General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

[LawrenceMD]

^great suggestions.

the other way to go is to try regular pedal cages, power grips, or related products (they are plentiful variants in the fixie scene).

http://lovelybike.blogspot.com/2010/08/powergrips-foot-retention-even-i-can.html

I've personally used power grips on and off for the last 5 years with my commuter bikes. i eventually went with spd pedals. Then I went with the spd quick platform snap in adaptors (which work well but can be dangerous when hammering). then I went with casual shoes that have hidden spds cleats (https://www.dzrshoes.com).

the DZR shoes are my favorite compromise, but still cumbersome (because you need to carry/leave at work formal shoes with you anyway). Eventually I just went back to power grips because you can hide the label on the inside and just use the bike quickly with any type of foot ware - which is a must for a commuter bike.

my advice is to go the power grip/related retention system route (a lot lighter than regular pedal cages) if you're going to commute with the bike. but also invest in a good crank wrench (the beefier and longer the handle the better) and have a decent pair of clipless pedals/bike shoes for when you want to do some more serious riding. switching out pedals is quick and easy (or can be hellacious if you don't know what you're doing and have a sub par crank wrench).

 

[random-adam]



Anybody have an opinion on these pedals?

Shimano M324 Combination Pedals

Would be nice to be able to ride clipped in sometimes but be able to hop on the bike without cycleshoes for running quick errands, etc.

Commit one way or the other. If you buy these flip-flop M324s, the wrong side will invariably present itself whenever you put your feet on 'em.

Better to buy a nice pair of flats and a nice pair of clipless and a pedal wrench than to buy single-sided pedals and then a nice pair of flats and a nice par of clipless and a pedal wrench.

 

[otc]

You could buy these sweet pedals that I just happen to be selling:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/151064834424?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

of course I really just like clipless pedals better. If I ride my bike to work and want to go somewhere a little further away for lunch...I will just ride on top of my pedals without changing shoes. The Time ATACs have enough flat space that it works fine and only gets uncomfortable after several miles on thin soled shoes.

 

[rdawson808]

Anyone mind if I post a bike for sale in this thread? I've listed my Focus Mares AX2 2011 54cm cyclocross bike for sale on Craigslist and thought I'd throw it up here too in case there was any interest in the Washington, DC area. If no objections in the next couple days I'll give details.

b

 

[Fang66]



Anybody have an opinion on these pedals?

Shimano M324 Combination Pedals

Would be nice to be able to ride clipped in sometimes but be able to hop on the bike without cycleshoes for running quick errands, etc.

My wife has Shimano combo pedals, they work perfectly well, but she has them because she prefers the SPD shoes.

I have no problem pedaling in regular shoes on either Time or Shimano road clipless pedals, especially just for quick errands there is no need for a combo pedal.

 

[otc]

They ain't cheap (well, they aren't expensive by pedal standards either), but these look like the baller city-pedal option:

http://tatiprix.wazala.com/widget/?...age=1&subdomain=1&&page=product_det&id=147981

still has the one-sided issue, but, they look quite nice.

 

[mr monty]

I'm searching for a heavy duty chain and lock? I want the type some of the NYC bike messengers wear around their waist.

 

[random-adam]



I'm searching for a heavy duty chain and lock? I want the type some of the NYC bike messengers wear around their waist.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Pages/ProductInformation.aspx?PNumber=999492 or thereabouts?

 

[acidboy]

you could also just get a cut resistant chain by the foot (at least grade 70) and padlock (I'm a big fan of abloy locks- maybe the pl362).

 

[acidboy]

I'm really loving my fairly new 29er...

 

[rdawson808]

If anyone's in the DC area looking for a new cyclocross ride I have one for sale.

2011 Focus Mares AX2
54cm

Craigslist ad with details and pics:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/bik/3931496436.html

 

[Bakes11771]

...will upgrade to carbon wheels soon.

 

[otc]



...will upgrade to carbon wheels soon.

Meh, save your money.

 

[Bakes11771]

Meh, save your money.

I had the same thought, as I ride primarily for exercise. Plan to do a few tri-sprints every year for fun.

One thing I will say about the wheels I have is that they flex during hard out-of-the saddle uphill climbs, and the brakes rub as a consequence.

FWIW, I was looking at a "cheap" set of carbon wheels, if you could even call them that. (Reynolds)

 

[otc]



I had the same thought, as I ride primarily for exercise.  Plan to do a few tri-sprints every year for fun.

One thing I will say about the wheels I have is that they flex during hard out-of-the saddle uphill climbs, and the brakes rub as a consequence.

FWIW, I was looking at a "cheap" set of carbon wheels, if you could even call them that.  (Reynolds)

This will only get worse with carbon.

If you want cheap, go with someone who will build up some Gigantex rims or something.