Oh boy! BBSuperRightThisTimeWeSwearIt? Well, as long as they keep sending me nice free new cranksets, I won't make fun of them.

But Purdy told me the same thing about the BB30: that you don't wanna screw up putting them in, b/c when you have to replace the bearings it screws up the frame taking them out if you've not done them exactly straight. And he's not someone that says stuff like that just so you come to him to make money. He's let me hang out and shown me (for free) how to do various simple maintenance work many times. He also said the SRAM bearings that I got with the Red cranks are shitty. They wear out much quicker than the FSA ones he encourages. He was like "See you in a few months!", when these are shot and you start hearing a noise and feeling them binding. Another good excuse as to why Ryan and Joe beat me up hills.

I think he said his favorite system, and the ones that makes the most sense to him, is the BB70 or whatever Trek came up with. Although the BBright is good, he doesn't see it catching on enough to be an affordable option, since Cervelo just doesn't have enough of a market share compared to the bigguns to get many component manufacturers on board.

This makes me wanna punch someone in the face.
How about we buy bikes and ride them?
This chaos of standards make the EU look like a swiss watch.

I have all the BB30-Shimano converters on the planet if you fancy getting a 24mm spindle crank, Mike. The newest one I got was from Praxxis Works. Nice idea. I don't use them. Somehow, my frame has a 61 mm bottom bracket?!?!?!?!

JP,

Any secret word on when the 2013 Specialized shoes will come out? I desperately need some new ones, and I like my old 2008's.

Although, I hope they look a little less plain than these:

http://www.bikerumor.com/2012/01/27/spy-shot-2013-specialized-s-works-road-bike-shoes/

I asked Ben Delaney about these back in January as well. Guess I don't have the pull of BikeRumor. No idea, though they look like they should fit better than the 2011 iteration I'm wearing. Boonen has a version, too. I expect they'll make them more exciting for retail sale. Shiny microfiber is all the rage and seems to be staying so. Maybe a bright red and yellow fluo.

I'd expect that specialized-sponsored riders will have them for the Tour, which means some people will be able to get hands on them in August.

Speaking of rumors.....I'm starting to believe the chatter about Speedplay cleats being made more cheaply in recent years. My 2007 lasted almost two years, and now, I'm lucky if they go 8 months. I just put new ones on and the screws were very "buttery". The yellow plastic retention tab for the clips also broke on my last pair in the first month. And the metal plates wear down much faster, fusing to the screws and making maintenance a pain. At $40 a pop, it's kinda ridiculous.

@JP. I have the tools. Its simply not simple to align things. Pafawan to purdy confirmed this. Bb30 blows.

Don't ALL these BB's blow?

It's amazing, they both suck and blow at the same time.

Well, gxp is pretty damn bulletproof. As is square taper.

Hey,
A student is looking for a folding bike for college. Williams (all swanky liberal artsy type). Yes, he needs a bike - looking around $700 - need some gears.

I've never ridden one, but I see a few Q train commuters in the morning with bike Friday folding bikes.

http://www.nycewheels.com/dahon-folding-bike-speed-d7.html

Bike Friday's are nice but $$$, since they're almost always custom they are great. Also awesome that they're made in Eugene OR.

The Bromptons are good too but expensive as well. Dahon are heavy but not as pricey as everything else out there. Get the one with internal geared hub.

http://www.nycewheels.com/dahon-folding-bike-vitesse.html

I discussed BB30 vs. others with Eric on Saturday. Hopefully, I'll be able to accurately and concisely describe the conversation.

Bottom Brackets are probably the best component to bitch about. Every design, every standard, has its detractors. The classic Campy cup-and-cone was beautiful. Unless you had to service it. Or unless it came loose. Or you did it too tight. Or you had an italian thread bottom bracket and the drive side cup came loose. Or you had a knock-off that was based on Campy. Every design has its weaknesses.

Know that BB30 is a design created by Cannondale and freely shared. Bike companies picked it up because they liked it; there was no component manufacturer forcing them to use it--that Shimano doesn't make a BB30 crank is probably something which slowed BB30 acceptance. On the good side, BB30 is light, stiff, bearings are decently hidden from the elements. You don't need a threaded shell. Problem is they're a pain to service. This is an issue for mechanics when they service them, but not for consumers. If the bottom bracket is serviced once a year, that's probably sufficient,and the bottom bracket will probably give you flawless performance for years.

External cup BBs are easy to install, easy to service. Thanks to the design, you don't have to worry about Italian threading. Problem is, they often don't roll as smoothly as internal designs, probably thanks to the way the bearings are loaded with pressure from the crank, and with exposed bearings, it's easier to contaminate them than with internal designs. Also, with the cups sitting outside the frame, it limits design possiblities aka bikes can't be made as light or as stiff.

@JP . is BB86 as difficult to service as BB30 ?

Don't forget BBRight...

Don't know. Considering the "cups" are wider, it might be easier.

The "pain" is relative. Eric has had problems. I haven't done my own BB30s, but I saw the cx bike one go in. It took one shot. That was in 2007 and it hasn't been out since. The road bike had it put in a month ago. I'm considering pulling it just to see what the big deal is.

I want to get a touring rack to either put on my backup caad 9 or on my cross bike for some short distance trips.

I know I might need some adapters because neither frame has eyelets, but from what I've read that shouldn't be a problem.

I've used the BOB trailer before, but I'm looking for something a little smaller for less intensive use.

I will take compatible pannier recommendations as well.

Ideally, something from REI since I have a rebate to use.

Mike there are small racks that clip on to your seat post. They say they can hold about 20lbs but they can hold way more.

Moots Tailgator - rack + 2 bags - attaches to your seatpost, but I think you have to remove the seatpost, add the rack, put the seatpost back in (so be sure to get out that measuring tape!)
http://moots.myshopify.com/collections/accessories/products/moots-tailgator-system


Revelate makes a "Tangle" bag that hangs from your top tube inside of your frame triangle.
https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=1&ProductID=5

If you get a frame bag like the Tangle, consider also getting side loading bottle cages to use for the tour (the bag may get in the way of easily using "normal" bottle cages)

Mike, Sweeet! where & when are we going? : D

REI doesn't stock these, though Old Man Mountain makes some of the best racks out there. I was going to go with the "pioneer" on my eyelet less bike before I got the bob

http://www.oldmanmountain.com/Pages/RackPages/RearRacks.html

They attach with their skewer, no eyelets needed.

You'll want to go with lightweight panniers as there is a weight limit on those racks, cant beat ortlieb classics. Simple, durable, waterproof; ive seen them on more touring/ city bikes on my trip then i can count.

currently on sale at rei but I think a better price is available somewhere

http://www.rei.com/product/604989/ortlieb-backroller-classic-panniers-pair



If you need more room a handlebar bag should do it. You can borrow my arkel big bar bag anytime- I have the rain cover and all. It attaches super securely and comes in pretty handy

http://www.arkel-od.com/us/big-bar-bike-bag.html

Arkel also makes panniers, though theyre heavier, expensive and only coruda water resistant.


Revelant designs frame triangle bag is pretty popular among mountain bikers. You can also attach your tent or mattress to your handlebars if you forgo the handlebar bag

W

Mike,

I think I still have one of those seat post racks that you can have. It will fit two small panniers but it rides really high.

Dan

Hey all,

Thanks for that. Any experience with Tubus brand racks? they seem to be coming up a bit in my web searchers.

The seatpost idea is whack in my book. Great for something quick and short term, but I want something stable and reliable that I can use long term. This tour I'll be carrying my stuff and Bo's stuff (just clothing). but if I'm going to invest in some panniers and a rack, I'd like to be able to set up a quick loaded solo weekend getaways.

Woj and others - I'm planning an inn-to-inn bicycle tour of the Erie Canal. All are welcome. It will be pretty mellow with some very inexperienced cyclists. We're going to sleep in motels / hotels / inns along the way to ease into the whole touring thing. Eating at restaurants too.

It will be late August. 23-30th are my blocked off dates. I will post more details as I get them.

sounds fun !

There is a term for the "touring lite" that you are trying to do - "credit card touring". Play with that in some of your google combinations and you'll probably find plenty of info.

Bicycle Times issue 17(current issue -June/July 2012) has an article "A bikepacking adventure (or a 340 mile commute)" where they talk about a group touring ride from Pittsburgh to DC, and they have product reviews for the items they used + a description of two touring approaches "ultrlight" and "traditional".

is this the best way to fix a loose water bottle fitting?

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/water-bottle-fittings

Mike,
I don't know about using the axle like that.

However, I have tightened Cannondale fittings before. Take a long water bottle bolt and find a nut that can thread onto it. screw the bolt about halfway in, then move the nut down so it's on the fitting. Then tighten the nut onto the fitting. The fitting should then get better wedged into the frame and you can then back out the nut.

Mike, you can try this. I bet you look just as good in short-shorts...

http://gizmodo.com/5913021/a-single-strap-can-turn-your-bikes-frame-into-a-basket

What the FUCK happened to my hub?

I went to take my LOVELY red 11-25 off my training wheel (power tap, age unknown) and put it onto my TT wheel.

The whole sleeve came off...

Little closer inspection revealed the "single piece" wasn't quite so single...