Catching Up on Projects

I installed a new Tektro brake on the rear end of my 3-speed and it works. Previously I'd tried new pads, different cable and housing combos, and different brake levers, but nothing made that rear brake work well enough to count. Now it does.

I attended Minnecycle with the Hiawatha bunch. It was fun and I wanted to buy a couple hand made frames. It's something to think about.

This is a Capricorn single speed.

This is my bike rack. I built it from left over lumber and PVC plumbing pipe. The photo would be more helpful if I'd parked a bike in the rack.

A parting thought:

"Don'tmistake my silence for approval of what you're doing."

Kayak Trailer for a Bicycle

I enjoy kayaking at a lake that's about a mile from my house. I've been strapping the kayak to the roof of my van, driving to the lake, paying for parking, and unloading the kayak. When I'm done paddling, I have to reverse process and it's a bit of a hassle loading and unloading the kayak on the roof of the mini van. I don't like paying for parking and I really dislike wasting gasoline.

Here's my solution. I converted the old kids trailer into a kayak trailer. I cut the trailer's tongue in half and installed a 7-foot extension. I used PVC pipe as the extension. It was, as you might expect, a bit wobbly. So I added a steel pipe inside the PVC pipe. This corrected the problem.

It's a perfect reuse of a trailer.

New 3-Speed Shifter SLS30

I installed the new Sturmey 3-speed, bar-end shifters on my Raleigh Sprite a couple weeks ago. I also changed to a set of randoneur-style bars and Mafac levers. The previous bars were fine, but I wanted to try something different. I previously had a pair of black, Tektro aero brake levers on this bike. They worked just fine, but they were out of place.

I've been trying to dream up an appropriately clever description of how out of place they are, but I realized the reality of putting black, aero levers on a '76 Raleigh 3-speed stands by itself with no clever comparisons necessary.

The three changes are really nice. I love riding this bike. The randoneur bars are very comfortable. I think they were the original ergonomic bars. The levers feel nice and the shifter is perfect. The shifter clicks are more positive and the movement between each click is less mushy than the original shifter.

A couple people have told me they thought the shifter would only work on the Sturmey Archer SX3 fixed hub. I found out that Sturmey has two 3-speed, bar-end shifters. I have the SLS30 which is intended for the AW hub. Just in case you wanted to know, the shifter intended for the 3-speed, fixed hub is the SLSX R3B.

Her-Cu-Matic (how do you capitalize that?)

I rode the Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour last weekend. My ankle seems fine as I was able to ride the grueling slog without pain.

I have a few photos that I hope to post. This is the one that caught my eye as I browsed through the photo collection today.

I want to invent something so I can create a name for the invention similar to the Her-Cu-Matic in the photo -- the Rig-o-matic or something similar.

No Serial Number?

Update: I found the serial number on this bike, thanks to this linked website. However, the paint is applied so heavily that I can't read the number. Instead, I recorded the Minneapolis bike registration sticker numbers. 1981-83: 2027124, 1978-80: 8051375

When this bike is out of the bomb shelter and on the road, it can only mean one thing; the Lake Pepin 3-Speed Tour is near.

In an effort to continue recording serial numbers of my bikes, I tried to find one on this machine. But I can't find it. I can't find one on my other 3-speed either.

The presence of this little house along my ride to work can only mean one thing; it's spring and I've ridden along the sidewalk that borders the golf course.

Here's an Interesting Idea

This conversion fork is impressive.

http://www.jacobsgreen.com/

How Many Butts Fit on This?

I saw this multi-seat bike a few days ago in Minneapolis (near Portland and 32nd Street). I bet some of you know the story on this thing?

Today's Lunchtime Ride

Here are a few photos from my lunchtime ride.

I found a totem pole on a very familiar trail that I haven't been on since last fall.

Bike Inventory

I've always wanted to create an inventory of my bikes and record the serial numbers, in case one is stolen.

These are most of the bikes that were sitting in the garage when I showed up with motivation and a camera. I missed two of them that were slouching in the corner and there are a few more in the bomb shelter.

Yokota Twin Peaks Tandem - T9108252

Wife's RB2 - 520223
Davidson (I couldn't find the serial number)

Raleigh Sprite - MN02711-131770 (This is hand-etched on the chain guard. I couldn't find a factory SN.)

Novara Buzz - F05031954
Fisher Sugar 293 - WTU013TO 32V
Dahon Helios - TGO111183
Maruishi Wanderer - GH73128
I had this one repainted last winter and it wears mostly new components. I'll install fenders soon. I wish I had a silver rack. If I find a nice one, I'll spring for it.

3-Speed Fixed Gear

I rode a bike with a Sturmey Archer S3X hub last night. It was really nice. I noticed a little lash, but it shifted smoothly and I could imagine enjoying fix-gear riding more if I had one of these. I have no plans to get one though.
This photo is not flopped. The drive train is on the left side of the bike. Cool.

I got this chance because I returned a couple frame straightening tools I had borrowed from Bikesmith Design. Mark (Bikesmith Design) had recently assembled this bike and allowed me to ride it.

I'll post photos of my straightening work soon.

Found While Riding

I found an ankle strap on this morning's ride. Coincidentally, the other day, I decided I needed one of these.

1st Ride to Work in More than a Year

Yesterday, I rode my bike to work for the first time in more than a year. It was good.

I had to ride my third-string bike. The starter bike is still not built after being repainted and the backup bike had an awful noise coming from the bottom bracket. I think the noise is cause to overhaul the BB bearings. I didn't jump into that job because it's a cottered crank. I need new cotters and the loan or purchase of a cotter press. What if it needs more parts than just bearings and cotters?

Each winter, I have big plans to finish bike projects during my down time, but it never happens. Then spring arrives and I hurry to complete my projects.

Here's my list of bike projects (this will help me remember):

• Straighten fork on folding bike
  
• Overhaul BB on three speed
• Finish rebuilding Maruishi
• Finish converting cross bike to geared machine
• Sell single-speed road bike (install bar tape, tires, other small items)
• Sell coaster-brake cruiser

I just saw a bike on Craig's List that I have wanted for a long time.

p.s. I removed comment moderation. What the heck was I thinking anyway?

3-Speed Barend Shifter is Here

Here's my 3-speed, bar-end shifter. I may be one of the few people who owns one of these right now. I'm guessing most people don't want to own one, but I won't let that diminish my pleasure.

This means I'm an early adopter -- a term that rarely describes me. Although, it's questionable whether the term should be used to describe someone who buys a slightly different version of a 3-speed shifter. It's like buying a laser sight for your muzzleloader or a like putting grandpa in a Wolverine mask for Halloween.

I apologize for the blown out flash thing in the photo. I'll do better next time.

Stuffed Dog

I found this photo on my cell phone. I'd forgotten that I'd taken it back in the fall.


It's a giant stuffed dog that someone abandoned in the woods behind the parking lot at work. This dog is about four feet high. It's so big that someone could be living in it.

I wish I had someone stand next to it to provide scale.

Russian Brides

Every morning I look over my spam mail folder before deleting the contents. At a glance, I can quickly determine the latest favorite topic of the spammers. Lately, I've seen lots of watch and jewelry spam. If you know me, you know that I don't go for that stuff.

I've also seen lots of Russian bride spam. I mentioned this to my coworkers and we all think it might be a nice idea to bring a helper into the house. Don't you think it would be nice to have someone dedicated to keeping the house in order? Maybe she could teach the kids a new language too?

I searched for "Russian brides" on the Google and found lots of hits. I'm surprised how beautiful they all are. Who would have known that all Russian women look like pro football cheerleaders in their underwear?

If we bring one of these brides into our house, we'll let her know that she has to wear less revealing clothing.

An Adjustable Stem Would be Nice

Take a look at this adjustable stem listed on ebay. I've always wanted one, but I bet this goes for a fortune.

3-Speed Bar End Shifter on the Way to Me

I ordered one of these the other day. I intend to put it on my orange three speed and mate it to a to-be-built 3-speed hub. That will be the coolest setup ever.
Thanks to SOMA for bringing these in stock and I grabbed the image from their site.

Strangest Conditions Ever

I rode today in the strangest conditions I've ever experienced. We have a layer of snow and ice on the side streets and bike trails and it's raining. The layer of ice has nearly turned to slush and goo. Riding on it is very similar work to riding in sand. It's hard work. I put in an hour of riding today and found I enjoyed the work -- happy misery, if that makes any sense.

I'm guessing the temps will drop below freezing and turn it into a skating rink very soon.

The single speed is working nicely, but the slush made me want a lower gear.

Vista

Vista has installed two updates in the last two days. The updates sometimes take a moment and don't require a restart. Other times, they take a long time to download, install, and then require a long restart. This eats up lots of my time. I wish they could bundle them so I don't see them two days in a row. They don't often happen back to back, but my laptop's update history shows it happens once in a while.

Generally, I believe the updates are important for security reasons. That's why I don't delay installing them unless I'm in the middle of something.

After each update, I look at the update history to see what's been installed. Today, I counted the updates that have been installed through 2009.

Guess how many?

How did you guess?

66. That's right, I saw 66 packages of updates last year. Many of the updates contained several smaller updates (sub-updates?).

Disclaimer: I use the computer my employer provided and it has Vista installed. They were going to upgrade to Windows 7, but they might be purchasing new computers. I guess that's what prevented us from upgrading.

Snow Bike or Mike Hatch Lives!

Here's my current winter bike. I installed the coroplast fenders the other night. That's a fun project. It only takes a few minutes and the results are significant. I used Mike Hatch campaign signs, just in case you wondered. I have a Colleen Rowley sign too.

As Seen on TV

We discovered this product while shopping for a gag gift for my wife's birthday. (The expression "gag gift" raises my eyebrows. Maybe the expression has a replacement.)

My son thinks it's ironic that the tool designed to help you "stop struggling with those stubborn plastic packages" is sold inside one of those darned plastic packages.
The woman on the packaging who is using her teeth to open the package must be a real tiger.

Painted Maruishi

I picked up my Maruishi touring frame from the painter this afternoon. It looks great. I think it looks too nice to take into the snow, salt, and wetness. I'll build it and ride it when the roads are clean again.

I doubt this frame looked this good new.

I also traveled with the Hiawatha crew to Madison, WI for the Cronometro bike swap. I bought brakes and a seatpost for the Maruishi to replace the broken down parts that were on it. These items were exactly the ones I wanted (NOS Diacompe cantilevers and a Suntour Superbe 26.8 seatpost). I almost bought a new crankset for it, but I waited too long and someone beat me to it.

Paint the Bike

I took my Maruishi commuter frame to a local guy for paint. I chose silver and I'm looking forward to seeing it with a new finish. I'll post a photo or two when I get it back -- maybe this weekend.

In the meantime, I cleaned my basement workshop. It's still cluttered and embarrassing, but now at least it's functional. After cleaning the workshop, I installed studded tires on the single-speed road bike I built. I have to admit, I'm not eager to get out in the ice ruts even with the studded tires.

I took some photos of the work area and this gives me a chance to show off the results of my new flash unit. I received it as a present recently. It really makes photos of people look much better if I use the bounce flash feature.


Here's my pile of discarded tires. They are all in good shape, but I won't ride them again.

Return to Cycling

I just finished a spirited 45 minute spinning class at the local YMCA. I had no Achilles heel issues, so I think the ankle is healed. I feel as if I could ride to work if my bike was ready.

I disassembled my commuter bike to have it repainted. It's the only bike that has clearance for studded tires and I'm not riding without those, so I'll have to wait until I get the bike back together. Until then, I'll try a few more spinning classes.

Maybe someone will buy me a Pugsley for xmas. Pugleys don't need studs.

Status of Me

I am explaining, just in case someone is curious, why I haven't blogged lately.

I've been pretty busy with work and don't have as much free time as I need to fit in blogging. This will change pretty soon and I'll be back at the freetime keyboard.

I've been trying to take photos of my daughter's cockatiel for a couple months now. I've probably taken 50 photos of him. They are never very good. He is almost always in motion. He is not interested in posing. His gray color mushes into his normal backgrounds.

Out of all those photos, this is the best. I think I'll try to put him in front of something colorful that will help his shape stand out. In this photo, I blurred the background which helped him show up better. His name is Milo and he's a nice little bird. He spends lots of time out of his cage, sitting on someone's shoulder.

A Bicycling Curiosity

I received this saddle a couple of years ago in a mass purchase of saddles. The logo says, "Rido" and has no other markings, not even the country of origin.

I never rode it (why would I?) and had no plans to until recently. An author of an article in Velovision magazine said he found it a very comfortable saddle that he used on his everyday bike. I'd never seen the saddle anywhere else, so I was interested by his recommendation.

One important thing mentioned by the article's author is that unlike many other new-fangled saddle designs, this one has a nose and the nose is important for steering your bike.

I pulled the saddle out of the parts box and washed it off. I noticed the yellow part is hard plastic and the blue portion is flexible rubber. I may give it a try if I find a suitable bike. The bike would need to provide an upright position and be colorful. Perhaps a clown bike would do.

I'll let you know what I think about it after I ride it. Until then, please don't order large quantities of them, OK?

4-Speed Again

This is the third time I've converted this bike to an internal gear (Sturmey Archer 4-speed). Maybe I've gotten it right this time.

I've had two problems using internal gear hubs with this bike in the past. The hub slips in the drop outs as if I hadn't tightened the axle nuts enough. This happens no matter how tight I make them.

The second problem is this bike has short horizontal drop outs. I haven't measured them, but they are just short enough to make it difficult to get the chain tension correct with certain cog/chain ring combinations. It seems that the ones I've tried are all difficult ones.

I've tried a few cures, but they didn't work. I mentioned this to Bikesmith and he sold me these beautifully made Sturmey Archer anti-rotation washers shown in the photo below. Previously, I'd only used stamped washers with a single "tooth." The new ones provide more surface area for the hub to bite into the drop outs. The new ones looked like they'd work, but they made the second problem worse by shortening the effective length of the drop outs. I tried this anyway and couldn't get the chain tight enough to stop the chain from jumping off the cog. So I put a rear derailleur back on the bike a month or so ago.




Compare my drop outs shown below with the array of drop outs shown on Sheldon's website (scroll down to the entry for drop outs). If my bike had long drop outs, setting chain tension would be easy.

A few days ago, I decided to try the anti-rotation washers again and add the chain tensioner mentioned in the last post. I installed it all today and gave it a ride. It seems to work. I've learned, however, that it'll take more time on the road to determine if it slips. Last year, I had it working until I installed clipless pedals in the spring. Then it started slipping again. I have hope for this setup though.



It's snowing and there are lots of ice ruts hidden under the snow. This prevented me from really putting the pressure on the pedals. It's time for skiing anyway.

Back from Vacation & New Bike Project

I returned from vacation. My family and I traveled to see my dad and brother. I had secret dreams of getting out on a bike, any old bike would do, but it didn't work out.

I'll share a few photos out of the hundreds I took. The digital camera gives me more freedom to experiment with photos and one or two of them turned out nicely.

Back home, I tried to ride my winter commuter and found the new chain rusted into an orange mess. I tried to loosen up the stiff links with oil and by gently bending it sideways. I didn't see much improvement. The bike is unrideable. I've had this problem before, but never to this extent.

I have a solution, a permanent one. Tomorrow I'll install the 4-speed hub again. Some of you may remember I had chain tension problems with that setup. This time, I'll use a chain tensioner.
The newest version of the Surly Singleator impresses me. I owned one of the originals, before it was called Surly, and it was less refined. The old one worked, but it required fiddling. The new features on this one look like they'll address the old ones shortcomings.

The work will begin tomorrow, because I want my bike ready for the HC New Year's Day ride. If it's like last year's, it'll be memorable. It was on that day that we got to see more of Jim than we expected.

Vacation

I'm going on vacation today for a week.

It's with great pleasure I leave you with this YouTube video I found on BoingBoing. Have a little patience -- the fun starts about 25 seconds into the video. I'll never be able to dance again.

Dec. 13 Hiawatha Cyclery Ride

About ten riders turned out for today's HC ride. Most of us complained of being overdressed as the temperature had risen to 20 degrees F and kept climbing throughout the ride. By the end of the ride the snow was mush and didn't provide the oatmeal quality it had earlier in the morning. Oatmeal sounds funny, but it makes handling difficult. It never lasts very long though, because it can only exist in a certain temperature range. When the temps warm up, the oatmeal turns to pudding and when the temps go down, it turns to angry ice.

The sun came out and I think the ride was one of the best ever. I can't tell you why, but that's how I felt.




After the ride, I attended our neighborhood holiday party and ate my weight in egg dishes.

Old Blog Posts are Worth Reading

I was looking through my old blog posts for a certain photo. Which photo is not important to this purpose of this post. The important point I want to make is that it's fun to read the old posts and the comments. I laughed and laughed.

The posts in which I describe bike projects are useful too. They helped me understand the progression of bike changes.

It's nice to reread the posts and remember things I'd forgotten. Over the past few months, I've questioned the value of a blog. After looking over the old posts, I have the answer: my blog is valuable to me.

Maybe all of you already found that answer, but if you haven't, I recommend you take a look at your old posts.

The Photo?
I took the photo on yesterday's ride to work. This is the Minneapolis skyline from the top of a hill north of downtown Minneapolis. I think that someday I'll capture the photo in a way that pleases me. But I haven't done it yet. I took this with a pocket camera steadied on my Frost River saddlebag. Yes, a better camera and a tripod would help. I set the shutter speed to about 1/4 of a second. I tried lots of other shutter speeds and froze my nipples off in the process.

Shopping Season Music

I went shopping the other day for xmas gifts. I heard lots of xmas songs while wandering around the stores. Lots of them are old songs with a beat track added, like Bing Crosby's version of White Christmas with a fake drum beat added. I don't like it. These songs become really stale after being over played, but adding hip-hop beats doesn't make them better.

I tried to find an audio clip that I could put in my blog, but I had no luck in the 30 seconds I spent searching.

For a good example of the bad music I'm referring to, go to this link and listen to any song on the list -- wait, first put a bucket in front of you to catch the puke you're gonna spew.

Dry-Skin Season Tip #1

I found another advantage of having a shaved head. During the dry-skin season I sometimes put too much lotion on my hands and need somewhere to wipe the excess. My shaved head is perfect for this.