May 30, 2013 at 12:01 PM
Maybe I'll get one of these:
http://rittecycles.com/custom/the-blue-ribbon-steel-cx/
So awesome. Hook me up, Ryan.
http://rittecycles.com/custom/the-blue-ribbon-steel-cx/
So awesome. Hook me up, Ryan.
Bicycle Tech/Gear Discussion Thread
May 30, 2013 at 12:25 PM
I got a Jake the snake kona- I ride a Large look (55.5 c-c top tube i believe) and the 53cm JtS is a 55cm top tube c-c. I test road it at super cross last year as part of the deal with nycvelo and it fits like a glove.
May 30, 2013 at 12:51 PM
Any recommendations on a pump? Looking for something I can carry in my jersey. I'm thinking of one of the Lezyne pumps but not sure which one.
I decided to test my current pump and something isn't working right and rather than try to fix it I'll just get a new one. I have CO2 but for longer rides want the inexhaustible pump.
I decided to test my current pump and something isn't working right and rather than try to fix it I'll just get a new one. I have CO2 but for longer rides want the inexhaustible pump.
May 30, 2013 at 12:56 PM
i have the topeak mini g (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FICBEU/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1) couldn't beat the price and it pumps air in both directions. using it sucks. but using any mini pump sucks. this one only costs $17 with amazon prime. it's worked for me (and edwin!) when i flat. comes with waterbottle frame mount. it's no lezyne, but it's cheap and works.
May 30, 2013 at 01:26 PM
I personally like the Morph series because it folds out a little foot and it works as a tiny floor pump. You can use the road (or boulder or tree trunk or your teammate's face) as leverage.
http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Mini-Morph-Bike-Pump/dp/B000FICCQC
http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Mini-Morph-Bike-Pump/dp/B000FICCQC
May 30, 2013 at 02:26 PM
I like the lezyne - fits nicely in a pocket.
May 30, 2013 at 02:38 PM
I'd recommend the Lezyne pressure drive hand pump. It had excellent reviews in Cycling Plus. It's compact, like other pumps, but has the added benefit of a hose which is kept inside the pump. You pull out the hose and screw it on to the pump. I had a topeak and kept snapping my valves because they would get very hot and I was pissed I had a flat. That's a bad combination. The Lezyne can't get you to 100 psi, but it can get you to 80 and home, or to the nearest bike store to repump the tire. I have it in my jersey on most rides.
May 30, 2013 at 02:54 PM
Forgot to mention my mini g has a pressure gauge and can go to 120 or so. Your arm strength and tolerance for looking like you're pleasuring yourself on the side of the road are the limiting factors
May 30, 2013 at 03:17 PM
Or you could just get a full-sized frame pump and get used to loaning it out on group rides to all the dudes who insist on spending money on "lucky rabbit foot" pocket pumps.
May 30, 2013 at 03:58 PM
Get the smallest, lightest, slickest pump you can find. One that doesn't jab your back, is easy into and out of the pocket, doesn't stick out of your pocket all funny-like, doesn't have pointy parts, can remain comfortably in pocket while sitting on Runcible Spoon cafe chair, doesn't take up too much room in your gear box.
This will account for 99 percent of the pump's use.
I own the Topeak Micro Rocket Al. I love it. It is very well reviewed. Awesome design -- functionally and aesthetically. It fulfills all of the above ideals. Over the last couple years I've used it a few times and it worked.
May 30, 2013 at 04:11 PM
Marc is correct and the ONLY place to store it on your bike is down the NDS seatstay.
May 30, 2013 at 06:46 PM
Ok guys back to my question. 54 or 56??? It's a JP vs. Stokes/ Ragot showdown.
May 30, 2013 at 07:06 PM
Good luck with your decision.
May 30, 2013 at 07:16 PM
It's all about the top tube. Or rather the top tube/seat angle/head angle/headtube height put together.mperlberg said:Ok guys back to my question. 54 or 56??? It's a JP vs. Stokes/ Ragot showdown.
May 30, 2013 at 07:35 PM
@mperlberg - why not ride JP's?
May 30, 2013 at 07:38 PM
Because his wife would get jealous - Bam@!!!!!!!!@!@!@!!!!!
May 31, 2013 at 12:40 AM
Jp is correct but I find I can adjust for all of what he says based on the proper top tube length.
May 31, 2013 at 12:48 AM
I wouldn't be so sure you can do it every time. Especially with a cx bike when you have to run the brake cable directly under the stem.eragot said:Jp is correct but I find I can adjust for all of what he says based on the proper top tube length.
For example, my old road bike has a 74-degree seat angle. My saddle is slammed back and I have a setback post. This, relative to a 73.5 or 73 seat angle, means that if the top tube length and head angle and head tube length remain constant changes the stem length. And if the head tube is taller, I could end up with a 73-degree stem, rather than an 84. if I had to run a 73 on my cx bike, I'd have some trouble routing the front brake cable.
Mike, you're welcome to come by and try to figure out if my 54 would work for you. I guess you could also do it at Ride Brooklyn if they've got one in stock.
May 31, 2013 at 03:07 AM
pump for on the bike??? I'm rocking one o these
May 31, 2013 at 02:56 PM
I found this cool excel sheet to compare frames...
if the stand-over height is not too high, it looks like the 56 might be the better fit. What do ya'll think? I'm going to try them both out @ ride if they're in stock.
May 31, 2013 at 02:56 PM
Screw the pump; go with a CO2 cartridge
May 31, 2013 at 03:17 PM
thanks for the all the input on the pumps. @Jules - I've got the CO2 and I'm trying to go green.
@perlberg - I'm with Stokes based on my conversation with Edwin as well. Only thing to add was that he suggested that the total length of top tube plus the stem should be 10mm shorter on the CX bike than your road.
@perlberg - I'm with Stokes based on my conversation with Edwin as well. Only thing to add was that he suggested that the total length of top tube plus the stem should be 10mm shorter on the CX bike than your road.
May 31, 2013 at 03:31 PM
I'd like to get a nice white Rudy helment to match my nice white kit. Would I be a dick if I find a store that carries them to try on and then buy direct using the sponsorship discount? If I have to ask, most likely yes, but my head is funky and I need to try before buy with these things.
May 31, 2013 at 03:57 PM
I think they only have 2 sizes. almost everyone wears a small / medium. Try mine on the next time we're riding.
May 31, 2013 at 04:01 PM
I have a large helmet (boom boom). You can try it next time I see you.
May 31, 2013 at 04:04 PM
Thanks dudes.
May 31, 2013 at 04:17 PM
Also, I have a brand new, never worn, still in box, Rudy Project Sterling helmet, size large, white, FREE to anyone who does a bit of volunteering helping out for the club. Volunteering for Charlie's races doesn't count because you get free entry already...
But for example if you offer to volunteer out our cross race this year...BAM free helmet! Or maybe there's some fiddly computer spreadsheet crap Jules or one of the other club officers could use help with...BAM free helmet!
May 31, 2013 at 11:37 PM
I got several pieces of good news today. In science, it is such slow progress, all the time. To get things that 'move you ahead' is so rare. To get two in a day, unthinkable.
However, what really made my day, really was the best, was discovering that the creaking coming from by SL4 was the headset because I had not loaded the bearings enough. The creaking has gone now. Oh my fucking god I cannot tell you how happy that makes me. Noisy bikes irritate the hell out of me. After going from skewers, to pedals to BB and then finally finding the fucker makes me happy to a level I cannot describe.
On that note, on another bike of mine, earlier in the week I got totally drenched when riding. When the bike dried out a bit by the end of the ride, and the next day, there was a horrendous 'clicking' coming from what I assumed was the BB (guess what guys, it was a SRAM Red BB30-I think they are legally obliged to start creaking at 1000 miles as part of the contract, no?). I recently invested in a 10mm Allen key. So, I ripped off the crank (leaving the bearings in) gave everything a good clean and a heavy grease, and noise gone! Magic. Didn't expect that!
So, that's two in a week for me. I am gifted. Bring me your bikes gentlemen. I am like a horse whisperer, but for bikes. In any case, the concept of a horse whisperer is just stupid: horses can't talk, let alone whisper. Anyway, bring me your creaky and clanky and clickey bikes before I lose my gift. I assume it's like fitness- use it or lose it. Come come.
Jun 01, 2013 at 12:38 AM
Yeah, I've had multiple mechanics tell me to get FSA BB30 bearings and that the SRAM are shit.
Jun 01, 2013 at 01:58 AM
I buy $4 bearings inline somewhere. They work just as well considering they are in my CX bike.