General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

[Piobaire]

I haven’t pulled it out yet to asses the damage but wondering if Imma need to replace some rubber already. Was planning on doing a degrease and lube tomorrow and will find out then.

 

[Alexidb]

Have chains gotten more expensive or something? I need some random chains--an 1/8" chain and a 3/32 generic 6/7/8 speed and everything is like $14.

You used to be able to get a nice KMC with master link for $4-8 from somewhere like Niagara Cycle.

https://www.amazon.com/KMC-Silver-Single-Speed-Chain/dp/B000AO5NI0/ref=pd_lpo_468_t_0/135-0058674-9975556?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000AO5NI0&pd_rd_r=430e859b-8c51-4251-818c-08d2f45f0f5f&pd_rd_w=ilCFb&pd_rd_wg=zEkMt&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=PSPBVYZX8JQ1DS65T7HK&psc=1&refRID=PSPBVYZX8JQ1DS65T7HK

Last time I bought that exact chain, it was $3.94...It was years ago and I understand inflation and there's still a general bike/part shortage but...almost 4x increase? wtf?

Companies are cracking down on retailers selling well below MSRP. Niagara Cycles was infamous for selling $100 wheels for a $1.50 margin 15 years ago.

 

[otc]

Wasn't Niagara just putting the qbp catalog online with a tiny markup?

If you could wade through their mess of a site, you could get all of the basics cheap. Wald, sunlite, etc. I restored and flipped a handful of bikes in college using a bunch of cheap cables/bar wraps/etc. from Niagara.

 

[Alexidb]

Wasn't Niagara just putting the qbp catalog online with a tiny markup?

If you could wade through their mess of a site, you could get all of the basics cheap. Wald, sunlite, etc. I restored and flipped a handful of bikes in college using a bunch of cheap cables/bar wraps/etc. from Niagara.

Yeah QBP and J&B. I know they got in some hot water with J&B for selling wheels that they were paying like $50 for and were supposed to retail for about $100 for $51.50.

 

[sugarbutch]

I haven’t pulled it out yet to asses the damage but wondering if Imma need to replace some rubber already. Was planning on doing a degrease and lube tomorrow and will find out then.

View attachment 1510208

I bet you could put a patch on the inside of the tire and be totally fine.

 

[Piobaire]

I bet you could put a patch on the inside of the tire and be totally fine.

Thanks for that idea but when I pulled it out the thorn itself was far more needle like than it appeared based on what was visible. Once out the hole in the rubber was basically a pin prick, so I just tossed a new tube in, but I do have another hoop on order from Amazon for inventory.

 

[otc]

I went for a ride today and chafed the **** out of *******.

Stopped to pee and must not have gotten everything situated right. It was cold and I had already been riding for a long time, so ******* tip must have lost some feeling like my fingers and toes and I didn't feel what was happening and readjust my bottoms...

Never done this before and now that it is warmed back up, it is NOT pleasant.

 

[Piobaire]

@sugarbutch, I've become a convert to the Black Bibs. I have two sets of their thermal knickers and perfect for the winter temps. One of their thermal tops is due in Monday. I only ordered one due to wanting to double check sizing.

 

[sugarbutch]

@sugarbutch, I've become a convert to the Black Bibs. I have two sets of their thermal knickers and perfect for the winter temps. One of their thermal tops is due in Monday. I only ordered one due to wanting to double check sizing.

I need to try out their actual bibs. I have the road suit and a jersey (schwag from Phil’s Cookie Fondo), but no bibs. I just bought a thermal jersey, race-fit jersey, and bibs from Twin Six, so probably not for a bit.

 

[Piobaire]

Their thermal jersey is slim but not "aero" and they suggest upsizing depending on your build so I went 2XL. Looking forward to seeing how it fits.

 

[Fueco]

I went for a ride today and chafed the **** out of *******.

Stopped to pee and must not have gotten everything situated right. It was cold and I had already been riding for a long time, so ******* tip must have lost some feeling like my fingers and toes and I didn't feel what was happening and readjust my bottoms...

Never done this before and now that it is warmed back up, it is NOT pleasant.

 

[Piobaire]

Apropos I never used any sort of chamois butter back in the 90s but am finding some pre-ride lube to be a godsend these days.

 

[sugarbutch]

I have so far had no chafing issues. ?? Well, in this go-round. My first big ride when I was 18 was an MS150 from Houston to Austin. I had flown in to do it with my dad, so I was riding a bike I'd never ridden before. I also wore regular underwear and shorts. 100 miles. Never again.

 

[HRoi]

I do have joaks, but for this topic it feels like tripping a toddler...

 

[Piobaire]

I think some of you here might like the classic bike in this video, particularly @flipstah and @Thrift Vader