-!------------------------------------------------------ "Solo la opresion debe temer el ejercicio pleno de las libertades" "Only oppression should fear the full exercise of freedom." Jose Marti -!------------------------------------------------------ CubaNet-Org. Fax (407) 657-0460 P.O. Box 557091 Miami, FL 33255 E-mail: USA cubanet@netpoint.net CubaNet@aol.com WWW: http://www.netpoint.net/~cubanet http://www.voicenetsl.com/desdecuba -!- ! Origin: Net-Info/ABS International * Montreal, Qc. (Canada) (101:161/300) --- FMail/386 1.02+ * Origin: ABS International, Montreal (Canada) 514.937.7451 (1:167/136) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD400000 Date: 09/02/96 From: KEN PECK Time: 06:46pm \/To: CEM DESEN (Read 3 times) Subj: Bike mainframe types -=> Quoting Cem Desen to All <=- CD> Hi everyone... CD> I have read about an article (5 months ago or so) about Beryllium bike CD> frames. Has anyone seen such a frame on sale, or heard about it? I CD> think it is the latest frame produced (after titanium) which has a high CD> strength/weight ratio. CD> And a few more questions: What are the specialities of the frames CD> made of different materials, such as steel, aluminum, cromoly, CD> titanium, etc. Which is the most strong, and which has the highest CD> strength/weight ratio. In what kinds of bikes are tyey used, and what CD> are the prices? So much depends on the specific tubing being used that is hard to say. "Steel" (unqualified) tends to "cheap bikes." Most good bikes will use a double or triple butted steel alloy which gives a much better "strength/weight ratio." Custom frame builders generally argue that aluminum is not as durable as a good steel alloy frame. My experience is that they are also quite flexible which means they aren't as efficient. Some folks tell me that this is a design matter: that where "fat" aluminum tubing is used a stiff frame results. Custom frame builders also argue that the carbon fiber frames, while being stiffer that aluminum may not be as durable over the long haul as quality steel alloy tubing. They contend that exposure over time to ultraviolet rays from the sun will cause the carbon fiber to deteriorate. Time will only tell. Titanium appears to be a good alternative to steel, providing a somewhat better "strength/weight ratio" than triple butted steel alloy. (We are talking a few ounces difference for a frame. It does, according to the custom frame builders, have a tendancy to "resonant" (i.e., vibrate under certain conditions) but this is probably not a major consideration. Titanium is difficult to work with and few builders have the equipment to do so. This could be a consideration if your frame is damaged and needs to be repaired. According to the custom frame builders, the triple butted steel alloys still offer the best cost/strength/weight/durability value. Of course, since they are in the business of making just such frames, they may be biased. === ==== = _@ Ken Peck + _ \<._ ========= (_)/ (_) Kenneth_Peck@clr.com ... The crown is immortality. S. Ignatius --- Blue Wave/QWK v2.10 --- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 * Origin: Texas Phoenix (1:130/1017.0) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD400001 Date: 08/30/96 From: JOHN O'NEILL Time: 12:27pm \/To: RICHARD GLAZER (Read 3 times) Subj: Re: Bike Trivia -=> Quoting Richard Glazer to Dennis Farkas <=- RG> There was a mention about using a fix gear bike on city roads. They RG> are murderous. I had a friend who had one and for years he road it RG> without brakes until the police told him to. The bike in my opinion is RG> not designed for street use. The frame is too rigid and the fix gear RG> can be awful for the knees. My friend stop riding because of this RG> problem. Road bikes were made for the road ... RG> RG> Richard, I agree a fixed gear bike is a poor choice for every day use. But many people recomend putting some time on a fixed gear bike can help cadence and promote smoother pedaling style that will help when you return to your multispeed freewheel or freehub bike. Of course spending time on rollers will also help one become smooth. John O'Neill ... When bicycles are outlawed only outlaws will bicycle. ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 --- TriToss (tm) Professional 10.0 - #12 * Origin: Bird Brains * Allentown, PA * (610) 437-4438 (1:2607/201.0) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD400002 Date: 09/03/96 From: JOHN O'NEILL Time: 01:09pm \/To: KEN PECK (Read 3 times) Subj: Rails to trails pathways -=> Quoting Ken Peck to John O'neill <=- JO> Trying to get my wife to bicycle with me more often. I'm so often JO> out in the dog house because of the time I spend out on the bike. JO> She has a road bike, but she is very afraid of cars. Now were JO> looking for a mountain bike for her to ride some of the local rails to JO> trails type paths. KP> KP> I suppose it is a matter of what you are used to. I am more nervous KP> on trails than on the road. The sort of traffic that one finds on the KP> trails is less predicatable than the vehicles on a road. I know what KP> to expect of cars . . . even pretty much when to expect the unexpected. KP> On a trail it seems one has to always expect the unexpected. KP> True Now they will have to watch out because my 4'11" hot headed wife will knock over every one and everything in her path (Grin)! But seriously I find stupid people using all forms of transportation and recreation. This Morning as I biked to work a car passed me on the left, put on his left turn signal then turned right! We all have pedestrian and rollerblader horror stories. At least with other cyclist the problem people are usually children or inexperianced adults, of course the worst is when inexperienced adults ride with children! "Ok kids everybody ride on the left hand side of the road!" At least if you get on a long trail and get out side the "Huffy Zone" you are safe. The Huffy zone is about 10 miles into any long enclosed path. You see the totaly clueless beginner has turned around well before this point. I'm not against beginners or children, eveyone was both of these at one time. But every rider should know enough to ride a strait predictable path and signal turns BEFORE making them. As usual I agree with you Ken, I feel safe on the road, because guys like most of us who read and post here, we read about and practice most of the saftey prcautions we can take. Also all the hours and miles on the road gave us the experiance to predict the human actions and reactions of drivers around us. But my wife is more easily intimidated by cars and at least on the paths we can get a workout together in the fresh (no exhaust) air. John O'Neill ... Confusion is the only true road to understanding. ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 --- TriToss (tm) Professional 10.0 - #12 * Origin: Bird Brains * Allentown, PA * (610) 437-4438 (1:2607/201.0) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD400003 Date: 09/03/96 From: JOHN O'NEILL Time: 03:11pm \/To: KEN PECK (Read 3 times) Subj: Re: new bike help? -=> Quoting Ken Peck to John O'neill <=- KP> All of my bikes have SPDs, but it is possible to pedal those without KP> being clicked in. That wasn't my experience with Looks. Yea, I could use the commuter type SPD pedals. My road bike has Nashbar's SPD pedals that are very very close Dura-Ace clones. and my graphite Shimano shoes are very slick on the bottem so if I do not click in on the first try at a traffic light, I pedal with only the foot still connected until I cross. Still for commuting I prefer sneakers and toe staps. One morning as traffic was waiting for a Conrail train to pass it stopped with only two cars blocking the road. I picked up my bike and walked through some mud on the side of the road then around the stopped train (at a safe distance). I would not have been willing to walk through the mud with my SPD road shoes. Also when I walk into the the computer room where I work with cleated shoes with these special floors everyone starts requesting I break out into a tap dance (Grin). KP> KP> I've tried mirrors, but find them distracting and not very helpful. I KP> can usually hear cars approaching from behind. I don't think motorist KP> realize how much noise a car makes. KP> It took a while to get use to using one, but now I miss it very much when I leave it at home. With it attached to sunglasses I can look both ahead and behind at the same time. It also helps me keep an eye on the guys I ride with. ... A joke, son. It's a JOKE. Don'cha get it? - Foghorn Leghorn ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 --- TriToss (tm) Professional 10.0 - #12 * Origin: Bird Brains * Allentown, PA * (610) 437-4438 (1:2607/201.0) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD400004 Date: 09/03/96 From: JOHN O'NEILL Time: 01:54pm \/To: RICHARD GLAZER (Read 3 times) Subj: Re: Chain slipperage -=> Quoting Richard Glazer to All <=- RG> My chain seems to jump from my big chainring to the smallest any time RG> I hit a big bump. It is fustrating when trying to keep up with the RG> pack. My gears are compagnolo chorus ergo '94. A mechanic once said RG> that my chain may be a little to long, while another said that the RG> rear derailleur should take up the necessary slack. What should I do, RG> suggestions?????????? :( I removed one pair of links on my chain earlier this year when I replaced my 42 tooth inner chain ring with a 39. Later I put the 42 back on for mid-season riding and perfomance was improved with less slack. Since I never ride with both the large chain ring and large cog at the same time it was the right move. John O'Neill ... "I don't think math is a science. I think it's a religion." - Calvin ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 --- TriToss (tm) Professional 10.0 - #12 * Origin: Bird Brains * Allentown, PA * (610) 437-4438 (1:2607/201.0) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD400005 Date: 09/03/96 From: JOHN O'NEILL Time: 03:09pm \/To: BILL NEWMAN (Read 3 times) Subj: Re: things that get me PO -=> Quoting Bill Newman to Richard Glazer <=- BN> On (26 Aug 96) Richard Glazer wrote to Ross Sauer... RG> Ross I don't think using a super soaker or hitting pedestrians RG> standing in the fast lane behind the neck with a pump is the proper RG> solution. It would in my opion have the reverse affect. The BEST RG> solution and the most troubesome would be to get off the bike and RG> calmly explain why they should not be there. Having taken the time for RG> the explanation would hit home to these culprits. BN> BN> I agree with you. Many people that are walking along some of BN> these trails do not realize how much a danger they are to BN> themselves and the bikes by walking in the bike lanes. A quick BN> talk in a friendly manner will do wonders to educate as well as BN> make friends with the walkers. Yell at them or hit them with BN> anything is going to cause an unfriendly situation for many BN> people and not just the one bike ridder. Actions like that could BN> close the trail or bring out the bike cops to enforce safty BN> regulations. BN> Bill and Richard, I am the one who first joked about hitting pedestrians with a Zefal pump. I would never hit any one for any reason but self defense or to protect someone else. However there is more to the problem of pedestrians on bike paths around here. A few years ago a pedestrian was killed in a accident with a bike. After that bikes were banned from that park for a year or two. Of the many many parks in our city that park was the only one where bikes were permitted until the accident. When finaly the park let bike back in many pedestrians who felt bicycles had no place in public parks often walked in front of bicyclist hoping that another colision would free the park of demon bicycles for ever. Years later Bob Rodale Cycling and fitness park opens. This park was built specificly so bicycles and inline skaters could have a park for them self. A completely seperated and well labled pedestrian walk way was added just to keep pedestrians away from cyclist. Large signs were hung with the rules clearly written, handouts with rules and park information were in a please take one type type box. This year they added Big bold painted letters in the lanes telling users what the lane is for. This park only has one entrance, nobody can get in without walking by the signs that clearly show pedestians where to go and where cyclist should go. This park is across the street from the most competitive velodrome in the United States. No english reading person should be in the wrong lane just because they do not know where to be. The thing that burns me up is if someone drives a car where cars are not to be driven, they get a ticket. If a bicyclist rides where he does not belong he gets a ticket. If a pedestrian walks where he does not belong not only does not get a ticket but he may get the area designated as a pedestrian only area! John O'Neill Lehigh Valley, PA ... "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give off any negative energy" - Mulder ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 --- TriToss (tm) Professional 10.0 - #12 * Origin: Bird Brains * Allentown, PA * (610) 437-4438 (1:2607/201.0) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD500000 Date: 09/03/96 From: KEITH KNAPP Time: 10:12pm \/To: KEN PECK (Read 3 times) Subj: Re: bike trivia KP>All that may be true, Richard. HOWEVER, track bikes have been used by KP>professional road racers for early spring training for decades. Hi Ken, I'm curious about this. A couple decades ago a high-school friend of mine spent a couple of months riding a track bike on the road, but I never understood what the deal was. KP>No, I don't recommend it. One can achieve essentially the same result by the KP>disciplined use of gears on a road bike. Curious about this remark too. * SLMR 2.1a * If crytography is outlawed bayl bhgynjf jvyy unir cevinpl --- PCBoard (R) v15.22/M 2 * Origin: *Binary illusions BBS* Albuq. NM (505) 897-8282 V.34 (1:301/45) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DD500001 Date: 09/03/96 From: KEITH KNAPP Time: 10:12pm \/To: BRIAN STEWART (Read 3 times) Subj: FAT FEET! BS> > I have checked also. New Balance does make a cycling shoe and is BS> > one of BS> > the few companies that makes shoes I am happy with. I hope to find BS>Hmmm. Maybe I got it wrong in my last message-- it might have been New BS>Balance I tried. Anyway, I currently can't afford to buy shoes, so I'll BS>have to pretend to be a retro-grouch for the time being, kind of like I BS>do with television (well, there I pretend to be a intellectual snob-- but BS>it;s the same sort of thing.) :-) I dunno about cycling shoes, but for the past 15 years, store staff folks have told me that NB makes their running shoes a bit on the wide side. Years ago I used to try on every running shoe in the place and then leave with a pair of NB -- my feets are also on the wide side. Now I just find the NB I can afford. But lately I've heard that NB has moved their factories offshore, just like Nike and Reebok, and are paying $0.24 an hour to Malaysian wage slaves who are docked 1/5 of their daily pay if they take an unauthorized bathroom break. They were complaining about the cost of American labor, yet I notice the price of the shoes is still going up. AFAIK, Saucony is the only sport shoe company that still makes them in the U.S., but I don't know if Saucony makes a cycling shoe. If you contrast the ultra-hip, baby-boomer ad campaigns of Nike and Reebok with the near-slavery police-state conditions of the people who actually make the shoes, the contrast is really disturbing. * SLMR 2.1a * Scotsmen wear kilts because sheep can hear zippers. --- PCBoard (R) v15.22/M 2 * Origin: *Binary illusions BBS* Albuq. NM (505) 897-8282 V.34 (1:301/45)