What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)bike or its accessories?

[Rex Kerr]

What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
bike or its accessories?

I know that favorite & most ridden aren't necessarily the same bike, but
it's an interesting question either way. I had this thought yesterday
while riding home and fighting with my handlebar bag. I really want to
lower the gearing on this bike with a new crankset, but that's only for
infrequent tours. I think that if I could only change one thing I would
get a new handlebar bag that doesn't flop around, is easier to zip, and
holds my maps pocket in a visible position at all times.

How about you?

[DanKMTB@gmail.com]

On Jan 18, 4:32*pm, Rex Kerr <rexk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
> bike or its accessories?
>
> I know that favorite & most ridden aren't necessarily the same bike, but
> it's an interesting question either way. *I had this thought yesterday
> while riding home and fighting with my handlebar bag. *I really want to
> lower the gearing on this bike with a new crankset, but that's only for
> infrequent tours. *I think that if I could only change one thing I would
> get a new handlebar bag that doesn't flop around, is easier to zip, and
> holds my maps pocket in a visible position at all times.
>
> How about you?

Ventana hardtail - I don't think there's anything I would change. It
could use some new rubber I guess, say tires and grips. It'll get new
tires in the spring, but I have bought a couple sets of grips and
don't like any of them, so I'm not sure what I'll do there. Aside
from that the only thing I'd change is how often it gets ridden - not
often enough as of late. This bike is certainly my favorite and
possibly my most ridden.

If the Ventana isn't the most ridden, the 1960's Rudge singlespeed
is. If i could change anything on that bike I'd like to see it get
brifters, a new wheel set with 7 or more speeds, a double up front and
of course the required cables, deraillers and brakes to bring it all
together. Somehow I don't think this project will ever come to
fruition.

[Gooserider]

I ride my Gunnar Sport a lot. Great bike. Waterford gives you a lot for your
money---but I ride a 52cm and 700x28 with fenders equals toe/wheel overlap
when I turn at slow speeds. One of these days I'm going to pony up the bucks
for a custom and I won't have that problem. Either that or I'll buy a
Kogswell P/R and that will solve the problem.

[Paul M. Hobson]

Rex Kerr wrote:
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
> bike or its accessories?
>
> I know that favorite & most ridden aren't necessarily the same bike, but
> it's an interesting question either way. I had this thought yesterday
> while riding home and fighting with my handlebar bag. I really want to
> lower the gearing on this bike with a new crankset, but that's only for
> infrequent tours. I think that if I could only change one thing I would
> get a new handlebar bag that doesn't flop around, is easier to zip, and
> holds my maps pocket in a visible position at all times.
>
> How about you?

I wish my old Trek 330 (w/ modern 9spd stuff) had eyelets for a rack.
Having the rack & luggage on my singlespeed just hasn't been the best
option since my wrist injury.

I think the best solution, however, is to get an Nexus or SRAM internal
gear hub for the single speed and keep the Trek as-is or strip it down.

\\paul

[It's Chris]

My main machine has been built up from the bare frame and updated as
necessary over it's entire twenty year life of that frame). Everything
that's on it is there because I chose to put it there. The last mod gave
it the only thing it lacked, Lowrider dropouts and a new paint job.

If there were any changes I could mae it would be to the pitiful clubs
in the state I ride in, not what I ride.

- -
Compliments of:
"Your Friendly Neighborhood Wheelman"

If you want to E-mail me use:
ChrisZCorner "at" webtv "dot" net

My website:
http://geocities.com/czcorner

[Claire Petersky]

"Rex Kerr" <rexkerr@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fmr5tc$q33$1@aioe.org...
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden) bike
> or its accessories?


Top of the line generator hub, rather than second-to-top-of-the-line
generator hub.

--
Warm Regards,

Claire Petersky
http://www.bicyclemeditations.org/
See the books I've set free at: http://bookcrossing.com/referral/Cpetersky

[frkrygow@gmail.com]

On Jan 18, 4:32 pm, Rex Kerr <rexk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
> bike or its accessories?
>
> I know that favorite & most ridden aren't necessarily the same bike, but
> it's an interesting question either way. I had this thought yesterday
> while riding home and fighting with my handlebar bag. I really want to
> lower the gearing on this bike with a new crankset, but that's only for
> infrequent tours. I think that if I could only change one thing I would
> get a new handlebar bag that doesn't flop around, is easier to zip, and
> holds my maps pocket in a visible position at all times.
>
> How about you?

Are we talking fantasy changes, or practical changes?

For fantasy changes: A way to ride in perfect genteel comfort in the
rain. No sweat, no rain on my glasses, no splashing from passing
cars, no muddy water on my dress pants or dress shoes.

For practical changes to my touring bike, I'm torn between wanting a
SON hub generator, versus a nice way of integrating an aero bar with a
big handlebar bag.

- Frank Krygowski

[Marz]

On Jan 18, 3:32 pm, Rex Kerr <rexk...@gmail.com> wrote:
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
> bike or its accessories?
>
> I know that favorite & most ridden aren't necessarily the same bike, but
> it's an interesting question either way. I had this thought yesterday
> while riding home and fighting with my handlebar bag. I really want to
> lower the gearing on this bike with a new crankset, but that's only for
> infrequent tours. I think that if I could only change one thing I would
> get a new handlebar bag that doesn't flop around, is easier to zip, and
> holds my maps pocket in a visible position at all times.
>
> How about you?

Some way to truly adjust the geometry of the bike on the fly. A simple
switch on the handlebars would be great, but a lever under the seat
would work too. A way to adjust bb height, head tube angle and amount
of travel.

Or.

A way to adjust tyre pressure on the fly, that would be handy.

Back in reality, a gravity dropper seatpost.

[Zoot Katz]

On Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:32:42 -0800, Rex Kerr <rexkerr@gmail.com>
wrote:

>What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
>bike or its accessories?

The accessory I'm riding most frequently this winter again is the
Xtracycle Free Radical. This year it's on a step-through frame,
different wheels, larger tires with different pedals, drive train and
a higher, wider swept-back handlebar.

I ride it a lot during Spring, Summer and Autumn too. Longtails are
often useful and it's undoubtedly the most comfortable bike I own.

About the only thing I see changing on that bike now would be
electrifying it. Probably a rear hub motor with 12 gauge spokes and a
disc-brake. I'd prefer a Stokemonkey but they're significantly more
expensive, more complicated and ultimately less versatile application
of the same motor, controller and battery technology.
--
zk

[Cathy Kearns]

"Rex Kerr" <rexkerr@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fmr5tc$q33$1@aioe.org...
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden) bike
> or its accessories?

Favorite: Skirt guard for my Breezer. It has the fenders. It has the
chain guard. Now a skirt guard will make it perfect.

Most ridden: I bet there is some simple way to fix the unwrapped handle bar
tape on my trek. I'm just too lazy to figure it out. (I'm thinking all I
really need is to find my black electrical tape...)

[Jym Dyer]

> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite
> (or most ridden) bike or its accessories?

=v= The tires. Oh, ONE thing? The rear tire.
<_Jym_>

[smn]

"Rex Kerr" <rexkerr@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fmr5tc$q33$1@aioe.org...
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden) bike
> or its accessories?
>
> I know that favorite & most ridden aren't necessarily the same bike, but
> it's an interesting question either way. I had this thought yesterday
> while riding home and fighting with my handlebar bag. I really want to
> lower the gearing on this bike with a new crankset, but that's only for
> infrequent tours. I think that if I could only change one thing I would
> get a new handlebar bag that doesn't flop around, is easier to zip, and
> holds my maps pocket in a visible position at all times.
>
> How about you?

If I could I would put a front fender on my trek 1500 but since I can't I
wont but I would if I could. would a woodchuck chuck wood?
sufficiently OT? lol

[Tom Sherman]

Rex Kerr wrote:
> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
> bike or its accessories?...
>
Seat back angle adjustable while riding with no weight penalty.

35/50 watt halogen headlight with Shipstone power. ;)

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
"And never forget, life ultimately makes failures of all people."
- A. Derleth

[DennisTheBald]

On Jan 18, 5:07 pm, "Paul M. Hobson" <phob...@gatech.edu> wrote:
> Rex Kerr wrote:
> > What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden)
> > bike or its accessories?

Spring loaded front fork mechanism that would allow me to deploy by a
handle bar trigger forcing the compressed front shock to release
providing a 'wheelie' effect on 'bent. Would need to re-compress
shock under normal riding conditions as soon as I got over the curb.

[Rex Kerr]

DennisTheBald wrote:
> Spring loaded front fork mechanism that would allow me to deploy by a
> handle bar trigger forcing the compressed front shock to release
> providing a 'wheelie' effect on 'bent. Would need to re-compress
> shock under normal riding conditions as soon as I got over the curb.

You'll have to contact Knight Industries to get one of those... :-)

[Patrick Lamb]

On Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:59:42 -0800, "Claire Petersky"
<cpetersky@mouse-potato.com> wrote:
>"Rex Kerr" <rexkerr@gmail.com> wrote in message
>news:fmr5tc$q33$1@aioe.org...
>> What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden) bike
>> or its accessories?
>
>
>Top of the line generator hub, rather than second-to-top-of-the-line
>generator hub.

Is that a technical problem, or a "grass is greener" problem?

Pat

Email address works as is.

[Rex Kerr]

frkrygow@gmail.com wrote:
> For fantasy changes: A way to ride in perfect genteel comfort in the
> rain. No sweat, no rain on my glasses, no splashing from passing
> cars, no muddy water on my dress pants or dress shoes.

Why would you want to remove all of the fun from riding in the rain? ;-)

[Zoot Katz]

On Sat, 19 Jan 2008 21:08:36 -0800 (PST), Marz
<marzjennings@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>Back in reality, a gravity dropper seatpost.

The Xtracycle Free Radical has a "gravity advantage juju"

It doesn't help on hills but it does let you pick-up a half-loaded
longtail with one hand
--
zk

[SMS]

On Jan 21, 3:33*am, "Cathy Kearns" <cathy_kea...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> "Rex Kerr" <rexk...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
> news:fmr5tc$q33$1@aioe.org...
>
> > What ONE thing would you change about your favorite (or most ridden) bike
> > or its accessories?
>
> Favorite: *Skirt guard for myBreezer. *It has the fenders. *It has the
> chain guard. *Now a skirt guard will make it perfect.

I saw Joe Breeze a few minutes ago. He was riding into the Taipei
Cycle show on a DaHon, and talked to him briefly, before I realized
who he was (duh, it was right on his badge). If I see him again this
morning I'll tell him that you want a skirt guard!

He's staying at an el-cheapo hotel right near my el-cheapo hotel, but
he got Josh DaHon to lend him a bicycle for the show so he doesn't
have to take the bus or the MTR (I gave him a hard time for not
bringing one of his own bikes). The weather is great this time of
year. I should have brought a Brompton with me. Taipei has added a lot
of cycling paths along the rivers.

I have seen skirt guards for sale by some manufacturers at the show,
but they are not after-market products.

[Rex Kerr]

> If I could I would put a front fender on my trek 1500 but since I can't I
> wont but I would if I could. would a woodchuck chuck wood?
> sufficiently OT? lol

I can't find it now, but I once saw somebody's writeup online where they
cut their fender in two at the fork mounting point and made a small
metal bracket to go through the fork to deal with clearance issues.
Might that help you?

[Paul M. Hobson]

Rex Kerr wrote:
> I can't find it now, but I once saw somebody's writeup online where they
> cut their fender in two at the fork mounting point and made a small
> metal bracket to go through the fork to deal with clearance issues.
> Might that help you?

That's a race blade. Standard issue (no modifications necessary) fender
for frames with little clearance.

\\paul

[smn]

"Rex Kerr" <rexkerr@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fn3hab$i22$1@aioe.org...
>> If I could I would put a front fender on my trek 1500 but since I can't I
>> wont but I would if I could. would a woodchuck chuck wood?
>> sufficiently OT? lol
>
> I can't find it now, but I once saw somebody's writeup online where they
> cut their fender in two at the fork mounting point and made a small metal
> bracket to go through the fork to deal with clearance issues. Might that
> help you?

no, i don't want to compromise the frame.
I already compromised the frame's lifetime guarantee by being a second
owner. Not riding in the wet keeps the bike clean anyway. ; )
a metal bracket around the front of the frame with self conceived mud
flap/fender things might work. thank you
now I have choices to make

[smn]

"Paul M. Hobson" <phobson@gatech.edu> wrote in message
news:fn3pjs$68m$1@news-int2.gatech.edu...
> Rex Kerr wrote:
>> I can't find it now, but I once saw somebody's writeup online where they
>> cut their fender in two at the fork mounting point and made a small metal
>> bracket to go through the fork to deal with clearance issues. Might that
>> help you?
>
> That's a race blade. Standard issue (no modifications necessary) fender
> for frames with little clearance.
>
> \\paul

but I have no clearance. what is the name again?

[smn]

right, i found it but i have 28c not 23.
thanks anyway, not changing the tire right now.

[Rex Kerr]

smn wrote:
> no, i don't want to compromise the frame.

How would that compromise the frame? It was a suggestion to cut the
fender in half, not the fork! :-) Something like this: (use fixed
point font:

\___/
| |
_===..| |..==_
| | .
| | .
| | \
/ / )
/ / |
(*)

Forgive the crude ASCII art, but the | | section is the fork and all
characters except the .... around the fork are the original fender.
You'd cut the fender where the ==.. ..== are and replace the .. .. with
a thin metal bracket. Use rivets or some other mechanism to connect the
metal bracket to the fender material. Do you have less than 2mm or so
of clearance for the thin bracket?

If not, your idea of a bracket that goes AROUND the fork seems good.
You'd still cut the fender, and your bracket would either clamp the fork
below the brake where there's more clearance, or above the brake bridge.

Myself... I'm glad that all of my bikes have fender clearance. :-)

[smn]

"Rex Kerr" <rexkerr@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:fn5ao7$sdn$1@aioe.org...
> smn wrote:
>> no, i don't want to compromise the frame.
>
> How would that compromise the frame? It was a suggestion to cut the
> fender in half, not the fork! :-) Something like this: (use fixed point
> font:
>
> \___/
> | |
> _===..| |..==_
> | | .
> | | .
> | | \
> / / )
> / / |
> (*)
>
> Forgive the crude ASCII art, but the | | section is the fork and all
> characters except the .... around the fork are the original fender. You'd
> cut the fender where the ==.. ..== are and replace the .. .. with a thin
> metal bracket. Use rivets or some other mechanism to connect the metal
> bracket to the fender material. Do you have less than 2mm or so of
> clearance for the thin bracket?
>
> If not, your idea of a bracket that goes AROUND the fork seems good. You'd
> still cut the fender, and your bracket would either clamp the fork below
> the brake where there's more clearance, or above the brake bridge.
>
> Myself... I'm glad that all of my bikes have fender clearance. :-)

>>>made a small metal
> bracket to go !!through the fork !! to deal with clearance issues. Might
> that

That is what I call compromising or just misunderstanding.
the space around the tire at the top of the fork is only about the thickness
of two loonies. cause I use 28c x 700
and you meant horizontal to the tire with the same idea as suspension fork
fenders. I might have the bracket but rivets no, I could use nuts and
bolts if I was going to do it.
really sunny today and cold. I should just get out and ride now.
don't get carpal tunnel giving me ascii art. thanks alot ; )