What's your winter project?

[ascpgh]

Riding, besides my commutes, get a bit scant from here on out through winter. The season, the holidays, more deliberate prep for a trip in the conditions, plenty of things distract from just a nice ride but I realize that at this time every year I always seem to contemplate a bike project to go with the anticipated springtime, fruition or not. It's biking fun for the extra bandwidth.

My project is a low trail, 650b wheeled, all-around bike made with a lively tube set (versus sturdy for touring) with drop bars, center pull brakes, generator hub, LED lighting. All on a budget recognizing the value of experience, unlike the box bike/mass market interpretation, handmade wheels versus machine made ones as an example. I am reading and including many posting subjects and items in this project and admit that may not reach reality, but it's fun to have on the drawing board.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[Eric Daume]

I'm doing a 650B conversion of my '83 Trek 620, too much reading BQ, I guess. Parts are already on the way.

I'm also thinking about ordering a custom Chinese titanium 29+ frame.

Eric

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Matthew J]

Finally going to try out a kick back hub for an urban porteur.  Should be on the streets around February.  

[Tim Gavin]

A friend will braze on some rack and fender mounts (I will supervise and hold his beer) to my Schwinn KOM.  Then I'm going to get the frame powder-coated; I'm thinking clear coat to show off the lugs, maybe with a light metal flake.

I'm also going to spread the rear to 135 mm from 130, and replace the vintage 6-speed Uniglide wheels with some newer 8-speed ones.

--

[Will]

General maintenance is my project. I finished refitting my son's 1983 Trek 613. It now has bar-ends, better fenders, an Altus rear der. (very nice), Riv's bolt-on brakes (also very nice), a new Top-Line rear light to replace an older B&M model, and a B&M eyc (from Riv) for the front. It's an old-style sport-touring setup and he commutes with it. The dyno is a Shimano pre-built (from Harris) that's been running well for 3 years. He rides with lights on all the time. Also got him one of the Riv safety triangles. My son has been reticent with safety issues, like using helmets, but the Riv triangle changed all of that. He reports that cars now give him a lot of extra space when passing and he will no longer ride without the triangle. So this became a must-have for the family. We all ride with Riv triangles now.

I added Tubus Logo Evo racks to our two mixtes (the TouringSore.com), put Top-Line (battery) rear lights on them, and roll-top hi-viz panniers. The set-up is great. I don't think many realize that Tubus, B&M, and Ortlieb are co-designed. It's a profoundly impressive system. The lights are seriously good, the racks are seriously good, and the panniers attach/detach in seconds. I purchased Cygo Streaks for the mixtes from Riv. If you are looking for a great light that is simple to install and rather bright, and don't want to invest in a dynamo, these are definitely the ticket. They are cheap for the light they provide. Also added Riv's IRD thumbies to one of the mixtes, the other has the legendary Command units. The IRD thumbies are great. Like them more than bar-ends.

Current project on the stand is #2 son's bike. I bought Riv's tektro cantis to replace some older cantis that are shot. Will also rework the drive train with an Altus, and a front der. to be determined.

General thoughts: Riv's recommended parts never disappoint. The brakes and Cygos are great. The Altus is great. I do prefer the Tubus system to the Nitto rack-and-seat-bag system. But then... we park the bikes at public racks and easy on-off baggage is necessary for theft prevention.

If the Tooth-Fairy dropped a pile of moolah on us. I think we'd all ride Riv-spec'd dynamo Cheviots with Tubus racks and Ortleib or Arkel panniers. That would be the supreme do-all bike.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 4:37:11 AM UTC-6, ascpgh wrote:

[Toby Whitfield]

I am doing the same conversion! The 1983 Trek 620 is the last sport touring model year with side pull calipers, as far as I can tell. It is a nice frame, with decent clearance, though it looks like only 38mm tires with fenders will fit. I am still thinking about the wheels. I have some Mafac Raids and the rest of the parts.

My other winter project is building up a Betty Foy for my wife. It just arrived yesterday. That might happen before the Trek. It is a really nice frame, though there are a couple of paint imperfections that I was disappointed with. One is on the heart cutout detail at the top of the seat tube, so very noticeable. Oh well - it was one of the sale frames and really very nice overall.

I have figured out everything for the Betty Foy build except for the cranks. I have a sugino AT that would work well, but I was trying to work out chainring selection. I like the wide low double with chain guard that Riv sells, but can't find a chain guard for the 45 big ring size.

Toby
Toronto

[George Schick]

One major project this Winter is to jump into the ring with a @#$%& crankset/BB overhaul, or changeout, or maybe a combination of the two.  If anything in the world could use a bit of "standardization" it would be this business of trying to match up BB spindle tapers and length with "said" requirements for them published by those who pedal (no pun intended) various cranksets.  On top of all that, I'm done with these so-called "self extracting" fixing bolts and going back to a good old crank puller that actually works.

Enough of that rant - the next project will be to "boil" a piece of leather and let it dry on a cylindrical surface in order to shape it into a nicely curved mud flap.  In order to keep in that way, I'm thinking of shellacking the tire side of the flap.  Anyone know how well shellac works with leather?

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 4:37:11 AM UTC-6, ascpgh wrote:

[Kieran J]

I hate threads like this. They get me scheming about projects I shouldn't even to begin to consider taking on.

KJ

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 5:37:11 AM UTC-5, ascpgh wrote:

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

If you do try a kickback, I’d urge you to use one without a coaster brake – on my MB-2 Resurrectio, I used a 2-speed Sturmey Archer kickback with a coaster brake, and the braking results in shifting when I don’t want it to.  Otherwise I like the kickback hub a lot.

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ****************************************************

This email (and any attachments thereto) is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email (and any attachments thereto) is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error please immediately notify me at (212) 735-3000 and permanently delete the original email (and any copy of any email) and any printout thereof.

Further information about the firm, a list of the Partners and their professional qualifications will be provided upon request.
****************************************************
==============================================================================

[Matthew J]

> If you do try a kickback, I’d urge you to use one without a coaster brake – on my MB-2 Resurrectio, I used a 2-speed Sturmey Archer kickback with a coaster brake, and the braking results in > shifting when I don’t want it to.  Otherwise I like the kickback hub a lot.

Definitely a concern.  I sourced a Czech hub which is supposedly better than the other options out there.  Definitely better looking.  Will see how it works. 

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 10:21:02 AM UTC-6, Pudge wrote:

If you do try a kickback, I’d urge you to use one without a coaster brake – on my MB-2 Resurrectio, I used a 2-speed Sturmey Archer kickback with a coaster brake, and the braking results in shifting when I don’t want it to.  Otherwise I like the kickback hub a lot.

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Matthew J
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 9:28 AM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [RBW] Re: What's your winter project?

 

Finally going to try out a kick back hub for an urban porteur.  Should be on the streets around February.  

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 4:37:11 AM UTC-6, ascpgh wrote:

Riding, besides my commutes, get a bit scant from here on out through winter. The season, the holidays, more deliberate prep for a trip in the conditions, plenty of things distract from just a nice ride but I realize that at this time every year I always seem to contemplate a bike project to go with the anticipated springtime, fruition or not. It's biking fun for the extra bandwidth.

 

My project is a low trail, 650b wheeled, all-around bike made with a lively tube set (versus sturdy for touring) with drop bars, center pull brakes, generator hub, LED lighting. All on a budget recognizing the value of experience, unlike the box bike/mass market interpretation, handmade wheels versus machine made ones as an example. I am reading and including many posting subjects and items in this project and admit that may not reach reality, but it's fun to have on the drawing board.

 

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-own...@googlegroups.com.

Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[RoadieRyan]

Finishing a rebuild project - 1970s Torpado Alpha that has been dissembled for going on two months.  Need to clean and wax frame, rebuild the main bearings, clean up the components and then reassemble with new parts.   I find once I get going on the bearings the project starts to gather momentum.  http://ryansrebuilds.blogspot.com/ 

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

1.  Another mixte rebuild for a charity auction.  This one is a Fuji Royale mixte (from, I think, 1981); quite a nice frame, repainted by Bruce at the Color Factory a tasteful Taxicab Yellow.  It will get the same build as in past years – 3-speed Sturmey drum brake rear and Sturmey drum brake front, laced to Ghisallo wooden rims in 650B, upright bars, and some kind of fancy chainguard and basket.  These builds have enough whiz-bang to them that they fetch good bids, and sometimes bidding wars.  And I have the problems worked out with these builds, so other than lacing the wheels, they don’t take me too long.

 

2.  Finish the build on my S&S coupled Saluki, and get comfortable packing and unpacking it.

 

3.  I have two bikes that have been off the road for minor repairs or updates for nearly a year – time to get to them this winter.  My Bombadil gets a new Luxos set-up, and some new grips.  The Mystery Bike took a fall, and needs a new cork grip; while I’m at it I’ll change the brake levers and install a basket on the Mark’s rack. 

 

4.  The downtube shifter thread has me curious – I’ve never ridden a downtube shifter-equipped bike.  So an old and somewhat beat-up but perfectly sound Gitane Tour de France with downtubers will move up in the queue – good to have a beater road bike, and it’s a snazzy purple color with foil decals, so, hey!

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Matthew J
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2014 9:28 AM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [RBW] Re: What's your winter project?

 

Finally going to try out a kick back hub for an urban porteur.  Should be on the streets around February.  

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.

Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Patrick Moore]

Eric: please report on the Chinese made 29er frame.

Matthew: Ditto on the kickback. 

I keep mulling the alternatives of a S3X, a kickback, or a serendipitous TF find for extra wheels for my Rivendell fixies. 

With a kickback, incidentally, I'd want the coaster model, since I don't want to have to install a rear caliper on the fixies. I think.

My own winter "project" is to finally get around to installing the new Berthouds on the Riv commuter. Maybe even this afternoon!

[Kyle Brooks]

I also have been planning a Trek 620 project -- though mine is a 1984 model, with canti brakes. I was just starting to pick up some parts for it (I got it as a frame and fork alone) when my water heater ruptured. That plus a fairly large car repair bill may have put the project on hold, unfortunately.

Kyle Brooks

Akron, OH

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 5:37:11 AM UTC-5, ascpgh wrote:

[cyclot...@gmail.com]

Right now I'm most of the way through converting our Trek T200 Tandem from drop bars to uprights. It's an eight speed w/ Sachs brifters, and I'm moving to Albatross with thumbshifters and MTB brake levers up front, and a Dove bar in the back. Building it with used parts from the parts bin, this list (thanks!), and ebay. I've already rode around the block a bit and it's a GREAT improvement in an already good tandem. Working on getting some Boscos which would give me a bit more bar height, but pretty happy with the Albas from the short bit I tried.

The other winter project is to actually ride the thing with my stoker!!!

[Philip Williamson]

I'm putting my Gravel Roadster back together. It has a taller Brooks saddle, and I may put longer cranks and VP-001s on it, to get the seatpost "min insertion" line back inside the frame. 

Or give it to the child. 

Philip

www.biketinker.com

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 2:37:11 AM UTC-8, ascpgh wrote:

[RJM]

This winter I am going to rebuild my 1996 Specialized Stumpjumper so that means I am going to buy a new suspension fork, some tires, maybe some shifters for it...I think I have the rest.

I'm going to be selling my Sam Hillborne since I bought a sweet dual suspension mountain bike and kinda need the space. So that means taking that apart or at least taking some of the racks, bags, lights ect. off it.  I'm also going to be selling many of my other frames and parts I have laying around collecting dust. Time to clean out the house and have this stuff go to someone who will use it. I'm not really doing anymore touring or commuting anymore, and that was really what I set the Hillborne up as after getting the Roadeo built to be my go fast bike.

With the money from all that selling I am going to be buying a Hunqapillar or get a custom mountain mixte made by Riv. Probably will go the Hunq route.....although I could be talked into a Bombadil. Either way, it's going to be a fine trail bike without suspension.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 4:37:11 AM UTC-6, ascpgh wrote:

[Patrick Moore]

Damned household expenses get in the way of bike expenditure, don't they?

Me, my problem is insufficient income. (Well, and my promise to my daughter that I will redecorate her bedroom -- new (modest) furniture -- before she goes off to college -- she's 13.)

[Deacon Patrick]

Riding, running, and snowshoeing as much as I can, and new brakes for the Quickbeam from Saint Nicholas to aid my Quickbeam single track tomfoolery. Grin. 

[William deRosset]

Hi, All,

Personal maintenance. I usually gain 10lb over the winter. Given my off year last year and my whiplash injury the year prior, I never got on top of the bike this year. This winter, I'm aiming to drop a few pounds (that's just under a stone) and do some core/neck work to rebalance my body. It is a three-month project, minimum. I'm looking forward to a lighter spring.

I'd also like to have a bike-ectomy, passing along machines I'm not using to liberate space in my home. I'm pretty excited by mechanical objects (watches, cameras, bikes, cars) and need to remind myself that it ain't about the physical object, but about the experiences we derive from them. I can only fool myself that a René Herse is a fundamentally different experience than a Schwinn World at the end of the day.

Best,

Will

William M. deRosset

Fort Collins, CO

[Steve Palincsar]

On 12/18/2014 11:12 PM, William deRosset wrote:
>
> I'd also like to have a bike-ectomy, passing along machines I'm not
> using to liberate space in my home. I'm pretty excited by mechanical
> objects (watches, cameras, bikes, cars) and need to remind myself that
> it ain't about the physical object, but about the experiences we
> derive from them. I can only fool myself that a René Herse is a
> fundamentally different experience than a Schwinn World at the end of
> the day.
>

Sure it is, unless you're willing to go along with the notion that no
matter what the food is, all eating is fundamentally the same
experience: biting, chewing, swallowing, digesting, excreting.

[lungimsam]

I very much appreciate that, on their web page, Boulder Bikes states:

"We love lugged frames, but all the love in the world doesn't enable them to actually ride better or faster. So the reality is that a $1,435 Tig Boulder Bicycle frame will perform just as well on the road as one of our $6,000 Rene Herse frames.".

[Matthew J]

Tig welding and lugs are methods or joining tubes.  If the tubes and angles are the same as long as the joining is done well it will not make much difference on ride and handling.

An old Schwinn World, massed produced and designed for the lowest common denominator is not going to have the optimal tubing, client appropriate angles, and properly placed braze on as a Rene Herse.

[Steve Palincsar]

On 12/21/2014 08:25 AM, Matthew J wrote:

Tig welding and lugs are methods or joining tubes.  If the tubes and angles are the same as long as the joining is done well it will not make much difference on ride and handling.

The choice of tubes, dimensions and angles -- those are important.  And in the example below, the Boulder frame can have those choices optimized for the owner, just as is the case with the Herse frames.  And that's absolutely not the case for mass produced, lowest common denominator frames.  Those Boulder frames are really nice.

[Tony DeFilippo]

Lots of projects lined up in the garage... it's been an odd Fall and start to winter for me as I never really got back in a rhythm after my accident back in August.  So several projects languished for one reason or another.  In any case here they are;

0. Get back to regular commuting and recreational riding.  Winter be damned!  My XO-3 is set w/ fenders and studded tires and the drop-bar'd Bomba is such a sweet riding machine, no excuses!  

1. Re-build the Saluki.  My new fork from Riv is in, it took longer and was 30% more expensive than was quoted but at least that part is done.  Next step is the fun part... re-paint.  I'm going w/ a powdercoat from Groody Bros after being blown away w/ the quality on a project I'm finishing up for my Mom.  It's most likely going to be british racing green and cream very similar to it's original 'corvette green' but not quite so bright.  The build itself will be interesting as many of the Saluki's old parts have migrated to the XO-3 and Bomba.  At this point my aim is to set it up as my primary commuter, 1x8 w/ WI Eno crank, Paul stoplight canti brakes, Alba or noodle - noodle or alba...., hetre's w/ dyno front lighting... I'm looking forward to the 're-birth'!

2. Get rid of some random frames.  I've now got three sweet steel frames hanging out that need either new homes or new purpose, so I may try building them up to move rather than my current/previous strategy of frame/fork only.  The two vintage Trek's, a 64cm '82 and 61cm '81 are both 531c main triangles with great lines and then the unmarked but purportedly Bob Jackson frame is probably a 61-62.  I've got the parts on hand to make either Trek a 700C stripped down fixed gear so I think i'll go that route soon, maybe in my time off for Xmas.  The Jackson is the most intriguing as it's super light, i've already slid on some 650B wheels w/ Hetre's and they fit...  38's would be better.  I'm contemplating a minimalist, Roadeo inspired build for that one.  I've been stalking some 120mm OLD hub and wheelsets on the auction site, not that I'm set on a vintage-correct build but I like building up wheels.

3. Tweak the Tandem.  The Burley Bossa Nova got some decent usage this year, never as much as I'd like but last years winter/spring project was a definite success.  I've got some Paul Mini-Moto's that have been waiting to be mounted for several months now, no excuses... need to do that.  Also need a rack solution especially up front.  The real project here is 700C wheels for the beast, the hub's on there are in ok shape, not sexy of course but I could just buy some 700C rims, new spokes and build away. I think I could fit 35-38mm tires which would make this bike a legit C&O ride for my wife and I.  Two wheel build's are unlikely due to time and budget though so between this and the Jackson it'll probably be based on which one I find a compelling part (or price) for first.

4. Try out the Bullmoose Bars.  My amazing Bomba came from lister Tom w/ the truly large and unique bullmoose bars, I only road the frame once around the block in that configuration before switching to noodles which I in no way regret.  I found that first ride pretty odd and uncomfortable to be honest but I definitely didn't give it an adequate test.  So I want to make that happen, perhaps back on the Bomba or maybe on a random '80s MTB frame (a new one of those showed up same day as the Jackson).  We'll see, should be fun and if I confirm my initial reaction you'll be seeing some Bullmoose Bar's available in the Spring! 

5. Overhaul my wife's Townie.  My very first bike build project is my wife's 1970ish Motobecane Mirage Mixte in pale yellow.  Sweet looking bike, I 650B converted it gave it upright bars, a Brooks B67S, VO fenders and a basket.  She loves the bike and it usually gets alot of attention out and about.  I kept the original drive train for the most part and the long reach brake situation was never ideal.  I want to replace the wheels/drivetrain/brakes with a front and rear, drum brake/dyno/3spd IGH setup... probably SA.  That with some new more albatross-y bars and I think it goes from an 80% bike to a 99% bike.

6. General shop cleanout.  It's a mess really, and it's not crowded with tons of really great stuff either.  I need to consolidate, make some co-op donations and move on from a pile of stuff that is crowding my garage.  With the Bomba, Saluki and XO-3 I'm not really eyeing a major acquisition any time soon.  Anything new would either be wildly different (fatbike) or a direct replacement of one of those three  with the ability to swap parts that are on the bike.  Bottom line is that with 3-4 personal bikes, the tandem, and a couple bikes for my wife if a part isn't on one of those bikes it needs to be pretty special to hang out in a bin for another season.  We'll see how I do w/ this one.

Good exercise, I love making lists!  :)

Tony

[Montclair BobbyB]

Oh boy... too many to list (or to complete... I must be pipe-dreaming)... At least at the top of the list are:

- Assemble a recent score ('83 Specialized Expedition - have parts!!); Outfit for loaded touring

- Build up 1980 Raleigh Competition (have all orig parts except wheels - building set of 700c wheels)

- Restore Ross Mt Whitney mountain bike ('84 chrome beauty)

- Experimental retro-styling of a '85 chrome Mongoose ATB (this will be funky)

- Leave room for snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountain biking, hiking... etc... As much outdoor stuff to ward off any hint of cabin fever!!!

Ah, Winter... 

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 5:37:11 AM UTC-5, ascpgh wrote:

[John L]

Paying someone to undo all the harm I wrought in my summer projects.

[franklyn]

I have neglected my bikes and not ridden very much the last 6 months. I have a pile of projects:

1. building a dynamo hub wheel for my 650b ebisu. The old synergy 36h wheel was permanently repurposed for my rSogn. I have A23 rim, SON20r hub, and 32 spokes ready to go. I also have new EL Hetres and XTR Ti 8-speed cassettes ready to mount to the wheelset (the rear wheel is a 9-speed dura ace hub with matching rim). A new front LED light is on its way also. Currently the Ebisu has Magnic light on it, but those will move to a different bike. I am getting ready for the brevet season!

2. Change the cantilever brakes on the rSogn to V-brakes. While I never had problem with canti squealing on my other bikes, this bike with canti has given me a lot of problems. I have decided to move to V-brakes to get a little more braking power and quiet it down. I have two other bikes in my stable already using V brakes

3. Replace worn brake pads and tires, if needed on all bikes as we have had some serious rain (and hope to have more) in the Bay Area after 3 years of dry winters.

4. Clean all my bikes.

Hope I will be able to get to all the projects!

Franklyn

Berkeley, CA

[Anton Tutter]

During the winter I pretty much go into hibernation from bicycle riding adventures, and my only time on the bike is my daily commute and after-work errands.  This give me plenty of time to ponder and execute changes to my fleet. Currently I have a few projects, at various stages of completion:

1) Finish building my Jeff Lyon L'Avecaise.  This has taken too long. I received the frame in June!  But after receiving it I took my time while I accumulated some parts for it and eventually decided I wanted a custom stem, so I'm waiting on that. Otherwise, it's about 85% complete.

2) Re-envision my Rawland Stag.  It's waiting for a new Jeff Lyon fork to replace the original overly stout one, and I want to make it into a minimalist all-terrain bike, and try out the Soma Cazadero or the new 650B Rock N Roads.

3) Upgrade the whole family to dynamo lighting. I'm tired of having family members riding in the dark without lights because batteries went dead. I'm collecting from broken dynamo lights from list members and repairing them to a functional state to put on everyone's bike.  My wife's will also get a generator hub, so I will have at least one wheel to build this winter.

4) I have a collaboration going with a frame builder for a bike accessory that we're in the middle of prototyping.  I can't say more at this point, but I'm really excited about it.  My winter commute will be the perfect proving ground for the prototype.

So that's my list, at least as it pertains to bikes!  I also have some non-bikey projects lined up, like upgrading some of the plumbing and electrical in my house.

Anton

[sameness]

'80-something Diamond Back Apex. Drop bar 26" commuter. Rollercam!

Proud to say that the frame and 90% of the parts have been cobbled together via the fine folks here and at the iBOB group.

The drivetrain is basically that of an '89 Specialized Rock Combo, i.e Suntour XC 6000, Specialized Dirt Drops and white on black GPX aero levers. Definitely some Cinelli splash in its future.

Just gotta build the wheels, something I've never done before. Thinkin' CR18s.

At this rate, I should be done by 2019.

Jeff Hagedorn
Los Angeles, CA USA

[Rod Holland]

Aside from a bit of winter riding (aside from snow shoveling, my only winter sport)...

Work with my LBS to build up a Rawland Nordavinden framset.

Practice breaking down, packing, unpacking, and reassembling my S and S coupled travel bike until I get the process down well enough to actually travel with it without second thoughts.

rod

[Beth H]

If I can really get it together -- AND the winter here stays balmy enough for my tools not to hurt when I pick them up in an uninsulated workspace! -- then the most ambitious thing I've got planned is to tear down and fully overhaul my '99 All-Rounder, which hasn't had bearings re-done since something like 2007. To be fair, wheels and BB are sealed bearings, so it would just be a matter of installing fresh bearings in the hubs and checking my basic Shimano BB to see if it needs replacing (which it probably does, as I average 2,500-2,700 miles a year on this thing). The Ultegra headset that came with this frame (used) still rolls nicely and feels good, but I'll probably open it up anyway to clean it and put in some fresh grease.

It's nice to have a basically trouble-free and reliable bicycle to ride every day, ya know?

Beth in PDX

[Geoffrey]

First goal is to sell the absolutely cherry Specialized Sequoia I have.  It's up on the ebay right now.

Next is to do some work on a 62cm old school 1985 or 1986 Mongoose Chrome MTN Bike.  I gave it to my bro but I'm going to rebuild the head set, the BB and rebuild the very cool Araya wheel set.  These are the ones with big holes in the rims, you can see the rim strip.  The galv. spokes have rusted so I'm going to rebuild with some nice SS spokes.  I'm considering getting the rims polished just because.  

Then, lastly, not really a project but I'm going to order a bike friday Triple.

[Dan McNamara]

A couple of small projects. 

Continue on the garage cleanout - too many bits for projects that are never going to happen.

Try to straighten out front shifting on a bike with the Suntour XCD 50.4 BCD cranket. Just not working yet.

Get some riding in!

Dan in Marin

--

[Ted Shwartz]

On the Quickbeam, New Bar tape, twine and shellac (just do at least every 10 years)

New Rando bike

[Michael Hechmer]

I did this conversion on a 1984 Trek 620 and have absolutely loved it.  I always loved the way the bike rode but wanted more tire clearance.  Mine is set up as a travel bike with S&S couplers and pari-moto tires.  It is responsive, comfortable, and just plane fun to ride.  The '84 has the exact same frame but with canti brakes.  I had to move the studs, so adding the couplers and repainting seemed like a good idea.  The '83 conversion should be much easier.

Michael

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 10:01:21 AM UTC-5, Toby Whitfield wrote:

I am doing the same conversion! The 1983 Trek 620 is the last sport touring model year with side pull calipers, as far as I can tell. It is a nice frame, with decent clearance, though it looks like only 38mm tires with fenders will fit. I am still thinking about the wheels. I have some Mafac Raids and the rest of the parts.

My other winter project is building up a Betty Foy for my wife. It just arrived yesterday. That might happen before the Trek. It is a really nice frame, though there are a couple of paint imperfections that I was disappointed with. One is on the heart cutout detail at the top of the seat tube, so very noticeable. Oh well - it was one of the sale frames and really very nice overall.

I have figured out everything for the Betty Foy build except for the cranks. I have a sugino AT that would work well, but I was trying to work out chainring selection. I like the wide low double with chain guard that Riv sells, but can't find a chain guard for the 45 big ring size.

Toby
Toronto

[Michael Hechmer]

No bike projects this winter, but three very fun things lined up.

First, teach my grandson to swim.  He's four years old and up till last Oct., he was quite afraid of water.  We go swimming together once a week and now he paddles around the whole pool inside his "turtle" raft.  Last week I got him jumping off the side toward me; it was his first experience of having his head under water.  He froze for 30 seconds then decided it was OK.  We are having lots of fun.

Second, build 14 feet of cabinets into the eaves of my loft/office.  I like to work with left over small pieces of wood and disassembled old furniture, so every project is as much like quilting as it is like woodworking.  These pieces will be cherry and birds-eye maple.

Third, study Spanish.  My wife and I will go to Oaxaca from mid-March to mid-April.  We have rented an apartment there.  It should be way more fun than mud season in Vermont.  I live three miles down a dirt road in a town with only one paved town road and one state road passing through, so I won't miss another mud season.

Michael

[Eric Daume]

I had time over my Christmas break, so I was able to get my Trek 650B conversion mostly finished up:

http://bikingtoplay.blogspot.com/2014/12/trek-620-650b-conversion.html

It's an amazing transformation. The supple, fat tires really do make the bike.

Riv content: I re-read RR #33 last night to think about when this kind of conversion was still a novelty (2004).

Eric

On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 6:40 AM, Eric Daume <eric...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm doing a 650B conversion of my '83 Trek 620, too much reading BQ, I guess. Parts are already on the way.

I'm also thinking about ordering a custom Chinese titanium 29+ frame.

Eric

On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 5:37 AM, ascpgh <asc...@gmail.com> wrote:

Riding, besides my commutes, get a bit scant from here on out through winter. The season, the holidays, more deliberate prep for a trip in the conditions, plenty of things distract from just a nice ride but I realize that at this time every year I always seem to contemplate a bike project to go with the anticipated springtime, fruition or not. It's biking fun for the extra bandwidth.

My project is a low trail, 650b wheeled, all-around bike made with a lively tube set (versus sturdy for touring) with drop bars, center pull brakes, generator hub, LED lighting. All on a budget recognizing the value of experience, unlike the box bike/mass market interpretation, handmade wheels versus machine made ones as an example. I am reading and including many posting subjects and items in this project and admit that may not reach reality, but it's fun to have on the drawing board.

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

--

[Tim Gavin]

Eric- 

Your 650B conversion turned out great!  The bars are cool, like a porteur with a moustache.  Maybe you'll iron out the kludges as time goes by, or maybe they'll remain as this bike's personality. 

FYI, Dia-compe 750 centerpulls have just a little more reach (78 mm, vs 73 mm of R559/Silvers) if you're in that situation again.

I converted my Riv Road to 650B with similarly fantastic results.  I rode it with moustaches and barcons for a year, but I prefer it now with drops and old Campy ergos.

Be careful when leaning in turns until you figure out how much clearance you have; your frame (citically, the BB shell) is about a centimeter lower than it was designed for.

Cheers,
Tim

[Eric Daume]

Tim, thanks for the feedback. Yeah, DC750 brakes would have had the reach, but I've never been happy with any of the seat collar mounted cable hangers I've used. And these Tektro brakes were so nice and shiny...

I'll definitely have to keep an eye out while cornering. I have a thought to make this into a fixed gear, but the pedal strike potential is one thing keeping me from doing that (and, I really like my stem shifter).

Eric

[Kieran J]

If the filed Tektro brakes don't work, check out the IRD B76 long reach side pulls. They were just the ticket for my GF's 1983 Trek 620 conversion.

KJ

[Coconutbill]

Winter project:

to finish restoring a non-lugged MB-4 as my tough stuff city bike. 

Its very similar if not identical geometry to my '92 MB-1.

[George Schick]

Since the weather here in the Midwest has turned really crappy after the new year, I plunged into the Rambouillet BB swap.  I had ordered a 119mm Phil Wood Symmetrical to replace the troublesome TA Axix that was in place.  Since the TA was 122mm and after much measuring and guesstimating I figured the 119mm JIS would come pretty close to the French job and I was right.  Since the TA never gave me a perfect chain line in the first place, I expected to have to move the Phil over toward the non-drive side a bit.  Turned out (after much thread cleaning, trial fitting, cussing, thread re-cleaning, etc. - I love the Phil BB's but hate installing them!) that the BB had to be moved over to the non-drive side such that the Phil cup threads on the drive side were flush with the BB shell and the the cup threads on the non-drive side protrude about 3.6mm.  This creates a perfect chain line and allows for equal pedal clearance from the chain stays on both sides, BUT it places the inner 36T chainring slightly less than 2mm from the chain stay - I'd have preferred a little more clearance than that, but it should work.  Phil's next size down on BB's is a 116mm, which might've been a better choice, if any one is going to do this combination.  It would have meant a more centered placement of the BB and therefore more chainring clearance, but should still accomplish the chain line requirements.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 9:15:27 AM UTC-6, George Schick wrote:

One major project this Winter is to jump into the ring with a @#$%& crankset/BB overhaul, or changeout, or maybe a combination of the two.  If anything in the world could use a bit of "standardization" it would be this business of trying to match up BB spindle tapers and length with "said" requirements for them published by those who pedal (no pun intended) various cranksets.  On top of all that, I'm done with these so-called "self extracting" fixing bolts and going back to a good old crank puller that actually works.

Enough of that rant - the next project will be to "boil" a piece of leather and let it dry on a cylindrical surface in order to shape it into a nicely curved mud flap.  In order to keep in that way, I'm thinking of shellacking the tire side of the flap.  Anyone know how well shellac works with leather?

[Bill Lindsay]

OK, this might be the weirdest winter project I've ever taken on, but I did put in some serious design work today, and the concept is actually taking shape.  This Winter project is that I am going to build my own desmodromic rear derailer.  What the heck is that?  A desmodromic mechanism is something that is actively driven in all directions.  The most well known desmodromic mechanism, and what you'll see if you Google the word "desmodromic" , is Ducati valves.  A rotating cam throws the valve open and another rotating cam throws it closed.  There is no return spring.  It's driven open and closed.  Some classic old French derailers had a loop of cable that, like a push-me-pull-you, would drag the derailer to the left and to the right.  The parallelogram had no return spring.  Much more recently, White Industries made a desmodromic shifting system, called the LMDS (Linear Motion Derailer System).  Look it up, it's pretty swank. 

So, what I've got scoped out, is that I'm going to take my favorite stock rear derailer (RD-M760-GS low normal), remove the spring, and set it up for a secondary cable. The actuating mechanism of our modern derailers is a parallelogram with a pretty complex geometry.  Those of us used to friction shifting with lots of gears can attest to the fact that the derailer responds differently at different places in the sweep of the shifter.  For me the incredibly sensitive spot is dropping from the biggest cog on the cassette to the next one.  You just touch the shifter and it moves.  It's super sensitive.  I did all the measurements and calculations and now the data tells me why.  The geometry of the parallelogram demands it.  So, I need a shifter with a profile that isn't round.  It needs to be a profile that complements the geometry of the parallelogram of my derailer.  Let's say you want to move the shifter 120 degrees to sweep all the way from cog 1 to cog 9.  Then, ideally, you want every one of those 8 steps to be exactly 15 degrees of movement.  With the right shifter profile, that's no problem, if you can do the math, then do the design, and then have a manufacturing method that can produce one of them.  This is where 3D printing comes in. 

The really complex math exercise that gets you to the shifter profile that pulls the RD-M760-GS in this direction gets repeated once you figure out where to put a secondary cable to pull the derailer in that direction.  Those profiles need to also have the property that they counterbalance each other so you never get even a bit of slack in the cable, allowing you to actuate both cables with one shiftlever.  Push me pull you.  That's why White Industries made the LMDS on sliders.  They at least made the derailer motion linear, and the cable motion linear, so the math wouldn't be so GNARLY. 

Me, I don't plan on building a derailer, and I don't mind the math.  Today I worked out the GNARLY math and have both cam profiles.  I now need to strong arm my brother in law to translate my numbers into a solidworks model.  Once that's done, it's trivial to 3D print this weird cammish shifter, and try to hook up a DIY desmodromic rear shifting system.  The real key compnent is to modify an existing shifter design that has adjustable and equal friction in both directions and fits into a really small space.  I'm going to base my design on this Cheapo Simplex model. 

French AND Cheapo

If I can emulate that plastic inner shifter piece, but implement my optimal cam profile, and figure out a cable fixing mechanism to prevent slipping at the shifter, then getting it 3D printed is practically free. 

Why do it?  Well, Jan goes on and on how much the rest of the world wastes energy pushing against a spring to shift in this direction and having nothing to do with the shift in that direction because only the spring is doing it.  I just wanted to see what it is he's fussing about.  I don't want to buy a 1930s Singer or Herse for $15000, and I don't want to build a totally custom $20000 bike like Jan did, but I do want to explore.  I don't even want to spend the $400 it takes to buy a WI LMDS on Ebay.  But, if I can spend $50 and a number of hours exploring something in detail that I had previously just taken for granted, that amounts to a Winter project for me. 

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

Wow, Bill.  That is an inspiring (and, for those like me who lack the imagination/skills to conceptualize such a thing, humbling)  winter project.  Pics along the way, please, please, please.  And good luck!

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ****************************************************

This email (and any attachments thereto) is intended only for use by the addressee(s) named herein and may contain legally privileged and/or confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email (and any attachments thereto) is strictly prohibited. If you receive this email in error please immediately notify me at (212) 735-3000 and permanently delete the original email (and any copy of any email) and any printout thereof.

Further information about the firm, a list of the Partners and their professional qualifications will be provided upon request.
****************************************************
==============================================================================

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

And now I’m off to Google “White LMDS”

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill Lindsay
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 11:31 PM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [RBW] Re: What's your winter project?

 

OK, this might be the weirdest winter project I've ever taken on, but I did put in some serious design work today, and the concept is actually taking shape.  This Winter project is that I am going to build my own desmodromic rear derailer.  What the heck is that?  A desmodromic mechanism is something that is actively driven in all directions.  The most well known desmodromic mechanism, and what you'll see if you Google the word "desmodromic" , is Ducati valves.  A rotating cam throws the valve open and another rotating cam throws it closed.  There is no return spring.  It's driven open and closed.  Some classic old French derailers had a loop of cable that, like a push-me-pull-you, would drag the derailer to the left and to the right.  The parallelogram had no return spring.  Much more recently, White Industries made a desmodromic shifting system, called the LMDS (Linear Motion Derailer System).  Look it up, it's pretty swank. 

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Bill Lindsay]

Thanks Tom. 

Related WTB.  Does anybody want to sell me a BB cable guide that will accommodate 3 cables?  

On Friday, January 9, 2015 at 7:44:07 AM UTC-8, Pudge wrote:

Wow, Bill.  That is an inspiring (and, for those like me who lack the imagination/skills to conceptualize such a thing, humbling)  winter project.  Pics along the way, please, please, please.  And good luck!

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill Lindsay
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 11:31 PM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [RBW] Re: What's your winter project?

 

OK, this might be the weirdest winter project I've ever taken on, but I did put in some serious design work today, and the concept is actually taking shape.  This Winter project is that I am going to build my own desmodromic rear derailer.  What the heck is that?  A desmodromic mechanism is something that is actively driven in all directions.  The most well known desmodromic mechanism, and what you'll see if you Google the word "desmodromic" , is Ducati valves.  A rotating cam throws the valve open and another rotating cam throws it closed.  There is no return spring.  It's driven open and closed.  Some classic old French derailers had a loop of cable that, like a push-me-pull-you, would drag the derailer to the left and to the right.  The parallelogram had no return spring.  Much more recently, White Industries made a desmodromic shifting system, called the LMDS (Linear Motion Derailer System).  Look it up, it's pretty swank. 

So, what I've got scoped out, is that I'm going to take my favorite stock rear derailer (RD-M760-GS low normal), remove the spring, and set it up for a secondary cable. The actuating mechanism of our modern derailers is a parallelogram with a pretty complex geometry.  Those of us used to friction shifting with lots of gears can attest to the fact that the derailer responds differently at different places in the sweep of the shifter.  For me the incredibly sensitive spot is dropping from the biggest cog on the cassette to the next one.  You just touch the shifter and it moves.  It's super sensitive.  I did all the measurements and calculations and now the data tells me why.  The geometry of the parallelogram demands it.  So, I need a shifter with a profile that isn't round.  It needs to be a profile that complements the geometry of the parallelogram of my derailer.  Let's say you want to move the shifter 120 degrees to sweep all the way from cog 1 to cog 9.  Then, ideally, you want every one of those 8 steps to be exactly 15 degrees of movement.  With the right shifter profile, that's no problem, if you can do the math, then do the design, and then have a manufacturing method that can produce one of them.  This is where 3D printing comes in. 

The really complex math exercise that gets you to the shifter profile that pulls the RD-M760-GS in this direction gets repeated once you figure out where to put a secondary cable to pull the derailer in that direction.  Those profiles need to also have the property that they counterbalance each other so you never get even a bit of slack in the cable, allowing you to actuate both cables with one shiftlever.  Push me pull you.  That's why White Industries made the LMDS on sliders.  They at least made the derailer motion linear, and the cable motion linear, so the math wouldn't be so GNARLY. 

Me, I don't plan on building a derailer, and I don't mind the math.  Today I worked out the GNARLY math and have both cam profiles.  I now need to strong arm my brother in law to translate my numbers into a solidworks model.  Once that's done, it's trivial to 3D print this weird cammish shifter, and try to hook up a DIY desmodromic rear shifting system.  The real key compnent is to modify an existing shifter design that has adjustable and equal friction in both directions and fits into a really small space.  I'm going to base my design on this Cheapo Simplex model. 

French AND Cheapo

If I can emulate that plastic inner shifter piece, but implement my optimal cam profile, and figure out a cable fixing mechanism to prevent slipping at the shifter, then getting it 3D printed is practically free. 

Why do it?  Well, Jan goes on and on how much the rest of the world wastes energy pushing against a spring to shift in this direction and having nothing to do with the shift in that direction because only the spring is doing it.  I just wanted to see what it is he's fussing about.  I don't want to buy a 1930s Singer or Herse for $15000, and I don't want to build a totally custom $20000 bike like Jan did, but I do want to explore.  I don't even want to spend the $400 it takes to buy a WI LMDS on Ebay.  But, if I can spend $50 and a number of hours exploring something in detail that I had previously just taken for granted, that amounts to a Winter project for me. 

On Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 2:37:11 AM UTC-8, ascpgh wrote:

Riding, besides my commutes, get a bit scant from here on out through winter. The season, the holidays, more deliberate prep for a trip in the conditions, plenty of things distract from just a nice ride but I realize that at this time every year I always seem to contemplate a bike project to go with the anticipated springtime, fruition or not. It's biking fun for the extra bandwidth.

 

My project is a low trail, 650b wheeled, all-around bike made with a lively tube set (versus sturdy for touring) with drop bars, center pull brakes, generator hub, LED lighting. All on a budget recognizing the value of experience, unlike the box bike/mass market interpretation, handmade wheels versus machine made ones as an example. I am reading and including many posting subjects and items in this project and admit that may not reach reality, but it's fun to have on the drawing board.

 

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-own...@googlegroups.com.

Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Philip Williamson]

Very interested to see the progress on this!
And it looks like a business pilot.

Philip
www.biketinker.com

[Chris Chen]

So my winter project just needs bar tape and probably fenders :)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lumachrome/16062359839/

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.

Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--

"I want the kind of six pack you can't drink." -- Micah

[Tony DeFilippo]

Chris that looks awesome!  I'll be interested in what you think of the fire xc tires!

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/TrrGDz-afZA/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

[Surlyprof]

I've been riding Fire XCs on a SOMA Groove.  Nice, light tires that help keep the set up light and nimble.  Not the smoothest on the road but great in the dirt, mud and gravel.

John

[Tony DeFilippo]

Thanks John!  Any experiences in mud w/ the Fire XC's?

[Surlyprof]

Not enough to render a strong opinion yet.

Sorry,

John

[Ikky]

I'm working on a 1985 Bridgestone T700 rebuild while I wait for my Atlantis to come back from painting at Mercian. Just finished cutting off the canti posts, which could not support 700c wheels, and even caused problems with any brakes (other than the originals) with 27" wheels. Not sure why they were brazed so high, but it doesn't matter to me. I've got a set of NOS 610 centerpulls that will go over fenders and 32mm tires with room. The original headset had the shortest stack height I've ever seen, and the steerer is so short that I can't fit a decaleur in the new stack, so I'll probably throw a Velo Orange Rando rack with integrated decaleur on the front for a handlebar bag. Shame to waste the lowrider brazeons, but oh well. It will go for painting at Mercian as well. Then just need to build them both up!

[Rusty Click]

My project will be a 650b conversion of my old, mid 80's Rockhopper, which will soon be back in my garage after spending the last 11 years with a co-worker.

I'd like to go with a wide-low front end with no FD, but everything else is up in the air till I get my hands back on my old bike.  I don't know what width tires it'll accommodate either.  When I see it, and start taking it apart, I'll post a wish list of items needing attention, and would like any feedback/advice on how to approach.  I may take it to my favorite LBS, Thick Bikes, for their input too.  They have never nudged me in the wrong direction.

Like Andy, my riding here in the Pittsburgh area is limited during the winter.   I think working on this is going to be a very fun learning experience and I am really looking forward to it taking up some time. ( So is my wife )

Rusty Click

[Chris Chen]

Sounds fun!

QQ does putting fat franks on a 26" wheel get you close to the outside diameter of a "just normally fat" 650b setup?

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Dale Click]

I don’t know!  It’s worth taking a look at, an would help to keep the initial costs down.  That will be something I will question the LBS about.

Rusty

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/TrrGDz-afZA/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

[Chris Chen]

Totally bunk back of the envelope calculation says that a 559 rim with 60mm tires gets you to 679mm diameter (this is most certainly more than what you'll see but bear with me, which equals a tire 47.5mm big on 584 rims.

So, you've got that "data" point anyway.

[Montclair BobbyB]

Yeah, why bother with 650b when there are so many great tire options for 26"??

[Steve Palincsar]

On 01/13/2015 11:20 AM, Montclair BobbyB wrote:
> Yeah, why bother with 650b when there are so many great tire options for 26"??
>

Because there are virtually no great road tire options for 26"?

[Montclair BobbyB]

Steve:

For starters there's Schwalbe Big Apple and Kojaks, which come in multiple widths, perfect for roadin'.  And we are talking about a Rockhopper, which is made for fat tires. 

Here's my son's Rockhopper with the biggest Fat Franks... Still rolls great on 50-mile roads and on all kinds of terrain.  That said, I do wish the GB Hetres came in a 26... just sayin...

[Dale Click]

OK then, I’m sticking with the 26….I like the idea of going with the Fat Franks or Big Apple…. my LBS agrees, and wants to see the condition of the bike for further suggestions.  They’re looking forward to my project almost as much as I am, and that’s one of the reasons I’ll go out of my way to work with them.

Rusty

Pittsburgh

[Chris Chen]

I mean there's nothing to keep you from going to 584 in the future; And you'll only be out $70 for the tires; And you'll probably be able to sell them here :)

But yeah look at those balloons!

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

The Compass 26” tires are not Hetres, but have a lovely, supple ride and I would characterize them as road tires.

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Montclair BobbyB
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 12:46 PM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [RBW] Re: What's your winter project?

 

Steve:

 

For starters there's Schwalbe Big Apple and Kojaks, which come in multiple widths, perfect for roadin'.  And we are talking about a Rockhopper, which is made for fat tires. 

 

Here's my son's Rockhopper with the biggest Fat Franks... Still rolls great on 50-mile roads and on all kinds of terrain.  That said, I do wish the GB Hetres came in a 26... just sayin...

 

 

On Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 12:08:42 PM UTC-5, Steve Palincsar wrote:

On 01/13/2015 11:20 AM, Montclair BobbyB wrote:
> Yeah, why bother with 650b when there are so many great tire options for 26"??
>

Because there are virtually no great road tire options for 26"?

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ****************************************************

[Tim Gavin]

Compass tires 26" offerings seem quite nice, but I wish they'd offer an even wider 2" version.  I haven't tried the Kojaks personally.  I like the Schwalbe ballooners; I've tried the Fat Frank and Big Apple, but I find them to ride more sluggishly than my favorite 26" tire:

I can't stop raving about the ITS MK2 micro-knobby tires on my KOM (26x2.1").  Vee Rubber makes them now, as the:

Speedster 26 x 2.1", 185TPI! for $45 dual compound (also in 1.75" and 1.95" 185TPI)

Speedster 26 x 2.125 120TPI for $35 low specific gravity (BMX compound)

MK3 26 x 2.25" 72 TPI for $37 low specific gravity (I love the micro-knobby tread!)

These are excellent, fast tires on any road.  They're great on pavement, gravel, and dirt.  And I've had no punctures in a year of serious gravel and city commute riding, even though they lack a puncture protection layer.  For comparison: I've roughly split riding time between my KOM with these tires and my Riv Road on Lierres, and the Lierres got a glass or debris puncture roughly once a month.

[Chris Chen]

Oh my, Tim, those are gorgeous looking tires. Me gusta.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Tim Gavin]

Yes, they're awesome tires.  Fast and fun.  Mine are last-gen MK2's at 26x2.1" in the BMX compound/72tpi.  I bet the dual compound/185tpi Speedsters are even faster tires (but I prefer the tread of the MK).

[Montclair BobbyB]

Wow, those ARE some cool treads.

[Tim McNamara]

Panaracer Pasela, Specialized, Grand Bois, Schwalbe... There are a bunch of good road tire options for 26" wheels.

[Steve Palincsar]

There aren't any Grand Bois tires in 559 that I am aware of.  As for the rest, yes certainly a bunch of good tires, but Bobby said great.

[Bill Lindsay]

Steve

Does the Compass 26x1.75 tire qualify as GREAT with you?

Does the Compass 26x1.5 tire qualify as GREAT with you?

In other words, does virtually no great tires mean Zero?  Or One?  Or Two?

When Tim said Grand Bois, I assumed he meant these two Compass models.  

Bill

[Steve Palincsar]

On 01/14/2015 05:40 PM, Bill Lindsay wrote:

Steve

Does the Compass 26x1.75 tire qualify as GREAT with you?

Does the Compass 26x1.5 tire qualify as GREAT with you?

In other words, does virtually no great tires mean Zero?  Or One?  Or Two?

"Virtually" does allow for one or two great tires.  However, I think we can surmise based on some passing comments in a recent BQ article that Jan himself sees room for improvement (i.e., bringing the 559 offerings up to the same standard as the other Compass sizes) so perhaps they'd best be considered as "very good" rather than "great".  It's even possible to view [reading between the lines, to be sure] recent comments in his blog regarding his policy of not commenting on new products before they are issued as a hint that such improvements may in fact be in the offing. 

When Tim said Grand Bois, I assumed he meant these two Compass models. 

I'm confident that's what he meant, too.

On Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 2:10:55 PM UTC-8, Steve Palincsar wrote:

On 01/14/2015 04:40 PM, Tim McNamara wrote:

On Jan 13, 2015, at 11:08 AM, Steve Palincsar <pal...@his.com> wrote:

On 01/13/2015 11:20 AM, Montclair BobbyB wrote:
Yeah, why bother with 650b when there are so many great tire options for 26"??

Because there are virtually no great road tire options for 26"?

Panaracer Pasela, Specialized, Grand Bois, Schwalbe...  There are a bunch of good road tire options for 26" wheels.

There aren't any Grand Bois tires in 559 that I am aware of.  As for the rest, yes certainly a bunch of good tires, but Bobby said great.

--

[Montclair BobbyB]

Steve: The aforementioned tires have already proven their greatness to me on my bikes; that is all that really matters, right?

One I didn't mention is the Grand Tycoon brick reds... Soft, grippy and fast... And cheap!!!

[Bill Lindsay]

## Max Sarcasm Subroutine -INITIATE- ##

To bad, Bobby, despite what you have determined empirically, Steve trumps your data with his interpretation of what is in-between the lines of what Jan has written about tires.  Steve says the subtext behind Jan's writings imply that Compass tires are the best 559 tires available, and they could be improved on.  ERGO-not great, by definintion.  CASE CLOSED.

## Max Sarcasm Subroutine -TERMINATE- ##

[Chris Chen]

Unfrozen caveman lawyer, everyone!

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Steve Palincsar]

On 01/15/2015 02:44 PM, Chris Chen wrote:

Unfrozen caveman lawyer, everyone!

On Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 11:29 AM, Bill Lindsay <tape...@gmail.com> wrote:

## Max Sarcasm Subroutine -INITIATE- ##

To bad, Bobby, despite what you have determined empirically, Steve trumps your data with his interpretation of what is in-between the lines of what Jan has written about tires.  Steve says the subtext behind Jan's writings imply that Compass tires are the best 559 tires available, and they could be improved on.  ERGO-not great, by definintion.  CASE CLOSED.

## Max Sarcasm Subroutine -TERMINATE- ##

You'd best break out the graphic debugger, Bill, because your sarcasm subroutine is producing garbage results.

[Bill Lindsay]

"You'd best break out the graphic debugger, Bill, because your sarcasm subroutine is producing garbage results."

You are absolutely correct.  I typed "To bad, Bobby," when obviously I should have typed "Too bad, Bobby".  Thank you for your always constructive criticism.  

[Kieran J]

Best thread of 2015 !

[EGNolan]

Well...winter has taken hold, I suppose. Thanks for the correction, Bill, I still can't believe you misspelled too. Anywho,  I've got an old, too small, fillet brazed High Sierra w/ some sweet Cunningham/SunTour brakes that needs a new bb & a few upgrades. I'll build it up w/ what I've got around & see how fat I can go. If'n I throw some studs on it, it oughta make a decent kid/trailer hauler for those icy Indiana days.

Here's to hoping all goes as planned for everybody.

 

Best,

Eric

Indpls

 

On Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 3:44:49 PM UTC-5, Bill Lindsay wrote:

[Montclair BobbyB]

... that one damn near busted my 'snarkometer'... You're 'to' funny, Bill...

 

... and so are you, Steve.

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

“snarkometer” = genius

 

From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Montclair BobbyB
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2015 10:45 AM
To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: [RBW] Re: What's your winter project?

 

... that one damn near busted my 'snarkometer'... You're 'to' funny, Bill...

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ****************************************************