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08-08-12, 01:31 PM
Hi Folks!
I'm Tosh from Santa Cruz, CA.
Been riding a few different bikes since the mid-80s: bmx, road, mountain, now a light cross frame with all-road/ weather intentions. Been lurking the past few months and decided it's time.
I've, as recently as this past April, been riding a black Soma Double Cross DC with double chain rings (50/34) and Alfine 8 speed hub (22 tooth cog, still fine-tuning this; just changed from 18t to 22t), slight rise straight bars, Avid BBDBs, Afine Dynamo front hub, Phillips SafeRide 60 and B&M TopLite lights, wood-grain fenders, Brooks B-17, Vittoria Randonneurs, Tubus logo rack. So, the bike does what I want... pedals well, handles downhill speeds well, does pavement and dirt, has self-sufficient lighting, and hauls me and other stuff... I just have to grow stronger!
I knew I'd be doing other than commute riding, but had no idea that I'd want to do distances or be interested in randonneur riding. I've also been doing quite a bit of study, testing and adjustment for more efficient pedaling/ body mechanics, just in my four mile commute which is mostly up hill, I've adjusted things to reduce time by 10 minutes and feel great at the top.
I'm just beginning to ride longer distances on a weekly basis (20-50 miles with 200k, 400k, 600k randos in mind); Bonny Doon and Wilder Ranch to Empire Grade; this week's trip is to Watsonville.
Finally, I'm a chain waxer and have been since the 80s. I'm looking at this practice from an 'every day use' perspective now and considering if the chain tells me when it needs attention versus time/ milage interval service coupled with drivetrain wear. Time will tell.
It's great to be here... look forward to interesting future discussion!
tosh
I'm Tosh from Santa Cruz, CA.
Been riding a few different bikes since the mid-80s: bmx, road, mountain, now a light cross frame with all-road/ weather intentions. Been lurking the past few months and decided it's time.
I've, as recently as this past April, been riding a black Soma Double Cross DC with double chain rings (50/34) and Alfine 8 speed hub (22 tooth cog, still fine-tuning this; just changed from 18t to 22t), slight rise straight bars, Avid BBDBs, Afine Dynamo front hub, Phillips SafeRide 60 and B&M TopLite lights, wood-grain fenders, Brooks B-17, Vittoria Randonneurs, Tubus logo rack. So, the bike does what I want... pedals well, handles downhill speeds well, does pavement and dirt, has self-sufficient lighting, and hauls me and other stuff... I just have to grow stronger!
I knew I'd be doing other than commute riding, but had no idea that I'd want to do distances or be interested in randonneur riding. I've also been doing quite a bit of study, testing and adjustment for more efficient pedaling/ body mechanics, just in my four mile commute which is mostly up hill, I've adjusted things to reduce time by 10 minutes and feel great at the top.
I'm just beginning to ride longer distances on a weekly basis (20-50 miles with 200k, 400k, 600k randos in mind); Bonny Doon and Wilder Ranch to Empire Grade; this week's trip is to Watsonville.
Finally, I'm a chain waxer and have been since the 80s. I'm looking at this practice from an 'every day use' perspective now and considering if the chain tells me when it needs attention versus time/ milage interval service coupled with drivetrain wear. Time will tell.
It's great to be here... look forward to interesting future discussion!
tosh