Look, MA! No hands!
08-31-05 | 07:22 PM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 17,196
Likes: 761
From: Ann Arbor, MI
Bikes: 1980 Masi, 1984 Mondonico, 1984 Trek 610, 1980 Woodrup Giro, 2005 Mondonico Futura Leggera ELOS, 1967 PX10E, 1971 Peugeot UO-8
At 53, I feel my balance is pretty good. In the two years I've been returning to riding, I think it may have improved. I do have to concentrate more to keep from fidgeting randomly while no-handing. So, you could be right.
I do know that taking a disciplined approach to getting the bikes right did the trick for me at this age.
Ken
I do know that taking a disciplined approach to getting the bikes right did the trick for me at this age.
Ken
09-05-05 | 08:27 PM
#33
aka old dog
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 1
From: tauranga New Zealand
if the headset bearing races &/or cups are pitted ,indented or damaged in some way it can cause "indexing", as will over tightened of the bearings ,some times this is only apparent when the weight of the rider is on the bike, this makes riding 'no hands' dangerious & difficult !! A short term fix can be new ball bearings , go for the loose bearings rather than the captive version as this will allow a couple more b/bearings to be inserted ,giveing a bigger bearing surface area & putting the the wear in a differant poss. on the races & cups.If you cant source the balls loose just buy 3 of the captive type & release all the balls from them & there will be more than enough !Leave a gap = to 2 b/ bearings. the big fix is to fit new cups & races as well but this has the portent to turn into dissaster in the home w/shop without the right specialist tools 
09-05-05 | 08:37 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by chalkdusty
In that perfect world.... 
I think your wheelbase theory, along with the tube angles, are the answer to my problem. I took a look at the 7700. Not sure that my back would tolerate the aluminum frame though. I've noticed lately that the steel frames seem to have gone to the high end of pricing. I'll have to sneak a ride on my son's 1500 to compare the feel of the ride.
I have only tried the no hands approach on downhills, so I have a fair amount of speed going for me (18-23mph). I have been able to ride with one hand without much wobble. I've lifted the hand off a few inches and the wobble is prominent. I've not noticed any angle to the handlebars in relation to the wheel/frame.
I've also noticed that I can not stand in the pedals on this bike to attack any hills. The bike just wants to lay down when I attempt this. Very unsettling.
I think your wheelbase theory, along with the tube angles, are the answer to my problem. I took a look at the 7700. Not sure that my back would tolerate the aluminum frame though. I've noticed lately that the steel frames seem to have gone to the high end of pricing. I'll have to sneak a ride on my son's 1500 to compare the feel of the ride.
I have only tried the no hands approach on downhills, so I have a fair amount of speed going for me (18-23mph). I have been able to ride with one hand without much wobble. I've lifted the hand off a few inches and the wobble is prominent. I've not noticed any angle to the handlebars in relation to the wheel/frame.
I've also noticed that I can not stand in the pedals on this bike to attack any hills. The bike just wants to lay down when I attempt this. Very unsettling.
I have a 2005 Tourmalet and can ride no hands for a short distance, but there may be something wrong with your bike as I do not have any problems with hills on mine. In fact I set a PB tonight riding 15miles and averaging 19mph and it had some hills that I had to stand in the pedals on, while they are not big hills where I live, I do like my Lemond and have not noticed any problems.
09-08-05 | 07:07 AM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Belding, MI
Bikes: Trek 2200-27 speed. Sch., Moab mtn bike
I have four older brothers, so of course there were not many things they did not teach me to do.
They could not convence me to just LET GO ---and I never have let go of the handle bars unless I was on my way down........bc
sorry.
They could not convence me to just LET GO ---and I never have let go of the handle bars unless I was on my way down........bc
sorry.
09-08-05 | 12:12 PM
#36
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Had a hard time riding no hands and found out the dishing in the rear wheel was not right. The bike just wanted to lean slightly in one direction and thus I had a hard time balancing it.
Put on a different set of wheels and no problem.
Put on a different set of wheels and no problem.
