De-branding the LHT?

I’ve been thinking lately about removing the decals from my LHT. I’ve read up on it, even on the LHT and CC Google group, and from what I’ve learned, it’s really quite easy. Any thoughts on whether or not I should do it?

The reason I’m thinking of removing the decals is this; the LHT is such a great classic looking bike. The decals don’t help that at all. I think the go very much against the look of a classic bike. I removed the decal from the dealer that I bought the bike from already. I hate it when they do that. I didn’t get any special deal, and even the service left a lot to be desired, why would I let them advertise on my bike? I mean come on, give me 10% off accessories when I’m buying the bike or at least have it ready for me when you say you will. The first and second time you say you will. If you can’t do those things, you can’t advertise on a bicycle that I paid for.

With my LHT, it’s not so much that I don’t want to advertise for Surly. They make great, no non-sense bikes and make them affordable. I honestly can’t really think of a bike out there like the LHT, other than the LHT. It’s a great platform from which to build a nice touring bike. Very capable of meeting the task it was designed for, and compared to bicycles of a similar skill strength, it’s cheap. I’m quite happy with my LHT and think it’s a great bike. But there is the whole issue of the look of the bike. The color could be dubbed as a classic color, the tubing size, geometry look great, but the decals just don’t work. Especially if you want to “Rivendellize” your LHT. Some of the Surly Pacers have a nicer looking decal. I wonder why it got a different decal?

I’m not totally convinced I’m going to do it yet, but I think I might just de-decal the LHT. We’ll see.

A little on the LHT

Obviously the last picture I posted of my LHT was bone stock. Just the way I picked it up from BOW. Later that night, I did indeed install my B-17. This is the most important up grade I could make to this bike. After all, if you don't have a really comfortable saddle on the bike, what good is it to bother upgrading the rest of it.

Finally tonight, I had a chance to hang with the LHT a bit. I've got only a few miles on the bike, and haven't had any time to tweak it at all. Tonight my wife was making some flowers for a wedding cake she's doing, and after the kids were sleeping in bed, I headed out to the garage to get acquainted with the LHT.

I installed the fenders that I ended up getting with the Miyata 1000LT a while ago and I was quite surprised that they were an excellent width for the rather fattish tires on the LHT. Black, with white stripping down the center goes alright for now. The decals on the Surly are white and there are some black components, so it'll work for now. Although I would like to go silver. I'll live with the black stuff for now.

One crazy issue I had was that that lower fender/rack mount on the right hand side had not been tapped. Not a big deal, I just grabbed my tap and die set and corrected the situation to the proper 5M tap size, but I was very shocked to find that my brand new bicycle was flawed. Although when I was tapping it out, I kept thinking how glad I am that it even has provisions for fenders and a rack, as well as so many other practicalities that the LHT is known for.

No threads in there!

Also black and also from the 1000LT, is the rear rack that I installed. It's a decent rack that doesn't use those thin little metal "extensions" to mount to the top of the seat stay. No, it has the full aluminum tubes throughout. It also has a tab at the back for mounting a light, so I'll be modifying that a bit to hold a super flash.


After twisting wrenches for a while and listening to the hockey game on the radio, I decided to head out in the dark and test a LED light I've never really used. Again, not much distance was logged, but it was a very quite ride, thinking in detail about every aspect of bike fit. It was almost like I was riding with my eyes closed and just thinking about my hands. Okay, they fit well here, now my shoulders, they seem pretty good. Once I get the saddle height up a bit more they should feel better, obviously that would correct the leg extension shortage.

It was a great ride in the dark on a gravel road, just getting to know my new bike. From the little time I've spent with this bicycle, I can tell it's a great bike. The 60cm frame feels like the right one and I just can't wait to log some miles on this bike.

After handing the LHT up in it's parking spot, I noticed that I had my two favorite bicycles in one place. My ever faithful fixed gear, and my new yet to be proven LHT.

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.

Mechanical Woes

First, I seem to have an issue with the seat post on my new Karate Monkey. After finally tightening the crap out of the collar bolt, it still slipped down about an inch on my last ride. It was only 11 miles, and while it was gravel, it should never move. I posted it to the LHT and CC Google group, looking for anyone who may have had a similar experience, and I did learn of others having such problems on other bikes. There was a case where the same thing happened with a LHT, and Surly came to the table and ended up sending a new replacement frame. Good on ya Surly. I need to measure my seat post and make sure that it is the correct diameter. If not, I’ll head to my LBS where I bought the bike and see if we might be able to try a few sizes of seat posts. Hopefully one slightly larger size will do the trick. If not….hhmmm…..I hope to be able to get a new frame to change out. That’s the worst case scenario, and I’d rather not think about that.

Second, not such a big deal, just flat tires. First one was about 3 weeks ago on my LHT. I rode it to work after lunch as I always do, same old route, and when I went to leave that evening, the front tire was completely airless. As I was changing the tube, I was careful to remember where on the wheel the flat happened so I could inspect the wheel and indeed there was something in there that was suspect to me. I forget what that was though. I remember thinking that I’ll just wait and see if I get another flat and then I’ll know I’ll have to deal with whatever the possible cause was. Well, yesterday, that other flat came. Now I really wish I remembered what the suspect cause was. I guess I’ll find out when I take the wheel off.

Third was after lunch today. I drove my truck to work this morning (shame shame shame) and picked up the LHT. (I could change the flat at work, but I’m a wuss and by far prefer working on a stand if I have any choice at all) and was planning on riding my fixie back to work. Went to put on my race blade fenders to help keep the water from jumping up at me. What do I find? A flat rear tire! Argh. I go from having no flats in 3 years, to 3 flats in 3 weeks. Frustrating. Kind of makes me want to just run out and buy some of the toughest most flat-resistant tires I can find (think Schwalbe marathons). Before, while running any tire, even tires I found for free at the recycling yard, I’ve never had a flat. Now, these three. Oh well, I guess we all have to deal with our share of mechanical headaches. I just don’t know why I got all of mine in one lump sum.

Slipping Seatpost fixed!

I’ve had a chronic problem with a slipping seat post on my Karate Monkey ever since I bought it.

I would ride, and even for short distances (less than 5 miles) I noticed the seat post would slip. I posted it to the LHT and CC Google group (just because it’s quite active and often very helpful) to see if anyone had any experience with such slippage on any of their Surlys. Being as the seat tube on a Karate Monkey is the same diameter and tubing as any other Surly bike, I thought it was worth asking there. I heard a few stories where LHT frames were replaced by Surly, and others where it was just a matter of an undersized seat post. I hoped the ladder would be the case, but as it turned out, neither were.

I changed out the seat post with a different one (thanks to the good guys at Bowcycle) and that didn’t make a difference. I measured the seat posts with my digital calipers, and I was getting anywhere from 27.03mm to 27.18mm. The size is stamped 27.2mm and I assume that these are typical manufacturing tolerances. After calling Kurt at Bow, he asked if I could just bring the whole bike in. So I did, and Blue (one of those great bike mechanics who knows much about bikes, even weird stuff like retro-direct drives, and home brew 2 speed fixed setups) thought right away that it was the seat post locking collar. That thought entered my mind, but I doubted it for some reason. Surly used to make their constrictor seat post binder, but got complaints that it was just too beefy and ugly. My KM (as well as my LHT) came with the new collar. So, we strolled around the store until we found a cross check with the old style seat post binder.

Here is a comparison between the two Surly seat post clamps - photo credit goes to Chubby Super Biker -

I took it home, have it a try, and wala. I’ve got about 30 miles of gravel in on the KM this week and she’s holding steady. Man it feels good to get these little nagging problems taken care of. Kudos to Bow for making this top priority, and doing whatever they could to make it right. The customer service there is second to none. Kurt apologized numerous times for the inconvenience and always notified the mechanics when I was going to be coming in so I wouldn’t have to wait at all. They’d pull a bike out of the stand and put mine in there as soon as I walked in the building. I can’t say enough good about Bowcycle.

The new manly constrictor!

So nice to have the KM back. Last night went for a late right to work up the heart beat. First ride of the summer that I’ve had to use my lights. The KM continues to impress.

(I was told by a creative mind that melting a little wax to the seat post sometimes will help give it a little extra stick. Sounds like it might work, unfortunately, for me it didn't. Interesting idea though.)

I debranded the LHT.

Well okay, that is a lie on two parts. First being I still have decals on the LHT. Second being they have virtually been taken off via Photo shop, but not by me. I received a comment on a previous post this morning, and good man Cycle Jerk sent me a photoshoped picture of my trucker sans decals. Looks pretty good. He is thinking the same thing that it seems like a lot of us LHT owners think, remove the decals! Maybe..... Mine will probably stay for a while yet. Maybe until I get some nice steel fenders, or a few more classic looking parts hung on the frame. Right now, it looks too much like a budget utilitarian touring machine to get all worked up over the decal astetics.

And Thanks Cycle Jerk for sending this through. I don't think of you as your namesake might suggest. Cheers.

The Mystery bike mysteriously disappeared!

Well, okay, it wasn't mysterious I guess. But it is gone. After giving long thought to my cycling needs, and the style of riding that I do most often, a skinny tired road racing bike was a ride that would be much use by me. So, I found it a good home. Or a good home found it. Jeff is going to put it to good use and is going to use it in some triathlons. It would indeed be a fine ride for that. Quick, but comfy. Man I will miss that bike.

Back to further thinking of my cycling needs. When I consider what bikes I actually ride, and where I actually like to ride them, I can't really dream up figures and stats. What I ride is what I ride. What I ride is my LHT and my Karate Monkey. That's pretty much it. My fixie used to see a lot of use, but after a bit of a close call earlier this year (my foot slipped off the pedal while trying to do an emergency skid stop) I kind of wonder if it's the smartest thing for me to ride a brakeless fixie, when I have a wife and family at home. I love them, they love me, and they do want me to make it home safely.

Put brakes on the fixie? Well, the kicker for me and that bike is it's pure aesthetic. I love how clean it is. When there's brakes installed, it just doesn't look as good to me. It's the clean and pure line of just bicycle that I love about that bike.

So, I'm selling it. I posted previously that I was going to sell it, but I didn't have it priced to sell really. I think I was trying to sort of go through the motions of selling a bike, minimizing my possessions, without actually having to do it. Now it's time. I'm listing it for $400. Maybe that's high? Don't think so. Paul Hubs, hand built wheels. It's a solid bike and it's well put together. If I can't get $400 for it, I'll sell it for less. I will sell it though. That's the sure thing.

I'm not sure why, but there's something about having lots of bikes that really doesn't sit well with me anymore. Not sure why. I used to revel in the fact that I had 13 bicycles, all road ready, and all mine. Not all were fancy or worth bragging about, but I like to have them. Now, I'm constantly weighing the pros and cons of each one of my bicycles. So far this year I've rid 6 from my collection. I feel as though I'm not done yet.

The question is always in my mind: "if I could only ride the KM or the LHT, which would be the best for me." I can't say. I could get some gears for the KM, and set it up for more of a utility bike that would still do well off road. I could get some slightly more aggressive treads on the LHT and use that as my only bike. I had a little email dialog with a local cyclist this week who suggested the Salsa Fargo would be the perfect in between bike for me. Yes, it might very well be. But, chances of finding one of those used are slim to none. And, I'm not going to be buying any new bikes in the near future.

For now, I continue to weigh the options and ponder what to do next. And of course, ride my bikes!

Cheers,

Jeremy

LHT Exploring photo dump

Just thought I'd drop a few pictures from some recent exploring I did around my house last weekend. I figured there had to be some decent riding around the canals (other than what's directly behind my house) and all I had to do was go out and find it. I didn't have much more than an hour, so I'm not sure of the extent of the riding, but for fast training rides and such, there is plenty of nice gravel and double track.

My Surly constrictor clamp on my Karate Monkey snapped, so I rode the Trucker. I would rather have had the KM, but the trucker was capable indeed. I just don't like riding as hard on the LHT, because I don't want to destroy my Schmidt E6 or any of the racks. A single speed 29er is far more resilient when crashing. I just tried hard not to crash.

This is where my ride started. It's a 5 minute bike ride from my house.

Nice sweeping gravel corners
Cattle to the left

LHT 10' above the water

Heading toward the golf course

Obligatory panda shot

I think this is the widest bike path in the world. It has to double as emergency vehicle access to the back part of the golf course, hence the width. It's a great place to ride with kids when they're learning.

1st ride on the LHT

I was finally able to take the LHT out for a ride longer than 10 minutes yesterday. While it was only 14 miles, it is better than none. What’s more, I was supposed to do a long run in training for my Marathon races coming up, and a 14 mile bike ride is so much better than a run in my books. Made a few adjustments to the saddle angle, but other than that, nothing else was touched on this ride. I’m sure with a few more longer rides I’ll be tweaking a little more here and there.

First thing that stand out on the this bike are the fat tires. They really do smooth out the rough roads well. I think the Sequoia I had was a smoother frame but the tires on it (32) didn’t like the rough surface of the roads coming out of Rockyford. The shoulders are much smoother. The LHT though didn’t seem near as taxing on the rough roads as the Sequoia, and I'm sure it's because of the fat tires. While on the smooth shoulders though, the Sequoia is still a smoother ride.

Size feels good. Really good. It’s nice to be comfortably stretched out, but not reaching. Makes sense. Large person would be more comfortable on a large bicycle frame.

I have hardly gotten to know this bike, and with more time in the saddle I will be able to offer more in depth reports on it, but initially, I think it will certainly live up to its reputation as being a good, simple, comfortable bike for long rides and touring.

LHT Killer????

Well maybe not, but man am I ever glad to see this bike coming out from MASI. Should hit stores in the US beginning to mid November. I was previously eyeing up a MASI Cyclocross bike to set up for long distance commuting, but I think this Randonneur would fit the bill even better.

The Speciale CX from MASI would be a great candidate for long distance commuting but the first thing I would be doing would be changing out the STIs for bar-ends. No need with the Randonneur, it comes with bar ends! Top all that with a MASI leather saddle (looks great anyway, but a Brooks would still probably beat it) and the gorgeous paint, and this is a bike I want.

With a MSRP of only $1,145.00 and they have the LHT close to beat in my mind. I guess the LHT is still probably a better rig for major long haul touring, but I do like to see more bikes like this enter the market at an affordable price. Other than custom or semi-custom, it's hard to find bikes like this. The more that come out, the better for us, the cycling consumers.

Boy, that Volae is living in dangerous times…..

Minimalists Ideals start to take hold

Over the past year or so, I've been really contemplating the idea of minimalism.

Minimalism isn't really new or revolutionary, nor would minimalism necessarily be the best way to describe the thought process. Maybe it is, but minimalism seams to be more of a title to counter-act the consumeristic lifestyle that we as North Americans have been so caught up in. Always need the latest and greatest, always need more. Why? The thought process of minimalism is to pair everything down to the smallest amount that we can comfortably get by on. Try to do without the latest and greatest. Be content with what we have. My motivation for minimalism has stemmed from my frustration with trying to keep all of my worldly possessions in order. My life, may not even look minimalistic yet. I've always been a bit of a collector, and even as a kid, I would hate to get rid of anything, "in case I might need it later." Classic.

A lot of my life and my stuff has been very easy to pair down. Stuff that I've had for years, I've given away over the last year. I've kept track and I've hauled 8 pickup truck loads (and I mean completely loaded truck-fulls of 'stuff') in the past year and a half. Most of it is easy, and I've gotten my personal belongings to a much more manageable level. Still not near done, but I've made some real progress. One area that I thought would be completely unaffected by minimalism was my bicycles. Turns out, I was wrong. Yesterday I gave away 3 bikes and my old trusty trek frame (which was pretty much the starting point of my bike commuting and this blog). Today, I put up the fixie for sale.

I'm trying to pair my bike collection down to as few bikes I can have, and still partake in my favourite styles of riding. The fact of the matter is that I don't need a great city bike with a front basket for the one day a year that I make a wine and cheese run before enjoying he sunset with my wife on the back deck. I did that once last year, and I've romanticized the ride ever since. It was probably the biggest reason I kept that bike so long. Hadn't ridden it since. Get rid of the bike, keep the memory.

My bike collection to meet my style of riding should be quite nicely accommodated with the following: my LHT, my Karate Monkey, my Xtracycle, and my Rockabilly Boogy. Those are the bikes that I ride the most. There is also the 'mystery bike' (which I should probably get pictures up here) that would have it's place, but most likely will go. That will still leave me with 4 bicycles, which is quite a collection to the average person. To a cycling fanatic, it's hardly respectable, but to a minimalist, it's plenty. Who knows, it may be culled down even further, but my thoughts are this. My LHT is a great bike for errands, long relaxing rides in the country, and for road rides. My Karate Monkey has been my evening bike ride 'go to' for quite a while. This was very different than what I thought when I bought it. I didn't think I'd ride the Karate Monkey near as much as I do, and it's just such a great bike. Soots (Xtracycle) is obviously for hauling kids and groceries and running whatever other errands I might need to run. And lastly, the Rockabilly Boogy. This bike is just for fun. Since my wife has a cruiser to match, it's a bike that I'll hang onto, even though it's mostly a novelty. Every other one of my bikes is a better, more efficient ride, but sometimes it's fun to just cruise with my bride (of 9 years now!) and go no-where important slowly.

I've been told by people that I'll regret getting rid of my bikes. If I truly do find that I can't live without the collection I currently have, I can always build it back up again. But I don't think that'll be the case. The fact that I'll have fewer bikes to maintain accessories and ride makes me worry that I'll see how great simple is, and be tempted to further reduce my fleet. That, wouldn't be a bad thing.

To the fixie. I'm gong to try and sell it locally. Shipping is a royal pain in the butt and quite expensive to anywhere south of the border. So, locally, I've got it listed for $650 with a few options.

Life is getting simpler and I'm liking it.

My Favorite Bike

One thing about riding bikes every day, you’re favorites become even more favorite. Between my LHT and my fixie, I think I could give up every other bike that I own. Not that I’m planning on it, but I could. Now, between the two, that’s a hard call. Obviously for rain, it’s the fendered LHT, as would be the case when I was making longer trips and need to carry stuff. But for commuting and general running around the favorite is whichever one I happen to be riding.
For the last few days, it’s been the fixie.

Until I ride the Trucker next, I can’t think of a bike I like more.

LHT spotted in Great Falls

I'm enjoying an uber long weekend right now. Sitting by the pool, recovering the mornings shopping.

Two days ago while outside of Scheels (my favorite store in Great Falls) I saw this LHT sitting patiently in the rain.

It made me think about my bike sitting patiently at home. I miss my bike.

We are having such a blast here and this little 5 night get away is just what the doctor ordered. I've sent a few emails, made a few calls, but was able to get enough done before I left (it only took 2 weeks of 14hr days) that I'm pretty much out of the picture as far as work goes. The 4 phone calls and 7 emails I've sent have been done pool side and while sipping either a Fat Tire or Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. Not really not all that bad.

Will De-branded

Saw Will's LHT over at the Cyclofriend's Current classics gallery. “62cm Surly Long Haul Trucker (sans hideous Surly graphics)” is Wills description. I will say that it takes much more of a classic look when the decals are removed. I’m inching closer to the de-branded LHT all the time. Still, proceeding with caution though.

On the other hand, on the Surly 1X1, I think the decals are quite fitting. Silly Surly.

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,

Back out on the LHT

I forgot how great this bike is. For some reason, all of the other
bikes in the garage have been getting all of the attention lately. A
shame indeed. This bike fits so well, rides so well, and handles so
many different purposes, it makes all the others in the herd nervous.
LHT, you rock!

What is this?

On the right chain stay of the Miyata LT1000 touring frame (which has been sent off to Connecticut) there is this little doo-hicky braze on. What is this for? I’m assuming it has something to do with side of the road maintenance that might be more commonly done while on an extended tour, but what? If you know, please share it with me.

Just above it is this little braze on which I’m assuming is for holding your chain up while doing maintenance. Am I wrong in thinking that’s what this little ditty is for? I’ve got one of these on my LHT, so I guess it would be a good idea to know exactly what it’s for.

Cheers.

You've only got 1 day off. Make it a good one.

That was my motto yesterday. After putting 25hrs in at my day job, and somewhere around 50 hrs at my Rockyford house this week, I needed to take at least one day off to rest. Besides, it’s biblical.

I wanted to just hang out with the family and do whatever the day would bring out way that was fun.

We started off with a walk for us/bike ride for the boys to visit some friends

Here is my oldest getting into the racing mind set. Everything is a contest to two brothers.

Here is my youngest on his run bike. He can actually motor really well on this thing. Even picks up his legs for short spells. I think these are definitely the way to go to teach children how to ride bikes.

Came home. Grabbed a picnic lunch and went to the park for a few hours. Came home, kids had a nap, my sweet wife and I enjoyed a little reading on the porch in the sunshine, and then the kids got up again and we went for another bike ride.

Came back, re-organized the bikes (now with my little 1 year old birthday girl in the chariot) and headed out on the 3rd little bike ride of the day. My oldest (4) is getting quite confident riding his bike. He’s having a blast too. He can even manage to control his speed on hills now, instead of crying and walking the bike. One great thing about being back in Strathmore, is the network of bike paths that are highly underutilized. I haven’t brought all the bikes from our old house to our new house yet, so I ended up lowering the seat on my Rockabilly Boogy and my wife rode that, and I rode the LHT. My little girl sang her little la la la songs the whole time we were riding. I think that’s a good sign that she enjoys cycling also.

I finished the day off with a pint of liquid gold in my new Bow Cycle beer glass. My parents just bought some nice bkes from Bow ( myDad got a Cannodale 6 and my Mom got a hand made titanium Merlin - contrary to my recommending a nice steel Rivendell or Surley or something "better". - okay, I can live with my moms Ti bike, but full carbon??? Come on Dad) and Bow gave them a set of beer glasses and a beer pitcher. My parents don't have a refined pallet that apreciates a good beer, so they gave the set to me. yeah.

I love days like yesterday. In my mind, that’s what the weekend was made for.

Snow bike?

I'm quite certain this would trump this in the snow.

I went for a little lunch time snow ride today. I met up with the trial head 1/2 mile from my office and started to boogey. Pedaling as fast as I possibly could. Just to keep moving. Didn't always work though. In fact I was defeated more than I succeeded.



Kind of makes me wish I still had my snow bike shod with them Endomorphs. Oh well. I sold it to buy my LHT, which I certainly do not regret. I'm coming to accept I will not get every bike I want, or at least not all at the same time.



The Schwable Snow Studs are too skinny (1.9") for any amount of snow. When there is just a little skiff and mostly ice, they excel. But with the several inches we had overnight, and the gusty winds, the drifts were just too much. I was also cold. -31C with windchill. Should have covered my face.

I decided to turn back to the office and heat up some lunch. I guess it'll have to be ping pong today.....

Cheers

At Last

My LHT.