General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

[Piobaire]

Lulz. I've got so much free rental space inside your head it's pathetic.

 

[venessian]

It wasn't the bike paths I was denigrating. Nice reading comp, Champ. Also, I wasn't really denigrating the Boomers on E-bikes, just wish they'd not come to a stop across the whole path to chat.

1. I thought you put me on your "Ignore" list? I was so blissful there.

2. I read just fine, Chump.

3. No, just denigrating "the Boomers on the local bike paths with them [e-bikes]". Because, I guess denigrating "the Boomers on the local bike paths with them [e-bikes]" is somehow cool, in your mind?

4. I see plenty of riders on $6K+ bicycles "come to a stop across the whole path to chat" etc. In fact, they seem to enjoy chatting just as much as any "e-bike Boomer". Also: at stop lights, crosswalks, coffee shops, even ******* Critical Mass rides. Maybe you feel those types don't live/ride where you do, but I suspect they actually do. Remember: "OBJECTS IN (THE) MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR".

 

[Piobaire]

I cleared out my ignore list for CE reasons and you got off it. Given how you've just flipped your lid, glad I did.

 

[venessian]

Talk about pathetic, jeezus:

I cleared out my ignore list for CE reasons....

 

[sugarbutch]

Was literally just looking at lights on EV and came here to get recs. The discounts on bikes isn't huge, usually 20% or less, and inventory is super tight. She's particular about getting a step-through model, which are less common to begin with. . iZip has a couple of good options that aren't available. So, no luck there so far.

Back to lights: what headlights do folks suggest for road cycling, no Garmin compatibility required? I get a decent discount on Light and Motion but am open to suggestions. @sugarbutch ?

A friend purchased a used Specialized Como step-through on Craigslist, and she's been quite happy with it. Perhaps that venue will offer the cost/benefit ratio you seek?

What kind of riding do you anticipate doing at night? If you're not doing any big descents, you don't need much power from the light to get around the city. My Bontrager Ion 200 RT's full bright mode throws enough light that I'm comfortable getting home from the GGB through the Presidio and GGP.

 

[imatlas]

What kind of riding do you anticipate doing at night? If you're not doing any big descents, you don't need much power from the light to get around the city. My Bontrager Ion 200 RT's full bright mode throws enough light that I'm comfortable getting home from the GGB through the Presidio and GGP.

Thanks, that’s what I was looking for; we seem to have similar riding habits and I wasn’t sure if I would need 1,000+ lumens or not. In the past I’ve always just gone with whatever is the brightest light the shop sells.

 

[otc]

Do you not have street lights there? I have been getting away with nothing more than little "be seen" blinkies for a decade and almost never find myself in a scenario where I wish I could see the ground lit up. Even through the parks, the bike path is lit.

Well, there is one spot, but I can ride an extra 250 feet and avoid it.

I would be interested in a powerful set for the mtb, but the best nearby trail system technically closes at dusk (and they enforce it) so I guess weekday rides after work are off the table.

 

[venessian]

1000+ lumens is excessive for most situations, but the advantage of most lamps/lights from the better manufacturers is that there are at least a couple if not several dimmer settings, for any situation in which the higher lumens are not needed.

Using the dim settings/lower battery drain often, I nonetheless prefer to have a higher output on occasion. Cost, etc are essentially the same over ~600 lumens.

The other advantage of the higher lumen lamps is that they definitely make for better flashlights when one is needed, at full power.

 

[Fueco]

Do you not have street lights there? I have been getting away with nothing more than little "be seen" blinkies for a decade and almost never find myself in a scenario where I wish I could see the ground lit up. Even through the parks, the bike path is lit.

Well, there is one spot, but I can ride an extra 250 feet and avoid it.

I would be interested in a powerful set for the mtb, but the best nearby trail system technically closes at dusk (and they enforce it) so I guess weekday rides after work are off the table.

If there's any chance at all that you'll want the brighter light at some point, I would suggest getting it. I've done a lot of night riding, mostly because of the distances involved in the cycling events I've done in the past.

When I started out, I had a relatively dull light with a bulky battery pack (as I recall, it was from Cygolite). I really wish I'd gotten a brighter light from the get go. That's a lot easier and cheaper now than it was back in 2006 when I started down the ultracycling rabbit hole.

The brighter lights from good manufacturers will have a few different settings, and you can ride on the dimmest setting when you only need to be seen.

 

[sugarbutch]

Even with the streetlights here, a bit of light to pick out the glass, holes, and other SF street excitement is quite useful. I had to make my way home without it recently, and while it was possible, it was less than pleasant.

I would not argue with the suggestions to get a brighter light and run it at a lower setting, but the compact form factor of my light is quite nice and it has enough light for my needs.

I am planning to get a bright AF light for the gravel bike so I don’t get stuck out on the trails in the dark if I misjudge my timing.

 

[Fueco]

Even with the streetlights here, a bit of light to pick out the glass, holes, and other SF street excitement is quite useful. I had to make my way home without it recently, and while it was possible, it was less than pleasant.

I would not argue with the suggestions to get a brighter light and run it at a lower setting, but the compact form factor of my light is quite nice and it has enough light for my needs.

I am planning to get a bright AF light for the gravel bike so I don’t get stuck out on the trails in the dark if I misjudge my timing.

Oh of course, if you can get multiple lights, do that.

BTW, for taillights, I wholeheartedly recommend the Cherrybomb by NiteRider. Those things are the best taillights I've used. They're the bomb?

 

[Piobaire]

Also, don't discount being Garmin compatible. My one ***** with the Wahoo is it is only compatible with one specific light (can't remember which) and does not integrate with my Ions with are ant+. Why I would like this is I've taken off from the casa a few times and forgotten to turn them on to. I have to admit it'd be nice if they just turned themselves on/off when I started rolling.

 

[sugarbutch]

I can enthusiastically recommend the Ion Flare for your taillight. I have come across riders who have them, and the flashes were obvious from ludicrous distances.

 

[Thrift Vader]

X-post from the Covid thread.

This guy is doing it right. What a legend.

Melbourne lockdown: Cycling trend ‘burbing’ takes off under tight restrictions

Ben Loke cycled 1,371km whilst under Melbourne's tough restrictions.

www.bbc.com

Also, To the person who was looking at e-bikes?
I looked at a Yamaha e-bike today, and it looked good.
Not sure if your wife will want one, but she might?
I'm impressed.

Yamaha Power Assist Electric Bicycles | Yamaha E Bikes

Yamaha Power Assist Electric Bicycles. Whatever life adventure is next on your list, our lineup of Power Assist eBikes will get you there. Cutting edge drive systems with integrated frames. www.Yamahabicycles.com

www.yamahabicycles.com

 

[Piobaire]

@sugarbutch, you have me convinced in bib shorts but I don't think the BBs will be my brand. Needs a bit more padding across the sit bones and has too much padding up front such that I had to do the occasional Guiliani to stay comfy. However, the no elastic band? Brilliant.

New shades from Sports Optical are perfect and a huge improvement in ride enjoyment. Great to work with too and I'll be heading back from some yellow lenses at the very least.