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Addiction LXXV

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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Addiction LXXV

Old 09-14-19, 09:07 PM
  #3651  
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Originally Posted by kissTheApex
Sorry, as long as there’s free mechanical advice, is there a sure way of guaranteed alignment, or “eyeball and experience” is the name of the game?

Obviously, I’m asking for a friend.
We have a laser tool at the shop. I eyeball it at home, since the Tune is kind of pricey.

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Old 09-15-19, 05:27 AM
  #3652  
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Originally Posted by DougRNS
If I put the righty on the down tube and the lefty on the seat tube they both load to the right. That was my thought process. Plus they're sexy.
I knew there had to be something like that, but I have left-right confusion and couldn’t picture it. Ride safe, happy, and long on the new bike!
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Old 09-15-19, 05:33 AM
  #3653  
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Originally Posted by rjones28
We have a laser tool at the shop. I eyeball it at home, since the Tune is kind of pricey.
I almost always have to ride the bike to feel the last couple of error ° and then adjust them out from memory.
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Old 09-15-19, 06:55 AM
  #3654  
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Originally Posted by kissTheApex
Ha! Being really bad with acronyms, didn’t know it had any other meaning(s).

on an unrelated note; I’m rally digging the Rapha core jacket you’re sporting. How do you find their sizing to be? Can I trust their sizing chart? The store near me doesn’t have them in stock, and I don’t want to buy two and having to ship one back since they don’t accept store returns of online purchases.

I did did try a brevet vest in the store, and even though the chart puts me at xl, I tried an L at the salesperson’s insistence and it fit better than the xl I tried afterwards, so I’m not sure how the sizing chart compares/relates to core jacket as well.
Their sizing chart has been spot-on for me, but only after I took the time to stop making assumptions about my dimensions; the last time that I was measured for a suit, it was a 44, but the tape measure puts me at 41 now, which is what they specify for L. Overall dimensions are: 5'11" with long-ish arm/torso proportions, ~185lbs.

The L jacket fits slim but not restricting; still room for belly-breathing, but I wouldn't want to put more than two thin layers under it. Sleeve and back length are great, despite my slightly skewed proportions. Really impressed with the shoulder articulation on-bike. The L brevet base layer (that I received in error and was allowed to keep) fits like a second skin - some compression but not constriction.

Same story with the two casual pieces, both merino sweaters (one polo, one crew). I think that the goal posts are a little different between on- and off-bike, and the same size should reflect that; the L sweaters are a slim fit that's appropriate for casual wear without veering in to form-fitting lunkhead territory.

Oh, and on returns, I'll reiterate - very easy for someone that doesn't like to be bothered with that kind of ****. The bag that they arrive in has an additional adhesive closure strip so that you can re-use it for returns (so take a little care when opening). The return shipping is already paid and the label is included with the packing list. You do have to fill out and print a return invoice, but if you have access to printer, it's a 30-second process. Then you just need to wander past a FedEx drop-off location.
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Old 09-15-19, 07:04 AM
  #3655  
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Originally Posted by kissTheApex
Sorry, as long as there’s free mechanical advice, is there a sure way of guaranteed alignment, or “eyeball and experience” is the name of the game?

Obviously, I’m asking for a friend.
What works best for me is putting a yard stick across the dropouts. Might have to take the wheel off. Then I eyeball from the handlebars down to the yardstick.
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Old 09-15-19, 08:29 AM
  #3656  
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Time to hose off the filthy bike.
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Old 09-15-19, 08:35 AM
  #3657  
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Originally Posted by rjones28
More snacks from bike shop customers.

Brilliant. Why didn’t I think of that, re-gifting stuff I don’t want.
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Old 09-15-19, 08:43 AM
  #3658  
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Finishing up our western trip with wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma. More information when I come up for air.
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Old 09-15-19, 08:44 AM
  #3659  
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Originally Posted by rjones28
We have a laser tool at the shop. I eyeball it at home, since the Tune is kind of pricey.
ooooh! Nice tool! Gives me an idea for a hack with a laser pointer. Thanks for the picture!

Originally Posted by Jack Tone
What works best for me is putting a yard stick across the dropouts. Might have to take the wheel off. Then I eyeball from the handlebars down to the yardstick.
Thanks! Not a bad idea and much easier than tinkering to get a laser pointer holder. I’ll still tinker with some 1 by dimensioned lumber and a laser pointer to do a diy tune tool, but @MoAlpha’s modification to the dowel will definitely work faster.
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Old 09-15-19, 08:46 AM
  #3660  
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Originally Posted by WhyFi
Their sizing chart has been spot-on for me, but only after I took the time to stop making assumptions about my dimensions; the last time that I was measured for a suit, it was a 44, but the tape measure puts me at 41 now, which is what they specify for L. Overall dimensions are: 5'11" with long-ish arm/torso proportions, ~185lbs.

The L jacket fits slim but not restricting; still room for belly-breathing, but I wouldn't want to put more than two thin layers under it. Sleeve and back length are great, despite my slightly skewed proportions. Really impressed with the shoulder articulation on-bike. The L brevet base layer (that I received in error and was allowed to keep) fits like a second skin - some compression but not constriction.

Same story with the two casual pieces, both merino sweaters (one polo, one crew). I think that the goal posts are a little different between on- and off-bike, and the same size should reflect that; the L sweaters are a slim fit that's appropriate for casual wear without veering in to form-fitting lunkhead territory.

Oh, and on returns, I'll reiterate - very easy for someone that doesn't like to be bothered with that kind of ****. The bag that they arrive in has an additional adhesive closure strip so that you can re-use it for returns (so take a little care when opening). The return shipping is already paid and the label is included with the packing list. You do have to fill out and print a return invoice, but if you have access to printer, it's a 30-second process. Then you just need to wander past a FedEx drop-off location.
Thanks! I measured myself, yesterday so I think I’m set .

Good to to know about the returns too.
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Old 09-15-19, 09:37 AM
  #3661  
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Originally Posted by kissTheApex
ooooh! Nice tool! Gives me an idea for a hack with a laser pointer. Thanks for the picture!


Thanks! Not a bad idea and much easier than tinkering to get a laser pointer holder. I’ll still tinker with some 1 by dimensioned lumber and a laser pointer to do a diy tune tool, but @MoAlpha’s modification to the dowel will definitely work faster.
I was really intrigued by the Tune laser pointer. I'm super OCD about my stem alignment. Looked it up, and found a not quite glowing review. In the comments below was a great idea from Carl Sechrist. Scroll down to see his photo to understand.

https://cyclingtips.com/2017/11/tune...t-tool-review/
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Old 09-15-19, 09:44 AM
  #3662  
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@DougRNS Happy New Bike Day!

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Old 09-15-19, 09:45 AM
  #3663  
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We had a good Sunday ride. It’s supposedly a “recovery” ride but really not. Still, a fun one and I am grateful for a 2 ride weekend.
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Old 09-15-19, 09:48 AM
  #3664  
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Originally Posted by rjones28
Oh, and be sure the stem is aligned with the front wheel. Otherwise, you'll end up riding in circles.
Unless you're riding through a cross wind.
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Old 09-15-19, 09:53 AM
  #3665  
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Originally Posted by rpenmanparker
Finishing up our western trip with wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma. More information when the hangover subsides.
Fixed.
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Old 09-15-19, 09:54 AM
  #3666  
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Originally Posted by kissTheApex
Thanks! I measured myself, yesterday so I think I’m set .
Family forum, buster.
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Old 09-15-19, 10:03 AM
  #3667  
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Regarding the stem height on the bike, I am going to wait until my saddle is leveled and the bars are also level to the ground before doing anything. I think I detect two ~ quarter inch spacers I can remove. The difference between the old bike and new bike drop is about an inch and a half. I am going to be cautious and ride it for a while and make small changes. Anything else wouldn't be prudent - not gonna do it.
RIP 41

Assuming the bars are straight to begin with, couldn't it be marked and then line up to the mark after reinstalling? I do this for my saddle. maybe not so easy for the bars.

#LookWhatIGotMyselfInto
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Old 09-15-19, 10:27 AM
  #3668  
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Originally Posted by DougRNS
Regarding the stem height on the bike, I am going to wait until my saddle is leveled and the bars are also level to the ground before doing anything. I think I detect two ~ quarter inch spacers I can remove. The difference between the old bike and new bike drop is about an inch and a half. I am going to be cautious and ride it for a while and make small changes. Anything else wouldn't be prudent - not gonna do it.
RIP 41

Assuming the bars are straight to begin with, couldn't it be marked and then line up to the mark after reinstalling? I do this for my saddle. maybe not so easy for the bars.

#LookWhatIGotMyselfInto
Prudent is good.

What would you mark? Set preload by the top cap, sight the stem as you would any bike, be it your old Stingray, or your new Superbike, torque the stem to spec, and have a good time.
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Old 09-15-19, 10:57 AM
  #3669  
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Originally Posted by Jack Tone
I was really intrigued by the Tune laser pointer. I'm super OCD about my stem alignment. Looked it up, and found a not quite glowing review. In the comments below was a great idea from Carl Sechrist. Scroll down to see his photo to understand.

https://cyclingtips.com/2017/11/tune...t-tool-review/
Originally Posted by BillyD
Family forum, buster.


dully noted sir!
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Old 09-15-19, 11:09 AM
  #3670  
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Hey @indyfabz the old Performance Bike shop in Paoli is now Keswick Cycles. Any intel based on their Philly shop?
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Addiction is all about class.
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Old 09-15-19, 11:56 AM
  #3671  
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Originally Posted by kissTheApex


dully noted sir!
lol
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Old 09-15-19, 12:02 PM
  #3672  
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Originally Posted by datlas
Hey @indyfabz the old Performance Bike shop in Paoli is now Keswick Cycles. Any intel based on their Philly shop?
My ex used to like their shop in NJ. Never used them myself.
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Old 09-15-19, 12:08 PM
  #3673  
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I run a side loader on the down tube and a standard on the seat tube. Tried a side loader on the seat tube, didn't like it. Gave it to a lefty friend.
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Old 09-15-19, 03:03 PM
  #3674  
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Lasers? No one has ever heard of a plumb bob? SMH

Seriously, I put the bike in an old trainer and use a carpenters level against the wheels to make sure they are perpendicular to the floor. It's fairly easy to then drop a plumb bob from the stem to the tire and eyeball everything.

Or, just do like most people and take a hex wrench in your pocket for a couple rides and make adjustments till you're happy.
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Old 09-15-19, 03:09 PM
  #3675  
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First ride impression:
Rides smoother, not sure why. Slightly longer wheelbase, improvements to aluminum and crabon fork technology?

Seemed a little twitchy at first when pedaling out of the saddle but by the end of the ride my brain acclimated and seemed ok. Feels like I am riding a horse now instead of a pony. When I am on the tops it feels much more upright. It will take a while to get used to the compact bars. It seems like when I am on the drops it is about the equivalent of riding on the hoods on the old bike.

Bottom line is the lower half feels dead on but the upper body needs work. I think I am stretched out enough but might need to lower the bars by taking out spacers. (slam the stem!) The saddle is now level as are the bars. Probably the only thing left to do is lower the bars.

Here is the bike with all my accessories on it and after adjustments made.

tl;dr
Smooth ride, need work on upper body comfort.
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