[Was : Dickhead copper in Sydney] Now - General discussion on various bikes
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
I thought that I'd better move this to a new thread as we seem to have
changed our topic of discussion. Hopefully it will show up as a new post
as I am not very sure how Thunderbird will handle it.
>> Oops, I answered this but to expand, I currently ride a 35(?) y.o 12
>> speed road bike. I also have a 24 speed Malvern mountain bike with a
>> dodgy gear cable, a 21 speed Gemini mounain bike with a buggered rear
>> gear cluster, a 21 speed Huffy mountain bike with a buggered bottom
>> bracket plus several other bikes (I've given up trying to count how
>> many as there are too many loose pieces) in various stages of
>> disrepair. :)
>
> Yeah, it happens. I fell in love with mountain bikes about 20 years ago
> because they let me go places road and racing bikes couldn't.
I should have mentioned that my 35yo bike is a road racer configuration
- drop bars and 700x23 tyres. Obviously this bike does a bit better on
the road than the mountain bikes despite it's shitty 12 speed gearing
(dunno the ratios yet because I am too lazy to look :))
I've only
> had two. My biggest problems were rust.
Most of my bikes have some rust but the degree of rust on them is not
worth worrying about yet.
What rust problems do you have? How severe?
>> Oh yes, the road bike does not handle jumps too well so I try not to
>> partly because the lock ring on the head stem tends to come loose and
>> this can make the jump a bit more exciting than planned. My mountain
>> bikes are OK with jumps (suspension on the front forks are handy) but
>> I am trying to be as good as Danny MacAskill so I think I may need a
>> bit more practice as I can only manage 50 cm curbs at the moment :)
>
> Yeah, for my next one, I'd love suspension on the front forks. As I'm
> getting older, the bone jarring bumps are getting more noticeable.
>
Suspension on the front forks make a huge difference on mountain bikes.
I have changed almost all my mountain bikes over to them. I do not
regret the change. I found a few suspended front forks from throwaway
bikes on the side of the road from council cleanups and even a shitty
suspended front fork makes a big difference :)
As a matter fo comparison, I rode a mate's Cannondale mountain bike
which had suspended front forks and a suspended rear - awesome feeling
when hammering it over bumps and jumps - smooth as anything which allows
more power to be applied to the pedals :)
Of course after everything I have said above, I noticed that Danny
MacAskill in his April 2009 video does not use suspended front forks
although one has to say that he does not ride a mountain bike for the
stuff he was doing :)
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>
> I thought that I'd better move this to a new thread as we seem to have
> changed our topic of discussion. Hopefully it will show up as a new post
> as I am not very sure how Thunderbird will handle it.
Its a new thread.
> > Yeah, it happens. I fell in love with mountain bikes about 20 years ago
> > because they let me go places road and racing bikes couldn't.
>
> I should have mentioned that my 35yo bike is a road racer configuration
> - drop bars and 700x23 tyres. Obviously this bike does a bit better on
> the road than the mountain bikes despite it's shitty 12 speed gearing
> (dunno the ratios yet because I am too lazy to look :))
It can't be that hard. :-)
> I've only
> > had two. My biggest problems were rust.
>
> Most of my bikes have some rust but the degree of rust on them is not
> worth worrying about yet.
>
> What rust problems do you have? How severe?
I used to ride around Botany Bay a lot. They had a cycle/pedestrian track
running along the foreshore very close to the water. After a few short years,
most of the wheels had rust over them. Spokes and rim. Salt in the air isn't
very good. Seems to easily get past the chrome.
I eventually gave both my old bikes away to a work friend. I suggested he
replace the wheels.
> > Yeah, for my next one, I'd love suspension on the front forks. As I'm
> > getting older, the bone jarring bumps are getting more noticeable.
>
> Suspension on the front forks make a huge difference on mountain bikes.
> I have changed almost all my mountain bikes over to them. I do not
> regret the change. I found a few suspended front forks from throwaway
> bikes on the side of the road from council cleanups and even a shitty
> suspended front fork makes a big difference :)
I can imagine. I can really feel some of the bumps now. So much so that I try
and avoid the bigger ones.
> As a matter fo comparison, I rode a mate's Cannondale mountain bike
> which had suspended front forks and a suspended rear - awesome feeling
> when hammering it over bumps and jumps - smooth as anything which allows
> more power to be applied to the pedals :)
Hmmm. They have some unusual single fork bikes!
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/mountain.html
> Of course after everything I have said above, I noticed that Danny
> MacAskill in his April 2009 video does not use suspended front forks
> although one has to say that he does not ride a mountain bike for the
> stuff he was doing :)
When they showed the mountain biking during the Olympics, I used to try and
check out the bikes as closely as possible. However, I watched some women's
mountain biking event on ONE recently. For some reason, I couldn't take my eyes
off the riders. ;-)
--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ipvdBnU8F8
- KRudd at his finest.
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"This is the recession we had to have!"
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"Silly old bugger!"
- Well known ACTU pisspot and sometime Labour prime minister Bob Hawke
responding to a pensioner who dared ask for more.
"By 1990, no child will live in poverty"
- Bob Hawke again, desperate to win another election.
"A billion trees ..."
- Borke, pissed as a newt again.
"Well may we say 'God save the Queen' because nothing will save the governor
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- Garrett the carrott
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> What rust problems do you have? How severe?
>
> I used to ride around Botany Bay a lot. They had a cycle/pedestrian
> track running along the foreshore very close to the water. After a few
> short years, most of the wheels had rust over them. Spokes and rim. Salt
> in the air isn't very good. Seems to easily get past the chrome.
I don't normally have that problem as I ride in all weather conditions
so my bike occassionally gets a wash when it rains :)
> I eventually gave both my old bikes away to a work friend. I suggested
> he replace the wheels.
So what do you ride now?
>> Suspension on the front forks make a huge difference on mountain
>> bikes. I have changed almost all my mountain bikes over to them. I do
>> not regret the change. I found a few suspended front forks from
>> throwaway bikes on the side of the road from council cleanups and even
>> a shitty suspended front fork makes a big difference :)
>
> I can imagine. I can really feel some of the bumps now. So much so that
> I try and avoid the bigger ones.
The way I take the sting out of bumps is to take the weight of the
handle bars, ie hold them very very lightly. A bit dangerous if not done
properly but it does teh job for me.
>> As a matter fo comparison, I rode a mate's Cannondale mountain bike
>> which had suspended front forks and a suspended rear - awesome feeling
>> when hammering it over bumps and jumps - smooth as anything which
>> allows more power to be applied to the pedals :)
>
> Hmmm. They have some unusual single fork bikes!
> http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/mountain.html
Somehow a single fork seems wrong but after some thought I found it
difficult to fault the physics provided the rigidity was there in the
setup. Alternatively it could be that my understanding of physics is all
wrong so that is why I found it difficult to fault. Would be interesting
to hear from someone who has used one of these single fork bikes over an
extended period.
I saw a similar system on a motor bike and it just looked weird - it
looked lopsided. I guess there are advantages in weight savings.
>> Of course after everything I have said above, I noticed that Danny
>> MacAskill in his April 2009 video does not use suspended front forks
>> although one has to say that he does not ride a mountain bike for the
>> stuff he was doing :)
>
> When they showed the mountain biking during the Olympics, I used to try
> and check out the bikes as closely as possible. However, I watched some
> women's mountain biking event on ONE recently. For some reason, I
> couldn't take my eyes off the riders. ;-)
I am sure you were just in awe of their "talents" :)
BT Humble
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
> Somehow a single fork seems wrong but after some thought I found it
> difficult to fault the physics provided the rigidity was there in the
> setup. Alternatively it could be that my understanding of physics is all
> wrong so that is why I found it difficult to fault. Would be interesting
> to hear from someone who has used one of these single fork bikes over an
> extended period.
>
> I saw a similar system on a motor bike and it just looked weird - it
> looked lopsided. I guess there are advantages in weight savings.
You usually see it on the rear, with a single-sided swingarm. It
generally doesn't save any weight over a "traditional" double-sided
setup, because it has to be made much thicker and stronger to handle
the stresses. The savings are in the ease/speed with which the rear
wheel can be changed.
BTH
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>
>>> What rust problems do you have? How severe?
>>
>> I used to ride around Botany Bay a lot. They had a cycle/pedestrian
>> track running along the foreshore very close to the water. After a few
>> short years, most of the wheels had rust over them. Spokes and rim.
>> Salt in the air isn't very good. Seems to easily get past the chrome.
>
> I don't normally have that problem as I ride in all weather conditions
> so my bike occassionally gets a wash when it rains :)
Yes but rain isn't salty like sea water or sea spray. I think that's what caused it.
>> I eventually gave both my old bikes away to a work friend. I suggested
>> he replace the wheels.
>
> So what do you ride now?
Nothing. I've still got an old clunker buried in the back of the garage but its
not fit to ride. I should wander on down to the Bike Barn when I get a chance.
>>> Suspension on the front forks make a huge difference on mountain
>>> bikes. I have changed almost all my mountain bikes over to them. I do
>>> not regret the change. I found a few suspended front forks from
>>> throwaway bikes on the side of the road from council cleanups and
>>> even a shitty suspended front fork makes a big difference :)
>>
>> I can imagine. I can really feel some of the bumps now. So much so
>> that I try and avoid the bigger ones.
>
> The way I take the sting out of bumps is to take the weight of the
> handle bars, ie hold them very very lightly. A bit dangerous if not done
> properly but it does teh job for me.
I remember trying that once years ago. Not a very good idea for me. I nearly
broke my thumb, as best as I can recall.
>>> As a matter fo comparison, I rode a mate's Cannondale mountain bike
>>> which had suspended front forks and a suspended rear - awesome
>>> feeling when hammering it over bumps and jumps - smooth as anything
>>> which allows more power to be applied to the pedals :)
>>
>> Hmmm. They have some unusual single fork bikes!
>> http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/10/cusa/mountain.html
>
> Somehow a single fork seems wrong but after some thought I found it
> difficult to fault the physics provided the rigidity was there in the
> setup. Alternatively it could be that my understanding of physics is all
> wrong so that is why I found it difficult to fault. Would be interesting
> to hear from someone who has used one of these single fork bikes over an
> extended period.
Yes, I'd like to know that too. Looking at it mechanically, it looks OK. Just
odd because its not something I'm used to. Having it on the main stem above the
wheel would probably look better but there's probably not enough room.
> I saw a similar system on a motor bike and it just looked weird - it
> looked lopsided. I guess there are advantages in weight savings.
I haven't seen it on a motor bike yet.
>>> Of course after everything I have said above, I noticed that Danny
>>> MacAskill in his April 2009 video does not use suspended front forks
>>> although one has to say that he does not ride a mountain bike for the
>>> stuff he was doing :)
>>
>> When they showed the mountain biking during the Olympics, I used to
>> try and check out the bikes as closely as possible. However, I watched
>> some women's mountain biking event on ONE recently. For some reason, I
>> couldn't take my eyes off the riders. ;-)
>
> I am sure you were just in awe of their "talents" :)
Er, yes, something like that. (A few years ago, in the US, I got invited to a
golf course where they had a ladies tournament on. Most of them were barely over
20 but their physiques were impressive. Not sure why I never notice that on TV!)
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
Do they ever do it on the seat post? That would seem the obvious location to me
but I'm not aware of a design like that. Perhaps they'd be restrictions because
of the need to adjust the post for a rider's size.
Geoff Lock
Of course, should have recognised that quirk in a single fork setup.
Sometimes the most obvious is so obvious that one is oblivious to it :)
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>
>
>>> I eventually gave both my old bikes away to a work friend. I
>>> suggested he replace the wheels.
>>
>> So what do you ride now?
>
> Nothing. I've still got an old clunker buried in the back of the garage
> but its not fit to ride. I should wander on down to the Bike Barn when I
> get a chance.
Yeah, go get that bike fixed and start pedalling :)
>> The way I take the sting out of bumps is to take the weight of the
>> handle bars, ie hold them very very lightly. A bit dangerous if not
>> done properly but it does teh job for me.
>
> I remember trying that once years ago. Not a very good idea for me. I
> nearly broke my thumb, as best as I can recall.
It does take a bit of practice and even then one can get caught out
sometimes.
>> Somehow a single fork seems wrong but after some thought I found it
>> difficult to fault the physics provided the rigidity was there in the
>> setup. Alternatively it could be that my understanding of physics is
>> all wrong so that is why I found it difficult to fault. Would be
>> interesting to hear from someone who has used one of these single fork
>> bikes over an extended period.
>
> Yes, I'd like to know that too. Looking at it mechanically, it looks OK.
> Just odd because its not something I'm used to. Having it on the main
> stem above the wheel would probably look better but there's probably not
> enough room.
>
>> I saw a similar system on a motor bike and it just looked weird - it
>> looked lopsided. I guess there are advantages in weight savings.
>
> I haven't seen it on a motor bike yet.
I am told they are quite rare and if my memory serves me right, it was a
Yamaha. I'll check it out again when I see me mate this weekend - he's
got it sitting in his lounge room cos he is still fixing it (yes, Gazza
is a strange fellow :) )
>>> When they showed the mountain biking during the Olympics, I used to
>>> try and check out the bikes as closely as possible. However, I
>>> watched some women's mountain biking event on ONE recently. For some
>>> reason, I couldn't take my eyes off the riders. ;-)
>>
>> I am sure you were just in awe of their "talents" :)
>
> Er, yes, something like that. (A few years ago, in the US, I got invited
> to a golf course where they had a ladies tournament on. Most of them
> were barely over 20 but their physiques were impressive. Not sure why I
> never notice that on TV!)
>
I am not into golf but I'd love to be into a good looking 20 y.o chick :)
Zebee Johnstone
Geoff Lock <glock@home> wrote:
> I am told they are quite rare and if my memory serves me right, it was a
> Yamaha. I'll check it out again when I see me mate this weekend - he's
> got it sitting in his lounge room cos he is still fixing it (yes, Gazza
> is a strange fellow :) )
There's the single sided hub steering on the GT1000Yam and the various
Quasars.
There's also the Gilera CX125 which is not hub steering but a more
conventional looking single fork thing. And the one I thought you
were talking about.
Zebee
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>
>>>> I eventually gave both my old bikes away to a work friend. I
>>>> suggested he replace the wheels.
>>>
>>> So what do you ride now?
>>
>> Nothing. I've still got an old clunker buried in the back of the
>> garage but its not fit to ride. I should wander on down to the Bike
>> Barn when I get a chance.
>
> Yeah, go get that bike fixed and start pedalling :)
I'd rather buy a new one. One with some suspension. :)
>>> The way I take the sting out of bumps is to take the weight of the
>>> handle bars, ie hold them very very lightly. A bit dangerous if not
>>> done properly but it does teh job for me.
>>
>> I remember trying that once years ago. Not a very good idea for me. I
>> nearly broke my thumb, as best as I can recall.
>
> It does take a bit of practice and even then one can get caught out
> sometimes.
You won't believe how long it took to ride hands free.
>>> I saw a similar system on a motor bike and it just looked weird - it
>>> looked lopsided. I guess there are advantages in weight savings.
>>
>> I haven't seen it on a motor bike yet.
>
> I am told they are quite rare and if my memory serves me right, it was a
> Yamaha. I'll check it out again when I see me mate this weekend - he's
> got it sitting in his lounge room cos he is still fixing it (yes, Gazza
> is a strange fellow :) )
I've seen stranger things in lounge rooms.
>>>> When they showed the mountain biking during the Olympics, I used to
>>>> try and check out the bikes as closely as possible. However, I
>>>> watched some women's mountain biking event on ONE recently. For some
>>>> reason, I couldn't take my eyes off the riders. ;-)
>>>
>>> I am sure you were just in awe of their "talents" :)
>>
>> Er, yes, something like that. (A few years ago, in the US, I got
>> invited to a golf course where they had a ladies tournament on. Most
>> of them were barely over 20 but their physiques were impressive. Not
>> sure why I never notice that on TV!)
>
> I am not into golf but I'd love to be into a good looking 20 y.o chick :)
The funny thing was they weren't too muscular like some sports women. They
seemed to be just right.
Geoff Lock
Sorry, I am not familiar with motor bikes but I'll check up the models
you mentioned.
At the risk of being off topic, were the bikes you mentioned rare? One
hardly sees/notices single forked motor bikes on the roads so I guess
they are probably somewhat uncommon.
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>
>>> Nothing. I've still got an old clunker buried in the back of the
>>> garage but its not fit to ride. I should wander on down to the Bike
>>> Barn when I get a chance.
>>
>> Yeah, go get that bike fixed and start pedalling :)
>
> I'd rather buy a new one. One with some suspension. :)
An even better idea :)
>>>> The way I take the sting out of bumps is to take the weight of the
>>>> handle bars, ie hold them very very lightly. A bit dangerous if not
>>>> done properly but it does teh job for me.
>>>
>>> I remember trying that once years ago. Not a very good idea for me. I
>>> nearly broke my thumb, as best as I can recall.
>>
>> It does take a bit of practice and even then one can get caught out
>> sometimes.
>
> You won't believe how long it took to ride hands free.
Doesn't help if the bike has wobbly rims either like one of my mountain
bikes :)
>>>> I saw a similar system on a motor bike and it just looked weird - it
>>>> looked lopsided. I guess there are advantages in weight savings.
>>>
>>> I haven't seen it on a motor bike yet.
>>
>> I am told they are quite rare and if my memory serves me right, it was
>> a Yamaha. I'll check it out again when I see me mate this weekend -
>> he's got it sitting in his lounge room cos he is still fixing it (yes,
>> Gazza is a strange fellow :) )
>
> I've seen stranger things in lounge rooms.
I shudder to think :)
>>>>> When they showed the mountain biking during the Olympics, I used to
>>>>> try and check out the bikes as closely as possible. However, I
>>>>> watched some women's mountain biking event on ONE recently. For
>>>>> some reason, I couldn't take my eyes off the riders. ;-)
>>>>
>>>> I am sure you were just in awe of their "talents" :)
>>>
>>> Er, yes, something like that. (A few years ago, in the US, I got
>>> invited to a golf course where they had a ladies tournament on. Most
>>> of them were barely over 20 but their physiques were impressive. Not
>>> sure why I never notice that on TV!)
>>
>> I am not into golf but I'd love to be into a good looking 20 y.o chick :)
>
> The funny thing was they weren't too muscular like some sports women.
> They seemed to be just right.
I sure they would be :)
Zebee Johnstone
Geoff Lock <glock@home> wrote:
> Zebee Johnstone wrote:
>> There's also the Gilera CX125 which is not hub steering but a more
>> conventional looking single fork thing. And the one I thought you
>> were talking about.
>
> Sorry, I am not familiar with motor bikes but I'll check up the models
> you mentioned.
>
> At the risk of being off topic, were the bikes you mentioned rare? One
> hardly sees/notices single forked motor bikes on the roads so I guess
> they are probably somewhat uncommon.
VEry rare because they don't give you much if anything over the
normal method. THey were both ways to deal with the stiction and
twisting problem of telescopic forks but in the Yam's case the extra
weight and the sheer weirdness told against it, in the Gilera's it
was a small manufacturer and so few were built. It was also expensive
to make.
What's not rare is BMW's Telelever front end which does a good job but
is heavier and more expensive to build than standard forks.
Seee http://www.carbibles.com/suspension_bible_bikes.html for diagrams
and explanations about motorcycle suspension. Doesn't talk about hub
centre or the Gilera but does about telelever and duolever.
I dunno if any of these would be useful for bicycles because of the
weight problem. You just don't gain much! Do bicycles have
problems with forks sticking or twisting, enough to affect the
handling?
Zebee
theo
Almost all scooters have a single sided front fork. I can't think of
one that doesn't.
Theo
Dave Hughes
> I dunno if any of these would be useful for bicycles because of the
> weight problem. You just don't gain much! Do bicycles have problems
> with forks sticking or twisting, enough to affect the handling?
No, not if the internals are reasonably well designed. The Lefty goes
back to the original Headshock, where Cannondale decided to put one set
of moving bits between the blades of the fork and the headtube, rather
than a set at the top of each blade. This was done by having a square
section internally with a bunch of roller bearings, so it couldn't really
twist. It worked reasonably well, but needed to be rebuilt very well
during maintenance or it would rip itself to shreds, or at least that's
what friends who had them told me.
Fast forward to the early '00s as fork travel gets longer and that design
just doesn't work for >80mm or so because it results in a ridiculously
long headtube. So Cannondale offset it to one side to overcome that issue,
while still only having one set of moving bits.
I've ridden one (and my wife has one), and they seem to work OK. But it
also seems like a lot of faffing about, particularly when it now needs
tools to pull off the front wheel for transport in a car. This is not an
issue when the bikes go on the back.
--
Dave Hughes - da...@hired-goons.net
O Canada, we stand ready to sit down and discuss our problems in a
civilized fashion for thee. -- wednesday
Zebee Johnstone
theo <theo...@bigpond.com.au> wrote:
>
> Almost all scooters have a single sided front fork. I can't think of
> one that doesn't.
<points at the Mighty Scooter> Upside down conventional telescopics
over here.
Single sided rear yes. Because a scooter is a motor with a wheel at
one end and a bike at the other, but at the front most scooters I've
seen have fairly standard forks.
On the other hand.... Galletto. As you should well know Theo!
Zebee
theo
> In aus.bicycle on Wed, 6 Jan 2010 14:28:47 -0800 (PST)
>
>
> > Almost all scooters have a single sided front fork. I can't think of
> > one that doesn't.
>
> <points at the Mighty Scooter> Upside down conventional telescopics
> over here.
>
> Single sided rear yes. Because a scooter is a motor with a wheel at
> one end and a bike at the other, but at the front most scooters I've
> seen have fairly standard forks.
>
> On the other hand.... Galletto. As you should well know Theo!
Yes. Looking around, it appears that scooters made by motorcycle
manufacturers appear to have twin forks. My memory is mostly of Vespas
which had single forks and still do.
http://www.vespausa.com/scooters.php#/overview/Vespa LX 50
Theo
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>
>>>> Nothing. I've still got an old clunker buried in the back of the
>>>> garage but its not fit to ride. I should wander on down to the Bike
>>>> Barn when I get a chance.
>>>
>>> Yeah, go get that bike fixed and start pedalling :)
>>
>> I'd rather buy a new one. One with some suspension. :)
>
> An even better idea :)
Went past the bike shop on the bus today. Its actually called the Bike Bug. Not
sure where I got Bike Barn from (there was a place called that in Parramatta a
few years ago). The shop has new signage so its probably a recent change.
>>>>> The way I take the sting out of bumps is to take the weight of the
>>>>> handle bars, ie hold them very very lightly. A bit dangerous if not
>>>>> done properly but it does teh job for me.
>>>>
>>>> I remember trying that once years ago. Not a very good idea for me.
>>>> I nearly broke my thumb, as best as I can recall.
>>>
>>> It does take a bit of practice and even then one can get caught out
>>> sometimes.
>>
>> You won't believe how long it took to ride hands free.
>
> Doesn't help if the bike has wobbly rims either like one of my mountain
> bikes :)
I eventually did it on a long, flat stretch of road. Afterwards, I used to
wonder why I was so jittery about it before. I think stiffer steering helps.
When I first used to try, I'd let go and the steering seemed to have a mind of
its own. So I'd panic and garb the handlebars quickly. I had a friend who could
do wheelies on my bikes (I used to lend him one and we'd ride together). But I
could never master it.
>>>>> I saw a similar system on a motor bike and it just looked weird -
>>>>> it looked lopsided. I guess there are advantages in weight savings.
>>>>
>>>> I haven't seen it on a motor bike yet.
>>>
>>> I am told they are quite rare and if my memory serves me right, it
>>> was a Yamaha. I'll check it out again when I see me mate this weekend
>>> - he's got it sitting in his lounge room cos he is still fixing it
>>> (yes, Gazza is a strange fellow :) )
>>
>> I've seen stranger things in lounge rooms.
>
> I shudder to think :)
How many times have you seen cars in lounge rooms on the TV news? ;-)
>>>>>> When they showed the mountain biking during the Olympics, I used
>>>>>> to try and check out the bikes as closely as possible. However, I
>>>>>> watched some women's mountain biking event on ONE recently. For
>>>>>> some reason, I couldn't take my eyes off the riders. ;-)
>>>>>
>>>>> I am sure you were just in awe of their "talents" :)
>>>>
>>>> Er, yes, something like that. (A few years ago, in the US, I got
>>>> invited to a golf course where they had a ladies tournament on. Most
>>>> of them were barely over 20 but their physiques were impressive. Not
>>>> sure why I never notice that on TV!)
>>>
>>> I am not into golf but I'd love to be into a good looking 20 y.o
>>> chick :)
>>
>> The funny thing was they weren't too muscular like some sports women.
>> They seemed to be just right.
>
> I sure they would be :)
I should have asked them if they could show me their swing! :-)
John Pitts
> Seee http://www.carbibles.com/suspension_bible_bikes.html for diagrams
> and explanations about motorcycle suspension. Doesn't talk about hub
> centre or the Gilera but does about telelever and duolever.
It may not be relevant to bicycles, but it's a great read. Thanks for
the link Zebee!
--
John
"Bother," said the Borg. "We've assimilated Pooh!"
Geoff Lock
> Geoff Lock wrote:
>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>
>>>>> Nothing. I've still got an old clunker buried in the back of the
>>>>> garage but its not fit to ride. I should wander on down to the Bike
>>>>> Barn when I get a chance.
>>>>
>>>> Yeah, go get that bike fixed and start pedalling :)
>>>
>>> I'd rather buy a new one. One with some suspension. :)
>>
>> An even better idea :)
>
> Went past the bike shop on the bus today. Its actually called the Bike
> Bug. Not sure where I got Bike Barn from (there was a place called that
> in Parramatta a few years ago). The shop has new signage so its probably
> a recent change.
Well, as long as they still sell bicycles, you'll be right :)
>>> You won't believe how long it took to ride hands free.
>>
>> Doesn't help if the bike has wobbly rims either like one of my
>> mountain bikes :)
>
> I eventually did it on a long, flat stretch of road. Afterwards, I used
> to wonder why I was so jittery about it before. I think stiffer steering
> helps. When I first used to try, I'd let go and the steering seemed to
> have a mind of its own. So I'd panic and garb the handlebars quickly. I
> had a friend who could do wheelies on my bikes (I used to lend him one
> and we'd ride together). But I could never master it.
Can't do wheelies yet. Going to setup a small ramp to try jumping though
- Danny MacAskill has a lot to answer for :)
>>>> I am told they are quite rare and if my memory serves me right, it
>>>> was a Yamaha. I'll check it out again when I see me mate this
>>>> weekend - he's got it sitting in his lounge room cos he is still
>>>> fixing it (yes, Gazza is a strange fellow :) )
>>>
>>> I've seen stranger things in lounge rooms.
>>
>> I shudder to think :)
>
> How many times have you seen cars in lounge rooms on the TV news? ;-)
Bloody hell! Now that is what I call keen!
>>>> I am not into golf but I'd love to be into a good looking 20 y.o
>>>> chick :)
>>>
>>> The funny thing was they weren't too muscular like some sports women.
>>> They seemed to be just right.
>>
>> I sure they would be :)
>
> I should have asked them if they could show me their swing! :-)
Yeah :)
Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF
> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>>>>>> Geoff Lock wrote:
>>>>>>>>> Dr. Sir John Howard, AC, WSCMoF > wrote:
>>>
>>>>>> Nothing. I've still got an old clunker buried in the back of the
>>>>>> garage but its not fit to ride. I should wander on down to the
>>>>>> Bike Barn when I get a chance.
>>>>>
>>>>> Yeah, go get that bike fixed and start pedalling :)
>>>>
>>>> I'd rather buy a new one. One with some suspension. :)
>>>
>>> An even better idea :)
>>
>> Went past the bike shop on the bus today. Its actually called the Bike
>> Bug. Not sure where I got Bike Barn from (there was a place called
>> that in Parramatta a few years ago). The shop has new signage so its
>> probably a recent change.
>
> Well, as long as they still sell bicycles, you'll be right :)
I really need to go in there one day.
>>>> You won't believe how long it took to ride hands free.
>>>
>>> Doesn't help if the bike has wobbly rims either like one of my
>>> mountain bikes :)
>>
>> I eventually did it on a long, flat stretch of road. Afterwards, I
>> used to wonder why I was so jittery about it before. I think stiffer
>> steering helps. When I first used to try, I'd let go and the steering
>> seemed to have a mind of its own. So I'd panic and garb the handlebars
>> quickly. I had a friend who could do wheelies on my bikes (I used to
>> lend him one and we'd ride together). But I could never master it.
>
> Can't do wheelies yet. Going to setup a small ramp to try jumping though
> - Danny MacAskill has a lot to answer for :)
LOL!
>>>>> I am told they are quite rare and if my memory serves me right, it
>>>>> was a Yamaha. I'll check it out again when I see me mate this
>>>>> weekend - he's got it sitting in his lounge room cos he is still
>>>>> fixing it (yes, Gazza is a strange fellow :) )
>>>>
>>>> I've seen stranger things in lounge rooms.
>>>
>>> I shudder to think :)
>>
>> How many times have you seen cars in lounge rooms on the TV news? ;-)
>
> Bloody hell! Now that is what I call keen!
Very. Some drive them into bedrooms too. Even saw one that made it onto the
second floor!
>>>>> I am not into golf but I'd love to be into a good looking 20 y.o
>>>>> chick :)
>>>>
>>>> The funny thing was they weren't too muscular like some sports
>>>> women. They seemed to be just right.
>>>
>>> I sure they would be :)
>>
>> I should have asked them if they could show me their swing! :-)
>
> Yeah :)
--