tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post7030732865740951198..comments2024-03-29T04:01:31.445-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Honey, We Meet AgainVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-40415201975466633582013-05-29T22:09:42.855-04:002013-05-29T22:09:42.855-04:00I've test-ridden a bunch of bikes over the las...I've test-ridden a bunch of bikes over the last couple days...Cross Checks, Volpes, Specialized Tricross Sports, the Gunnar Crosshairs at Harris, a Salsa Vaya, and I finally found a Roper in my size to try today.<br /><br />I started off looking at bikes that were a little too big, but once I figured out the correct size, I discovered that I actually don't hate drop bars like I thought I did. It's amazing how much the reach makes a difference for me, in terms of confident braking.<br /><br />With all of that, I think I've come to a decision: Volpe in the 51cm size. Now I just have to find the cash for it!agmetalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17947109932507880159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-75358729416451846972013-05-28T15:07:17.090-04:002013-05-28T15:07:17.090-04:00Whatever the theory may be I'll state this: o...Whatever the theory may be I'll state this: once a very high bb bike starts tipping it wants to keep going. <br /><br />Low bb will correct more easily, my pet theory is there is a counter weight rotating around the line drawn between the axles. Or sumpin'.GR Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145811568384053426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17382627441728548492013-05-28T12:02:40.252-04:002013-05-28T12:02:40.252-04:00Cliff notes version: The frame was ready considera...Cliff notes version: The frame was ready considerably later than anticipated. By the time it arrived, I had already built up <a href="http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2013/04/ceci-nest-pas-un-rando-bike.html" rel="nofollow">this</a>, because I needed a bike, *and* began to build my own frame that was essentially the same (well not in terms of quality of course, but geometry and purpose). I can't afford to build them all up simultaneously. And I don't want to disassemble the Rawland which I already know rides fine, and which I use constantly. So most likely the Mercian buildup will have to wait till next year at this stage. <br /><br />The "my bikes" link is under construction. I don't ride the fixed gear much in the summer, but it is alive and well.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18863760769600132382013-05-28T11:45:22.058-04:002013-05-28T11:45:22.058-04:00I was recently wondering the same...What happened ...I was recently wondering the same...What happened to that bike and what about your other Mercian, is that getting much use these days? You've eliminated your 'my bikes' link!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-76804423332077240842013-05-28T01:17:49.568-04:002013-05-28T01:17:49.568-04:00Speaking of cycle designs.... On Nov. 13, 2012 in ...Speaking of cycle designs.... On Nov. 13, 2012 in a post about low-trail designs, you mentioned "a fresh-off-the-boat prototype frameset from Mercian Cycles in England that was built to my spec". Did I miss a subsequent report on that frameset? As an enthusiastic owner of a 25 year old Mercian, I would love to hear how they did with your proposed experiment in low-trail geometry.Vancouver Island cyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15150635169233877051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5907460283858558792013-05-27T22:59:59.284-04:002013-05-27T22:59:59.284-04:00OK, so I thought some more(and now I have a head-a...OK, so I thought some more(and now I have a head-ache),and I believe we must be talking about different things or one of us is incorrect. <br /><br />If I understand your position than you would expect that the most stable way to move a load is as high as you can get it, try turning a forklift with a heavy load raised to the top of the mast(don't ask me why this example comes to mind, thank you)and you will quickly become convinced that it's more stable an inch off the ground. <br /><br />The higher the CG the longer the lever(and Moment a force has to overcome)and thus the lower the force that can be exerted at the CG to keep the mass within the balance point. <br /><br />We have now exceeded my experience on the subject and my vocabulary to discuss it. I do so hope I'm correct but if not it might explain why I fall off my bike as often as I do.<br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45228026338911485952013-05-27T21:13:40.936-04:002013-05-27T21:13:40.936-04:00Ok, I'm starting to get it, my pendulum analog...Ok, I'm starting to get it, my pendulum analogy is totally flawed, they have a LOW CG and a HIGH CG would be easier to balance if one can ignore outside forces, but in the event that outside forces are present(steering, braking, acceleration , irregularities in the surface being traversed etc.)doesn't a higher CG mean that the point at which balance is lost is closer to the centerline and therefore more difficult to maintain? You've got me all aflutter here...<br /><br />Standing by...<br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34794174082636646342013-05-27T21:04:45.762-04:002013-05-27T21:04:45.762-04:00Hmmm, I get it to the degree that the bicycle can ...Hmmm, I get it to the degree that the bicycle can be described as experiencing the forces one thinks of in relation to a pendulum suspended from a static point, but it seems pretty counter-intuitive if you start considering the dynamic forces that act on the bottom of a bike(steering, braking and acceleration) that are applied to a contact patch that is in motion under the CG,that by definition constantly pull the mass from under the CG. But let us think about this for a second...<br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-73613750887909856132013-05-27T15:12:15.015-04:002013-05-27T15:12:15.015-04:00Mem day comment -- throw in a quick counter steer ...Mem day comment -- throw in a quick counter steer and the bike falls into the turn, no hip necessary.<br /><br />No hip in extremely tight turns or low low speeds.<br /><br />GR Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01145811568384053426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-41471992829805548162013-05-27T12:15:21.306-04:002013-05-27T12:15:21.306-04:00For what it's worth, it's really, really d...For what it's worth, it's really, really difficult to get a motorcycle to do anything without your hands on the bars. You can go around a turn on a bicycle but on a motorcycle you'd have a hard time changing lanes. This is not usually important since you usually need your right hand to stay on the bars most of the time to gas or brake. ("A miracle that all this docile strength waits behind one tiny lever for the pleasure of my hand." -TE Lawrence)<br /><br />Sport bikes have about 3.5" of trail and big touring cruisers can get up to 7" ish based on some googling I just did.Dan Millerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05403831455546985198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-15021756464383417202013-05-27T09:00:21.400-04:002013-05-27T09:00:21.400-04:00Or in other words, it is easier to lean the bike, ...Or in other words, it is easier to lean the bike, and make sudden changes in direction, on a bike with a lower centre of gravity. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-52256917451243815662013-05-27T08:21:08.431-04:002013-05-27T08:21:08.431-04:00The moment of inertia for a bike with a higher cen...The moment of inertia for a bike with a higher centre of gravity is greater. So it resists rotation in the coronal plane. <br /><br />Think of trying to balance a short pencil, or a long pencil, on your finger tip. The long pencil is easier to balance. <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-59892832354348303762013-05-26T11:31:07.751-04:002013-05-26T11:31:07.751-04:00Haha almost. I'm in Vermont at "DROVES&qu...Haha almost. I'm in Vermont at "DROVES" - a 3 day dirt road event hosted by the Blayleys. John Bayley is part of a men's endurance team that just got a sponsorship deal, hence the SRAM hydraulic stuff. More on this tonight/tomorrow. Too tired for the internet with all this riding in the snow! Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-5869390732187162722013-05-26T11:26:29.293-04:002013-05-26T11:26:29.293-04:00OK this is killing me! Velouria wtf is on your ins...OK this is killing me! Velouria wtf is on your instagram stream are you at a SRAM press camp?? Please, the suspense! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6277634115120262652013-05-25T23:26:36.487-04:002013-05-25T23:26:36.487-04:00HUH?HUH?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-85028241749504806702013-05-25T20:34:18.591-04:002013-05-25T20:34:18.591-04:00??????????? explain, please.??????????? explain, please.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-79470161762971058802013-05-25T14:22:52.011-04:002013-05-25T14:22:52.011-04:00A higher centre of gravity makes a bike more stabl...A higher centre of gravity makes a bike more stable, not more flickable. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4675960012621723772013-05-25T10:08:38.302-04:002013-05-25T10:08:38.302-04:00Effective trail is based on where the tire contact...Effective trail is based on where the tire contact patch is. For most purposes you drop a vertical line through the axle to find where the patch is and do the math. Offroad, and for a lot of other purposes, the contact patch is where the tire hits the log. It's somewhere in that mud. And of course going uphill or downhill throws the calculation out of whack. Something as simple as leaning into a turn makes the math of trail darn complicated. And moving weight on or off, towards or away from the front wheel changes the handling of any bike drastically even as mathematical trail remains constant.<br /><br />So antbikemike is correct in a textbook sort of way but all bikes steer with the hips. Every rider alive steers with the hip even if they fight it or deny it. There's nothing unusual or magic about this Honey. Steel cyclo-x frame. This post is about V getting some mojo in the hip.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-27128198275577300942013-05-25T10:02:09.948-04:002013-05-25T10:02:09.948-04:00Colour me confused. An inch is 25mm.
Typical roa...Colour me confused. An inch is 25mm. <br /><br />Typical road BB drop today is 70-80mm as far as I know. 68mm is just 2mm shy of the lower range. What am I missing?Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45011119192951959982013-05-25T09:42:35.663-04:002013-05-25T09:42:35.663-04:00Fred Delong had a custom Paramount with that fork....Fred Delong had a custom Paramount with that fork. Featured in an old American Cycling (predecessor to Bicycling) article and also shown in his book. None of this is online AFAIK. I got the book if you need a scan, the mag article only in the memory bank. Pretty basic. Cut a dropout with a horizontal slot, braze it in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8028739156705520202013-05-25T02:15:16.057-04:002013-05-25T02:15:16.057-04:00That's more'n inch off of most road frames...That's more'n inch off of most road frames, which s actually considerable...<br /><br />Ride s'more cx bikes, and see whatcha think then... Screechhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15397676711365438175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-45830839348196178712013-05-25T01:45:33.585-04:002013-05-25T01:45:33.585-04:00Only skimmed this thread of comments, but I think ...Only skimmed this thread of comments, but I think the design you're talking about might already exist, via Jim Papadopoulos. I'll investigate. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-33234092267244985532013-05-25T01:22:03.980-04:002013-05-25T01:22:03.980-04:00I def don't think it's magic, not even mys...I def don't think it's magic, not even mystical. Just particular. And a combination of many factors.<br /><br />The BB drop here is 68mm, which is closer to road than many CX bikes if I am not mistaken. Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-56822223615485337502013-05-24T19:16:04.815-04:002013-05-24T19:16:04.815-04:00I'm thinking the "mystical"ride qual...I'm thinking the "mystical"ride quality you describe comes from the higher CoG that comes with the typical cx bike. A high BB, which translates to less bb drop, will give you a higher center of gravity, and with all other things being equal, you'll have a more flickable bicycle.<br /><br />Now, this being Lovely Bicycle, you'll tell me that you already knew that (which I'll believe)and that it's actually some other, ethereal quality about the bike that you cannot define, but that is probably just magic (which I won't believe). <br /><br />But, yeah, the "slight" difference in BB drop? It ain't slight, and it'd be quite noticeable.Screechhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15397676711365438175noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-49076388023081418362013-05-24T17:06:54.276-04:002013-05-24T17:06:54.276-04:00You see people laying down all sorts of "rule...You see people laying down all sorts of "rules" about building LT bikes, changes to BB height, stay length and so forth that they say are "necessary" to achieve a stable LT bike. It seems to me that whatever benefit there is to those mods is incidental and a well designed conventional bike will still exhibit the basic characteristics of LT behavior just by moving the axle around(in the same horizontal plane of course). I might be wrong but I'm fixin' to find out... <br /><br />I'm mostly interested in low speed climbing behavior(the degree to which reducing "wheel flop" improves climbing efficiency) and high speed tracking. This is all Jan Heine's fault for making me think about all this stuff. I was perfectly happy and oblivious before. Thanks Jan, like I needed another project...<br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com