The Book We Need

I could be wrong, but it seems to me that there's a book missing from the bike world. We've got heaps of repair manuals, but none which help you solve novel problems. They can teach you how to true a wheel or fix a brake, but what about the greater mysteries?

I'd like to see a book which tells you more about modifying your bikes. Adding a 2nd set of brake levers, completely revamping your gearing, making a single speed, and so forth. So many of us want to change our bikes, tinker and reinvent: where's the book to do it? Maybe Lennard Zinn or someone can write such a book. If such a book exists, please comment.

Limits on Group Rides threaten Colorado tours

Head on over to Bicycle Colorado for more info. and to sign the petition!

Two bikes for sale

Brand new Schwinn GLX super sport, Medium size. SOLD SOLD SOLD

Bianchi Kingbee mountain bike, xl, 21" LX components. SOLD SOLD SOLD

Still for sale: wheels/tires/tubes/cassette: old Spinergy carbon fiber wheels. 26". Old fast carbon mountain wheels with slicks and cassette.

pair of Maxxis Larsen TT mtb tires. Barely used. Fast. Low profile knobs for racing and/or speed. $40.

pair of Look imitation pedals, made by Performance. Used just 50 miles! $40

Clean air, sharp views, on rest-day mornings

On Thanksgiving morning I had the best ride I've had in many a moon. The weather was crisp but sunny and the air was clean. It's worth remembering that early morning rides--particularly on the weekends--offer the cleanest air, the emptiest roads, and the greatest peace. Without cars stinking up the air, visibility is wonderful and breathing is easy. It's time for regular group rides on weekend mornings in Boulder County!

New Boulder LISTSERV for cycling

New Boulder Listserv for CYCLING: Cycle Boulder is a low-volume, moderated list to coordinate group rides, answer questions, and exchange advice. Best-suited to people in Boulder County, Colorado.

NOT for chatting.
Just for trading ideas and setting up group rides.

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/cycleboulder/

Subscribe: cycleboulder-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Unsubscribe: cycleboulder-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Hasta la victoria siempre,
Dylan

Any club / open rides out there?

Please leave a comment if you know of any regular bike rides in the Boulder area.

Mountain bike tires for dry + rocky conditions

I read in Bicyling that the Hutchinson Python is the way to go for dry Colorado. In the little mountain biking I've done it seems that the widely spaced knobs (meant to shed mud) don't grip as well on the Rocky stuff. Got a favorite tire?

Cleaning and Degreasing on the Cheap: RECIPES

From Al Feng:
Briefly (for a change), you only need THREE solvents:

1) water
2) WD-40
3) paint thinner (optional)

Shooting from the hip, I would say that 95% of what you need to clean on
a bike can be cleaned with water and/or dishwashing liquid & water.

For your chain, specifically:

1) wipe it off with a dry/clean paper towel (folded in half OR quarters
to give it greater thickness) ... use an old toothbrush to knock off any
crud (dirt and/or the waxy crud which passes as some chain "lubes")

2) WD-40 on a paper towel (quartered) to WIPE the chain

3) 3-in-1 or equivalent household oil to actually re-lube the chain
(i.e., the chain's pins).
4) wipe off the excess

Lubricant on the outside of the chain:

a) keeps water off ... prevents rust

b) collects dirt

WD-40 can be used as a lubricant AND a solvent ...

Paint thinner (buy a gallon from Home Depot) is for when you are in a
hurry.

AVOID letting either WD-40 or paint thinner make contact with rubber
components ... i.e., don't spray WD-40 or other lubes directly on your
chain or other moving parts WITHOUT covering your tires with newspaper.
If you get any lubes (or, over-priced cleaners) on your tires/paint, wipe
it off ASAP/immediately and rinse with water/soap-and-water.

Supposedly, SIMPLE GREEN is capable of destroying a SRAM chain!?!
Environmentally friendly?!? Use "Palmolive" (or, equivalent) dishwashing
liquid.

Compact Crankset on the Cheap ?

Quick question... Can I convert my regular double crankset to a compact?

I.e., can I just slap 50/34 rings on it?

Cross brakes: 2nd set?

No doubt you've noticed that some new cross bikes are adding a 2nd
set of brake levers at the upright portion of the handlebars. I take it
this can be done without too much trouble, no?

I won a Raleigh Cyclocross Team frameset at the VELOswap , so I'm building
up to sell. (Would have kept it, but it's a 54cm: too small. They refused
to exchange!)

Anyway, do you think I can just add a 2nd set of brake levers?

A Beginning

I'm a local bike rider interested in compiling bike rider wisdom. I'd like to strongly encourage postings and contributions from others. Welcome!