StanSeven

Ok, several recent posts contained insults that I just deleted. Without mentioning names, let’s stop. This is a good thread and we don’t want to close it. Thanks

indyfabz

I got a 12-25 and a 39t small ring when I went to Italy in ‘95. Previous low was something like a 42x23.

Eric F 

During the time I was away from riding, modern bike technology added a couple of gears. What I have generally found with new bikes is that the first 9 gears are pretty much the same as the 9s gears I used to use (11-23 or 11-25). The added gears of 11s found on high-end bikes extended the range on the low end rather than increasing the resolution. For example, the 11s Campy Record on my Storck is 11-29. Being 20+ years older, and 20+ lbs heavier, than my racing days, that 29 is well-appreciated.

ofajen

Just arrived today… a new (old stock) freewheel!




14-19 Suntour Ultra 6. I’m fine tuning my preferences on middle gearing and wanted single steps, at least from 14 to 18.

Of course, there is always the possibility I just go back to single speed again, in which case I’ll be fine tuning what that ratio is. At $25, I don’t think this rates well as the biggest waste. These things usually last a long time.

Otto

smd4

Nice! Looks light!

ofajen

Light for a freewheel, and it lets me use my short cage Cyclone RD which weighs about 170 grams. It can handle up to 24t cog.

Otto

Lombard

It's light because it's missing half the cogs.

ofajen

The unnecessary half. 😊

Otto

ofajen

Or maybe it’s heavy because it’s six times too many?

Otto

Lombard

GhostRider62

I have a bunch of those old 5 and 6 speed freewheels, they weigh twice as much as my 11 and 12 speed Sram Red Cassettes. I hear I could get a fortune for the 13-26 and 14-28 ultra 6.

ofajen

I see NOS 13-24 Winner and New Winners listed for over $100. Pro-Compe Ultra 6 and any of them with single steps list for somewhat less. Used ones also a lot less.

Otto

PeteHski

I was actually wondering if his comment about light weight was being sarcastic, but I expect he was being serious.

smd4

You again? Sheesh.

PeteHski

Just put me on ignore

smd4

I don’t have anyone on Ignore. I certainly wouldn’t give you the honor of being first.

ofajen

Obviously I didn’t take it that way, since it’s relatively light compared to other freewheels. You can’t exactly compare to a cassette, since the cassette has no freewheel mechanism and that weight is in the hub, but even so, old freewheels are relatively heavy, since they have steel bodies and steel cogs about 2mm thick. Running a single speed freewheel, of course, does make for a light build.

Otto

indyfabz

He’s on my list.

alcjphil

Yikes! Slather it with butter and it would be delicious. Corncob freewheels are meant for people much younger than me

Siu Blue Wind

MaxKatt

An LBS guy I trust told me there was nothing like Arundel Mandible bottle cages when I built a fancy bike with him. I felt a little silly spending $160 on a pair of bottle cages...but they were beautiful and super light. Plus he was correct that even over the roughest pavement they've never spit a bottle out...and yet I can slip them in and out perfectly when I need a drink. I was pleased enough I bought a second set for another bike. So...tempted to say waste, but it's been years and I still love them.

My Sidi...whatever vented carbon sole thing came out before Wire with the release button in the middle of the BOA that was $500 bucks. Closer to waste category. I loved and was perfectly happy with my Sidi Genius 5's for years, just felt like trying something new/latest/greatest. I like the BOA technology over velcro and ratchets. But sometimes I do look at them and say really?...$500 bucks?

Still, as someone pointed out in an earlier thread...as "expensive" as some of this cycling stuff is, it's not boating, race car, airplane expensive. I've had a hell of a lot of fun with all my toys, and am pretty sure my final thought as I fade out won't be about pricey bottle cages.

rosefarts

$700 for new boots this year. $500 for a used set of ski's that had Tech Bindings and came with 50/50 skins. $450 for an avalanche probe/beacon/shovel. $100 for a helmet. $50 for goggles. Between long underwear, hardshells, softshells, and mittens, we're probably at another $800-$1000. My backpack was a gift but it retails at $150.

Where I live, I can tour into the late spring. Avalanches are less of a concern than Colorado, except this year. I can ski a steep bowl and be home by 11, or do a 4000' vert day inbounds if I want to crush it. If I want more access than that, I'd need a snowmobile$$$. And with that, comes a trailer to license. And yes, that's probably somewhere in my future. Plus, I've got two kids I'm teaching to ski, and they've advanced past the single free chair. In future seasons, I'll need a season pass for me and my wife. Those are not cheap here.

I love BC skiing, and I'm currently working on combining it with ice climbing so costs may go up yet again. I think it's almost as expensive as my version of cycling to get into.

Once you've got all your gear for either, they're both probably about the same expense. Travel and gear repair.

Eric F 

It seems to me that pretty much any hobby you do with serious intent is likely going to take a minimum of $1000 to get you decently equipped, at the start.

seypat

Running's not that expensive up front, but the super shoes out now are approaching $300/pair. They still wear out as fast.

https://www.fleetfeet.com/browse/sho...?price=200-300

Lombard

Not bowling. A good ball is $200-300. A bag and some resin is a trivial cost. The biggest expense in bowling is lane rental which in a year (based on weekly) can buy at least two bowling balls.