Cool Commute & B-17 questions

A nice crisp ride to work this morning. When I left it was -4C (24.8F) and when I got to work 1hr 45 minutes later, it was -2C (28.4F). I used to have this notion, and I would always say that I wouldn’t ride if it was colder than 3 Celsius. For some reason that was a magic number in my head. Of course I would still ride a bike, but not commute in anything colder than that. Today was just too convenient to ride to work .We’re looking at some houses this evening right after work, and I hate having two vehicles in Strathmore when we have running around to do. Then we have to drive separate vehicles back home, one right behind the other. Makes no sense. I figured I could brave the cold this morning, bundle up and ride. I’m glad I did. I feel like I’ve earned a whole new season of cycling. With my new found appreciation for wool, platform pedals to allow me to wear warmer footwear and my very warm skiing gloves, the cold wasn’t an issue today. Not for me at least. My water bottles froze up, but I was able to break the ice loose every time I pulled on the nipple with my teeth.

Leaving the house at 6am these days doesn’t mandate a good headlight. I ran my E6 for a bit, just because I had it, but about 15 minutes into the ride, I turned it off. I keep two super flashes going the entire ride. They are highly effective, and cheap to run.

For some reason, my brooks isn’t feeling really great right now on the LHT. I’ve ridden it for 1.5hr plus rides on my old sequoia and my fixie, both of which felt great. Possibly need some more proof hide to soften the leather a bit? I also know that I haven’t yet dialed in the fit on the LHT. My perfect bike as far as fit goes, is my fixie. I am going to use a plumb bob, and a tape and see if I can’t match every measurement on the fixie to my LHT. The B-17 is a different shape compared to modern saddles for sure, but I’ve heard so much good about them, and until I installed it on the LHT, I’ve had no issues with mine. Kent has a write up about the WTB saddles, and I agree with him. I found a speed V that was taken off of a bike for $10 at my LBS, and figured I’d buy it just because it was cheap. I’ve found that saddle to be very comfortable. Doug has switched from a B-17 on his LHT. My friend Vik gave me a Selle Atomica that still has some life in it. I’ve got it on my Xtra rebuild right now, but it might just find its way onto the LHT for some testing. I’m almost afraid to try it for long rides though. I’d probably have to buy a new one if it feels really good, and they’re not cheap.

Anyone else have any thoughts on the Brooks saddles? Long break-in I’ve heard, but I thought I was through that.

Not Included

Obviously when you sell a bike, you don't include the accessories that you've attached to it. Mostly the pedals and the saddle. Those two items are quite specific to each rider, and more often than not, the person buying your bike doesn't share the same preference in these. They are also 2 of the 3 interface points on a DF bike.

I keep getting asked if I could please include the Brooks from numerous buyers and when selling two different bikes. Obviously the answer is no. It always makes it's way to my next favorite bike.

I've run into a problem though. I have more clip less-pedals now than bikes to put them on. Boy, I better buy a few more bikes or something huh?

Gettin all Nitto with it

I've really enjoyed my Specialized Sequoia I recently purchased from Pat. Great tube set, great geometry and the drive train and brakes are tight. I was very surprised with how great this was, being as I was buying it second hand. One always thinks things must be worn out, brakes not graby, drive train not shifty. Not the case with this ride. Everything works and feels like I think it probably did coming off the showroom floor. I bought several brand new bikes, and this one feels just as good as any of those. The only thing I've wanted to change was the stem. I think this frame is a little on the small size for me, but somehow it seems to be working out. Even if a bike looks small (based on seat post and stem extension) if it feels right, it's right. Right?
I had an old Nitto Technomic stem kickin in the parts bin for a while. Problem was it was for a 25.4 handlebar, and the other 4 decent drop bars in my parts bin were 26. Until I remembered a bike my neighbour brought over for me out of the county dump/transfer station. I also remembered that it was actually a nice vintage Nitto bar. Could it possibly be a 25.4? That would be too sweet. Too sweet it was! I was actually thinking of buying the Nitto Noodle bar which while holding in my hands were very comfy, sure they would be on the bike also. But, this one seems alright. Undamaged and in great shape.
Slap on the lovely cork tape (I've always loved the look of khaki bar tape) that Cornell gave me with the bike, and I think I'm in business. I rode it around last night for a wee little bit and this feel ridiculously comfortable. Down on the drops would be comfy for and extended period of time, riding the hoods is nice and relaxed and up on top of the bars feels a bit cruiser like, perfect for simply taking in the scenery. I might end up sliding the stem down a little, but I thought I should start out as high as possible when installing the new brake lines.
My thinking is changing a lot as I ride more. I've adopted the Rivendell philosophy of bicycle fit and I'm quite enjoying it. I'm not a racer, I don't even do club rides. Most of my riding is done on a long commute, and every now and then I'll head out for a rec ride mostly to take pictures and enjoy being outside. My bikes are starting to reflect that. I sold my Allez. Bought this steel bike, and love commuting on my recumbent. Still have a thing for fixies. That bike is very comfy too. I think that more people would cycle if there were more bikes like my sequoia available from bike shops. I really don't get a kick out of my LBS anymore and generally only make a stop there when I need a part or accessories. To find bikes more like this, it's either search classifieds to find a decent version, or roll out the doe on the Internet. Steel is real, and feels great. Just as a bike should.

Proof Hide??

As recommended by Brooks, one should apply several doses of proof hide during the break-in period, and every 3-6 months thereafter. I don't have any proof hide. Should I hold of riding this saddle until I get some? Has anyone ridden one without ever using the proof hide? Just wondering. Peace.

The B-17