Biking: Catch-all

LarryC: Bamboo is super-pliable but also has really high tensile strength, so a well-built bamboo bike should be fairly responsive while riding as smooth as a Cadillac. By "fairly responsive" I mean that it won't wobble around like a rubber band, though I don't think any bamboo bike I've seen has been as responsive as a good carbon road bike. For the most part, they're built as novelties. Expect similar handling but a smoother ride (drivetrain and wheelsets being the same) than a ChroMoly steel frame.

Also, the bamboo tends to be coated/finished, so unless you smash the thing, you likely won't have to worry about splinters. I wouldn't do too much hardcore single-track mountain biking on one, though.

NakedHavoc wrote:

Very sweet!!! Is that a 27.5?

Thanks! No, while the Mojo HDR can go either way you have to give up travel to roll 27.5s. I run high volume tires so they're tall 26s already. I figured the minimal difference in contact area and height wasn't worth losing 30mm of travel. If I do get pulled into the 27.5 camp, Bike.co makes a custom shock that would give me 147mm rear travel so it's less of a loss.

I'm thinking about getting a new bike in the intermediate future, and I stumbled on a local seller. The price for the bamboo frame is actually competitive, and it supports a livelihood project in the poorer urban parts of the Philippines, so I like that aspect of it. My primary concern at this point is crash-safety and durability. I might have to go to the shop itself and ride one of those babies to really get a feel.

I've been poking around and I saw a Western model being sold that's 70% bamboo by weight, and the bamboo is supposedly there purely for performance reasons.

Pic of a more familiar bike config for enthusiasts:

IMAGE(http://www.thediscerningcyclist.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Bambike-1.jpg)

The company rep assures me that the frame is compatible with all the latest gruppos.

Gotcha. It's really hard to tell from a picture.

Agreed. I went the other extreme last year, shorter travel 29'er (Anthem). Fun bike, but I'd like a little more travel and a little more lively handling. I know guys that can tear it up on a 29'er - I am just not one of them. Mostly I ride my road bikes.

Anyway, congrats! New bike day is the best!

LarryC wrote:

I'm thinking about getting a new bike in the intermediate future, and I stumbled on a local seller. The price for the bamboo frame is actually competitive, and it supports a livelihood project in the poorer urban parts of the Philippines, so I like that aspect of it. My primary concern at this point is crash-safety and durability. I might have to go to the shop itself and ride one of those babies to really get a feel.

I've been poking around and I saw a Western model being sold that's 70% bamboo by weight, and the bamboo is supposedly there purely for performance reasons.

*pic snip*

The company rep assures me that the frame is compatible with all the latest gruppos.

Oh man! Bamboo bikes have actually changed a lot since I checked them out. I was just looking into one of the first bamboo builders, Craig Calfee. I rode one of his first bamboo road bike builds (looked much like your pic above). As I said, it was about as responsive as a decent steel bike, but a LOT smoother of a ride. Not a bad thing, but not too great for performance. Looks like a lot of those negatives have really been engineered out in the building process.

But you're right: definitely go take one for a ride if possible-- other people's opinions can only get you so far.

Paleocon wrote:

Okay. I finally broke down and committed to a bike.

Found one on craigslist (http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/40...) and after doing a little research, realized it was a pretty good deal. Shimano 105, carbon, low mileage, no crashes.

Going to pick it up later today.

Wish me luck.

Happy new bike day!!!

NakedHavoc wrote:

Agreed. I went the other extreme last year, shorter travel 29'er (Anthem). Fun bike, but I'd like a little more travel and a little more lively handling. I know guys that can tear it up on a 29'er - I am just not one of them. Mostly I ride my road bikes.

Yup! I just recently scored a deal on a lightweight hardtail 29er (already mentioned in this thread) and it's been a lot of fun. I haven't done much trail riding at all with it yet but it's great as a faux road bike. After riding nothing but full suspension rigs for some time it's awesome how quick a light hardtail feels.

LiquidMantis wrote:

Yup! I just recently scored a deal on a lightweight hardtail 29er (already mentioned in this thread) and it's been a lot of fun. I haven't done much trail riding at all with it yet but it's great as a faux road bike. After riding nothing but full suspension rigs for some time it's awesome how quick a light hardtail feels.

Hardtails are a BLAST for sure!

NakedHavoc wrote:
Paleocon wrote:

Okay. I finally broke down and committed to a bike.

Found one on craigslist (http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/40...) and after doing a little research, realized it was a pretty good deal. Shimano 105, carbon, low mileage, no crashes.

Going to pick it up later today.

Wish me luck.

Happy new bike day!!!

Thanks. Now I need shoes, pedals and a skid lid. I noticed this one comes with pedals, but they are the platform SPD's and will probably annoy me.

gore wrote:

Since I'm not buying a mountain bike, I'm free to lust after one of these silly things from bikesdirect.

IMAGE(http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/images/oxford_navy_xi_2100.jpg)

I'm not sure when or why I would ever use a bike like that, but I sure think it looks sweet :)

This is very similar to the bike I'm looking to buy. Linus Roadster 8 I'm also checking out Public bikes or building up a Surly LHT myself. I'm not sure if the frame accepts an internal hub though. I just want something more upright/comfortable to get around the city.
IMAGE(http://www.linusbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Roaster-8-profile_metallic-blue-detail.jpg)

OMGOMGOMG!!!

I just picked up the bike and it has NEVER been ridden. The dude that bought it was some kind of hoarder like in that show Buried Alive and bought it three years ago and put it in a room before buying so much more stuff that he couldn't get to it. Then he died. It literally still has the little rubber tire nipples still on the center bead. It also has a couple upgrades like a titanium rail saddle, clipless pedals, bottle and cage, and a brand new in the box helmet that is too small for me.

I can't believe my luck.

Paleocon wrote:

OMGOMGOMG!!!

I just picked up the bike and it has NEVER been ridden. The dude that bought it was some kind of hoarder like in that show Buried Alive and bought it three years ago and put it in a room before buying so much more stuff that he couldn't get to it. Then he died. It literally still has the little rubber tire nipples still on the center bead. It also has a couple upgrades like a titanium rail saddle, clipless pedals, bottle and cage, and a brand new in the box helmet that is too small for me.

I can't believe my luck.

That is an amazing deal, I did the same with the my first (real) bike as well. Gotta love it when people buy things and dont use them

Paleocon wrote:

OMGOMGOMG!!!

I just picked up the bike and it has NEVER been ridden. The dude that bought it was some kind of hoarder like in that show Buried Alive and bought it three years ago and put it in a room before buying so much more stuff that he couldn't get to it. Then he died. It literally still has the little rubber tire nipples still on the center bead. It also has a couple upgrades like a titanium rail saddle, clipless pedals, bottle and cage, and a brand new in the box helmet that is too small for me.

I can't believe my luck.

Nice! Guessing you haven't had a chance to ride it yet... this weather is abysmal. I almost punted and took the car to day care this morning.

gore wrote:
Paleocon wrote:

OMGOMGOMG!!!

I just picked up the bike and it has NEVER been ridden. The dude that bought it was some kind of hoarder like in that show Buried Alive and bought it three years ago and put it in a room before buying so much more stuff that he couldn't get to it. Then he died. It literally still has the little rubber tire nipples still on the center bead. It also has a couple upgrades like a titanium rail saddle, clipless pedals, bottle and cage, and a brand new in the box helmet that is too small for me.

I can't believe my luck.

Nice! Guessing you haven't had a chance to ride it yet... this weather is abysmal. I almost punted and took the car to day care this morning.

I rode it around the parking lot a bit and it seems great. I will probably need to adjust the stem a bit and will need to get tools and stuff, but otherwise I am set.

Anyone have any experience with handlebar mounted smart phone holders? I figure the compute power in my Droid Bionic is easily better than any bike computer I can buy and I will already be carrying it.

The biggest issue with using a phone is going to be visability.

Paleocon wrote:

Anyone have any experience with handlebar mounted smart phone holders? I figure the compute power in my Droid Bionic is easily better than any bike computer I can buy and I will already be carrying it.

On Serengeti's recommendation I purchased the bike-specific RAM mount kit. It's pretty good so far (assembly was a pain, though).

EDIT: that said, I'm now buying LM's old Garmin. I've used the smartphone this summer and it's been fine, but there are advantages I'm looking forward to from a dedicated device (won't drain phone battery, much better GPS tracking, inherently rainproof, more precise mounting solution, less likely to forget to turn it on when starting a ride (and easier to start up mid-ride should I forget), etc)

gore wrote:

less likely to forget to turn it on when starting a ride (and easier to start up mid-ride should I forget)

I've been riding with GPS devices for a long time now and that's one of my favorite features with the newer Edges: they have a setting that will nag you when you start moving, asking if you want to start recording. With older devices I've watched the live screen and not realized I never started it tracking until I went to upload data. I'll get the 800 shipped out today, btw.

Anyone use a GoPro? I figure having one for accident evidence wouldn't be a half bad idea.

Paleo, I'd find a good local bike shop and pay for a fitting. They'll get you more dialed in than you can by yourself, and the result will be worth it. I use a QuadLock mount for my iPhone. I love it, but don't know if there's a droid version.

My buddies at work recommend the store Cycling Spoken Here in Cary. They look like they are open until 8 tonight, so I think I will probably stop by and have them look at the bike and sell me a ton of stuff.

Paleocon wrote:

My buddies at work recommend the store Cycling Spoken Here in Cary. They look like they are open until 8 tonight, so I think I will probably stop by and have them look at the bike and sell me a ton of stuff.

I bought a bike from those guys years ago when I lived out that way. Seemed legit. Did a couple of group rides they hosted, before I decided that wasn't my bag.

gore wrote:
Paleocon wrote:

My buddies at work recommend the store Cycling Spoken Here in Cary. They look like they are open until 8 tonight, so I think I will probably stop by and have them look at the bike and sell me a ton of stuff.

I bought a bike from those guys years ago when I lived out that way. Seemed legit. Did a couple of group rides they hosted, before I decided that wasn't my bag.

Yeah. Think I will head that way after I hit the gym tonight.

Btw, the bike came with pedals. They are the SPD pedals with the spikey bmx style platforms on one side and SPD clips on the other. I am debating whether or not to keep them since they are in brand new condition (still have the little yellow warning sticker in them) and I am probably going to go with SPD-SL or Look compatible shoes/pedals anyway.

It still has all the liability compliant reflectors and warning stickers on it too.

Unbelievable.

I've run SPD-SLs for about five years now and love them to pieces. I still have my original shoe cleats, even, although they need to be replaced at this point, but the pedals themselves are in phenomenal shape.

Paleocon wrote:

Btw, the bike came with pedals. They are the SPD pedals with the spikey bmx style platforms on one side and SPD clips on the other. I am debating whether or not to keep them since they are in brand new condition (still have the little yellow warning sticker in them) and I am probably going to go with SPD-SL or Look compatible shoes/pedals anyway.

Are they PD-M324s?

IMAGE(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RvsSqG1JL._SX385_.jpg)

I have those on my daily rider. I use the flat side a whole lot less now that I have the DZR shoes, but I really think they look nice and it's good to have the versatility.

I've got regular SPD on everything. Never totally understood the advantages of SPD-SL, and I like being able to use the same shoes on every bike. I guess I'm not a strong enough rider for it to really matter...

Love SPD-SL's. Sell those platform combos and the too-small helmet ASAP.

And yes, get a shop to help you get it set up. Some of the dimensions you can wing, but saddle fore-aft is just about impossible to nail down by yourself.

Be safe! Remember, nobody can see you. And if they do see you, they will try to kill you.

gore wrote:
Paleocon wrote:

Btw, the bike came with pedals. They are the SPD pedals with the spikey bmx style platforms on one side and SPD clips on the other. I am debating whether or not to keep them since they are in brand new condition (still have the little yellow warning sticker in them) and I am probably going to go with SPD-SL or Look compatible shoes/pedals anyway.

Are they PD-M324s?

IMAGE(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RvsSqG1JL._SX385_.jpg)

I have those on my daily rider. I use the flat side a whole lot less now that I have the DZR shoes, but I really think they look nice and it's good to have the versatility.

I've got regular SPD on everything. Never totally understood the advantages of SPD-SL, and I like being able to use the same shoes on every bike. I guess I'm not a strong enough rider for it to really matter...

They are!

I went to the bike store and got a ton of stuff. The accessories and stuff aren't cheap. A lock, flat kit, lights, lube, bag, and cell phone clamp cost like $500! Granted I got one of those retina burning headlights, but I figure if I am going to do any evening rides, it figure I want folks seeing me.

Looks like I will end up keeping the pedals.

gore wrote:
Paleocon wrote:

Anyone have any experience with handlebar mounted smart phone holders? I figure the compute power in my Droid Bionic is easily better than any bike computer I can buy and I will already be carrying it.

On Serengeti's recommendation I purchased the bike-specific RAM mount kit. It's pretty good so far (assembly was a pain, though).

EDIT: that said, I'm now buying LM's old Garmin. I've used the smartphone this summer and it's been fine, but there are advantages I'm looking forward to from a dedicated device (won't drain phone battery, much better GPS tracking, inherently rainproof, more precise mounting solution, less likely to forget to turn it on when starting a ride (and easier to start up mid-ride should I forget), etc)

I have that mount. It worked fantastic until one of the rubber bumpers came off while riding down a hill at 30+ mph. Thanksfully, my phone survived. I do recommend it but you MUST check the bumpers to make sure they are glued on. Two of mine slide off easily and two of them don't. I glued them on so it shouldnt' happen again.

Since I know Nick (ianunderhill) frequented this thread, I thought I should share this so that anyone who would like a chance to attend has the info. In Chicago, on October 27 (the day before our birthday!) there will be a Nick Keiser memorial bike ride starting at Element Multisport (the shop where he worked) from 1-3 pm ending at Beat Kitchen, where the memorial party will take place from 3-6. $10 suggested donation benefitting FreeGeek. Complimentary Goose Island beer while it lasts. Mister and I will be in attendance! Getting in at 7:30am, leaving at 8:50 pm. There are Facebook events set up for both events!
Hope everyone is well, safe, and happy!

I can't go to Chicago, but I'll ride at the appointed time in his honor.