Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Peter C's Early Birthday - It's a Bicycle Birthday!

Hello to all

As you know from various threads, I have a 2010 Giant Suede DX hanging in my garage, waiting for "Frank" (my new knee) and the weather to get nice enough so I can start riding!

Other than the Bicycle itself (with a few goodies like Fenders, rear rack, upgraded seat) and a Helmet, I have no other gear.

Since my birthday is coming up towards the end of the month, I have asked that any presents I might get would be Bicycle related. Cindy is the first person I have ever met that actually will get you gifts you ask for! Everyone else in my life has always thought they could choose a better/more desired gift than what is actually asked for...

So anyhow, even though its a bit early, I know have and know what most (if not all my gifts are).

On other and various threads, I had concerns like, I can't do this unless I get this item first, etc... most of those issues are now taken care of.

1) A "Swagman" 2 Bike Carrier Details (http://www.amazon.com/Swagman-64095-2-Bike-Hitch-Mount/dp/B0009NZL2K/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3PYS6XZ6198TX&colid=ISN4PV9PWHI4) - connects to a Trailer hitch receiver - So I can now travel without concern with my Bicycle to places to ride from...hint, hint

2) A "Bulldog" bike lock Details (http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-Bulldog-5013TC-Bicycle-U-Lock/dp/B000FL3E8O/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1Q92CJA4IWHCC&colid=ISN4PV9PWHI4) - it states it can mount to the bike - we shall see...

3) A "Topeak" Mini Bicycle pump - Volume, not pressure - perfect for my current Bicycle - can mount on the Bike if I wish.

4) A "TransIt Epic DX Rack Trunk" - Details (http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1023677_-1_400031_400007_400103#ReviewHeader) - expandable and fairly large to go on my rack - FYI - Performanced branded, lifetime replacement they say...

5) A "Planet Bike Blinky "3H" 3-Led Rear Bicycle Light with Self Leveling Helmet Mount" Details (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Blinky-Bicycle-Leveling/dp/B000793NY4/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2SPB7TZJ8PHON&colid=ISN4PV9PWHI4) 1 AAA battery

6) A " Planet Bike BRT Strap Multi-Use LED Bicycle Safety Light" Details (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Multi-Use-Bicycle-Safety/dp/B000AO7JP0/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I19X58MK7IXTP9&colid=ISN4PV9PWHI4) - many mounting places, pant leg, arm, etc...

7) A set of " Diamondback Bigfoot Pedals, 9/16Inch Axle" Details (http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Bigfoot-Pedals-16Inch-Axle/dp/B002BVUGA0/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I20KJZNSVT6NH6&colid=ISN4PV9PWHI4) - reflectors are remove-able...should I or shouldn't I?

8) A " Sunlite Bicycle Squeeze Horn, Triple Horn, Chrome Plated" Dr. Suese anyone? (http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Bicycle-Squeeze-Triple-Chrome/dp/B000AO5JBQ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I10Q4NK3L6ARSL&colid=ISN4PV9PWHI4)

9) A set of 3 tire spoons, and a couple of Cheap LED tail-lights

So, buy a spare tube, get a head-light to be seen, and I'm ready for spring eh?

Feel free to list any (smaller, cheaper) items I ought to pick up that I do not yet have - will give me something to drool over!

Cheers! Time to plow the drive-way!

I like having a seat bag with topeak alien mini tool or crank bros mini tool.
extra tubes
spoke wrench
helmet mirror
gloves

You have the tire levers, the tube, and the pump, but don't forget a patch kit. cheap, and worth it's weight in gold in case of a 2 flat ride.

Actually - still need to get the tube, and find out what kind of stem I have? (Tire pump needs a small change depending on type of stem) - patch kit - yeah - my luck is such...

Cycling specific shorts with a chamois, they don't have to be the spandex ones try some MTB designs,

Peter,

Happy early birthday! Really and truly. In your struggles, you've given me some extra inspiration to go out and get riding, even with our fresh 8" of snow here in MA.

I checked out your new bicycle on Giant's website, and I'd bet money on your tubes having Schrader valves (automotive-style, rubber coated) rather than Presta (narrower, threaded metal exterior). Especially since the GX model has tubes filled with Slime sealant. Unless they're pre-filled during manufacturing, you have to take out the core of the valve to fill tubes with Slime, and that's something you can usually only do with Schrader valves.

Another little carrot--even if you're not riding, no reason why you can't pop off the front wheel and practice changing the tube a few times. Good practice for warmer weather when you catch a tack, thorn, or ten-penny nail.

Keep going!!

John

Oh--if you don't have a floor pump, get one! So much easier for regular inflating than a minipump, since they pump more volume and let you use your full body weight to push the plunger down. I've always founds minipumps to be a bit of a PITA (No, no--that's "pain in the arm" ;-) except for using while on the road. Doesn't have to be fancy--a $5 thrift store/AutoZone/ebay special pump, a $3 automotive gauge, and if I'm wrong about the tubes, a $2 presta adaptor--and you're all set, especially for your tires. 26x1.95's don't usually go up past 70 or 80 psi for their recommended maxes. Chances are, you have all this stuff already, and you hopefully won't need the presta adapter. I really like my $20 blackburn floor pump. Ten years old with a hose clamp holding on the cable, and it still goes to 100 psi with no problems. The built-in gauge is accurate to about 5 psi, which works for me. I carry a Zefal twin-graph gauge with me on my rides--bought it in 1999, but like the pump, still works great! You can usually pick one up for $10-20, depending on who's got it on sale. The car gauges still work pretty well, though, and they're a bit cheaper.

Yeah, cycling can be a little gear-centered at times (pun intended, and with great mischief).

--John

Yes, excellent advise about practice changing a tire. You don't want your first time changing a flat to be 'in the field.' * Except don't use the front wheel, use the rear. That's a little more work.

* Cue The Historian's flashback to last year's Bike Forums tour, where he had to help someone who had never changed a flat before. The Historian made a size 32 Presta tube fit a mountain bike tire.

2) A "Bulldog" bike lock Details (http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-Bulldog-5013TC-Bicycle-U-Lock/dp/B000FL3E8O/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1Q92CJA4IWHCC&colid=ISN4PV9PWHI4) - it states it can mount to the bike - we shall see...



Slightly off topic, but just about any lock can be mounted to the bike. The problem is that the mounting brackets are usually crud-ola. I have seen or had my own locks drop off on the road because the stupid plastic bracket failed. Most rear racks allow you to slide a U-lock down the side and this is a more secure attachment than the silly plastic bracket. Use a strip of velcro fromt he fabric store to make this setup extra secure.

That is a great idea! On my Giant Suede DX, all the frame bars have curves in them, so I am not sure how it would look anyway, same with the pump - so some time thinking, futzing, and drooling will be spent this weekend!!!

If only it was a touch warmer...

/sigh

One last thought,

Jandd Stem bag, this bag is attached on top of the top tube and the handlebar stem. I use this for my small camera. No need to dig around for the camera its always right in front of me and very accessible.

If you already had your birthday, congrats and what did you get?

Thats a nice looking bag! To see what I got, scroll up to the top :)

Since I also got a bit of Birthday cash, I bought I nice floor pump, a "patch kit", a new water bottle (note to self: must store plastic water bottles higher than dogs can reach) 28oz (oversize) got my spare tube.

So I al all set up, the only thing I can think of that I may wish to get later is a "head light" type light that is bright enough for riding in the dark - I do have LED lights for both front and rear, but the front lamp is to be *seen*, rather than to *see* with.

Exactly how I mounted the lock by the way! Thanks for the tip!!

Peter,

Happy early birthday! Really and truly. In your struggles, you've given me some extra inspiration to go out and get riding, even with our fresh 8" of snow here in MA.

I checked out your new bicycle on Giant's website, and I'd bet money on your tubes having Schrader valves (automotive-style, rubber coated) rather than Presta (narrower, threaded metal exterior). Especially since the GX model has tubes filled with Slime sealant. Unless they're pre-filled during manufacturing, you have to take out the core of the valve to fill tubes with Slime, and that's something you can usually only do with Schrader valves.

Another little carrot--even if you're not riding, no reason why you can't pop off the front wheel and practice changing the tube a few times. Good practice for warmer weather when you catch a tack, thorn, or ten-penny nail.

Keep going!!

John

You are correct on the valve type. All sorts of stuff to learn!! I agree that the idea of removing the front (or rear tire - thanks Historian) is a good idea for practice, with my luck, I'll be sure to do it while my LBS is open in case I break anything...

Cycling specific shorts with a chamois, they don't have to be the spandex ones try some MTB designs,

I want to get a pair or two, but need to wait til spring (weight change hopefully), and the $$$ to buy them. I found a great site that has both my size and the prices seem very reasonable as well! Shorts (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/classic.htm)

Thats a nice looking bag! To see what I got, scroll up to the top :)

Since I also got a bit of Birthday cash, I bought I nice floor pump, a "patch kit", a new water bottle (note to self: must store plastic water bottles higher than dogs can reach) 28oz (oversize) got my spare tube.

So I al all set up, the only thing I can think of that I may wish to get later is a "head light" type light that is bright enough for riding in the dark - I do have LED lights for both front and rear, but the front lamp is to be *seen*, rather than to *see* with.

Great, sounds like you got almost all you needed.

I like a handlebar light and a helmet light. The bar light always luminates where the bike is going and the helmet light illuminates where I am looking and both are not the same place normally. I normally keep the helmet light off until I am looking at something specificly because the helmet light attracts bugs right to my face, so wear clear glasses when using the helmet light.

Hehe - or, unless you are hungry?

Hehe - or, unless you are hungry?

kinda like crunchy sushi:lol:

PS

I snuck in 3 items from "Aero Tech Designs" LINK (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/).

Got some "fleece tights" - sorta a bike-friendly sweat-pant
Got a 6XL Jersey (Jerseys ain't cheap though) loose - dunno if jerseys are supposed to be loose or not /shrug
Got a pair of 5XL cycling shorts that I *think* might be too loose - as they are spandex and almost won't stay on - may need to go down a size?

The woes of buying online I guess! Very, very impressed with the place though! Lots of tracking emails, very fast (like 4 days) service from order to delivery!

I will buy from them again!

PS

I snuck in 3 items from "Aero Tech Designs" LINK (http://www.aerotechdesigns.com/).

Got some "fleece tights" - sorta a bike-friendly sweat-pant
Got a 6XL Jersey (Jerseys ain't cheap though) loose - dunno if jerseys are supposed to be loose or not /shrug
Got a pair of 5XL cycling shorts that I *think* might be too loose - as they are spandex and almost won't stay on - may need to go down a size?

The woes of buying online I guess! Very, very impressed with the place though! Lots of tracking emails, very fast (like 4 days) service from order to delivery!

I will buy from them again!

Peter, as I wrote in the other thread, get tight fitting shorts. Your wife will thank you. :-)

I agree its fun to get a jersey, but if cost is a factor, do without or get the cheapest one you can. Aside from the pockets, a wicking t shirt works as well, and it's a heck of a lot less money.

I checked out the "Starter" brand today at Wally world - $9.50 to $12.00 for 18% Spandex the rest being polyester...nice