Re: [RBW] Re: Challenge Parigi-Robaix tire mounting

2011-11-12 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Fri, Nov 11, 2011 at 09:37:14PM -0800, Jay wrote:
 Just to be clear, the Kool Stop thing is not a lever. It's a ...
 something else, designed specifically to mount tires without damaging
 anything.

The Kool Stop tool is called a bead jack (I think).  VAR makes a similar
tool that has the advantage of being smaller (if you want/need to take
it with you).  Here's a picture and a post about the VAR tool:

http://randonneurextra.blogspot.com/2009/02/making-life-easier-var-tire-lever.html

or: http://goo.gl/6t3V3

Not my blog, and I've never seen it before today, but the write up rings
true to me.

There are people who insist you can mount any tire on any rim without
tools... I'm sure the insist-or is right, for him/herself.  But jeez...
Torelli Master rims -- a rim with a notoriously shallow well.  I've
spent way too long trying to get a tire mounted on a Master in the
past.  It's supremely frustrating.  I know the tricks, but the tricks
don't always do the trick.  The VAR lever/jack (and presumably the Kool
Stop jack) makes mounting tough tire/rim combinations easy.  I prefer
riding to fighting with my tires, so for me it was worth $15 and giving
up the idea of no tools, all the time as concerns mounting tires.  Not
all rim/tire combinations are created equal.

Sorry for the rant -- if you're one who can mount any tire without
tools, that's great!  I envy you!

Stuart Fletcher
West Seattle, WA

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[RBW] cable splitting question for bar swappers

2011-10-25 Thread Stuart Fletcher
The thought of running upright bars on my Rambouillet has lodged
itself in my mind and I can't shake it.  But I don't necessarily want
to dedicate the bike to upright bar status, so I looked back through
the archives for advice on what others (at least 3 of you!) on the
list have done.  Using cable splitters sounds totally doable and I
think I'll do it, but I have a couple questions for those more
experienced with, in particular, the DaVinci splitters (which seem to
be the most popular).

My main question is about the front brake.  I'm running centerpulls,
so there IS a cable stop and bare cable running to the straddle wire
carrier.  Can I split this cable?  It's a 60cm frame, so I think
there's physically enough room for the splitter.  I should have
measured before I left for work -- here's a photo showing the length
of bare cable (not the best photo, but it gets the idea across):

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratrocket/4665838398/in/set-72157624126974480

Is there a reason some handlebar swappers don't split the front brake
cable?  Is it a safety issue?  It seems a couple people don't split
the brake cables at all, but use linear pull brakes and swap the whole
cable + noodle with the bars.  I'd like to avoid that because I don't
have an easy way to do it.

But, as a second option to splitting the front brake cable, someone
made a reference to using a straddle wire carrier where the brake
cable doesn't *bolt* to the carrier and suggested these were best for
cantilever/centerpull handlebar swappers... but I don't know of any
such straddle wire carrier -- anyone know differently?

My final question is probably a dumb one but I'll ask it: Is it really
OK for the longevity  integrity of the steerer tube to swap stems on
a semi-regular basis?  Is it a concern, a non-concern, or a
non-concern with caveats?

(By the way the bike has downtube shifters, so those will remain untouched.)

Thanks in advance for any help!

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] cable splitting question for bar swappers

2011-10-25 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Thanks Seth and William!

Geez this is one of those things where I needed to say what I was
thinking before I could see the obvious solution.  I was thinking
about the wrong end of the straddle cable carrier -- obviously.  Not
the first time that's happened.

OK, thanks again, case closed!  I'll post photos when the switch happens.

Stuart
Seattle

On Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 13:12, Seth Vidal skvi...@gmail.com wrote:
 On Tue, Oct 25, 2011 at 3:43 PM, Stuart Fletcher
 stuart.fletc...@gmail.com wrote:

 My main question is about the front brake.  I'm running centerpulls,
 so there IS a cable stop and bare cable running to the straddle wire
 carrier.  Can I split this cable?  It's a 60cm frame, so I think
 there's physically enough room for the splitter.  I should have
 measured before I left for work -- here's a photo showing the length
 of bare cable (not the best photo, but it gets the idea across):

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratrocket/4665838398/in/set-72157624126974480

 Is there a reason some handlebar swappers don't split the front brake
 cable?  Is it a safety issue?  It seems a couple people don't split
 the brake cables at all, but use linear pull brakes and swap the whole
 cable + noodle with the bars.  I'd like to avoid that because I don't
 have an easy way to do it.



 Your cable carrier - you don't have to split there - just have another
 carrier on the other set of bars at the same length.


 You have mafac racers on there from the picture - you just have to
 disconnect the cable carrier and you're ready to go.


 But, as a second option to splitting the front brake cable, someone
 made a reference to using a straddle wire carrier where the brake
 cable doesn't *bolt* to the carrier and suggested these were best for
 cantilever/centerpull handlebar swappers... but I don't know of any
 such straddle wire carrier -- anyone know differently?

 Sure you do - the one on yours - you don't bolt the straddle cable to
 the cable carrier. It just sits in there by gravity/tension.


 My final question is probably a dumb one but I'll ask it: Is it really
 OK for the longevity  integrity of the steerer tube to swap stems on
 a semi-regular basis?  Is it a concern, a non-concern, or a
 non-concern with caveats?

 non-concern.

 grease your stems when you take them in and out. Clean up any crap as you.

 -sv

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Re: [RBW] Re: Pretty nice looking Hunqa-rack

2011-10-21 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Fri, Oct 21, 2011 at 16:02, William tapebu...@gmail.com wrote:
 I don't know.  I think bolting struts to those crown bosses could also get
 in the way of your cantilever set up.

The Kogswell P/R has(had) bosses on top of the fork crown and I don't
recall hearing reports of interference with the cantilever brakes.
Which isn't to say it couldn't happen, but I think there's enough room
for everything up (down?) there.  I have a P/R but am not using the
crown top bosses, so I guess I'm not in a rush to use them either,
just wanted to point out there's a pool of people out there with
experience of the crown top boss/cantilever straddle cable situation.

(There have been some dented downtubes on P/Rs from bolts in the crown
top bosses striking the downtube.  Not enough clearance built in
apparently -- bad place to dent the downtube too... as if there's a
good place.)

 torch, but his Dr. told him a tig welder will blow up his pacemaker and end

Most steel racks are fillet brazed not TIGed so that shouldn't limit
you too much in your rack building.  Safety first!!

I dropped some things off at Colin's shop while he was in the midst of
building the Sogn racks a couple weeks ago and they look great!  He's
a super nice guy, easy to work with and does great work.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Re: Installed Front Rack... PAIN IN THE REAR!

2011-10-14 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Fri, Oct 14, 2011 at 10:23, Minh mgiangs...@gmail.com wrote:
 I have to agree with everyone else, i think we are all spoiled by how
 simple it is to install the Nitto racks on almost any bike.

The Nitto M12 ( its sister M13) don't have provisions for adjustment
but are still easy to install -- cantilever brakes only however.

 [] i can't figure out how people with
 metal fenders can keep the swaying down without securing the fender at
 the front edge.  the daruma in the fork crown always has some slippage
 for me.

For the best performance and long life metal fenders *need* support at
the front edge.  It's much more secure  robust that way.  If you
can't attach the fender to a front rack then an additional stay can be
used.  There's a reason the French did it that way.  Not saying you
can't get away with no support forward of the fork crown, but the
fender isn't fully supported without it.

FWIW I bought a VO constructeur front rack a couple years ago and
gave up on it before I even started to try to fit it to a bike.
Anyone who goes through the work to fit one of those up definitely has
my respect.  I'm Nitto M-12s on all my front-racked bikes...

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Re: A tent for bike-camping???

2011-10-13 Thread Stuart Fletcher
I have (and love) a Tarptent (http://tarptent.com/).  Mine is a
Contrail which sleeps one, and is not free standing, but they have
several 2 person offerings.  The Double Rainbow is 2 person and says
free-standing (with trekking poles)
(http://tarptent.com/double-rainbow.html#overview).

The Contrail  Double Rainbow are both single wall -- some people
don't like (or don't trust) single wall tents but I've never had a
problem with condensation or rain getting in.  Mine is under 2lbs and
packs reasonably small.  I got it specifically for s24o-ing and it's
been great for that.  I've been super impressed with Tarptent and
would get another (I'm only a satisfied customer, not a shill I
swear!).

I'm intrigued by Lyle's suggestion of the Black Diamond Mega Light --
I'd like to try that type of tent sometime.

I have several friends that use the MSR Hubba tent and seem to like
it.  There's a two person version called the Hubba Hubba
(http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/tents/experience-series/hubba-hubba/product).
 The Hubbas are free standing.

All the suggestions in this thread have been good -- there are lots of
great tents (and tent-like things) to choose from.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

On Thu, Oct 13, 2011 at 11:28, William tapebu...@gmail.com wrote:
 I bought a Northface Tadpole 23 about 19 years ago, and still use it.  I've
 been happy with it.  I was down at the Northface Outlet, and saw a brand new
 one on the cheap, and they had the footprint onhand, so I bought another.
 It's a good tent, and you can get it for under $200.  That's my S24O tent.
 It was cozy when it was me and BOTH my kids inside.  When my wife and both
 kids came along on an S24O I slept outside in a bivy sac and let the three
 of them snuggle in the tent.  It's roomy for two adults.

 http://www.campmor.com/north-face-tadpole-23-tent.shtml?source=CIci_sku=28574GREci_gpa=placi_kw={keyword}

 All that said, I'm really tempted by the incredible light weight offerings
 from Big Agnes.  Whenever I get a 20% off coupon from REI I think about
 pulling the trigger on a solo tent that weighs under two pounds.

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Re: [RBW] Re: New Bar?

2011-09-14 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 12:07, Joe Bunik jbu...@gmail.com wrote:
 It wouldn't be without historic precedent:
 http://www.flickr.com/photos/collectvelo/6128025930/


Moots used to make a stem to facilitate that kind of double bar set
up!  There's would've been stacked vertically.  That was the old
Moots, however (they were also huge proponents of fenders... how times
change).

Couldn't track anything down on the internet about the stem, it was
from the 1980s.  Anyone remember those?  (sorry for the topic drift)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Re: New Herse Crank (and BQ Spoiler Alert!)

2011-07-08 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Fri, Jul 8, 2011 at 12:04, Tim McNamara tim...@bitstream.net wrote:

 ...
  I supose it'd be possible to forge the cranks long enough that the hole 
 could be placed at 175
 or 170 and just machine off a bot of the end for the shorter cranks, but that 
 adds cost.


Compass/Rene Herse is specifically against making different length
cranks from the same forging.  In the comments on the Bicycle
Quarterly blog Jan says:

Initially, we’ll offer a length of 171 mm. Making several lengths
from the same forging is a bad idea, as the machining weakens the
crank. We may offer more lengths in the future, but if we do, we’d
want to make new forging dies, so that the crank remains a “near net”
forging with perfectly aligned grain structure.

(source: http://janheine.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/rene-herse-cranks/)

Stuart

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Re: [RBW] A small step forward?

2011-05-07 Thread Stuart Fletcher
In a short video linked to from the Velo News piece that starts this
thread there's some really cool looking high speed / slow-mo close up
footage of bicycle tires deforming over the cobblestones.  I've never
seen anything like it  found it very interesting (or maybe mostly
cool looking...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QSpuhIQg1A

I found the footage compelling enough that I thought others might like
to see it too.  (Apologies if this has made the rounds.)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

On Sat, May 7, 2011 at 07:46, cyclotourist cyclotour...@gmail.com wrote:
 Vindication!!!


 On Fri, May 6, 2011 at 10:59 PM, Big Paulie pauldgr...@yahoo.com wrote:


 http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/bikes-and-tech/ask-nick-fat-tire-fun-and-mavic-race-support_171343

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 Cheers,
 David
 Redlands, CA

 ...in terms of recreational cycling there are many riders who would probably
 benefit more from
 improving their taste than from improving their performance. - RTMS

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Re: [RBW] Re: FOUND, was WTB: Grip Kings

2010-10-18 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Sun, Oct 17, 2010 at 20:00, rperks perks@gmail.com wrote:
 Taking it to the next step have been trying to work out if it is
 possible to ride in vibriam five fingers...

 Rob

Rob,

Maybe the skate deck pedals would accommodate your Vibram 5ingers:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/philipwilliamson/sets/72157606135599567/with/5049561149/

or

http://goo.gl/FmUe

In one of the photos Philip says something about using extremely
flexible shoes with them.  I am really curious to try that idea
myself!  (well, the pedals... not the 5ive Fingers... not quite yet.)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Bike Life

2010-10-17 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Anne,

Sounds like you had a great ride!  Your friends sure have curious
ideas about what makes acceptable riding conditions ;-)

Out of curiosity (and because I want to get one someday) which size
Saddlesack did you get?  Based on your grocery list I'm assuming it's
either a medium or a large.

I'm about to ride my Rambouillet to the store, but I'll be putting
much less stuff in my Acorn large(haha!) saddlebag.  It's super nice
but *not* what I'd call large!

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Re: If Rivendell were ever to sponsor a pro racer...

2010-10-07 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Wasn't Alexi Grewal involved with/sponsored by Moots way back when?
Does anyone remember when Moots were big advocates for fenders?  I'm
talking back in Moots Mounts™ days, way before titanium.  I still have
a catalog (just a couple printed sheets IIRC) from Moots and I
distinctly remember a Moots Mountaineer being listed at $1250 for a
complete bike.  Woulda been '84 or '85 I think.  Memory lane...

Not much Riv content there... I'm about to commute home on my
Rambouillet though.  That will be fun!  (And *its* fenders will be
coming in handy in the coming days even if Moots has forsaken their
fender-ish roots.)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Re: Tent advice needed for S24O?

2010-10-06 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Wed, Oct 6, 2010 at 05:38, Steve Palincsar palin...@his.com wrote:
 How many full water bottles does it take to weigh 3 lb?

Oh, me, call on me!  One full 22oz water bottle weighs about 3 pounds.
 That puts 3 pounds in perspective.  Or makes you want to carry less
water...

Where bicycle camping is concerned, I feel having less bulk is almost
more important than having less weight.  Three more pounds isn't going
to break me, but there's a strict limit on what I can fit in my bags.
But lately I've been camping with a Nelson Longflap and a medium sized
Wald basket, so YMMV on that front.

If you're willing to go tarp-style, the Black Diamond Megamid was
mentioned in a recent discussion.  It's a 4 person  floorless it's
sub 3 lbs (a floor is available separately).  Someone reported he can
have his bike and all gear in the shelter -- kinda neat.  Link:
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/mountain/shelters/mega-light

There are so many tents out there -- get the heavier 2 person one you
think you'll be happier with and see how it works.  If you find it's
too heavy (or too bulky) get rid of it and try something else.  That's
my advice.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

PS/btw: I use a Tarptent (tarptent.com) and love it.  It's single wall
which I take it some people don't like, but I've not had a bad
experience with mine.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Tent advice needed for S24O?

2010-10-06 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Wed, Oct 6, 2010 at 09:43, Reed Kennedy r...@notfine.com wrote:
 On Wed, Oct 6, 2010 at 8:32 AM, Stuart Fletcher stuart.fletc...@gmail.com
 wrote:

 On Wed, Oct 6, 2010 at 05:38, Steve Palincsar palin...@his.com wrote:
  How many full water bottles does it take to weigh 3 lb?

 One full 22oz water bottle weighs about 3 pounds.
  That puts 3 pounds in perspective.  Or makes you want to carry less
 water...

 Not quite... A pint's a pound the world around. A pint being 16oz, 22oz of
 water weighs a touch under 1.4lbs.

Oh I'm embarrassed... I used a gallon weighing 8.35lbs and then
converted with 64 fl oz. to the gallon.  Whooops, that's only half a
gallon!  So yeah, I was over by a factor of 2.  Sorry for spreading
misinformation -- and with such a dumb mistake!

Stuart

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Re: [RBW] Re: Another supposedly fun thing I'll never do again...

2010-10-03 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 11:03, rcnute rcn...@hotmail.com wrote:
 I'm thinking of going exclusively to flat pedals but I haven't done
 any rides longer than STP (2-day) with them.  Maybe the trick is to
 wear fifteen year old Birkenstocks with worn soles.

You have to carefully break in your shoes to your platform pedals, a
process which can take years... ;-)   ( -- winking == joke)

Mike: looks/sounds like a beautiful ride, hotspots notwithstanding.  I
want to ride down that way sometime.  Probably won't happen until next
year at this point, but it's something to look forward to.

Thanks for the photos and write up.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Seattle Riv Ride: 10:10 on 10/10/10

2010-09-30 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 13:00, Rob Harrison robha...@gmail.com wrote:
 San Diego, San Francisco and Portland have RIv Rides--let's try for one in
 Seattle! I hear they've happened in the past Brian Hanson and I have
 been talking about this. Here's the plan:
 [...]

This sounds great!  But I'll be in Portland (with my Rambouillet) for
the Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show on the 9th and 10th, dang!  I'd take
part if I were around.

Is it too early to start planning Seattle Riv Ride #2?  :)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle (of course!), WA

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Re: [RBW] Seattle Riv Ride: 10:10 on 10/10/10

2010-09-30 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Thu, Sep 30, 2010 at 13:26, Rob Harrison robha...@gmail.com wrote:
 The ride is a consolation prize for those of us who can't make it to
 Portland for the show! :) (I would LOVE to be going myself)

I see, that makes sense.  Not a bad consolation prize I'd say.  (I'll
take plenty of photos at the show, btw, and will send the link around
for all those who can't attend.)

 Yah man--Seattle Riv Ride #2--when n' where's it gonna be?

H, so many options!  But maybe planning the second is a bit
premature before the first is complete.  It might even be bad luck (oh
no!).  If I'm around I'll always participate in a ride like this
though.  I'll think about routes ideas for future rides...

By the way, I love the 10:10 10/10/10.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

(PS: another good Seattle ride (or six) if people aren't aware are the
the Cargo Bike/Picnic rides organized by Aaron's Bicycle Repair 
friends.  Rides are always on holidays (July 4, Labor, Memorial, day
after Thanksgiving, Easter, New Years Day), cargo bikes NOT required,
always good food (pot luck, usually grilling involved), beverages, and
a great mix of people.  If I'm free I go on these rides  others
should join too.  It's a good time.  Some info:
http://www.rideyourbike.com/cargorides.shtml.  Aaron has been a
Rivendell supporter from early days...)

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Re: [RBW] Re: My new Rodeo

2010-09-14 Thread Stuart Fletcher
MichaelH: good post, as Joel said.  Good rundown of the pluses and
minuses of each system.

I'd been using bar end shifters (friction) on my main bike for years
and when I built up my Rambouillet I decided to go back to DT shifters
(friction still) with a compact double (42/26... very compact!).  I
LOVE the DT shifters.  What did it for me is the shifting with one
hand technique that Michael mentions.  When riding with DT shifters
20+ years ago I didn't know that trick, but it's so obvious once
someone tells you or you figure it out.  Makes double shifts (for me
that usually means 1 in front, 2 in back at the same time) so easy and
fast.  I'm using the Campy FD that Michael mentions (that Riv sells --
I assume that's what MH refers to) and it's like butter.  Doing the
double (front/back simultaneous) shift is no more work than just
shifting the rear.  This is with the Silver shifters if that matters.

One point of terminology and maybe this has changed since I last paid
attention, but I thought SIS stood for Shimano Index Shifting
(whereas Suntour has Accushift) and so it just means indexed shifting
(which can be w/ DT, bar end, or integrated shifters).  But maybe now
SIS is synonymous with brifters.  Ah well, who knows.

At any rate, good stuff.  There's really no substitute for trying out
the different options and seeing what feels best.  But also no penalty
for sticking with what you know you already like!

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

On Tue, Sep 14, 2010 at 05:27, MichaelH mhech...@gmail.com wrote:
 I have used SIS, barcons and down tube shifters and each has its
 advantages.  SIS is fast and keeps your hands right on the brakes; but
 are a pain when they are out of whack, are expensive and have the
 shortest life expectancy of any system. I don't care for the
 ergonomics of pushing with my fingertips.  Barcons are much slower
 than SIS but have better ergonomics and otherwise offer similar
 control at a much more affordable price than SIS.  BEs are my favorite
 for commuting or any time I'm in traffic - bike or car traffic.  DT
 shifters do require learning to reach down to shift, but it's not much
 different than pulling out a water bottle.   Your hand memorizes the
 location and you want to keep your eyes up the road.  DT shifters are
 even faster than SIS.  They let you shift front and rear with the same
 hand, either in quick succession or even simultaneously if you want
 to, and they can run across the length of the cassette much faster
 than SIS.  Vt, where I live, has lots of rolling terrain which rewards
 rapid double shifts, so I much prefer DT friction shifters, and that's
 what's on my Ram. I do miss a shift occassionally, but I simply see
 that as a learning experience. BTW, if you want to teach someone how
 to shift, I have found that BE is easier to master than SIS.  The
 shifters always move in the same direction as the chain, which
 reinforces the learning and makes it easier to visualize what's
 happening.

 If you go to a CD, you will get improved shifting from a FD with a
 shorter cage, which allows it to be mounted closer to the ring,
 without hitting the chainstay, as the 105 will on most bikes.  I
 highly recommend the new Campy.  There is no compelling reason to
 change the RD, but if you have something with a very long cage you
 will get faster, smoother shifting from one with a shorter cage.

 Michael

 On Sep 13, 5:35 pm, Johnny Alien johnnyal...@verizon.net wrote:
  Hey Johnny,

  Downtube shifters are more classic than barcons and lighter too.  A triple
  really isn't classic, and the bottom bracket and cranks are both heavier
  than a traditional double or compact double.

  Regards, Doug

  P.S.  No slight intended, but it seems to me like a lot of Roadeos are 
  being
  built up pretty much the way I would think most AHHs get built up rather
  than as any lighter than average go-fasties...

 I definitely wanted to be more on the racier end but with keeping with
 some classic looks.  I never thought about it but DT shifters might be
 a fantastic idea.  They are very light and more classic than putting
 on brifters. (I didn't want to do barcons).

 100% going to do a compact double.  I'm not sure what to do with the
 FD and RD.  But DT shifters???  You have me leaning this way.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Tent suggestions

2010-09-14 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Tue, Sep 14, 2010 at 08:18, Esteban proto...@gmail.com wrote:
 One more for the Seedhouse SL2.  Mostly because of its small pack size
 on the bike.  That mattered a lot to me.  I got it on sale at REI.

 The Tarp Tent stuff is pretty rad.


Indeed, the Tarptents are very nice.  I use a Contrail for solo bike
camping and couldn't be happier.  They are single layer, which may be
a deal breaker for some.  I think it's a fair trade off for the light
weight and small packing size.  The Contrail at least also has a dead
simple and very fast set up.  They have a nice variety of 2 person
tents, too.  (http://tarptent.com/products.html)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Re: Tent suggestions

2010-09-14 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Tue, Sep 14, 2010 at 09:00, Ray Shine r.sh...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
 Stuart -- Do you carry a trekking pole on the bike to set this tent up?  Or
 do you use another method?

Hi Ray, good question.  I was tripped up by that at first (I can't
carry a trekking pole on my bike!) but it turns out there's an
optional collapsible shock-corded pole you can get with it which I
did.  Tarptent says it weights 2oz.  It rolls right up with the tent
(as do the stakes) so makes a nice integrated package.

A friend of mine got one of the two person Tarptents (can't recall
which) but he hasn't had a chance to use it yet, or I could report on
that model as well.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA


 
 From: Stuart Fletcher stuart.fletc...@gmail.com
 To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com
 Sent: Tue, September 14, 2010 8:41:57 AM
 Subject: Re: [RBW] Re: Tent suggestions

 On Tue, Sep 14, 2010 at 08:18, Esteban proto...@gmail.com wrote:
 One more for the Seedhouse SL2.  Mostly because of its small pack size
 on the bike.  That mattered a lot to me.  I got it on sale at REI.

 The Tarp Tent stuff is pretty rad.


 Indeed, the Tarptents are very nice.  I use a Contrail for solo bike
 camping and couldn't be happier.  They are single layer, which may be
 a deal breaker for some.  I think it's a fair trade off for the light
 weight and small packing size.  The Contrail at least also has a dead
 simple and very fast set up.  They have a nice variety of 2 person
 tents, too.  (http://tarptent.com/products.html)

 Stuart Fletcher
 Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] Sackville Medium for Camping WAS Re: FS: Sackville medium, reduced price

2010-09-12 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Rob, everyone:

On Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 12:35, Rob Harrison robha...@gmail.com wrote:
 Did you ever go camping with the Medium? If so, was it big enough? If you
 fill it up, does it sag enough to require support, rack or bagman or
 similar?

I can't speak specifically to the SaddleSack Medium, but I camp with a
Carradice Nelson Longflap + a medium Wald basket and that works well
for me.  The capacity on the Carradice is quite similar to the medium
SaddleSack.  Here are the capacities in one place for perusal:

Peter White lists the capacity of a Nelson Longflap at 19.6 liters
(unclear if that's with the flap extended or not... I almost never
have to extend the flap for a summer overnight camping load).

The Rivendell site lists the capacity of the medium SaddleSack as:
Not bulged: 18.6 liters; Bulged but not ridiculous: 23.2 liters; The
pocket adds about .82 liters.

So the capacities are in the same ballpark.  In fact it appears the
SaddleSack can hold a bit more than the Carradice.

I'm a light-ish packer(*), and how people pack can obviously vary
widely so this could be an apples-oranges comparison, but the basket +
Carradice combo has worked great for me on overnighters this summer,
and I don't see any reason the same setup couldn't go for 2 or 3
nights (or more).  If I didn't have the Carradice I would definitely
consider getting the medium sized SaddleSack with commuting AND
camping in mind.

Don't know if this data point will help you, but thought I'd chime in
with my experience.

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

*: For a bit more reference, my most current packing scheme has
sleeping bag up front in the basket (it's a Wiggy's that Rivendell
sells in a smaller stuffsack than comes w/ the bag), tent lashed to
top of Carradice (a Tarptent Contrail, so it's nice  small/light),
and sleeping pad under seat/in front of Bagman rack (Thermarest Neoair
-- anything bigger wouldn't fit there).  Small bag of personal stuff
goes in basket with sleeping bag and all else is in Carradice,
including a Trangia cooking kit w/ the large-ish (IMO) stand and
windscreen.  So bulk isn't as minimized as it could be, but some work
has gone toward that goal.  Hope this info helps.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Sackville Medium for Camping WAS Re: FS: Sackville medium, reduced price

2010-09-12 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Mike, that's a great looking setup with the Medium SS.  I might have
to investigate that as an alternative to the Carradice.  Nice to hear
from someone that has used both, as I was merely speculating based on
the listed capacities.

Have a great time on your 3 day trip, sounds like it will be awesome!

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

On Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 17:12, Mike mjawn...@gmail.com wrote:
 I have a Sackville Medium SaddleSack and a Carradice Nelson LF and
 much prefer the SaddleSack. It packs stuff better and holds more
 stuff. Don't get me wrong, I love Carradice stuff  but SaddleSack is
 just a bit nicer and works fine without a support. I recently did an
 S24O with just a sleeping bag, pad and some other small items and it
 was ideal. Here's a photo:

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/41335...@n00/4945981066/

 Here's a picture from a couple of years ago when I did an S24O using a
 Carradice Nelson LF. In fact, this was my first S24O and it was epic,
 actually more of an S36O.

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/41335...@n00/1246536894/in/set-72157615006576577/

 I'm heading into Gifford Pinchot NF tomorrow for a 3 day trip but
 won't be using my SaddleSack and have opted to use my Ortlieb front
 roller pluses on a rear rack and a platrack up front. Services are
 very limited in GPNF so there's a need to carry a bit more stuff than
 the SS and Platrack would allow. I did a bit of experimenting with the
 SS and Ptatrack this morning and it seemed like too much weight riding
 too high.

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/41335...@n00/4982443897/

 --mike

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Re: [RBW] Check this Bombadil!

2010-09-09 Thread Stuart Fletcher
On Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 20:17, Seth Vidal skvi...@gmail.com wrote:
 What is a 'cho?

Means poncho I'm guessing.

Stuart

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Re: [RBW] Rambouillet Rebuild Tire/Fender question

2010-09-08 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Hi Michael,

On Wed, Sep 8, 2010 at 16:57, MichaelH mhech...@gmail.com wrote:
 [...]
 Is anyone running 50 mm metal fenders on a ram  can you
 fit a 30 mm tire under it?


I would say definitely yes the tires will fit.  Mostly because I have
a Rambouillet running 43mm fluted Honjos and 31mm (measured, just now)
Grand Bois Cypres and the clearance is good.  So a 30ish mm tire would
definitely fit under the fender.  My brakes (Mafac Racer) would
prevent me putting anything bigger than the 43s on it without breaking
out the file.  But I'm guessing those Pauls Racer Ms have a bit more
clearance, I haven't seen them in person myself (I'd like to!).

With a quick glance at my frame and the clearances (my frame is a 60cm
btw) the only place it looks like there might not be a comfortable
~4mm more clearance is at the chainstays near the BB.

Here's a photo of my Rambouillet, just to throw it out there.  Yours
is looking great!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratrocket/4776284970/in/set-72157624126974480/

http://goo.gl/Zu2i (same photo as above)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

 Thanks,
 Michael


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Re: [RBW] Heron riders might be interested

2010-08-18 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Hi Andrew,

On Wed, Aug 18, 2010 at 19:40, andrew hill neurod...@gmail.com wrote:
 i came to the game late, however - got into Rivs after the Heron had moved on 
 / been EOL'd.
 what was the original retail price of a Heron Touring frame - anyone remember?


I don't know what the Herons retailed for, but recently on some
mailing list or other Alex Wetmore posted a link to his Heron Touring
from when he was selling it.  It seems to be from 2006 and he was
asking $1275 for a nearly complete bike.

So... bit of a mismatch in the price of the recent ebay frame and what
Alex thought his bike was worth.  I think part of it is that Alex gave
some lucky person a really good deal.

Maybe you've already seen this come to think of it...  Anyway, here's
the link.  There are photos, it's a nice looking bicycle:

http://phred.org/~alex/pictures/bikes/heron-touring/

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] New fender taillight

2010-08-12 Thread Stuart Fletcher
The radbot 1000 is a great light and I've been looking forward to the
(long rumored) release of the fender mount version.  Portland Design
Works is doing good stuff and their wares are relatively easy to find
in bike shops (ones I frequent at least).

There's one way it doesn't resemble the Spanninga (assuming that it's
a re-configured radbot 500 or 1000) -- it has a flashing mode.
Whether you want to *use* that feature or not is another question (I
don't usually use flashing mode myself).

Also, I think PDW sort of backed into the fender mount taillight
domain.  Their first great move was copying the Spanninga style ( was
Spanninga the first to do it?)
integrated-reflector-with-high-output-LED for use on a non-fender
(say, seatstay).

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA
(my only connection w/ PDW is that I own a radbot 1000 and really
really like it)

On Thu, Aug 12, 2010 at 12:33, Eric Norris campyonly...@me.com wrote:
 I just ordered the Radbot 1000. I like bright taillights, and I also like
 the integral reflector. Should work great on brevets.
 —Eric

 On Aug 12, 2010, at 12:09 PM, Michael Mann velom...@gmail.com wrote:

 Looks promising. I have one of their Radbot 500's and it has proven to be a
 bright and durable light with a really cool fizz-pop flash option.
 http://www.ridepdw.com/goods/lights/fenderbot

 --
 Michael Mann
 http://baiku-velomann.blogspot.com/

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Re: [RBW] Fendering the 'un-fenderable'

2010-06-07 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Question asker, all:

On Mon, Jun 7, 2010 at 15:55, dos.ruedas rhizomic.upris...@gmail.com wrote:
 I have an old Trek 500 - series frame that I converted to be my light
 touring/loaded commuter bike and while I love almost everything about
 it, the one drawback is that I cannot fit fenders under the sidepull
 brakes with the 32mm tires I run.

I'm running 30mm (measured) Grand Bois Cypres on my Rambouillet with
43mm Honjos, and so far so good (only about 150 miles on that
combination, but lots of rain -- thanks Seattle!).  I decided to use
Mafac Racers for the reason that centerpulls get wider (spread above
their pivots, i.e., where the fender sits) when applied whereas
sidepulls squeeze the fender area when applied.  It might not be much,
but sometimes a couple millimeters is the difference between fender
success and fender.  You could try a similar idea but get 45mm fenders
which should give ample clearance for true 32mm tires.  Or stuff 32s
under 43s, it might work.

Mafac Racers are cheap and plentiful, and set up correctly (which
isn't terribly difficult, though maybe a dying art) they're fantastic
brakes.  Sure Pauls are a lot nicer, but if you want to try a waaay
cheaper solution to see if it'll work for you, get a set of Mafacs.
Install good brake pads so inferior pads don't fool you into thinking
the brakes suck.

Personally (not to mention self-evidently) I'd do what I did before I
tried the Reach Arounds (Steve P.: google it  look at the 1st result)
and also before I tried to, ummm, DIY a reach around.  Granted though:
the Trek 500 series is quite likely more fender-space challenged than
the Rambouillet.  Still, an idea, and a relatively inexpensive one to
try out.

YMMV, etc, etc.

Cheers!

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA
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[RBW] new (to me) Rambouillet

2010-05-25 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Hello all,

Well, I can finally post here as a Rivendell owner, pretty exciting!

About a month ago everything finally came together and a Rambouillet
frame I bought last year is now a *bike* and is rolling the streets of
Seattle.  I'm very happy with it so far -- smooth is the word I keep
coming back to to describe the ride.  Just really smooth!  That was
true with the pre-fender Jack Browns (greens) but is proving to be
equally true with the be-fendered Grand Bois Cypres.

I've been putting off posting until I got the fenders on, which
happened Saturday.  There are still a couple things I'm pondering
changing, but there's no nagging I gotta change that! aspect.  It's
ready to ride!

Here's a set on flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratrocket/sets/72157624126974480/

or: http://bit.ly/coKwm8

The frame is a 60cm, orange.  It's a mongel-y build -- barely anything
matches (and there's not a single Shimano part on it -- which wasn't
on purpose, it just happened).  Some of the highlights are TA Pro5
crank (with 42/26 rings), Campagnolo front derailer, Suntour XC Pro
rear derailer, Silver downtube shifters, lugged Nitto stem, Nitto
Noodles (narrow ones -- 42cm), Suntour Superbe Pro brake levers
pulling on Mafac Racers (with non-Mafac-style Kool Stop pads,
however), American Classic seatpost holding up a B17 Champion Special
(that started life honey colored), and the wheels are Torelli Masters
(bane of my tire-changing existence!), Suzue Campy-copy hubs and an
IRD 7 speed freewheel.  Honjo fluted fenders round it out.  Plus the
previously mentioned Grand Bois Cypres tires.  I guess those aren't
highlights, that's everything!  Oh, pedals: Black Ops platform pedals.

Some thoughts on a few of the parts: I hadn't used downtube shifters
in awhile, so that was a change in direction for me.  So far so good
-- just another way to shift.

I've been wanting to try narrower bars.  I have 46cm Noodles on my
(previous?) main bike, an 80s Specialized Expedition.  I'm sort of
narrow-bodied, so I thought the 42s might suit me.  Again, so far so
good.  Also, I like the feeling of changing from wider to narrower and
vice versa when I switch between bikes.

The gearing was a big question for me.  I've never had a wide range
double before, so didn't know exactly what direction to go with it,
but I knew I wanted to try it out.  My one worry about the gearing was
that I might want something bigger than 42x13 in some situation (an
incredibly strong tailwind perhaps?).  So far it hasn't been a problem
though.  And overall the range of gears and shifting pattern (such as
it is) has worked great for the riding I've been doing, which
(unfortunately!) has mostly been around the city and commuting.  But
that includes long hills and short steep hills -- up  down -- and
long straight flat sections (with plenty of wind lately).  Pretty
varied I think, and an all right test of a bike's gearing.

The pedals were a last minute change from using a rat trap-type pedal.
 My shop completely sold me on the giant Black Ops studded platform
pedals and I'm glad they did.  They're so grippy and the big platform
is really comfortable.  I think these are my favorite pedals I've
ridden since I quit clipless a couple years ago.  Black Ops is a JB
Importers brand.

The American Classic seatpost is just for fun.  I hope it doesn't
break my saddle rails.  Or is it the seatpost itself that's reputed to
break?

That's about all.  I think there are fun times ahead!  I'm really
looking forward to riding this bike a lot this spring  summer 
beyond.

Thanks for reading/looking if you've read this far.  If you see me
rolling around Seattle (or anywhere), say hi.  (Or nod in my
direction... or... something!)

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] new (to me) Rambouillet

2010-05-25 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Thanks for the compliments!  It's easier to put something nice
together when you're working with such good source material as the
Rambouillet.

 I assume you're in friction mode on the shifters?

Yep, friction all the way.  It has the Dia Comp/Rivendell Silver
shifters on the downtube, so no clicking for me (just a little
ratcheting).  I'll say too -- the shifting is super smooth and
precise, no surprises front or rear.  The front shifting is as crisp
as the rear, and doing a one-handed (right-handed) double shift in
either direction is not a problem either.  Not a technique I had
before, but it seems suited to this gearing setup.

I'm getting ready to ride it to work in a bit here...

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 06:37, Ray Shine r.sh...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
 Agreed, and I like the wide-range double set up.  I assume you're in
 friction mode on the shifters?

 
 From: Bruce fullylug...@yahoo.com
 To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com
 Sent: Tue, May 25, 2010 2:59:05 AM
 Subject: Re: [RBW] new (to me) Rambouillet

 Nicely done Ram Stuart. You'll enjoy many miles on it.

 
 From: Stuart Fletcher stuart.fletc...@gmail.com
 To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com
 Sent: Tue, May 25, 2010 1:00:42 AM
 Subject: [RBW] new (to me) Rambouillet

 Hello all,

 Well, I can finally post here as a Rivendell owner, pretty exciting!



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Re: [RBW] Re: new (to me) Rambouillet

2010-05-25 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Joel, MichaelH, Ryan  all:

Thanks for the replies  compliments!

Joel: I actually had the Cyclofiend DT shifter t-shirt in the back of
my mind when I was deciding on the shifters.  I guess I can safely
join the club now :)


 Pretty cool to see photos from a bike shop with 3 count 'em 3 Rivs on the 
 floor.

It's an unusually great bike shop.  After I put my camera away the
Atlantis left and Ro rolled in on his Kustard Kogswell P/R to join the
two Rivendells.  (Everyone knows Ro, right??)

Ryan: that *is* Aaron's in West Seattle.  I live right up the street
(Oregon  California) and they've been my shop since I've been back in
Seattle (6 or 7 years now).  I'd known about Bridgestone (still have
my bought-new 1991 MB-1) but Aaron's shop helped hip me to Rivendell
after not paying attention to bikes for several years.  So they are
sort of integral to my Rivendell experience.  Aaron's is very focused
on practical cycling, plus it's a fun place to hang out.

On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 09:31, MichaelH mhech...@gmail.com wrote:
 Gorgeous.  Don't forget to send some photos to the cyclofiend
 collection.

I will definitely submit photos to the Cyclofiend gallery.  I've
trawled the galleries looking for ideas myself, so I'd be honored to
have my ride alongside all the great stuff in there, for sure.  I have
to get some nicer pictures first though... if only we could get some
sustained sun in Seattle.

Happy riding to all,

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

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Re: [RBW] FS: Honjo hammered fenders, Nitto Noodle 44cm

2010-04-12 Thread Stuart Fletcher
Hi Ron,

I'd like to buy the Honjo fenders if still available.  I'd be putting
them on a Rambouillet that will run the Grand Bois 30mm Cypres (which
people say runs about 31mm) so that width is probably perfect I'm
thinking...  The bike is being built this week, so this is excellent
timing!

In fact... if the handlebars are available I would take those as well.

I can paypal and I'm in Seattle, so shipping is ConUS.

Let me know if I was fast enough on the reply!

Thank you!

Stuart Fletcher
Seattle, WA

On Mon, Apr 12, 2010 at 11:13 AM, Ron MH visio...@gmail.com wrote:
 The Honjos are an odd (though very useful) size at 41.5 mm. They're
 pre-drilled at the stay attachment points and at the brake and
 chainstay bridges. They were briefly on a previous bike, then replaced
 with something a bit wider. If they're your size, they're in perfect
 condition. No fender hardware included (other than the attached fork
 crown - angle mount). $35 shipped in ConUS.

 Nitto Noodle bars 44cm. They have the usual mild scuffing around the
 brake lever and stem clamp areas. Otherwise, they're in great shape.
 $40 shipped in ConUS.

 Payment via PayPal works best for me.
 Thanks, Ron

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[RBW] Re: Wiggy's Sleeping Bag

2009-10-14 Thread Stuart Fletcher

Ray Jardine is a big quilt advocate.  There's a bunch of info on his site here:

http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Quilt-Kit/index.htm

or (same thing):

http://bit.ly/2Cn3hv

I've never used a quilt instead of a sleeping bag but I'm really
interested in trying it out.

(I also like Ray Jardine's sew-your-own-gear stance but I haven't yet
sewn any of my own gear.  That's neither here nor there though.)

Stuart
Seattle, WA

On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 8:31 AM, clevewheel clevewh...@gmail.com wrote:

 Those quilts are a really cool idea, but I have a hard time seeing how
 they would cover as well as a sleeping bag.

 On Oct 13, 12:16 pm, usuk2007 clive.stand...@umassmed.edu wrote:
 Take a look at

 www.jacksrbetter.com

 They do a nice line of down sleeping quilts. They pack down small and
 don't cost as much as many down bags.
 They must be used with a sleeping pad and give you lots of options for
 moving about.
 


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[RBW] Re: Wiggy's Sleeping Bag

2009-10-14 Thread Stuart Fletcher

On Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 10:01 AM, Dustin Sharp dsh...@runbox.com wrote:

 The sew-your-own gear IS a cool idea. I also like the idea of growing all my
 own food. Neither of them are likely to happen though unless I find myself
 unemployed!

 Dustin


Yup, agreed Dustin.

I resigned myself to the idea that I probably won't be sewing my own
quilt anytime soon, the result of my resignation being that I have a
box sitting a foot away from me from Rivendell that has a Wiggy's bag
in it.  UPS just delivered it!

Stuart
Seattle, WA

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[RBW] Re: Exhibit in Seattle this week: The Art of the Constructeur Bicycle

2009-09-26 Thread Stuart Fletcher

I made some pictures when I visited the exhibit on Friday and just now
got them uploaded and titled on Flickr.  Here is the set:

http://tinyurl.com/y8thetu

Enjoy!  The pictures really don't do them justice, but we all knew
that already...

Stuart
Seattle, WA

On Sat, Sep 26, 2009 at 11:46 AM, rcnute rcn...@hotmail.com wrote:

 I think I'll stop by on my ride and take a few shots as well.

 On Sep 26, 10:05 am, rob markwardt robmar...@hotmail.com wrote:
 I'm going to go this afternoon and will try and take some pics.

 On Sep 26, 6:10 am, Marty mgie...@mac.com wrote:

  Any pics for those of us on the right coast? I'd love to see how
  everything was set up. Any way to capture shop photos for posterity?
  Hey Jan - that would make a great next book - The Golden Age of Bike
  Shops.

  Marty

  On Sep 25, 7:05 pm, Stuart Fletcher stuart.fletc...@gmail.com wrote:

   I went to see the Art of the Constructeur Bicycle exhibit at Il
   Vecchio on my lunch break today, and I have to say: WOW.  The bicycles
   are jaw-droppingly beautiful.  I also had a very nice chat with George
   (the owner).  It's a shame his shop is closing, but it's clear that
   it's the right time for it.  Such a nice environment in his shop -- it
   will be missed.

   If you live in (or near) Seattle I would strongly recommend visiting
   the exhibit tomorrow (Saturday).  To see those bikes all in one place
   is a rare treat that probably won't happen again any time soon (which
   is, of course, stating the blatantly obvious!).

   Thanks to Jan  to George for making the show happen, I'm just
   astounded by those bicycles!

   Stuart
   Seattle, WA

   On Fri, Sep 25, 2009 at 7:47 AM, Jan Heine hein...@earthlink.net wrote:

Bicycle Quarterly is staging a exhibit of classic bicycles titled
The Art of the Constructeur Bicycle - Alex Singer and Rene Herse as
a farewell to Il Vecchio Bicycles, a wonderful shop that has been
part of the Seattle cycling culture for more than 20 years. Il
Vecchio Bicycles is closing its doors as the shop's owner, George
Gibbs, looks forward to a well-deserved retirement.

The exhibit features 12 Rene Herse and Alex Singer bicycles (plus one
aluminum-framed Barra), selected from the books The Competition
Bicycle and The Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles, including the
tandem that came first in Paris-Brest-Paris 1956, Rene Herse's
daughter Lyli's personal bike, team bikes, camping bikes, and more.

This exhibit will be the first time that a comprehensive selection of
bikes from these famous constructeurs will be shown in one place. It
provides a unique opportunity to study these machines, their
outstanding workmanship, their fully integrated concept and their
many functional details.

Enjoy George's beautiful shop for one last time before it closes its
doors for good! Examine bicycles usually seen only in books before
they are dispersed again around the globe as they are returned to
their owners!  Il Vecchio Bicycles will have a close-out sale during
these days, with bicycles components, tools and photographs for sale.

When: September 25 and 26, 2009, 11 am - 5 pm.

Where: Il Vecchio Bicycles, 140 Lakeside Ave., Seattle WA 98122,
phone 206-324-8148. (Leschi neighborhood)

Book signing: Jan Heine, author of The Competition Bicycle and The
Golden Age of Handbuilt Bicycles will sign books on Saturday, Sept.
26, from 3:30 until 5 pm.

Hope to see you there.

Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
   http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com-Hide quoted text -

  - Show quoted text -
 


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