphones (Ever have a bud fall out while riding?) Additionally, it has a memory chip and can take videos or still pictures.
5) Always have FULL awareness of who is around you, that traffic laws apply to YOU, too, and that cars don't see you. Hell, the Harry Hurt Report over 40 years ago reported that motorcycle cops with full lights flashing and sirens blaring STILL got hit by "cagers" who then said "I DIN SEE'YUM!"

On a tangent, while I LOVE my eBike and would like to have a throttle, not just PAS, I see too many people with throttles, esp kids, riding dangerously wild, against trafffic, not even slowing down for stop signs, etc.
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."

Re: The bicycle thread

711
Very good to see this thread. Long time cyclist, I still own the Raleigh Competition my parents got me in 1973, and it lives at my friend's house in NYC, where I visit twice a year. I can still take it for a short loop around the park or use it to visit friends, though the dropped bars are hell on my hands-- I think I have to swap them out for comfort bars.

The hills here in Hollywood are insanely steep, I could only ride them unassisted into my mid 50s, and even then it did not feel healthy, particularly after the second DVT. Currently ride an eMTB, I have two of them, a ultra-low-power (40nm) 46-pound FS eMTB and a mid-power (85nm) custom built 41-pound hard tail that I'm just getting used to. Even on the more powerful bike, I still get a tremendous workout due to steep or long grades.

I am riding the custom bike on the street more, use it mostly as a fitness bike, but some for transportation. It is VERY dangerous out there, even with flashing lights in the rear, good light up front, and a helmet rear flashing light. A lot of the time, I ride on the sidewalk and just stop for pedestrians, or I choose routes that are not well traveled. I do need to get a mirror. It sucks that I've pretty much had to give up body boarding and skiing-- though I'll still go if conditions are good, I have a few years left-- but the eMTB has really helped me stay fit. It's also amazing that I am in the middle of the city, and in 20 minutes I can be on a deserted fire road where I might not pass a soul for 10 or 15 minutes. I'm much more of a loner with advancing years, I really enjoy the solitude;

Re: The bicycle thread

712
YankeeTarheel wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 2:12 pm TrekWomansBike.jpg

So now I am working on restoring this older Trek 820 WMB. I'm guess from the 90's.
While the tires are flat, they appear to still be good and so seem to be the tubes. 26x1.95.
Getting the pedals off was a pain--might well have been on with Red lock-tite! They are crappy plastic pedals and the bearings are messy and notchy--planning on replacing them.
The cranks were also on super-tight. Usually I can get them off without special tool but I had to buy a tool kit kit and have had to use many of the tools so far. It's not a Park kit but it was less than 1/3 of the equiv Park. I don't work on THAT many bikes.
Then it was on to the rear wheel. The tool kit and the whip got the cassette off, and I was able to remove the cassette hub as well. Everything soaked, cleaned and re-lubed. and re-assembled, including the hub bearings. I did NOT attempt to disassemble the cassette hub. Luckily the wheel is close enough to true that I don't need to mess with it.
Now the bottom bracket. The left came off fairly easily but the right, even with a two-foot long breaker bar was a bear to break loose--reverse threads. Found a vid on how to disassemble the bottom bracket cartridge which was very notchy and it's now soaking.
Brake pads are off. The brake cables are all gummed up, but other wise seem to be fine. I may try to salvage them and the casings, but will need new end cable caps. Pads, of course, will be replaced.
Kick stand is off, too.
After the bottom bracket is back, I'll work on the front wheel's hub and bearing.
Steering head bearing seems fine, not at all notchy or tight.
I'll probably cut the chain and soak it...and decide if I must do the same with the shifters.

My goal is to replace only the brake pads and cable tips, and restore everything else.
Not sure what I'll do with it, although I may convert it to an eBike, possibly a rear hub drive rather than a front hub drive. Long ways off, though.
I know this is from a couple of years ago (hard to believe time flew by that fast!), but an update on the Trek is overdue:
Last month we took our youngest up to R.I.T. where he is now a freshman and the Trek went with him. He has a beautiful Cannondale MTB (27 spd, hydraulic brakes and Rock Shock front suspension) but the campus is pretty flat and the Trek is simply worth far less in case it gets stolen. It's a nice bike but it doesn't stand out and he's very happy to have it there. He had a problem with it, and, like his dad, checked out YouTube vids for how to diagnose and fix the problem and was able to fix it himself! The Trek has 21 spds and is serving him well.

I wasn't really sure what to do with it when I found it and the 70's Concord 10spd put out in the trash but couldn't resist taking them on--I thought he might take the Concord but he liked the Trek better. Now we're empty nesters, if you don't count the 4-footed "children" and I'm still getting used to it.
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."

Re: The bicycle thread

714
I just discovered this thread. I bought a Centurion LeMans 12-speed when I was 17 using the first money I had ever earned. Taking the bus to community college required a transfer and about an hour’s time. Riding my bicycle 4-1/2 miles uphill took about 20 minutes. I have been an avid cyclist for the past 43 years. One memorable highlight was a cross country ride from San Francisco to Portland Maine. Shorter days mean that I can’t take the long way home from work. I did bolt my fenders back on for the occasional light California rain. Lights are essential to call attention to my presence away from smartphones.

Re: The bicycle thread

715
MakeItSo wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 10:38 pm I just discovered this thread. I bought a Centurion LeMans 12-speed when I was 17 using the first money I had ever earned. Taking the bus to community college required a transfer and about an hour’s time. Riding my bicycle 4-1/2 miles uphill took about 20 minutes. I have been an avid cyclist for the past 43 years. One memorable highlight was a cross country ride from San Francisco to Portland Maine. Shorter days mean that I can’t take the long way home from work. I did bolt my fenders back on for the occasional light California rain. Lights are essential to call attention to my presence away from smartphones.
I bought a Centurion Elite in 1980, and converted it to twelve-speed soon after. Great bicycle!

As a long-time bicycle commuter, I have opined more than once that the highest, best use of bicycles is personal transportation.

I've been known to pull some crazy loads with a bicycle, too. I've overloaded my Bikes at Work trailer several times! I'll have to find some pictures...
Eventually I'll figure out this signature thing and decide what I want to put here.

Re: The bicycle thread

716
MakeItSo wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 10:38 pm I just discovered this thread. I bought a Centurion LeMans 12-speed when I was 17 using the first money I had ever earned. Taking the bus to community college required a transfer and about an hour’s time. Riding my bicycle 4-1/2 miles uphill took about 20 minutes. I have been an avid cyclist for the past 43 years. One memorable highlight was a cross country ride from San Francisco to Portland Maine. Shorter days mean that I can’t take the long way home from work. I did bolt my fenders back on for the occasional light California rain. Lights are essential to call attention to my presence away from smartphones.
While I never did something as wild as cross-country I did commute to work as a carpenter with a backpack of tools on the Peugeot U-O8 I, like you, purchased at 17 with my summer earnings. That was 1972 and I still have it as an indoor trainer, but it could go on the road in less than 60 seconds. After multiple upgrades it is now a 15 speed. Now, as I'm 68, I use a Motobecane PAS eBike that I upgraded from a 10 speed to 11 speed rear cluster.
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."

Re: The bicycle thread

717
YankeeTarheel wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2023 1:45 pm
MakeItSo wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 10:38 pm I just discovered this thread. I bought a Centurion LeMans 12-speed when I was 17 using the first money I had ever earned. Taking the bus to community college required a transfer and about an hour’s time. Riding my bicycle 4-1/2 miles uphill took about 20 minutes. I have been an avid cyclist for the past 43 years. One memorable highlight was a cross country ride from San Francisco to Portland Maine. Shorter days mean that I can’t take the long way home from work. I did bolt my fenders back on for the occasional light California rain. Lights are essential to call attention to my presence away from smartphones.
While I never did something as wild as cross-country I did commute to work as a carpenter with a backpack of tools on the Peugeot U-O8 I, like you, purchased at 17 with my summer earnings. That was 1972 and I still have it as an indoor trainer, but it could go on the road in less than 60 seconds. After multiple upgrades it is now a 15 speed. Now, as I'm 68, I use a Motobecane PAS eBike that I upgraded from a 10 speed to 11 speed rear cluster.
One of the great things about bicycles is that almost all frames are of the same basic design. You can find components and wheels for 99% of bicycles without too much difficulty. The engines (people) are mostly the same also. I’m 61 and have not thought about e-bikes yet, but I have a growing number of friends in our bike club that are able to ride more because of them.

Re: The bicycle thread

718
I recently purchased another bicycle to use for non-eBike applications that are also not suited to my recumbents. In other words, simple urban applications. Local errands and the like.

I chose a priority 600. For those who don't know, Priority's game is belt drive, meaning instead of a chain, they rely on the Gates belt drive. It works well but precludes any sort of derailleur system. Most of their bikes rely on Internal Gear Hubs (IGH) or the Fallbrook Infenintantly variable transmission hub.

The 600 uses the Pinion gear system that places a motorcycle-like transmission near the crank arms. in theory, this should reduce maintenance needs even more. With that, Hydraulic brakes, and a belt drive, this should be a very low-maintenance bicycle.
"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt. 25:40

Re: The bicycle thread

721
MakeItSo wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:57 pm
YankeeTarheel wrote: Wed Nov 22, 2023 1:45 pm
MakeItSo wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 10:38 pm I just discovered this thread. I bought a Centurion LeMans 12-speed when I was 17 using the first money I had ever earned. Taking the bus to community college required a transfer and about an hour’s time. Riding my bicycle 4-1/2 miles uphill took about 20 minutes. I have been an avid cyclist for the past 43 years. One memorable highlight was a cross country ride from San Francisco to Portland Maine. Shorter days mean that I can’t take the long way home from work. I did bolt my fenders back on for the occasional light California rain. Lights are essential to call attention to my presence away from smartphones.
While I never did something as wild as cross-country I did commute to work as a carpenter with a backpack of tools on the Peugeot U-O8 I, like you, purchased at 17 with my summer earnings. That was 1972 and I still have it as an indoor trainer, but it could go on the road in less than 60 seconds. After multiple upgrades it is now a 15 speed. Now, as I'm 68, I use a Motobecane PAS eBike that I upgraded from a 10 speed to 11 speed rear cluster.
One of the great things about bicycles is that almost all frames are of the same basic design. You can find components and wheels for 99% of bicycles without too much difficulty. The engines (people) are mostly the same also. I’m 61 and have not thought about e-bikes yet, but I have a growing number of friends in our bike club that are able to ride more because of them.
It's very hilly here and my Motobecane 30 speed is a wonderful bike but I've got metal hips and bad knees and had open-heart valve replacement in April, so the eBike allows me to hit harsh hills and manage them. It's still hard work but I can make it up them. But, with eBikes it's not safe to go cheap--you should only have a certified battery, like from Bosch, Shimano, Bafang...and I think there's at least one more. Otherwise, they can catch fire while charging--there are a lot of house and apt fires in NYC because SO many people have them, and many on the cheap.
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."

Re: The bicycle thread

722
Hasaf wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 10:43 am I recently purchased another bicycle to use for non-eBike applications that are also not suited to my recumbents. In other words, simple urban applications. Local errands and the like.

I chose a priority 600. For those who don't know, Priority's game is belt drive, meaning instead of a chain, they rely on the Gates belt drive. It works well but precludes any sort of derailleur system. Most of their bikes rely on Internal Gear Hubs (IGH) or the Fallbrook Infenintantly variable transmission hub.

The 600 uses the Pinion gear system that places a motorcycle-like transmission near the crank arms. in theory, this should reduce maintenance needs even more. With that, Hydraulic brakes, and a belt drive, this should be a very low-maintenance bicycle.
A dozen years or so ago, after riding her Ryan Vanguard (recumbent) to work a fair bit, my wife expressed a desire for a bike she could ride to work in office attire. I found her a Globe Live 3 Mixte. Globe was an offshoot of Specialized (much like Saturn was an offshoot of GM) focused, sort-of, on utility bicycling. The Live series featured a built-on basket mounted to the fork (instead of the handlebars), the Mixte was, of course, a step-through frame design, and the -3 denoted that it came with the Shimano Alfine-8 IGH and belt drive and hydraulic disc brakes. A month or so after she got the bike, I upgraded the front hub to the Alfine dynamo and mounted a headlight under the front basket (handlebar-mounted headlights weren't working for her--the most common load-out got in the way).

It's a great bike, but I don't think she was ever happy with the handling. A couple years later, while working in a different bike shop, I got her a Specialized Vita with disc brakes, and fitted it with fenders and rack and rechargeable lights, and then a Brompton folding bike.

Yeah, I worked in a few different bike shops, and fell prey to the N+1 rule of "how many bikes is the correct number?"

Which recumbents do you have? My first was a Kann Engineering Linear, bought in 1992, followed by a Ryan Vanguard in 1996. I sold the Linear in 2000, about the time I bought a bikeE AT, which in turn got sold to finance the purchase of a RANS V-Rex. The V-Rex got sold to finance the build of a first-generation Bacchetta Strada that I bought as a frame kit and built with (mostly) Campagnolo parts. I eventually bought a third-hand Vanguard for my wife, so that we have a set of them.
Eventually I'll figure out this signature thing and decide what I want to put here.

Re: The bicycle thread

723
BearPaws wrote: Thu Nov 23, 2023 11:56 pm
Yeah, I worked in a few different bike shops, and fell prey to the N+1 rule of "how many bikes is the correct number?"
:roflmao:
Currently 6 bikes in the house. 4 in the garage, one in the basement as a trainer, and one in the front hall behind a screen. The 7th is with my son at college.
2 I found put out as trash and restored, a 70's Concord 10 speed, and an 80's Trek mountain bike--my son took that one.
In the garage is his better mountain bike, my mountain bike, the Concord, and a friend's lady's mountain bike.
The one in the house is my eBike.

Plus two more at our vacation home--a cheap Kent mountain bike and a folding single-speed.

How the HELL did we end up with 9 bicycles??????
"Even if the bee could explain to the fly why pollen is better than shit, the fly could never understand."

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