Monthly Archives: November 2008

Welcome to my “New” Cycling Blog 4

cycles, cycling, publication • Tags:

I have decided to combine my 6 cycling blogs [each relating to a different type cycle] into a single blog–titled Cycling Experiences…  There are efficiencies to be gained in doing so. Plus, you may find it interesting to read information about each of the cycles I ride at a single location. Of course, when I started my former blogs, I did not know my stable would grow as it has and I expect a few more cycles to work their way in over the years. As I do, you’ll find discussion about them here.

I hope you like the layout. I’ll make every effort to keep the information and pictures interesting. There’s lots of cycling information available on the Intenet. I have some links here and you will find many others in associated blogs and by searching the Internet.

At this point, I have completed my review, adjustments, and link check of my 2008 posts.  I’ll be working on ’07 & ’06 over the next week or so. Should you go back to those years, you may find links to my earlier blogs, photos that may not fit the page, etc. Eventually, all the uncategorized references will be gone.  Using the Categories and tags, as well are the calendar and archive should help you navigate this blog.

Thank you for your patience.

Please join me in the wonderful world of cycling…

Enjoy!

Jim

P.S. I say thanks to Alan and Vik for their inspiration.

Amazingly fast turn around Reply

cycling, RANS Stratus XP • Tags:

THANKS Randy Schlitter & RANS! I mailed [via USPS] my riser 11/21 [a Friday] and received the replacement 11/28 [also a Friday] [postmarked 11/25] [also by USPS]. That’s 7 days total, with a weekend and holiday in between. As best I can determine, RANS mailed the replacement riser the day after they received my riser.  This is supper responsive and fantastic support of RANS Stratus XP owners.  Fortunately, I found no evidence of possible failure. Now, I can ride without wondering if my riser may fail.

I certainly appreciate their response and say thanks again!!! 

A few other November ’08 tweaks Reply

cycling, VK2 • Tags: ,

Relocated my GPS [back to the tiller] again. It was not as visible as I needed when located just above the labels [on the "down tube"]. Also photographed is the mounting for my DiNotte Amber Headlight. I’m running a single front DiNotte [for now anyway]. This reduces wiring and will give longer run-time for centuries [one battery per light]. Note the rear DiNotte light below.

My upholstered neck rest Reply

cycling, VK2 • Tags: ,

Based on many rides, with & without a neck rest, I found this location and size most comfortable for my VK2 [see my earlier post below]. Before, the foam I used was damaged by my helmet. This vinyl covering will resolve that problem. Now to ride a century to see if it is a good as I anticipate.

I’m having my steering riser replaced 2

cycling, RANS Stratus XP • Tags:

Based on this failure [discussed in a BROL thread] and reports of other cracks in the riser RANS [Randy Schlitter] is replacing wielded riser with a forged riser, with the customer only paying to ship the riser to RANS.  This is certainly a kind and fair response [as acknowledged by several responders] to rider safety concerns.

Riser Exchange Program [posted on BROL by Randy Schlitter]
RANS will be happy to exchange your welded 3.75” short riser for a forged one for the cost of shipping it back to us. Upon receipt of you old welded riser, we will send you a new forged 3.75” riser shipping prepaid for US mail or regular ground UPS and FEDEX.

Thanks Randy!  Thanks RANS!

On inspection, I find no indications of failure with my riser.  I’m having it replaced because of possible future failure.  Better to be safe, than sorry.

Hopefully, I’ll have it back in time to take my SXP to FestiVELO ’08 [depart December 3rd].

Neck rest revisited. Reply

cycling, VK2 • Tags: ,

Having ridden the last 2 days of Cycle NC with no neck rest [actually my mounting failed some place on ride day6 of 7 days]. I decided to have the most comfortable rest I used covered with vinyl , with just a bit of padding beneath. I’m to pick it up on Monday. I plan to anchor the bottom CF leaf spring with a screw and then use mounting tape along the length of the spring and the seat-back.

Issue with the setup to the right:  The foam was being damaged by my helmet. The vinyl covering will resolve that.

Further, given my relocation of my DiNotte taillight, I removed the light mounting bar you see in the photo above. Now, I have a single light, centered and just above the tire.

Collected STP images shot by MarathonFoto 4

cycling, VK2 • Tags: ,

Thanks to my BROL friend [Dustruff ~ John] and his diligent work after my Seattle to Portland Double-Century in identifying shots of me riding my VK2, I now have them in one folder at Marathon’s Web Site. On the 14th I order two 8x10s. They shipped yesterday. I’ll either download this set or order them on CD. I have up to 14 months [09/09] after the event to do so. THANKS John!