Re: [RBW] the new Suntour?

2014-07-23 Thread Mark Chandler
The lower-end microSHIFT derailleurs don't shift as well as the similarly priced Shimano units. The former have more slop, and are less tolerant of dirt and/or poor setup. microSHIFT's higher-end derailleurs do function quite nicely. Their non-sealed pulleys, however, aren't as smooth as the ones f

Re: [RBW] Re: the new Suntour?

2014-07-23 Thread Mark Chandler
The derailleurs are made by microSHIFT. I've ridden a number of microSHIFT-produced derailleurs, and the SunXCD-branded ones have worked well. On Wed, Jul 23, 2014 at 7:57 AM, M D Smith wrote: > The "Exceed" crank arms look very nice. I particularly like the idea of > an adapter to allow the u

Re: [RBW] Re: Paul's brakes on your Riv. Experience between models?

2014-07-20 Thread Mark Chandler
If you're using MTB-style levers, and they're compatible with v-brakes, I'd recommend some full-size v-brakes (i.e. 100mm or longer ). Power will be greatly improved, and clearance shouldn't be an issue. Given the choice, I'll take mini/v-brakes over cantilevers

Re: [RBW] Re: If you were going to go out and buy a fully modern contemporary bike, what would it be?

2014-06-27 Thread Mark Chandler
I spent ~3 years on a Salsa Vaya, and it was *extremely *capable on dirt/gravel and pavement. There is something about a steel frame/fork that just plain works on dirt and gravel roads. I have a 29er that's built around an aluminum frame and carbon fork, but I will probably switch to a steel fork t

Re: [RBW] Re: Any recommendations on a "Atlantis wannabe"?

2014-06-25 Thread Mark Chandler
I owned a Saga and am demo'ing a Privateer. They ride similarly, but the Saga was just a hair smoother. If you want to save a little $$$, the Privateer is an excellent choice. On Tue, Jun 24, 2014 at 9:42 AM, eflayer wrote: > Depends on what size wheels you are looking for. If 700c, I might sug

Re: [RBW] If you were going to go out and buy a fully modern contemporary bike, what would it be?

2014-06-25 Thread Mark Chandler
I run Jeff's Loop Bar on my fully-rigid 29er, but hope to own one of his space frames and truss forks one day. On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 3:50 PM, john muhl wrote: > The Jeff Jones bikes (and h-bar!) are thoroughly tempting. > > > On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 3:58 PM, Bill Lindsay wrote: > >> Most (al

Re: [RBW] Re: Any recommendations on a "Atlantis wannabe"?

2014-06-25 Thread Mark Chandler
You may want to look at Black Mountain Cycles' cross model. On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 9:54 AM, 'Rick' via RBW Owners Bunch < rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com> wrote: > I second the Long Haul Trucker recommendation, and would add the Cross > Check as another possible Surly option. > > > On Tuesday

Re: [RBW] Re: FYI - V-Brake Arm Lengths

2014-06-21 Thread Mark Chandler
ladjusted canti's that are endemic* that* species. Anyway, thanks >> for the chart. I think it will be very useful to the v-brake cognoscenti. >> >> On Friday, June 20, 2014 12:12:47 PM UTC-4, Mark Chandler / >> GRAVELBIKE.com wrote: >> >>> If you wan

Re: [BOB] Re: [RBW] Re: FYI - V-Brake Arm Lengths

2014-06-21 Thread Mark Chandler
, Jun 21, 2014 at 1:15 PM, Mark Chandler > wrote: > >> That would be indeed be useful info, but many manu's don't list that >> measurement. I do know that the Paul MotoLite has an extended range of >> adjustment, as do BOX/Promax. >> >> >> On Sat

[RBW] Re: [BOB] Re: FYI - V-Brake Arm Lengths

2014-06-20 Thread Mark Chandler
I use the center of mounting boss/bolt to center of cable anchor fitting measurement. Older models would definitely be welcome (along with model names/numbers). On Fri, Jun 20, 2014 at 10:53 AM, Ginz wrote: > Mark, > > I love this. How do you prefer to measure the arms? Center of fixing > bo

[RBW] Re: [BOB] Re: FYI - V-Brake Arm Lengths

2014-06-20 Thread Mark Chandler
mm brakes, and have used standards up to 84 mm. But that > leaves a whole bunch of brakes in between. And there must be other levers > out there besides the Tektro road long pulls. > > Thanks for compiling. > > dougP > > > On Friday, June 20, 2014 9:12:47 AM UTC-7, Mark Chan

Re: [RBW] 8-speed Bleriot build question. MTB or Road derailers?

2014-06-18 Thread Mark Chandler
microSHIFT still produces 8-speed road and MTB components. On Tue, Jun 17, 2014 at 8:56 PM, Michael wrote: > MTB derailers or Road derailers. > > What's the diff, if anything? > > I know RBW seems to like MTB derailers for all their current build > kits (Deore). > > Any benefits to Road 8-speed

[RBW] FS: Carradice Bagman 2 "Sport" saddlebag support

2012-12-26 Thread Mark Chandler
I'm selling a lightly used Carradice Bagman 2 Sport saddlebag support. Lighter and stiffer than the original Bagman (can't comment as to whether it's laterally stiff yet vertically compliant). $40/shipped via USPS Priority Mail (US). PayPal only, please. Measurements and details available

Re: [RBW] Longboard fender rub

2012-08-22 Thread Mark Chandler
Same here.  Part of the problem is the flexibility, and part of it is due to the narrow clearance at the flap.  Planet Bike's Cascadia fenders allow for more clearance, and are far more rigid, but don't have the coverage of the Longboards.  Narrower tires will help with flap slap, but the inhere

Re: [RBW] Re: SKS Longboard silver/tan/black colors. Have you seen them? How do they look? Nice?

2012-08-12 Thread Mark Chandler
I have the black Longboards on my daily rider (Salsa Vaya).  While not as fancy-looking as Honjos or Berthouds, they look nice enough that I wouldn't pay more just aesthetics. From: Norman To: RBW Owners Bunch Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2012 1:22 PM Subject: [

Re: [RBW] Really not too off topic: disk brake question

2012-08-10 Thread Mark Chandler
Truing rotors can be pretty difficult. Before attempting to true a rotor, always make sure that the mounting bolts are properly tightened. I've also found that this stuff works well for getting rid of "flutter": http://www.gravelbike.com/?p=1177 On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 6:15 PM, Jim Mather wrote

Re: [RBW] Re: Interesting blog entry (and comments/replies) from Jan Heine's blog

2012-08-10 Thread Mark Chandler
I, for one, welcome our new, non-computer-using, randonneuring overlords... On Thu, Aug 9, 2012 at 9:00 AM, Mike wrote: > >> Sure, only it can be very hard to follow a cue sheet in unfamiliar >> territory when you don't have any idea of your mileage. > > > I haven't used a computer for randonneu

[RBW] FS: Shimano cantilevers

2012-07-24 Thread Mark Chandler
Looks like I'm swearing off canti's for good. Up for grabs is a bike's worth of Shimano BR-R550 cantilever brakes (compatible with drop-bar levers, nice silver finish). Lightly used. Includes Shimano link wires and fancy Tektro yokes/straddle cables (silver finish, which matches the brake ar

RE: [RBW] Re: Brake Installation Experience

2012-07-16 Thread Mark Chandler
I can't speak to the Mini Motos' width, but the arms measure 83mm (center of mounting bolts to brake cable). Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 16:10:24 -0400 Subject: Re: [RBW] Re: Brake Installation Experience From: uscpeter11...@gmail.com To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com Mini motos look good but it

RE: [RBW] Re: Bosco Bars

2012-06-19 Thread Mark Chandler
This stuff will usually stop slipping components: http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=30551 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email

[RBW] Tire Gods: 1, Me: 0

2012-06-15 Thread Mark Chandler
Right after posting the following review of SOMA's B-Line tires, I pulled a "michelin wire" out of my Rawland's rear tire (one of the aforementioned SOMAs). http://www.gravelbike.com/?p=1052 I like my tires soft, but not that soft. :) -- You received thi

RE: [RBW] Pressure Gauges: Facts? Opinions?

2012-06-12 Thread Mark Chandler
Recently my (several years-old) Accugage stopped holding its reading when I removed it from the valve. I emailed Accugage, and asked if this could be fixed. They responded promptly, and informed me that the gauge could be repaired, and that it would only cost $3 for return shipping. That's

RE: [RBW] Re: Saddlebags and smaller bikes

2012-06-08 Thread Mark Chandler
> Date: Thu, 7 Jun 2012 17:03:12 -0700 > Subject: [RBW] Re: Saddlebags and smaller bikes > From: fitzb...@comcast.net > To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com > > Itty bitty bike and a Carradice Barley. I use the Carradice Bagman. > But I'm crabby at it now, the rack part won't stay in the clam

RE: [RBW] Re: Long cage rear derailer options in silver

2012-06-04 Thread Mark Chandler
If you're running a 36t rear cog, just go with a current-vintage SRAM or Shimano unit. Sure, it won't be all-silver, but you also won't have to worry about poor shifting, etc. FWIW, the euro LX is quite heavy, and the stamped/bent steel pieces can develop slop quicker than all-alloy units. Da

RE: [RBW] Re: rene herse crank

2012-06-01 Thread Mark Chandler
My favorite "bargain" cranks are Shimano's FC-R4550. At one point, I had three of them in service, but I'm down to just two sets (I sold one of the bikes). The 4550s are non-series components, and can be purchased quite cheaply online. The inner (34t) chainring has proved to be quite durable

RE: [RBW] Re: rene herse crank

2012-05-29 Thread Mark Chandler
There's always this:http://store.somafab.com/suoxcoplrocr.html Date: Mon, 28 May 2012 08:43:07 -0700 Subject: Re: [RBW] Re: rene herse crank From: cyclotour...@gmail.com To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com Without disregarding the financial impact, that $320 difference is 10% of a $3200 bike

RE: [RBW] Re: Cool knobbly tires at BG

2012-05-26 Thread Mark Chandler
Super-excited for these tires. The originals had a great combination of roll-speed and grip, and I suspect these will be even better due to the nicer casing. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" gr

RE: [RBW] Re: tektro cr720 installation advice

2012-05-10 Thread Mark Chandler
> Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 07:19:57 -0700 > Subject: [RBW] Re: tektro cr720 installation advice > From: steve...@gmail.com > To: rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com > > IMO the CR720 brakes are pretty bad in almost every way except price, > and you could very likely spend a lot of time optimizing t

RE: [RBW] Re: Why I Like Commuting On My Bike

2012-04-30 Thread Mark Chandler
My commute ranges from 11.5 to 14 miles (one way), depending on the route I take. I also have the option of swapping pavement for 1-4 miles of dirt roads/trails. It took a fair amount of experimentation to come up with an optimal bike and setup, but now that I have it nailed down, it's actual