Can anybody talk me down from buying a bicycle?

[IdolEyes787]

I've even been thinking of getting a recumbent especially for long tours.

Comfortable and fast on the flats but I've heard that they're a bitch on even small climbs.Of course that's just something that I read or heard and so totally believe even if it's wrong.

[IdolEyes787]

Also thank God for triathletes or cyclists would have no one to look down on.
Besides the French I mean.

[mjmacky]

I think I've found my storage solution:

http://www.amazon.com/Kettler-8959-5...pr_product_top

There's this on the same page.

Also, don't rule out Harbor Freight's similar product that's usually under $10.

I've been reading some unnerving shit about the craftsmanship of those other products (Rad, Racor, Delta Force Tactical Unit G). I think I'm going to take a drive out to Toys R Us or Sears, if either is still in existence, and see if I can't buy it in store.

You guys are insane. Those most I've ever paid for a bicycle was $99 from Wal Mart. Then again I've never had nothing but problems with those types of bikes so maybe I should stop being so cheap.

I used to be like that too, which was well enough since all of my bikes have been stolen. But once you commit to keep him/her safe, shoot higher (they feel great). I'd probably have more to say in about a week or two.

I think I've found my storage solution:

http://www.amazon.com/Kettler-8959-5...pr_product_top

That's fine if you happen to be a dwarf or you live in an apartment with very high ceilings, otherwise you'll be doing impromptu impressions of Quasimodo, while navigating the multiple dangling obstacles bicycles.

I have high ceilings. We've got some thieving motherfuckers living here, busting locks and stealing them straight out of the bike room. We've got an incompetent greedy board and a disinterested staff. The other problem is I'm ground level with my patio.

[IdolEyes787]

Have you formed an echelon and ridden some wheel-sucking guido into the gutter yet?

[mjmacky]

Have you formed an echelon and ridden some wheel-sucking guido into the gutter yet?

I was going to ask you what echelon means here, but I decided to first consult wikipedia.

Riding in an echelon, a road bicycle racing technique to make maximum use of another rider's slipstream in a crosswind.

What does echelon mean here?

[Snee]

peloton-2.jpg

[megabyteme]

There's this on the same page.

Also, don't rule out Harbor Freight's similar product that's usually under $10.

I've been reading some unnerving shit about the craftsmanship of those other products (Rad, Racor, Delta Force Tactical Unit G). I think I'm going to take a drive out to Toys R Us or Sears, if either is still in existence, and see if I can't buy it in store.

I've seen the Harbor Freight ones in-store, and while I'd expect to do a little bit of modifying, the majority of the system is capable. The difference between $60 and $8 (especially since you need 2) is enough for me to take a trip to the hardware store and replace the shoddy parts. The basic principle is the same regardless of the brand name. Before I purchase anything from HF, I read all the comments, and heed the ones who stand out as knowing what they are talking about. If you find one of the more expensive ones in-store, look at the fine points, and make the mods on the cheap ones.

From what I've seen, people are replacing the ropes (too thin; too short) and modifying the rollers so that they don't derail, and buying stronger bolts. The benefit of doing it yourself this way, is that you know the quality of each part being used. Even the expensive ones have been accused of cutting some corners like ropes being too short.

Of course you don't want $1000 worth of bikes falling from the ceiling, I do think you can save nearly $100 by making some cheap upgrades.

[mjmacky]

I've been reading some unnerving shit about the craftsmanship of those other products (Rad, Racor, Delta Force Tactical Unit G). I think I'm going to take a drive out to Toys R Us or Sears, if either is still in existence, and see if I can't buy it in store.

I've seen the Harbor Freight ones in-store, and while I'd expect to do a little bit of modifying, the majority of the system is capable. The difference between $60 and $8 (especially since you need 2) is enough for me to take a trip to the hardware store and replace the shoddy parts. The basic principle is the same regardless of the brand name. Before I purchase anything from HF, I read all the comments, and heed the ones who stand out as knowing what they are talking about. If you find one of the more expensive ones in-store, look at the fine points, and make the mods on the cheap ones.

From what I've seen, people are replacing the ropes (too thin; too short) and modifying the rollers so that they don't derail, and buying stronger bolts. The benefit of doing it yourself this way, is that you know the quality of each part being used. Even the expensive ones have been accused of cutting some corners like ropes being too short.

Of course you don't want $1000 worth of bikes falling from the ceiling, I do think you can save nearly $100 by making some cheap upgrades.

I did see all those points people were making, and will be using my own screws + anchors regardless. The biggest problem I have are the "hooks". That's why I want to take a trip down and examine something tangible. Most of those people were complaining that what is depicted in the image is not what they send you (all the manufacturers made changes to L-shaped grabber thingies). Even if I am getting a cheap one, I need some visual confirmation that I'm getting a hook, and apparently Toys R Us and Sears are the only outfits selling these items in store.

[mjmacky]

peloton-2.jpg

They are riding their bikes the same way the Chinese drive on their highways. Maybe it's some Asian secret, or all of those bikers are gay and want to be close enough to smell each other's Lycra ballsweat.

[IdolEyes787]

peloton-2.jpg

They are riding their bikes the same way the Chinese drive on their highways. Maybe it's some Asian secret, or all of those bikers are gay and want to be close enough to smell each other's Lycra ballsweat.

Drafting 101

Almost all the energy that you expend while a bike is used overcoming air resistance.The closer you can "draft" off of something the lesser the effort.Pros regularly ride inches apart.



or more poetically