[mello yello]

water bottle holder failure this morning. Dropped my coffee onto the road just after crossing a busy intersection with a bunch of cars behind me. Usually I’m accelerating and there are no problems. This time I slowed and hopped up on the sidewalk – the cars did not like that one bit! I don’t know why but honking always makes me mad, even when I know it’s a reasonable reaction. Plus, my Contigo mug now has road rash – I thought maybe both screws had backed out, but the Aluminum wire cage had totally broken the welds holding the cage to the mounting plate.
😡
I decided to slow down and enjoy the day after that – it took a while to get out of the bad mood, but with a nice morning like this, I was smiling by the time I got to work!

[mello yello]

@dasgeh 59808 wrote:

Thanks. I think you get what I’ve been looking for… Any suggestions on how to know what’s a “higher quality vintage touring bike”?

There are things to look for –
Forged dropouts w/ derailleur hangar, (better than stamped, which is better in turn than flattened stays), and method of attachment – quality of brazing. Stamped dropouts inserted into squished rear stays is a mark of either a very old or a very poor quality bike.
Tubing stickers that say “butted” (can be just the main triangle, whole frame, or frame and fork), Tubing stickers that say columbus, tange, vitus, Reynolds (520 and up), True Temper, etc.
Components, etc.
Spend an hour looking on “Classic & Vintage” section of bikeforums.net and you’ll see the old guys call out a bunch of stuff as junk.

That old Peugot is probably an U08, or some variation of it (different kits are called different things). They are well known for Simplex derailleurs that like to break.

Of similar quality but more reasonable price, I’d suggest maybe:
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/3939562799.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/3955363310.html

But, there are tons of old manufacturers out there, and they pretty much all made a variety of quality levels.

[mello yello]

drove in today, had a restless night and then slept through the alarm, but I put my bike in the car.
Last night’s ride home was pretty interesting though. I ride through what might be considered “the hood” in PG county. Spotted on the way home: shell casing – I didn’t stop to see what size – >0.22: Kid waving at me – hi, kid! : dudes enjoying some evening maryjwana on the front porch (3 feet from the street)…
Yep – veeery interesting. I stay polite, wave a greeting, and avoid more than the briefest eye contact.

[mello yello]

Matte black and gold bicycle needs part – $40 (Arlington, VA)

“Up for sale is my broken a.n.design works bicycles. Bought it for around 300 dollars in December and the rear axle gave up on me as it was a little too small for me. All other parts are still intact. It comes with another wheel and tire that needs a slight truing. I haven’t ridden it in a month or two so there is a little rust but I will clean it up prior to. The cassette cog is still in working order, it just needs a new axle. Pickup near Ballston is preferred but would be able to deliver if around the area. Trying to get this off my hands asap so the most reasonable offer will be accepted.”

That sure does seem undervalue for a complete bike and 3 wheels, even if one needs an axle and one needs truing.

Well, it sure is funky. a.n. design works is a Japanese company, the US site domain has lapsed, and it currently sells in Japan for US$300 equivalent. Doesn’t seem like an above-average bike to begin with, so depending on condition, it could be he’s fishing for offers.

don’t know why I’m insomniac tonight, this is not helping.

[mello yello]

I got a big thumbs up from a MetroAccess driver this morning, as I was spinning out at ~30 mph down the Southern Ave hill.
Both things are quite unusual. My legs haven’t moved that fast for at least 3 years; I was on even shorter gearing the previous version of the fixed commuter, but would sometimes unclip and “coast” down hills.
Also, MetroAccess vans are usually the bane of my existence, but with so many out there at least some of the drivers must be competent. This one was super nice!

[mello yello]

@TwoWheelsDC 59634 wrote:

Well Rule #5, we had a good run…but now that you’re initials have become a rallying cry for Brosef Stalin and the Broviet Union, I…I…I just can’t anymore.

oh, just looked at that since the disclaimer… yeah, there’s nothing about a hand-stitched $140 hoodie that says Rule #5 to me.

[mello yello]

Dear PB Superflash,

I’m sorry that my ride takes you over potholes, curbs, speedbumps, and some of the worst pavement on the East Coast.
But really, did you hate me so much that you decided to break up with me with no warning?
I went back and looked for you, in the distribution warehouse parking lot, in the PG Community Center, on the street! I even left notes!
Now I’ve been invisible for days, and have had to go find a rebound blinky, which is in no way comparable.

Please come back, I promise I’ll secure you better next time!

[mello yello]

You could carry on, and the gate-check the wheel bag. On a full flight you’d have to. I do believe the gate checked baggage goes on last and comes off first. Most times the gate checked stuff is brought up to the walkway before you ever get to the terminal, although I’ve had them send it to baggage claim once. The other options is a hard-sided case like the one I saw at Community Forklift the other day. [ATTACH=CONFIG]3386[/ATTACH]

Good luck!

[mello yello]

For those not acquainted with the rules

H stands for Harden.
T stands for The.
F stands for F
U stands for Up.

[mello yello]

mornings like this are what make life worthwhile. I’m really enjoying the cool temperatures – this is what summer should always be!

Sad that I had to drive yesterday morning, and will have to again this evening. Had to get my car to work, re-stock snacks and SSR, as well as get my car to work for Tuesday errands.

[mello yello]

@Terpfan 59465 wrote:

There is only way to “cheat” on a bicycle and that’s by shoaling.

Yes, because that’s how Lance wins.

[mello yello]

I swapped my Speedic (brooks knock off) onto the fixed gear, since I ride that much more than the road bike.

I’ll either htfu or break it in… if it never breaks in, it might be time to start saving for a Brooks.

[mello yello]

Tips on breaking in a leather saddle?
I have a Speedic Professional ca. 1980 that looks hardly used. I have been riding on it, but have not gotten past the “ouch” stages. The leather is very stiff. I can adjust tension, but have no idea what I’m doing.
This might need it’s own thread, since we’ve diverged quite a bit from talking about the Shinola bikes. They look good, but pricey.

[mello yello]

@DismalScientist 59371 wrote:

What does this mean: “It’s hard to make a quick getaway on a fixed-gear bike.” ????:p

No idea. I assume someone who steals a fixed gear is stealing it for a reason, & therefore familiar with how it works? Mabye DAKen pushes some really tall gears?

Also, I’m happy that the little bar on the right properly identified the “Sheldon Brown” method as the preferred way to use a u-lock. A picture would have helped, though.

[mello yello]

I’m probably not in the market anyway. I have a lot of old frames under the house and a welder, and think it would be a fun challenge to build one.

In other news, there is a very nice rolling hard case right now at the Community Forklift (hyattsville, md) that looks the right size for a bike box. I’m not sure if a full size frame would fit without S&S couplers, but probably. Take your measuring tape. It’s $30. Currently it houses a display on energy efficient windows.

Not affiliated, I just shop there a bunch.

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