tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post1817089681772863507..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: On the Road in Stormy WeatherVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-35544720272262322602013-04-08T03:29:32.605-04:002013-04-08T03:29:32.605-04:00if you're over 220lbs you need to be riding 32...if you're over 220lbs you need to be riding 32mm tires... 23 is WAY too small for you... you're fuck your wheels up real quick.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6631518746342786032011-05-19T14:44:57.161-04:002011-05-19T14:44:57.161-04:00Welcome to elegant world of TI! Enjoy the non-rust...Welcome to elegant world of TI! Enjoy the non-rusting and much safer and comfortable ride! Enjoy bike respect from the congnosanti. <br /><br />My TI bike uses, and I recommend, the widest standard Gatorskins you can get. I ride the potholed streets of Los Angeles daily. For long distances. No flats. Period. That such a plus for an urban rider. For me that's 32mm. Run a quite low pressure for a 15% deflection of the tire when loaded. For my 200lb that's 80psi. Slightly higher in the rear tire. Rolling resistance is very low, tires actually corner well, and quite comfortable...<br /><br />Suggest everyone read last years article and tests in Bicycle Quarterly on tire inflation. That changed what tire manufactures say about their tires. And definably your kind of bike geeks...EricWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07289502761949060827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-46500801155507754252011-05-18T15:50:16.862-04:002011-05-18T15:50:16.862-04:00BTW, it would be sort of cool if when you go back ...BTW, it would be sort of cool if when you go back to the race group you acted like you weren't really sure whether the Seven was a good bike, everyone else has carbon, is titanium good enough, this was a loaner. Play it dumb. Then when they're drooling you can mention, oh yeah, you have a blog, you write sometimes about bikes, have they heard of it, etc.Jon Webbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02944939117507730995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37940217207298294442011-05-18T11:43:16.044-04:002011-05-18T11:43:16.044-04:00Hmm..in the old days (70's and 80's) I'...Hmm..in the old days (70's and 80's) I'd never leave home w/o repair kits and pump or, in the case of sew-ups, a spare tire. Then kids and big, bulky, tires and now I can't believe how long lasting and puncture resistant most tires have become. My only flats have come, as somervillain says, from within.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87807534468793226902011-05-18T11:08:21.686-04:002011-05-18T11:08:21.686-04:00Interestingly, the only flat I've gotten on th...Interestingly, the only flat I've gotten on the tread portion of a tire was on a cheap $10 house-brand tire, supposedly with Kevlar protection (it was from Performance Bike). A sharp piece of flint penetrated it.<br /><br />All other flats I've gotten have been on vintage city bikes, and have been due not to poor tire design, but to defects in the wheel: poor or old rim strips, sharp spoke ends, or rust scale inside the rim. I think this is a big problem with vintage bikes, regardless of how puncture resistant your tires are.<br /><br />By contrast, I haven't gotten a single flat on any of my road bikes, in several thousand miles. One of my road bikes (a 1988 Trek 560) even has the original 23mm tires. They're supple, show no signs of cracking or hardening, and are among the smoothest riding tires in my fleet. About 1000 miles on that bike over the last two years, no flats.somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-39163885620055297592011-05-18T11:05:04.950-04:002011-05-18T11:05:04.950-04:00I know nothing about the correct tires, but I do k...I know nothing about the correct tires, but I do know about 'skunk tail', since I bike in Seattle. What I don't understand is that 90% of the bicycles here in this perennially wet environment have NO fenders! I've asked about this as several bike stores and have yet to get a good answer.jnhttp://johnnez.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17705872754539042792011-05-18T09:31:57.024-04:002011-05-18T09:31:57.024-04:00Rivendell (panaracer) Ruffy Tuffy. Supposedly they...Rivendell (panaracer) Ruffy Tuffy. Supposedly they have a protective strip in the tire and the round profile really amazed me when I first got them. They have been strong enough to handle a gravel towpath semi-loaded (C&O canal) yet are way faster and lighter than what I have used in a similar size (Vittoria Randonneur, Schwalbe Marathon). I don't think they are a "race" tire per se but I would think if you were serious about racing than you would have a dedicated race wheelset with race tires or sew-ups anyway. For my money, I prefer to have a fast rolling tire, with some puncture protection as I don't race anyway. Try the Ruffy Tuffys on something....I just can't say enough good about them and even if you don't use them on this bike, you'll use them somewhere.WillyJakehttp://rvabikecommuter.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-63213654817316279052011-05-18T09:02:37.017-04:002011-05-18T09:02:37.017-04:00Not to be a contrarian, but I have lots of friends...Not to be a contrarian, but I have lots of friends who ride their fast bikes 150 miles a week or more and they don't complain about always flatting out. It happens, but not that often, and I am wondering if the slashed tire on your loaner was just an outlier. Also, what would happen if you flatted on a pace ride? I am sure it happens. Would they stop for you? Do they all have a team car riding behind them ready to swap out a wheel at a moment's notice? I guess that is the long way of saying don't worry about it!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-57725328902879229732011-05-18T07:44:31.578-04:002011-05-18T07:44:31.578-04:00On my re-built bike with 25mm tyres I've had a...On my re-built bike with 25mm tyres I've had a lot of problems with punctures so can really empathise with you. I've written about some of these problems on my blog. <br /><br />Weight does have an impact for sure (I'm 100kg) but the ease that an expensive tyre can be shredded is amazing. I was running Continental GP4000s but had constant problems even on reasonable surfaces, so gave up on them.<br /><br />I've just fitted Continental GP 4Seasons and although they are not cheap they are doing a really good job so far (touch wood). No punctures, no damage and I haven't noticed a difference between these and the GP4000s.<br /><br />I haven't tried Gatorskins, but a bit like your comments here, there are lots of mixed reviews.eyeorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14192896305779068284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-62665706750415789762011-05-17T20:15:07.505-04:002011-05-17T20:15:07.505-04:00You poor thing! Hope by now you are warm, cozy an...You poor thing! Hope by now you are warm, cozy and in love with your new loaner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33447838137204638482011-05-17T19:45:59.764-04:002011-05-17T19:45:59.764-04:00I agree with Cycler, I sure would love to be that ...I agree with Cycler, I sure would love to be that fly buzzing around when you show up with the Seven :).Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12235831374184428641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-37569708345997861572011-05-17T19:43:37.419-04:002011-05-17T19:43:37.419-04:00Oh, and I got the Michelin Kryllions in 23mm. No o...Oh, and I got the Michelin Kryllions in 23mm. No one had the 25mm within a 10 mile radius, so I went with the narrower version. <br /><br />Tonight's paceline ride was canceled due to rain, but I went on my own ride on the new tires. I now have a computer on the Seven and it is indeed faster than my Rivendell. It was pouring, so I didn't exceed 20mph; I will have to go in dry weather to really test it. Maybe one of these days we will actually have dry weather!Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-83831385505093901012011-05-17T19:37:51.344-04:002011-05-17T19:37:51.344-04:00I don't have a lot of experience with road bik...I don't have a lot of experience with road bike tires, but from a newbie road bike enthusiast perspective my Specialized Ruby Elite Compact bike comes with Specialized Condition Pro II 700x23c tires. The tires are noted for having Flak Jacket protection (hey if it's good enough for the military I'll take it), aramid bead (for tubeless conversion?) and the inner casing has 120 threads per inch (TPI). I read that for racing 60 TPI's is ideal for race level riders?? I've ridden through pot holes, puddles, broken glass, (not intentionally btw), and sand. Granted, not at high speeds, but still I've had no issues. High speed for me is mostly when I'm going DH at 25 mph-which has been my max. From a newbie perspective, I have felt safe on these tires and they roll nicely.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12235831374184428641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4417072117699313942011-05-17T19:34:21.291-04:002011-05-17T19:34:21.291-04:00...At the same time, it will be truly pathetic if ......At the same time, it will be truly pathetic if I still have a hard time on a Seven! which I think is a distinct possibility : )<br /><br />In the larger group (before we all split up into small groups according to riding ability) there were several cyclists on IF bikes and a few other local builders. In the beginners small group, it was all store-bought CF bikes in the low $1K range and one Trek Madone WSD (which I think is $2-3K).Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49756401121313649382011-05-17T18:47:26.170-04:002011-05-17T18:47:26.170-04:00hmm
I have to chuckle as I imagine the faces of th...hmm<br />I have to chuckle as I imagine the faces of the ride leaders when the very beginning rider who showed up on a full touring bike last week for the intro to intro race cycling, shows up a week later on a seven :)<br />The advantage of being a well connected blogger- they had no idea whose bike they were calling "inappropriate" <br /><br />I wish I could see them when you pull out a bigger gun!cyclerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10331461189944538729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-82535503986629327232011-05-17T16:28:16.963-04:002011-05-17T16:28:16.963-04:00The biggest factor influencing punctures is weight...The biggest factor influencing punctures is weight. Light riders get many fewer punctures and can get away with lighter tires. Race tires are very narrowly designed for pro-weight riders. Velouria can enjoy any race tire she wants while Co-Habitant should stick to Conti and Schwalbe. <br /><br />In ordinary engineering practice unsuspended weight counts double. On a bike the rider, with the springs in legs and arms, transforms himself into suspended weight, while the bike itself is unsuspended weight.<br /> <br />Bicycle engineering is always a little different. Skilled riders can turn part of the bike's weight into suspended weight. When jumping a pothole a rider clearly has "suspended" the bike's weight completely. The lighter the bike the easier it is to mate with it as suspended weight. You will notice the effect on the Seven.<br /><br />Weight carried in bags and on racks is beyond unsuspended. It lifts and comes crashing down. Count baggage times five on a bike. This is why commuters and tourists and utility riders have to have heavy tires. Twenty pounds of kit and grocery and your tires carry a load as if you had just gained a hundred pounds. It's why racers carry everything they need in pockets. <br /><br />Factor number two in flats is correct inflation. The American racing community is way overinflated. Greg LeMond did his entire career on Vittoria CX from intermediate category to retirement. Tires 22mm wide. Race weight 140-150 pounds. Inflation pressure 95 pounds front and rear. Less in the rain.<br />Of course American Clydesdales who insist on using ProRace3s have to go to pressure of 130 to keep the rim off the ground but they are asking for trouble and they get it. The light riders who use 120 or 130 pounds have always been a mystery to me. Any trace of sand or moisture, they slide away, plus they get way more flats than they should.<br /><br />Get race tires and enjoy them. It's why you're on the Seven. Experience from the Gazelle is not much relevant. Different world of cycling. Dip your toe in the water.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-68850475691849621762011-05-17T15:52:35.142-04:002011-05-17T15:52:35.142-04:00Velouria - I have often wondered if you got your n...Velouria - I have often wondered if you got your nom de keyboard from Bossanova.Daniel Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72280939047762975912011-05-17T15:22:16.199-04:002011-05-17T15:22:16.199-04:00Challenge Parigi-Roubaix tires if that bike will f...Challenge Parigi-Roubaix tires if that bike will fit them. Real stretched out width is 29.5 mm. Fast. Very much like the late lamented tubular - Clement Campionato del Mondo. Also possibly useful on other bikes you own, or even as a light folding spare. Also just a plain beautiful traditional tire w/latex aging & browning on the sidewalls. Perfect complement to shellac.<br />The narrow Challenge tires seem to be getting scarce.<br />Any of the Veloflex tires.<br />Vittoria CX.<br /><br />Fast rubber evades damage by flexing over the sharp points. I kid you not. Puncture protection strips destroy the ride of any good tire. If you really have to have flat-resistance for peace of mind, Conti GP4000. Widely available, good tread life, but mediocre ride, esp for a lighter rider.<br /><br />For gashes carry a patch kit w/fresh rubber cement a single edge razor blade and a strip of an old track tubular casing with the tread peeled off. These casing boots stick much better to the latex-coated tires listed above than to nylon tires but they will work on nylon. Some boots are get-me-home only, some will last the life of the tire & not be perceptible.<br /><br />In an absolute emergency US paper currency folded inside a tire gets you home. Mountain bikers do that all the time. The paper stock still has linen & cotton.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16812297572372414282011-05-17T14:01:25.197-04:002011-05-17T14:01:25.197-04:00My friend Joe, who's been racing for about a h...My friend Joe, who's been racing for about a hundred years (not really, only a little more than half that) told me once he uses cheap Kenda tires, mostly Kontenders I think, for training. He uses lighter tires for racing (and even tubulars for time trials) but cheap and sturdy work fine for him. <br />As much as I respect the guy, and his racing record (national titles in everything but mountain biking), I wouldn't advise you copy his aesthetic example though, he usually just buys "whatever color is on clearance" and ends up with some... um... interesting combinations.Matt DeBlasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17666227904684289223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-21368726498064709802011-05-17T13:54:57.120-04:002011-05-17T13:54:57.120-04:00Conti GP 4 Seasons or Conti GP4000. You get what ...Conti GP 4 Seasons or Conti GP4000. You get what you pay for.Roffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15756790492357859868noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-77850900260801100932011-05-17T13:48:43.787-04:002011-05-17T13:48:43.787-04:00Well I like Gatorskins. I have them on all my roa...Well I like Gatorskins. I have them on all my road bikes. One puncture in the last three years/10,000+ miles. I found Paselas too soft, those that came on my Pompino wore out in six months. If you think Gatorskins are heavy/slow, don't go with Schwalbe Marathons.Tim Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03277034044977018254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55536242029839104082011-05-17T12:54:53.531-04:002011-05-17T12:54:53.531-04:00Naming your bikes is one thing; talking to them is...Naming your bikes is one thing; talking to them is quite another. =D As for the tires, I am pretty much incapable of going "fast", but I've done some time on 700x23c and 25c rubber. I've found that you can't have it all: ride quality, speed, durability/protection; these are all at odds with one another. Throw price into the mix, and things get even more complicated. I agree with GRJ re: gatorskins (and armadillos, too, although he hadn't mentioned them). These tires offer good protection in a skinny package, but they feel "hard" on the road, offering little grip.<br /><br />My most recent 700x23c tires were Vittoria Zaffiros. I had the ultra-cheap wire-bead version; they make a lighter, folding version which comes in white. (I know you get a kick out of that.) These have a very light cross-hatched tread pattern, are comparatively heavy, and are really cheap. On the other hand, they'll take 120psi, feel great, and i never flatted once in about a year of fat-guy riding on South Jersey/Phila streets. <br /><br />To be sure, some snob will scoff at these, b/c they're not "fast" tires. They're training tires; perfect for beginner training rides with advertised speeds of 12-15mph. If/when you're racing, look into something hotter and fancier. For now, regardless of which ones you choose, get training tires (as opposed to race tires). Better durability, better price, better suited for what you're actually doing.<br /><br />-robScreechhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15397676711365438175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-35919441631939382192011-05-17T12:16:31.409-04:002011-05-17T12:16:31.409-04:00Wait...I get it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH...Wait...I get it.<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHhox4_SeHQ&feature=relatedGround Round Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103163385322185034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14068506541129145002011-05-17T12:16:20.224-04:002011-05-17T12:16:20.224-04:00http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1mX8ptsmBMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1mX8ptsmBMErin Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07387038151574307429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18268045202365159682011-05-17T12:11:53.673-04:002011-05-17T12:11:53.673-04:00Getting stuck in a crack--done it in my own back a...Getting stuck in a crack--done it in my own back alley way in the cobblestones and nearly fell into the wall. I agree with Jim... A 25X700 won't hurt any. When I got the gazelle it had a 25 in the back and a 23 in the front. I never noticed a difference.Ronahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16096213034605839343noreply@blogger.com