[elcee]

Great research, Ann, but the thread is incomplete unless you also show what pedals work best with your heels.

[elcee]

@DismalScientist 65739 wrote:

It’s really a shame they don’t make full size frame pumps anymore.:rolleyes:

…

Not to hijack the thread, but yes, there are still full-size frame pumps:

http://www.zefal.com/en/traditional-pumps/109-hpx-classic.htmlj

I’ve had my Zefal HP-X for 20 years, and it’s still going strong. The real issue is that frames no longer have pump pegs.

[elcee]

I haven’t tried out Fat Shorty’s, but it’s another candidate.

http://www.washingtonian.com/blogs/bestbites/early-looks/an-early-look-at-fat-shortys-pictures-and-menu.php

[elcee]

Well, as soon as I hear from Bicycling or Momentum, I’ll put out a call here for models!

[elcee]

From my on-going photography project. Dickie kindly volunteered to pose for me, in his best portrayal of the dapper gent with bike. More pics here: http://flickr.com/gp/68321010@N08/g20r55/

[elcee]

It’s strange that Shinola’s Web site downplays this, but one of their two bicycle “craftspeople” is Sky Yeager – formerly of Suntour, Bianchi, Swobo, Trek – who’s one of the most knowledgeable bike product managers in the world.

[elcee]

So bummed – conflict with my kid’s Ultimate potluck. Next time.

[elcee]

Some of you may recall my photo project that I described a few months ago. Here’s the first result of that:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]2812[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]2813[/ATTACH]

(Bigger photos here and here.)

Thanks to sblanco for being a willing victim. Dickie, you’re next!

[elcee]

@brendan 50298 wrote:

Plus merging into the general traffic lanes from the cycletrack feels more dangerous than merging from traffic lane to traffic lane. I doubt the cars expect me to come over from the left, ever.

Yah, I just ended up channeling my inner Cavendish.

[elcee]

The strange thing about the L St. cycletrack is that I found it awkward to set up for a right turn. You have to leave the track and then cut across a couple of lanes of traffic. I’m much more accustomed to biking on the right-hand side of a street, then cutting across to make a left turn; I think my neck is more flexible looking to the left and back than to the right.

[elcee]

A rare positive missed connection: riding in the biking lane past East Falls Church Metro station on North Sycamore, a Metrobus passed me on my left. It was clearly going to turn right at the next intersection, and I was ready for the right hook … which never happened. The driver slowed down and actually waited for me to ride across the intersection before turning.

I was so stunned that I forgot to note the bus number. Considerate driver, sir or ma’am, you know who you are.

[elcee]

Mechanical engineering is way beyond my purview (anyone care to step in?), but I have heard that:

a. Ball bearings generally have lower friction; roller bearings generally have higher load capacity.
b. Roller bearings are sensitive to misalignment; ball bearings are self-aligning, to a certain extent.
c. High-quality ball bearings are cheaper to manufacture than equivalent roller bearings.

My mostly-unsubstantiated guess is that for this application (BBs) bearing type matters less than bearing/cup materials and quality of construction.

Also check that the crank spindle is straight. Any wobble will quickly destroy a bearing.

[elcee]

@brendan 49938 wrote:

It sounds like I might be replacing the bottom bracket for the fourth or fifth time (creak creak) and wonder if I should be looking for this time?

Also check BB facing. The bearings may not be aligned, which will cause premature failure.

[elcee]

When I read a post like this, one name comes to mind: Phil Wood.

http://www.philwood.com/products/bbpages/ssobb.php

However, the Web site sorely lacks documentation. Bet you can get an answer if you call them directly.

P.S. OK, two names: Chris King.

http://chrisking.com/bottombrackets/bottom_bracket

[elcee]

I had not biked in the city in months so I was delighted to discover the L St cycletrack a couple of weeks ago. That said, it’s massively confusing for drivers and cyclists the first time around. For me, it just doesn’t pay to bike aggressively; if I wanted to go quickly, it’s almost better to be on the street among the cars.

[Author]

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