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Gentlemen, be seated.

10/20/2010 By 2 Comments

Before I rode my first Rans I was one of those who thought the seat looked just stupid.  It was just an overgrown cruiser seat made especially for an overly large American backside.  Once I tried it…..like the commercial said, “You’ll like it!”  And they were right.

Old seat cover. Notice the arrow pointing to the hole.

Well due to a premature release of a radloc on a fun ride my seat cover got eaten by my rear wheel.  This was purely asthetic and the base of the seat was not damaged but in preparation for an upcoming ride I really wanted a new seat cover.

I checked out the Rans site and found their original covers are only $44 plus shipping but I really wanted something more.  I have a background in sewing machine and fabric application so with that in mind I was off to the fabric store.  The fabric had to be stretchy in multiple directions and should wear well.  I found a heavy spandex in a ton of designs,  Everything from leopard to candy stripes and I could not control myself.  I bought 2 different patterns to experiment with.  My favorites were the star spangled banner print and the tie-dyed peace signs.

Making A Pattern

Remember, 28 inches.

The first step was to remove the old seat cover and make a pattern.  The cover just slips off over the top of the seat bottom.  It is held in place with an elastic cord that is tied at the back of the seat.  Untie the cord and pull it out of the sleeve it is in.  It’s length is 28 inches so remember this point or write it down if you must.

Gently, gently, cut it away.

The next step is to gently cut the non-flexible sleeve from the seat cover fabric.  You will make a few holes but just do not make too many.  The fabric will be wrinkled so to flatten it to make an accurate pattern get your wife’s iron, set it on med-high and apply heat to the fabric with extreme caution.

Cool iron, not too hot or it will all melt.

Use a sheet of paper between the iron and the fabric or you will end up with molten fabric dripping from the iron and no pattern.

Once it is fairly flat the middle of the fabric will be puckered up but as long as the edges are good you will be able to make an accurate pattern for the future.  You can use cardboard but I had a yoga mat that was not getting much use so with a sharp pair of scissors a pattern was born.

For Sale, used yoga mat. Odd hole in the middle but otherwise in great shape.

Hippy days are here again.....

Making The Seat Cover

Seal the ends of all nylon with a hot knife.

With pattern in hand, I cut a few pieces of my very cool fabric and now the real work began.  I am pretty familiar with my wife’s machine and it did not require any special set-up so it was a matter of gathering my materials and sewing away.  The casing I needed for the cord had to be non-stretchy so I found 1 1/2″ ribbon at WallyWorld and bought a roll of it for each fabric.  I cut it with a hot knife to a length of 65″.  This was based on the old one I had removed from the original.

I added a bit of fabric to the casing to allow for the stretch of the spandex.

Make sure you use a hot knife or something to seal the ends of any nylon you cut.

Begin at the back of the seat at the midline and work slowly around the cut fabric.  The stretchy fabric should be on top to keep the lower feet from pulling it and distorting the final product.  Here is a point where my wife and I differ.  I put the cord in the casing while I stitched it.  I have a really small presser foot so even though the cord is a pain and in the way, it works for me.  She prefers to stitch the project and then feed the cord through.  This takes time and if you stitch the casing a bit small you will have trouble passing the cord.

Great pattern for the upcoming Veterans Day ride.

Either way it works, but I think my way is easier with this fairly large cord.  When you get to the point where the casing meets its self make sure you overlap then 1/4 – 1/2″  This will ensure consistency when you tie the cord.  I further added a reinforcing piece of casing over the joined area but it is probably not required.

Fun fabric. A very cool seat for any occasion.

Next tie the cord in a square knot and then seal the knot with a few drops of super glue to keep it together.  Now work the fabric around the cord as evenly as possible and slip it on the seat pad.  You are now the proud owner of a freshly covered seat in very snazzy colors and patterns.  From a 1/2 yd of fabric you will get 3 covers easily.  Later on I found some ribbon for casing that complimented some of the fabrics very well so I see many more covers in my future.  The total cost of the cover is about $5 and most of that was the ribbon used for casing.  The elastic cord (3/16 – 1/4″)is available from a good fabric store for pennys.

The perfect seat for the Veterans Day ride

Overall it was an easy project with some very cool results.  I am not sure how long the printed designs will stay on the fabric but I have several hundred miles on it and no wear so far.  I will keep you posted if wear becomes an issue.

NOTE 2/2011: After several months and loads of miles the stars (silk screened on) are wearing off a bit but the over-all performance of the seat cover has been very nice.  I still get comments about the seat and may be looking towards a star tailsok for this summer’s project.

Filed Under: Bent Projects

Shifter Compatability

09/17/2010 By 1 Comment

Over on the ActionBent yahoo group there have always been discussions regarding shifter compatibility since shifter upgrades are common on many of their models.  A frequent poster succinctly dropped this post the other day and I thought it was worth a repeat.  (with Andre’s permission of course) 

Shimano 6600

 

Let’s make something clear on Shifter compatibility.
All FD’s will work reasonably well with all Shifters. Did I say reasonably well, yup. There are leverage issues with MTB Shifters & Road FD’s. Depending on the vagaries of production you may not like the amount of force required, especially with grip shifters. But they will will work. If the effort is too great Shimano makes one FD for this situation, the FD R443/453. Also IRD produces a FD specifically for Compact Road Triples.
Rear’s are more complex. Buy Shifters labeled for the correct number of Cogs, well da.
Campy is Campy, period. Mixing there bits with other bits is not recommended.
Any NUMBERED SRAM Shifter, like 7.0 or X-9 works only with NUMBERED SRAM RD’s.
All Shimano RD’s work with with all Shimano or Alphabetic SRAM shifter.
If the Tech at a LBS says otherwise, find another LBS. You can Mix & Match all you like within these bounds.
If you need more information, go Harris Cyclery & read the late Sheldon Brown. 

It all sounds like good advice to me so thanks Andre’  I will be getting back into projects as the weather cools so your advice will be used. 

SRAM 3.0

Filed Under: Tech Tips

“the man”

09/14/2010 By Leave a Comment

Some of you have followed our rides this summer and may remember the happy 5 who made the Camp Lejeune to Ft Bragg ride.  It was a hot, sweaty, long ride that I will never forget.  Some things we never forget because they were really bad but this ride will go into the things I will never forget because of the people who were with me.  It was the first long ride for my son and I together so that made it special.  I also met a Ft Bragg soldier who has turned out to be a great friend and this weekend has earned the title, “the man”. 

Mike Davila on the WWR 2010

     Although Mike and I were on different rides this last weekend his accomplishment in meeting his personal goal of a sub 5 hr 100 miles was not something I could miss posting here.  His ride report detailed the work and effort he put into the ride and once I get a copy of it I will post a link here for all to read.  Mike, you are “the man”  Hope to see you again soon.

Filed Under: Bike Rides

Headrest in peace.

09/09/2010 By Leave a Comment

When I first began riding recumbents it was on a trike that I still own and love but just do not get to riding as often as I would like.  I then made the decision to try a two wheeled version of the recumbent.  I purchased a SWB Jetstream and had a great time learning to ride it.  The one issue I had with it was that there was really no way to attach a good headrest to it.  After about 40 miles my melon got a bit heavy and by the time I got to 60 I had to keep one hand on my neck just to get a bit of relief.

As I moved along to my next SWB, an AB Tango, I knew I had to have a headrest.  The one that came along with it just did not fit with my helmet.  A custom job was needed desperately.  Here is the progression of making, adjusting, starting over, and finally coming up with what I needed.

In the beginning... there were parts.

 

I began with a piece of aluminum plate and a seat post from a deceased DF bike.

I measured, cut, and drilled the plate until I got the holes I needed plus a few for possible adjustments and then had a friend weld the post to the plate.

The yellow tape is just holding the pad in place until the contact cement dries.

 

My task then turned to finding the correct material for padding and since it is summer in the south the availability of “pool noodles” made the choice for me.  I selected a 4″ one in blue to match the bike and cut a piect to fit the ex-seatpost.

A quick slice down the middle and I had a headrest that looked very cool.  All I had to do was mount it and I was ready for the 2 day 120 mile ride across the sandhills of NC.

Attempt 1 attached view from the side.

 

Unfortunately,  the headrest was too big, too hard, too high, held my water bottles in place a bit too tight, and altogether just uncomfortable.  I attacked it with a knife and little by little whittled it down until it was acceptable for comfort and access to my water but looked like crap.  I could not just remove the foam since I had used the very best contact cement I could find and it was virtually welded in place. (as were a few items on my garage floor where I spilled about 1/2 quart of the cement).

Well it was round once!!!!

 

Once home I broke out the grinder with a stripped pad in place and destroyed the remnants of the old noodle.  I drilled two more holes so I could lower the mount, and found a much smaller noodle for the pad.  I now have a very comfortable headrest and have scraped up most of the contact cement spilled on the garage floor.

The new mount holes are about 1 1/4 inch higher than the previous ones.

 

Notched the padding for the seat pad. Sharp knives are my friend.

Filed Under: Bent Projects

Tan Lines?

08/31/2010 By Leave a Comment

My wife has always been a sun worshiper.  She can spend countless hours just laying in the sun reading or soaking up those ever so dangerous rays.  Me, on the other hand could care less how much sun I got or just how tan I could be.  That makes so agrivating that I just tan easily and hold it longer.  Her revenge is of course my tan line.  Just as Grandpa Harry took the “farmers tan” to extreme I have now perfected the “cyclists tan”. 

Not only do I have these marvelous lines around my face and neck but check out the sock line.

Tan line on both of my legs. How lovely!

I did not picture it here but I have nice circles on the backs of my hands where my gloves open to the sun.  My wife says I look goofy.  My students tend to agree but usually do not say so out loud.  If there ever was a great reason for not wearing a helmet and trying sandals here it is.

Filed Under: Cycling Rants

One of those days…

08/06/2010 By 2 Comments

Did you ever just have one of those days where all the signs were pointing you towards one direction but you went the other?  I just did.  I had decided I would end my July with a metric century ride over in Fayetteville.  Really flat and a new group of people so It had the potential to be great.  Even better when my son decided to join me for the fun. 

The Plan:  Meet in Dunn at my son’s Friday and get a bit of sleep.  Rise early and drive the 45 min to the ride.  Ride the ride and return to Dunn for an afternoon with family.

Sounded really easy and a load of fun.

Eli is awake!!!!!

Reality:  Got a late start from Charlotte so did not make it to Dunn until about 9pm.  Grandson was wide (did I say wide) awake and although it was a pleasure to see him It was looking like a long nite for mom and dad.  After a bit of discussion I realized that although I had brought along Ian’s cycling shoe (from another story), I had failed to realize the extra helmet on the bench was his also and it had been left in Charlotte.  Well nothing a quick trip to wallyworld couldn’t fix on the way in the am.  Ian also wanted to use his favorite platform pedals from his Kona so threw them in the truck to be put on tomorrow.

Awoke at 5:30 (on a Saturday) and confirmed that indeed there was little sleep on the dad front.  He looked like death warmed over but we headed out anyway.  Stopped at the mart and should have known but there was not a helmet to comfortably fit the bucket he calls a head (gets it from his dad).  Got the closest thing and headed down the road.  Got to the ride site with 15 minutes to spare and right away realized we needed a pump and only had one bottle for each bike for fluids…. that’s ok there is a sag vehicle right.  Ran into a friend from the Wounded Warrior Ride and he had a shiny new pump to loan so that was solved.  Got both of us registered and unloaded the bikes.  Changed the pedals on the Rans and as I was tightening the L side the organizer called everyone together for the briefing. 

Thorough brief and 5 minutes later and we were back at the bikes and as we were getting ready realized that the ride was on and we were the only ones left in the lot.  Got to the road and even the sag was out of sight.

Cranked the speed up to around 21 or so and cruised.  At the 4.8 mile point we were in sight of the tail end and just as I was wondering if I had ever finished tightening the pedal this huge Kona platform gave way and flipped end over end over Ian and right across my face and off into the cotton field.  Scared the crap out of me but I got stopped without falling off and began the search for the runaway pedal.  Finally found it and then realized we had no tools….. no need, sag right?  Hand tightened it and then with the help of an inner tube got it almost screwed in all the way.  Here is where a reasonable person would have turned around but I was way too determined to ride on such a glorious day.

Somewhere around the 12 mile point we lost markers and came to a fairly busy “T” intersection.  Could not determine which way the pack had gone so after a few minutes of debate we were decided to turn  left and head back to the lot, ride over.  Just before we pulled out “What to our wondering eyes should appear?”  3 lone riders to the right.  “Dash away, they were so we chased.”  Caught up rather quickly and as it turned out it was Mike D + 2 we did not know.  Mike was having a problem with his bike too so we decided to all just ride along together. 

6 or so mile goes by quickly when you are chatting with friends but it was about then we were rudely interrupted by what sounded like a loud hisssssssss.  “Flat” so we all pulled over and realized it was not a flat but the bolts that hold the Rans seat in place had “runn oft” and the seat was now sliding all over the place and had lodged against the rear tire with the tire happily wearing a hole in the seat material.

This was the last straw and for us the ride was over.  Luckily Mike only lived a few miles away so I rode with him to get his truck.  We picked up Ian, went back to the lot, thanked Mike repeatedly and headed back toward Dunn.  We made it back to Dunn earlier than expected so I did get some quality time with the grandson and every minute with Ian is treasured so I did enjoy myself but my last July ride was a bust.  All the signs were there, forgotten stuff, lack of sleep, last minute mechanical work, getting left by the sag wagon, I just did not pay heed to them.  Maybe next time, but probably not. …. Almost forgot, would have had picture but left the camera in the truck.  ”Ride On”

Filed Under: Bike Rides

You Did What To Your Shifters?

07/16/2010 By 2 Comments

On my first recumbent trike (AB Apoyo) I found that I really did not care for the bar end shifters. They worked fine but just personal preference led me to explore options. I lengthened the USS handlebars 4″ and purchased a pair of combination brake levers and trigger shifters. I realized that for all of this to work like I wanted I would have to mount them upside down. To make the triggers fit my hand I also had to mount them on the opposite sides from normal.

No this is not my hand so don't get any ideas.

It really only took a few minutes to get used to it and the shifts are now crisp and accurate. The extensions are not a necessity but I like them.

Shifting to a bigger gear is with the thumb pushing forward and down to smaller gears is a simple flick of the index finger. Only confusing if you switch between two or more bikes often and then only just for a minute or so, or until you miss a gear.

Filed Under: Bent Projects

The Wounded Warrior Ride

07/16/2010 By 2 Comments

Beginning of the day, from left to right: Ian, Jerry (me), Kevin, Jeff, Mike

WE HAVE FINISHED!!!!!!!!

The dawn came on the 3rd of July 2010 and an intrepid group of 5 began the trek from Camp Lejeune, NC to Fayetteville, NC.  The ride was to take place over the 3rd and 4th of July and be a total of 110 miles.  The weather could not have been better for a July in NC.  Our support crew was ready, bikes were ready, bodies were ready and our minds were right with the world.  Off we set with the support crew of Jane and Carol following along and jumping ahead to be ready for us at the scheduled stops.

Ian at the rest stop in Warsaw, NC

5 new friends began the ride, well actually we misplaced Kevin for a few minutes but we did all get together quickly and on our way.  Getting to know each other was one of the great aspects of the ride.  We chatted about bikes, lives, and just stuff in general.  Within our group the bikes were as diverse as our individual personalities.  Mike was on his very nice Cervelo T3, Kevin on his Trek, Jeff on a borrowed Raleigh, Ian on his 29er Kona Commuter, and Me on my Rans V2.  A mixed lot if I have ever seen one but a group that had a great time getting to know each other and pedaling ourselves across the Coastal Plain of NC for a great cause.

Beginning of day 2 in Clinton, NC

Stops were planned at about 15 mile intervals with to drinks and snacks in abundance.  The only time we felt the heat was about the last 30 minutes into Clinton where we spent the night.  It seemed to be just oppressive once we got into town.  The only mechanical problem we had was a broken spoke on Ian’s 29er.  We disconnected his rear brakes and limped into Clinton the last few miles.  It was a lost cause to try to find a 29er spoke in rural NC on a Saturday evening so we decided Ian would ride my extra bike the next day.

We found the Hotel and took a well deserved rest.  We all stayed in the same hotel so later in the evening we searched for a dinner spot and against my better judgment Mike talked us into a Mexican Restaurant.  I have an internal alarm that goes off if I think about spicy food from a sketchy source when I will be spending all of the next day on a bike.  They did serve beer so it was not too bad an idea.

It did turn out to be good food so my apologies to the establishment for my thoughts and the next day was another fine day to be alive.  It was the anniversary of the greatest country in the world.  HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!  Ian was on my primary ride and I hopped on the SWB Tango and we were off for the day.  Again another ride with loads of encouragement and fun.  We decided to make a bit of an detour that Kevin assured us was a “short cut” .  It was a pleasant ride that took us past Kevin’s house and his short cut only added about 6 miles to the route.

Last rest stop before Kevin's "short cut" Autryville, NC

The ride ended at the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum in lovely downtown Fayetteville with all original 5 riders.  All a bit sweatier and road grimed but happy.  The group adjourned to a local pub and shared stories with the support team and the families who had joined us.  After an hour or so we said our goodbyes and all agreed it was well worth the work and we look forward to next year.

Filed Under: Bike Rides

Bikes vs Everybody Else

07/16/2010 By Leave a Comment

Once again this topic comes up and it just does not change.  Over the last week our local talk radio has had several “discussions” with people who think bicycles should be on the sidewalk and never on the road.  These knuckleheads were off-set by the cyclists who insist that they have every right to be on the roads and obstruct traffic in any way the see fit.  Who is right?  Who is wrong?  Who is a self-centered, arrogant, self-important individual?  Is all of the above too much.

What a group of people!  Wouldn’t you like to put them all in the same room and lock the doors?  No one is willing to see the other’s point of view and their arrogance (both groups) keeps getting in the way of common sense.  Most roads are designed for automobiles.  Cyclists travel slower than most automobiles so can be a hazard to traffic.  But, neither have exclusive rights to the roadway.

Nothing gives drivers the right to see “just how close they can come to that spandex creature” or “Hey, blast your horn just behind that guy!” or simply run them all off of the road because they do not belong on my road..

Neither do we as cyclists have a right to take up as much space as we want on the highway, or pepper spray a family pet that is just running along beside us, or create a traffic jam of dozens of cars behind us.

Drivers are angry because they may have to wait a few extra seconds until it is acceptable to pass a cyclist, cyclists are angry because some drivers swerve, weave, honk or disrupt us in some way.  What are we to do?

In my mind the answer shoud be simple.  We should all give the other the respect that is deserved of all life and stop taking every little thing so seriously.  When riding, if a car passes a bit too close I wave (all fingers extended) and keep going along.  If my speed is exceptionally slow I pull off and let traffic pass.  For all of this I only want to have the safety of being able to travel our roads without fear of being crushed by a metal monster.  When passing, give me the lane.  If you can not, it is not safe (or legal to pass).  Just take a few minutes and think about what you do and how it effects other people.

Filed Under: Cycling Rants

Support Your Local Bike Shop

07/16/2010 By Leave a Comment

Today the internet touches practically everything we do. For goodness sake my mom even has a connection. She is now the owner of a farm with loads of animals and some sort of Mafia involvement. Don’t really understand all of it but she seems to be having fun and as far as I know she has not buried anybody in the back yard.

I am the first to admit that the internet has given me opportunities that I would never have had. I just opened a box from California with a new bike in it that I would never have even known about just a few years ago. I buy bike parts on the internet, I get news from the internet, and I rant on the internet. As of today I officially own more bikes that I purchased on the internet than in a LBS (local bike shop). Are we destroying the LBS? What about a little support for the guys who assemble, tune and generally make our bikes stay together for us. I have gone out of my way to purchase at least something when I go into a shop. Mostly something small, a tube, a pair of socks, but something. Yep I pay a little more but my LBS will often do something for me. They will always offer advice and charge minimal for a wrench twist or use of that special bike tool. That kind of relationship can not exist on the internet.

With all of that said, I do have places where I will not buy something. This last weekend I had a ride on one of my favorite trails, the Silver Comet Trail in Georgia and I was reminded of one place. I usually begin my ride at the Depot because there is ample parking, lots of people to chat with and a shop where I have made purchases in the past. I strolled in and picked up a bottle of water and remembered I needed a tube since I had used my last spare a few days before. 12.95$ later I left with my mouth a bit open and feeling disappointed that I had not even gotten kissed. A quick check of internet prices shows a low of 3.95$ and a high of 5.50$, my LBS sells at 5.50$ but often has 2 for one sales or single price of 3.95$ for tubes. So yep they saw me coming at 9.99$ for a basic 26″ presta tube.

I will still advocate we support the LBS but when a shop decides to send their kids to college from a single sale they are not living up to their part of the bargain. They will drive everyone to the internet and no one will be left to support these guys and they will have no one to blame but themselves. I continue to support my LBS but the Silver Comet Trail Depot will not get “something” from me again.

Filed Under: Cycling Rants
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