Originally Posted by
noglider
You might be able to standardize one size axle nut. The axle diameters and threads are likely to be the same.
Well, the 17 and 18 mm ones are on hollow eBike axles with the cable exiting; they're quite a bit bigger in diameter.
Also, standardizing would make it harder, as I would need duplicate wrenches for that one size, so I don't have to remember keep moving wrenches around.
Originally Posted by
noglider
I don't take group rides a lot. I once went on one and brought my fixie. My friends were amazed to see me descend. Early on, I learned to spin with minimal bouncing on the saddle. It's a useful skill you're not likely to develop without a fixed gear. You will certainly be challenged if you take this bike on a group ride. But that doesn't mean it's not worth doing.
I know what you mean; pedaling in circles instead of just hammering on the downward side of the circle. I still seem to have this muscle memory from my BMX days as a lad. What I do is spin as fast as I can up to maximum RPM, and then coast until I feel I've slowed a bit. That was good enough for 25 mph.
Originally Posted by
noglider
Do you describe your home as suburban or urban?
Suburban. Technically, I live in Kenosha, which is defined as a medium sized city at just under 100k population. 4th largest in WI, I assume behind Milwaukee, Madison, (the capitol) and Green Bay. (home of the Packers!) I think it is rising, because we're on the border of Illinois, which is broke, raising taxes all the time and people are fleeing here and working in Chicago still, doing the road warrior commute. It FEELS like a small city to me, having grown up in the Chicago suburbs. If Chicago is a large city at 8 million, then sure 1/10 million is small? Apparently not.
Originally Posted by
BobbyG
I've never done that before with the breakfast bars. I haven't ridden over 2 and 1/2 hours in a long time so I usually don't eat while I'm riding. As I'm getting older though I feel like I need to eat a little more often and on Long shoots. I will now bring a snack even if it's just a few peanuts and that really seems to help... And it certainly helped on a ride. I absolutely did not feel fatigue until Mile 60 which surprised the heck out of me.
If I were to do this again or take a longer ride, not necessarily this long. I think I will also eat regularly, but I will get one of those gel packs or some sort of soft food that is easier to digest while riding. I know I've seen lots of suggestions on bike forms over the years. I think peanut butter and bananas come up often. Although something pre-packaged might be more convenient, although less environmentally friendly.
Instead of peanuts, I recommend something more carby. Peanuts are fat and protein, but they are absorbed much more slowly than carbs. You don't need to fear the carbs if you'll be burning them right away. For this, I like Nature's Bakery fig bars. I get them from Costco, but I've seen them elsewhere too. They have the carbs and
seem closer to whole food than gels. Easy to carry and it doesn't matter if they're a bit smashed either. Bananas and PB are awesome, as well as PB&J, but if you pack them to travel well, they're pretty bulky. They make hard banana cases (I have two) but I'm afraid I'd break my back if I fell on it in my jersey pocket. Maybe a half sammich case
You WILL do it again, right? 65 next year? Then, you'll retire and have so much time for biking that 65 miles will seem like
nothing. 