www.jeromes-bikes.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Injuries sustained during ping-pong
www.jeromes-bikes.blogspot.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fendered and Lit
Fixie getting ready for the slop. Now studs yet, but the fenders came in handy this morning. Light was proven inadequate; had a very close call this morning. Situation that was unavoidable, but somehow I came out. Probably 4" from my back tire. Would have been a side on T-bone, and I wouldn't be posting this right now. Still doesn't seem real to me.
Friday, October 23, 2009
While it lasts
Seeing as the season is changing, and soon riding a slick-tired brakeless fixie won't be an option, I figure I should get out on it while I still can.
I love the hand-less view of this bicycle
Seem to have a thing for panda shots lately...
ONE SWEET RIDE
I love the hand-less view of this bicycle
Seem to have a thing for panda shots lately...
ONE SWEET RIDE
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
KM Pseudo-conversion
The process, while it might end up being slow, has begun on setting up the Karate Monkey as a more commuter friendly bike. 
First step? Platform Pedals. I’ve choosen a set of Konas with a nice wide platform and removable allen screws for extra grip. Why did I choose these? Well, just because they were cheap. Nothing in the parts bin was well suited to the task, and since in the middle of the winter I’ll probably be wearing full fledged winter boots, I wanted something with a very large platform. These
First step? Platform Pedals. I’ve choosen a set of Konas with a nice wide platform and removable allen screws for extra grip. Why did I choose these? Well, just because they were cheap. Nothing in the parts bin was well suited to the task, and since in the middle of the winter I’ll probably be wearing full fledged winter boots, I wanted something with a very large platform. These should work well.
Next on the list? Fenders should be the next upgrade. Those will most likely need to be ordered online, as I’ve searched a few local bike shops and no-one carries any full coverage fenders for 29er bikes. Headlight, flasher front and rear are already in place.
Oh what fun indeed....
Next on the list? Fenders should be the next upgrade. Those will most likely need to be ordered online, as I’ve searched a few local bike shops and no-one carries any full coverage fenders for 29er bikes. Headlight, flasher front and rear are already in place.
Oh what fun indeed....Tuesday, October 20, 2009
1 less minivan
As seen on the 12hrs blog, loaded with 2 hockey bags, to hockey players, and 2 big smiles! These things make everyday things like hockey practice for my 5 year old way more fun! Good conversation between father and son. I even put a little ding ding bell on his stoker bar. It's his job to ring it when we're coming up to vehicles. This is the stuff that great memories are made of, and I'm soaking it up! 
Live simple, live well.
Live simple, live well.LHT with a Basket up front
Now that the herd is being culled, it's time to play, alter and adjust the setups of the select few.
I've wondered about a basket for the front of the trucker. A few quick (and reversible) mods to the Wald, and some zip ties, and we have our testing ground.
Test results didn’t really surprise me, but I was hoping for better. With any significant weight in the basket, the bikes handling is significantly compromised. To the point that I had a close call this morning while trying to avoid a puddle of water.
Should this area of the bike be a place where I really want to be able to haul stuff, a few fork with more rake would be a wise investment. By that point in time, maybe a Kogswell P/R with the corrected fork rake would just be easier.
But, this was just a brief little test, and now I know. LHTs handle fine with panniers mounted on either side of the wheel and down low. Not so fine with loads mounted up above the wheel. Would have been a great, practical and dare I say……….stylish option for carry things. Oh well. Maybe next time.
I've wondered about a basket for the front of the trucker. A few quick (and reversible) mods to the Wald, and some zip ties, and we have our testing ground.
Test results didn’t really surprise me, but I was hoping for better. With any significant weight in the basket, the bikes handling is significantly compromised. To the point that I had a close call this morning while trying to avoid a puddle of water.
Should this area of the bike be a place where I really want to be able to haul stuff, a few fork with more rake would be a wise investment. By that point in time, maybe a Kogswell P/R with the corrected fork rake would just be easier.
But, this was just a brief little test, and now I know. LHTs handle fine with panniers mounted on either side of the wheel and down low. Not so fine with loads mounted up above the wheel. Would have been a great, practical and dare I say……….stylish option for carry things. Oh well. Maybe next time.Cheers.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Winter Commuting Decisions
I’ve been doing some thinking lately, and I’m questioning some of my approach to winter cycling. After recently building up the MUTT, I wondered if this is the correct approach. As I ride that bike, there is much of it that I question, much that I’m not too fond of, and it kind of got me to thinking…….is it better to keep your “good” bikes nice, un-ridden and make them last forever. Or is it best just to ride your bikes and if they wear out, replace them with new bikes?
Obviously I’m not talking about super high end, racing bikes. My “good” bikes are pretty plain, simple, steel bicycles. Ie: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Surly Karate Monkey, my Xtracycle and my Fixie.
Now, I have giving the fixie a pretty hard smattering of nasties and slop. I could re-install the brake, and add some studded tires, and this might be a great option for a winter commuter. I’ve got a Paul rear flip-flop hub that I don’t want to waste; but then again, wouldn’t a Paul hub stand up better to being used in real life than a less expensive hub?
My LHT; this bike would probably not be my first option as a winter commuter. It’s got some serious gearing, most of which is un-used while commuting, and the more gears, the more damage caused by salt and grime. The dynamo head light would be nice, but this bike is one that I actually don’t know if I would want to ride in the snow. It’s a touring bike, not one that would be conducive to riding with both feet out to break a fall if things get hairy.
My Karate Monkey; here’s one that I’m seriously thinking about using for winter. The single speed drive train is what’s wanted for grime and muck, the disc brakes also will save heavy rim wear that happens with the salt and dirt used in the winter, and the big tires would be a huge benefit. Planet Bike Cascadia fenders are available in 29er size, and I am a huge fan of these fenders since putting them on the Xtracycle.
Part of this is also driven by the idea of simplifying every aspect of my life. First of all, I’ve got 3 bikes that are kind of junk bikes, but for some reason I keep them. I could save space in the garage and basement if I just got rid of them. Also, I spend time and money (while it may not be much, a little on each bike adds up over time) and all these bikes. I think about the money and time I spend on “junk” bikes, and wonder what I could be upgrading or tweaking on a bike that’s half decent to begin with. Sure, my bikes won’t last as long if they’re exposed to salt, and dirt, sand and all the rest that comes with winter commuting; but, how much time are we talking? Would a Surly steel framed bike last 5 years with proper maintenance and care? Would I mind upgrading and buying a new bike when anyone of mine actually wears out? No, not at all. These are not collectors pieces, they are real, practical, and tough bikes that are meant to be ridden and could be bought over again if needed.
Here is what I’m thinking for my commuter setup:
· My fixie with studs, a front brake and a basket, and full fenders for the icy and sloppy conditions.
· My Karate Monkey with fenders, leave the stock 29” X 2.3” tires on there, and ride this on days when there’s snow melting, or when there is deep snow to contend with.
· My Xtracycle with the snow studs off of MUTT, for days when I need to haul stuff. Well, maybe for most days. I just like riding the Xtracycle for some reason.
The idea being that between the fixie and the KM I’d be covered for the “bad’ winter conditions. I’d have my Xtra for hauling in any weather and I’d still have my LHT for days when all is dry.
I’d like to hear your thoughts. Do you have any insight you could share about using good bikes for bad weather, or if you think it’s worth just using beater bikes like the MUTT? What’s your winter setup?
Cheers,
Obviously I’m not talking about super high end, racing bikes. My “good” bikes are pretty plain, simple, steel bicycles. Ie: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Surly Karate Monkey, my Xtracycle and my Fixie.
Now, I have giving the fixie a pretty hard smattering of nasties and slop. I could re-install the brake, and add some studded tires, and this might be a great option for a winter commuter. I’ve got a Paul rear flip-flop hub that I don’t want to waste; but then again, wouldn’t a Paul hub stand up better to being used in real life than a less expensive hub?
My LHT; this bike would probably not be my first option as a winter commuter. It’s got some serious gearing, most of which is un-used while commuting, and the more gears, the more damage caused by salt and grime. The dynamo head light would be nice, but this bike is one that I actually don’t know if I would want to ride in the snow. It’s a touring bike, not one that would be conducive to riding with both feet out to break a fall if things get hairy.
My Karate Monkey; here’s one that I’m seriously thinking about using for winter. The single speed drive train is what’s wanted for grime and muck, the disc brakes also will save heavy rim wear that happens with the salt and dirt used in the winter, and the big tires would be a huge benefit. Planet Bike Cascadia fenders are available in 29er size, and I am a huge fan of these fenders since putting them on the Xtracycle.
Part of this is also driven by the idea of simplifying every aspect of my life. First of all, I’ve got 3 bikes that are kind of junk bikes, but for some reason I keep them. I could save space in the garage and basement if I just got rid of them. Also, I spend time and money (while it may not be much, a little on each bike adds up over time) and all these bikes. I think about the money and time I spend on “junk” bikes, and wonder what I could be upgrading or tweaking on a bike that’s half decent to begin with. Sure, my bikes won’t last as long if they’re exposed to salt, and dirt, sand and all the rest that comes with winter commuting; but, how much time are we talking? Would a Surly steel framed bike last 5 years with proper maintenance and care? Would I mind upgrading and buying a new bike when anyone of mine actually wears out? No, not at all. These are not collectors pieces, they are real, practical, and tough bikes that are meant to be ridden and could be bought over again if needed.
Here is what I’m thinking for my commuter setup:
· My fixie with studs, a front brake and a basket, and full fenders for the icy and sloppy conditions.
· My Karate Monkey with fenders, leave the stock 29” X 2.3” tires on there, and ride this on days when there’s snow melting, or when there is deep snow to contend with.
· My Xtracycle with the snow studs off of MUTT, for days when I need to haul stuff. Well, maybe for most days. I just like riding the Xtracycle for some reason.
The idea being that between the fixie and the KM I’d be covered for the “bad’ winter conditions. I’d have my Xtra for hauling in any weather and I’d still have my LHT for days when all is dry.
I’d like to hear your thoughts. Do you have any insight you could share about using good bikes for bad weather, or if you think it’s worth just using beater bikes like the MUTT? What’s your winter setup?
Cheers,
Friday, October 16, 2009
12 hours up and rolling again!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What a Mutt
I present to you my winter beater. 
This is the ugliest bike I've ever owned. I king of like it though. If it were stolen, I wouldn't be upset, and the parts are all those of which I am willing to sacrifice to the act of winter commuting in snow, slush, slop and salt. Single speed is a huge bonus for the nasties. Winter here is brutal on a bicycle. We winter cyclist must give up the desire to ride on fine bicycles, enjoy the use of high quality components, and simply come to terms with riding bikes that look like they've been cobbled from the scrap heap. At least that's my take on it. And I mean really, it take 10 minutes maximum for me to get to work. Do I want to destroy my nice bikes, or am I will to have ride junk. I'll ride junk, and leave the nice bikes for nice(r) bike rides.
Schwalbe Snow Studs back in action. Going on their 4th winter. I think this will be the last season for them, if they last all the way through. The studs are seemingly recessed, and they are not as effective as they were when they were new.
Cockpit is pure function. Some old bar/stem combo that's been in my parts bin for a year or so. Why I don't know, I guess I was saving it for this winter.
Selle An-atomica Saddle was a gift from good man Vik. I need to talk to Vik about this. I'm finding that the sides of the leather are pressing into my legs, and it is very uncomfortable after about 5 minutes. Might be a slightly different setup required for the SA, and it might be the fact that this saddle has reached the end of it's usable life, and the tensioner bold only has about 1/4" left until it's maxed.
This is the ugliest bike I've ever owned. I king of like it though. If it were stolen, I wouldn't be upset, and the parts are all those of which I am willing to sacrifice to the act of winter commuting in snow, slush, slop and salt. Single speed is a huge bonus for the nasties. Winter here is brutal on a bicycle. We winter cyclist must give up the desire to ride on fine bicycles, enjoy the use of high quality components, and simply come to terms with riding bikes that look like they've been cobbled from the scrap heap. At least that's my take on it. And I mean really, it take 10 minutes maximum for me to get to work. Do I want to destroy my nice bikes, or am I will to have ride junk. I'll ride junk, and leave the nice bikes for nice(r) bike rides.Schwalbe Snow Studs back in action. Going on their 4th winter. I think this will be the last season for them, if they last all the way through. The studs are seemingly recessed, and they are not as effective as they were when they were new.
Cockpit is pure function. Some old bar/stem combo that's been in my parts bin for a year or so. Why I don't know, I guess I was saving it for this winter.
Selle An-atomica Saddle was a gift from good man Vik. I need to talk to Vik about this. I'm finding that the sides of the leather are pressing into my legs, and it is very uncomfortable after about 5 minutes. Might be a slightly different setup required for the SA, and it might be the fact that this saddle has reached the end of it's usable life, and the tensioner bold only has about 1/4" left until it's maxed.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Photogs love Xtracycles.....
This morning I woke early, to try a few shots I'd been thinking about. The Xtracycle is the perfect vehicle for this.
When I arrived at the place where I wanted to do the photos (it was outside) I was already in the environment. I was already familiar with the location. I imagined what it would have been like if I drove a vehicle, and then opened the door and stepped out into the cold morning air.
Somehow, I feel like I had an advantage this morning. Kind of hard to put a finger on it, but you can hear everything, you’re far more aware of what’s going on (if anything) at the location, and you make much less noise getting there, so as to not disturb any animals or other people there.
Xtracycles and photography mix very nicely.
When I arrived at the place where I wanted to do the photos (it was outside) I was already in the environment. I was already familiar with the location. I imagined what it would have been like if I drove a vehicle, and then opened the door and stepped out into the cold morning air.
Somehow, I feel like I had an advantage this morning. Kind of hard to put a finger on it, but you can hear everything, you’re far more aware of what’s going on (if anything) at the location, and you make much less noise getting there, so as to not disturb any animals or other people there.
Xtracycles and photography mix very nicely.
Theses were some long exposures that I wanted to try. I was trying to make myself look like a ghost. I even hauled that old prop suitcase in my Xtra. These were simply edited for color in lightroom. No photoshop trickery. It's amazing what can be done when you use full control of the camera.
The shot of the Xtracyce was a 30 second exposure. I took of my planet bike 1W LED head light and used it to "light paint" the work Xtra. Took a few tries, as I was facing the camera and had to write it backwards in the air. I covered it up in the palm of my had while switching between motions. It's so weird to think that I was in front of the camera, writing Xtra in the air with a flashlight, and you can't see me at all. Long exposures are fun! You should try them.
Sooner than I had wanted.
www.jeromes-bikes.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
The history of my Xtracycle: a brief run down
Since this bike is now in it’s 3rd iteration, I thought I would quickly run through where it’s been, and how it came to where it’s at.
I first received my freeradical bolt-on kit from my sweet wife for Christmas, 2007. By the end of Boxing day (returns day to my American friends) it was put together and I took it out for a test ride. At the time, I was living in Rockyford Alberta, and I worked in a combine repair shop, literally 1 block from my house. I was building an office building (all by myself, and I even designed the trusses, layout, every aspect of the building). After the design was done, I built the thing myself, inside of a shop. When it was -30C outside, I was sure a spoiled ‘framer’ to be inside a shop with in-slab heating. During this time, I used my Xtra to haul my tools between work and home. I had a crazy home renovation going on at the time, and needed my tools in both places. I could carry some significant loads of tools with me on the Xtra. Only rarely would I have to use my pickup truck. The few times were when I was hauling my table saw and air compressor, and other really heavy stuff. Essentially, I was contracting with my Xtracycle as my truck.
Now, while I didn’t log too many miles on the Xtra, I did use it every day, and it saved huge wear and tear on my pickup truck.
One issue I had with the Xtra in this configuration was that the donor frame was really too small for me. It was originally my mom’s bike, and a decent Trek Antelope Cro-Mo frame, but simply too small. After I started working back at my other (and current) employer (our slow season was done) I had a 26mile commute each way. I tried several different bikes for this commute; a recumbent, which was actually a great option for this commute. I rode my fixie quite a bit and also bought a beautiful vintage specialized sequoia, which again was too small for me. Finally I got my LHT. All during this time, my Xtracycle sat unused. The frame was simply too small and the components were pretty much junk. During the time I was hauling tools, I pretty much used it as a single speed. When you’ve got weight, and 1 block to go, one low gear is all you need.
I wanted badly to have a nice frame on the Xtracycle, to make it an option for longer rides and in particular, a longer commute. So I started searching. At the time, I didn’t want to spend any money on a frame, and even in it’s current rendition, the frame was a freebie. I picked up a Giant frame for $20, and even though it wasn’t the great quality, I liked the large size and built it up. Now, there is something to be said for actually having a liking for a bike. If it fits you, but you just don’t like it, you’ll never really enjoy the bike. I learned that. After building the Xtra up on the Giant frame, I had something against it that I just couldn’t get over. I don’t know what it is, but it was like a smitten puppy or something. Didn’t like it, didn’t like to ride it, and even though it did its job fine, it never got my seal of approval.
What to do, what to do. After purchasing my Karate Monkey S/S 29er MTB, I realized that I no longer needed my 26” S/S pink bike. Now this pink bike, I had a real attachment to. I don’t know why. It’s not spectacular and I don’t even know the make. I do know that it is built with Tange Cromoly, and there are a few lugs in the frame construction, but it’s not a completely lugged frame. This pink bike, would become the platform for the Xtracycle as it is today.
I sanded the pink bike down, painted it, repacked all the bearing with grease and gave her a complete overhaul. Painted it semi-gloss black to pay homage to the original inception of my Xtracycle.
The drive train came from a sweet Miyata 100LT that I picked up for $80. Even though it was a 48cm frame I couldn’t turn down a bike like that, at that price. The frame went off to Conneciticut, where it’s currently undergoing a transformation to 650B. The gent who bought the bike only want the frame (triple butted, splined tubing) so I kept all the parts.
While first re-doing the Xtra on the Giant frame, I even used the Shimano bar-ends that came off the Miyata, but on this past re-build, I opted for the riser MTB bars. Some cheapo Shimano thumbies are playing very well with the Deore derailleur, so I’ll let them keep playing together. I like these cheap thumbies. They’re comfy, and they’ve got the friction option, which is nice. Currently they are set up in ratchet mode and working very well. I even sent a set over to my friend Smudgemo, when he was needing a set. I think these thumbies are highly under-rated, and should get some serious consideration when looking for shifting options for commuter or utility bikes.
So, now that I’ve had a few days of riding the new and improved Xtracycle, I will say I think I like it’s current set up. The frame is comfortable, and I like it. Sizing is good, while I could stand a larger frame, it’s not to the point where I’m concerned about it. I feel like this is a bike that I can ride for hours, and I hope to get some long rides in next summer. As for the winter, I’m not sure I’ll run studded tires on it. I’m in the process of converting the Giant into a Single speed winter beater with Studded tires, as it once was, just without the extreme DIY studded tires. However the Xtra might just turn into my main commuting bike over the winter. Studded tires may just find themselves on the rims one day. I love the fact that I can keep a lock, patch kit and some other supplies tucked into the pockets at all times. I love that I can wear a warm coat to work in the morning (this morning it was -2C) and on the way home, just throw it in the Xtra and enjoy the last of the T-shirt weather that is disappearing quickly.
Need to swing by the store to grab some groceries? Not a problem. Need beer for some friends coming over tonight? Covered. This freedom that the Xtracycle brings is really quite incredible, if you’re a person who loves to ride bikes as much as you can. Handling isn’t any better with the freeradical on, and only marginally worse. It’s a lot slower for sure, but last time I checked, the idea of having a bicycle replace a car has never been about speed, and the accelerated rate that we can do things, but rather about the quality of life we can live. The quality of my life is better because I ride my bike to work and don’t drive. The Xtracycle enables me to do that a whole lot more, and also ride a bike at times when before, I would have had to take a vehicle. If you’re wondering about getting an Xtracycle do it. You will not regret it.
I first received my freeradical bolt-on kit from my sweet wife for Christmas, 2007. By the end of Boxing day (returns day to my American friends) it was put together and I took it out for a test ride. At the time, I was living in Rockyford Alberta, and I worked in a combine repair shop, literally 1 block from my house. I was building an office building (all by myself, and I even designed the trusses, layout, every aspect of the building). After the design was done, I built the thing myself, inside of a shop. When it was -30C outside, I was sure a spoiled ‘framer’ to be inside a shop with in-slab heating. During this time, I used my Xtra to haul my tools between work and home. I had a crazy home renovation going on at the time, and needed my tools in both places. I could carry some significant loads of tools with me on the Xtra. Only rarely would I have to use my pickup truck. The few times were when I was hauling my table saw and air compressor, and other really heavy stuff. Essentially, I was contracting with my Xtracycle as my truck.
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Now, while I didn’t log too many miles on the Xtra, I did use it every day, and it saved huge wear and tear on my pickup truck.
One issue I had with the Xtra in this configuration was that the donor frame was really too small for me. It was originally my mom’s bike, and a decent Trek Antelope Cro-Mo frame, but simply too small. After I started working back at my other (and current) employer (our slow season was done) I had a 26mile commute each way. I tried several different bikes for this commute; a recumbent, which was actually a great option for this commute. I rode my fixie quite a bit and also bought a beautiful vintage specialized sequoia, which again was too small for me. Finally I got my LHT. All during this time, my Xtracycle sat unused. The frame was simply too small and the components were pretty much junk. During the time I was hauling tools, I pretty much used it as a single speed. When you’ve got weight, and 1 block to go, one low gear is all you need.
I wanted badly to have a nice frame on the Xtracycle, to make it an option for longer rides and in particular, a longer commute. So I started searching. At the time, I didn’t want to spend any money on a frame, and even in it’s current rendition, the frame was a freebie. I picked up a Giant frame for $20, and even though it wasn’t the great quality, I liked the large size and built it up. Now, there is something to be said for actually having a liking for a bike. If it fits you, but you just don’t like it, you’ll never really enjoy the bike. I learned that. After building the Xtra up on the Giant frame, I had something against it that I just couldn’t get over. I don’t know what it is, but it was like a smitten puppy or something. Didn’t like it, didn’t like to ride it, and even though it did its job fine, it never got my seal of approval.
What to do, what to do. After purchasing my Karate Monkey S/S 29er MTB, I realized that I no longer needed my 26” S/S pink bike. Now this pink bike, I had a real attachment to. I don’t know why. It’s not spectacular and I don’t even know the make. I do know that it is built with Tange Cromoly, and there are a few lugs in the frame construction, but it’s not a completely lugged frame. This pink bike, would become the platform for the Xtracycle as it is today.
I sanded the pink bike down, painted it, repacked all the bearing with grease and gave her a complete overhaul. Painted it semi-gloss black to pay homage to the original inception of my Xtracycle.
The drive train came from a sweet Miyata 100LT that I picked up for $80. Even though it was a 48cm frame I couldn’t turn down a bike like that, at that price. The frame went off to Conneciticut, where it’s currently undergoing a transformation to 650B. The gent who bought the bike only want the frame (triple butted, splined tubing) so I kept all the parts.
While first re-doing the Xtra on the Giant frame, I even used the Shimano bar-ends that came off the Miyata, but on this past re-build, I opted for the riser MTB bars. Some cheapo Shimano thumbies are playing very well with the Deore derailleur, so I’ll let them keep playing together. I like these cheap thumbies. They’re comfy, and they’ve got the friction option, which is nice. Currently they are set up in ratchet mode and working very well. I even sent a set over to my friend Smudgemo, when he was needing a set. I think these thumbies are highly under-rated, and should get some serious consideration when looking for shifting options for commuter or utility bikes.
So, now that I’ve had a few days of riding the new and improved Xtracycle, I will say I think I like it’s current set up. The frame is comfortable, and I like it. Sizing is good, while I could stand a larger frame, it’s not to the point where I’m concerned about it. I feel like this is a bike that I can ride for hours, and I hope to get some long rides in next summer. As for the winter, I’m not sure I’ll run studded tires on it. I’m in the process of converting the Giant into a Single speed winter beater with Studded tires, as it once was, just without the extreme DIY studded tires. However the Xtra might just turn into my main commuting bike over the winter. Studded tires may just find themselves on the rims one day. I love the fact that I can keep a lock, patch kit and some other supplies tucked into the pockets at all times. I love that I can wear a warm coat to work in the morning (this morning it was -2C) and on the way home, just throw it in the Xtra and enjoy the last of the T-shirt weather that is disappearing quickly.
Need to swing by the store to grab some groceries? Not a problem. Need beer for some friends coming over tonight? Covered. This freedom that the Xtracycle brings is really quite incredible, if you’re a person who loves to ride bikes as much as you can. Handling isn’t any better with the freeradical on, and only marginally worse. It’s a lot slower for sure, but last time I checked, the idea of having a bicycle replace a car has never been about speed, and the accelerated rate that we can do things, but rather about the quality of life we can live. The quality of my life is better because I ride my bike to work and don’t drive. The Xtracycle enables me to do that a whole lot more, and also ride a bike at times when before, I would have had to take a vehicle. If you’re wondering about getting an Xtracycle do it. You will not regret it.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
The Tale of a Suitcase, who wanted to ride an Xtracycle
Boss flies to Chile. I was already there. Meet him and have a pleasant several days of meetings and whatnot. Bosses suitcase arrives late, very late. Airline gives a hoot and sends a brand new suite case to bosses hotel in Santiago, kind of a way to make amends. Boss has already headed back to Canada and so had I. Chilean project team receive the suitcase, and on their recent visit to our facility in Canada, bring with them the wonderful suitcase of apology. Boss is not here, he’s in Arizona. Suitcase is stored at my house. Boss has since been to Brazil, Peru, and Arizona again as well as several other cities. Yesterday, the boss returned to the office. After lunch at home today, I decided it was time for the suitcase to finally complete its journey, and make the last leg of the trip to its rightful owner. All that for one sweet ride on an Xtracycle. Happy ending for this persistent little suitcase.
Monday, October 05, 2009
First snow of the season
Yesterday it was snowing off an on all day. Hovering around the freezing mark, all of it was just melting. As I went to bed last night I was hoping some of it might just stick over night. On the off chance it would, I set the alarm to be up and early to catch the first snow ride of the season.
I wasn’t disappointed. About an inch was staying to the grass and gavel, while the roads were just wet.
I woke up Karate Monkey and started spinning the cranks. Headed through a construction site, which proved to be too muddy to be enjoyable. It took all I had to maintain forward motion, and I was just getting really really dirty. I road a highway to a gravel road, and enjoyed that for a while. A little canal path cruising and time to head home. Our garden hoses weren’t frozen, so I was able to give KM a shower, as well as my lower body before heading into the warmth.
I also took the Xtra to work for it’s shake-down run. I was pleasantly surprised that everything is dialed in! Even the ratchet shifting on my vintage Shimano “thumies” is working like it was new. I wasn’t sure if they would work well together or not (they’re from different bikes) but I am very impressed with how well it’s shifting. I still need a cable for the front derailleur, and for now I’ve just got the travel adjustment screws waxed out to hold it at the center chain ring. Works good enough for now.
I can’t believe I’ve had my Xtra out of commission for so long. After riding it today, and I am reminded of all of the stuff I’ve hauled on this bike. How did I get by without one? By driving my pickup truck too much that’s how. Anyone who is considering getting an Xtracycle, I more than highly recommend it. When you think that this bike will revolutionize your transportation life; you’ll be amazed at how it will blow even your highest expectations out of the water!
I wasn’t disappointed. About an inch was staying to the grass and gavel, while the roads were just wet.
I woke up Karate Monkey and started spinning the cranks. Headed through a construction site, which proved to be too muddy to be enjoyable. It took all I had to maintain forward motion, and I was just getting really really dirty. I road a highway to a gravel road, and enjoyed that for a while. A little canal path cruising and time to head home. Our garden hoses weren’t frozen, so I was able to give KM a shower, as well as my lower body before heading into the warmth.
I also took the Xtra to work for it’s shake-down run. I was pleasantly surprised that everything is dialed in! Even the ratchet shifting on my vintage Shimano “thumies” is working like it was new. I wasn’t sure if they would work well together or not (they’re from different bikes) but I am very impressed with how well it’s shifting. I still need a cable for the front derailleur, and for now I’ve just got the travel adjustment screws waxed out to hold it at the center chain ring. Works good enough for now.
I can’t believe I’ve had my Xtra out of commission for so long. After riding it today, and I am reminded of all of the stuff I’ve hauled on this bike. How did I get by without one? By driving my pickup truck too much that’s how. Anyone who is considering getting an Xtracycle, I more than highly recommend it. When you think that this bike will revolutionize your transportation life; you’ll be amazed at how it will blow even your highest expectations out of the water!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Extracycle Redeux
Just a quick pic. Over the past 2 weeks or so I've been reworking the Xtracycle. Painted the Pink Bike black ( I really like that frame, and seeing as I now have a 29er S/S, I really didn't see the point of a 26" S/S mtb). A smattering of a few new parts, but mostly old stuff I've been filling the parts bins with. I'll get into a little more detail later.
Cheers.
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