[RBW] Re: Conversion to Albatros Bars... maybe
If the top tube has her stretched out and she's complaining of neck pain, chances are that the Alba's will help. The position is naturally further back and more upright, so weight gets transferred as well. Typically, you're going to need a longer stem to get the bars a little bit forward. I wouldn't get too pre-occupied with all of the potential hand positions, rather, just focus on her comfort sitting upright with hands on the grips. A mixte that can take cushy tires with an upright position and possibly a sprung Brooks sounds like a real nice bike for her. It'd be great if you could find something similar for her to toodle about and see how she likes it. On Monday, May 20, 2013 3:45:16 PM UTC-4, Michael Hechmer wrote: I am thinking about how to help my wife get more comfortable on her single. We have finally worked out all of the issues on the tandem but the solution for her single has eluded me. She is 5'8 with a saddle height of 70 on a 1984 Specialized Sequoia (I think we bought it from someone on this list quite a few years ago), She has long complained about pubic chafing and a variety of saddles hasn't solved the problem. On the tandem we moved the saddle forward, and brought the bars as far back and high as possible and that seems to have helped a lot. Lately she also mentioned neck strain after a two hour ride. Oh, and we are both in our late 60s. Her bike is 52x52, has just a fist full of seat post showing, a Technomix Delux stem (9 cm?) at the max line and noodle bars; silver BEs a 7 spd freewheel. 46/36/24 rings. Possible solutions: (1) Convert to upright bars, like the Albatros. I have no experience with them. How might it affect handling? Would I use the same stem? (2) Buy the new Tallex stem and simply raise the bar. (3) Buy her a 55 cm Betty Foy and transfer everything except the brakes and wheels. I think she would like a step through frame (but doesn't actually say so, other than it is easier to get on the tandem which has a steeply sloping TT) and the 55 would give her higher bars, but I can't figure out what the reach would be on that size Betty. I also think she would like tires wider than the 30s she now rides but has never mentioned it (4) Spend the whole wad and buy her a Betty with Albatros bars; (5) win the custom frame giveaway at the end of May! What has been your experience converting a bike from drop to Albatros? Any thoughts on the other option appreciated. Michael -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Conversion to Albatros Bars... maybe
Try some Alba bars, a VO threadless stem adapter, and some +/- 6 degree-ish threadless stems from ebay. I suggest this as this will allow you to play with various heights and reaches before you buy another Tallux stem. . Or, just keep the VO adapter and threadless stem combo. I am done with the hassle of the old school quills . You're gonna need new cables and housing too, so set the bars as high as she *might* want them, then cut the cables. Do a test ride. You can always trim them later, but not add to them !! The Alba bar handles just as well if not better than drops for me. Drop bars were fine back in the day but for many if not most people they are unnecessary . The perceived aerodynamics of being lower and the truth of a wind tunnel can be surprisingly different ! THE most important factor of course ... in ALL of This . is Having FUN ! Alba bars are Fun Waaay fun !! So much so , she'll say .. wow ,what was I thinking using drop bars ? with a big smile on her face :) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Conversion to Albatros Bars... maybe
Hi Mike, Since your wife is comfortable on the tandem, can you replicate the stoker position on the Specialized? What about using the same saddle and seatpost? What does her hand position/reach look like on the tandem? I do love my albatross handlebars, but I think winning the raffle is the way to go. :) shoji On Monday, May 20, 2013 4:08:58 PM UTC-4, Garth wrote: Try some Alba bars, a VO threadless stem adapter, and some +/- 6 degree-ish threadless stems from ebay. I suggest this as this will allow you to play with various heights and reaches before you buy another Tallux stem. . Or, just keep the VO adapter and threadless stem combo. I am done with the hassle of the old school quills . You're gonna need new cables and housing too, so set the bars as high as she *might* want them, then cut the cables. Do a test ride. You can always trim them later, but not add to them !! The Alba bar handles just as well if not better than drops for me. Drop bars were fine back in the day but for many if not most people they are unnecessary . The perceived aerodynamics of being lower and the truth of a wind tunnel can be surprisingly different ! THE most important factor of course ... in ALL of This . is Having FUN ! Alba bars are Fun Waaay fun !! So much so , she'll say .. wow ,what was I thinking using drop bars ? with a big smile on her face :) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Conversion to Albatros Bars... maybe
I'd just go with the Betty with some Albas. From what I understand, those 1980s Sequoias had some really steep seat tube angles, so getting that thing comfortable in a non-racey sort of way may never happen. The Betty will allow her to sit up and rotate everything back which will help with the neck pain and possibly with the chafing as well. Bryan -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
[RBW] Re: Conversion to Albatros Bars... maybe
Call Rivendell or consult the geo charts for the TT length on the Betty. I am 5'8, 44 year old male, 71 seat height, 82 pbh and the Sam is long for me at 56.5 TT. I need a 6cm stem for drops and staches. I will probably use my 8cm Tallux with shim for Albatrii when I get them. Seems like I have to go shorter than rivrecommendations for stem extensions. Of course I am not the same dimensions as the wife, but just threw in my reach info for thought since we are same height. Women usually have shorter reaches than men I hear. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups RBW Owners Bunch group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en-US. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
