Howdy,
I haven't posted here in a while, so I figured I would bring you cats up to speed.
I've finally retired the ill fitting, pasta tubed, steel wheeled, mismatched spoked, suicide hubbed, cottered crank deathtrap of an Apollo. (I gave it to a friend.. don't worry he rides BMX as well so he's no stranger to falling)
For the past month, I've been commuting on this:
http://www.fixedgeargallery.com/2006/may/LyleDriver.htm
I'm really happy with it so far (apart from the quality of the Rocket Ring's machining, and a slightly bent crank spider). I couldn't believe the difference in responsiveness the first time I rode it. The cranks didn't bend, the frame didn't bend, and it seemed like all power was transferred to movement! WHEEEE!!!
I've picked up a new lock for my new ride, as its probably slightly more appealing to your standard Commerical Drive bike thief. After reading pages of reviews I decided to go with the OnGuard Bulldog Mini. Its got a 13mm hardened steel shackle, and symetrical M profile keys. Comparing it side by side with the Kryptonite Evo Mini, the locking mechanism seemed much more secure. Though they share similar disk locks and the same size shackle, the majority of the housing inside the Onguard locks hardend steel barrel is filled with plastic. I have a feeling that this is to make it less susceptable to impact attacks. As well, the Onguard uses dual deadbolts, whereas the Kryptonite has a hooked foot and single deadbolt.
..and strangly enough, The Onguard is about half the price of the Kryptonite. I'm still waiting for the catch. (Though I hope that there isn't one, and Kryptonites are just a rip off)Â
In other cycling news, I'm still out on the BMX on the weekends.
I'm working on walltap abubacas at a few spots downtown. Now that the weather is nice all the skateparks are packed with kiddies, so I make due riding street. Which is fine by me, as thats where all the skirts are. I just have to maintain focus and not get too distracted =D
Ride On,
Lyle
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Comments
Sweet ride!
BTW, that picture gallery rocks (link below photo)... All the pictures were great, but I loved the picture of the bike on the fence with the freighter in the background (you should throw that one in the article).
Also that is a very straight chain line... was it hard to get it that bang on?
Thanks.
My friend Brandon took the photos with his D70.
They got a bit compressed on FGG though, I guess I should have sent in smaller ones.
The chainline worked out well.
Measured thrice, installed BB once.
It was funny, because I did it at OCB, and had to get them to face and chase the BB shell for me (they won't lend out that tool).. then Craig tried to tell me I would need a longer BB.
I showed him my measurements, and he finally agreed to let me install the 115, as long as I was careful so that it could be resold if it didn't fit... and well, it fit!
Right now I'm having pedal issues though.
I was riding home last night, and as I went up Inverness I started feeling some funny popping noises in the pedal.
Just a couple km (and some nasty crunching sounds) later, and the pedal body was free to slide off and onto the axle.
I managed to make it home without putting my foot down though =]
http://static.flickr.com/46/144538322_1809cf2507_o.jpg
Now the question is.. Eggbeaters, Frogs or SPDs?
Eggbeaters = Weight Weenies - the whole point is no weight with acceptable performance. I have personally never tried these but I have noticed the same ppl who love these puppies also read publications such as Mountain Bike Action. The use of the word *Action* in the title should clue you in.
SPDs = Big Evil S (shimano) - lots of ppl swear by them, but I personally find the float sub-par. This is especially true as the cleat wears. Also in the dirt they are horrible, but in the city probably fine. I have an extra pair if you want to trade.
Frogs = happy knees - I use and love these ones (I also use the road version on my race bike). Lots of smooth float, but I find they have some release issues depending on the shoe crank combination. What? Yes. My toe of my shoe can it hit the crank arm (depending on the pedal position) before they fully release. This locks me in. Its only an issue if I am stopped and the crank is in the right position. Which happens more often than I would like. This happens because they need to go pass 15-20 degrees of float to release. On the other hand I have had no such problem with the road version, although my road shoes are much more svelte.
there are almost a bazillion threads pondering your last question on BF-SSFG. i know as i've been pondering going clipless on what i hope to be my new bike and i decided to search SPD on there!
eggbeaters seem to have a huge following for ppl on there, but i've not seen a lot of people using them here. the adjustable float seems to be a very positive feature. cleat wear/shoe destruction is an issue if you get the cheaper cleats from what i can tell. the multi-sided entry seems like it would be good for getting going from the lights easily on a FG (ie no kicking the pedal as you ride in front of/slow down a big SUV).
spds seem plagued by stories of releases at inopportune times, but then there almost seems to be plenty of ppl who have never had that problem. i've used them off-road and liked them. i currently have shimano mtb shoes so pricewise its tempting to go down that route.
time atacs seem to be very very popular and come recommended from some ppl i know. however they are $$.
i wouldnt mind knowing what you choose, and how they work out.