Digest 2001-11

From: Janyne Kizer
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2001 4:07 PM
Subject: [WCDL] Headlights and other accessories


I have not been riding for very long -- I have only had my road bike for
about two months now -- and I have a few accessory questions:
- I ride after work (usually leave the house by 5:15 or 5:30) and I
think that my light is not bright enough for the second half of my
ride.  I start to feel a bit nervous about hitting a pot hole or
something that I didn't see in time.  Any recommendations?
- My bike came with toe clips (ok, so they are geeky, i kinda like
them).  Where I live I have to ride through town to get anywhere.  This
means several stop lights.  I have a hard time getting my second foot
into the toe clip when I take off after waiting at a light. 
Suggestions?

Thanks!
-- 
Janyne 

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From: 
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2001 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: [WCDL] Headlights and other accessories


Hi Jayne,

I have two words for you, NITE RIDER. 

Besides being the brightest bulb in the bunch (so to speak); they are 
relaible, easy to charge and get parts & accessories for; last & last on long 
rides for Road and MTB; have excellent variable settings; compact; easy to 
set up (settings & adjustment); light weight and you can catch the Nite Rider 
Classic Dual Lamps on a sale for $ 200.00 (US currency). The digitals go for 
more, about $300. 

I got the Night Rider Classic for a gift on Christmas in 1998; they are still 
going strong. I use them a lot and often count my blessings that I have them. 
They take a beating too (in case of the dreaded crash), and they don't skimp 
on power even in the cold. I live in one of the coldest areas in Canada with 
Temps on par with Siberia, so I know they work. You can set the Lamps up 
anywhere on the handle bar and the Switch piece can be set up on the 
handlebar, near the shifters n the Head Tube, Down Tube area or where ever 
you want. Its a good investment and worth every penny if your riding at 
night. If the price seems a bit steep, think of how much money you will save 
on those battery set ups; and how much time you will save on your ride. Hope 
this helps. 

Good Luck, 
Sammy 

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From: 
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2001 6:54 PM
Subject: Re: [WCDL] Headlights and other accessories


I bought a Cygolite Nightrover when we decided to do a Rails To Trails MTB 
ride that includes a two mile tunnel - if you want to see dark....

It is quite light weight and worked well on the bars, although it can also be 
helmet mounted. It was plenty of light for the tunnel and has rechargeable 
batteries. I have not tried it on the road bike.

As for stoplights, clipless is much easier for the kind of in and out city 
riding commuting brings. Having nurtured several road riders who didn't 
believe they would ever be able/like/conquer/not look foolish etc. in 
clipless pedals, I always remind them that I am living proof that even 
someone who started riding a bike at 48, got her first clipless on a mountain 
bike and promptly forgot to unclip on the first uphill stop (yes, you fall 
over when your momentum stops) can master and come to love clipless. The best 
part is, now no one can tell if I miss clipping in the first time - the pedal 
keeps revolving with my foot on it, a few minor foot position changes and 
pretty soon the clip catches.

Marcia

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From: IMMe
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2001 6:33 PM
Subject: Re: [WCDL] Headlights and other accessories


Hi, when I ride using toe clips, I always kept my stronger leg's foot in 
the clip, and put the weaker leg's foot down to stop - - so, I had the 
power to get going again, and a few rotations to get my other foot in.  
It also just took practice, practice, practice - - the way my new 
clippless pedals take practice.

Anastasia


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From: Janyne Kizer
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 7:03 PM
Subject: [WCDL] Headlights


I am looking to replace the little headlamp that I have now with
something a bit stronger.  I currently have a Cateye Halogen HL-500 and
I am looking at some models such as the Performance Viewpoint and
CygoLite Night-Rover.  Sigma also makes a model that seemed like it
might meet my needs.  I saw it in the Nashbar catalog but I don't see it
on their website now.  I'm looking for something under $125 or so that
would be appropriate for evening rides that go through town and out in
the country a bit.  Right now I am riding about 10 miles a day on
weekdays -- not that far but a big improvement since I started a few
months back.  At any rate, I'm not sure that charge time will be much of
a factor.  Also, what are your thoughts on dual versus single?
-- 
Janyne

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From: Janyne Kizer
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 7:11 PM
Subject: [WCDL] pedals


I recently asked about better use of my toe clips and many people
suggested that I go clipless.  I went to Performance this weekend and
looked a pedals (I as kinda rushed as it turns out my husband did not
think that this was a fun activity) and I'm still not sure what kind to
get.  Most people seemed to recommend SPD.  What is the difference
between that and SPD-R?  Could anyone recommend a good "starter"
clipless pedal (I mean for beginner clipless users, not that I
particularly want to have started pedlas that I will want/need to
replace this time next year)?  Anyway, I'm in research mode on the
pelals and shoes (as opposed to buying mode) and I'd love to hear your
suggestions.
-- 
Janyne


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From: 
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2001 4:40 AM
Subject: Re: [WCDL] pedals



I started with SPD knock-offs and then switched to Time ATACs.  The Time's
are by far the superior pedal - I had been scared off by rumors that it was
hard to unclip, but I did not find this to be true at all.   I did start
out with the shaved cleat offered by Speedgoat just to make it a little bit
easier, but it wasn't long before I not only went to the regular cleat, but
installed it on the "racing" side (cleats can be installed on your shoe 2
ways - the "racing" mode gives you more float and takes slightly more
rotation to get out).  The other great benefits of the Times are the larger
platform (much more stable when I'm charging thru rock gardens or doing
drops) and no more ripped up shins/calves from slicing myself open on the
sharp edges of the SPD pedals.  As for shoes, I absolutely love my new
Specialized Body Geometry pair that I got in September.  Good Luck!

Jen Secor
Claims/Loss Control Specialist
Atlantic Charter Insurance Company
617-488-6534

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From: Suzanne Pharr
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2001 8:32 PM
Subject: Re: [WCDL] pedals


I also started off with SPDs and did not like them at all.  The guys at the
bike shop convinced me that I just needed more practice on them, so I went
back and tried some more.  I still hated them, maybe even more.  Clipping
into them was like trying to thread a needle.  After a year of trying, I
switched to Looks and love them.  I think the larger pedals like Look or
Time are much easier to clip in and out of.  I've actually fallen over
trying to unclip from the SPDs, but no problem with the larger pedals.  The
larger pedal platform is also an advantage if you like to use your bike for
running errands or any other short trips where you don't want to wear
cycling shoes.  Another selling point for me was the fact that so many
professional racers use the larger ones.  Pros are fanatics about shaving
ounces from their bikes--if the slightly heavier large pedals weren't
superior, I don't think they would continue to use them.  I hope this helps.

Good luck,

Suzanne Pharr

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