Hybrid Bicycles - How did you customize/optimize your Hybrid?

The 7.7 FXs stock tires were 700x28mm. The LBS installled wider 700x32mm tires along with XT brakes and levers. I installed Shimano clipless pedals and a simple wireless computer.

wow, so you went wider ... interesting. Why and what do you think about the change? I ask cuz I went the other way, starting with stock 700x38 cross tread, then to 700x53 city commuting semi slicks, and finally now to 700x28 slick Armadillos. Are you happy having gone wider? Keep same tread pattern?

wow, so you went wider ... interesting. Why and what do you think about the change? I ask cuz I went the other way, starting with stock 700x38 cross tread, then to 700x53 city commuting semi slicks, and finally now to 700x28 slick Armadillos. Are you happy having gone wider? Keep same tread pattern?
I am a faily big guy at 232 lbs and ride this bike on a 0.26 mile loop where I almost never have to break cadence. The 4 corners I navigate at ~17 mph are all small radius turns. I am more confident having a bit of extra rubber to grip the asphalt.

I cannot answer to tread pattern....I never saw the OE tires on the wheels. All changes were made prior to my taking delivery.

I turned mine into a road bike cuz I wanted to go faster

Started with a Shogun Ground Breaker (7 speed, 200GS components, Biopace). Added Power Grips. They're great, worked great for college. Fast forward a few years, and start commuting to work. Didn't like the power grips anymore with shoes with any sort of tread, the tread can catch on the pedal and slow down "unclipping". I was also worried about scuffing dress shoes if I wore them on the bike, and if I had to wear different shoes to bike in I might as well go clipless! So I did (SPD), and it was good.

Cut the handlebars down at one point since they seemed unnecessarily long, and occasionally were a pain while lanesplitting (legal here). Shifter seized up, so I took it apart to fix it...hundreds of tiny parts later I decided to buy a new shifter. Probably could have just shot it with penetrating oil in retrospect. Had to get two (rapidfire) shifters, and had to replace the brake levers at the same time, got some low-end Forte levers and some low-end shifters. Noticed how massively heavy the old shifters/levers were. My handlebars and stem are still steel, so it's still a pretty heavy bike. Replaced most of the (original) brake cable and (original!) brake pads around this time as it seemed like a good idea.

Let's see--recently figured that it was probably time after about 20 years to check out the bearings. I had taken it in to a couple of shops in the intervening years before I knew what to ask for ("major service" is essentially what I asked for), and it didn't seem like they actually did much. Wheel bearing had some gritty feel to them, bottom bracket had a tad of play--both quite good for a bike that old and spending most of its time outside. But, you know, just doing preventative maintenance. So I managed to track down axles and bearings for the wheels, and upgraded the bottom bracket to a cartridge type.

The rear wheel is pretty far out of true and has been for a long long time; I'll replace it sometime but it's not getting worse. Have to run the brakes on the rear wide, though. Stock tires were 40ish, later went to 35ish, now to 28s, which is a pretty good compromise. Running tire liners now, but my last (slow) flat was from the liners rubbing so I'll probably go to a puncture resistant tire like a Armadillo or Marathon someday.

Had a computer for a while but the cadence magnet fell off and I didn't run the wires really great, so I eventually took it off. Might put it back someday. Had a 12V 20W halogen light and a semi truck rear light with a custom made bent steel bracket. The rear light bracket broke under the stress and I went to a Superflash, then changed the headlight to a Dealextreme P7 flashlight which is much smaller and lighter, and has enough runtime for my commute.

Gearing's pretty good, just perfect for me. 48/38/28 with a 13-30 rear. I spin out on the short downhill of a valley I go through, about 30 seconds long. The hills around here I can usually stay in the 38 chainring. I don't usually use the 28 unless I'm pulling kids (about 100 extra pounds). It's a bit heaver than I'd like; I've ridden a lighter road bike and that flying feeling is pretty tempting. The weight doesn't help on these hills around here, and it's difficult to get really low in the wind with the flat bars.

Uh, did I miss anything?

two nice mods on my trek --

1) $10 schwinn bike computer ( http://www.amazon.com/Schwinn-SW654-17-Function-Bike-Computer/dp/B000DZD3FQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1250639620&sr=8-1 )

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41X6D51ZB7L._SS500_.jpg
2) schwinn pouch that mounts right only the stem and toptube. i put my wallet/keys/cellphone in there and it's nice that it's right in front of you and you dont have to worry about it falling off. i got it for $12 from walmart.

I turned mine into a road bike cuz I wanted to go faster

:thumb:

2009 Trek 7.6fx - Mods so far: Ergon GR2 clamp-on grips/mag bar ends, Trek bike computer, Terry Fly Ti saddle, Wellgo WPD-823 Clipless Pedals, under-saddle bag. Oh, and a little bell!

http://www.DucatiOmaha.com/Images/JJ/Trek76fx.jpg

Not real custom yet, all bolt on stuff.

Photo of our setup
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/th_img_0033.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/?action=view&current=img_0033.jpg)

This was last weekend at the Westerville Sports Complex, we rode the Alum Creek Trail to Easton, had lunch at Panera and rode back. GPS logged 17 miles.

The bike hauler is the black truck in the background.

Both bikes are Giant Cypress DX 2009, each has a CoPilot Limo seat with Blackburn rack. Each bike has a pair of Axiom handelbar packs, one on the bars and one on the back of the CoPilot
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/th_img_14206.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/?action=view&current=img_14206.jpg)

Each bike has a pair of bottle cages, one on the top tube and one bolted to the CoPilot Seat.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/th_img_14207.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/?action=view&current=img_14207.jpg)

I have a GPS and Camera (Garmin Etrex Legend HCx and Canon Powershot A1100IS) on mine.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/th_img_14208.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/?action=view&current=img_14208.jpg)
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/th_img_14210.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/?action=view&current=img_14210.jpg)

Have a Park Tools breakdown kit (BTK1) and first aid kit in my rear bag and a Columbus bicycling map in my front bag at all times. Then we carry out wallet, keys, cell phone, etc in the front bags and snacks and such for the kids in the rear bags.

One more I forgot. Seems that my wife's bike being an extra small the rack mount was too low so it made the seat too far forward. I measured the height of the mounts on my frame and made a small extension for hers using the seat stay and frame mounts.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/th_img_14256.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Misc/?action=view&current=img_14256.jpg)
Don't zoom in and look at my messy welds, I don't went enough to do a good job and my cheap flux core welder doesn't help any but its solid, just needs cleaned up and painted.

That's not a bike - that's a mobile home! I love it! You could lose the yellow sticker, though. But - WOW!! Cool job!

Hmm, wonder what that is, I'll have to go look, added one more pic. I also put U lock carriers on one side of the rear racks on both under the seat but really need to move those to the non chain side.

Heh, I have a mobile home too, sits in the garage then loads on the truck like a backpack. I'm in the process of rebuilding it then we can load it and the bikes and go spend the night places.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Camper/th_img_13946.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Camper/?action=view&current=img_13946.jpg)

I've just added bar ends to my Trek FX 7.2 and oh how I love them! I think the bike is perfect so I don't think I'm going to mess with it any more.

I've just added bar ends to my Trek FX 7.2 and oh how I love them! I think the bike is perfect so I don't think I'm going to mess with it any more.

Which type of bar-ends did you go for?

http://www.DucatiOmaha.com/Images/JJ/Trek76fx.jpg

your bike looks soooo slick! :love:

wow, so you went wider ... interesting. Why and what do you think about the change?

I went wider on my 7.7FX too. Replaced the bontrager race lites 700x28 with schwalbe marathon supremes 700x32. I did this for several reasons: they grip better on wet roads, they're more comfortable, and the reflective sidewall is easier to see in the dark (I don't like having reflectors on my spokes). I kept the bontragers and still use them for summer months (May-August) since I already own them so I might as well use them, they're slightly faster, the weather is drier, and I don't need the reflective sidewalls that time of year. But come September, I'm putting on a brand new set of supremes for my winter riding.

I purchased my first bike (as an adult) 6 weeks ago: 2009 Trek 7.2 FX (matte gold color). If I knew beforehand how quickly I would become borderline obsessed with biking, I may have allowed myself a larger budget. That being said, the 7.2 FX still seems to be a good starting platform for a commuter bike. I need to get into speed demon shape before I worry about components anyway. On to customization!

"Required" adders:
Seat bag w/ spare tube, patch kit, multi-tool, and tire levers
Cateye HL-EL450 Headlight
Blackburn Mars 3.0 Taillight
Blackburn Frame Pump

"Options"!
- Specialized Speed Zone Sport Wireless computer - cheap, wireless, works!
- Specialized 700x28 All-Condition Tires - going from stock 700x35 to 700x28 was a HUGE improvement. I ride primarily on multipurpose paved paths. Speed and feel improved dramatically.
- Toe clips...and a few weeks later Shimano M520 SPD pedals. Platform to toe clips was a very nice improvement - no more flying feet. Toe clips to clipless seems like a less dramatic improvement overall (only 2 rides so far). I did feel like I could accelerate more quickly from a red light. The move from casual to cycling shoes seemed like a more important upgrade than the toe clip to clipless part for flats. That all being said...I was a bit tired going into my ride this morning. I may get more performance out of the clipless on fresher legs next week.
- Specialized Rival mtb saddle - the stock saddle liked to inflict pain. This one isn't perfect probably, but my sit bones don't hurt every day anymore.
- Profile Boxer bar ends - I find that I use them quite a bit. No reason not to add to a hybrid imo...they're $20.
- Planet Bike hardcore road fenders - On order - my lbs stocks the wider PB hybrid fenders, but I want the narrower road version.
- Rack and Axiom Columbus trunk bag - on the wish list (which means I will probably own it within a month)
- Future: may consider upgrading the stock crankset, FD, and cassette to Alivio-level. This would cost less than $100 and be an upgrade over 7.3 FX stock gear (the 7.3 went on sale a few weeks after I bought my 7.2...I am still trying to decide if that really bothers me or not)

I'm so happy they created a Hybrid section, makes me feel like more of a legitimate cyclist.

I only got my Hybrid this May. She is an Asama "Luddite" and not high end or "fancy" but she gets the job done. I bought her at Sports Junkies in Vancouver, guy who sold her to me designed this specific bike, he sells loads of them (I've seen a few around town.) This bike has survived two crashes with only cosmetic damage. I've put nearly 1000 kms on her. I used to run but gave it up and discovered cycling, it's like I was meant to ride a bike. Anyway:

the day I got her, completely naked:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3561220773_ab68abe93f.jpg

After additions, bike PC, lights, bell, rear rack, fenders, panniers, kickstand, drink cage
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3583809869_0f4036711d_b.jpg

Partway through the mods, no drink cage yet. My first Critical Mass with my "baby" ended up doing around 60 km/h all told that day, man was I tired!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3579322034_7573ef10e4_b.jpg

your bike looks soooo slick! :love:

Thanks, it's still a work-in-progress, I'll post some more pics when I get the wheels changed out, and still contemplating doing something else with the bars too.....

Converted my new Jamis Coda to drop bars. Detailed description at http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=578606.

Just got bar ends for the Luddite. :)

Just got bar ends for the Luddite. :)



You can't post stuff like that without pictures !!! Oh and give your dog a cookie. The dog's eyes are saying "Now that I have to put up with another photo shoot, the least you could do is give me a cookie"

They are chocolate chip cookies, chocolate is lethal for dogs.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3907576027_f2597d0cb0_b.jpg

Le bar ends, however, now the bell is too far over I'll do something about that *eventually.*

Like this ?

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikepics/confetti1a.jpg



This is an awesome paintjob!!!

Bridgestone XO-4 Before:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3532/3923390556_95a7016204_m.jpg
After:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3910229797_44c4f85f52_m.jpg
Changes: Concor saddle, SR stem and bars, Tektro levers, 12-21 cassette, Suntour dt shifters (friction) Planet Bike fenders.

This is an awesome paintjob!!!

It is decoupage.

And thanks.

They are chocolate chip cookies, chocolate is lethal for dogs.



All the dogs I've fed chocolate to are still living.

DO NOT feed dogs chocolate.

It contains theobromine which can be toxic in sufficient levels and the risk varies according to the type of chocolate.

Milk chocolate is the least dangerous and a small dog (15 pounds) would have to eat 15 ounces of the stuff (1 ounce per pound of dog) while less than a few ounces of bakers chocolate could cause serious issues since it contains a much higher concentration of theobromine.

One of the big issues is that you do not want your dog to acquire a taste for chocolate.

Cocoa beans are also very dangerous as they contain high concentrations of theobromine.

I know of a few small dogs that have died after eating semi sweet chocolate... a friend's poodle got on a counter where they were making cookies and consumed about half a pound of dark chocolate chips.

By the by - theobromine is, chemically speaking, classified as a xanthine alkaloid (zan-theen) whose better known cousin is caffeine. So that also puts the leash on giving your pooch a cup of coffee.