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Search: Posts Made By: smasha
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Forum: Commuting
03-03-24, 07:39 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 442
Posted By smasha

Saddle covers - disposable plastic shopping bags

Disposable plastic shopping bags make great saddle covers, to protect our beloved saddles from rain, sun, pigeon-crap, and covetous eyes. But disposable plastic shopping bags are now unpopular, and...
Forum: Touring
09-03-23, 08:47 AM
Replies: 49
Views: 4,008
Posted By smasha

Planning my first real tour, and this thread...

Planning my first real tour, and this thread found me.

As a baseline, I use a heavy U-lock *and* a heavy chain when I commute into "the city" and leave my bike locked up and unsupervised for about...
Forum: Touring
07-08-23, 01:11 AM
Replies: 21
Views: 1,317
Posted By smasha

An old foam yoga mat can be cut down to any...

An old foam yoga mat can be cut down to any size/shape. They're about $10 new, for cheap ones. For the fiscally/environmentally conservative, ask around at yoga studios, if anyone left behind an old...
03-28-23, 09:38 AM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

RD-M5120 is working well with this setup, on...

RD-M5120 is working well with this setup, on another bike. Specs say 2x, but no problems at all with a 3x.

If I could find a 3x9 crankset with a 20 or 22T low gear, I'd consider that, but the...
03-20-23, 09:24 PM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

Gravel bikes tend to be drop-bar, which tends to...

Gravel bikes tend to be drop-bar, which tends to change the geometry. Perhaps more importantly, the only gravel-bike I can think of with a fork that would be good for a low-rider rack is the Giant...
03-20-23, 05:19 AM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

Still keeping a lookout for a used FX2... ...

Still keeping a lookout for a used FX2...

Was 2019/2020 when the cable routing along the down-tube changed from external to internal?

Any changes to the fork, before, during, or after that...
03-16-23, 06:00 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Not my area of expertise, but as I understand it,...

Not my area of expertise, but as I understand it, titanium needs to be welded in an oxygen-free environment.
03-16-23, 08:23 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Not sure what's worse... GPT's mechanical...

Not sure what's worse... GPT's mechanical analysis or its poetry...

The pannier hangs upon the fork,
But how it's mounted is the talk.
Two methods vie for strength and might,
Each offering its...
03-15-23, 10:07 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Yes and no. For the purposes of calculating...

Yes and no. For the purposes of calculating stresses and forces, it's all about dynamic load. At some point, I need to translate that safe dynamic load into a static load, ie how heavy can I safely...
03-15-23, 09:18 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

ChatGPT says it's ok, so it must be ok, right...?...

ChatGPT says it's ok, so it must be ok, right...?
:lol: :foo:



With different incarnations of GPT, it's telling me the safe static load (accounting for cyclic loading and vibration) is...
03-15-23, 05:44 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

The Trek FX2 fork is on my radar, if I can't find...

The Trek FX2 fork is on my radar, if I can't find a good solution with the Escape/ Cross City fork. I like aluminium.

As I understand your explanation, it doesn't even need a bolt. A cable, under...
03-15-23, 04:06 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

The spacers that came with my stainless Tubus...

The spacers that came with my stainless Tubus rack are stainless. So far as they need to withstand a compression force of the bolt, they are structural. I don't think I've ever seen a rack that came...
03-14-23, 07:56 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

That's kind of my point; if an 8mm spacer over a...

That's kind of my point; if an 8mm spacer over a bolt is suitable for this task, then is ≈7mm of bolt without a spacer suitable for this task? Does it change the equation if part of that bolt is...
03-14-23, 06:30 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

This mostly makes sense to me. The part that...

This mostly makes sense to me.

The part that doesn't make sense is this: Most/all (non-carbon) forks that "properly" support a rack require a standoff/spacer between the lower rack flange and the...
03-14-23, 07:52 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

I intend to stay within the 18kg rated limit of...

I intend to stay within the 18kg rated limit of the rack (9kg per side), if that's what you mean by not overloading it.

I ride Schwalbe Marathons, so flats are rare, and I have the gear and...
03-14-23, 07:04 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Maybe this is a viable (safe) solution, using the...

Maybe this is a viable (safe) solution, using the Escape/ Cross City fork?

This was mentioned previously, but I just now got a chance to mock it up. I'd probably use a nylock nut, and all...
03-14-23, 06:42 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Because I like aluminium bikes. For how/where I...

Because I like aluminium bikes. For how/where I ride, they appeal to me more than steel or carbon fibre,

If I had $5-10k to spend on a commuter/city bike, I'd seriously consider titanium. Of...
03-14-23, 06:37 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

That's cool, but shear-strength of a bolt matters...

That's cool, but shear-strength of a bolt matters when the two surfaces held together by that bolt are (a) perpendicular to the bolt and (b) flush, and (c) the forces are perpendicular to the length...
03-13-23, 07:30 PM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

As I expected, a new FX2 fork is about the same...

As I expected, a new FX2 fork is about the same price as a used FX2, and won't be available for a couple of months. This is pushing me towards just looking for a used FX2.

Maybe my next bike will...
03-13-23, 06:27 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

The Surly forks look good, except I'm looking for...

The Surly forks look good, except I'm looking for aluminium.
03-13-23, 08:18 AM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

Absolutely worth asking. But even if it is...

Absolutely worth asking. But even if it is available, it'll probably cost as much as a used FX2. I'll ask some local shops, anyway. Never know, they may have an extra one.

The large FX2 head-tube...
03-13-23, 06:59 AM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

Oh, and about the fork, yeah. I can only make...

Oh, and about the fork, yeah. I can only make inferences from pictures and videos, but it looks like the fork should be fine with wider tires, and if there is a limitation it's in the chain-stays....
03-13-23, 06:53 AM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

The Verve series are a bit too cruiser geometry...

The Verve series are a bit too cruiser geometry for me, and they all have threaded headsets.

For longer rides, I've got a flat-bar upright-posture touring bike that's well equipped for groceries...
03-13-23, 06:35 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

if I have a 5mm bolt inside of a standoff with an...

if I have a 5mm bolt inside of a standoff with an 8mm OD, and all faces/surfaces are flush, and there's a load perpendicular to the bolt... I'd expect the standoff to transfer some of the leverage...
03-13-23, 06:29 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

You're the second person today (first person...

You're the second person today (first person here) who mentioned post-welding heat treatment.

For a city-bike, a can of spray-paint might do for painting. Or I might wind up with a Trek FX2 fork...
03-12-23, 06:52 PM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

My requirements for a fork are: Front rack...

My requirements for a fork are: Front rack compatible, aluminium, non-suspension, 700c, and overall suited for touring/grocery. Of course it has to be something I can find locally, which further...
03-12-23, 09:27 AM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

I don't need the weight or complexity of...

I don't need the weight or complexity of suspension forks, and they tend to not work with a low-rider front-rack (especially a rack like the Tara, with a hoop over the wheel). Otherwise, those bikes...
03-12-23, 07:19 AM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

If it were that easy... The big thing I'm...

If it were that easy...

The big thing I'm looking for that's not fashionable on current off-the-shelf bikes is a 3x10 drive-train, with 40-30-22 crankset and 11-42 cassette. This gives me a gear...
03-11-23, 07:32 PM
Replies: 2,216
Views: 830,635
Posted By smasha

Greeting to all of the Trek FX experts! I'm...

Greeting to all of the Trek FX experts!

I'm trying to build up a city/grocery/hill bike, and hit a snag with the Giant Cross City (aka Escape) 2 that I started with -...
03-11-23, 01:42 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Wondering if I should change this project from a...

Wondering if I should change this project from a a Giant Cross City (aka Escape) 2 to a Trek FX 2. Seems like very similar geometry, designed for a very similar riding.

The specs for the FX2 say...
03-10-23, 11:39 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Across the radius of where the crush washer would...

Across the radius of where the crush washer would fit, one side would have about a 2mm gap while the other side comes into contact with the fork. I think that's not going to work.

I'm not worried...
03-10-23, 11:17 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

I know, I know... Just call me Mr Conservative.

I know, I know... Just call me Mr Conservative.
03-10-23, 01:33 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Just put half a washer under the bolt? I was...

Just put half a washer under the bolt? I was thinking about that, but if the bolt loosens itself, I'd lose that half-washer. It's a high maintenance solution, and it still wouldn't sit flush.
03-10-23, 01:31 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

What fork is that?

What fork is that?
03-10-23, 01:30 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

I've got the Tubus Tara rack here, and playing...

I've got the Tubus Tara rack here, and playing around with it, the fit may not be as bad as I thought.

Pictured, below, is from the Tara installation manual. The red piece is an optional...
03-08-23, 07:04 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Seems like a lot of work for a solution that's...

Seems like a lot of work for a solution that's far inferior to having braze-on eyelets installed where they'd work well. Assuming that braze-on eyelets are a viable option.
03-06-23, 05:18 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

That could solve the problem of a...

That could solve the problem of a spacer/standoff/washer sitting flush against the fork, but it does not solve (1) the problem of the bolt extending about 7mm out from the fork, to where the rack...
03-06-23, 03:11 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

I suppose "ideal" can have slightly different...

I suppose "ideal" can have slightly different meanings, in different contexts.

So far as I may have used of the term "ideal" in this context, I mean I'm not going to have a catastrophic failure...
03-05-23, 07:19 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Grocery bike, it could hit about 20lbs, per side....

Grocery bike, it could hit about 20lbs, per side.

I'm not sure what pictures you're looking at, but part of the issue here is that nothing but Silly Putty will fit flush with the bottom eyelet of...
03-05-23, 07:15 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

What's led you to believe there'd be a 2mm...

What's led you to believe there'd be a 2mm offset? The actual gap between the fork and a rack flange would be at least 7mm.
03-05-23, 06:01 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

As I noted, above, that's actually worse than...

As I noted, above, that's actually worse than nothing. With a "naked" bolt, the downward leverage is only there when the rack is weighted. With extra fittings, the downward leverage is there when the...
03-05-23, 05:48 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Over time, this is kind of inevitable, given the...

Over time, this is kind of inevitable, given the leverage forces that would act on the bolt.


If braze-on eyelets can be installed, they can be installed so a rack will mount flush, entirely...
03-05-23, 05:41 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Flat or not, that would still be pushing a...

Flat or not, that would still be pushing a downward leverage force on the bolt. It's actually worse than nothing. With a "naked" bolt, the downward leverage is only there when the rack is weighted....
03-05-23, 06:42 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

If I was setting this up as an on-road touring...

If I was setting this up as an on-road touring bike, and just using the front bags for a sleeping bag and a puffy jacket, I could probably get away with some hack that puts a bit of downward bending...
03-05-23, 06:23 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

The hard part is identifying and finding a...

The hard part is identifying and finding a suitable fork. Rigid aluminium forks that accommodate racks are not really fashionable.

It may be easier to have braze-on eyelets installed on this fork....
03-03-23, 03:14 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

tbf, the "Equipped" version/package of this bike...

tbf, the "Equipped" version/package of this bike comes with fenders, and the mid-fork eyelets are used to attach the front fender. Picture, below.

Still, the threaded eyelet near the dropouts...
03-03-23, 12:04 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Update from Giant. It kind of leaves me SOL....

Update from Giant. It kind of leaves me SOL. Seems like the front-racks are only properly compatible with steel fork versions of this bike.

Sucks for me, because I bought this bike with the...
03-02-23, 11:58 PM
Replies: 159
Views: 58,445
Posted By smasha

While I don't want to hijack this thread about...

While I don't want to hijack this thread about the front-rack compatibility, this update from Giant seems worth sharing here. It kind of leaves me SOL. Seems like the front-racks are only properly...
02-26-23, 05:38 AM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Is there an email address where that would...

Is there an email address where that would actually get a response???
02-25-23, 07:38 PM
Replies: 113
Views: 6,472
Posted By smasha

Is this a better idea? ...

Is this a better idea?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1501/tara_5mm_2_44b7c71aaa5e4a5441f4ff48990d931591ff0958.jpg
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