GENERAL QUESTION

[BrianInNY]

Would appreciate opinions (good and bad) regarding TREK, GARY FISHER
and FUJI bicycles. I'm researching some basic bikes for my adult
daughter, who is seeking a decent, reliable bike for occasional riding
in a suburban setting. Would like comments based on personal
experience(s) - thanks.

[bluezfolk]

On Aug 24, 3:54 pm, BrianInNY > wrote:
> Would appreciate opinions (good and bad) regarding TREK, GARY FISHER
> and FUJI bicycles. I'm researching some basic bikes for my adult
> daughter, who is seeking a decent, reliable bike for occasional riding
> in a suburban setting. Would like comments based on personal
> experience(s) - thanks.

Its more a question of how much do you want to spend. You can get
good bikes from all three of those manufacturers. I think your first
decision should be what kind of bike does she want or need, based on
the intended use/s of the bike. Then decide on your budget. Then try
several bikes from differant manuacturers at differant shops if
necessary.
Just my 2 cents
Eric

[landotter]

On Aug 24, 3:54*pm, BrianInNY > wrote:
> Would appreciate opinions (good and bad) regarding TREK, GARY FISHER
> and FUJI bicycles. I'm researching some basic bikes for my adult
> daughter, who is seeking a decent, reliable bike for occasional riding
> in a suburban setting. Would like comments based on personal
> experience(s) - thanks.

How they fit and how the bike shop dials them in is often more
important than how much money you throw at the solution or what brand
name is on the downtube. A master wrench can unbox and build up a $500
suburban scoot that will shift and brake so flawlessly it'll be like
flying on a magic carpet.

Don't neglect the important stuff--like a place to carry stuff and a
bell that goes ring a ding ding! I saw two people almost crash today
because they had stuff on their bikes--and no place to put it! The
suburbs are just full of stuff, so get a stuff holder.

[DanKMTB@gmail.com]

On Aug 25, 12:10*am, landotter > wrote:
> On Aug 24, 3:54*pm, BrianInNY > wrote:
>
> > Would appreciate opinions (good and bad) regarding TREK, GARY FISHER
> > and FUJI bicycles. I'm researching some basic bikes for my adult
> > daughter, who is seeking a decent, reliable bike for occasional riding
> > in a suburban setting. Would like comments based on personal
> > experience(s) - thanks.
>
> How they fit and how the bike shop dials them in is often more
> important than how much money you throw at the solution or what brand
> name is on the downtube. A master wrench can unbox and build up a $500
> suburban scoot that will shift and brake so flawlessly it'll be like
> flying on a magic carpet.
>
> Don't neglect the important stuff--

(like not posting in all caps?)

<snip>

> The suburbs are just full of stuff, so get a stuff holder.

Brilliant! Love it! I'm using that line (or a slight variation) to
justify/explain the rack I've been procrastinating on for the past few
weeks. Actually, not so much procrastinating as trying to decide
which rack and waiting until I have a more complete list of junk to
order, but that’s neither here nor there. I’ve looked at a couple
racks that mount to the seat post and the rear brake mount area, but
fit seems iffy ordering online. The LBS doesn’t carry much in this
regard. Might have to try to get by REI, see what they've got in the
way if "stuff holders".

[landotter]

On Aug 25, 7:34*am, " > wrote:
> On Aug 25, 12:10*am, landotter > wrote:

> > Don't neglect the important stuff--
>
> (like not posting in all caps?)
>
> <snip>
>
> > The suburbs are just full of stuff, so get a stuff holder.
>
> Brilliant! *Love it! *I'm using that line (or a slight variation) to
> justify/explain the rack I've been procrastinating on for the past few
> weeks. *Actually, not so much procrastinating as trying to decide
> which rack and waiting until I have a more complete list of junk to
> order, but that’s neither here nor there. *I’ve looked at a couple
> racks that mount to the seat post and the rear brake mount area, but
> fit seems iffy ordering online. *The LBS doesn’t carry much in this
> regard. *Might have to try to get by REI, see what they've got in the
> way if "stuff holders".

Carlin on "Stuff"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac

I've been enjoying carrying stuff on my Kona since they built the bike/
ped bridge over the Cumberland. Just yesterday I turned a 30 mile
training ride into a shopping trip. Ride out fifteen miles, lock up,
put on the shorts of modesty, shop, load up 40-50# of STUFF in the
front and rear, then haul ass home. It's hilarious passing guys on 17#
crochets when you've got a family pack of pork chops sticking out of
one pannier and some TP bungee'd to your front rack. "Wassamatter,
beetches, wanna draft?"

[DanKMTB@gmail.com]

On Aug 25, 10:43*am, landotter > wrote:
> On Aug 25, 7:34*am, " > wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Aug 25, 12:10*am, landotter > wrote:
> > > Don't neglect the important stuff--
>
> > (like not posting in all caps?)
>
> > <snip>
>
> > > The suburbs are just full of stuff, so get a stuff holder.
>
> > Brilliant! *Love it! *I'm using that line (or a slight variation) to
> > justify/explain the rack I've been procrastinating on for the past few
> > weeks. *Actually, not so much procrastinating as trying to decide
> > which rack and waiting until I have a more complete list of junk to
> > order, but that’s neither here nor there. *I’ve looked at a couple
> > racks that mount to the seat post and the rear brake mount area, but
> > fit seems iffy ordering online. *The LBS doesn’t carry much in this
> > regard. *Might have to try to get by REI, see what they've got in the
> > way if "stuff holders".
>
> Carlin on "Stuff"
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvgN5gCuLac

Good stuff! Carlin was the man - I was fortunate enough to see him
live a few years ago, great show. Damn shame he's no longer with us.


> I've been enjoying carrying stuff on my Kona since they built the bike/
> ped bridge over the Cumberland. Just yesterday I turned a 30 mile
> training ride into a shopping trip. Ride out fifteen miles, lock up,
> put on the shorts of modesty, shop, load up 40-50# of STUFF in the
> front and rear, then haul ass home. It's hilarious passing guys on 17#
> crochets when you've got a family pack of pork chops sticking out of
> one pannier and some TP bungee'd to your front rack. "Wassamatter,
> beetches, wanna draft?"

Good stuff. I've yet to have a bike with a proper place for stuff - I
tend to use a backpack for shopping and the like when going by bike.
Just recently I decided to get a rack for the foul weather/beater/
winter/townie/shopping bike. Just gotta wait until I decide I need
enough stuff to justify an order of stuff in which to include the
stuff holder, which is stuff in itself. Then I'll be able to haul
stuff by bike without the backpack.

I used to have the same fun passing the hardcore on my old SS, which
is now my foul weather/beater/winter/townie/shopping bike. These days
most of my road riding is on a crotchet, which takes a bit of the fun
out of passing the lancealikes. It's more fun to ride on the road
though, not to mention faster.

[John Kane]

On Aug 24, 4:54*pm, BrianInNY > wrote:
> Would appreciate opinions (good and bad) regarding TREK, GARY FISHER
> and FUJI bicycles. I'm researching some basic bikes for my adult
> daughter, who is seeking a decent, reliable bike for occasional riding
> in a suburban setting. Would like comments based on personal
> experience(s) - thanks.

It probably comes down to personal choice as all three brands seem to
be good ones.

My recommendations would be to not to worry so much about the brand
but rather to think about what kind of riding your daughter is likely
to do.

I'd roughly break down riding to about 4 ategories,

1. Fast road riding ( often done with a club and wearing spandex )
For this she will want a good high quality road bike (the kind with
drop handle bars) Performance is key.

2. Recreational riding. Riding around the area on paved roads or well
maintained paths. Performance is not as important as in 1. A good
road bike (as in 1) or a hybred, which will usually have upright bars,
and wider tires than a road bike are good choices. A mountain bike
will work but may be overkill.

3. Off-Road or mountain biking. Ride on rough trails, through mud
etc. Again performance is critical but the bike type is very
different from what one wants for road riding. Full blown mountain
bike with at least front suspension is needed and full suspension is
probably better. Mountain bike is required

4. Utility cycling. Rides to get to work or to shop, visit friends
etc. Any of the above bikes will work. If used for this type of
riding one needs to consider fitting rear rack, getting saddle bags
for easy carrying of groceries, clothes etc, and one should have
lights for save riding after dark

John Kane Kingston ON Canada

[Mike Jacoubowsky]

"BrianInNY" > wrote in message
...
> Would appreciate opinions (good and bad) regarding TREK, GARY FISHER
> and FUJI bicycles. I'm researching some basic bikes for my adult
> daughter, who is seeking a decent, reliable bike for occasional riding
> in a suburban setting. Would like comments based on personal
> experience(s) - thanks.

The biggest differences will often be between the dealer selling the
product. We like Trek; we'er a very large Trek dealer (so you can assume I'm
biased) and have had a relationship with the company for over 20 years. Very
good people, widely regarded as having the best tech/warranty department in
the business, and extremely low staff turnover, which is a very rare thing
in the bike biz. The reason it's a good thing is that your product people
aren't always new and having to re-learn everything. Fewer "rookie"
mistakes. Fisher is part of the Trek organization, so quality & support will
be similar.

--Mike Jacoubowsky
Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReaction.com
Redwood City & Los Altos, CA USA

[Tom Keats]

In article >,
" > writes:
> On Aug 25, 10:43=A0am, landotter > wrote:
>> On Aug 25, 7:34=A0am, " > wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > On Aug 25, 12:10=A0am, landotter > wrote:
>> > > Don't neglect the important stuff--
>>
>> > (like not posting in all caps?)
>>
>> > <snip>
>>
>> > > The suburbs are just full of stuff, so get a stuff holder.
>>
>> > Brilliant! =A0Love it! =A0I'm using that line (or a slight variation) t=
> o
>> > justify/explain the rack I've been procrastinating on for the past few
>> > weeks. =A0Actually, not so much procrastinating as trying to decide
>> > which rack and waiting until I have a more complete list of junk to
>> > order, but that=92s neither here nor there. =A0I=92ve looked at a coupl=
> e
>> > racks that mount to the seat post and the rear brake mount area, but
>> > fit seems iffy ordering online. =A0The LBS doesn=92t carry much in this
>> > regard. =A0Might have to try to get by REI, see what they've got in the
>> > way if "stuff holders".
>>
>> Carlin on "Stuff"
>>
>> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DMvgN5gCuLac
>
> Good stuff! Carlin was the man - I was fortunate enough to see him
> live a few years ago, great show. Damn shame he's no longer with us.
>
>
>> I've been enjoying carrying stuff on my Kona since they built the bike/
>> ped bridge over the Cumberland. Just yesterday I turned a 30 mile
>> training ride into a shopping trip. Ride out fifteen miles, lock up,
>> put on the shorts of modesty, shop, load up 40-50# of STUFF in the
>> front and rear, then haul ass home. It's hilarious passing guys on 17#
>> crochets when you've got a family pack of pork chops sticking out of
>> one pannier and some TP bungee'd to your front rack. "Wassamatter,
>> beetches, wanna draft?"
>
> Good stuff. I've yet to have a bike with a proper place for stuff - I
> tend to use a backpack for shopping and the like when going by bike.
> Just recently I decided to get a rack for the foul weather/beater/
> winter/townie/shopping bike. Just gotta wait until I decide I need
> enough stuff to justify an order of stuff in which to include the
> stuff holder, which is stuff in itself. Then I'll be able to haul
> stuff by bike without the backpack.
>
> I used to have the same fun passing the hardcore on my old SS, which
> is now my foul weather/beater/winter/townie/shopping bike. These days
> most of my road riding is on a crotchet, which takes a bit of the fun
> out of passing the lancealikes. It's more fun to ride on the road
> though, not to mention faster.

If you have easy access to a number of food specialty shops
(i.e: butcher shops, bakeries, green grocers, etc) I heartily
recommend trying shopping by bike. It turns an otherwise
tedious chore into a pleasant excursion. Or two, or three
excursions. More excuses to ride, and to just generally
get out-and-about in the city, and to see which shops have
what, and at what prices.

In so doing, I've enjoyed much better quality and
selection than from "convenient" one-stop shopping
at the supermarket. And it gives me more time to
think about what I want/need for recipe ingredients;
there's less chance of forgetting something, and
more opportunity to come up with inspired ideas
of stuff to get.

As for stuff carriers, those clackety Wald folding
rear baskets might be a good starting point.
They have good capacity, they're inexpensive, and
if you decide you don't like 'em, you can always
take 'em off. I still like my milk crate, but
it /is/ aesthetically wanting. OTOH it doesn't
hurt to uglify a city bike.

It also helps to obtain a number of re-usable
shopping bags, so you can take your heretofore
purchases into the shop you're currently visiting,
instead of leaving them on the bike. And it's
less disposable plastic bags clogging the oceans
and washing up on the shores of Bikini Atoll.

My Uber stuff carrier is my Leggero Max trailer,
which readily converts into a shopping cart.
I'm enamoured with it, but it arouses such
curiosity that I frequently find myself demo-ing
it like a carnival hawker to inquisitive & intrigued
passers-by. But I don't mind showing the world that
bicycles can be a viable means of "serious" transportation.

Longtail bikes such as the XtraCycle conversion
as well as purpose-built integral units are
another approach worthy of consideration, and
might be your best bet for keeping your cargo
secure when riding over those crochets.

And then there are these bakfiets thingies.


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[DanKMTB@gmail.com]

On Aug 29, 7:33*am, (Tom Keats) wrote:
> In article >,
> * * * * " > writes:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Aug 25, 10:43=A0am, landotter > wrote:
> >> On Aug 25, 7:34=A0am, " > wrote:
>
> >> > On Aug 25, 12:10=A0am, landotter > wrote:
> >> > > Don't neglect the important stuff--
>
> >> > (like not posting in all caps?)
>
> >> > <snip>
>
> >> > > The suburbs are just full of stuff, so get a stuff holder.
>
> >> > Brilliant! =A0Love it! =A0I'm using that line (or a slight variation) t=
> > o
> >> > justify/explain the rack I've been procrastinating on for the past few
> >> > weeks. =A0Actually, not so much procrastinating as trying to decide
> >> > which rack and waiting until I have a more complete list of junk to
> >> > order, but that=92s neither here nor there. =A0I=92ve looked at a coupl=
> > e
> >> > racks that mount to the seat post and the rear brake mount area, but
> >> > fit seems iffy ordering online. =A0The LBS doesn=92t carry much in this
> >> > regard. =A0Might have to try to get by REI, see what they've got in the
> >> > way if "stuff holders".
>
> >> Carlin on "Stuff"
>
> >>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DMvgN5gCuLac
>
> > Good stuff! *Carlin was the man - I was fortunate enough to see him
> > live a few years ago, great show. *Damn shame he's no longer with us.
>
> >> I've been enjoying carrying stuff on my Kona since they built the bike/
> >> ped bridge over the Cumberland. Just yesterday I turned a 30 mile
> >> training ride into a shopping trip. Ride out fifteen miles, lock up,
> >> put on the shorts of modesty, shop, load up 40-50# of STUFF in the
> >> front and rear, then haul ass home. It's hilarious passing guys on 17#
> >> crochets when you've got a family pack of pork chops sticking out of
> >> one pannier and some TP bungee'd to your front rack. "Wassamatter,
> >> beetches, wanna draft?"
>
> > Good stuff. *I've yet to have a bike with a proper place for stuff - I
> > tend to use a backpack for shopping and the like when going by bike.
> > Just recently I decided to get a rack for the foul weather/beater/
> > winter/townie/shopping bike. *Just gotta wait until I decide I need
> > enough stuff to justify an order of stuff in which to include the
> > stuff holder, which is stuff in itself. *Then I'll be able to haul
> > stuff by bike without the backpack.
>
> > I used to have the same fun passing the hardcore on my old SS, which
> > is now my foul weather/beater/winter/townie/shopping bike. *These days
> > most of my road riding is on a crotchet, which takes a bit of the fun
> > out of passing the lancealikes. *It's more fun to ride on the road
> > though, not to mention faster.
>
> If you have easy access to a number of food specialty shops
> (i.e: butcher shops, bakeries, green grocers, etc)

I do. One of the high points of living in the city.


> I heartily
> recommend trying shopping by bike. *It turns an otherwise
> tedious chore into a pleasant excursion. *Or two, or three
> excursions. *More excuses to ride, and to just generally
> get out-and-about in the city, and to see which shops have
> what, and at what prices.

I tend to do this already with the "townie bike" I'm looking for a
rack for. I think with a rack or two, it would make a nifty "shopping
bike".


> In so doing, I've enjoyed much better quality and
> selection than from "convenient" one-stop shopping
> at the supermarket. *And it gives me more time to
> think about what I want/need for recipe ingredients;
> there's less chance of forgetting something, and
> more opportunity to come up with inspired ideas
> of stuff to get.

Again, I tend to do this already with the bike I've got. I'm just
accustomed to using a backpack, and with racks I could avoid the
"sweaty back" aspect.


> As for stuff carriers, those clackety Wald folding
> rear baskets might be a good starting point.
> They have good capacity, they're inexpensive, and
> if you decide you don't like 'em, you can always
> take 'em off. *I still like my milk crate, but
> it /is/ aesthetically wanting. *OTOH it doesn't
> hurt to uglify a city bike.

I'll have to take a look at the Wald folding baskets. A LBS near me
is currently going out of business and has everything but new bikes @
1/2 off, so I think I'm going to see if I can fit one of their racks
to my bike. It'd have to share eyelets with the fenders, so at the
least I'd be needing longer screws. With the bike as old and "well
used" as it is I have my doubts about their ability to handle the
load. I'll have to look into it further.


> It also helps to obtain a number of re-usable
> shopping bags, so you can take your heretofore
> purchases into the shop you're currently visiting,
> instead of leaving them on the bike. *And it's
> less disposable plastic bags clogging the oceans
> and washing up on the shores of Bikini Atoll.

Good call. My dad has bought some of those bags, but has yet to
remember to bring them shopping. On the other hand, I do find paper
bags a good way to start the backyard fires, since I don't get daily
newspapers. Something else to consider, anyway.


> My Uber stuff carrier is my Leggero Max trailer,
> which readily converts into a shopping cart.
> I'm enamoured with it, but it arouses such
> curiosity that I frequently find myself demo-ing
> it like a carnival hawker to inquisitive & intrigued
> passers-by. *But I don't mind showing the world that
> bicycles can be a viable means of "serious" transportation.
>
> Longtail bikes such as the XtraCycle conversion
> as well as purpose-built integral units are
> another approach worthy of consideration, and
> might be your best bet for keeping your cargo
> secure when riding over those crochets.
>
> And then there are these bakfiets thingies.

The LBS going out of business had handlebar baskets on sale too. I
seriously considered it, just for the novelty. Who knows, I still may
pull the trigger on one. I should have checked the price.

[Tom Keats]

In article >,
" > writes:

>> (i.e: butcher shops, bakeries, green grocers, etc)
> I do. One of the high points of living in the city.
>> I heartily
>> recommend trying shopping by bike. *It turns an otherwise
>> tedious chore into a pleasant excursion. *Or two, or three
>> excursions. *More excuses to ride, and to just generally
>> get out-and-about in the city, and to see which shops have
>> what, and at what prices.
> I tend to do this already with the "townie bike" I'm looking for a
> rack for. I think with a rack or two, it would make a nifty "shopping
> bike".
>> In so doing, I've enjoyed much better quality and
>> selection than from "convenient" one-stop shopping
>> at the supermarket. *And it gives me more time to
>> think about what I want/need for recipe ingredients;
>> there's less chance of forgetting something, and
>> more opportunity to come up with inspired ideas
>> of stuff to get.
> Again, I tend to do this already with the bike I've got. I'm just
> accustomed to using a backpack, and with racks I could avoid the
> "sweaty back" aspect.

Y'see, there's the rub.

Once you lose the backpack and let the bike bear the load,
you'll feel such a great relief, you'll wonder why you've
been torturing yourself with backpacks full o' stuff
all along.

I realize you're used to wearing the load instead
of letting the bike wear it. It's the devil you
know, and it's hard to change horses in midstream.

>> As for stuff carriers, those clackety Wald folding
>> rear baskets might be a good starting point.
>> They have good capacity, they're inexpensive, and
>> if you decide you don't like 'em, you can always
>> take 'em off. *I still like my milk crate, but
>> it /is/ aesthetically wanting. *OTOH it doesn't
>> hurt to uglify a city bike.
> I'll have to take a look at the Wald folding baskets. A LBS near me
> is currently going out of business and has everything but new bikes @
> 1/2 off, so I think I'm going to see if I can fit one of their racks
> to my bike. It'd have to share eyelets with the fenders, so at the
> least I'd be needing longer screws. With the bike as old and "well
> used" as it is I have my doubts about their ability to handle the
> load. I'll have to look into it further.

When attaching stuff to bikes becomes problematic,
there are always good ol' zip-ties.

>> It also helps to obtain a number of re-usable
>> shopping bags, so you can take your heretofore
>> purchases into the shop you're currently visiting,
>> instead of leaving them on the bike. *And it's
>> less disposable plastic bags clogging the oceans
>> and washing up on the shores of Bikini Atoll.

> Good call. My dad has bought some of those bags, but has yet to
> remember to bring them shopping. On the other hand, I do find paper
> bags a good way to start the backyard fires, since I don't get daily
> newspapers. Something else to consider, anyway.

I still like paper bags for certain applications, myself.

Potato chips make excellent kindling. Ask any arsonist.

Out in the backcountry, a bag of potato chips is a lovely
survival kit adjunct. Food & dry kindling in one package.

>> My Uber stuff carrier is my Leggero Max trailer,
>> which readily converts into a shopping cart.
>> I'm enamoured with it, but it arouses such
>> curiosity that I frequently find myself demo-ing
>> it like a carnival hawker to inquisitive & intrigued
>> passers-by. *But I don't mind showing the world that
>> bicycles can be a viable means of "serious" transportation.
>>
>> Longtail bikes such as the XtraCycle conversion
>> as well as purpose-built integral units are
>> another approach worthy of consideration, and
>> might be your best bet for keeping your cargo
>> secure when riding over those crochets.
>>
>> And then there are these bakfiets thingies.
> The LBS going out of business had handlebar baskets on sale too. I
> seriously considered it, just for the novelty. Who knows, I still may
> pull the trigger on one. I should have checked the price.

For the most part, carrying cargo weight at the rear of a bicycle
seems to be preferable to carrying it at the front, where it's
CoG/load-centre tends to be high-up and affects one's steering.

That said, I've used handlebar baskets in the past, and gotten
by with them. But I've also never had to peer through a potted
5' tall split-leaf philodendron sitting in my front basket.

There's a rule-of-thumb for more heavily laden tourers --
3/4s of the weight at the rear of the bike, and 1/4 at the
front. Dennis Coello suggests, especially for back-country
touring, 2/3s cargo weight to the rear, and 1/3 at the front,
but low down, and on a lowrider front rack.

If you could just free yourself of the backpack, a whole
new world will open itself up to you.


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[Tom Sherman[_2_]]

Tom Keats wrote:
> [...]
> There's a rule-of-thumb for more heavily laden tourers --
> 3/4s of the weight at the rear of the bike, and 1/4 at the
> front. Dennis Coello suggests, especially for back-country
> touring, 2/3s cargo weight to the rear, and 1/3 at the front,
> but low down, and on a lowrider front rack.[...]

The heavy stuff should go directly below the seat, and the bulkier light
stuff on the back:
<http://www.phred.org/~alex/pictures/bikes/rocket/loaded-1.jpg>.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
“Mary had a little lamb / And when she saw it sicken /
She shipped it off to Packingtown / And now it’s labeled chicken.”

[DanKMTB@gmail.com]

On Sep 1, 7:23 pm, (Tom Keats) wrote:
> In article >,
> " > writes:
>
>
>
>
>
> >> (i.e: butcher shops, bakeries, green grocers, etc)
> > I do. One of the high points of living in the city.
> >> I heartily
> >> recommend trying shopping by bike. It turns an otherwise
> >> tedious chore into a pleasant excursion. Or two, or three
> >> excursions. More excuses to ride, and to just generally
> >> get out-and-about in the city, and to see which shops have
> >> what, and at what prices.
> > I tend to do this already with the "townie bike" I'm looking for a
> > rack for. I think with a rack or two, it would make a nifty "shopping
> > bike".
> >> In so doing, I've enjoyed much better quality and
> >> selection than from "convenient" one-stop shopping
> >> at the supermarket. And it gives me more time to
> >> think about what I want/need for recipe ingredients;
> >> there's less chance of forgetting something, and
> >> more opportunity to come up with inspired ideas
> >> of stuff to get.
> > Again, I tend to do this already with the bike I've got. I'm just
> > accustomed to using a backpack, and with racks I could avoid the
> > "sweaty back" aspect.
>
> Y'see, there's the rub.
>
> Once you lose the backpack and let the bike bear the load,
> you'll feel such a great relief, you'll wonder why you've
> been torturing yourself with backpacks full o' stuff
> all along.

I don’t doubt it.


> I realize you're used to wearing the load instead
> of letting the bike wear it. It's the devil you
> know, and it's hard to change horses in midstream.
>
> >> As for stuff carriers, those clackety Wald folding
> >> rear baskets might be a good starting point.
> >> They have good capacity, they're inexpensive, and
> >> if you decide you don't like 'em, you can always
> >> take 'em off. I still like my milk crate, but
> >> it /is/ aesthetically wanting. OTOH it doesn't
> >> hurt to uglify a city bike.
> > I'll have to take a look at the Wald folding baskets. A LBS near me
> > is currently going out of business and has everything but new bikes @
> > 1/2 off, so I think I'm going to see if I can fit one of their racks
> > to my bike. It'd have to share eyelets with the fenders, so at the
> > least I'd be needing longer screws. With the bike as old and "well
> > used" as it is I have my doubts about their ability to handle the
> > load. I'll have to look into it further.
>
> When attaching stuff to bikes becomes problematic,
> there are always good ol' zip-ties.

I’ve thought of that as well. I’m sure I can find some way to attach
things, if need be.


> >> It also helps to obtain a number of re-usable
> >> shopping bags, so you can take your heretofore
> >> purchases into the shop you're currently visiting,
> >> instead of leaving them on the bike. And it's
> >> less disposable plastic bags clogging the oceans
> >> and washing up on the shores of Bikini Atoll.
> > Good call. My dad has bought some of those bags, but has yet to
> > remember to bring them shopping. On the other hand, I do find paper
> > bags a good way to start the backyard fires, since I don't get daily
> > newspapers. Something else to consider, anyway.
>
> I still like paper bags for certain applications, myself.
>
> Potato chips make excellent kindling. Ask any arsonist.
>
> Out in the backcountry, a bag of potato chips is a lovely
> survival kit adjunct. Food & dry kindling in one package.

No kidding. I never knew that – good to know. However, considering
the frequency of my fires (5-7/week) chips would get expensive fast.
I actually don’t even go through enough paper bags, I end up getting
old newspaper and stuff from other sources. When push comes to shove
I can start the fire without any aids at all, but it’s easier and
faster to have some sort of paper source to get the ball rolling when
it’s available. Often the notice I’ll be having company is quite
short, and with some newspaper or paper bags I’ve got a good ol’
blazer going by the time they show up 10 minutes later, with the radio
set up, the chairs set out, iced tea, glasses and an ice bucket all
set up, tiki torches lit, etc. It’s good to be able to light a good
fire in under 2 minutes, leaving me the other 8 to get everything else
set up before the guests arrive. Last night was a perfect example of
this, I had under 10 minutes notice and a friend was bringing by his
new lady friend. It was nice to assure them that just a few minutes
notice was just fine since they were in the area, and then have all
the above mentioned stuff set up and going by the time they arrived.
They were pleasantly surprised as well, they were asking if I was
already set up out there when they called. Nice fire, soft tunes,
chairs, drinks, a bowl of water for the new pup, snacks – beautiful
setup. Being able to light the fire and forget it in about a minute
was a big part of what made that possible. Damn, now I’m off on a
tangent…


> >> My Uber stuff carrier is my Leggero Max trailer,
> >> which readily converts into a shopping cart.
> >> I'm enamoured with it, but it arouses such
> >> curiosity that I frequently find myself demo-ing
> >> it like a carnival hawker to inquisitive & intrigued
> >> passers-by. But I don't mind showing the world that
> >> bicycles can be a viable means of "serious" transportation.
>
> >> Longtail bikes such as the XtraCycle conversion
> >> as well as purpose-built integral units are
> >> another approach worthy of consideration, and
> >> might be your best bet for keeping your cargo
> >> secure when riding over those crochets.
>
> >> And then there are these bakfiets thingies.
> > The LBS going out of business had handlebar baskets on sale too. I
> > seriously considered it, just for the novelty. Who knows, I still may
> > pull the trigger on one. I should have checked the price.
>
> For the most part, carrying cargo weight at the rear of a bicycle
> seems to be preferable to carrying it at the front, where it's
> CoG/load-centre tends to be high-up and affects one's steering.
>
> That said, I've used handlebar baskets in the past, and gotten
> by with them. But I've also never had to peer through a potted
> 5' tall split-leaf philodendron sitting in my front basket.
>
> There's a rule-of-thumb for more heavily laden tourers --
> 3/4s of the weight at the rear of the bike, and 1/4 at the
> front. Dennis Coello suggests, especially for back-country
> touring, 2/3s cargo weight to the rear, and 1/3 at the front,
> but low down, and on a lowrider front rack.

The basket would be a suppliment to the rear rack, someplace for small
goodies and something of a novelty. Not sure if I’ll actually go that
route.


> If you could just free yourself of the backpack, a whole
> new world will open itself up to you.

I don’t doubt it. I think one of the many reasons my commute to work
on the crotchet got more pleasurable is with it’s water bottle cages
and my new “leave work clothes at work” plan, I’m finally commuting
without a pack. It’s definitely more enjoyable.

[Tom Sherman[_2_]]

wrote:
> On Sep 1, 7:23 pm, (Tom Keats) wrote:
>> [...]
>> Out in the backcountry, a bag of potato chips is a lovely
>> survival kit adjunct. Food & dry kindling in one package.
>
> No kidding. I never knew that – good to know. However, considering
> the frequency of my fires (5-7/week) chips would get expensive fast.
> I actually don’t even go through enough paper bags, I end up getting
> old newspaper and stuff from other sources. When push comes to shove
> I can start the fire without any aids at all, but it’s easier and
> faster to have some sort of paper source to get the ball rolling when
> it’s available. Often the notice I’ll be having company is quite
> short, and with some newspaper or paper bags I’ve got a good ol’
> blazer going by the time they show up 10 minutes later, with the radio
> set up, the chairs set out, iced tea, glasses and an ice bucket all
> set up, tiki torches lit, etc. It’s good to be able to light a good
> fire in under 2 minutes, leaving me the other 8 to get everything else
> set up before the guests arrive. Last night was a perfect example of
> this, I had under 10 minutes notice and a friend was bringing by his
> new lady friend. It was nice to assure them that just a few minutes
> notice was just fine since they were in the area, and then have all
> the above mentioned stuff set up and going by the time they arrived.
> They were pleasantly surprised as well, they were asking if I was
> already set up out there when they called. Nice fire, soft tunes,
> chairs, drinks, a bowl of water for the new pup, snacks – beautiful
> setup. Being able to light the fire and forget it in about a minute
> was a big part of what made that possible.[...]

I like to use volatile hydrocarbons mixed with ether (diesel starting
fluid) to get fires going. Living dangerously is fun.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
“Mary had a little lamb / And when she saw it sicken /
She shipped it off to Packingtown / And now it’s labeled chicken.”

[Tom Keats]

In article >,
" > writes:

> The basket would be a suppliment to the rear rack, someplace for small
> goodies and something of a novelty. Not sure if I=92ll actually go that
> route.
>
>
>> If you could just free yourself of the backpack, a whole
>> new world will open itself up to you.
>
> I don=92t doubt it. I think one of the many reasons my commute to work
> on the crotchet got more pleasurable is with it=92s water bottle cages
> and my new =93leave work clothes at work=94 plan, I=92m finally commuting
> without a pack. It=92s definitely more enjoyable.


Here's a magazine article that nicely covers our shopping-by-bike
options, including folding/non-folding baskets, panniers, racks,
packs and trailers. It's a good article:

http://www.momentumplanet.com/gear/shopping-bike


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca

[Brian Huntley]

On Sep 23, 1:50*pm, (Tom Keats) wrote:
> In article >,
> * * * * " > writes:
>
> > The basket would be a suppliment to the rear rack, someplace for small
> > goodies and something of a novelty. *Not sure if I=92ll actually go that
> > route.
>
> >> If you could just free yourself of the backpack, a whole
> >> new world will open itself up to you.
>
> > I don=92t doubt it. *I think one of the many reasons my commute to work
> > on the crotchet got more pleasurable is with it=92s water bottle cages
> > and my new =93leave work clothes at work=94 plan, I=92m finally commuting
> > without a pack. *It=92s definitely more enjoyable.
>
> Here's a magazine article that nicely covers our shopping-by-bike
> options, including folding/non-folding baskets, panniers, racks,
> packs and trailers. *It's a good article:
>
> * * * *http://www.momentumplanet.com/gear/shopping-bike

Bucket type panniers are quite handy for shopping. For light loads, I
carry one into the store, saving having to hunt around for a hand
basket. For heavier loads, I put my pair of buckets right into the
store-provided wheeled basket (or "buggy"), and put my stuff right
into them (except for crushables, which I put in the "baby seat" part
of the buggy.)

When I pack up at the checkout, I don't need bags, and unload/reload
the buckets up quickly. Any oversize items such as multipacks of
tissues get stickered and strapped to the bike rack anyway, so they
just go into the buggy until I'm back at the bike. I carry a canvas
bag that closes security as well, in case I have some medium sized
objects that have to go on the bike rack.

[Tom Keats]

In article >,
Brian Huntley > writes:
> On Sep 23, 1:50*pm, (Tom Keats) wrote:
>> In article >,
>> * * * * " > writes:
>>
>> > The basket would be a suppliment to the rear rack, someplace for small
>> > goodies and something of a novelty. *Not sure if I=92ll actually go that
>> > route.
>>
>> >> If you could just free yourself of the backpack, a whole
>> >> new world will open itself up to you.
>>
>> > I don=92t doubt it. *I think one of the many reasons my commute to work
>> > on the crotchet got more pleasurable is with it=92s water bottle cages
>> > and my new =93leave work clothes at work=94 plan, I=92m finally commuting
>> > without a pack. *It=92s definitely more enjoyable.
>>
>> Here's a magazine article that nicely covers our shopping-by-bike
>> options, including folding/non-folding baskets, panniers, racks,
>> packs and trailers. *It's a good article:
>>
>> * * * *http://www.momentumplanet.com/gear/shopping-bike
> Bucket type panniers are quite handy for shopping. For light loads, I
> carry one into the store, saving having to hunt around for a hand
> basket. For heavier loads, I put my pair of buckets right into the
> store-provided wheeled basket (or "buggy"), and put my stuff right
> into them (except for crushables, which I put in the "baby seat" part
> of the buggy.)
> When I pack up at the checkout, I don't need bags, and unload/reload
> the buckets up quickly. Any oversize items such as multipacks of
> tissues get stickered and strapped to the bike rack anyway, so they
> just go into the buggy until I'm back at the bike. I carry a canvas
> bag that closes security as well, in case I have some medium sized
> objects that have to go on the bike rack.

Your mention of bucket panniers intrigued me so much,
I Googled on it.

It seems kittie litter buckets are a popular form.

But I also found a site (www.cobbworks.com) located
in the PNW, that proffers oyster bucket panniers.
I harbour a certain ... "appreciation" (okay, drooling
lust) of seafood. I could use a couple of oyster buckets.
I can break the sound barrier, shucking oysters.

Anyways, I like this approach because it's durable,
waterproof, high capacity, detachable, and if you
can opt to only carry one bucket/pannier -- scalable.

I figure the main points are capacity and detachability,
especially for folks with one bike to put to multiple
purposes.

You've got a good thing goin'.

If it passes the test of getting a half-dozen eggs home
without breaking any, it's a go.


cheers,
Tom

--
Nothing is safe from me.
I'm really at:
tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca