[BobCochran]

So how is the fixie work going?

[BobCochran]

Some thoughts:

The helmet looks good. I definitely like the absence of branding on the helmet, and I like the nice solid color. Those are the good points.

Does the helmet meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for impact protection?

How weatherproof is it? If someone wears the helmet and sweats a lot, and/or rides in rain and snow, will the person get electric shocks?

How long will the lights continue to work, if they are set to a steady glow rather than a blink? That is to say, how long before the batteries quit.

Are the batteries easy to replace?

I wonder how the helmet will feel, with a bicycle cap or balaclava on the wearer’s head.

I’m not sure if the randonneuring folks will accept a rider with a helmet that blinks so strongly, front and back. If you were riding behind someone with a lot of big blinking lights it might be bothersome.

The charging mechanism bothers me. You have to plug in the helmet to charge it up. That will be a problem for some. It probably would have been better to use AA alkaline batteries, or have some provision to switch over to alkaline batteries, when on a long ride.

[BobCochran]

I’m going to order parts from Compass Cycle (Jan Heine’s company) and see if I can get my bike converted so I can rinko it. This will force me to learn the different parts of the bike and how to disassemble and reassemble it. I might become more mechanically skilled, who knows. If I do make a mess of it, the great people at Proteus will rescue me. I had an email correspondence with someone working for Compass who did a time-lapse video of the packing process. I wish there was a full-length one at normal speed, but between that and the PDF document showing photos of the process, I should be able to “get it”.

My big goal is to protect the bicycle in transit. It makes my heart bleed to put my bicycle on a trunk rack on my car, in bad weather, and then drive miles and miles through the rain. And hey, that is a Selle Anatomica seat. Got to take care of that to. Hmmm…it wouldn’t hurt me to be a little better about doing chain cleanings, while I’m at it.

Bob

[BobCochran]

How long does it take to disassemble and pack the bike, then reassemble it? Have you had any problems with the process? How do you deal with extras like handlebar bags?

Thanks a ton

Bob

[BobCochran]

@BobCochran 147390 wrote:

Ordered from Amazon.

The book arrived today and I’ve had just enough time to read the introduction by Taylor Phinney. I’ll read more in a little while. However, this book appears to be a real win for me. I’m going to closely study it and make use of the recipes.

Thank you!

[BobCochran]

Let me echo Judd: Wow! Thank you for a very helpful response to my question. I really love the photo and now I know the “rinko”/coupler idea works for you. I do see myself traveling so maybe I had better learn how to disassemble and reassemble my bike, then decide on either a rinko system or coupler.

Bob

[BobCochran]

@Judd 147437 wrote:

Do you have a picture?

I agree. A picture is worth a thousand words. I think there is a FaceBook page you can post to, also.

Do you know the serial number of the bicycle?

I’m very sorry for your loss.

Good luck!

Bob

[BobCochran]

Since the accident happened in New Jersey — and I presume you are not a New Jersey resident — it might be good to study their auto insurance requirements.

http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_consumers/insurance/auto.htm

As seems to be a problem with many government agencies, their web pages present so much detail, with so little consumer-friendly information, that you have to sift through the content and decide what makes sense and applies to you. In the above site, the links under the “Consumer Guides” section seem worth looking at. I guess if I were involved in a car accident there I’d consult an attorney for help in dealing with any liability issues. Just because I don’t know the laws there and I’d want to be ready to deal with any issues.

Bob

[BobCochran]

@hozn 147392 wrote:

So, I took out my BB today and a whole bunch of water poured out of my frame. (And sure enough, the DS bearing was completely shot.) I guess (1) removing the bolt from my chainstay bridge was dumb (I’m guessing that’s how the majority of the water is getting in) and (2) I’m annoyed that my frame doesn’t have a drain hole in the BB. I fixed #2 with my drill before installing the new bottom bracket.

I ordered a Wheels Mfg road BB and 2 sets of extra angular-contact bearings (which were surprisingly cheaper than the standard ABEC-3 bearings). But for now, I’ve just put in an external Hope BB from my lightly-used parts bin.

Did you take any photos of the procedure you followed? Although I have no skill with bike repairs to speak of, I’m always interested in things mechanical. It is interesting to see how a repair was done.

Thanks

Bob

[BobCochran]

@Harry Meatmotor 147384 wrote:

Feed Zone Portables…

Ordered from Amazon. I’m excited about getting it.

Bob

[BobCochran]

I’m real sorry to learn about this. I get nervous about using my trunk carrier for this exact reason. No to mention the effect of exposing the bicycle to bad weather and flying debris.

You can check your homeowner’s insurance policy to find out if it covers damage to your bicycle, but this sounds like a car accident — damage to both cars must have happened — so you can also probably make a claim under your automobile insurance. There is most likely a deductible either way.

Good luck to you!

Bob

[BobCochran]

@Kevin1506 147175 wrote:

Yeah, the fit was close, but the handlebar issue was killing my wrists. After to talking to my LBS mechanic who actually would have made money converting and advised me not to. I’m going to sell. I’m probably going to look at steel frame/fork models with rim brakes — embracing my retro-grouch.

You could ask a totally different mechanic for a second opinion you know. Second opinions and indeed third opinions are almost a way of life…

Bob

[BobCochran]

Which of the 3 titles do you suggest?

http://www.velopress.com/tag/feed-zone-series/?utmref=feedzonecookbook.com

Bob

[BobCochran]

I think I want to put Compass branded wide tires on my 2016 Jamis Allegro Elite. Disc brakes, Alexrims ATD470 wheels. I’m not sure if I can get 44mm tires plus fenders on that — I’ll have to bring the bicycle to Proteus and see what they think of the project. Yes, Bicycle Quarterly is having an effect on me.

Bob

[BobCochran]

For the original poster: my last chain replacement was around 1400 miles on my newer bicycle. My 2009 Giant had to have the cassette and chain replaced at about 1100 miles. It is my fault. I need to be a lot better about chain cleanings and lubes. In fact there is this little voice in me right now, “Go get the Jamis on the stand right now clean it.”

Bob

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