--------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF100001 Date: 10/30/96 From: STEVEN MCFARLANE Time: 07:22pm \/To: BRIAN STEWART (Read 4 times) Subj: DAILY COMMUTE BS> All of which leads back to the question -- why are the handle bars BS> under the seat, anyway?! BS> BS> I've been seeing a recumbent riding around town lately with this BS> layout, maybe I should just pull him over sometime and ask, but that BS> seems like cheating (and might annoying him, if I word the questions BS> wrong!) Dear Brian: It took a little digging through my back issues of Bicycling magazine but this may help (from the August, 1994 issue, page 71). It talked about a recumbent called the Ryan Vanguard which had the handlebars under the seat. The others in the article all had more conventional bars. I quote: Safety, not speed, sparked its design. Riding in Beantown...is risky. So Wilson created the bike to guarantee escape and a safer outcome in a collision. The handlebar is und the seat, connected to the fork crown iwht an aluminum tube. This clears the front end and gives you a shot at landing on your feet if you're hit or falling. If you go down, you're close enough to the ground to slide to a stop like a baseball player coming into home. In any case, it's unlikely you'll land headfirst. Because recumbents are low, some riders install tall orange flags to be more conspicuous in traffic. Equipped this way, the $1,500 Vanguard lays claim to the title of safest bike in the world. (Steve again) I've never ridden one or seen one up close so all I report is what was in the article. I hope this helps. Tailwinds to you, Steve ... Cyclist's Rule #1: Everywhere you go is uphill or into the wind ___ * Freddie 1.2.5 * The first full-featured QWK reader for the Mac. --- GEcho 1.00 * Origin: Shizuoka Echo BBS: Home of JAPAN_LINK International Echo 6:730/40) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF200000 Date: 10/31/96 From: BRIAN STEWART Time: 07:37pm \/To: TIM DILL (Read 4 times) Subj: DAILY COMMUTE Hello! > > So, I am thinking of joining Transportation Alternatives > a sort of green peace type of org that centers around cyclists. > I haven't heard of them before. Are they national or local? (As if I need another activity to take up my already shorty spare time!) > > I usually just have a 2.0 mile round trip to do and already I have > had one flat tire due to glass... I've had two flats so far with my bike trips. One was definately due to glass (it was still embedded in my tire), the other probably was, but I can't be certain-- all I could find was the hole in the inner-tube. I don't know what the best way to deal with the problem hardware-wise is-- I still have the same tires and inner-tubes on my bike as when I got the flats. (Limited funds, mostly, is the reason.) Actually, my mountain bike, with its off-road tires, seems to have a better track record of avoiding flats than my old road bike. Good Luck, BAS --- FLAME v1.1 * Origin: 9J9 - Internet/Fidonet/Usenet - 608-256-5697 - Madison WI (1:121/99) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF200001 Date: 10/31/96 From: BRIAN STEWART Time: 08:27pm \/To: OZKAL OZSOY (Read 4 times) Subj: RE: DAILY COMMUTE > A good idea for that kind of bikes. But it may be better to make > the bike > a tri-wheeler. So there won't be any balance problems. Yesterday I > saw in > a paper, a two seater tricycle. And I liked it quite. Two people One of the used bicycle shops in town has a pair of bicycles for sale that where built in the 1800s-- both two passenger tri-wheel designs. It seems that the idea isn't new, although the new ones must certainly be lighter weight than the old designs! (If I am recalling correctly, one of them looked much like a horse drawn buggy turned into a pedal-powered vehicle. I wonder how easily something designed to be pulled by a horse would be for a human to propell? Probably would make the human's legs really strong....) I've seen a number of three wheeled "bicycles" on the roads around here-- hey seemed to be rather popular with older folks and/or people who are physically disabled-- i.e. they can be ridden at lower speeds and not fall over. Maybe when I reach my 90s about 60 years from now, I'll get myself one (unless someone figures out how to reverse the aging process, in which case I might train for the triathalon! :-) > a more conventional handlebar. It also had a rear suspension. And i > think > the rear suspension is a must though you have less chance to lift > your back > from the saddle while passing over bad bumps. > I hadn't thought about bumps. I haven't examined the seats, but I would have assumed that they would be designed so that they would absorb most of the bumps rather than transmit them to the rider's spine (or, at least, I HOPE that they would be designed like that!) The bbs just warned me that I have only 2 minutes left on my account for oday so I'd best finish this message now. Read more of your messages soon, BAS --- FLAME v1.1 * Origin: 9J9 - Internet/Fidonet/Usenet - 608-256-5697 - Madison WI (1:121/99) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF200002 Date: 10/26/96 From: LEAH ROZHON Time: 07:57pm \/To: ALL (Read 4 times) Subj: Cateye Solar Computers I was just about to discard my older cateye solar computer because the replacement batteries were very difficult to find. I guess they're not being made anymore. I especially like the large read-out and the alarm function which new computers don't have. But now I heard of a way to disable the solar recharger using electrical tape and using alkaline batteries. This lasts longer and saves me having to remove the computer to a sunny window when it's not being used on the bike. Leah ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12 --- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 * Origin: StarSpawn BBS, Fidonet (815) 477-8729 (1:115/477.0) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF200003 Date: 11/01/96 From: STEVEN MCFARLANE Time: 07:29pm \/To: DALE KRIMMER (Rcvd) (Read 4 times) Subj: DAILY COMMUTE BS> More seriously, I believe that part of the theory with them is BS> that the "lying down" posture transfers more power to the drive BS> wheel than the "up right" posture-- which is probably why all of BS> the enclosed "speed record" bicycles use it. When going for BS> speed, control is secondary, I guess. SM> Dear Brian: SM> I'm not so sure. I would think control would be more important SM> at highway speeds. I think the reason the fastest bikes are the SM> "lying down" style has more to do with their slicker aerodynamics SM> and lower frontal areas than "up right" postures. DK> [snip] The "recumbent" style of bike DK> most were using was being used because when you push on the pedals, DK> you can get more force by pushing against your back (the back of the DK> seat) than if you were pushing down and relying on your weight and DK> gravity. [snip] Anyway, DK> according to them, the aerodynamic position, while needed to attain DK> the speeds, was secondary to being able to push harder on the DK> pedals, like a strongman lifting a piano. I stand corrected. I hadn't considered how having something to "push against" like that could increase the power transfer. Sounds good to me. Thanks for the info. Tailwinds to you, Steve ... 10W666: The Motor Oil Of The Beast ___ * Freddie 1.2.5 * The first full-featured QWK reader for the Mac. --- GEcho 1.00 * Origin: Shizuoka Echo BBS: Home of JAPAN_LINK International Echo 6:730/40) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF200004 Date: 10/29/96 From: JOHN O'NEILL Time: 03:26pm \/To: BRIAN STEWART (Read 4 times) Subj: RE: DAILY COMMUTE -=> Quoting Brian Stewart to John O'neill <=- Hello Brian, BS> I HAD forgot the headlamps and rear view mirrors! (Actually, I guess BS> from all of that the mirrors made the most sense-- maybe I should get BS> some sort of mirror(s) for my bikes.) I use the type that clip onto my sunglasses they take some time to get used to but now I feel safer with them. BS> BS> A Stingrays is, I believe, what Budget Bicycle's used store has for BS> sale here. It's some weird sort of orange color (which might have had BS> metal flake in it.) It also has a cracked seat and rust, along with the BS> high price tag. BS> BTW, I like the lime metal flake green paint job you mention-- but BS> I've always liked distinctive paint jobs. After all, if your vehicle BS> doesn't stand out, you might not find where you parked it! :-) There are still lots of them that need work that are selling cheap. but since bike frames often rust from the inside out they may be in worse shape then they look. It is one thing for a collector but If I had a child I would be careful about what I would let them ride. Have you ever seen the low rider bicycles that some kids are riding? They take those old bikes chop, weld, customize and repaint them. There is a whole magazine for these kids and their bikes. BS> I'm still experimenting with what I should be lifting. I dropped BS> about 2 or 3 of the exercises out on theory I was overdoing it. (Too BS> much, too soon.) The last two times I've got what seems like a tension BS> headache up the back, right side of my skull while lifting. Maybe I am BS> straining too hard? Anyway, it still bothered me when I went to work BS> the next day, plus I felt like I might be having chills (hard to BS> tell-- the ventilation system at the hospital is terrible!), so I went BS> home sick. BS> I'm thinking of re-working my entire routine and concentrating on BS> different body parts different days, as a way to get more done in less BS> time. (I've also been calling EAS's 800 number for advice since, hey, BS> I buying some of their products, so why not ask them for advice?! :-) I do split up body parts for different days however I keep changing my routine. I split the muscle groups up into a monday wednesday & Friday workouts and sometimes revisit one of my weaker groups on rainy weekends when I can't ride. BS> ) BS> Do you use supplements? I've mostly been using the "life extension" BS> stuff, like antioxidants, minerals, DHEA, plus stuff like ginko, and BS> HMB (the only strickly muscle building thing I've tried so far.) Protein powder, Creatine Monohydrate, DHEA and vitamins. Of these the only thing I'm sure that works is the protein and creatine. I do see changes in my strength on and off creatine. I'm not so sure DHEA has helped, has there been any university studies done? > Two years ago I moved from a mobile home to a house. The mobile > home > still has not sold and I'm paying the mortgage for the house and > still > paing lot rent for the mobile home. Of course both places have > property tax. > BS> BS> THAT can be expensive! Maybe you should move the mobile home into BS> your backyard and use it as a workshop or something-- it might be BS> cheaper! (Of course, I'm thinking in terms of local rent and tax, BS> both of which tend to be high, but....) Ah We have a buyer! There moving to here from Texas (Hope they know what winter can look like up here!). If this goes through I will treat myself to a new road bike for spring. Nothing too pricey Just a good steel frame with a modern middle of the road groupo. My Panasonic is not only from the mid 80's but the sport touring frame is great for hands off riding but not for sharp turns. BS> BS> I need to get a new headlight for my bike-- the current one's been BS> draining C batteries at the rate of a pair or two per week, and has BS> just about killed a pair of Renewal rechargables in a week, so I think BS> I'll bite the bullet and see if I can find a better headlamp today. BS> (Maybe Cygo-Lite didn't intend the model I bough for daily use?) The newest Bicycle Guide Magazine has a headlight buyers guide. It may be worth the cover price just for there evaluations. I still don't own one, I just have the blinking red light I can clip on to the back of my jersey. I try not to ride any later than dusk but I should get a head light too. By The way I went to a bicycle flea market at our local Velodrome on Saturday. The prices were great, I have no idea how many people were there but I waited in line for nearly an hour just to get in. John O'Neill ... BEWARE - Tagline Thief in this echo ___ 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: DF200005 Date: 11/01/96 From: BRIAN STEWART Time: 09:12am \/To: STEVEN MCFARLANE (Read 4 times) Subj: DAILY COMMUTE Hello! > risky. So > Wilson created the bike to guarantee escape and a safer outcome in a > > collision. The handlebar is und the seat, connected to the fork > crown > iwht an aluminum tube. This clears the front end and gives you a > shot at > landing on your feet if you're hit or falling. If you go down, > you're > close enough to the ground to slide to a stop like a baseball player > > (Steve again) I've never ridden one or seen one up close so all I > report > is what was in the article. I hope this helps. > > Tailwinds to you, > Steve It's an interesting theory-- I wonder if any studies have been done? (I wonder if this is the same brand that I've been seeing? I've never come across one parked anywhere-- but I suppose if I had a rare bicycle I'd want to take it indoors with me while I was at work.) Thank you for the information! BAS --- FLAME v1.1 * Origin: 9J9 - Internet/Fidonet/Usenet - 608-256-5697 - Madison WI (1:121/99) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF200006 Date: 10/31/96 From: BILL PIEHLER Time: 04:52pm \/To: RICHARD GLAZER (Read 4 times) Subj: Biking in PEI Richard Glazer talking to Kim Lambert... RG>Hi Kim sounds like your trip was very beatiful. Could you RG>give us a few high lights of your trip, memorable RG>experiences, or funny episodes??? :-) Tell me where is PEI... RG>I will be going on a little weekend trip next weekend up RG>north. I hope it doesn't rain - or snows :-( How far north are you going....let's know if you got any snow. Greetings from sunny Redland...I just love my Bike...Bill * OLX 2.1 TD * It's only a hobby ... only a hobby ... only a --- Maximus/2 3.01 * Origin: Soft-Tech, Qld, Australia +61-7-3869-2666 (3:640/201) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF200007 Date: 10/31/96 From: BILL PIEHLER Time: 04:58pm \/To: OZKAL OZSOY (Read 4 times) Subj: Re: schwinn (old)? Ozkal Ozsoy talking to Ray Shannon... OO> How many bikes do you have? I've got five bikes. But all of them are OO> multi geared hybrid and mtbs. I like them a lot. How are you managing to ride five bikes...Ozkal? Greetings from sunny Redland...Bill * OLX 2.1 TD * e-mail: bill.piehler@ssbbs.brisnet.org.au --- Maximus/2 3.01 * Origin: Soft-Tech, Qld, Australia +61-7-3869-2666 (3:640/201) --------------- FIDO MESSAGE AREA==> TOPIC: 150 BIKE NET Ref: DF300000 Date: 11/02/96 From: KEVIN PAPENDICK Time: 11:56am \/To: LEAH ROZHON (Read 4 times) Subj: Cateye Solar Computers LR>I was just about to discard my older cateye solar computer because the >replacement batteries were very difficult to find. I guess they're not >being made anymore. I especially like the large read-out and the alarm >function which new computers don't have. But now I heard of a way to >disable the solar recharger using electrical tape and using alkaline >batteries. This lasts longer and saves me having to remove the computer >to a sunny window when it's not being used on the bike. I have a Cateye Solar also. I bought it back in about 1985-6. It has worked very well since the day I bought it. I have had to put a few set of batteries in it over the years. The last set I bought was about a year ago. I don't remember the exact number but it's something like LN44. They are lithium batteries that I bought at a camera store. Which is a great place to shop for little batteries because there are a lot of cameras that use them. I have a "catcharger" that I bought several years ago that I put the computer in only when I am no going to use it for more that about a week. I've often considered buying a new computer, but I just can't justify it so I buy something else instead! Works fine for me, but I do recall others talking about them being inaccurate. I haven't seen it myself. klp --- WILDMAIL!/WC v4.12 * Origin: The Super Continent Pangaea-Alden, Ny (716)937-6694 (1:260/153.0)