Northeast - PA representin' here!

Anyone use Keswick Cycle?

Keswick Cycle, I havent been there in years. I live about 15 miles away. I'll have to stop in there. I moved from the area a while back. I used to buy there alot. Mostly clothes and stuff. They were pretty good. Just havent been around the Glenside area much. I'm courious to find someone who frequents there also. Robt.

Hurray for philly

Gotta love the winds here in the winter.

Wind? 19mph with 28mph gusts this morning, of course blowing in the opposite direction of my ride to work. The ride home should be fun though.

Gotta love the winds here in the winter.

Sorry, I won't ever "love the winds here in the winter". I love the cold, but hate the wind. I'm hoping to ride all winter long, and fortunately have a few like-minded friends who go out as well. If my riding had to be solo this time of year, I'm not sure how much I'd actually get out the door.

Windy, cold rides are character-building. . . right?

B

PS to Stupidlybrave: are you still getting outside to ride? Let me know if you feel like tackling the cold.

Hi PAers! I'm with you on the wind, Beth. YUCK! I've been trying to still get some cold weather cycling in but I don't know how long I'll last. :D I admit it... I'm a wimp. Soon I will have to hold up the white flag and head for spin class instead of the road. :)
Looking forward to spring!!!

PS to Stupidlybrave: are you still getting outside to ride? Let me know if you feel like tackling the cold.

Ugh. Outside? No. I needs me some good lights. This past Sunday was a missed opportunity. This sunday, however, holds much promise with highs almost50.

I have much of last month scurrying around getting a new ride together. An ebay acquisition that could have gone better...

Hoping to get out in the morning Saturday - either with a group from Dauphin County VoTech, or over on the West Shore. If I don't get out with a group, I'm fairly sure I won't get out at all. Sunday afternoon has potential . . .

Later,

B

PS What's up with the ebay purchase?

Hoping to get out in the morning Saturday - either with a group from Dauphin County VoTech, or over on the West Shore. If I don't get out with a group, I'm fairly sure I won't get out at all. Sunday afternoon has potential . . .

I'll look for you sunday. BTW, if you see Howard A, you might mention that we're interested in an afternoon ride. He has previously expressed an interest in coming along. If he complains about short notice, just tell him the weather report is all the advance warning he needs :D .



PS What's up with the ebay purchase?

Technically speaking, the bike wasn't as described and was unridable. The seller's story about how this came to be was strange, yet plausible and offered me a choice of full refund (shipping it back on his dime) or partial refund where I would get enough money to replace the bad wheel. I took the latter, so it's on the road. I just haven't ridden it enough to tell what I like or hate about it yet.

I'll look for you sunday. BTW, if you see Howard A, you might mention that we're interested in an afternoon ride. He has previously expressed an interest in coming along. If he complains about short notice, just tell him the weather report is all the advance warning he needs :D .

Technically speaking, the bike wasn't as described and was unridable. The seller's story about how this came to be was strange, yet plausible and offered me a choice of full refund (shipping it back on his dime) or partial refund where I would get enough money to replace the bad wheel. I took the latter, so it's on the road. I just haven't ridden it enough to tell what I like or hate about it yet.

Up for a little challenge? The east shore ride didn't happen this morning, so it's been switched to Sunday afternoon - Dave S is the point man on this one. He's thinking 25 or so early afternoon; he's strong and he's fast, but is happy to settle his pace down this time of year. I rode with him and his crew last week, and they were great. If he doesn't have a route in mind, I'm thinking of suggesting one I like that goes down through the Masonic Home and out to 441 and up. About 35, give or take. . .

What kind of bike did you get via your ebay purchase? More details, please.

B

Up for a little challenge? The east shore ride didn't happen this morning, so it's been switched to Sunday afternoon - Dave S is the point man on this one. He's thinking 25 or so early afternoon; he's strong and he's fast, but is happy to settle his pace down this time of year. I rode with him and his crew last week, and they were great. If he doesn't have a route in mind, I'm thinking of suggesting one I like that goes down through the Masonic Home and out to 441 and up. About 35, give or take. . .


I think holding off for today was a good move. As far as 25MPH/35Miles -the distance seems fine, but the pace is way out of my league, even in a paceline. Maybe after a transplant :-)



What kind of bike did you get via your ebay purchase? More details, please.

B
As of today I have the original wheelset operational again after getting some more parts. I put a new 13-26 cassette on this wheel to help climbing. The original 12-25 stays on the new Mavics.

It's a Litespeed Titanium
(http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=29915&d=1163562269)

I think holding off for today was a good move. As far as 25MPH/35Miles -the distance seems fine, but the pace is way out of my league, even in a paceline. Maybe after a transplant :-)


As of today I have the original wheelset operational again after getting some more parts. I put a new 13-26 cassette on this wheel to help climbing. The original 12-25 stays on the new Mavics.

It's a Litespeed Titanium
(http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=29915&d=1163562269)

Whoa! 25 mph over 35 miles????? You've got to be kidding. . . actually probably closer to 16/17 over 35 miles. You must be thinking I'm drinking jet fuel for breakfast. . .

Now to go check out that litespeed......

B

Nice ride today, SB! I think we got a bonus weather day . . . sure glad we got to take advantage of it.

Thanks - hope the rest of you east-coasters were able to get out and enjoy a ride today :)

B

Hi PAers! Just wanted to wish y'all Happy Holidays! And I hope the New Year brings us all many miles and many smiles. Looking forward to meeting you for the '07 Lancaster Covered Bridge Ride this year!!!

Gypsy :D

Covered Bridge Ride. When is that? I heard that's a nice one. Mabe I could make it. Been getting in some nice rides with this weather. Hope Jan and Feb will be as mild ( Ha). I've started using the stationary at the Gym. Isnt really the same. I'm getting the hang of dodging traffic and out running dogs. Anyway Happy Holidays to y'all. I gotta find out about that Lancaster Ride. Boy I'm telling ya, my brain has a mind of its own. Lancaster Bicycle Club--Covered Bridge Metric Century August 19, 2007. Thats gotta be it. I gotta work Google more. Robt.

I figured i would post this...

I used to have a grey 2006 Specialized FSRxc (i now have a cannondale rush but would still like to have the FSRxc back). It was a great bike and got stolen in Philadelphia (Chestnut hill/Mt Airy to be exact). The frame size was large. Im not holding out much hope but eh. It was stolen when my idiot friend left it in a bush near McDonalds (it had a lock on it be he decided it was a good idea to not use it). This was over the summer of 2006.

Covered Bridge Ride. When is that? I heard that's a nice one. Mabe I could make it. Been getting in some nice rides with this weather. Hope Jan and Feb will be as mild ( Ha). I've started using the stationary at the Gym. Isnt really the same. I'm getting the hang of dodging traffic and out running dogs. Anyway Happy Holidays to y'all. I gotta find out about that Lancaster Ride. Boy I'm telling ya, my brain has a mind of its own. Lancaster Bicycle Club--Covered Bridge Metric Century August 19, 2007. Thats gotta be it. I gotta work Google more. Robt.

Yep, that's the one. A bunch of us from Bikeforums usually get together for this ride. I did it for the first time in 2006, and had a blast.

Denny

I hope everyone has a great, and happy holiday season:D
May you find plenty of cycling related gifts this year!

Denny

I hope everyone has a great, and happy holiday season:D
May you find plenty of cycling related gifts this year!

Denny

Yup, what he said :)

Post-Christmas gift report: 1 jersey, glove liners, and a new pair of PI fleece-lined tights - woohoo!
Haven't missed a weekend out there yet this year, and with a few more pieces of new gear I can layer up comfortably down to 20 or so - yesssssss.

Happy New Year!

Beth

any philleans (phillieans? philadelphians?) out there know of a good area (hilly, flat, whatever) with little traffic - ie., long winding scenic roads other than the PA turnpike :) ? I'm sick of the city and the skullkill river trail and all that nonesense. I can't ride offroad for a while 'cause I destroyed my wrist 4 months ago and there is still considerable issues with it (gave it go in wissahickon this past weekend - bad idea). Just want to ride some decent roads but they all suck around here and I don't know the western suburb areas well enough to get a good idea of where to start. Getting tired of "the loop"... just typing those 2 words gives me chills :)

Getting tired of "the loop"... just typing those 2 words gives me chills :)

LOL! That's funny!

I live on the border of Lancaster and Chester County and usually head west towards Lancaster for rides. The back country roads are awesome for spending a couple hours spinning. The terrain is mostly rolling with some decent hills thrown in here or there.
The Lancaster Bike Club has a page of cue sheets you can check out if you want to drive his far. CLICK HERE FOR CUE SHEETS (http://www.lancasterbikeclub.org/scenictours.php)

West Chester Cycling Club has cue sheets on their website as well which would be closer to you. CLICK HERE FOR THOSE CUE SHEETS (http://www.westchestercycling.com/CueSheets.php?id=1)

Good luck on finding some new destinations!

Gypsy :D

I got a large amount of money for xmas to a bike shop in camp hill. I plan to go this weekend and pick up a trek1000.....or maybe a Bianchi Brava. I havent decided yet but will give both a test ride on saturday I hope. I am very excited.

LOL! That's funny!

I live on the border of Lancaster and Chester County and usually head west towards Lancaster for rides. The back country roads are awesome for spending a couple hours spinning. The terrain is mostly rolling with some decent hills thrown in here or there.
The Lancaster Bike Club has a page of cue sheets you can check out if you want to drive his far. CLICK HERE FOR CUE SHEETS (http://www.lancasterbikeclub.org/scenictours.php)

West Chester Cycling Club has cue sheets on their website as well which would be closer to you. CLICK HERE FOR THOSE CUE SHEETS (http://www.westchestercycling.com/CueSheets.php?id=1)

Good luck on finding some new destinations!

Gypsy :D

awesome, thanks!

love the miracle max signature btw.. hehe :)

any philleans (phillieans? philadelphians?) out there know of a good area (hilly, flat, whatever) with little traffic - ie., long winding scenic roads other than the PA turnpike :) ? I'm sick of the city and the skullkill river trail and all that nonesense. I can't ride offroad for a while 'cause I destroyed my wrist 4 months ago and there is still considerable issues with it (gave it go in wissahickon this past weekend - bad idea). Just want to ride some decent roads but they all suck around here and I don't know the western suburb areas well enough to get a good idea of where to start. Getting tired of "the loop"... just typing those 2 words gives me chills :)

Come out to Upper Bucks (PA) and Hunterdon (NJ) counties: beautiful, scenic, low-traffic roads, very challenging climbs, neat places to stop, cycling as fine as anywhere in as the SE PA region. The Central Bucks Bike Club, www.cbbikeclub.org, is one active club at many experience levels. Besides CBBC, you'll see many groups from Suburban Cyclists Unlimited, Princeton FreeWheelers, Morris Area FreeWheelers, and lots of unaffiliated riders. I lead three rides a month for CBBC and SCU, typically from a Central Bucks start into Upper Bucks or NJ, across the Delaware River.

I got a large amount of money for xmas to a bike shop in camp hill. I plan to go this weekend and pick up a trek1000.....or maybe a Bianchi Brava. I havent decided yet but will give both a test ride on saturday I hope. I am very excited.

Holmes Bike Shop? My favorite. . . those guys are good and will take good care of you.

While you're there, check out the Serottas. . . there's a CDA there I've had my eye on for a while. . .

Have fun, and let us know what you come home with!

Beth

Hey Beth! Hope you're having a good winter! If you can call it winter with this weather! Great for biking :)... not so great for skiing. :(



awesome, thanks!

love the miracle max signature btw.. hehe :)

I haven't ridden any of the West Chester rides. If you ride any let us know how they are.
And I love Miracle Max! He cracks me up!:D

Hello all.

I am currently looking for a bicycle club to join and the two clubs that I am interested in are White Clay Bicycle Club and the West Chester Cycling Club. Does anyone have any personal experience with either of these two clubs? I am located closer to WCBC rides than the WCCC one, but I may be able to ride slightly more often with the West Chester club (due to babysitting provided by grandparents while giving the wife some much needed break time).

Thanks,

Morgolf

I am currently looking for a bicycle club to join and the two clubs that I am interested in are White Clay Bicycle Club and the West Chester Cycling Club. Does anyone have any personal experience with either of these two clubs?

I don't know about regular club rides, but I can tell you that WCBC puts on a number of nice event rides. The Icicle Metric is only 2½ months away!

It looks like I may be relocating very soon to the Washington County (N. Strabane, Cecil, Peters Twp - between Pittsburgh and Washington PA) area. Anyone know of any group rides in that area?

Thanks.

It looks like I may be relocating very soon to the Washington County (N. Strabane, Cecil, Peters Twp - between Pittsburgh and Washington PA) area. Anyone know of any group rides in that area?

Thanks.

The club (http://www.wpwbikeclub.org/index.html) I belong to has various, and many rides around those areas. The ride calendar on the site is basically empty, due to the time of the year. You can look at some of the past circulars on site, that will have past ride listings.
I noticed on your signature, or somewhere that you race. The following three shops as I know are active in racing.

Big Bang Bicycles (West Mifflin, PA)
Trizilla (Sharpsburg, PA)
Dirty Harry's (Verona, PA)

Lots of great riding in the area you have listed as a possible destination. Many country roads can be found in just a short drive, or ride.

Hope some of this helps,

Denny

Hey, I'm going to be in Harrisburg for a week at the end of March. Just looking for some possible rides around the city or surrounding area(i'll have a car) or a place to rent a bike.

Hey, I'm going to be in Harrisburg for a week at the end of March. Just looking for some possible rides around the city or surrounding area(i'll have a car) or a place to rent a bike.

The surrounding area either east or west has a multitude of available rides. The obvious urban choice would be the Greenbelt (http://www.caga.org/).

I'm not sure what to tell you about bike rentals. Is this something a LBS generally does? And what size/style bike are you interested in?

Any bike is fine with me with drops...the size is the problem. I ride a 63-65cm bike.

Hey, I'm going to be in Harrisburg for a week at the end of March. Just looking for some possible rides around the city or surrounding area(i'll have a car) or a place to rent a bike.

Typically the Hbg. Bike club's organized rides begin the first week of April, but I'm in touch with several groups that are out all winter. If you're interested, shoot me a PM closer to the time of your trip - most likely there will be a group going out that I can hook you up with. As for a rental, I'm not sure. . . best I can offer is LBS names and phone numbers. Again, PM if you want more specific info. . .

B

Hey youself... now be gone with you. Jsut get on back there to the SoCal forum with 'you're own kind' :lol: :)
Oh and as to your quote "When fascism comes to America", They've been here for a while. You can usually find them blaming America for every problem worldwide, spitting on our flag, trying to force their ideaology on everyone else, trying to ignore the constitution, race bating, etc. They inaccurately call themselves liberals, but we know them as the far left!

^^^ They love psychotic ranting in Pol. & Rel.
Please take this type of nonsense there.
Inappropriate for this forum.

Hey, its a PA roll call!

Anybody in Lancaster? I need SS parts.

I haven't ridden any of the West Chester rides. If you ride any let us know how they are.
And I love Miracle Max! He cracks me up!:D[/QUOTE]


Whats up folks! I live in Wilmington, DE, used to live in Landenberg, Pa(Southeastern Chester Co.), but I am looking for new places to ride. The main local trails around here would be: 1. White Clay Creek preserve(Pa. and De sections), 2. Middle Run preserve 3. Iron Hill 4. Fair Hill preserve(Md, Cecil Co.).
I just bought a new(used) bike, and it is the first mountain bike I've owned since the 90's, so it would be cool to start out fresh with some new trails! I wouldnt mind driving, say, 35 miles to go for a ride. If it was a really long, great trail with lots of scenery I'd drive further. It is now finally starting to get cold around here, so I'll probably be doing more skiing than biking, but in March-April the weather should be about right for some offroad biking. I am going on a hiking trip with 6 friends down the Shenandoah, Va section of the A.T. in about 2 weeks. That should be a little chilly!

Anyway, if anyone knows of any quality singletrack not mentioned above I'd be most appreciative! Thanks in advance, Patrick....:beer:

Any bike is fine with me with drops...the size is the problem. I ride a 63-65cm bike.

I only had time to call one LBS and they won't be able to help you. Did you see this thread (http://bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=3742653#post3742653)? This seems to be a fabulous deal in that it's only about $40 more than a domestic ariline would want to transport a bike as luggage. The problem is that the max size is 61cm

You're going to need to shrink... :D

wow, I appreciate you taking the time to call. I think the demo program is a great idea! I think I might have them send it to the hotel and pick it up when I get there. That would be perfect as I was thinking about picking up an aluminum Soloist. Thanks again, SB :)

I went to holmes cycling the other day to check out the bikes. They are a great store and very helpful and nice because unlike other stores i felt like they were being truthful because they sold both trek and bianchi. I tried the brava for 629, the trek 1200 for 729 and the ocr3 for 595. I like the fit of the brava the best but the weight of the trek was really sweet. The trek is a bit more expensive and have found it cheaper at other stores so i was thinking about making them match to a 679 price i found somewhere else.

What do u guys think.

Ironic that you mention Holmes, because I just called them to see if they rented bikes...

They rent Lemond Reno's at 25/day; 45/2-day; 75/week. Unfortunately, the largest size that was available was 57cm. Maybe a little small for you, branman1986 (PM sent). If you have additional questions, they are at 717-737-3461.

I know many people who have bought bikes at Holmes and found them to be a great LBS.

I know many people who have bought bikes at Holmes and found them to be a great LBS. +1 They are my favorite LBS in the area. Great - honest people.

I went to holmes cycling the other day to check out the bikes. They are a great store and very helpful and nice because unlike other stores i felt like they were being truthful because they sold both trek and bianchi. I tried the brava for 629, the trek 1200 for 729 and the ocr3 for 595. I like the fit of the brava the best but the weight of the trek was really sweet. The trek is a bit more expensive and have found it cheaper at other stores so i was thinking about making them match to a 679 price i found somewhere else.

What do u guys think.You could ask them, but if they can not match it think about the service after the sale. Holmes is (IMHO) the best for service and honesty.

but what do u guys think. Should i rock the brava or the trek. The brava was a very smooth ride and i fit well in it. The trek was a lot lighter. Do you think i will always notice the weight difference? It is cheaper too and I think the brava looks nice.

but what do u guys think. Should i rock the brava or the trek. The brava was a very smooth ride and i fit well in it. The trek was a lot lighter. Do you think i will always notice the weight difference? It is cheaper too and I think the brava looks nice.

It's really difficult to say without knowing how much priority you put on a given characteristic. The Brava appears to be made from some very non-descript material i.e. I think you'd like something with a Reynolds tubeset a little more than just cro-mo. They are both carbon steel, but the more expensive tubesets have additional fabrication (usually hardening) that allows thinner cross-sections without loss of strength. They are therefore lighter.

It really seems to me that you have reservations about both bikes. What was the characteristic of the 1200 that caused you to say the ride wasn't as pleasant? I'm certain that you could look at a Lemond Reno for pretty close to the same price as the 1200. It uses similar frame materials (and nearly identical componentry) as the 1200, but has the down-slope top tube that the Brava has. If you found a more upright ride to be more enjoyable, the Reno could be just the ticket. It should be pretty close to the same weight as the 1200.

Hey, I'm going to be in Harrisburg for a week at the end of March. Just looking for some possible rides around the city or surrounding area(i'll have a car) or a place to rent a bike. A little west of Harrisburg (Mechanicsburg, Carlisle, Boiling Springs) is a great area for riding and is mostly flat to rolling. East of Harrisburg (near Hershey) is nice if you like it a little hillier. The Harrisburg Bike Club sponsors many rides in these areas – some all year long but fewer in winter. Visitors (with helmets) are welcome. If you go to their web site (http://www.harrisburgbicycleclub.org/) where you can view and download their newsletter. It lists the rides and locations. The March Newsletter is not out yet but most of the rides are weekly so you can get an idea from the Jan/Feb newsletter.

As far as a bike – email the club. Someone will know where to rent a bike or who has an extra one you could borrow. This is a very helpful and friendly club.

Your size is going to be had to fit with rentals or loaners.

but what do u guys think. Should i rock the brava or the trek. The brava was a very smooth ride and i fit well in it. The trek was a lot lighter. Do you think i will always notice the weight difference? It is cheaper too and I think the brava looks nice.

On long rides, you're more likely to appreciate the comfort of the better fit than any weight differential. Besides, when your budget allows, think about lightening the brava by upgrading the wheels.

Hey everyone,
I'm in Dover, PA. I work in Mechanicsburg.

Hey everyone,
I'm in Dover, PA. I work in Mechanicsburg.
Hello, and welcome to our little corner of the forum's. Good to see a new friend from PA.