Bicycle thread!!

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by cat0020, Apr 20, 2017.

  1. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    I'm still using speedo/odometer that require a magnet on the wheel spoke.. heck, I don't even own a smartphone.
     
  2. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    I use nothing because I don't care. I just ride until I am no longer interested then park the bike for another day. The exercise aspect of riding for me is just a fringe benefit to an activity I enjoy.
     
  3. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    There is a rumor aound that bicyclists are not gender neutral.

    Watching the bike couriers chug down quad shots of espresso at the old Monorail Espresso in Seattle was great fun.
     
  4. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    For exercise aspect is just the reason that I have an odometer, just to be able to tell how much I've ridden daily in case I took routes that are not familiar in distance traveled.
     
  5. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Do you use a bicycle GPS so you won't get lost?
     
  6. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    No question that if you are doing any activity for specific exercise purposes, keeping track is important part of the routine. When I was on a program many years ago for back rehab, I did in fact keep book and was able to be accurate with my program and reaped tremendous benefits because of that. My bike riding is for pleasure only at this time. Used to be for commuting as well. The benefits of the riding were the icing on the cake.
     
  7. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Hell BB. I had computers, phones and GPS when on one of my trips and still got lost in and about Colorado, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, or wherever the fug I was. Didn't care much because I had a credit card that had not reached its max yet, and was retired so no need to be back at any specific time. Don't have gps for the bike or any other electronic gizmos for it other than music from my cell phone, blue toothed through my hearing aids. Never been lost on the pedal bike
     
  8. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    No, easy enough to stop and ask for directions when you are riding a bicycle.
    I don't even own a smartphone, my phone still has a slide keyboard.

    Back on topic, working on my next road bike, probably the last bike I'll ever need:

    [​IMG]
     
  9. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Finished up building my gravel bike.. taking it for a ride this afternoon.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 29, 2017
  10. 01ragtop

    01ragtop Member

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    I just bought a new Giant Contend.

    https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/contend-1-2018

    This is my first road bike. I grew up in Colorado and always owned mountain bikes, but thought I'd try something new. Primarily, I bought it for exercise as I can stand to lose more than a few pounds. I find the elliptical and/or treadmill are the best way for me to stare at a clock, but since I always enjoyed mountain biking, I thought I'd try cycling. So far it is working, I've only done a couple of short rides, but between cars and potholes there is enough to keep my attention off the clock/timer.
     
  11. PawnBoy

    PawnBoy New Member

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    Best way to keep your eyes off the clock is to set a goal other than time. Once you know roughly how much distance you can cover in whatever time you have, just make routes that you'd enjoy riding that you can finish in that time. I typically plan routes that finish with the wind at my back, so that the route gets more enjoyable the further I go, and I look forward to continuing. But more often than that I just commute.
     
  12. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Rainy day, building my next carbon bike:

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 22, 2018
  13. Gator

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    What does that weigh?
     
  14. PawnBoy

    PawnBoy New Member

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    That looks fast. The wheels look nice too. I'm pretty much off the bike now. Not enough daylight after the kids are in bed to ride, and I'm "not allowed" to commute for the same reason in the morning. :-\
     
  15. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Not meaning to be argumentative here but that is mistaken thinking. If you are equipped with lights (especially flashing or modulating) and have reflective clothing, you are far more visible at during hours of darkness than you are during the day. With 3M reflective qualities of the high vis trim on bicycle clothing, and flashing red and or white lights to contrast with the darkness, motorists can see you better than if you were riding in the sunlight where there is little contrast between you and the surroundings. It is precisely for that reason, I use my flashing lights, red in the rear and white up front, at all times when riding.

    There have been considerable advancements in the LED bicycle lights in the past decade or so. Wearing down the batteries in a day or so is no longer an issue. Many light sets have a few different modes of flashers, both front and back, and are rechargeable. Mine plug into the computer or wall and charge up in a few hours, but they last for days and days on the charge.

    Don't underestimate the value of a flashing front light. I have on a couple occasions, had people coming out from a lane or side street, actually make eye contact with me and pull right in front of me. The day that made me go from occasionally using lights during the day to absolutely every time was when someone pulled in front of me. It was so close to being disastrous, that when I looked down between my legs, I could see the top of his front bumper. I can't explain how we did not make contact or I even stayed on the bike. But I assure you, I have never came so close to shitting myself as that event.

    BTW. That bike is simply awesome. A friend of mine a few years back had a similar bike. He was/is a triathlete. I could literally life that whole assembled bike very easily with one finger. Amazing.

    I am suited up, fed and about to go out in the bicycle and run several errands as I type.
     
  16. PawnBoy

    PawnBoy New Member

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    @Randy, you're preaching to the choir, it's not me that needs convincing. I've also looked into getting one of those bike lane laser projectors for extra visibility, but that didn't change my prospects much. Commuting by bicycle also means I spend an extra hour a day away from home, so that's also on the disadvantage list.
     
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  17. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    You should read a book by I think it is Joseph Wamba or Whambaugh something like that. Called the Choir Boys. Gives new meaning to the term.

    I have also looked closely at those side projection lasers. Interesting concept but I am not convince they would be more visible than a flashing LED. Maybe from the side it has some benefit. I wonder if there are amber LEDs out there designed to face to the side? Pretty soon we cyclist are going to look like a pedal powered mobile Las Vegas. And the basterds will still run us over.
     
  18. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Don't know yet, still in the build process.. internal cable routing for the handlebar are PITA when combined with internal cable routing with the frame..

    Wheels are over 14 y-o, I just put them on to get a test for riding position while the bike is being built.

    I commute in the dark, before down and after dark.... with daylight saving time in NOV this year, not even going to get better for the next 30 days.
    My commute is in Manhattan and Brooklyn, enough street lights to see and be seen... but there will always be idiot drivers.
     
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  19. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Wow. I just looked at your stats. You joined this forum November 17, 2004. What is your regimental number here.. Three? LOL
     
  20. cat0020

    cat0020 Trumper

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    Yeah, I think this forum has gone through at least two versions since I joined.
    My second VFR was over 10 years ago, now I'm on my third.
     
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