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Flying Pigeon!!!

Old 01-22-09, 06:30 PM
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Ricky,

I think it's great that gel seat cover helped to resolve the seat post height issue for you. It's also very interesting that the geometry of the Flying Pigeon is identical with a full size bike. I guess that explains why it rides so good.

I'll see what I can do to snap a few more shots of my "stomping grounds". In Orlando, I live right next to Baldwin Park off Lake Susannah. Years ago, it was a US Naval Training Center and today a residential, and commercial development.

I have to run a couple of errands, and I'll take the Flying Pigeon instead of the Qile Duo, as well as my digital camera.

Yes 1978 was a memorable year in NYC. Some memories were good, and some not so good, but I was there.

Please keep us posted on your cycling adventures too.

Regards,
Edward

Originally Posted by Ricky in Jersey
Hey Edward,

It's a "Bell" gel seat cover. I use it to give me an extra inch of height on the seat. Like I said before, I am about an inch over the "safety", and with the inch with the gel seat cover, the bike fits me perfect.

When I place it side by side with my Fuji, the seat height, handlebar height, and length from the seat to the handlebars are identical.

Post more "beautiful Orlando" pics. We need it up here in the north. Where in the city did you live? 1978 was a memorable year for NYC! The blackout in 1977, financial collapse, Son of Sam, Yanks World Series, etc.....
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Old 01-23-09, 07:51 PM
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Day Ride On The Blue Pigeon.

Hey Ricky (and Everyone else), Here are some "beautiful Orlando" pictures. Today Friday (January 23, 2009) I went for a late afternoon ride on the Cady Way Trail which is only a block from where I live. It was a perfect day with temperatures in the low 70s! This trail is about 10 miles from end to end, but I only did about half.

I rode from my neighborhood to the Cady Way Park, and then the trail's bridge that spans over Hwy 436, otherwise known as Semoran Blvd.

Oh, and there is one photo with "yours truly". I forgot to bring my tripod with me, but found a suitable surface to rest the camera on, and using the timer, took that photo of me at the pavilion in Cady Way Park.

Enjoy!

Edward

This part of the trail is just down the street from me. One of my favorite parts.


This pond sits between two apartment buildings. Lucky residents!


Self explanatory.


It's a golf course, and it is right off the trail.


The trail gets a lot of use, and why not on this lovely Friday afternoon.


And here is the mysterious "edwong3". Of course the Flying Pigeon is the REAL STAR!


Going up to the bridge over Hwy. 436. At $3.5 million, this thing better look nice!


On the bridge overlooking Hwy. 436 (Semoran Blvd.) at rush hour.


Living on the good side of town has it's advantages. (My "famous" saying)


Edward

Originally Posted by Ricky in Jersey
Post more "beautiful Orlando" pics. We need it up here in the north. Where in the city did you live? 1978 was a memorable year for NYC! The blackout in 1977, financial collapse, Son of Sam, Yanks World Series, etc.....

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Old 01-23-09, 08:54 PM
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Nice pics, Edward, and some nice riding you got there.
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Old 01-23-09, 10:26 PM
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You live in a beautiful place!! And the bike's quite stunning too It's still summer there. LOL.

By the way, I think my bike's arriving Monday
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Old 01-23-09, 10:53 PM
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Wow, it looks fantastic down there. OK, it's settled. I'm quitting my day job at AIG, and moving down there!!! lol
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Old 01-23-09, 11:23 PM
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I'm glad you all liked the pictures. I enjoyed the ride, and taking those photos to share them with everyone.

Here are a handful more:











Regards,
Edward
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Old 01-23-09, 11:43 PM
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The day was perfect. I think the temperature was 72F. I have to agree, the FP is a attractive folder. It bears a resemblance to the bikes from the Dahon Speed series (P8, D7, etc.).

Well I am excited for you on the arrival of your bike this coming Monday.

Keep us posted.

Regards,
Edward



Originally Posted by bettybl
You live in a beautiful place!! And the bike's quite stunning too It's still summer there. LOL.

By the way, I think my bike's arriving Monday
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Old 01-24-09, 04:15 PM
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Cruising Thru the "Hood" on The Blue Pigeon 1/24/09

Hello All,

I just got back from a mid afternoon ride through the neighborhood, Baldwin Park. Another pretty day. It was sure nice to see people out and about enjoying themselves.

Here are a few photos from today's ride:

Baldwin Park sits where the old navy training base was here in Orlando several years ago. This is one of the few buildings left from that era. It almost looks like it was a medical facility but I don't know for sure.


Here is another structure from that time too. It almost looks like a post office, but I know that's not the case.


I arrive at "Bluejacket Park", which is located on the west side of the development. The plaque on the stone tells the story that years ago, the navy personnel were called "Blue Jackets". The park occupies 55 acres.


A small area of the park.


Can you believe this is a public bathroom? Even Cesar would be envious!


Of course, I had to get into the "act".


Yes it's a bridge, but not over "troubled waters". In fact there is no water at all!


This is one of several wide open fields in Baldwin Park. This one in particular is very popular with folks who like to fly things in the air. As you can see, there is a fellow flying a radio control model airplane, but you must look very closely, to see it. It's about an inch or so towards the right side of the building's roof. It wasn't even 3 seconds later, he crashed his model plane into the ground. I felt bad thinking that maybe I "jinxed" him. Oh well. That's Lake Baldwin in the background BTW.


This street is called "New Broadstreet", and this specific area is the "Village Center". It's like a small downtown with some shopping, banking, and eateries of all kind. There are other types of businesses there as well.


The neighborhood drug store. A CVS pharmacy, also on New Broadstreet.


Con't

Last edited by edwong3; 01-25-09 at 11:01 AM.
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Old 01-24-09, 04:28 PM
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Cruising Thru the "Hood" on The Blue Pigeon 1/24/09

(Con't)

Another shot of New Broadstreet.


I've taken this shot before with both bikes, except this time I think I caught more of Lake Baldwin in this one. By the way, this area is at the end of New Broadstreet.


Already heading back home, I took a shot of the northwestern corner of Lake Susannah, and the sky.


The way back home. This wooden bridge actually does cross water!


This pond separates both Lakes Baldwin and Susannah. There is a crush gravel path all the way around it, and you can either walk, jog, or ride on it by bike.


Yep, when you see this kind of photo you know what I am about to say next: Living in the good side of town has it's benefits By the way, this fountain is actually located in Blue Jacket Park.


Have a great weekend!
Edward

Last edited by edwong3; 01-25-09 at 11:00 AM.
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Old 01-24-09, 07:12 PM
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I'm curious about the stem folding mech. Could you take some pics of exactly how it folds?
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Old 01-24-09, 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by jur
I'm curious about the stem folding mech. Could you take some pics of exactly how it folds?
Hey jur!

Here are some photos I took this evening as per your request. I hope they are clear enough.

Front view of the stem's folding mech.



Rear quarter view of the folding mech and directly looking at the QR.



Loosening the QR as normal.



Pull the stem straight up. The stem fits over this 2.75 inch tube. and is crimped tightly to it by the QR. This makes for a very solid assembly.


The folding begins...


Done!


THE END


If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,
Edward
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Old 01-24-09, 11:48 PM
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That is clever - simple but effective. Thanks!
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Old 01-25-09, 01:39 AM
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Originally Posted by jur
That is clever - simple but effective. Thanks!
I can hear the gears spinning trying to figure out how to fabricate the pieces to convert a Swift.
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Old 01-25-09, 01:43 AM
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Originally Posted by jur
That is clever - simple but effective. Thanks!
Well you are most welcome, sir!

Regards,
Edward
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Old 01-25-09, 07:17 AM
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Nice photos Ed! Unlike the sub freezing temps we got last week, we'll be hitting 80 this week thankfully. It'll be nice to be back. I'm in NJ where it's 12 degrees.
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Old 01-25-09, 09:41 AM
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Phil,

I'm glad you liked the photos. It is nice to be able to get out and take in the views, and be able to share some of that with everyone.

You are in Jersey now you say? You sure get around my friend. And I'm certain that you are probably anxious to work on that R20 project. I know that I can hardly wait to see the finished result.

Keep in touch.
Ed



Originally Posted by Lugnuts001
Nice photos Ed! Unlike the sub freezing temps we got last week, we'll be hitting 80 this week thankfully. It'll be nice to be back. I'm in NJ where it's 12 degrees.
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Old 01-25-09, 05:14 PM
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Thanks for sharing your neighborhood with us Ed Your neighborhood looks so pleasant and quiet.
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Old 01-25-09, 05:31 PM
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Originally Posted by sqynt
I can hear the gears spinning trying to figure out how to fabricate the pieces to convert a Swift.
Heh heh the Swift is indeed the intended recipient...
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Old 01-25-09, 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by bettybl
Thanks for sharing your neighborhood with us Ed Your neighborhood looks so pleasant and quiet.
Hi Betty!

I'm glad you liked the photos of Baldwin Park. My street, Beach Blvd. is not officially part of Baldwin Park, but we are encircled by them so that's why I call it my neighborhood.

It was quiet yesterday when I rode through, but today was a different story. People were out in force everywhere! I should have taken my camera with me to prove that there are people in Baldwin Park!

I guess tomorrow you're taking delivery of your Flying Pigeon! Looking forward to hearing about it.

Regards,
Ed
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Old 01-25-09, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by edwong3
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Regards,
Edward
Could I ask if the fork is a 1"?
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Old 01-25-09, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by badmother
Could I ask if the fork is a 1"?
Not sure to what you are referring to unless it's the fork's steerer tube. To measure that, it would require to disassemble, and remove the folding stem, and the locking mechanism. Maybe I'm misunderstanding you. So sorry.

Regards,
Edward
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Old 01-25-09, 09:28 PM
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The Pigeons first 100 miles....

I officially went over 100 miles on my Pigeon this weekend. For my original $105 investment I could not be happier.

Just a short recap...

Modification were made removing the fenders and the back rack. I decided to keep the 350 mil seatpost even though it is a little short. I corrected this by placing the seatpost an inch over the highest recommended height, as well as using a gel seat cover. There have been no ill effects riding with the seatpost at this height, but I would not reccommend it. I also had a little problem with the gel seat slipping around on me a little while I was riding. I corrected this by the old "tried and true" method of placing and stretching a black dress sock over the seat. This trick worked to perfection, with no more slippage!

I tweeked the adjustments this weekend to both sets of brakes as well as the six speed gear system to account for the normal stretching of the cables. Very simple! This is another of the reasons that I love the Pigeon, it's relative simple design and ease to work on.

The past couple of weeks that I have had the FP, the weather has been harsh and cold. I usually ride after work, and the temperature has rarely exceeded freezing. This past Friday, for New Jersey standards in January, the weather was outstanding. Temps approaching 50 degrees, with little wind. I put about 20 miles on the bike. There were many "Sunny-Weather" biker's out on the local bike trails on Friday. I was stopped no fewer than 3 times by curious fellow bicyclist's inquiring about my bike. One gentlemen was somewhat mocking my bike, so I good naturely challanged him to a quarter mile race. He declined, and I felt vindicated.

If your keeping score...

Flying Pigeon 1
Schwinn Hybrid 0
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Old 01-25-09, 11:03 PM
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Ricky,

Congrats on reaching the 100 mile mark on your Pigeon. Way to go Ricky!

I have an almost new Bell F-20 cyclometer in one of my drawers, but have yet to install it on my Pigeon. It's like I don't want to spoil the simple, and clean looks of the bike with an additional wire coming down one of the brake cables. If I ever do decide to use a cyclometer, I will have to go wireless like you did.

In addition, I haven't mounted a handlebar bag, or a seat wedge bag, or any water bottle cages. Again, I like to keep the bike simple. When I rode my bike on Friday, and Saturday to take all those pictures, I used a "fanny pack" to carry my tools, a tire repair kit, a small tire pump, plus two water bottles that fit in the side pockets made for them. I initially had my digital camera in there too, but quickly decided that it was more convenient to put it in my pocket since I was stopping quite frequently to take pictures.

I think I paid something like $12 for that fanny pack at K-Mart. In fact, I went ahead and took a photo to show it here:



It's very convenient.

Well soon we will have a third FP owner, and I am looking forward to her impressions.

Regards,
Ed



Originally Posted by Ricky in Jersey
I officially went over 100 miles on my Pigeon this weekend. For my original $105 investment I could not be happier.

Just a short recap...

Modification were made removing the fenders and the back rack. I decided to keep the 350 mil seatpost even though it is a little short. I corrected this by placing the seatpost an inch over the highest recommended height, as well as using a gel seat cover. There have been no ill effects riding with the seatpost at this height, but I would not reccommend it. I also had a little problem with the gel seat slipping around on me a little while I was riding. I corrected this by the old "tried and true" method of placing and stretching a black dress sock over the seat. This trick worked to perfection, with no more slippage!

I tweeked the adjustments this weekend to both sets of brakes as well as the six speed gear system to account for the normal stretching of the cables. Very simple! This is another of the reasons that I love the Pigeon, it's relative simple design and ease to work on.

The past couple of weeks that I have had the FP, the weather has been harsh and cold. I usually ride after work, and the temperature has rarely exceeded freezing. This past Friday, for New Jersey standards in January, the weather was outstanding. Temps approaching 50 degrees, with little wind. I put about 20 miles on the bike. There were many "Sunny-Weather" biker's out on the local bike trails on Friday. I was stopped no fewer than 3 times by curious fellow bicyclist's inquiring about my bike. One gentlemen was somewhat mocking my bike, so I good naturely challanged him to a quarter mile race. He declined, and I felt vindicated.

If your keeping score...

Flying Pigeon 1
Schwinn Hybrid 0

Last edited by edwong3; 01-25-09 at 11:24 PM.
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Old 01-26-09, 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by edwong3
Phil,

I'm glad you liked the photos. It is nice to be able to get out and take in the views, and be able to share some of that with everyone.

You are in Jersey now you say? You sure get around my friend. And I'm certain that you are probably anxious to work on that R20 project. I know that I can hardly wait to see the finished result.

Keep in touch.
Ed
I'm back now. I'd be riding it if the parts from BikePartsUSA would come in already. It's been almost 2 weeks!
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Old 01-26-09, 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Lugnuts001
I'm back now. I'd be riding it if the parts from BikePartsUSA would come in already. It's been almost 2 weeks!
That's odd that it's taking so long. I've been lucky in that everytime I've ordered bike parts (and bikes) through the internet, it's taken no more than 5 days.

Give them a call, or send an email.

I hope the parts come soon.

Ed
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