time to buy some new gear - recommendations?

N8N

I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
I can... mostly because I want to stay in better shape but also
because I simply enjoy riding. To that end, as some of you know, I've
purchased myself a used Cannondale CX bike, did some minor repairs to
get it back on the road (new brakes and chain,) got myself a frame
pump, patch kit, multitool, spare tube, headlight (OK, so far it's
just the Lowe's thing and a twofish block, and my DealExtreme order
for the new lenses hasn't come yet, but it'll do for a start) etc.

Problem is, I still can't really carry anything on it unless I carry a
backpack, and I can't leave it anywhere. So it's fine if I just want
to go for a ride to go for a ride, but that wasn't the entire purpose
of this exercise.

Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products? My frame
does appear to have mounts for a rack and fenders. I'm thinking that
the rack would be more comfortable simply because then I wouldn't have
this heavy thing hanging off of me while I'm all sweaty and trying to
cool off...

What kind of lock should I get? I'm assuming it should be a cable
style lock as both wheels have QRs. What's a good compromise between
security and light weight?

thanks,

nate

landotter

On May 5, 3:33 pm, N8N <njna...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
> worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products? My frame
> does appear to have mounts for a rack and fenders. I'm thinking that
> the rack would be more comfortable simply because then I wouldn't have
> this heavy thing hanging off of me while I'm all sweaty and trying to
> cool off...
>

A basic rack weighs naught. You should be able to find one on sale for
$20. Grab some basic Axiom Appalachian swing over panniers for $30ish
and you have a compact setup for cheap to let you taste what bags are
like. Everybody needs some simple cheap bags for errands. They got 'em
over at bikeman.com. Alternately get some small front panniers and run
them on the rear. If you ever tour, you can get some big rear ones and
run the fronts in their intended place. There are other options: trunk
bags, single panniers, etc, but Iike the simple set of cheap panniers
the best as an every day tool.

> What kind of lock should I get? I'm assuming it should be a cable
> style lock as both wheels have QRs. What's a good compromise between
> security and light weight?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

Add a cable for the front wheel, or remove it. I like the On-guard
mini-U--but depends on the security requirements of your city.

Ben C

On 2008-05-05, N8N <njnagel@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
> I can... mostly because I want to stay in better shape but also
> because I simply enjoy riding. To that end, as some of you know, I've
> purchased myself a used Cannondale CX bike, did some minor repairs to
> get it back on the road (new brakes and chain,) got myself a frame
> pump, patch kit, multitool, spare tube, headlight (OK, so far it's
> just the Lowe's thing and a twofish block, and my DealExtreme order
> for the new lenses hasn't come yet, but it'll do for a start) etc.
>
> Problem is, I still can't really carry anything on it unless I carry a
> backpack, and I can't leave it anywhere. So it's fine if I just want
> to go for a ride to go for a ride, but that wasn't the entire purpose
> of this exercise.
>
> Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
> worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products? My frame
> does appear to have mounts for a rack and fenders. I'm thinking that
> the rack would be more comfortable simply because then I wouldn't have
> this heavy thing hanging off of me while I'm all sweaty and trying to
> cool off...

A rack is much better if you need to carry anything and they weigh very
little really.

> What kind of lock should I get? I'm assuming it should be a cable
> style lock as both wheels have QRs.

A U-lock and a cable to hook around the front wheel works well. If
you're riding to work just leave the lock at work most of the time. They
are rather heavy.

> What's a good compromise between security and light weight?

See http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

Dan O

On May 5, 1:33 pm, N8N <njna...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
> I can... mostly because I want to stay in better shape but also
> because I simply enjoy riding.

You've got that backwards. When you have it the other way around, the
keeping with it will follow.

> To that end, as some of you know, I've
> purchased myself a used Cannondale CX bike, did some minor repairs to
> get it back on the road (new brakes and chain,) got myself a frame
> pump, patch kit, multitool, spare tube, headlight (OK, so far it's
> just the Lowe's thing and a twofish block, and my DealExtreme order
> for the new lenses hasn't come yet, but it'll do for a start) etc.
>

Get a really excellent taillight, too. You do already have a helmet,
don't you? (Don't answer that here, though! Just think about it.)

> Problem is, I still can't really carry anything on it unless I carry a
> backpack, and I can't leave it anywhere. So it's fine if I just want
> to go for a ride to go for a ride, but that wasn't the entire purpose
> of this exercise.
>
> Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
> worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products?

I just *love* my Pedro's Messenger Bag. And after seeing the
slideshow yesterday on "how to wear your messenger bag" at Timbuk2 web
site (http://www.timbuk2.com/tb2/cms/popup/howToWear.htm), I adjusted
the straps some more, and dog-gone if it didn't ride beautifully and
pretty much stay put all the way to work this morning.

>
> What kind of lock should I get? I'm assuming it should be a cable
> style lock as both wheels have QRs. What's a good compromise between
> security and light weight?
>

The best security *and* light weight is to forget the lock and keep
the bike with you at all times. I carry a big ol' Kryptonite U-lock
in a frame-mounted bracket on my commuter. The lock is heavy, but
this bike is already not for weight weenies.

Even though I got paid on the 1st I still couldn't buy any new goodies
this month :-( But I did finally take the old SP-150 quill pedals off
the commuter and put on a nice pair of PD-6500's (old-style SPD
~compatible) that I already had laying around the garage :-) Man,
what a difference!!

Dan O

On May 5, 1:33 pm, N8N <njna...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
> I can... mostly because I want to stay in better shape but also
> because I simply enjoy riding. To that end, as some of you know, I've
> purchased myself a used Cannondale CX bike, did some minor repairs to
> get it back on the road (new brakes and chain,) got myself a frame
> pump, patch kit, multitool, spare tube, headlight (OK, so far it's
> just the Lowe's thing and a twofish block, and my DealExtreme order
> for the new lenses hasn't come yet, but it'll do for a start) etc.
>

Do you already have a good workstand?

Nate Nagel

Dan O wrote:
> On May 5, 1:33 pm, N8N <njna...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
>>I can... mostly because I want to stay in better shape but also
>>because I simply enjoy riding. To that end, as some of you know, I've
>>purchased myself a used Cannondale CX bike, did some minor repairs to
>>get it back on the road (new brakes and chain,) got myself a frame
>>pump, patch kit, multitool, spare tube, headlight (OK, so far it's
>>just the Lowe's thing and a twofish block, and my DealExtreme order
>>for the new lenses hasn't come yet, but it'll do for a start) etc.
>>
>
>
> Do you already have a good workstand?
>

Nope. I'd like one, but I'm trying to knock off all the "excuses not to
ride" before I start buying stuff like that.

Speaking of which, it's nice out. Back in an hour or so.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

datakoll

http://www.rei.com/product/730480

CUT OFF THE LOOP at the rack's front end and bolt a piece of well
painted and dried plywood on the top. Run the ply under the seat and
past the rear tire's rearmost. the bike then stand up on the rear rack
aft lip: lean bike against wall.
Bolt lights to ply, drill holes ijn ply edges for short short
cords....
Buy a decent rack: racks snap off at the seat post.
The rear rack here has ply sides with lightening holes, shock cord
oblongs...carries 75 pounds no problem.
The backpack, a mid range daypack, I use a mid size Kelty is so light
when half loaded it's unnoticeable. great for hanging lights.
A tray/platform front rack balances the deal. Carry boxes shockcorded,
a garbage bag filled with light stuff...

the scene

http://www.fullyloadedtouring.com/

DougC

N8N wrote:
> I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
> I can...
>
> nate

You didn't mention it, but my recommendation is to get bulletproof tires.

My preference is Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires, but there are other ways
of doing it--Specialized Armadillo series and various other
brands/models of tires, or you could go slime/tubeless, or even airfree
(urethane) tires.

All of these choices will be rather heavy as tires go--but when you're
trying to get somewhere, flats rarely occur at convenient times and they
are /never/ fun to deal with. The difference in ride-time of riding
heavy tires vs light+fast tires is rarely as great as the difference in
time it'll take if you have to stop and fix a flat.

Also do note that I still carry a pump and patch kit. Puncture-resistant
tires are not guaranteed, just less likely to flat than usual.
~

landotter

On May 5, 11:05 pm, DougC <dcim...@norcom2000.com> wrote:
> N8N wrote:
> > I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
> > I can...
>
> > nate
>
> You didn't mention it, but my recommendation is to get bulletproof tires.
>
> My preference is Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires, but there are other ways
> of doing it--Specialized Armadillo series and various other
> brands/models of tires, or you could go slime/tubeless, or even airfree
> (urethane) tires.

Adding a pound of tire per wheel on a cross bike is misery. Maybe on
an upright town bike that doesn't get tossed into corners. Good 350g
tires like Paselas, or even the IRC Tandems I retired to my city scoot
rarely flat enough to be a bother.

>
> All of these choices will be rather heavy as tires go--but when you're
> trying to get somewhere, flats rarely occur at convenient times and they
> are /never/ fun to deal with. The difference in ride-time of riding
> heavy tires vs light+fast tires is rarely as great as the difference in
> time it'll take if you have to stop and fix a flat.

Hey, it's gotta be fun to ride as well--otherwise he might as well
have bought an omafiets to ride in his Danskos.

>
> Also do note that I still carry a pump and patch kit. Puncture-resistant
> tires are not guaranteed, just less likely to flat than usual.
> ~

I'm all for riding a sensible 300g or so tire in the city, and if that
gives trouble, then trade up to a kevlar belted model. No reason to
start riding the dead feeling 700g+ tires unless one really doesn't
care about a nice ride or wants absolute durability. I don't obsess
about my bike weight, but a couple pounds of rotating mass with
inflexible sidewalls can really take the zip out of a sporty ride.

TBerk

On May 5, 1:33*pm, N8N <njna...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> I'm still keeping with my idea that I'm going to try to ride wherever
> I can... *mostly because I want to stay in better shape but also
> because I simply enjoy riding. *To that end, as some of you know, I've
> purchased myself a used Cannondale CX bike,
<snip>
>
> Problem is, I still can't really carry anything on it unless I carry a
> backpack, and I can't leave it anywhere. *So it's fine if I just want
> to go for a ride to go for a ride, but that wasn't the entire purpose
> of this exercise.
>
> Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
> worth it?
<snip>
> What kind of lock should I get? *I'm assuming it should be a cable
> style lock as both wheels have QRs. *What's a good compromise between
> security and light weight?
>
> thanks,
> nate


OK,

- Get a Rack. They are light enough to warrant the extra few OZs.

- Get a really strong lock you can use quickly like one of those
Kryptonite type things and keep a strong cable wrapped around the seat
post (or in the backpack, but I digress).

When it comes time to run in and out a quck lock of the front wheel
and the frame to something strurdy gets the job one. When you need a
longer time away you can add the cable to the 1st lock to incorporate
both rims.

I'll add that I like to only have one quick release, if any, on a
bike- usually the front with the back hardened against easy theft.

Lastly, I'll add that for the last few years I've been using a bike
messenger's bag from Timbuk2, (the smallest one I think as it turns
out). Works good, keeps the center of gravity low and all that.


hth,
TBerk

Peter Cole

N8N wrote:

> Problem is, I still can't really carry anything on it unless I carry a
> backpack, and I can't leave it anywhere. So it's fine if I just want
> to go for a ride to go for a ride, but that wasn't the entire purpose
> of this exercise.
>
> Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
> worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products? My frame
> does appear to have mounts for a rack and fenders. I'm thinking that
> the rack would be more comfortable simply because then I wouldn't have
> this heavy thing hanging off of me while I'm all sweaty and trying to
> cool off...

I hate backpacks in the summer -- don't like them much in the winter
either. That goes for Camelbaks, too. Rear racks are very useful, but by
themselves can't carry much. The 2 options are basically something that
hangs from the rack or something that sits on top. For hanging
solutions, fold-up "grocery bag" panniers are nice, they basically just
clip to the rack and can hold a grocery bag. They're just a fabric
covered (sometimes) collapsible wire frame. With a handle, you can carry
them like a tote. http://tinyurl.com/6zfl8c

For "on top" solutions, you have trunk bags -- rectangular, soft-sided,
fabric boxes with zippered compartments. They work OK, but have limited
space. On my "errand bike" I use the classic plastic milk crate -- looks
low-rent, but hard to beat for practicality. I often put a backpack in
it while I ride, it'll handle a surprising amount of cargo. One day I
picked up 2 gal coolant, a large Chevy water pump and an assortment of
hoses. The disadvantage of the crate (besides looks) is that it's
permanently mounted.


> What kind of lock should I get? I'm assuming it should be a cable
> style lock as both wheels have QRs. What's a good compromise between
> security and light weight?

Cable locks are easy to defeat with bolt cutters, U-locks with jacks or
crowbars. One strategy is to use one of each and hope the thief doesn't
have both tools.

Aeek

On Tue, 06 May 2008 11:46:03 GMT, Peter Cole <peter_cole@verizon.net>
wrote:

>N8N wrote:

>>
>> Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
>> worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products? My frame

>I hate backpacks in the summer -- don't like them much in the winter

I use a Deuter backpack happily in the Australian summer, not so much
a better backpack as a cycling backpack.
The only hassle is limited access to my jersey pockets.

landotter

On May 6, 6:46 am, Peter Cole <peter_c...@verizon.net> wrote:
> N8N wrote:
> > Problem is, I still can't really carry anything on it unless I carry a
> > backpack, and I can't leave it anywhere. So it's fine if I just want
> > to go for a ride to go for a ride, but that wasn't the entire purpose
> > of this exercise.
>
> > Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
> > worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products? My frame
> > does appear to have mounts for a rack and fenders. I'm thinking that
> > the rack would be more comfortable simply because then I wouldn't have
> > this heavy thing hanging off of me while I'm all sweaty and trying to
> > cool off...
>
> I hate backpacks in the summer -- don't like them much in the winter
> either. That goes for Camelbaks, too. Rear racks are very useful, but by
> themselves can't carry much. The 2 options are basically something that
> hangs from the rack or something that sits on top. For hanging
> solutions, fold-up "grocery bag" panniers are nice, they basically just
> clip to the rack and can hold a grocery bag. They're just a fabric
> covered (sometimes) collapsible wire frame. With a handle, you can carry
> them like a tote.http://tinyurl.com/6zfl8c

I find those soft grocery panniers to be pretty lame, as they sag.
Good to pick one up on sale as they're light, of course, as they have
their times when they can be useful. Cheap panniers are better, IMHO--
Oh, how I wish we could get the really tacky plaid kind like you used
to be able to get in northern Europe to color match with your
thermos!

A step up from the milk crate, whose center of gravity chaps my
patooty, is the Wald folding basket. Just one on a side of the rack
with some bungee netting, and you can carry a crap load of stuff--
mind, this is also getting into Fred territory. When I commuted in
Chicago, I'd often mount up a Wald in the winter with a few zip ties,
and cut it off for summer when I used lighter canvas bags.

http://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Rear-...g/dp/B000BPNK7O

Walds are mainly good when you're in the big city and don't want to
lug panniers around--even the most desperate crackhead isn't gonna
steal some Wald folders. "Yo, trade you these grocery totes for a
rock!"

Ecnerwal

In article
<141a5886-9505-4b20-b928-26e04adabe49@z72g2000hsb.googlegroups.com>,
N8N <njnagel@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Should I just get a better backpack, or is the added weight of a rack
> worth it? Any specific recommendations for any products? My frame
> does appear to have mounts for a rack and fenders. I'm thinking that
> the rack would be more comfortable simply because then I wouldn't have
> this heavy thing hanging off of me while I'm all sweaty and trying to
> cool off...

If you're not being a racer-boy, the added weight of a rack is
negligible. It also improves the center of gravity by moving the load
way down as compared to carrying it high on your back.

Given that you are (effectively, anyway, Mr. Mitty aside) building a
utility bike, consider the fenders, too, unless you are fairweather
only. If you want to carry much, panniers (or side racks) to hang from
the rack and a bag/box/crate to go on top of the rack (and usually stick
out over the top of the panniers) are also useful. Someone should make
an integrated fender/rack, but I haven't seen one (not that I make any
claim to have seen more than a small percentage of what's out there).

> What kind of lock should I get? I'm assuming it should be a cable
> style lock as both wheels have QRs. What's a good compromise between
> security and light weight?

Locks only keep honest people honest (and they all weigh a good deal
more than a rack). Actual bike thieves have many options for removing
locks, most fairly quickly. The link below, while worthwhile to read,
seems to be unaware of the universal, non-bulky methods, but they exist,
and I'm not going to educate any budding non-honest people, though I
expect they will have little trouble finding out what some of those are.
As an honest person with tools, I've removed a few locks for people with
lost keys, and it's not all that hard, with no need to resort to LN2, a
jack, or bolt-cutters. So, use a lock, but don't think that a 20 lb lock
will protect much better than a 2-lb lock.

Still, worth a read:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/lock-strategy.html

The other aspect that does not discuss is letting your bike look very
unattractive. Rust, mud and duct tape can be part of your security
strategy, while wax and polish compromise it, by making your bike more
attractive to all, including thieves.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by