Dropping weight on the Rush Hour
07-25-08 | 11:25 AM
#27
.
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 12,769
Likes: 38
From: Rocket City, No'ala
Bikes: 2014 Trek Domane 5.2, 1985 Pinarello Treviso, 1990 Gardin Shred, 2006 Bianchi San Jose
Thanks to all of those who provided solid advice such as changing the seat post, bottom bracket, wheelset, and removing the cog and lockring.
Honestly, this is my first real new bike. I only had about $400 to spend on a new bike and I test rode a couple and the Rush Hour fit the best. I am mostly happy with my purchase. I only inquired about reducing some of the weight on the frame because I have to carry my bike up and down 4 flights of stairs to my apt every day. That is all. Nothing about any deluded idea that I can get this bike light enough to win any races without proper conditioning.
I am running single speed. No plans to switch to fixed gear any time soon. I AM RUNNING BOTH BRAKES.
If anyone has any specific examples of inexpensive bottom brackets or wheelsets or seat posts, I would welcome them.
Thanks
Honestly, this is my first real new bike. I only had about $400 to spend on a new bike and I test rode a couple and the Rush Hour fit the best. I am mostly happy with my purchase. I only inquired about reducing some of the weight on the frame because I have to carry my bike up and down 4 flights of stairs to my apt every day. That is all. Nothing about any deluded idea that I can get this bike light enough to win any races without proper conditioning.
I am running single speed. No plans to switch to fixed gear any time soon. I AM RUNNING BOTH BRAKES.
If anyone has any specific examples of inexpensive bottom brackets or wheelsets or seat posts, I would welcome them.
Thanks
Like many new bike owners, you've been infected with upgradeitis. This deadly(to your wallet) disease distorts the perception of the victim into thinking that money will solve their problems and that a lighter bike should be the focus of their expenditures.
I myself was once afflicted with this malady but a bearded sage down at the Temple (LBS) advised me to simply ride what I had until it could go no more. At which time, I would be enlightened and would clearly see that I was no slower than the riders with $2,000 wheelsets and ceramic bearings and carbon fiber bottle cages.
Keep the Rush Hour as it is and only when parts start failing should you upgrade. By that time, you'll know your bike and your needs much better. Hauling that bike up and down the stairs will just make your arms and shoulders stronger to match your legs. You can use your other arm to haul beer and even the load.
Since inexpensive is a relative term you'll have to provide a dollar amount in order to receive quality responses. To upgrade significantly anything on your bike you'll be spending a good chunk of money so it's a good idea to be sure you know the effect of any such upgrade besides lightening the wallet.
07-25-08 | 01:04 PM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
i concur
ride the bike, invest in a good saddle at least but ride everything else until it breaks
the rush hour seems like a great ride...it was on my list when i was shopping around before deciding on a steamroller i was riding a 30 lb conversion around for about a yr or so threw the snow and all over the place...i feel spoiled riding the 20 lb steamer
ride the bike, invest in a good saddle at least but ride everything else until it breaks
the rush hour seems like a great ride...it was on my list when i was shopping around before deciding on a steamroller i was riding a 30 lb conversion around for about a yr or so threw the snow and all over the place...i feel spoiled riding the 20 lb steamer
07-25-08 | 01:23 PM
#29
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Like many new bike owners, you've been infected with upgradeitis. This deadly(to your wallet) disease distorts the perception of the victim into thinking that money will solve their problems and that a lighter bike should be the focus of their expenditures.
I myself was once afflicted with this malady but a bearded sage down at the Temple (LBS) advised me to simply ride what I had until it could go no more. At which time, I would be enlightened and would clearly see that I was no slower than the riders with $2,000 wheelsets and ceramic bearings and carbon fiber bottle cages.
Keep the Rush Hour as it is and only when parts start failing should you upgrade. By that time, you'll know your bike and your needs much better. Hauling that bike up and down the stairs will just make your arms and shoulders stronger to match your legs. You can use your other arm to haul beer and even the load.
Since inexpensive is a relative term you'll have to provide a dollar amount in order to receive quality responses. To upgrade significantly anything on your bike you'll be spending a good chunk of money so it's a good idea to be sure you know the effect of any such upgrade besides lightening the wallet.
I myself was once afflicted with this malady but a bearded sage down at the Temple (LBS) advised me to simply ride what I had until it could go no more. At which time, I would be enlightened and would clearly see that I was no slower than the riders with $2,000 wheelsets and ceramic bearings and carbon fiber bottle cages.
Keep the Rush Hour as it is and only when parts start failing should you upgrade. By that time, you'll know your bike and your needs much better. Hauling that bike up and down the stairs will just make your arms and shoulders stronger to match your legs. You can use your other arm to haul beer and even the load.
Since inexpensive is a relative term you'll have to provide a dollar amount in order to receive quality responses. To upgrade significantly anything on your bike you'll be spending a good chunk of money so it's a good idea to be sure you know the effect of any such upgrade besides lightening the wallet.
Solid advice. I especially liked the part that urged me not to spend any money right now.
I've decided to remove the cog and lockring and buy a new saddle. I'm also in the process of removing all of the stickers on the frame. That should lighten the load considerably
BTW, the 08 Rush Hour is indeed a nice smooth ride. I've only put about 30 miles on it so far but its been a lot of fun.
07-25-08 | 01:29 PM
#30
:)
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1
From: duluth
Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450
Loose the bar plugs,
remove grips go with 12" chopped aero carbon flatbar.
remove fork stem cap,
remove valve caps.
drill speed holes in the frame, seatpost, bars, cranks, chainring, hubs,
replace spokes with kevlar string,
remove seat and replace with carbon fiber and ti.
remove pedal cages and ride on the spindles,
ride naked,
shave everything.
Sunburn + peel = lost weight.
Plus...
Make sure you go to the bathroom before you ride.
remove grips go with 12" chopped aero carbon flatbar.
remove fork stem cap,
remove valve caps.
drill speed holes in the frame, seatpost, bars, cranks, chainring, hubs,
replace spokes with kevlar string,
remove seat and replace with carbon fiber and ti.
remove pedal cages and ride on the spindles,
ride naked,
shave everything.
Sunburn + peel = lost weight.
Plus...
Make sure you go to the bathroom before you ride.
07-25-08 | 01:37 PM
#32
:)
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1
From: duluth
Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450
07-25-08 | 02:28 PM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 807
From: Ridgewood, Queens
Bikes: Zunow, 3Rensho, Look KG196
when i first bought my new bike, i was also suffering from upgradeitis pretty bad. however i told myself i wasn't allowed to change anything on the bike until i put 500 miles on it. 3 weeks and 500 miles later, i switched the seat and the grips. that's it!
07-25-08 | 04:41 PM
#34
Cat 7 Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
Bikes: Fuji Roubaix Pro
He did not say having no brakes makes you safer. He said it makes you RIDE safer. And i do in fact agree with the statement. When he was brakeless he probable rode slower, did less weaving in and out traffic and was generally more observant of his surroundings. You should try it. Its amazing what you do when you know you might not be able to stop quickly enough.
07-25-08 | 10:08 PM
#35
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
I totally hear you. If you are determined to lose some weight on your Rush Hour, then by all means go for it. However, I can tell you that it will cost you a few hundred dollars (as much as the cost of your bike or more) to lose 2 to 3 pounds. Carrying an extra 2 to 3 pounds up four flights of stairs can be felt, I'm sure, but you will condition yourself in no time that the extra 2 to 3 pounds will mean nothing to you. But the $500 or more that you spent on lighter wheels and several new (carbon fiber) components will be felt for much longer. Unless, that is, you're very wealthy.
