Cycling Miscellany

[Moliere]

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[Bo Diddley]

I rode my bike to work last Thursday. The ride in is mostly south, and the return is mostly north. That was the day the storm started blowing in. I had maybe a 10 mph headwind in the morning, and a 20-25 mph tailwind going home. It was fun going 25 mph pedaling at a moderate effort. It must be what riding an e-bike feels like.

I've had that same thought.

[chrisrenrut]

I love when there's no wind when I ride. Or if the wind is at my back. There have been those rare out & back rides where the wind changed about when I was turning around so that I had the wind at my back both ways.

I rode my bike to work last Thursday. The ride in is mostly south, and the return is mostly north. That was the day the storm started blowing in. I had maybe a 10 mph headwind in the morning, and a 20-25 mph tailwind going home. It was fun going 25 mph pedaling at a moderate effort. It must be what riding an e-bike feels like.

[Bo Diddley]

The weather finally relented a bit yesterday after seemingly a week straight of rain so after general conference ended I asked who in the family wanted to go on a bike ride. Both daughters were game, so we just rode some of the paths around the neighborhood for a couple miles or so. It had been months since I'd been on the bicycle. It was nice, though a bit more windy than I realized at first.

I love when there's no wind when I ride. Or if the wind is at my back. There have been those rare out & back rides where the wind changed about when I was turning around so that I had the wind at my back both ways.

[Pelado]

The weather finally relented a bit yesterday after seemingly a week straight of rain so after general conference ended I asked who in the family wanted to go on a bike ride. Both daughters were game, so we just rode some of the paths around the neighborhood for a couple miles or so. It had been months since I'd been on the bicycle. It was nice, though a bit more windy than I realized at first.

[bluegoose]

I recently jumped on the gravel bike bandwagon. Picked up an Intense 951 gravel with Shimano GRX drivetrain, and 700x40mm tires. It can take up to 45mm wide, or 2.1 mountain tires, which I may eventually upgrade to. Still has tubes, but is built to easily convert to tubeless.

Got it mostly for bike commuting to work, which I've been doing a couple of days per week for the last 3 weeks. Really enjoying it. The ride is so much more comfortable than a true road bike. The geometry is not nearly as aggressive, and the fatter tires smooth the road out a ton. Definitely takes a lot more work than a road bike. I've taken it on several dirt trails, but it was pretty rough. About shook my eyeballs out of my head. I may grab a suspension stem, which my cousin uses on his bike, to help smooth out the bumps while on gravel and dirt.

Also hoping to do some bikepacking trips over on the California coastline. Looking to grab some front and rear panniers. Can't wait to try it out!!!

[Moliere]

How can you not love Pogacar?

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[BigPiney]

All the bumping that goes on in a bunch sprint with riders going 35+ mph is crazy.

Scary stuff. The control is amazing.

[RC Vikings]

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All the bumping that goes on in a bunch sprint with riders going 35+ mph is crazy.

[BigPiney]

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[Moliere]

Paris Roubaix

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[Pelado]

Probably not. The 26” wheel size is going to be the limiting factor. Most 26” wheel sets used the old quick release system anyways. Check out Facebook for some vintage mountain bike group in your area there is one in Utah. There is also a BIke Collective in SLC and Ogden that people donate old bikes and parts to. If you have something similar in your area, it might be a good source for parts.

And when he visits the Treasure Valley, he can go to the Boise Bicycle Project.

[chrisrenrut]

Thanks.

Do I have other options on the wheels if I'm willing to forego the old quick release system?

My frame is in superb condition and that's where the sentimental value is too.

Probably not. The 26” wheel size is going to be the limiting factor. Most 26” wheel sets used the old quick release system anyways. Check out Facebook for some vintage mountain bike group in your area there is one in Utah. There is also a BIke Collective in SLC and Ogden that people donate old bikes and parts to. If you have something similar in your area, it might be a good source for parts.

[Sleeping in EQ]

For drivetrain, go to a 1 x (1 gear in front, 11 to 12 gears in back). No front derailleur to worry about anymore. Shimano SLX or SRAM NX are the lowest I would go for good reliability.

You might have a hard time finding new wheels and tires that are 26", use rim brakes, and fit the old quick release system. Start watching for deals on craigslist, eBay, or Facebook marketplace. Same with a suspension fork. They just don't make new parts for 26" wheels anymore.

Don't worry about bars, stems, seatpost, etc., unless yours are broken, or you want a different position (more upright, etc.).

A new seat might important.

I rebuild an old Ibis Mojo steel hardtail abuot 10 years ago. It was easier then, with more 26" wheel parts, including new RockShox forks. Parts are getting harder to find.

Thanks.

Do I have other options on the wheels if I'm willing to forego the old quick release system?

My frame is in superb condition and that's where the sentimental value is too.

[chrisrenrut]

Ian Boswell won the Unbound 200 mile gravel road race in Kansas last weekend. His Specialized Diverge sports an awesome old school Rockhopper paint scheme.