I took the folder out for its first serious ride. I did a 10 mile loop on it for a shakedown. I found that it is not at all squirrelly like I feared it might be. It is however, definitely not designed for a large rider. The handlebars are way too close, so it takes all the power out of the positioning. The seatpost is definitely not quite long enough, and the handlebars could benefit from an offset stem, rather than simple being a T off the top of the stem. The coaster brake has got to go, it's very snug, and the slightest backpedal will engage it enough to drag. I am starting to think that this bike might not be very fixed-gear friendly because of how low the BB is so I fear that pedal strike could become a major issue. I need to do more evaluating on this though. Wouldn't be the end of the world if I just made it a SS freewheel, becasue I could just pick up a stock bmx wheelset for that rather than having a custom fixed wheel built up. I probably looked rather silly in my serious bike duds riding around on the folder. I borrowed the SPD pedals from the pirate bike, and put the Velo TT saddle on it too. It is fairly comfortable with this set up, geometry aside. I would like to change the grips to something a little larger, probably cork. I need to get out for a longer ride to see just how long I can crank this thing for.
I also got back a new helmet from Giro to replace the one I just bought. The Pneumo was defective out of the box. I had bought an 06 model and they sent me a shiny new 07 model which is very cool. It's as comfy as the last one, and fits more securely thanks to the not defective Roc-Loc mechanism. I love this helmet.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
More new toys and some heavy news.
Since my last post a few things have been confirmed for me. Specifically, I'm getting divorced. I had never intended to use this blog for stupid whining but I guess that's where I've gone and I realize that some people will learn about this for the first time here, sorry about that, I don't really feel much like telling it over and over to everyone. This has actually caused me to ride less because my life is all over the place. I've had to move and consequently the bikes have been moving all over the place, and I just haven't had have time lately. Couple that with general emotional difficulties and I just haven't felt like riding. Tomorrow though, I get back in the saddle. Which saddle is still in question.
Another thing that has been confirmed is my trip to France to see Le Tour. I'm flying out the 14th of July and will be returning on the 28th. I should get to see the stages through Provence, and as it gets into the foothills of the Pyrenees. I am very excited about this.
To further this endeavor, I have finally broken down and ordered up a folding bike. It's a Dahon Boardwalk S1 as seen to the left. It currently weighs 30 pounds. My goal is to get it as light as possible. Saddle, pedals, crankset, and wheels will be swapped. The rear coaster brake wheel will be replaced with a fixed/fixed gear wheel for gearing flexibility. I am considering using a Surly Dingle Cog for two gears on one side and Dos Eno freewheel on the other for four total options. Though I may simply go double fixed for simplicity. I need to see how it rides for distance before I bother messing too much with it. If I can't go long on it I have some serious figuring to do for getting around France. Fenders, racks, chainguard and reflectors will all be gone of course. The handlebar will likely be treated to some cork grips and a replacement brake lever. I essentially bought this thing to have the frame as a platform to start from.
In other good news I have lost another pound. I am down to 181lbs with my target at 175lbs. I am starting to feel better about this because, coming from 190lbs (with a temporary spike up to 195lbs) I now have less to lose than I have lost so far. Feeling a little less like Jan and more like Lance (ha, yeah right). The remaining 6 is all abs, so biking is fairly powerless to help, situps and running it is.
Finally, I traded my truck in for a Jeep Wrangler. It is piles of fun. Has a hard top withe sunroof, new stereo, new speakers, new soft top, and some of the fun exterior stuff like grill guards and tail guards. Still trying to figure out how to get bikes on it. Nate (bro-in-law) gave me 4 Thule Velo-vice trays that I will likely mount up on an over-roof cage rack. Trying to figure out how to make some half doors for it. Possibly out of wood, fiberglass or maybe, just maybe some carbon fiber. Best of all, she gets the same mileage as my truck, but is approximately 10,000 times more fun to drive and designed from the ground of for fun toys.
Another thing that has been confirmed is my trip to France to see Le Tour. I'm flying out the 14th of July and will be returning on the 28th. I should get to see the stages through Provence, and as it gets into the foothills of the Pyrenees. I am very excited about this.
To further this endeavor, I have finally broken down and ordered up a folding bike. It's a Dahon Boardwalk S1 as seen to the left. It currently weighs 30 pounds. My goal is to get it as light as possible. Saddle, pedals, crankset, and wheels will be swapped. The rear coaster brake wheel will be replaced with a fixed/fixed gear wheel for gearing flexibility. I am considering using a Surly Dingle Cog for two gears on one side and Dos Eno freewheel on the other for four total options. Though I may simply go double fixed for simplicity. I need to see how it rides for distance before I bother messing too much with it. If I can't go long on it I have some serious figuring to do for getting around France. Fenders, racks, chainguard and reflectors will all be gone of course. The handlebar will likely be treated to some cork grips and a replacement brake lever. I essentially bought this thing to have the frame as a platform to start from.In other good news I have lost another pound. I am down to 181lbs with my target at 175lbs. I am starting to feel better about this because, coming from 190lbs (with a temporary spike up to 195lbs) I now have less to lose than I have lost so far. Feeling a little less like Jan and more like Lance (ha, yeah right). The remaining 6 is all abs, so biking is fairly powerless to help, situps and running it is.
Finally, I traded my truck in for a Jeep Wrangler. It is piles of fun. Has a hard top withe sunroof, new stereo, new speakers, new soft top, and some of the fun exterior stuff like grill guards and tail guards. Still trying to figure out how to get bikes on it. Nate (bro-in-law) gave me 4 Thule Velo-vice trays that I will likely mount up on an over-roof cage rack. Trying to figure out how to make some half doors for it. Possibly out of wood, fiberglass or maybe, just maybe some carbon fiber. Best of all, she gets the same mileage as my truck, but is approximately 10,000 times more fun to drive and designed from the ground of for fun toys.
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