Do you stand up and mash on your vintage bikes?
#76
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The streets are very flat here in SE Michigan, so I can't claim to mash, whatever that is. It does get windy, though, and I've had to stand to make headway. Most of my commuting has been on a Schwinn Suburban or Varsity, or a Peugeot P8, so I've never thought twice about standing up on them. Coming to a quick, controlled stop from 25 mph, yes, that's another story.
#77
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It's an experience. You really have to pay attention to what you're doing.
I rode this one 2 miles at 20+ with a flat front and thought it was a rough road (chip seal).
Then I made a sharp R turn, or tried to. It's so light, it follows you into the ditch.
I also flipped this one 50 miles into a century, high-sided and "got air," broke my arm, but the bike was OK.
I think they'd have been pretty cool on the TdF if not banned, but the crashes would have been spectacular.
It's like having wheels clipped to your shoes, but you feel somewhat detached from them.
Light, stiff, fast, but as far as feeling really in synch with the bike, not.
#78
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I agree that until you've really checked out the bike on a few short, gentle rides, you should not hammer hard. But once you prove that the bike is worthy, go ahead. I don't baby the bikes I've tuned well. I stand up plenty, even my 50-year-old, low-geared Sturmey-Archer-AW-equipped Rudge. And I'm thinking of gearing it even lower.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#79
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I'd like to sit and spin on all of them but, sometimes you just gotta.
As long as it's in good shape and maintained, they're made to take it.
Feels good too.
As long as it's in good shape and maintained, they're made to take it.
Feels good too.