fixed impressions

I’ve finally finished the trailer…wow!

After multiple requests, I’ve made the movie in a somewhat reverse compatible version that plays under Quicktime 6 which is currently the “official” release for Windows. Until QT7 is “official”, the big link below will give you the QT6 version and should play well for everyone.
If you believe your computer is ready for it Quicktime 7 Version


Quicktime 7 is not officially released for Windows, but it is available in public beta format HERE

Everybody’s Quicktime 6 Version

Siren Carving and Fix

Fixed Notes

New Revelations, July 13 2005.

A note to all hard-riding trail-fixers: Old forks are not always as cool as they look. On my Univega is a nice looking, low-arc, chromed-tip lugged fork.

I had high hopes for trail riding on this fork. On paper it looks good. Longish rake. Good tubing. Originally designed with touring clearances and 27″! tires, it easily will fit a 44mm Mutano or with my Mt. Zefal touring fenders on, a good sized 38mm, even the ?40mm? Nokian studded tires fit. However, after repeated trail riding, track stands, and other hard-on-the-poor-old-touring-fork behaviors, things are just not right on the front end. Now as you folks who’ve been following the blog know, my Univega fix got hit by a truck or something while locked outside where I work. So, this fork has some issues. But regardless of the source of the problems, it’s time to beef up the front end.

I’m surrounded by Scorcher Aficianados here and have been test riding different bikes to evaluate their set-ups. They vary just as much as in any other category of bike, with the caveat that Scorchers tend to be owned by bike bums and shop rats whom apply workable if ghetto-ish parts whenever possible. One thing I’ve found to be very consistent is the use extra-sturdy drivetrain components and front end. Let’s focus on the front end.

After much research, I’ve come to this conclusion: Crux: I am recommending the “ralphy” setup as I call it (named after infamous local scorcher ace and all-’round nice-guy, Ralph Eames.) I’m suggesting now that you beef up your front end…the old quill stem, threaded headset and fork will NOT cut it for hard trail riding! And that’s extra true if you’re more than 12 stones heft!

• Surly Cross Check Fork. Comes in both 1″ and 1 1/8″. Great Sloping Crown. Solid “pretty” curved legs. Eyelets.
• Aheadset
• Ahead MTN stem (bar dependent)

So, me rights been trimmed up fine. But you see the cave man look on the left (leg.) -ed.

Lockrings come loose. Especially when you’re 13 + stones and like to avoid brakes. I slipped mine just last week. Of course I have a known bad habit for skipping and leg-locking. I’m a mountain biker == admittedly poor fixed-gear riding etiquette as a result. Not elegant on fix. So I s’pose I get what I deserve.

The slip always feels strange when it happens, usually involving a skid on gravel or dirt. It’s like the ground goes out from under you for a second; a moment is missed in time. Then your cog backs into the lockring and tightens. A metaphorical over-the-bars where enlightenment and grounding (literally and figuratively) happen simultaneously. Pheew!… But then its not like you have a lockring tool in your commuter/trail kit, do you? The last 2 times I did it was on a sunday, and round here, “t’ain’t easuhy gehttin yuh lockrinn gripped onna Sundahay onna’count’n'a it’s Vehmon’uhnt, yuh seeha?”

Will someone please make a Ti lockring/15mm recessed crankbolt/tracknut tool please for Scorchers? Stainless would be ok too!

Over and Out.

Roommates to interview.

Video to edit.

Blogs to write.

Oh, Rides to Bike!

–gonterian

Disco Fix :: Concerns.

>bolt shear.
>play from bolts being smaller than drilling
>cog choice?
>chainline issues…e.g. 135mm hubs probably have a rotor placement of 52mm, the same as MTB s/s hub…not too good for some bikes and low Q-factor.

Disco Fix :: Pros.

>Quick change with lightweight tools.
>Will not slip
>Cheap cog options
>if you use like a Surly disc s/s hub, you get a nice flip/flop same chainline wheel!

I rolled up to the LBS yesterday … the Old Spokes Home … not your everyday run of the mill LBS, but a fixed/singlespeed/simple bike shop. They are a KHS and Surly dealer. However, you’ll see mostly conversions and commuters in the store. Few new bikes. They are all about service and keeping us commuters/enthusiasts running.

Well I always inspect the bike racks out front. You can tell a lot about a shop by the employee bikes. At the OSH (Old Spokes Home) yesterday, I rolled up to find 5 scorchers and 70’s Raleigh Competition free/fixed commuter. And of course I’m on the not-just-another-Univega-commuter-soon-to-be-a-real-scorcher. Some kids had come to look for a bike for one of their group. They were impressed by one of the scorchers: “Hey look, a single speed.” What could I say: “Yea, well actually ALL seven of these bikes are single speeds!” Love the LBS.

There has been much discussion in our little scorcher club lately about the bolt-on “custom-iso-disc-drilled” fixed setup:

Here’s the how to.

My thoughts?

DX cogs have tall teeth, decent chrome coating, cheap, accessible. Drilling? A little touchy, but we all have some closet-uber-machinist friends. Disc brakes == waste of money for xc riders (only the gonterian’s opinion :: feel free to quote me/hassle me.) Especially true for fixed off-road. Quick change gearing is now possible with a 5mm allen. This setup will NOT slip, ever. Could possibly shear, but will never slip! No $16 lockring or $35 EAI. If using an S/S disc hub, you almost surely get a dishless wheel. (And can still use the FW side for coasting duties.) I know that Surly sold a run of Pink S/S disc hubs to my LBS (OSH).They may price these to sell, so if you’ve wanted to fix your single speed MTB, this could be your chance. 802-963-4475.

I’m off to pay for all this fun now. Check back for more on the disc/fix hub and fixed gear riding.

–gonterian

The Tour and The Shave.

I will now begin the shave. And tomorrow LA will begin his final TdF. I hope our synergistic relationship continues to be successful as it has been the last 6 years. Fingers crossed.

What does all this have to do with Fixed Impressions. Go figure. I’m not sure that LA ever rides fixed, but no matter what, TdF is cool.