Bicyclettes

[baldy]

chari is like a tiny ass fixie boutique if you're into that kinda stuff, i like nycvelo as an overall bike shop. they know their stuff in all categories

also, thinking bout selling my sweet fixie to get a tricross comp, it'll be my only bike along with my mtn bike. i heard there was a recall on the forks though, is that something i should worry about? also, any other bikes i should look into for commuting n occasional touring?

Edited March 12, 2012 by baldy

[frankie_four]

thinking about trying to restore and sell old bikes. Ive been going back and forth on this so it probably means its a dumb idea lol

If you don't have to earn money with it (in example to live or whatever), do it.

[tablo]

Anyone in nyc know any good bike shops i can check out?

bicycle habitat and sid's are good

kinda overpriced for their stuff, but their employees are friendly and have all the gear you ever need to check out

[lestat]

dont like bicycle habitat... Customer service varies... from alright service to downright horribad...

[velopang]

@dovo Been restoring old and discarded bikes for a while now. Selling some, keeping some, giving some away as presents. People love them! But I do it for fun and it's nice to have a hobby that you can get your hands and mind working.

Here's the latest addition. This was discarded and I built it up with other parts that were discarded by a shop that throws out way too much stuff! But I don't care cuz sometimes I find some gems and keep for myself

Been loving the ride on this, gonna use it as my urban transport that I won't be too worried about locking up on pub rides.

[lestat]

^ looks like u got a bit of slack on that chain... whats ur gear ratio? chain ring looks kinda small....

[velopang]

@lestat, The chain does have a little slack, but does not slip due to the large teeth on the rear cog, it's SS specific. I've taken it up 45 degree slopes and absolutely no slipage. Lots of hills here in the Pacific Northwest. Love it! It's a 36/16 combo. I could have gone with a 36/28, but that makes me spin too much. But like I said, this is for casual riding to the pub, no races or speed here.

I used the chart listed HERE to get close to the Magic Gear. If all else fails I can throw a tensioner or a Ghost Ring in there. But no problems so far

[velopang]

Here's a bike I just finished for a buddy. This one is also a combination of spare parts and thrown together to make a pretty badass urban ride. Love how stealth it turned out! Those platforms will be replaced with SPD's.

[tablo]

dont like bicycle habitat... Customer service varies... from alright service to downright horribad...

i've never had too big a problem with their service. but i don't go there too often. only when i need a quick checkup

--

I posted this in cycling forums, but haven't gotten a response yet. if any of you wear shoes, please help

I'm looking to invest in cycling shoes but don't want spend a whole lot of money. A friend recommended either Specialized or Sidi shoes. After browsing nashbar.com I came across these two that I liked (mostly on price).

• Sidi Vigo Indoor Cycling shoes
  
• Sidi Zephyr Carbon Road shoes
  

I'm leaning toward the indoor cycling shoes because they're cheaper, but I'm not sure what does it mean that it's in "indoor" shoe?

Would it just be worth it to purchase the Zephyr Carbons?

Also if there are better alternatives, please, do share!

Thanks in advance

[blm14]

also, thinking bout selling my sweet fixie to get a tricross comp, it'll be my only bike along with my mtn bike. i heard there was a recall on the forks though, is that something i should worry about? also, any other bikes i should look into for commuting n occasional touring?

The fork recall only effects specific models: http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/02/bikes-and-tech/tricross-fork-recall_205187

I have a tricross and highly recommend them. What size do you need? I have a 2006 tricross comp frame in 56cm.

[baldy]

Thanks! I'm gonna try n check one out soon... I'm prolly like a 54 though, sorry!

[Marw]

Got this last week! No mods yet, might change a few things!

[blm14]

I think the tarmac is specialized's most popular road model... My only problem with it is that weird-shaped top tube, but maybe that's just me.

First thing to do: remove bottle cages!

[Marw]

I think the tarmac is specialized's most popular road model... My only problem with it is that weird-shaped top tube, but maybe that's just me.

First thing to do: remove bottle cages!

I found it weird at first but now i like it! Can't wait til the weather gets better, so I can put some miles on it!

Why would I remove the bottle holders? Is it a joke I'm not in on? Got some new ones coming my way though, just put the Specialized Carbon ones on for the picture!

[Orrery]

that's a hot bike.

[jl.1212]

I'm commuting to school on bike starting in a few weeks. Should I convert my singlespeed Gunnar Ruffian into a commuter (since I hardly ever go on trails anyway) for like $50 for a bigger chainring/fenders (I already have slicks) or just get an old road beater on Craigslist for around $200?

[merzbot]

take the money you might spend on a beater road bike and get an internal geared hub for the ruffian.

[Orrery]

That would be pretty cool.

Here's another possibility. For commuting I wouldn't go for a road bike; I would get a late 80's/early 90's hybrid. Miyata Triplecross, Trek 720/750, etc. etc. Plenty of room for fenders/ big tires/ racks/ etc. These things go hella cheap on CL, especially compared to comparable road bikes.

Also they are easy to convert to drop bars/ moustaches so they don't look super dorky.

Here's mine

Untitled by orrery84, on Flickr

Edited March 18, 2012 by Orrery

[pepper davies]

Alright guys. I'm trying to class up my ride. Right now I've got a Surly Steamroller with HED Belgiums laced to Phil Woods, Brooks saddle, and Chris King headset. I'm running a SRAM crank, but recently stripped the driveside crank arm so that will have to go anyway. What can you guys recommend? I'm thinking I'll need a new frame with horizontal dropouts, new bars, and new cranks? Any specific recommendations would be appreciated.

[danii]

these look like horizontal dropouts...

[pepper davies]

I'm sorry, I wasn't clear. I'm after a build like this. I would want to sell my Steamroller for something like this.

[chromesquared]

these look like horizontal dropouts...

Those are track ends. I think he is referring to something like this:

[baldy]

looks like all you would really need is new bars and some fenders. and replace ur cranks obviously if they are stripped. you'll need a new frame if you are going to run multiple gears instead though

[pepper davies]

Yeah Tigerprawn, I think you get what I'm after. I've already sunk a good bit of money into my wheels and saddle so I plan on putting them on whatever bike I build up next. My Phils are flipflop so I need horizontal dropouts. I just don't really know much about classic steel frames.

[saintkeat]

when upgrading your bike, is the rule of thumb to upgrade the frame first then the rest of the components?

[baldy]

i think the general rule is based on a ratio of "how much you want/need the part : what can you afford"

[frankie_four]

depends on the base.

If your parts besides the frame are ok, than change the frame and go with your old stuff. If you have to change everything, than start with the neccessary stuff and work around the bike.

But if you start with the frame, give him / her a new bottom bracket. It's the one thing which requires special tools to replace (means most times you have to go back to your local dealer = costs & time)

Edited March 21, 2012 by frankie_four

[euphor]

any good websites for buying custom fixed gears or buying parts/ etc for a first time build?

[TPR950H]

should just buy a complete from bikesdirect.com. its decent quality, cheap, and you can start riding right away.

[Orrery]

i've had good experience with retro-gression.com for parts. a kilo tt ain't so bad either.