New Bike!

I'm pretty excited about acquiring a new Surly Cross-check (new to me anyway). It makes riding up hills soo much easier than my previous bike which was a Raleigh Detour 4.5 women's frame. The Raleigh was a present so I didn't get to pick it out, but I don't know how much difference that would have made. I pretty much didn't know anything about bikes at that point. I didn't even know how to ride back then!

I'm going overseas to Europe in a few months so I've been on the lookout for something well suited for touring. I kept looking at different touring bikes to see which on seemed best for me. Then I realized that it would be much easier to make a list of all the features I wanted from a bike and then look for something that came the closest to my dream bike. Some of the features I wanted were a double butted chromoly frame, cantilever brakes, shifters that can change from indexing to friction, rack mounts (of course), preferably a cassette for the cogset,

The previous owner of the Surly had used custom components which helped out in getting more of what I wanted. The only thing I want to change is the handlebars and pedals. Currently they are dove bars (I think that what they're called??) and platform pedals, whereas I would prefer to have drop bars and clipless pedals. I'm also thinking about adding fenders and I definitely need a front rack. Once I get new handlebars I'm going to make my very first handlebar bag.

[I could keep writing and finish this post, but I rather go ride my new bike so you'll just have to wait for the finished project. Now stop reading this and go ride!]

Slowly, But Surely

I've been slacking lately. Big time. I haven't touched my bike almost since the previous post! That includes no riding or maintenance. I won't have much time this weekend to ride since I'll be working, but I definitely need to make it mandatory to go on a ride this coming Monday. That also means I need to get it all tuned up before then. Well, at the very least, I need to change my inner wires for my brake and derailleur cables.

Procrastination aside, I did get some hands on learning since my last post. As of now, I can fix a flat, laterally true a wheel, and adjust a hub. Girls, don't think you have to have a guy do this stuff for you. We're just not raised to do things mechanical in any way, but it's pretty easy. If you're at all interested, take the initiative and learn this stuff yourself! If you learn better by someone showing you how to do somehthing, check to see if your local bike shop is offering classes.

Okay, so I haven't actually had to fix a flat yet, cause I'm a nazi about making sure my tubes are properly inflated before every ride (for the bike impaired - well pumped tires equals less chance of puncture). But, I have practiced removing the tube and reattaching it incase I do come across a flat in the future. It's a piece of cake. Why didn't I learn this much sooner? I'm not too worried about actually patching the tube since I'd rather carry two extra tubes when riding and mess with patching at home.

Playing With Grease

I tend to be the kind of person that wants to know EVERYTHING I possibly can about any hobby I have. This can be a blessing and a curse since I have many interests. Currently I've been spending the majority of my time learning about bike maintenance. Sure you could take your bike to the shop every time you need a tune up or something fixed, but how much better would it be to know how to fix things yourself? If this isn't something that interests you, think about the headache you'd save if you had problems with your bike in the middle of a ride miles from your home or a bike shop.

Here's how I learned what I know so far:

1. Get your hands on a manual. If you don't know what all the parts on a bike are and have never done any bike maintenance before I suggest starting by reading The Chainbreaker Bike Book. It gives you a good foundation of what constructs a bike. In other words you'll be able to name more than just the top tube, saddle, etc. Even if you do know what makes up a bike, it's a great manual on how to do your own adjustments and overhauls. I read through it once in order to wrap my head around all the parts and different tools involved. Then, I read it again to focus more on the maintenance aspect of the manual. There are plenty of other manuals that are much more in depth and are used by professional mechanics, but this is a great one to start with so you don't get too overwhelmed.


2. See it with your own two eyes. I found some helpful videos on Bicycle Tutor. You can post any questions that seem unanswered in the video.


3. Check out Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Technical Info. We are lucky to have such a great resource. The site's a little hard to navigate at times, but it contains a wealth of information.


4. Get your hands dirty! I just started the tune up process today (I plan on completing a full overhaul). I'll be posting rough maintenance guides as I learn.

A word on tools: They add up! So if you have friends that want to work on bikes as well it might be a good idea to start a tool share and split the cost. If you just want enough to take on your rides to make sure you can make it from point A to point B just get yourself a multi tool that includes metric allen keys, and a flathead and phillips screwdriver. And don't forget tire levers, a tube patch kit, and a pump.

Giving "Pub Crawl" New Meaning

You haven't gone on a pub crawl until you've rented a PedalPub. Minnesota even changed it's state law so riders could drink while on the PedalPub!

Why I Like To Ride

You can get this as a shirt. Plus it's organic!

This image is available as an organic shirt too.

Recommended Reading: The Chainbreaker Bike Book

Until a little over a year ago I didn't know how to ride a bike. I always dreamt of being car free and knew that I'd have to learn in order to make it a reality. What I didn't realize was how fun it would be! While riding around Portland I came across a great little zine/book shop called Microcosm and found this gem of a book.

I like riding so much that I decided to go on a bike tour. I felt it mandatory to learn more than just how to fix a flat if I was to take on such an endeavor. Imagine my excitement to find a manual that was obviously geared for individuals interested in diy culture. The first half leads you through bike parts and how to fix them while the second half reprints several of the Chainbreaker zines. It's co-written by Shelly Lynn Jackson and Ethan Clark. Clark even includes the best resume known to mankind - one in the form of a comic. Definitely worth the $12.