Post your Flag Pics!

[fishcube]

Post your flags pics here! I'd love to see what everyone's flags looks like and how long poles and where they are positioned etc.

[pigasus]

Once again for the record:

http://www.pigasusgrove.net/bent/titch_1.jpg

Sally

[gbenth]

Just one of many flags that I fly on my bents.

[ppc]

This is my touring flag:

http://users.skynet.be/ppc/optima_condor/flag.jpg

[fishcube]

For those with flags. What size pole am I looking for? are there different types/materials for the poles? This will be for a EZ-3 AX trike. What kind of bracket do I need?

Sally.. I'm looking to order a flag from Raindrop kites. Thanks so much for the info on them. I also plan on having her make one for my Mother for her EZ-3 trike for Mother's Day.

[ppc]

For those with flags. What size pole am I looking for? are there different types/materials for the poles? This will be for a EZ-3 AX trike. What kind of bracket do I need?

All the poles I've seen here in Europe are 6mm white glass fiber rods that are 1.5ft long, with metal inserts at both ends so you can stack two or three together and make a longer pole. They come with a brightly colored triangular vinyl flag, a pair of plastic clips to tie the flag onto the last rod, and a metal plate that's bolted onto the rear wheel axle and that you slide the pole onto when you want to use it.

Like this one here: http://www.carrioles.com/index.php3?voir=fanion

[mjsc_vancouver]

Has anyone seen a flag pole with LED's on it, either just at the top or running up the length of the pole, Christmasy-like? I think this would provide excellent visibility either instead of a flag or in addition to one. I'd love to know if someone's invented this (oh, I guess I just did) and where to buy one.

[ppc]

Has anyone seen a flag pole with LED's on it, either just at the top or running up the length of the pole, Christmasy-like? I think this would provide excellent visibility either instead of a flag or in addition to one. I'd love to know if someone's invented this (oh, I guess I just did) and where to buy one.

Even better --> http://www.elam.co.il/

[sula]

PPC,
I see that photo of your steed and it looks like a Optima Condor. I am starting to plan a ride from here (Kuwait) to home (Scotland) and fancy doing it on a bent. This is after touring in company of an M5 years ago. Man that thing could corner.

Point of the story is the best bike seams to me to be the Optima Condor, under leg steering. Because.
1. it looks nice
2. Same size wheels so less tubes and tires to carry
3. under leg steering looks like a “proper bent” to me
4. racks etc all look ok
5. did I mention it looks nice

So what do you recon to them. Good, bad indifferent? Do you think there would be a better machine for the job.

All pointers gratefully received by this bent virgin.

Not a bent virgin rather a virgin to bents, no still sound iffy. Any way you know what I mean.

Cheers

[ppc]

I see that photo of your steed and it looks like a Optima Condor. I am starting to plan a ride from here (Kuwait) to home (Scotland) and fancy doing it on a bent. This is after touring in company of an M5 years ago. Man that thing could corner.

Point of the story is the best bike seams to me to be the Optima Condor, under leg steering. Because.
1. it looks nice
2. Same size wheels so less tubes and tires to carry
3. under leg steering looks like a “proper bent” to me
4. racks etc all look ok
5. did I mention it looks nice

So what do you recon to them. Good, bad indifferent? Do you think there would be a better machine for the job.

Well, here's my pros/cons:

pros:

- Stainless steel frame (a Scot should know the value of things that don't rust :) )
- Solid as a truck
- Anything other than the frame and seat is a standard MTB part. Easier to find parts if something breaks on the road.
- Suspension (I recommend front suspension as well as rear)
- Carries a lot of stuff
- USS is direct steering, no linkage, less things to break
- Top-class Optima shell seat that never gives me any pain or numbness
- Really quiet (no creakings that develop over time, no chain noise despite a curved return run with nylon tubes without idler)

Cons:

- Very high bike. If you're under 6'1 or if you have short legs, I think you'll have problems
- A tad heavy
- If you have a wide rear-end, or if you wear thick pants or carry much stuff in your pockets, the stock handlebar is a bit narrow.
- Not too cheap
- Stock bike uses dura-ace barcons. I hate these, they're just waiting to be smashed if the bike falls over. I installed XTR shifter/brake levers in reverse, they're much nicer for this application imho, and much more protected against hits.
- Can't really turn on a dime, but I never find this to be a problem. The turning radius with my modified handlebar is about 13 ft, and after a while you manoeuver without any trouble at low speed.

I like the Condor to tour. It's not the nimblest thing to ride in heavy traffic downtown, but it's definitely a bike that can swallow miles. Consider it if you're a heavy rider, the frame will not let you down. At any rate, be sure try one out before buying, as you may find its height is not right for you.

I don't have enough experience with other bikes to tell you if they'd be right for your planned trip or not. I'm sure others on the list will give you their opinion though. What I do know however is that (1) you need to try as many bents as you can before choosing and (2) you need to ride your new bike around for at least 500 miles before going on a tour, to get used to its handling and to work all the bike's kinks out.


All pointers gratefully received by this bent virgin.
Not a bent virgin rather a virgin to bents, no still sound iffy. Any way you know what I mean.

I can never refuse anything to a virgin :)

Let us know what bike you end up getting!

[sula]

Cheers.

I'm English by the way. Just live in Scotland.

Well some one has to rule them, right!