SF Cyclotouring

4x Cree XR-E Dyno Bike Headlamp

2012-01-02T15:02:00.001-08:00

4x Cree XR-E Dyno Bike Headlamp, a set on Flickr.

Just finished my latest bike headlamp.

2011-12-18 - Marin Headlands Bonty Loop

2011-12-19T17:43:00.001-08:00

2011-12-18 - Marin Headlands Bonty Loop, a set on Flickr.

Photos from yesterday's ride...

Via Flickr:
Rode the Bonty RL with new Kona P-2 rigid fork on a Marin Headlands loop. 1:30pm to 5:30pm or so -- around 4 hours total. Rode across the GGB, up Conzelman, down Coastal, up Miwok, Old Springs Trail, down to Tennessee Valley, then back up Marincello, connect to Bobcat, to Rodeo Valley, back up Coastal, down Conzelman, back across the GGB, and back home. I'm guessing about 35-40 miles total. Bike worked fairly well. New handlebars are good in terms of reach and height, but are too wide. Rear shifting is still wonky in the large chainring. Bike still shimmies, even with the new fork, too.

2011.12.10 -- 1993 Bridgestone RB-1/7

2011-12-10T13:11:00.001-08:00

2011.12.10 -- 1993 Bridgestone RB-1/7, a set on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Pulled this one down off the wall to take a closer look. It's been awhile!

Fender Repair

2011-12-10T01:08:00.001-08:00

Fender Repair, a photo by jimgskoop on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Snagged a stick or something on my commute home last night, which tore off the back half of my front fender. (FWIW, the SKS strut safety releases did their job!) Fortunately, I had a spare set of SKS P-45s stashed away, so replacing the front was fairly easy. I cut a good section out of the trashed fender and added it onto the front of the replacement to lengthen it under the rack. I'm not happy with the zip-tie attachment onto the rack, but I was running out of time last night, and it was all I could come up with. I should've added a threaded fender mount under the rack platform's crossmember when I built it....

Bamboozled!

2011-12-02T13:52:00.000-08:00

Recently I measured my Kogswell 59x700C P/R's fork -- the one designed for 40mm trail on this frame. It's 400mm axle to crown, give or take:

The blueprint says this fork should be 365mm, which is impractically short for a 700C-wheel frame. (?!?!?)

I also just got a Wixey digital angle gauge, and used that to measure all the
angles on my 59x700C P/R frame. They all vary pretty far from the as-designed values. My bike has a head angle around 71.5-72º, which is supposed to be 73.6º.

The seat angle measures 70.6º vs. the specified value of 72.4º.

Finally, as you can see on the blueprint above, the BB drop is supposed to be 79mm, while the actual value measures to around 70mm.

This makes me wonder if, overall, the fork was manufactured too long. If it was 20mm shorter, it'd be closer to the blueprint, and both of the frame angles would be a full degree steeper (10mm of fork change makes the head angle about half a degree steeper). FWIW, there ARE about 20mm of spacers between the fork crown and the front fender, indicating that the fork is longer than it needs to be.

Using these actual values plugged into my trail calculator gives a trail of 54mm and flop of 16mm. So the bike is not even low trail after all! :(

Another Stolen Bike Alert

2011-09-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

First generation Kogswell P/R stolen in San Jose!

From http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2604975524.html

My Kogswell P/R was stolen from an apartment parking garage in San Jose on the 17th or 18th. This is a rare frame, only a few dozen made. The front rack even more so. Let me or the SJPD know if you see it anywhere.

Charlie
(510) 459-0871

Stolen Bike Alert

2011-09-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

Someone nicked Max's giant red Rivendell Atlantis. Keep your eyes peeled!

from http://maxp.net/bike/stolen-atlantis/

STOLEN: 66cm Red Rivendell Atlantis

The bicycle disappeared from the garage of my home in SF, on Fell St across from the Panhandle, between 8:30pm on Wed 9/14 and 7:00am on Thu 9/15.

This is a large and unusual touring bicycle.

Main features

66cm frame
custom red paint job with cream head tube and lug details
large black Ortlieb handlebar bag with QR mount
black Tubus Tara front rack, with custom fork braze-ons
black Topeak rear rack for Topeak baby seat (but no baby seat attached), with Planet Bike taillight
Schmidt SON dynamo hub on the front wheel; DLumotec Oval Plus LED headlight
More details

1980s Dura-Ace quill stem, 44cm Nitto "Noodle" bars with cream-colored handlebar tape
honey Brooks B17 saddle on silver Kalloy seatpost
Sugino XD triple crank (48-38-26); XT rear hub, SRAM 12-26 cassette
downtube shifters (D-A) and Shimano 105 front/rear derailleurs
Shimano BR-R550 cantilever brakes and Tektro R200 brake levers
36-hole silver Mavic T719 rims
black Kenda 700Cx42 tires
silver Planet Bike fenders with mudflap on front fender
silver pump attached to top tube with custom brazed-on peg
two water bottle cages
black Jandd tool pouch under saddle
Major identifying marks

scratch on "A" of "Atlantis" decal on left side of downtube
small scratches on upper part of left seatstay
handlebar tape in need of replacement; missing handlebar plugs
If you see this bike, please contact me at < max.poletto at gmail dot com > or 415-742-2268.

Thank you.

Rack Repair Weekend

2011-09-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend I got back to some brazing by completing two different rack repairs: John's Ebisu low rider rack and Ely's Nitto M-12 rack. John's rack had popped an eyelet during some mixed-terrain touring and he wanted me to replace all the eyelets with tab-style mounts. It was a little weird taking apart the joints of the rack that hadn't failed yet! Ely's rack sheared off its fork-crown mounting bolt, so it needed replacing. This was my first time repairing racks and also working with existing chrome plating, and I'm pretty happy with how both repairs turned out.

Stolen Bikes Alert

2011-09-06T11:01:00.001-07:00

From http://groups.google.com/group/internet-bob/browse_thread/thread/d6de0f0f1c9a227f/1eafe1f8ceca93fa?show_docid=1eafe1f8ceca93fa

54cm 1996 riv road in blue with mostly dura ace 7700 parts
52cm BDB pelican with a mix of parts and White Hetres
47cm Miyata teal powdercoat and 650b wheels with albatross bars
http://www.flickr.com/photos/subfascia1/ - This photosite has pictures of two of the bikes on it and i'll upload a third as soon as I am able.

Favorite Bikes

2011-08-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

Based on my mileage log for 2011 so far, it's pretty easy to see which are my favorite bikes:

Mileage per Bike

Nsport: 562 miles (ridden 16 times for 35.6% of yearly distance)
Trek400: 492 miles (ridden 10 times for 31.1% of yearly distance)
Kogswell: 239 miles (ridden 4 times for 15.1% of yearly distance)
Other: 217.5 miles (ridden 6 times for 13.8% of yearly distance)
Fuji: 70 miles (ridden 2 times for 4.4% of yearly distance)

Custom Tool Roll

2011-06-27T11:33:00.000-07:00

Just got a custom tool roll from Eli at Ruth Works SF. Fits under the saddle, and holds all my stuff perfectly and stylishly! Check out the full photo set!

2011 San Francisco Randonneurs Populaires!

2011-05-27T10:34:00.001-07:00

Mark your calendars! In 2011, SFR will host two populaire rides: June 25th, and Oct. 1st. The San Francisco Randonneurs is a club that hosts rides known as brevets. Normally, our rides begin at distances of 200km and go up from there.

The Populaire, at 114km (71 miles), is designed to be an entry into randonneuring at a distance that appeals to a wider audience. Our populaire route begins at the Golden Gate Bridge and uses a shortened version of our traditional first 200km brevet of the year. Basically, we ride out to Point Reyes Station, via Olema, and return via Nicasio to a picnic gathering at ride's end back in San Francisco. If you are interested in trying brevet riding, the Populaire is a great introduction!

Register at http://sfrandonneurs.org/registration.htm.

The ride, like all our other brevets, is open to all riders, meaning you do not need to be a member of the San Francisco Randonneurs, nor do you need to be a member of our parent, national organization, RUSA. Many riders do later join one or both.

If you have questions, feel free to send them to populaire@sfrandonneurs.org or rba@sfrandonneurs.org

See you there!

CA State Parks to Close

2011-05-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Anderson Marsh SHP
Annadel SP
Antelope Valley Indian Museum
Austin Creek SRA
Bale Grist Mill SHP
Benbow Lake SRA
Benicia Capitol SHP
Benicia SRA
Bidwell Mansion SHP
Bothe-Napa Valley SP
Brannan Island SRA
California Mining & Mineral Museum
Candlestick Point SRA
Castle Crags SP
Castle Rock SP
China Camp SP
Colusa-Sacramento River SRA
Del Norte Coast Redwoods SP
Fort Humboldt SHP
Fort Tejon SHP
Garrapata SP
George J. Hatfield SRA
Governor's Mansion SHP
Gray Whale Cove SB
Greenwood SB
Grizzly Creek Redwoods SP
Hendy Woods SP
Henry W. Coe SP
Jack London SHP
Jug Handle SNR
Leland Stanford Mansion SHP
Limekiln SP
Los Encinos SHP
Malakoff Diggins SHP
Manchester SP
McConnell SRA
McGrath SB
Mono Lake Tufa SNR
Morro Strand SB
Moss Landing SB
Olompali SHP
Palomar Mountain SP
Petaluma Adobe SHP
Picacho SRA
Pio Pico SHP
Plumas-Eureka SP
Point Cabrillo Light Station
Portola Redwoods SP
Providence Mountains SRA
Railtown 1897 SHP
Russian Gulch SP
Saddleback Butte SP
Salton Sea SRA
Samuel P. Taylor SP
San Pasqual Battlefield SHP
Santa Cruz Mission SHP
Santa Susana Pass SHP
Shasta SHP
South Yuba River SP
Standish-Hickey SRA
Sugarloaf Ridge SP
Tomales Bay SP
Tule Elk SNR
Turlock Lake SRA
Twin Lakes SB
Weaverville Joss House SHP
Westport-Union Landing SB
William B. Ide Adobe SHP
Woodson Bridge SRA
Zmudowski SB

from http://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/712/files/2011ParkClosures_attachments20110513.pdf

China Camp, Annadel, and Samuel P. Taylor are all places I bicycle through regularly. I'm not sure what this means regarding bike access -- will the parks literally be closed and fenced off? Or will they simply stop being maintained, and left to grow wild?

Fixed, Fixed!

2011-05-10T10:00:00.001-07:00

Fixed, Fixed!, a photo by jimgskoop on Flickr.

Back in action, so far so good!

Dropout Repair

2011-05-09T10:10:00.001-07:00

2011.05.08 -- Dropout Replacement, a set on Flickr.

Yesterday I brazed in a new dropout to replace the cracked original in my Nishiki commuter. T'was my first time doing this, and I l learned a bunch in the process. The result ain't too pretty, but it turned out OK -- I just had to file the dropout slot a bit to get the rear wheel to line up. I also respaced the rear of this frame to 130mm to prevent this fracture from happening again any time soon. Due to the heavy dimpling for wheel and chainring clearance, the right chainstay was REALLY easy to bend, and I overdid it drastically on the first attempt. But I revised my technique and got things spot-on. Fun times!

Help Tony Help Jeff, Win Bike!

2011-05-05T09:39:00.001-07:00

Help Jeff, Win Bike, a photo by pereiracycles on Flickr.

Tony P. is graciously donating a custom frame to help a friend battle cancer. Click the photo to find out more!

The T.U.B.

2011-05-02T10:18:00.001-07:00

The T.U.B., a photo by jimgskoop on Flickr.

Jan Heine has the G.B.U.B. (Gran Bois Urban Bike).
So I guess this makes mine the T.U.B. (Trek Urban Bike).
Heh.

Treque 1050B

2011-04-24T14:40:00.001-07:00

Treque 1050B, a photo by jimgskoop on Flickr.

Originally a 1992 Trek 400, now hot-rodded into a rando bike with a Kogswell low-trail fork, 650B wheels, a Zugster rando bag, and a custom/hand-made decaleur.

The bike was just finished getting built up the night before this photo, and here we're about to set out on the maiden ride.

Rides REALLY nicely and fits perfectly -- but shimmies as much as my Kogswell P/R. I guess it's just me!

(BTW, this is Phase 3, complete)

Custom Decaleur for the Trek 1050B

2011-04-11T10:00:00.001-07:00

Custom Decaleur, a set on Flickr.

I didn't ride this weekend, because I was busy building a decaleur for my Trek 400 + 650B project.

The bike itself is basicaly built -- all it needs is cabling and the fork's steerer cut down. However, when I built up my Kogswell P/R, I assembled the bike and then later added a front rack and bag. To my dismay, I realized that the cable routing was non-ideal with the front rack and bag, and learned the hard way that it's probably best to install the cables last, after everything else is installed on the bike. That cable issue is even more significant on this Trek, since I'm planning to use bar-end shifters with the housing running fully under the bar tape, exiting next to the stem. There will be 4 cables (2 brake, 2 shifter) competing with the decaleur for space under the stem.

So, I've been sidetracked a bit with this build while I sort out these bag details. I've wanted to build a decaleur like this for quite some time -- I'd been saving the cut-off excess from my Kogswell's 1-1/8 inch fork for a few years, planning to use it as a headset spacer-plus-bag-support like this. It's exciting to see my mental picture evolve into something concrete and useful!

Bang!

2011-03-31T17:55:00.001-07:00

QB 2.0, a photo by Gino on Flickr.

Gino's done bike. HAWT.

First official Gourgoutis®™ rack done

2011-03-31T16:40:00.001-07:00

First official Gourgoutis®™ rack done, a photo by Gino on Flickr.

Powedercoated rack on Gino's bike!

Temporary Commuter

2011-03-29T10:07:00.001-07:00

Temporary Commuter, a photo by jimgskoop on Flickr.

Borrowing my wife's Bianchi while I get another bike together. Dug out my old TImbuk+saddlebag hack to haul stuff. Yesterday I zip-tied a crate on the rear rack and dumped the bag in it, but that sucked -- too much tail-wagging-the-dog for me. This is quite a bit better.

I do like front-loading better, even on a high-trail bike, me thinks.

Mini Velo

2011-03-28T10:29:00.001-07:00

Would love to ride one of these some day!

Well, that was short-lived.

2011-03-24T00:04:00.001-07:00

Dammit., a photo by jimgskoop on Flickr.

Figures this would have to happen on my first day back to bike-commuting. Damnit!

I think this happened due to 1) old frame 2) 130mm rear hub in 126mm frame and 3) the locknuts on the Paul hub are very large/wide so they probably torqued the dropouts in a weird way, in conjunction with (2).

I probably should've respaced the frame when I mounted the new rear wheel. Sigh.

Riding!

2011-03-21T15:19:00.001-07:00

Riding! a photo by jimgskoop on Flickr.

After 2 months to heal, I'm back on the bike...maybe.

Machine Screw Sizes

2011-03-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

I never can remember this stuff...so here it is:

Size	Diameter (inch)	Usage
0	.0600	uncommon
1	.0730	uncomon
2	.0860	uncommon
3	.0990	uncommon
4	.1120
5	.1250	uncommon
6	.1380	commonly used small
8	.1640	very common
10	.1900	very common
12	.2160	common but large
1/4	.2500
5/16	.3125
3/8	.3750

From http://www.mechanicsupport.com/articleScrewSize.html

[BOB] internet-bob@bikelist.org is no more

2011-02-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

The end of an era...

This is the last email to the internet-bob@bikelist.org mailing list. The list has moved to internet-bob@googlegroups.com.

To continue recieving list emails you will need to join the new group. You can do that by going to one of these two links:
http://yojimg.net/bike/ibob/join.php
OR
http://groups.google.com/group/internet-bob

It's been a good decade of hosting this list, and I've been very happy to be the list admin and host during that time.

For the next couple of weeks sending email to the old list will get you an automatic reply with instructions on joining the new list. After that it will cease to operate.

thanks,
Alex Wetmore

Thanks Alex!!!

Bruce Gordon's Rock'n Road

2011-02-07T12:58:00.001-08:00

This is pretty awesome -- BG was building mixter rigs way back before the term existed!

A Brief History of the Rock 'n Road from Bruce Gordon Cycles on Vimeo.

St. Sheldon's Day

2011-02-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks Sheldon!

Sheldon Brown, July 14, 1944 – February 4, 2008

Get your stickers here!

(design/concept: me+Gino)
(note also, I am making no $$$ on these)

Racked!

2011-02-01T09:22:00.001-08:00

Load #1
Originally uploaded by Gino

Gino tests out the rack I built for him...

#002 Done!

2011-01-31T09:44:00.001-08:00

#002 Done!
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Gino's rack is DONE. Next up, powder coating!

Out of it for a while...

2011-01-18T10:29:00.001-08:00

Bound
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Went skiing last weekend in Colorado, crashed, and my left collarbone went "pop". No bike-riding for me for a few weeks at least. See the full photo set here...

Hmm. Apparently I have an anterior dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint. More details at http://www.eorthopod.com/content/sternoclavicular-joint-problems.

And this is what I feel to the letter:

In rare cases, patients have a stable joint but a painful clicking, grating, or popping feeling. This indicates an injury to the intra-articular disc ligament. This type of injury causes pain and problems moving the SC joint.

Oh, fun! :(

More LoFi Bike Racks

2011-01-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

Warms the cockles of my heart...

Oven racks!

Soda crates!

Dual-position Dropout Fork

2011-01-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

This is mildly interesting, even though it's for fixed-gear freestyle, which I'm too old for...

San Francisco Randonneurs 2011 Brevet Schedule

2011-01-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco Randonneurs 2011 brevet schedule is online at: http://sfrandonneurs.org/home.htm

Our first event is on January 22nd. If you have interest in riding this event, you might want to hurry. For this ride only, there is a rider limit (due to NPS rules) and while we aren't full yet, we will fill up before the date.

Registration can be done online or via paper/mail: http://sfrandonneurs.org/registration.htm

Note too that the calendar below is just the start. We are in the planning stages to add four more events for 2011, two of which will be at the 100km distance (Proposed Populaire dates under discussion are in late June and in October. Check the SFR website soon for exact dates.)

2011 Schedule

Distance	Date	Start Time	Time Limit
Point Reyes 200k	Sat, 01/22/2011	7:00 AM	13.5 hours
2 Rock/Valley Ford 200k	Sat, 02/12/2011	7:00 AM	13.5 hours
Russian River 300k	Sat, 02/26/2011	6:00 AM	20 hours
Healdsburg/Hopland 400k	Sat, 04/09/2011	6:00 AM	27 hours
Fleche (360k +)	Thu, 04/21/2011 *	8:00 AM	24 hours
Ft. Bragg 600k	Sat, 05/07/2011	6:00 AM	40 hours
Davis Night 200k	Sat, 06/04/2011	8:00 PM	13.5 hours
TBA 200k	Sat, 08/06/2011	7:00 AM	13.5 hours
Winters 200k	Sat, 10/08/2011	7:00 AM	13.5 hours

#002 Almost Done

2011-01-10T10:28:00.001-08:00

Front View
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Spent time over the weekend filing and sanding Gino's porteur rack. Just need to sort out the needed type/dimensions of the back stop, plus maybe braze on some guides for the head lamp wire. Check out the construction process via the whole photo set.

Pieces Parts

2011-01-09T02:24:00.001-08:00

Pieces Parts
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Finally got the stuff to build that fixed-gear rear wheel of my dreams...

EOY Wrap Up

2011-01-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

Totals for 2010...

3474 Miles

Mileage per Bike:
* Kogswell: 1414 miles (ridden 17 times for 40.7% of yearly distance)
* Fuji: 362 miles (ridden 6 times for 10.4% of yearly distance)
* Trek400: 124 miles (ridden 4 times for 3.6% of yearly distance)
* BontyRL: 150 miles (ridden 4 times for 4.3% of yearly distance)
* Nsport: 1424 miles (ridden 32 times for 41% of yearly distance)

Interesting that the rando and commute bikes have nearly equal mileage!

More details here.

Fabricator

2011-01-03T21:39:00.001-08:00

Fabricator
Originally uploaded by Gino

From Gino.

Almost Done

2011-01-03T21:38:00.001-08:00

Gino's Rack in Progress
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Nearing completion on a mini-porteur rack for Gino...

Introducing...The JimG™ Rack Fixture

2010-12-26T23:07:00.001-08:00

Introducing...The JimG™ Rack Fixture
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Today I built a fixture to locate a rack deck relative to a bicycle. The idea behind this design is that the fixture fits onto an assembled bike and will work (hopefully) whether the bike is right-side-up or up-side down.

Tube bending

2010-12-23T01:41:00.001-08:00

Tube bending
Originally uploaded by Gino

Mitering a Tube

2010-12-23T01:39:00.001-08:00

Mundane details
Originally uploaded by Gino

MAPP Gas Brazing

2010-12-23T01:38:00.001-08:00

Too-hot low-fi torch
Originally uploaded by Gino

Gino took the video while I was brazing a joint on his forthcoming rack...

Rack Building Tips

2010-12-22T12:39:00.000-08:00

Someone over on Flickr asked me about getting started with rack-building. Here's what I wrote to him, which I'm reposting here for posterity:

Here's where I learned about building racks:

1) Alex Wetmore's "Rack Building Basics" series of blog posts:
http://alexwetmore.org/?cat=298

2) Alistair Spence's Flickr photos:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncancycles

3) Pat S's blog:
http://26inchslicks.blogspot.com/

Spend a few hours/days reading those, and you'll learn a lot.

On tubing choices, Alex has recommended that 5/16" tubing is the best all-around choice, because it's beefy enough for a lightweight porteur rack, but svelte enough for a small front rando-bag rack. The other two tubing choices are typically 1/4" for small racks and 3/8" for heavy-duty cargo racks. I've been working with 5/16x0.35" tubing, and the first porteur rack I built holds 40 pounds with ease.

Benders are specific to your tubing choice. There exist low-cost "tri-benders" with three grooves for 1/4, 5/16, and 3/8" tubing, but those won't bend chromoly steel -- don't bother with those. The bender I bought is a Ridgid 405 for 5/16" diameter tubing, which runs about $60-65:

http://www.toolup.com/ridgid_36092_model-405-408m-lever-bender.aspx

I've been buying my tubing from Wicks Aircraft Supply:
http://www.wicksaircraft.com/catalog/product_cat.php/subid=10232/index.html

They aren't the cheapest, but it's easy to order online and there's no minimum order. I buy tubing from them in 4-foot sections so avoid oversize shipping charges. It works out to roughly $3/foot, including shipping.

I just use a hacksaw to make cuts. If I want to be precise about it, I'll use a fork-steerer cutting guide to ensure things are perpendicular:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1030352_-1_1549000_20000_400145

I use 1/8" thick mild steel sourced from a local hardware store to make rack tabs.

Other helpful tools:
1) Power Drill and a variety of bits -- you'll need this to drill vent holes in tubing, and holes in rack tabs

2) Bench vise

3) Tubing blocks -- you'll need to make these. Pat's blog has good tips on doing so.

4) Hand files, particularly 10" & 12" double-cut flat bastard files, and 10" & 12" round bastard files

5) Hack saw. Get one with long blade pins so you can double-up blades for slot cutting.

6) Tape Measure

7) Cheap bubble level

8) Cheap square of some sort

9) Lots of emery paper/production cloth -- sold in rolls in the plumbing department of most hardware stores

10) A "tube cleaning bit" for your drill. See
http://www.flickr.com/photos/duncancycles/2295388442/in/set-72157604138214903/

11) Lots of old leather toe straps, plus various small clamps, for jigging/fixturing pieces during brazing. Leather is important because it won't melt like nylon straps will!

12) A torch, brazing rod, and flux. I'd love an oxy-acetylene setup, but for now I'm just using a Bernzomatic handheld MAPP torch, which I bought at Home Depot years ago. Get filler rod and flux from Henry James:

GASFLUX PASTE FLUX Type “B” PASTE FLUX-Brass
GASFLUX C-04 BRASS ROD 1/16” Diameter

Let me know if there's anything else you're curious about...

Overhauling Shimano Dynohubs

2010-11-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

I saved a PDF copy of Anthony's instructions for Overhauling Shimano Dynohubs...

UPDATE: Gary Y. has also archived these instructions, complete with photos. Nice!

Introducing the Rawland Cycles Owners Group [rCOG]

2010-10-28T14:56:00.001-07:00

From the recent blog postings and related discussions on the Rawland
Cycles blog about their proposed new models, there was a demand for a
more generalized forum. To that end, I've created the "Rawland Cycles
Owners Group [rCOG]" -- an unofficial discussion forum for owners and
fans/friends of Rawland Cycles bicycles and products. We're at 25
members currently, and would welcome more. Sign up at

http://groups.google.com/group/rcog

BuckBullet!

2010-10-26T15:52:00.001-07:00

Hmmm...at 0.5"x2", I bet one of these would just slip into the steerer tube...AND they take AC input and convert to DC! Read more about it.

PUBLIC Bike , Racked

2010-10-22T17:03:00.001-07:00

PUBLIC Bike , Racked
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Last weekend, I moved Lofi Rack #2 over to Dawn's PUBLIC M8. Looks pretty good, if I do say so myself! Also added a V-O steering stabilizer to help cancel the high-trail wheel flop.

Are Cyclists Colorblind?

2010-10-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

This is a ripe, perhaps overripe, week for bike-commuting.... I've previously written about how I almost rear-ended another commuter, and now today another "interaction". There's a particular intersection (Division @Potrero) that I cross on my morning ride to the Caltrain station. Generally the traffic signal is red, so I stop and wait for the light to change. There's also a pedestrian crossing signal that runs parallel to my direction, which, more often than not, is displaying the white "WALK" sign while the traffic light is red. So 99.9% of the other "bikers" that pass through this same spot somehow magically decide that -- at that split second -- they can morph from "vehicle" to "pedestrian" and blow the red light, but honor the pedestrian sign and rationally proceed.

Or maybe they're just colorblind?

Today I stopped at the red light as usual. Another "biker" came up behind me and leaned in with "Hey, it's OK to go, the crosswalk signal is good!" I replied with "Yeah, but it's a red light". He then actually tried to tell me that it was safer to go on the crosswalk signal than it was to wait for the green light. Now, I've ridden through this spot at least a hundred times in the past six months, and I can't tell you how many close calls I've seen from bicycles blowing the red light, especially if a car/truck/bus is making a right turn onto the cross street. If this guy was driving a car or motorcycle, I'd bet he wouldn't even consider running that red light -- why then should the rules be any different just because you don't have a motor bolted to your ride?

He kept going. When the light turned green, I went, too. And promptly caught up to, and then passed him. I let out a "and it doesn't get you there any faster, either" as I went by. Which was pretty juvenile in retrospect, but it's true.

A while back, I gave up trying to convince other cyclists which way is the right way. You ride however works for you, and let me do my thing, OK? I've been bike-commuting for over twenty years with a clean track-record, for whatever that's worth. But it still really galls me when "bikers" demand equal access to our roadways, yet randomly decide which, when, and how they're going to follow the rules of the playing field. It undermines progress, and relegates us to second-class citizens. I never want to be one of "those damn bikers", thank you!

So man, don't tell me how to ride, OK?!?

For Whom the Bell Tolls...?

2010-10-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

My daily commute involves a stretch of riding on a paved, multi-use path, which crosses underneath a highway via a dark, narrow tunnel. At nearly every access point along this path are signs instructing cyclists to "alert others before passing". So this morning, I'm riding along, following behind another cyclist as we both enter this tunnel, and come upon a jogger -- who is of course wearing earbuds. I don't think she's aware of our approach, so I ring my bell -- exactly once. Out of nowhere, the guy in front of me slams on his brakes, and I almost collide with him, ending up between him and the opposite wall, leaning against it with my left shoulder.

Adrenaline pumping, I yell out "&^%@ dude! Why'd you stop in the middle of the trail?!?"

"Because you were trying to pass me, and she [the jogger] was in front of me" he retorted.

Although I didn't think I was close enough to indicate that I was trying to pass him -- I (sort-of) saw how/why he might think that, apologized, and continued on my way.

It could be argued that I was following too closely. I do a good amount of group riding, where everyone is generally comfortable with close-quarters riding, drafting, etc. -- but I need to better remember that the general public is not like this!

But the main thing I want to highlight is that, had I not rung my bell, this incident would never have happened! Trying to do the safe/polite thing -- warning the jogger of my approach -- had exactly the opposite result. Sheesh! What do you do when you encounter other people on a bike path/trail/etc?

Rack Tubing Costs

2010-10-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Mental note: 5/16 x 0.35" rack tubing costs about $3.25 per foot, including tax and shipping. Or $13 for each 4-foot section.

I just ordered 32 feet of it! Woohoo!

Kraynick's

2010-09-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hells yeah!

Steering Stabilizer -- First Tests

2010-09-26T16:14:00.001-07:00

Steering Stabilizer v2.0
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

I just installed a home-brewed steering stabilizer on my wife's
Bianchi Milano, and did a few test runs, tweaking things each time.
The hypothesis: Can this device make a front-loaded, high-trail bike
handle as sweetly as a low-trail bike? The early findings: Sorta, but
not quite. There is definitely some improvement, but the bike still
feels floppy.

I lengthened the lever arm even further than shown here (by moving that bolt) and noticed some improvement. The bike still feels pretty floppy, but it's improved over no spring at all. Still doesn't feel as neutral as a low-trail bike, though.

I was surprised by how much spring tension is required to have any sort of impact on the steering. I actually bought other, lighter springs than these, but ended up not using them. Making the lever arm longer is one way to compensate for a weaker spring, since torque = force x length.

More details are on my Flickr stream.

Lofi Porteur Rack #2

2010-09-20T10:57:00.001-07:00

Lofi Porteur Rack #2
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

I fabbed up a quick-n-dirty front rack for Dawn's Bianchi Milano on Sunday. The crate is a street-found Coca-Cola soda crate that has perfect dimensions for a front cargo rack. I bought some 3/4" x 1/8" aluminum flat bar and 3/4" aluminum tubing from the awesome hardware store around the corner (DBS) to build the struts and fork-crown attachment. This rack was intended as a test-bed -- if she likes it I'll braze up a real rack from chromo tubing -- but it turned out quite good, and doesn't look half-bad either.

Notes on 650B Conversions and Handling

2010-09-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

I've now done two 650B conversions: first my RB-1 and now my Trek 400. Learning the handling changes brought about by switching to the smaller wheel size has been an interesting experience.

The RB-1 has a 73.5-degree head angle and a fork with 45mm of offset. With a typical 700Cx25mm tire, that bike has about 54mm of trail and 15mm of flop. When I 650B'd the bike I used Nifty Swifty tires, which measure about 34mm wide -- the trail and flop values changed to 51mm and 14mm, respectively. In its stock form, the RB-1 rides as if "on rails". The bike is very easy to ride no-handed at any speed. Swoopy, fast, descending curves make the bike feel like it wants to drift out to the guard rail -- which has been rather unnerving at times. It's very difficult to correct the bike's line during these sorts of turns. In contrast, with 650B wheels, the bike's straight-line handling feels much less "on the rails". It's still easy to ride no-handed, but the front end feels much livelier and less solid. During the same fast downhill curves, the bike now feels like it wants to "oversteer" -- that is, instead of fighting the bike's unwillingness to turn, you now have to consciously keep the bike from turning too much. It only takes a ride or two to adjust to this difference, but it is noticeable the first time out.

The Trek 400 has a 73-degree head angle and a fork with 45mm of offset. Using a 700Cx28mm tire results in 58mm of trail and 16mm of flop. Now that the bike has a 650Bx35mm Panaracer Col de la Vie tire, the trail and flop values change to 54mm and 15mm, respectively. WIth the 700C wheels, the Trek has fairly staid handling. It is less obnoxious during fast cornering than the RB-1, but gives a similar, though less intense, feeling of wanting to drift toward the fog line. Straight-line riding is uneventful, and the bike is fairly easy to ride no-handed. After the switch to 650B wheels, the steering feels much lighter -- similar to how a low-trail bike feels with no front load. The bike still tracks fairly straight when ridden no-handed. I haven't yet had the opportunity to test it on a fast, curvy descent -- but based on the riding I have done, I think this bike will feel fairly neutral vs. the 650B RB-1's tendency to oversteer.

What I find really interesting here is this: The stock RB-1 has trail/flop values of about 54/15mm. The 650B'd Trek 400 has trail/flop values of about 54/15mm -- the same numbers -- yet the two bikes handle really differently! I didn't expect that. Clearly there's more going on....

Trek 1050B

2010-09-07T16:49:00.001-07:00

Trek 1050B
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Trek 400 + 650B = Trek 1050B.

Finally got around to Phase Two on the Trek 400 -- converting it to 650B. I mounted the Panaracer Col de la Vie tires and took it for a 30-mile shakedown mixter loop through the Marin Headlands on Monday evening. The bike is a lot more fun with these wheels/tires! Still need to work out some fit issues, though -- I think I need a shorter stem.

On a semi-related note, I discovered that 9-speed Shimano shifters index quite well with an 8-speed cassette (the one I lost, then found, which ironically enough, I'm not using on this bike now).

Found!

2010-09-04T20:26:00.000-07:00

I suspected that the easiest way to find that missing cassette might be to just go ahead and buy a new one. I did that on Thursday. As predicted, today I found said missing item -- it was at the absolute bottom of the more overwhelming of my two parts bins.

Oh well, a 9-speed cassette will work better anyway, which is what I ordered...

Onward!

Lost!

2010-08-30T11:19:00.003-07:00

Darnit. Last December I bought an 8-speed XTR 12-32 cassette from the
iBOB list. I have a similar cassette on my 'cross bike and really
like the ratios it gives for mixter riding, so when the chance arose
to pick up a spare on the cheap, I figured "why not"? Now, I want to
use that cassette for the Trek 400 650B project, but I can't find it!
I know I definitely got the cassette because I have an old email where
I wrote the guy letting him know the package arrived. So I know it's
gotta be in my house somewhere! But I can't find it, and it's holding
up this project. ARGH!

Shimano Square-Taper BB Sizing

2010-08-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Posting this here as a bookmark of sorts...helpful info on selecting the right Shimano square-taper cartridge BB for your application.

From this iBOB post:

107, 113, and 118 are asymmetric. 110 & 115 are symmetrical. The increase in axle length is what you two described earlier; i.e., drive side of 110 = drive side of 107 and so on.

And from another iBOB post:

The steps are such that you can get any chainline in 1mm steps over a 12mm range without using more than the "Shimano approved" 2mm spacer under the fixed cup. In some cases, you get to choose lower Q or left-right symmetry. I'm also pretty sure that all levels of Shimano cartridge follow the same pattern. He used a cheat sheet like this that I copied (but it wouldn't hurt to double check for yourself; I haven't tried all the combinations):
chainline  spindle_length  right_side_spacer
   + 0            107/110.5
   + 1            107/110.5     1mm
   + 2            107/110.5     2mm
   + 3            113/115
   + 4            113/115       1mm
   + 5            118
   + 6            118          1mm
   + 7            118          2mm
   + 8            122.5
   + 9            122.5             1mm
   +10           122.5             2mm
   +11           127.5

See this thread for more details.

Kogswell Updated Build List

2010-08-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Updated build list, mostly for my own reference...

Frame: Kogswell P/R, 59x700C (S/N: CB70W0093)
Fork: Kogswell 700C, 1-1/8 steerer, 58mm offset (expected ~42mm trail)
Rims: Mavic MA-3 - 32 spokes front, 36 spokes rear
Hubs: Shimano XT rear, SON28 front
Spokes: Wheelsmith 14/15g, Phil 14/15g front
Tires: 700x32 Panaracer Pasela
Pedals: Shimano SPD PD-M515
Crank: Shimano Exage FC-M520B, 175mm/24-36-46
Chain: Sram PC971
Cassette: Shimano 9spd 11x32
BB: Shimano UN-52 68x113mm
Front Derailleur: Shimano DX
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore 9spd
Shifters: Shimano Dura-Ace down-tube 9spd
Handlebars: Nitto B115, 42cm
Stem: Kalloy threadless, 100mm
Headset: Kogswell (included w/frameset)
Brakeset: Tektro CR720 w/Yokozuna salmon pads
Brake Levers: Shimano 600
Saddle: Terry Fly Ti
Seat post: American Classic, 27.4mm
Accessories: Nashbar front rack (modified/customized) with Zugster custom rando bag, Velo-Orange 49mm fluted alloy fenders, Velo-Orange alloy bell, Zefal HPX-4 pump, Performance Forte Terra Lite Stainless MTB Cage (2), SI 90 computer, hand-built/custom triple-Cree dyno headlamp

Scam Alert!

2010-08-05T15:03:00.001-07:00

1993 Bontrager Race Lite -- NOW MINE!
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Dear World,

It has been brought to my attention that someone has taken this photo of my 1993 Bontrager Racelite frame from my Flickr account and is posting bogus for-sale ads around the interwebs using said photo. If you see ads entitled anything like "Bontrager Racelite Frame - $495", BEWARE!

So far we've found bogus ads at Serotta Forums (deleted), MTBR, Dirtrag Forums, Albany Craigslist, and Pinkbike.com Forums. Undoubtedly there are more.

http://forums.serotta.com/showthread.php?t=76928
http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?p=247343
http://albany.craigslist.org/bik/1872462974.html
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/686500/
http://classifieds.mtbr.com/showproduct.php?product=52691&cat=

Awesome!

2010-07-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

I wish I was awesome!

(courtesy of Gino)

DIY Wiring Guides?

2010-07-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

These stick-on housing guides (or these) intended for hydraulic brake lines could probably be repurposed to route lighting wiring inside a bike's fork blade...Hmm.

FOR SALE: Vintage 57cm Austro-Daimler Vent Noir Frame Set - $225

2010-07-15T18:34:00.001-07:00

SOLD!

Beautiful vintage 1983 Austro Daimler Vent Noir frame/fork for sale. 57cm c-t seat tube, 56cm c-c top tube. Classic Reynolds 531 with Bocama lugs, silver-brazed and handmade in Austria. "Smoked chrome" finish. 1-inch threaded fork, 27.2mm seat post, 130mm rear spacing, 68mm English-threaded BB. Frame requires 47-557mm reach NUTTED MOUNT brakes, will fit 700x28 tires with fenders. Semi-horizontal rear dropouts good for SS/fixed. Frame makes an excellent randonneuring or century bike. Similar new frames cost $1000+ (e.g. Rivendell Ramboulliet) this one's yours for $225.

NOTE: Frame and fork only!

Budget Monstercross?

2010-07-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

My coworker just got this bike (used) for $200. It has gobs of tire clearance, especially in the rear. It's pretty damn light, too. There's even a variant with disc brakes! Now I'm thinking this bike might just be the ticket for the basis of a budget monstercrosser!

For Sale: Brooks Leather Grips

2010-07-13T23:57:00.001-07:00

Brooks Leather Grips
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Color: black. Leather end caps included. For Sale. $50+shipping

2010 La Ruta Loca Randonnee -- The Aftermath

2010-07-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here are my few photos from last weekend's La Ruta Loca Randonnee.
We had about nine folks at the start, although about half (I think?)
cut the ride short (myself included). Like last year, I didn't make
any of the controls within their time windows, ran outta gas at nearly
the same spot (San Geronimo Valley), and managed to ride about 100
miles for the day (~90 miles of the actual route) in around 12 hours.
Unlike last year, I think I ate better, plus I stopped for a quick nap
in Ross on the way back home.

This is a really tough route, both physically and mentally! Kudos to
those at the starting line, and even more so to the finishers (Carlos,
Brian, and Greg, Nick, and John)!!!

Distance:~100 miles
Bike: Fuji CX
Time: 12.5 hours

It's LRLR Time Again!

2010-07-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

La Ruta Loca Randonnee (LRLR)
When: Saturday, July, 10th, 2010 at 6:00am
Where: Marina Safeway Start (15 Marina Blvd, San Francisco)

Description: 2010 edition of the original NorCal mixed-terrain event, La Ruta Loca Randonnee! ~15000 ft. in 124 miles of fire roads and pavement. No cheating no excuses. This is NOT a race but a self-flagellation ordeal!

See info from last year...

http://sfcyclotouring.blogspot.com/2009/07/are-you-sane-enough.html

Pop-Pop-Populaire!

2010-07-02T09:34:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Randonneurs would like to invite you to participate in our 2nd Populaire, to be held on July 17th, 2010.

This is a free event, though registration is required.

The Populaire is intended to introduce riders to the sport of randonneuring. Most of our brevets are 200km in length, but the Populaire, at 115km, is only slightly more than half that length.

More information, and a link to the registration form is here: http://sfrandonneurs.org/fall-2010-115k-populaire.htm

Check out more photos of this ride from last year!

Santa Cruz Randonneurs -- Central Coast 1000k

2010-06-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Nice video put together by Aaron Little. Several SF Randonneurs participated in this epic ride!

Official now

2010-06-21T23:43:00.001-07:00

Official now
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

#6324, yep that's me!

Wow

2010-06-19T22:03:00.001-07:00

Francis Pelissier
Originally uploaded by collectvelo

This is very nice indeed!

"Begin it"

2010-05-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Rack-fabricator extraordinaire Alistair sent me this quote a while back, when I was wavering, confidence-wise, in my ability to build a porteur rack during my week off. I really appreciated these words, and have been meaning to share them for some time...

Until you are committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, ineffectiveness. It is true: the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves. All sorts of things begin to happen to help you that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from that decision, raising in your favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which you couldn't have dreamt would come your way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets, which bears repeating: 'Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute. What you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.' - W.H. Murray, Scottish Mountaineer

Thanks again Alistair!!!

Nishiki S'Porteur

2010-05-25T10:11:00.001-07:00

Commuter Parking
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Nishiki Sport + Porteur Rack = Nishiki S'Porteur! Clever, no?

PUBLIC M8

2010-05-22T20:26:00.001-07:00

PUBLIC M8
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Dawn's new PUBLIC M8 bicycle. Check out the full set of photos.

See http://publicbikes.com for details.

1925 Gazelle Bicycle Production

2010-05-16T12:13:00.001-07:00

Gazelle 1925 from Gazelle Bicycles Australia on Vimeo.

Public Bikes -- Go There And Buy Stuff!

2010-05-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Public Bikes (where my wife works) just launched their full website and online store! Go there and buy stuff now to make her happy!

Racked!

2010-04-30T19:14:00.001-07:00

Racked!
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Save for painting, the rack is done. Just installed a new dyno-hub front wheel and relocated the LED headlamp to the new rack mounting point. Click the photo to see lots more.

Rack Fabrication -- At Last!

2010-04-23T16:15:00.001-07:00

Soaking
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Today I started building a custom porteur rack. Got the deck brazed, not bad for a day's work. Click through for the full set of photos.

Tubing Ordered and Other News

2010-04-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

OK, I just ordered 24 feet of 5/16 x 0.035" tubing from Wicks. Asked for it in 4-foot sections. No idea what the shipping (via UPS Ground) will be...keeping fingers crossed. Wicks doesn't carry the steel strip which I'll need to make rack tabs, so I hope I can find something locally that'll work.

I actually need a front rack now, as opposed to just wanting one. I've just accepted a new job which will require me to bike+train commute daily, so I need the rack to haul my junk+laptop.

I've already installed flat bars and a Kogswell low-trail conversion fork on my Nishiki. 72 degree head angle + 64mm offset and 700x30 tires should yield about 45mm of trail and 13mm of flop. It definitely feels low-trail-ish.

I've got a couple of weeks before I start the new job. Hopefully I can build a usable rack in that timespan...? Else I'll hang my head in shame and just buy a V-O rack, I guess. I also need to finally get the guys at Box Dog to set me up with a dependable wheelset, too.

Public Bikes Launches!

2010-03-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

The company my wife works for, Public Bikes, just launched their updated website, with some info on the bikes and other products they'll be selling. I am so proud! Go here to win the first new Public Bike!

A Bicycle Built for Two...?

2010-03-08T10:39:00.001-08:00

1939 Sironval double seater
Originally uploaded by collectvelo

When it comes to bicycles, the French were far ahead of their time...

Hittin' the Books

2010-02-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

This has nothing to do with cycling -- except that it prevents me from doing more of it, and will likely do so for many months to come.

At least now I know what a linked-list is...

Rando-Fuel

2010-02-09T16:47:00.001-08:00

I am developing (finally) a taste for these...

San Francisco Randonneurs Two-Rock/Valley Ford 200k Brevet

2010-02-06T23:07:00.000-08:00

Oh boy what a day! Left home at 6am to meet up with Lee and Gabe, to then meet Bryan and ride up to the start of the San Francisco Randonneurs Two-Rock/Valley Ford 200k near the Golden Gate Bridge. At 7am, eighty-two riders headed out for what would be, at least for me, another epic day.

The plan was for Lee and I to meet up with Franklyn and Estaban at the start, and ride throughout the day together, which is mostly what happened. We hung back at the start to let the pack disburse and to avoid the starting-line adrenaline jitters. Even before we hit the bridge, it started sprinkling. Rain would splash us awake several times on the first leg of the journey -- starting or stopping with each crest of the next hill. Several times, I was reminded that yes, full fenders are a good thing, with proper front and rear mudflaps the icing on the cake as well.

On this ride I had the opportunity to test out a new-to-me piece of rain gear. Most rando folks have heard of RainLegs, which are grey-colored nylon waterproof chap-like things you strap to the front of your legs to ward off the oncoming rain drops. I'd heard generally good things about this Danish product, so when I noticed that a US importer was selling the improved black-colored version (called "RainMates", and now with snap-on shin gaters) for a decent price, I ordered a pair. I can now report that, while these are not perfect, they are quite good, and I will likely never again wear traditional full cycling rain pants. This product works wonders and is comfortable to wear with no sweaty or clammy feeling caused by trapped perspiration. In fact, I continued to wear the chaps even after the rain let up (for most of the day, really), in part because they kept my thighs and knees warm and they were just comfortable enough to not be a bother. Things to be improved include the fit and construction of the waist belt -- the belt is far too long, and having it fully encompass one's waist vs. just being stitched at the edges of the chap's fabric seems like it'd be a more robust design. Also the knee pads could be narrower to prevent them flapping against the bike's top tube, making an annoying "slap slap" sound with each pedal rotation. The wearer must be wary of catching the crotch of the RainMates on the nose of the saddle when transitioning from standing to sitting. Also the legs of the chaps can ride up or down, causing misalignment at the knee, leading to improper venting (cold knees) or annoying rubbing.

I also wore my Showers Pass Double Century rain jacket, which has become a standard piece of rando gear. It is an excellent jacket -- the fit for me is perfect, the jacket breathes well enough to double as a wind shell, the garment is light weight and folds up compactly when not needed, and today I learned that the jacket is totally waterproof. Again, I wore this jacket all day long on this ride, even after the rain stopped. The zippers are slightly finicky to operate -- a style with slightly coarser teeth might be easier to open and close, although this might compromise the weather resistance. The armpit vents could be slightly longer as well for more airflow. Overall, however, I really enjoy wearing and using this jacket

Just north of Fairfax, White's Hill is often a defining moment weather-wise, and much to my surprise it was NOT raining on the north face as we descended into San Geronimo Valley; in fact the sun almost poked out as we regrouped at the bottom of Nicasio Valley Road. But, sure enough, just as we started rolling again, the rain made one last stand. Rancho Nicasio wasn't an official control, but many riders were pausing there to take on fuel or return some fluids, and it was a welcome though brief respite.

Halfway to Petaluma, the rain seemed to lapse, though I don't recall exactly when or where. I do know that I'd never before ridden to Petaluma all the way up and over Red Hill, and fortunately the climb up wasn't as brutal as the otherwise familiar descent made it seem. In short order, we entered the town and made our way to the first offical control, Peet's Coffee. Coffee and pastry were consumed, and while we perhaps lingered here a bit longer than was wise, it was a welcomed break.

Leaving Petaluma onto the straight and largely flat roads towards Valley Ford, our merry group was splintered by the rolling hills and merciless headwinds. Lee and I were riding along in company, and the others had pulled ahead. We chatted for a bit on the random subjects that enter the pedalling mind, and came upon another rider, who I later learned was Phil. As those winds were picking up, Phil sang out "Jump on the train!" indicating we should hang onto his wheel. I surged ahead, but lost Lee on one particular roller along the way. I clung to Phil's wheel, knowing full well that without his help, I'd never make it to Valley Ford in any sort of decent shape against winds like this. As we trudged along in the middle 'ring at twelve miles per hour, I wasn't too worried about Lee because I thought I'd spied a couple of other riders near him, and I'd assumed that those three might together work against the oncoming winds. It wasn't until much later at the next control that I learned that he'd been totally alone out there, and I felt quite bad about that.

Valley Ford was as far north as we were going that day, so after that pause we u-turned and headed back down Highway One, enjoying a tailwind for what felt like an unfairly brief stretch. Instead of heading back towards Petaluma, our route tacked west, aiming for the coast. The winds stopped battling us, blowing mostly from the side or rear quarters, but more climbing had we to endure. For many miles of this leg, there are wild blackberry bushes growing along the roadside, and I remembered sampling their ripe fruit while returning from bike camping at Bodega Bay a few years ago. There were no such excuses for stopping today, save for a brief pause to photograph an enormous sow suckling her piglets -- too unusual a photo op to pass up!

Soon we arrived at the coast and had clear skies and jaw-dropping views onto Tomales Bay. The improved weather rejuvenated me somewhat, and after pausing for another photograph, I tried to make good time to the next control, since I was starting to be mindful of the cutoff time. Lee was just a little bit behind me on the road, and I started debated what to do if time got tight. The rolling road ended as I found myself passing the bottom of the infamous "Marshall Wall" roadway, and then when I saw the Hog Island Oyster Company my spirits soared because I knew the home stretch was in sight!

Although the Marshall Store wasn't a control on this route, I stopped there to make use of the facilities, leaving my bike easy to spot for Lee. Lee was there after I reappeared, and we remounted and continued on our way. My stomach had been sour on and off all day, and while I knew I needed fluids and calories -- not to mention a store receipt to hand in with my brevet card -- I absolutely could not think of a single thing that sounded appealing! "Hmm, sugar and caffeine usually help -- perhaps a Coke?" I considered..."No, too sweet!" my stomach retorted. "Oh I know -- a Pepsi!" "YES!" rejoiced my innards. As soon as my target was acquired, I pedalled with renewed vigor towards Point Reyes Station!

As I rolled along I again was torn with dropping Lee behind. I'd been in similar situations on brevets, and had benefitted from the help of others -- I decided that I would "pay it forward" and help him any way I could from Point Reyes Station onward. I arrived at Bovine expecting to find no one, but all my comrades were still there enjoying their coffee and pastries under the waning sunshine! After saying hello, I scampered across the street to the grocery store for my dreamt-of can of Pepsi and some water to refill my bottle. When I returned Franklyn announced that Lee had sent a message stating that he'd decided to bail at Point Reyes Station. I was disappointed to hear this, of course, but when Lee finally rolled in, he appeared content with his decision. After ensuring he was OK, Franklyn, Estaban, and I continued on for the final push.

By now it was after 4 PM and I was concerned with our finishing time. We climbed the easy grade up towards Nicasio, marvelling at the amount of water running through the reservoir's spillway. We passed by Rancho Nicasio, but I had to stop just past the turnoff for Lucas Valley Road for a Clif Shot and to switch on my tail lamp before entering the darker tree-covered stretch of the route. Estaban was ahead, and Franklyn rolled by at this point. I started off again and caught up with Franklyn. The climb over Dixon Ridge felt quite challenging, and I was happy to zip down the other side, back into San Geronimo Valley.

I caught up with Estaban just at the top of White's Hill. Together we sped down the other side, and rolled back through Fairfax, San Anselmo, Ross, Kentfield, and Larkspur, reaching the climb back up Camino Alto. By this time it was fully dark, and I was extremely glad for my dyno-hub lighting system. As we were climbing I realized I was close to bonking, and started fantasizing about food. Chocolate sounded quite good at that point, but I didn't have any. Estaban and I paused at the top, and in between gasps for air, I muttered something about wanting chocolate. "Hey, want a chocolate mini donut?" I usually buy a pack of these on brevets, but had overlooked them at the first control, so this was music to my ears and manna to my stomach. Best. Donut. Ever! Estaban mentioned something about chocolate milk, and it was then that I remembered I had a bottle of chocolate Ensure stuffed down in the bottom of my handlebar bag..."in case of emergency". Which it definitely was at the moment. Ahhhh! Normally the taste of that stuff makes me rethink the purchase, but it totally hit the spot, and -- now clear-headed, I knew I had the energy to get back home!

At that moment, Franklyn appeared, and the three of us spent down towards Sausalito with lights blazing. We rolled uneventfully to the final climb up towards the bridge, and I reminded them (and myself) that since it was after sunset, we needed to cross on the eastern side of the bridge. Pressing the entry button atthe north security gate... zipping across the bridge with increasing fervor with only moments before finishing...then then south side gate...flying down into the visitor's center near the Strauss statue -- oh wait where is everybody?!? That's right, I'd forgotten we had to ride back down to Chrissy Field, past the Sports Basement, and on, back to the overpass at the bottom of Halleck Street!

We pressed on, hoping we wouldn't miss the finish. Just as I began losing hope of finding it, out of nowhere a reflective vest appeared in my headlamp's beam -- "Randonneurs, over here!" Rob and a few other volunteers were there next to the Chrissy Field Center, waiting for us to finish. Our official arrival time was marked as 7:20 PM, making for a long day of twelve hours, twenty minutes' pedalling time. Rob asked me how I felt: I was quite tired, but happy I was able to finish! After a drink and the last of the riders to arrive (only three more after us), I suited back up and pedaled the last 6 miles home, arriving back home just before 9 PM, and with about 137 miles on the cyclometer.

Distance: 137 miles (door to door, route was approx 125 miles)
Bike: Kogswell 700C P/R
Time: 6 AM to 8:30 PM total, 12:20 official brevet time

Need more?
Estaban's report
Franklyn's report

Hmmm.

2010-02-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

Not sure how I feel about this yet...

http://www.ycyclingteam.com

In other news, it looks like it's gonna be a doozy for tomorrow's brevet...

Time to break out the plastic baggies!

Ridgid 405/408M

2010-02-03T15:49:00.001-08:00

It's Time to Get Serious
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

My 5/16" tubing bender just arrived. Oh yeah.

Rare as Hen's Teeth

2010-02-01T15:28:00.001-08:00

Rare as Hen's Teeth
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Just arrived!

This here Kona P2 fork is a rare thing: a one-inch steerer, old-school suspension corrected (~413mm axle-to-crown) rigid MTB fork. Should be the bee's knees on my Bontrager Race Lite.

Unexpectedly this thing features lowrider braze-ons, which I think is kinda funny on a MTB fork. No doubt I'll find a use for them someday (light mounts for LRLR?)...

Only cost $60, which is about a quarter the cost of other options (Vicious Cycles or custom). Admittedly this fork might be a bit heavier than those at 980 grams, but it'll be a hell of a lot lighter than the Marzocchi Z2 it'll replace, and the cost difference is huge.

Thank you Bikeman for getting Kona to make more of these!

www.bikeman.com/KON-P2MTNONEINCH.html

Bikes Don't Float

2010-01-31T13:55:00.001-08:00

Hip-Deep Water
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

This water is much deeper than it might first appear. Especially when you are trying to ride through it. And then you miss the curb cut, and end up precariously close to snagging your front wheel on the sewer grate. Which forces you to panic stop. And then you can't get your damn foot unclipped from the pedal. And you fall over, directly into the water, landing on your right hip. The water entirely covered my right hip and leg, right arm, and most of the bike's drive train. So yeah, it is deep! Fortunately most of me dried out within the next few hours, save for my right shoe, which remained squishy throughout the ride.

For all the crap I carry along on rides, I was very thankful to have a 2nd pair of gloves. But I really wanted a dry pair of socks!

More Rack-Building Tools

2010-01-29T23:48:00.000-08:00

One of these is now making its way to me.

Thanks to Alex and Alistair for fielding my too-many questions!

Alistair's Rack build

2010-01-29T12:00:00.001-08:00

Rack build
Originally uploaded by Duncan Cycles

Just posting this here as a sort of bookmark... Alistair built a porteur rack for his tandem and did a great job photo-documenting the process, with lots of helpful tips!

Here's the entire set.

Welcome Gifford!

2010-01-28T19:54:00.003-08:00

I just can't stop staring at Alex's new self-built custom bike...

Read more about it on Alex's blog...

Rackufacture -- It's On!

2010-01-28T13:08:00.001-08:00

Finally bit the bullet, and just got off the phone with Henry James:

GASFLUX PASTE FLUX Type “B” PASTE FLUX-Brass*/#......$11.00 @ 2lbs = $22.00

GASFLUX C-04 BRASS ROD 1/16” Diameter*First pound......$17.00 @ 1lbs = $17.00

CANTI BRAKE BOSSES -REAR, Pair.....$ 4.75

EYELETS, Bag of 10.................$ 6.00

WATER BOTTLE BOSS*, Bag of 10......$ 3.00

Next up, ordering a tubing bender, and then some tubing!

SF TechShop to Open Summer 2010

2010-01-26T18:06:00.001-08:00

Just got an email update from TechShop about their upcoming San Francisco location...

TechShop San Francisco To Open This Summer (But Only With Your Help)

All of us at TechShop are very excited to announce that we have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent with the Hearst Corporation to lease the 15,500 square-foot building at 924 Howard Street (at the intersection of Howard and 5th) in downtown San Francisco so we can build and open the first TechShop location in San Francisco! The building has its own parking lot, and it is just 1 block from the Moscone Center, 3 blocks from the Powell Street BART station, and 6 blocks from Union Square. The location is very convenient to people in San Francisco, as well as those living in the East Bay thanks to the quick BART access.

But We Need Your Help! This is not a done deal yet. In order for us to sign the binding 5-year lease and begin construction, we first need to receive pledges from you and all the other people in San Francisco that you will pitch in and help in one or more of these five ways:
Pledge to Become a Lender ($25,000 or More)
Pledge to Buy a Lifetime Membership ($5,000)
Pledge to Become a Monthly Member ($99/mo Auto-Pay)
Pledge to Make a Donation ($25 or More)
Pledge to Volunteer Your Time for Demolition and Build-Out

Make Your Pledge Right Now We are only taking pledges at this time...we will start collecting money when we are sure there is enough support to make this project successful. To pledge, please send email right now to "sfpledges@techshop.ws" and indicate how you would like to pledge to help open TechShop San Francisco. Please include your name, ph! one number, and email address.

Tell Your Friends About TechShop San Francisco, and Ask Them To Help Too Please tell all your friends about TechShop San Francisco and urge them to help pitch in with their pledge too. You can forward this email to them, or email them the link to the information page at www.techshop.ws/tssf.html.

What Happens with TS SF if We Don't Reach Our Pledge Goals? All indications show that there is very strong demand for TechShop in San Francisco, so I am sure we will receive enough pledges in each category to proceed. However, if we don't receive enough pledges in each category, we will be forced to withdrawl the Letter of Intent and postpone the opening of TechShop San Francisco, and try again at some later date. If you want to see TechShop San Francisco open this summer, I urge you to please make your pledge today and don't wait!

Decaleur Concept Sketch

2010-01-07T13:12:00.001-08:00

Decaleur Concept Sketch
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

(drawing not to scale)

I might try to build this threadless-stem bag mount as my first bending/brazing project.

Ultra Sonic Chain Cleaning

2010-01-07T13:10:00.001-08:00

Done
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Per a recent iBOB thread, here's me using the ultrasonic cleaner on a bicycle chain. Full set of photos are here.

First Ride of 2010!

2010-01-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

The Group Photo.
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

Point Reyes Station Ride. A most-excellent first ride of the new year! Met up with a few friends from KOG/iBOB/Flickr: Esteban, Aaron, Bradley, Cyclofiend, and Adam for a ramble out to Point Reyes Station. Bumped into One Happy Cog (aka Franc) at Bovine. The big distance kinda hurt, but I did and felt better than expected overall, given my lack of riding and recent butt problems. Rattle from the bike's front rack appears to be resolved, per the recent fix (loose rivet). 87 miles, 9am to 6:30pm

2009 Wrap Up

2009-12-31T21:02:00.000-08:00

In 2009, I rode about 3213 miles. That's less than I was hoping for, and also a bit less than I rode in 2008. However, I did participate in six brevets, which is nice, although I didn't feel up to attempting a 400k this year. Maybe this coming year...we'll see, although various vacations and the related travel plans are already stacking up against that. I completed 5 unofficial centuries, plus 8 other rides of at least 80 miles. I also attempted the mixed-terrain epic LRLR this past year, and while I didn't complete it, I did ride 100+ miles of the route, and now know what I'm up against -- I'll use that to prepare better for next year's version.

Tried-and-liked this year includes:

* Zugster Front Rando Bag + self-made decaleur
* Panaracer Pasela 700x32mm tires
* Tektro CR-720 cantilever brakes
* Dynamo hub, BB-generator + self-made LED lighting
* Volunteering at SFR controls
* Night brevets/riding at night (though on riding all night, the jury's still out)
* Charting new mixed-terrain trails/routes
* Showers Pass Double Century jacket (works great as a shell, haven't used it in rain yet)

Finally I had the pleasure of making some new friends from KOG/iBOB/Flickr and helping to infect them with the rando bug, much as had been done to/for me in 2006. Even though I don't feel especially experienced as a randonneur, it's great to be able to help others get curious and excited about the sport!

At any rate, here's the miles-per-bike breakdown, something I just started calculating, which has proved insightful:

* Kogswell: 2053 miles (ridden 22 times for 63.9% of yearly distance)
* Fuji: 796 miles (ridden 14 times for 24.8% of yearly distance)
* Bonty: 50 miles (ridden 1 times for 1.6% of yearly distance)
* ADVN: 25 miles (ridden 1 times for 0.8% of yearly distance)
* Nsport: 128 miles (ridden 8 times for 4% of yearly distance)
* RB-1: 85 miles (ridden 1 times for 2.6% of yearly distance)
* BontyRL: 50 miles (ridden 1 times for 1.6% of yearly distance)
* Trek400: 26 miles (ridden 1 times for 0.8% of yearly distance)

Which do you think is my favorite bike? ;)

Here's a recap of my thoughts at the close of 2008. Here are some fails from 2009:

* Still didn't go bike camping again
* Still love low-trail handling and hate bike shimmy, though I've come to terms with it somewhat
* Still haven't installed that low-trail conversion fork, though I am in the process of painting it and have all the needed parts
* Still haven't brazed a rack

And some successes:
* Built up the Bontrager Race Lite and sold off the Race frame
* Rode a good amount of mixed-terrain riding (including some new trails and LRLR)
* Sold off some bike parts (still need to sell more stuff, though)

A Tale of Two Stems

2009-12-26T02:44:00.001-08:00

Comparing Stems
Originally uploaded by jimgskoop

I've been contemplating a shorter stem on my Kogswell P/R for quite some time. I've been loathe to muck around with the bike, since it's generally been working well with a stable configuration -- but tonight I finally decided to just try it. I used this Stem Comparison Tool to determine that I could replace the previous 120mm, 5-degree stem on my Kogswell with a 100mm, 10-degree stem I had in my parts bin to effectively shorten the reach by about 20mm, and maintain the same handlebar height. I used the iHandy Level app on my iPhone to determine the angles. Cool!