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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Apr 8, 2023 22:25:16 GMT
This is exactly what I’m trying to do with my “fleet”: have a “go to” bike, at least for each category. But with rail trail/towpath (loaded and unloaded), paved roads, commuting, day trips, and more . . . And then there’s “new” and “old”, the Viscounts, the Schwinn’s, the Austro Daimler, the newer stuff, . . . As you can probably tell, it’s very frustrating when you love ‘em all. I’ve already declared a moratorium on any more bikes. I have a dozen or so rideable bikes and probably twice that many framesets. The paring down begins, wish me luck! Best, John “wheelson” Good luck with that; I usually sell one and buy two! Or maybe three? Cheers Jim
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Post by brianbutler on Apr 9, 2023 0:42:07 GMT
I sold my Trek 520 this afternoon. One bike down and about 3 more to go in this phase. It was heartbreaking but I had to start somewhere. I might switch things up and sell a couple of musical instruments to dull the pain.
Brian
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Post by triitout on Apr 9, 2023 2:30:03 GMT
I sold my Trek 520 this afternoon. One bike down and about 3 more to go in this phase. It was heartbreaking but I had to start somewhere. I might switch things up and sell a couple of musical instruments to dull the pain. Brian Oh no! Isn't the whole reason we live in houses so that we never have to downsize? I hope you kept visitation rights and get first dibs if the new owner wants to move it. I'm seriously impressed as I'm still not mature enough to let anything go. Cheers, Michael
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on Apr 16, 2023 20:42:17 GMT
For a very comprehensive opinion on what makes a perfect Touring bike, I recommend downloading and reading the St John St Cycles Touring Bike Bible, which is essentially an extremely lengthy brochure for their products. Good hunting on the 2nd hand market! Wow, just working my way through this - it really is a complete guide to touring bikes. Thanks for that Rob. Great reading
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Post by brianbutler on Apr 27, 2023 23:58:22 GMT
I am posting here because we were talking about reducing our fleets and I sold my Motobecane Grand Touring today. Two down and two to go (for now at least). Next I will try to sell a Trek Madone 3.1 carbon bike that is nearly perfect but has not been ridden in 6 years. It feels good to get these oddballs out of my collection.
Brian
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on Apr 29, 2023 16:58:09 GMT
As an update - I went for second hand Genesis Croix de Fer 10 in the end, which is a steel framed bike with clearance for wider tyres (not sure exactly how wide yet). I got it at a good price - owner only posted one ,less than great, photo , and it was the white framed version, which it seems causes less desire in the buyers market. And, it is a small sized frame, which I discovered is almost the same as the medium frame in the Cannondale Topstone, so was spot on for me. But probably put a few potential bidders off if they hadn't done their research. It looks like it's done 1 or 2 rides at most.
Just tweaking it and will take it out for a test ride tonight. This is the first 'modern', post 90's bike I have owned, so not sure what to expect.
Some components look to be ok, some a little lightweight. But I think it's the basis for a decent 'do it all' bike.
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Post by whippet on Apr 29, 2023 18:16:01 GMT
They are great bikes Jem, I’m sure you’ll like it.
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on Apr 29, 2023 19:15:02 GMT
They are great bikes Jem, I’m sure you’ll like it. Thanks Kev - yes, just had about a 12 mile spin on it , mainly on the canal path, it was lovely and quiet, just what I wanted. Although I got a puncture at about 5 miles, these big tyres made it a piece of cake for off-on and fix. I could get it off with 1 tyre lever then just my thumbs to get it back on- that was just a refreshing change from battling and struggling with my very, vey tight 27x1 1/4's on a Viscount. They are hard work even at home in the comfort of the back garden. So, I found a silver lining in the puncture fix. Made me realise though that the more bumpy rides you take, the more your sit bone and lower back take some knocks. I got home and Googled these suspension seat posts. Or does anyone have thoughts on sprung saddles? Here's some pics. IMG_4085 by IMG_4073 by IMG_4098 by
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Post by whippet on Apr 29, 2023 19:29:13 GMT
What pressure are you running those tyres at. You can go down to about 40 psi on larger gravel tyres. Makes them very comfortable
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Post by whippet on Apr 29, 2023 19:30:06 GMT
PS it’s looks great in white, much better than the grey or black that most other modern bikes are painted.
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Post by whippet on Apr 29, 2023 19:31:26 GMT
It’s good that Genesis provide rack mounts, gravel bikes make brilliant tourers
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on Apr 29, 2023 19:36:32 GMT
What pressure are you running those tyres at. You can go down to about 40 psi on larger gravel tyres. Makes them very comfortable I did them at home before I left to around 45-50psi. But I had no real idea of what people ran them at. I'll give 40 a go next ride , thanks. BTW Kev , did you see I'd incorrectly sized the Deore for sale? It was when you said you were 23.5 "., and I knew you were a good bit taller than me.
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Post by whippet on Apr 29, 2023 19:52:06 GMT
I did Jem, I’ve just reposted on my classic messenger group hoping someone will want a medium frame.
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Post by whippet on Apr 29, 2023 19:53:15 GMT
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on Apr 29, 2023 19:54:06 GMT
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Post by triitout on Apr 30, 2023 0:14:00 GMT
Jem, congrats on your new ride. The best bikes are the ones that you ride. Many happy miles ahead! Good advice from Kevin on the tires.
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Post by triitout on Apr 30, 2023 0:23:45 GMT
I am posting here because we were talking about reducing our fleets and I sold my Motobecane Grand Touring today. Two down and two to go (for now at least). Next I will try to sell a Trek Madone 3.1 carbon bike that is nearly perfect but has not been ridden in 6 years. It feels good to get these oddballs out of my collection. Brian The Trek Madone 3.1 is a good bike for any wanna be racers/triathletes. The specs are pretty similar to my 2009 Madone 5.2. It's served me well and I'm definitely faster on it than the Viscounts. It does have a bit of a Viscount feel with the press fit bottom bracket bearings but thank goodness, much easier to service with the Hollowtech cranks.
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Post by brianbutler on Apr 30, 2023 11:43:50 GMT
I am posting here because we were talking about reducing our fleets and I sold my Motobecane Grand Touring today. Two down and two to go (for now at least). Next I will try to sell a Trek Madone 3.1 carbon bike that is nearly perfect but has not been ridden in 6 years. It feels good to get these oddballs out of my collection. Brian The Trek Madone 3.1 is a good bike for any wanna be racers/triathletes. The specs are pretty similar to my 2009 Madone 5.2. It's served me well and I'm definitely faster on it than the Viscounts. It does have a bit of a Viscount feel with the press fit bottom bracket bearings but thank goodness, much easier to service with the Hollowtech cranks. It is a nice bike for the right person. I've had it for about nine years and put maybe 11000 miles on it in the first three years, overhauled it and hung it on the wall. I realized I was fighting all of its good features, trying to use it for something it's not. So after countless flat tires, broken spokes, a spun wheel bearing, finicky brifters, and numerous attempts to mount some type of rack, I picked up a 70's steel road bike and refurbished it. Voila!
Brian
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robt
Viscount
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Post by robt on May 1, 2023 12:19:24 GMT
Nice find, Jem! That looks very tidy.
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Post by brianbutler on May 5, 2023 15:55:05 GMT
This thread got me thinking about some trails I have been meaning to investigate. They are a bit rougher than what I usually ride and I was mainly concerned about tires, That led me to set up this "interpretation" of a gravel bike. It is a 1984 Fuji del Rey with quad-butted Valite steel frame. I have already put over 17000 miles on this bike in the past 6 years so I know it is solid. The latest overhaul includes a new cartridge bottom bracket, headset, cables, and chain, repacked wheel bearings, new 46/34 chainrings, and a 14-34 freewheel. To address the tire concern, I am trying a pair of Kenda K161's. They seem fairly sturdy. They were cheap, $23 each, so I don't know about the quality. The nominal size is 27 x 1-3/8, which would be too wide/tall for clearance but many of the reviews complained that they were much narrower, barely more that 27 x 1-1/8, so I took a chance and they actually measure 32mm wide and 31mm high at 70 psi, which is the recommended maximum. They fit with no problems. I like the gumwall and general look of the tire. I'll take this bike out on the local hardpack trail today and plan to take it on a more demanding trip this weekend.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 5, 2023 16:48:06 GMT
Brian, your Fuji seems very similar to what I have done with one of my Treks (a 500, Reynolds 501). I am using Kenda Cyclocross tires in 700-32 which are very similar to what you have installed. I have ridden these tires for some time and am of the opinion they work well and a great bargain. I find my "adventure, cyclocross, gravel or whatever" Trek to be perfect for dirt roads and paths. The bike is very much better on paved roads than my Mountain bikes; not as good in deep sand. I most likely will swap out the shifters and Suntour 3 cog RD for a early Deore setup. I find hearing the cogs and fine tuning the friction shifter inconvenient on rough rutted roads hence the change; the Deore has indexed shifting. I also will be adding a rack and additional padding on the handlebar tops.
I once had a different Trek (a 613, Reynolds 531) built for the same purpose. It had 27" Kenda Cyclocross tires. I was approached by a friend that offered me more money for it than I could refuse. I missed it so much that I simply had to build another, hence my current Trek.
Cheers Jim
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Post by brianbutler on May 5, 2023 19:31:02 GMT
You are right, Jim, that is a very similar setup. And I believe the tires are identical, "Kenda K161 KrossCyclo", $24.95 everywhere. I'm glad to hear they are holding up. I took the Fuji for a 31 mile spin this afternoon, half paved and half moist stone dust on gravel. Compared with 27 x 1-1/8 Panaracer Paselas at 105 psi, there was a bit more resistance on pavement but much less on the softer surface. The tires had a lot more float with the bigger footprint at 70 psi. My overall time was actually a little faster than usual for that route and the workout felt about the same. This weekend I hope to use it on the Washington Secondary Rail Trail nearby in Rhode Island. It runs for 20 miles on nice pavement then abruptly changes to dirt, ballast, gravel, sand, etc. for about 5 miles to the Connecticut state line, then decent gravel and hardpack for another 5 miles into the village of Moosup, Connecticut. I have done the paved portion a few times and the western segment to Moosup on roads, but the Fuji should be able to handle the primitive rail trail.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 7, 2023 5:14:32 GMT
You are right, Jim, that is a very similar setup. And I believe the tires are identical, "Kenda K161 KrossCyclo", $24.95 everywhere. I'm glad to hear they are holding up. I took the Fuji for a 31 mile spin this afternoon, half paved and half moist stone dust on gravel. Compared with 27 x 1-1/8 Panaracer Paselas at 105 psi, there was a bit more resistance on pavement but much less on the softer surface. The tires had a lot more float with the bigger footprint at 70 psi. My overall time was actually a little faster than usual for that route and the workout felt about the same. This weekend I hope to use it on the Washington Secondary Rail Trail nearby in Rhode Island. It runs for 20 miles on nice pavement then abruptly changes to dirt, ballast, gravel, sand, etc. for about 5 miles to the Connecticut state line, then decent gravel and hardpack for another 5 miles into the village of Moosup, Connecticut. I have done the paved portion a few times and the western segment to Moosup on roads, but the Fuji should be able to handle the primitive rail trail.
Brian The ride seems to be a near perfect application for your Fuji. I think you will be pleased with the versatility of your bike.
Have Fun! Jim
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Post by brianbutler on May 7, 2023 15:55:49 GMT
Back to fleet reduction, I sold the Trek Madone 3.1 yesterday. Three down, one to go, at least for now. Next is a 1976 Raleigh Carlton Competition that I have put too much money into. It might be a challenge to break even but that is my goal. Here is my ad on Craigslist/Boston. I have the same thing on Facebook. Comments and advice welcome. boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bik/d/holliston-1976-raleigh-carlton/7618447706.htmlBrian
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Jem
Viscount
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Posts: 3,389
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Post by Jem on May 7, 2023 16:34:02 GMT
Back to fleet reduction, I sold the Trek Madone 3.1 yesterday. Three down, one to go, at least for now. Next is a 1976 Raleigh Carlton Competition that I have put too much money into. It might be a challenge to break even but that is my goal. Here is my ad on Craigslist/Boston. I have the same thing on Facebook. Comments and advice welcome. boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bik/d/holliston-1976-raleigh-carlton/7618447706.htmlBrian I know this is of no help, but I think that would sell pretty well in the UK Brian. It's a great bike in great condition!
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 7, 2023 17:11:54 GMT
Back to fleet reduction, I sold the Trek Madone 3.1 yesterday. Three down, one to go, at least for now. Next is a 1976 Raleigh Carlton Competition that I have put too much money into. It might be a challenge to break even but that is my goal. Here is my ad on Craigslist/Boston. I have the same thing on Facebook. Comments and advice welcome. boston.craigslist.org/bmw/bik/d/holliston-1976-raleigh-carlton/7618447706.htmlBrian At $500, I think it a great deal! Lovely bike!
Cheers Jim
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Post by brianbutler on May 9, 2023 1:35:06 GMT
You are right, Jim, that is a very similar setup. And I believe the tires are identical, "Kenda K161 KrossCyclo", $24.95 everywhere. I'm glad to hear they are holding up. I took the Fuji for a 31 mile spin this afternoon, half paved and half moist stone dust on gravel. Compared with 27 x 1-1/8 Panaracer Paselas at 105 psi, there was a bit more resistance on pavement but much less on the softer surface. The tires had a lot more float with the bigger footprint at 70 psi. My overall time was actually a little faster than usual for that route and the workout felt about the same. This weekend I hope to use it on the Washington Secondary Rail Trail nearby in Rhode Island. It runs for 20 miles on nice pavement then abruptly changes to dirt, ballast, gravel, sand, etc. for about 5 miles to the Connecticut state line, then decent gravel and hardpack for another 5 miles into the village of Moosup, Connecticut. I have done the paved portion a few times and the western segment to Moosup on roads, but the Fuji should be able to handle the primitive rail trail.
Brian The ride seems to be a near perfect application for your Fuji. I think you will be pleased with the versatility of your bike.
Have Fun! Jim
Today I did the ride mentioned above. The Kenda K161 KrossCyclo tires were great. The 10 mile undeveloped portion of the rail trail proved to be much worse than expected, with long stretches of "whales" created by dirt bikes and ATV's, flooded sections, and a few areas of deep sand that I could not plow through. For one of the flooded areas, I had to backtrack and briefly detour to public roads because on one side of the trail water extended into the woods as far as I could see. The other side had a private gravel driveway but it was unambiguously posted "No Trespassing" and guarded by a German Shepherd and a barb wire fence with an electric strand on top. OK, I get it.
The pounding from the whales and rocks loosened my headset but I was able to hand tighten it enough to continue. On the return route I used paved public roads to avoid the worst areas in eastern Connecticut and western Rhode Island. The trip overall was 62.4 miles (hey, a metric century) and took 5 hours, 1 minute of rolling time.
Here are a few photos from the adventure:
Parking lot at the end of the paved section at about 19 miles. Also the end of the road for civilized riders.
Whales
One of several fallen trees
Flooded area adjacent to unusable gravel road. Turnaround point for public road detour
A different flood with detour path
My favorite No Trespassing sign on a road crossing the trail
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 9, 2023 1:52:50 GMT
Brian, those look to be some very tough roads; much worse than I originally thought. Cyclocross riders would have lifted their bikes to their shoulder, and then ran through the puddles. Nevertheless, it seems your Fuji pulled you through most of it. As for me, I don't do giant mud puddles; the picture tells why. Cyclocross in the Mud by Jim_Gude, on Flickr Cheers Jim
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Post by brianbutler on May 9, 2023 12:31:40 GMT
Jim, what pressure do you use in your Kenda cyclocross tires? I inflated mine to the maximum 70psi when first installed. The next day they were down to 55-60 so I re-inflated to 70. The next day (the day of my off-road trip) they were back down to 60 so I re-inflated again. At first I thought I might have a leak, but it was both tires and the exact same loss of pressure in both. Now I realize the tires have grown! They have gained about 1mm in width and height, plus they are no longer perfectly seated. I am surprised the rated pressure is deforming the tires and I don't want to blow them off the rims (they are hooked bead rims), so I might reseat them and back the pressure off to 60.
Brian
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on May 9, 2023 15:58:16 GMT
Jim, what pressure do you use in your Kenda cyclocross tires? I inflated mine to the maximum 70psi when first installed. The next day they were down to 55-60 so I re-inflated to 70. The next day (the day of my off-road trip) they were back down to 60 so I re-inflated again. At first I thought I might have a leak, but it was both tires and the exact same loss of pressure in both. Now I realize the tires have grown! They have gained about 1mm in width and height, plus they are no longer perfectly seated. I am surprised the rated pressure is deforming the tires and I don't want to blow them off the rims (they are hooked bead rims), so I might reseat them and back the pressure off to 60. Brian The 700c version I am using are rated at 75 psi and I commonly inflate them to 75 psi. I have no problems with seating or excessive pressure loss; nor did I with my old 27" set. I also (like you) am running hooked rims. This sounds to me like a classic seating problem usually encountered when using hookless rims; but yours are hooked? The bead on these tires (as best I remember) seem a little fat; this makes me wonder if your rim tape is interfering with the seating? It will be interesting to see what you find.
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