[Raymo853]

I did a quick set of test with the new wheel. 3 repeats of light on and light off. There was a significant difference between the light on and light off. There were no overlapping light off points inside the spread of the on points. The fastest light-on was not much different than the slowest light-off, but still I imagined I felt the difference.

I also perceived/imagined the whole time I could tell the difference compared to a normal wheel to the point of being a little annoyed.

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[Raymo853]

Maybe we should petition for speed bumps to be added to the bike path.

[Raymo853]

Seems like we need some posters that take styling and content clues from this one from the late 1960’s. Was part of a movement lead by DC Churches to stop the building of elevated interstates throughout DC.

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[Raymo853]

Actually this may be more insightful. I forgot the course changed this fall and the segment above is not the most often ridden. This short segment around the trees away from the bike path is probably the most commonly ridden and Strava-ed. It shows an increase and not a decrease over last year.
https://www.strava.com/segments/8268351

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[Raymo853]

Interesting to see how fewer riders are Strava-ing the course this year compared to last year.

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[Raymo853]

@DaveK 126461 wrote:

Phrasing. Boom!

Anyway, you’re going to run into the same issues here as with GWMP. They are both National Parks and any activity that appears organized will invite scrutiny and they’ll want to evaluate the impact on the facility.

I do not know all of the reasons the Gravelly CX course fell ill of the NPS, but it was just not trail impact. Two non physical impact things help lead to the closure; being too close to the road and too close to the bike path. I saw many drivers flinch as CX riders came railing around the course looking for all intents to pop or crash into their travel lane. Then having the CX riders go less than one meter away from a heavily trafficked bike path at race speed was a bad idea and unsafe.

[Raymo853]

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10696502. This is the Analcostia River Park course I am trying to start.

[Raymo853]

@Powerful Pete 126225 wrote:

Don’t go with the Gators. Cycling is meant to be fun. Honestly, a less enjoyable riding tire is yet to be invented.

I confirm Conti Gatorskin tires simply ride awfully harsh. Plus Conti sizing is way off, their 28s are as narrow as others’ 23s.

[Raymo853]

@KLizotte 126133 wrote:

Heck they could have just planted some quick growing bamboo. Who can argue against greenery?!

Bamboo is evil around here in this climate. It spreads so fast, can tear through fences, asphalt, concrete and damage underground structures. Would be a nightmare if planted around that plant and was not carefully controlled.

[Raymo853]

I have used Marathon Racers, an old version for years and years with one flat from a piece of wire. The problem with Schwalbe tires is the dizzying number of versions, compounds and names. My suggestion, use their little bar charts to select a tire high in puncture resistance, durability, and winter traction. Don’t over think or analyze the choice

Based on my 3 mins of research, I would choose either of these two and assume I would be happy:
http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_plus_tour
http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_mondial

Never think you can get anything puncture proof, the best you can get is very resistant. No tire and tube combo in the World would have saved me from my one flat in the cold and dark alone in Anacostia last year. The wire went through the tire, tube, rim tape and left a scratch on the rim’s interior.

[Raymo853]

@bobco85 102335 wrote:

To be honest, the current prototype makes me think of all the various bacteria and other germs swimming around in the water (I’m guessing the water before it is treated).

It also looks like a great place for mosquito larva to grow.

They should have hired this guy to paint something for the fence.

http://www.boredpanda.com/re-directed-thrift-store-paintings-gnarled-branch-david-irvine/

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[Raymo853]

@jrenaut 125999 wrote:

Right, that’s what I mean. They ticket rolling stops but ignore the packs of aggressive jerks terrorizing other road users.

I assume it is because rolling stop signs is clearly prohibited in the statutes while be an aggressive jerk is not.

[Raymo853]

@Starduster 125919 wrote:

*Better* is out there, from Busch+Muller, SON/Schmidt, and Supernova, available from peterwhitecycles.com or someone who buys from him.

Those hubs are much better at reduced resistance both with the lights on or off. However, they are worth the price difference to me as the difference at real speeds is just a few watts.

Since I rode too much yesterday, I am planning to get the new wheel installed today. I am hoping to do a series of roll out test comparing the current and new wheel.

[Raymo853]

@dasgeh 125858 wrote:

Basic question: if I have a disc ready wheel, can I rebuild that wheel with a dynahub? How long would it take a first time wheel builder? What would I need, aside from basic bike tools?

Honz gave a good answer. In support, I once planned to do what you were thinking: buy a Shimano Dynamo hub (~$110), 32 spokes, nipples, spoke prep, washers, (~$50) and build up my own wheel using a Delago Cross rim I have sitting around. But it was not worth it, even if I paid myself just $10/hour it was much cheaper to get the one I got.

[Raymo853]

I finally got my dynamo hub, a Shimano DH-3N71 center lock built into a Salsa Delago Cross rim. Just what I wanted, one that can use rim or disc brakes. $165 on flea bay with a 1 watt Planet Bike dynamo light.

I am sitting here at work so wishing I could be home trying it out. Plan to get a better headlight and tail light, some day.

[Author]

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