tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33821339386955646392024-03-13T02:48:45.446-04:00A ride a day | Un tour par jourBikes, food, and family in France, Champaign-Urbana, and now DC.rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937671921960029064noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-79073709603351046252015-10-25T17:11:00.000-04:002015-11-05T15:57:30.309-05:00First Impressions: Yuba Spicy Curry ReviewMy Cetma cargo bike was recently damaged when a dump truck backed into it while the bike was parked. After reviewing a few replacement options for electric assisted cargo bikes (mostly the Yuba and the Larry vs. Harry Bullitt), we opted for the Yuba as it is easier to learn to ride and comes pre-equipped with a mid-drive assist instead of having to retrofit one. I will miss the box on the front, but I should still be able to carry all the crazy stuff I need to while having a bike that is easier to manage at low speeds and while walking.<br />
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With an aluminum frame and no giant wooden box, this bike is less than half the weight of my previous bike. It is light enough I don't use the assist nearly as much, saving it for hills. With the mid-drive system, the power is supplied through the cranks, instead of through the hubs. The cranks and the chainring can move separately, meaning the motor doesn't drive the pedals, only the chain (unlike a <a href="http://clevercycles.com/accessories/electric-assist/stokemonkey">Stokemonkey</a> mid-drive). This makes the motor engaging and disengaging a lot smoother.<br />
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<b>Motor</b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73xVDjkE-mk/Vi053NgeSVI/AAAAAAAADno/H6j7eAV2vuk/s1600/photo%2B2%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73xVDjkE-mk/Vi053NgeSVI/AAAAAAAADno/H6j7eAV2vuk/s400/photo%2B2%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The motor uses magnetic sensors on the rear wheel and cranks to detect motion, as well as a torque sensor on the cranks to determine when and how much to engage. The system is pretty seamless when up to speed, though there are situations when the motor kicks in when it shouldn't. When slowing to a stop and still pedaling, the motor will sometimes engage momentarily. Also, I have had it engage when walking next to the bike if the pedals start turning, as when going up a curb where the pedals get caught on the curb.<br />
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There are 4 levels of assist, with the lowest level being hardly noticeable and the highest level only appropriate for going up steep hills or going 20+mph on level ground. I usually leave it on 0 or 1 on level ground and 2 when going up regular hills. The motor helps most when pedaling slowly, around 50-60 rpms. The power drops as you pedal faster, with the assist not helping much when pedaling more than 80-90 rpms. For me, riding with the motor requires a slightly different riding style than without. The power of the motor drops as the battery gets drained. Level 1 on a full battery is the same as level 2 or 3 when the battery is at 40% charge.<br />
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The addition of the motor and the ability of the pedals and chain to move independently means the pedals are very far apart. About 5/8" wider (190mm total) than on a commuter or mountain bike (150-165mm). Personally, this is acceptable in exchange for having the motor in the cranks. The Cetma had the pedals about 1/4" wider than a mountain bike without a motor because of the wide chainstays.<br />
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I have noticed a little noise coming from the motor cover when pedaling. It isn't clear whether it is the two covers rubbing against each other or the cover rubbing on the frame. I will have to investigate as the creaking noise is annoying because the rest of the bike is so quiet.<br />
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<b>Components</b><br />
The components were very well chosen on this bike for good durability, value, and low maintenance. It uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with large rotors for fantastic stopping power. It is easy to slow the bike going downhill with one hand while signaling with the other hand. These brakes use mineral oil like Shimano instead of the DOT fluid used by other manufactures. Having bled other brakes before, I prefer to work with mineral oil, despite the higher cost.<br />
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The drivetrain is 8 speed with an 11-32 cassette, which I would consider changing to 11-34 when it comes time to replace it. Xtracycle and Bullitt mostly use 9 and 10 speed drivetrains, which seems unnecessary for cargo/commuter bike use. Replacing the chain and cassette when they wear out will cost 20% more for 9 speed and 100% more for 10 speed.<br />
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The wheels and tires are heavy duty, the rear wheel is 48 spokes and the front is 36, with both using extra thick 13 gauge spokes. Tires are <a href="http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/big_apple_plus">Schwalbe Big Apple Plus</a> front and rear, which is my personal favorite for cargo bike use. The wheels are a little easier to remove than on my previous bike, so I could probably use the regular Big Apple tires and change an extra flat now and again. The wheels come with a quick release. I would have expected axles with nuts on them for heavy duty use and for the extra security. I replaced the quick releases with security skewers. After I installed running boards in the back, I noticed that the quick release skewers wouldn't be able to open with the running boards on. This wouldn't be too much of an issue with the Yuba's running boards because they can be removed without tools. Mine are installed more permanently, so using the security skewers is good as the tool to loosen them just fits without removing the running boards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not much clearance between running boards and hub skewer.</td></tr>
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<b>Accessories</b><br />
The bike comes equipped with front and rear lights as well as front and rear fenders. This is pretty unique, even among cargo bikes. The front fender was an inexpensive Planet Bike fender, which I replaced with the better supported (two sets of stays instead of one) and longer Planet Bike Cascadia fender.<br />
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The lights are Spanninga lights for use with ebikes. The front is a <a href="http://www.spanninga.com/products/headlamps/corona/">Spanninga Corona</a> Xe, it has 3 leds that put out 20 lux that provide good indirect light to avoid blinding oncoming traffic. The mirror reflector and the lens used to direct the beam make it a little too diffuse and irregular (dappled might be the right word). It doesn't provide the uniformly bright light pattern of the B&M lights I use on my other bikes and (which vary from 50-90 lux). But the ability to mount the light in front of the basket instead of the handlebars means better lighting angle and stuff in the basket doesn't block the light.<br />
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The rear light is a <a href="http://www.spanninga.com/products/rearlights/lineo/">Spanninga Lineo</a>. It has a large central reflector with leds along the lower edge.</div>
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The lights are controlled via the buttons on the handlebar. The only indication that the lights are on is the presence of the backlight on the display, which is hard to see in sunlight. It would be nice to have a more distinctive indication the lights are on or have the lights come on automatically when the battery is on. I like to have the lights on all the time, even during the day. It is perhaps the easiest thing you can do to prevent collisions due to driver inattention, especially the <a href="http://bicyclesafe.com/#leftcross">left hook</a>. There is a ambient light sensor on the display which will turn the headlight on automatically at night. I found it nearly worthless as it will turn the headlight off if you are directly under a streetlamp. I'm not sure if it just poorly calibrated or the fact that the sensor faces up is the problem. In any case, I just covered the sensor with tape and now the headlight comes on automatically every time, just like I wanted.</div>
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I opted for the double leg kickstand since Oscar will be climbing up from both sides and doing who knows what else on the bike once he gets comfortable. The wide kickstand and the low deck, mean the bike is very stable. I haven't gone through the trouble of trying to tip it, but it should be noticeably more stable than the Yuba El Mundo which starts to get tippy if more than one kid tries to climb up the same side of the rear deck.</div>
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<b>Frame</b></div>
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The frame is aluminum with lots of points for mounting accessories. Many of the small mounting points are rivnuts, which are just held in place by pressure. This is ok for non weight bearing points. In places where there will be weight bearing accessories (front Bread Basket and the rear deck), they use solid aluminum rods that are threaded or unthreaded as needed. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some rivnuts visible above the running board, not sure what you would use them for.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Bread Basket mounts nicely to hollow tube running all the way through the frame.<br />
Headset is heavy duty 1.5" instead of normal 1.125"</td></tr>
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The entire frame is very well braced and stiff. The balloon tires at moderate pressure (35 psi) make the ride pretty smooth.<br />
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The bike is a lot of fun to ride for both driver and passengers. All the parts are relatively easy to use and should give a lot of worry free use. I can't wait to take on some longer rides, maybe another camping trip up the canal, or a day trip to Silver Spring. I'm looking forward to taking it to the Mid-Atlantic Cargo Bike Championships at Hains Point next weekend.<br />
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jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-77801993848813412592015-10-10T16:04:00.000-04:002015-10-10T22:40:45.831-04:0015 Miles (Part II)We finally followed through with the canal camping and made it out to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/camping.htm">Swain's Lock</a> for an overnight excursion.<br />
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It's at least a two hour trip with a fully loaded cargo bike. We don't have much lightweight/small camping gear so there was barely room for Oscar to fall asleep on the way out.<br />
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Once we made it to the campsite and got set up, Oscar was in charge of meeting the neighbors. There were two bike-based campers and one hiker.</div>
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This is Maurice, a biker who was headed west. The other cyclist was headed back to DC.</div>
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We cooked a few hot dogs at the neighbor's fire (he had brought hot dogs for dinner too), while discussing the exploits of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Farragut">Admiral Farragut </a>during the Civil War. We had just gotten one hot dog each before the forecasted rain came on suddenly.<br />
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We played "Captain America" in the tent while waiting it out until a wayward thrown shield forced me to take a break from the action. Afterwards, we made a fire that lasted just long enough to cook two marshmallows before it died due to wet wood. We made the remainder of the hot dogs on the stove.<br />
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The next day we stopped at <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm">Great Falls</a> on the way back and did some exploring.<br />
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We had just enough energy to make it back to Georgetown before we needed to refuel. Luckily, there is a conveniently located coffeeshop, <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/malmaison-washington">Malmaison</a>, to fulfill your <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pain_au_chocolat">pain au chocolat </a>and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caff%C3%A8_macchiato">macchiato</a> needs.</div>
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<br />jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-44515710067271604162015-05-31T22:00:00.000-04:002015-05-31T22:00:01.527-04:00Gratuitously Inconsiderate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time for another predawn wake-up. This time for <a href="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/8014313">95 mile loop</a> headed north from Rockville, at the end of the Red Line.</div>
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I switched to eating peanuts, orange juice, and gatorade instead of clif bars. It seemed to work much better. Less sugar energy spikes (clif bars are mostly rice syrup, aka sugar).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quadratic Drive?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albuagh Rd. The gravel of Old West Falls Rd a few miles back was better 'cause it was shady.</td></tr>
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I stopped for lunch in Mt. Airy when the weather was starting to get very hot. At least it seems that way when you've been riding for hours and there isn't much shade to be had. Luckily, I started packing 3 water bottles instead of two. I used a whole bottle just dumping water on my head and back.<br />
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It was hot enough by mile 85, I had to stop and dip my feet in a roadside stream and spotted this wild strawberry. That's how you know it's been hot the last few weeks.<br />
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Had some encounters with gratuitously inconsiderate Maryland drivers. Apparently, asking them to wait the 1 second for oncoming traffic to clear is too much to ask.jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-6180014537036216622015-05-25T22:00:00.000-04:002015-05-25T22:00:02.473-04:00Georgeous Prince George'sThat's the PG County motto, and I hardly thought it applied given what I previously knew about PG county, mostly their car-centric Metro station design (stations surrounded by acres of parking, with poor pedestrian accessibility and no businesses).<br />
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After numerous trips out the C&O canal and surrounding areas west of DC I thought it was time to give the east side a try. I found a <a href="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/925550">200K route through the area</a>. It doubled back on itself which can be boring if ridden frequently, but was ok this time. I shortened it to 80 miles so I could be back in time for an afternoon appointment.<br />
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Fridays are my day off and the metro starts running at 5am (instead of 7am on the weekends), so I can reach the start of the ride by 6am, perfect for warmer weather and it allows me to get things done later in the day. All I have to do is wake up at 4:45am, no problem, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the sun rise over West Hyattsville.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">This is why it's worth it to wake up that early... I remember now.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zPeBUbBpMw/VWEvwcdR_mI/AAAAAAAADHI/3TQW9KpAvVU/s1600/IMG_0157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1zPeBUbBpMw/VWEvwcdR_mI/AAAAAAAADHI/3TQW9KpAvVU/s400/IMG_0157.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Facility</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaver Dam Road</td></tr>
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But, you are still in Maryland. People love their trucks...and littering on the side of the road.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAUNcaItRk0/VWEt_T5U4hI/AAAAAAAADGQ/dQ9PYeambX0/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UAUNcaItRk0/VWEt_T5U4hI/AAAAAAAADGQ/dQ9PYeambX0/s400/IMG_0152.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I ran into this a few hundred yards before I was supposed to cross the Patuxent River. I was really hoping it didn't turn into <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102604598241010402752/albums/5227381090945253857/5351527004410758482?pid=5351527004410758482&oid=102604598241010402752">this</a>. The closest crossing was many miles away and was on a major highway. I decided to investigate further. The small bridge was fine for bikes. But perhaps it had been damaged enough to prevent it from carrying car traffic. I saw 2 other walkers using the closed off road as well. Closing a road to cars sure makes it pleasant for walking and biking, and no more potholes, infrastructure problems: SOLVED.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6SuOK3JJCI/VWEuBoeFj1I/AAAAAAAADGw/DLvllujqxyY/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6SuOK3JJCI/VWEuBoeFj1I/AAAAAAAADGw/DLvllujqxyY/s400/IMG_0160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made it all the way to <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Deale,+MD/@38.7918818,-76.537306,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89b78bfcb1276073:0x71219558c723610">Deale, MD</a> before turning back.</div>
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Made it back the metro at exactly noon for six hours of riding, including 15 minutes of breaks. I had some trouble eating enough food while riding, Clif Bars are not cutting it anymore (too much simple sugars). Time to do some more research on <a href="http://www.glycemicindex.com/">Glycemic Index</a>, maybe I will switch back to using peanuts and orange juice like I did in France.</div>
jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-34875384769241591832015-05-23T21:31:00.000-04:002015-05-24T08:05:36.196-04:00Party Time!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFuZvNxbIvs/VWEo8Tu6VVI/AAAAAAAADFs/Hlef-7P-QHQ/s1600/scooby_birthday_v5%2B%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UFuZvNxbIvs/VWEo8Tu6VVI/AAAAAAAADFs/Hlef-7P-QHQ/s400/scooby_birthday_v5%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Loaded up with all the party supplies. Perhaps we should retain this bike-based tradition so our parties don't get out of hand (sorry, no bounce houses in our future).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pinata in the front basket.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GORQeXWSiA4/VWEhOLCMugI/AAAAAAAADFM/RkOM-_BThq4/s1600/image1%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GORQeXWSiA4/VWEhOLCMugI/AAAAAAAADFM/RkOM-_BThq4/s320/image1%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing what Oscar does best, getting everyone's attention. In this case yelling "It's CAKE time!!!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghost cake pops. Oscar led the charge and finished off at least 6, falling asleep and eating one on the way home.</td></tr>
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jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-45108071738499073472015-05-10T21:35:00.000-04:002015-05-10T22:04:46.238-04:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had a great mother's day. Rebecca's friend+daughter came over for a visit.</div>
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First, Oscar and Co. had to go pick up some plants from our friend in Mt. Pleasant. Don't bother going to Mt. Pleasant without instruments, you'll be run out of the neighborhood.</div>
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There were wonderful covers of Erie Canal as well as original songs such as "Ukelele Dukelele No. 3"</div>
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Then we went to a restaurant, where there was grilled cheese and peek-a-boo.</div>
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Then describing the chef's tasting menu (more gouda on the grilled cheese) on the chalkboard...</div>
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Hope your mother's day was special...jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-74701304024192599322015-04-24T11:09:00.000-04:002015-05-10T21:55:58.509-04:00Velo Orange 50.4 BCD Cranks Mk IIWhile looking for lower gearing I was searching for a crank that would take smaller chainrings than my current 110 BCD compact double. Compact doubles usually take 34 teeth for the smallest ring. There are some mountain bike doubles available that go smaller, but they come stock with much smaller rings and I did not feel like replacing rings. The other option is to use a triple crank, but only use two of the spots, with the third left unused.<br />
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At the time, I only knew of <a href="http://store.somafab.com/suoxcrarwcu.html">Sugino</a>, <a href="http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/carmina.asp">TA</a>, <a href="http://www.compasscycle.com/cranks_rh_double.html">Rene Herse</a>, <a href="http://www.whiteind.com/road-crank/">White Industries</a> and <a href="http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/cranksets/grand-cru-50-4bcd-crankset-mkii.html">Velo Orange</a> cranks that would fulfill my criteria. Pricewise, the choice was clear: Velo Orange (VO) was at least $150 less than the others. Especially since when I was choosing them, I had access to them at wholesale prices. That access was unavailable when it came time to purchase because the company I work for is disorganized and incompetent, so I ended up paying retail. Afterwards, I also found the <a href="http://store.somafab.com/irdwicorodoc.html">IRD Defiant Wide Compact</a> cranks which are similar in price and features to the VO cranks. They use the more commonly available 94 BCD rings, instead of the less common VO/TA chainrings. See the bottom of the post for more comparisons.<br />
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Upon installation (<a href="https://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/to-grease-or-not-to-grease/">greasing the bottom bracket spindle</a>) it quickly became clear that one of the chainring bolt spacers was missing. The bolt that it was supposed to be on was still tightened, causing the inner ring to dive too close to the outer ring for one portion of the rotation. In this state, it was unusable as the chain would get jammed against the big ring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_yUCsyryoY/VTRQ29nupII/AAAAAAAAC9c/64W04sdDf2s/s1600/image2%2B(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J_yUCsyryoY/VTRQ29nupII/AAAAAAAAC9c/64W04sdDf2s/s1600/image2%2B(2).JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The spacer in question, missing from another position on the crank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My temporary solution: 4 small spacers to replace one large one.</td></tr>
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I contacted the seller and they contacted VO and got me a replacement spacer and chainring bolt. The extra chainring bolt may come in handy since these aren't the same size as standard chainring bolts.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBfWg0JWlGU/VTpVvHRYHRI/AAAAAAAAC-s/3OcrXP0uv0s/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tBfWg0JWlGU/VTpVvHRYHRI/AAAAAAAAC-s/3OcrXP0uv0s/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standard chainring bolt on left, 50.4 BCD bolt on right</td></tr>
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They also include very nice aluminum bolt covers (on right in photo below). Unfortunately, one of the crank bolts had a built in flange that was slightly off-center. With the tight fit of the cover over the bolt, I decided not to install it and risk damaging the extractor threads, I also decided not to go through the trouble of filing off the offending part of the crank bolt. I had an extra bolt cover from some very old cranks (on left in photo), but decided not to use it since I only had one. In any case, I didn't see any reason to put a cover over the bolt, it would just require one more tool for removal.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJiJJfV5RU/VTpVvcbYmkI/AAAAAAAAC-0/ROCsmswdMnc/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEJiJJfV5RU/VTpVvcbYmkI/AAAAAAAAC-0/ROCsmswdMnc/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranks, minus crank bolt cover.</td></tr>
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The recommended bottom bracket length is 118mm to give a chainline of 43.5, the standard for road doubles. I decided to go with a 115mm bottom bracket to keep the q-factor low (143mm w/ 115mm BB). The inside of the arms are 120mm apart at the ends, you can use that info to measure your chainstays to see if you need a longer bottom bracket for clearance reasons. I also figured since I wanted to use the entire cassette with the large 46 tooth ring (42 to 92 gear inches), putting the large ring a little closer to the frame would minimize the chain angle when using the large cogs on the cassette.<br />
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With a 115mm bottom bracket the measured chainline is 42.5mm (measured at the midpoint between the two rings) and rear cassette has a chainline of 42mm on a 130mm hub. When using the small 30 tooth ring, the chain starts to catch on the ramps and pins of the large ring when using the smallest cogs on the cassette. This can lead to severe <a href="http://fagan.co.za/Bikes/Csuck/">chain suck</a> and a broken <a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer.html">derailer</a>, so I need make sure I don't use those combinations. I may make a little indent on my barend shifter so I know when to stop downshifting in the small ring. This is a problem that is possible on other compact doubles, though it is a non-issue with an unramped large ring like I was using previously.<br />
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The gear range is what I was looking for, and it that respect, it gets the job done. My gear range is 27-93 gear inches using a 13-30 cassette, enough for everything I'm using it for, unless I start doing camping trips with it. The chart below (created using a wheel size 4 mm smaller than mine, so not perfect) shows the useable gears, good range in the big ring with a two gear overlap in the small ring.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W13yPQBOQ9s/VTpacPE6d8I/AAAAAAAAC_A/MSYVKVO95FU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-04-24%2Bat%2B10.55.59%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W13yPQBOQ9s/VTpacPE6d8I/AAAAAAAAC_A/MSYVKVO95FU/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-04-24%2Bat%2B10.55.59%2BAM.png" width="140" /></a></div>
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The smallest chainrings available are <a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/harris/french-cranks.html#cyclotouriste">26 teeth</a>. The 50.4 BCD designation is misleading, since the small ring mounts to the large ring, not to the crank arm spider. The small chainrings use a 6 bolt 80mm BCD pattern. To compare, the Rene Herse cranks use a larger BCD spider (70mm) but can mount smaller rings (24 teeth) because both rings are mounting to the same crank arm spider.<br />
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I rode it for a while until finally replacing the missing spacer. There was some lateral oscillation on the big and small rings. After a little internet research (thanks <a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/straighten-chw.html">Sheldon</a> and <a href="https://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/to-grease-or-not-to-grease/">Jan</a>) I took the rings off to check the spider. The video below shows that two of the spider arms are closer to the frame than the others. They disturb the zip tie I attached to the frame as reference. They are about .5-.75mm out of alignment, which is magnified at the chainring. It may take a few viewings to see the arms in question.<br />
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I was able to straighten the offending arms with a 12" adjustable wrench. I don't recommend doing this unless you have a very good feel for the elasticity of metal. You need to be able to feel <i>juuuust</i> when it starts to deform, not an easy task when you're using a 12" lever. After doing this, there was one arm still slightly out of alignment (perhaps .1-.25mm), but it was so difficult to adjust the zip tie to get it to hit only one arm I decided to leave them alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After reinstalling the chainrings, they were much better, within 1mm at the edge of the chainring.<br />
<br />
Here's a table comparing the Velo Orange and IRD cranksets<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<table border="1" class="tftable" style="text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr><th></th><th>Velo Orange Grand Cru 50.4</th><th>IRD Defiant Wide Compact</th></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Price</div>
</td><td>$200</td><td>$199</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Stock Chainrings</div>
</td><td>46/30</td><td>46/30</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
BCD</div>
</td><td>50.4 outer/80 inner</td><td>94</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Smallest ring</div>
</td><td>26</td><td>29</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Bottom Bracket</div>
</td><td>118</td><td>118</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
q-factor</div>
</td><td>149</td><td>152</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Notes</div>
</td><td>uses non-standard chainring bolts</td><td></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-54069469053016683292015-04-18T14:01:00.002-04:002015-04-19T21:26:00.157-04:0015 miles on the...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-557r4rbcYeI/VTJqkqJINtI/AAAAAAAAC8A/MNkb5bJO1-k/s1600/IMG_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-557r4rbcYeI/VTJqkqJINtI/AAAAAAAAC8A/MNkb5bJO1-k/s1600/IMG_0072.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oscar and I took a ride out the C&O Canal yesterday as a test run before trying to ride all the way out to Swain's Lock to go camping along the Potomac. We made it just past the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=chain+bridge+dc&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS506US506&oq=chain+bridge+dc&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60j69i65l3j69i59.5365j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8">Chain Bridge</a> before we decided to do some exploring.<br />
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By exploring, we mean "getting so wet, he rode home naked."<br />
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On the way back we decided to listen to Erie Canal by Bruce Springsteen and Oscar made up appropriate hand gestures for the various parts of the song..."low bridge, we're coming to a town."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Part II</span><br />
I took my bike on the towpath the next day for a fast-ish ride and explored a little of the other things available near the path. Like a kayak course...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcmOA4sYJOo/VTLxzJ84MYI/AAAAAAAAC8o/H9pMRQ2mPRc/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lcmOA4sYJOo/VTLxzJ84MYI/AAAAAAAAC8o/H9pMRQ2mPRc/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
...hidden down an innocuous sidepath...<br />
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And some singletrack, which was fine on my bike...<br />
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and I had to remember to capture lots of insect specimens for Oscar. Luckily my hairy sunscreened arms were perfect bug transport.<br />
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<br />jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-70328061201935938052015-04-05T20:24:00.001-04:002021-02-06T09:10:54.437-05:00Velo Orange Grand Cru Zeste Brakes ReviewI've been struggling to find cantilever brakes strong enough to satisfy my needs. The very rainy Severna Park 200k ride demonstrated that a few hours of rain, road oil and grit can turn adequate brakes into non-stoppers very quickly. After way more research than I thought possible on the subject of cantilever brakes, I got the <a href="http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/brakes/calipers/grand-cru-long-arm-cantilever-brakes.html">Velo Orange Grand Cru Zeste brakes</a>. I figured the longer arms plus the low profile should give me the most stopping power available from a cantilever brake.<br />
<br />
While researching cantilever brakes, I relied mostly on <a href="http://www.circleacycles.com/cantilevers/canti-geometry.pdf">this mechanical analysis</a> from Circle A Cycles. I also read Sheldon Brown's <a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-geometry.html">article on cantilever geometry</a>, but I found it oversimplified things and left out a lot of details. I did not completely verify the math in the Circle A Cycles article, but I will trust the resulting equations. Namely, the equation relating <a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-geometry.html#mechanical">mechanical advantage</a> (MA) to <a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-geometry.html#ya">yoke height</a> (footnote 8 on page 3, his equation uses degrees, mine uses radians).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51UjUJC0cs0/VSCKRNsnQuI/AAAAAAAAC5o/j132-YR_DRY/s1600/MA%2BEquation.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-51UjUJC0cs0/VSCKRNsnQuI/AAAAAAAAC5o/j132-YR_DRY/s1600/MA%2BEquation.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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For a given bike, PO is fixed at half the distance between the cantilever bosses, and DO is the vertical distance from the cantilever boss to the middle of the rim braking surface. The variables are PA, the distance between the cantilever post (P) and the cable anchor point (A), YO, the vertical distance from the cantilever boss to the yoke, and 'a', the cantilever angle, the angle from vertical of the line PA. This angle is measured differently than in Sheldon's analysis, where it is the included angle between the A, P, and the rim surface.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRvhj6N0F6M/VSf6rUeoxBI/AAAAAAAAC7g/l-zNKL-pEcM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-04-10%2Bat%2B12.28.22%2BPM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lRvhj6N0F6M/VSf6rUeoxBI/AAAAAAAAC7g/l-zNKL-pEcM/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-04-10%2Bat%2B12.28.22%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circle A Cycles diagram. Cantilever Angle is APZ (not APR as in Sheldon's).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZz5xwRAM-A/VSf6YB8qPgI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/kgh_lE8SF1I/s1600/canti.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZz5xwRAM-A/VSf6YB8qPgI/AAAAAAAAC7Y/kgh_lE8SF1I/s1600/canti.gif" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheldon's Diagram. Cantilever Angle is angle APS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The equation is far from elegant, but it is easy to see that lengthening the arm of the cantilever brake will increase the mechanical advantage. And it doesn't take much, if DO=24, PO=44 (in mm), and a=.436 rads (25 degrees), then a 10% increase in the arm length (PA) leads to a 30% increase in MA. If your canti bosses are higher than normal and DO is smaller, so that the pads are in the lower end of the adjustment range, the MA can be increased 15-25% over pads at the upper end of the adjustment range.<br />
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For reference here is a list of a few cantilever brakes and their arm length (PA, pivot to cable anchor distance, measured 'as the crow flies'):<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table border="1" class="tftable" style="text-align: center;">
<tbody>
<tr><th>Brake Name</th><th>Arm Length (PA) in mm</th><th>'a' angle (approx)</th></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Velo Orange Zeste</div>
</td><td>76</td><td>15</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Paul touring</div>
</td><td>68</td><td>20</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Shimano Non-series</div>
</td><td>67</td><td>20</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
IRD CAFAM I</div>
</td><td>67</td><td>30</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Avid Shorty Ult</div>
</td><td>63</td><td>75 or 30</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Tektro Oryx</div>
</td><td>60</td><td>30</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Paul Neo Retro</div>
</td><td>47</td><td>74</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Tektro 720</div>
</td><td>48</td><td>75</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There are threads started every day on how to adjust cantilever brakes, and given that I've used four different sets on my rear brake (<a href="http://www.tektro.com/_english/01_products/01_prodetail.php?pid=5&sortname=Brake&sort=1&fid=2">Tektro CR720</a>, Shimano non-series low profile, generic low profile, and VO Zeste), here's what you need to know.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>lower yoke height=more power (but less modulation)</li>
<li>medium and wide profile brakes are less sensitive to yoke height, up to a point</li>
<li>low profile brakes <i>are</i> sensitive to yoke height throughout the range</li>
</ul>
This is relatively common knowledge, the part most people don't realize is there is tipping point for wide profile brakes (like Tektro CR720). Lowering the yoke height doesn't make them much more powerful, until you reach a certain point. Then the mechanical advantage skyrockets with each small lowering of the yoke. Perhaps all the people who are satisfied with the CR720's have sufficiently narrow tires or other frame distances that allow them to have a lower yoke height and thus higher than normal mechanical advantage. It's also possible that different levers have sufficiently different mechanical advantages (while still being 'short pull'), that the 720's can perform well. TRP makes two versions of the mini-V brakes with different length arms (and thus different mechanical advantages) for Shimano/Campy and SRAM brake levers, respectively.<br />
<br />
Enough with the engineering, onto the review.<br />
<br />
Comes with two brakesets, enough for one bike. All necessary hardware? Yes. Instructions? No, none at all. Tools necessary: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 mm allen keys, 10 and 13mm wrenches, phillips screwdriver.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqtu1PWIUxk/VSCTYTLRoGI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Ztx6_K6uYo8/s1600/image1%2B(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqtu1PWIUxk/VSCTYTLRoGI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/Ztx6_K6uYo8/s1600/image1%2B(1).JPG" style="text-align: left;" width="173" /></a>When installing the calipers, the 5mm allen key bolt should be facing out, and the 13mm nut should be behind the caliper. The 13mm nut has to be very tight to keep the brake pad holder from moving. It would be easy enough to label the bags of hardware 'front' and 'rear.' But they weren't.</div>
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There are so many adjustments that can be made it can be time consuming to go back and forth between various adjustments until the pads hit the rim squarely, at the same time, and all adjusting bolts (spring tension, pad angle, cable barrel adjuster, etc.) are near the middle of their respective adjustment ranges.<br />
<br />
These take more tools to install than are present on any multi tool I have ever used. It is a little bewildering that a brake that may be used for long distance events would require either a 13mm wrench or an adjustable wrench.<br />
<br />
I certainly appreciate the long arms that provide more power than almost any other cantilever brakes, but the user interface (to borrow a software term) is not quite refined enough to be truly useable for non-mechanics. These brakes could really use a couple hundred more hours of engineering. I would have considered halting the project once a 13mm wrench was required. It is unfortunate that Velo Orange is such a small company they can't afford to make these more user friendly without making them prohibitively expensive. As a comparison, <a href="https://janheine.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/compass-centerpull-brakes/">Compass Bicycles offers boutique centerpull brakes</a> that are as powerful as possible with no performance compromises (they also directly copied a well established design, so they spent a lot of time on manufacturing, not as much on design). But they require specialized bosses that are so sensitive to alignment and spacing, they should only be installed by a framebuilder. They also <a href="http://www.compasscycle.com/brakesCmCpl.html">cost $325</a> for one bike.<br />
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<b>Update</b>: In corresponding with <a href="http://smutpedaller.blogspot.com/">smutpedaller </a>about these brakes, they pointed out that they are available <a href="https://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/VIA">here</a> under a different name, although the listed arm length is significantly different (66mm vs. 76mm) than the Velo Orange ones. After a careful analysis of the product photos with some calipers and using the length of the brake shoes as a constant (54.2mm actual, 26.5mm in the photos), it seems the product description is correct, they are indeed shorter than the Velo Orange Zeste brakes. Perhaps the only thing VO did was spec the arm length and the brake pads.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVaGrJmWkH0/VSCS1XA-ZgI/AAAAAAAAC6A/KbKBgtSdg68/s1600/image2%2B(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVaGrJmWkH0/VSCS1XA-ZgI/AAAAAAAAC6A/KbKBgtSdg68/s1600/image2%2B(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHelZl82Blg/VSCS0LTlZSI/AAAAAAAAC54/2jc5mbhoEIY/s1600/image3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JHelZl82Blg/VSCS0LTlZSI/AAAAAAAAC54/2jc5mbhoEIY/s1600/image3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
The brake pads sit far enough away from the frame that the entire arm swings out of the way for removal of fat tired wheels. It's a nice feature, and <a href="http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/brc3.htm">Grant can tell you all about it</a>.<br />
<br />
I swapped out the stock pads for Kool Stop Salmons. Once installed the brakes work great. Fantastic power with good modulation. The Compass 650Bx42mm tires have so much grip you are still unlikely to lock up the wheels. I could stop the bike with one or two fingers on the front brake. On a drop bar lever, that is pretty impressive. Pads run pretty close to the rim for cantilevers, about the same as V-brakes.<br />
<br />
After using Kool Stop pads for about 8 months, they developed a horrible squeal in both brakes. I switched to the Velo Orange stock pads, which are supposed to be resistant to squealing. They were quieter, but also not nearly as powerful. I put up with it for two more months until they started squealing as well. The pad holders don't allow you to toe the pads in very much, so I wasn't able to eliminate the squealing that way. I finally gave up and switched to a linear pull V-brake with a <a href="http://problemsolversbike.com/products/travel_agents/">Travel Agent</a> in the rear. I couldn't do this in the front because of too little clearance between the front rack and the fender, so I am switching to the Tektro Oryx calipers. They won't be as powerful, but hopefully they will be silent.<br />
<br />
So, after 1 year, I had to abandon both Velo Orange brakes due to squealing issues. It's possible it is partly an issue with the rim, but I don't have a spare wheel I can try I haven't been able to eliminate this cause.<br />
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Cable Pinch Bolt (Sturmey-Archer on left, Velo Orange on right)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3qEtdfCKAs/VSCS6ZOrYgI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/Bto8UP33mK0/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3qEtdfCKAs/VSCS6ZOrYgI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/Bto8UP33mK0/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were only two reviews of these brakes I could find online. One mentioned that the pinch bolt was prone to cutting the straddle cable since the end of the bolt can be sharp. I checked out the bolt and it seemed fine. I have been using the Sturmey-Archer pinch bolt of a similar design for years on my drum brakes without problem. The S-A pinch bolt uses larger diameter threads, but is functionally identical. If you aren't used to these types of anchors, they actually deform the cable instead of the clamping it. You do not need to tighten as much as normal anchor points where the cable is clamped between a washer and the arm. If I had to guess, I would use 5Nm.</div>
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If you go the V-O webpage on these brakes, <a href="http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/components/brakes/calipers/grand-cru-long-arm-cantilever-brakes.html">here</a>. You will notice that the brake cable exits the pinch bolt on both sides at a strange angle. Whoever installed it didn't hold the anchor with a 10mm wrench while tightening the M4 bolt. Please do not follow their example.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqaQeb7Kco8/VSHPXqC1-3I/AAAAAAAAC6s/nCUbgewrvhE/s1600/zeste_brakes-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqaQeb7Kco8/VSHPXqC1-3I/AAAAAAAAC6s/nCUbgewrvhE/s1600/zeste_brakes-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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By the numbers:<br />
<b>Power: 5/5; Ease of installation 3/5; Field Serviceable: 1/5</b>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-48895270224797472852015-03-20T22:00:00.000-04:002015-03-20T22:00:20.065-04:00Mudflaps: A Elementary Treatise on Their Design and ConstructionAfter last weekend's very wet ride through rural and <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS506US506&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=exurban">exurban</a> Maryland, I thought it time to collect my thoughts on the subject of the seldom used, oft-misunderstood mudflap. Not merely a place to display lewd or political images on your semi truck or <a href="http://www.rainydaybiking.com/Pirate-Mud-Guards-p/370.htm">bike</a>, they actually serve a purpose. Material choice, shape, and placement all affect how well they fulfill that purpose.<br />
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What is the purpose of a mudflap?<br />
<ul>
<li>Keep as much water off you and your bike as possible when riding on wet roads</li>
<li>Keep water off the people riding behind you</li>
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The photo <a href="https://janheine.wordpress.com/2013/02/16/no-mudflap-what-a-mess/">in this post</a> by Jan Heine show how much of a difference a good mudflap can make in keeping your bike clean. But we are interested in going even further into the fluid dynamics that allow your feet to get wet.</div>
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Water leaves the tire tangent to the wheel in the direction of rotation. </div>
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Another <a href="https://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/why-we-dont-need-rain-bikes-any-longer/">Jan Heine post</a> demonstrates how much extra protection a longer fender provides.</div>
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But we are also interested other paths the water takes. When riding through standing water (anything deeper than 1/8"), the tire plows through the water sending it simultaneously back toward your feet and outward. Anyone who has watches a car go through a puddle at full speed will appreciate how much water can be moved and how far. A narrow mudflap will fail to stop the water that isn't thrown straight back. Result? Soaked feet.</div>
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I have also found that wide tires (more than 38mm) going through puddles throw up enough water into a fender that a significant amount leaks around the edges and onto your feet. So, the less water that is directed into the fender, the better.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZCtYjkLUZA/VQx-rhtA2yI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/bbKtmroe6HI/s1600/frfender%2B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AZCtYjkLUZA/VQx-rhtA2yI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/bbKtmroe6HI/s1600/frfender%2B2.jpeg" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front fender wraps around the sides of the w<span style="font-size: x-small;">heel, offering maximum protection when riding through standing water. (from book <a href="http://www.bikequarterly.com/books_rene_herse.html">Rene Herse</a> by Jan Heine)</span></td></tr>
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So what is the ideal mudflap for very rainy rides? It should hang as close to ground as possible (less than an 1" away), it should be wide enough to provide protection from puddle tidal waves, and it should direct as much water as possible toward the ground and not up into the fender.</div>
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The result:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TUZjT3t8Xc/VQx5FgWyn1I/AAAAAAAAC34/KaTZVsjHuDw/s1600/photo%2B(37).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6TUZjT3t8Xc/VQx5FgWyn1I/AAAAAAAAC34/KaTZVsjHuDw/s1600/photo%2B(37).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">hangs low and wide and is attached behind the fender, not in front</span></div>
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Which can also be seen in countless classic photos of cyclists riding and racing on fully equipped bikes.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwIBlcNESzI/VQx6zdWJz0I/AAAAAAAAC4M/hHBRqUUbqSY/s1600/mudflap.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OwIBlcNESzI/VQx6zdWJz0I/AAAAAAAAC4M/hHBRqUUbqSY/s1600/mudflap.jpeg" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the lower-rung teams of the VCCA competes in the Coupe Herse in 1956. Lucien Detee leads Rene Delahaye. Marcel Pineau is in third position, apparently p<span style="font-size: x-small;">ushing a rider going through a difficult patch.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(from book <a href="http://www.bikequarterly.com/books_rene_herse.html">Rene Herse</a> by Jan Heine)</span></td></tr>
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I use <a href="http://www.grainger.com/product/GRAINGER-APPROVED-Rubber-1MUP6">1/16" Neoprene</a> on my fast bikes because it is more flexible in the wind while still providing good protection. On my utility bikes I use thicker 1/8" Neoprene.<br />
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Now that we've addressed the design and placement of the front mudflap we should note that the rear mudflap has different design considerations.<br />
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If you want to be courteous to the rider behind you, you would like to protect them from as much of the water off your back wheel as possible. This means a low hanging mudflap. Since the rear fender typically ends 12" off the ground, 12" of Neoprene flapping in the wind doesn't offer much protection. In this case, it is better to go with a stiffer material, usually thin, hard plastic. Perhaps a piece of a trashcan or something similar. It also doesn't need to be as wide because the following riders feet are considerably further back (roughly 3') than in the case of the front fender and your own feet.</div>
jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-72004691739203506102015-03-15T14:21:00.000-04:002015-03-16T22:19:49.378-04:00Severna Park 200KThe <a href="http://dcrand.org/dcr/">DC Randonneurs</a> organized the <a href="http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4588212">Pastries and Coffee 200k</a> on Saturday, March 14th starting and ending in Saverna Park, Maryland. It was rescheduled from the 7th due to snow on all the roads. Here's a brief report with some pictures.<br />
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Weather was low 40's with a light steady rain at the 7am start. Rain continued until about 1pm with temps steadily rising into the upper 50's. Rain recommenced at 3pm and lasted until 5:30pm.<br />
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Ride start @7am</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npndQlQW5tM/VQXLg6lnseI/AAAAAAAAC24/wHW1Z7MMBHs/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npndQlQW5tM/VQXLg6lnseI/AAAAAAAAC24/wHW1Z7MMBHs/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Things that worked?<br />
<ol>
<li>Wool, Wool, Wool. Everything wool that I was wearing was great: socks (feet were a little chilly when soaked, but tolerable), gloves, hat, sweater, knee warmers. Other people had waterproof shoecovers and their socks were still soaked. Sometimes, less is more.</li>
<li>Waxed handlebar bag. Everything stayed dry and I was able to carry some backup clothes I didn't end up needing but gave me some peace of mind.</li>
<li>Full Fenders and mudflaps. I had to fiddle with my front mudflap a little before the start since it was scooping water up instead of directing it down to the ground. After that was solved, they worked beautifully. My feet still got soaked, partly from other riders who didn't have fenders, but the rest of me (jacket, and from the knees down) stayed a lot drier because of the fenders. And I'm sure other riders behind me appreciated the extra long coverage on the rear. I chose to keep riding with another person in part because they had similarly complete fenders and mudflaps.</li>
<li>Tweezers. Had to use them twice to pull tiny (very, very tiny) shards of glass out of tires. Thanks for the tip <a href="https://janheine.wordpress.com/2014/05/07/fleche-northwest-24-hours-mostly-rainy/">Jan Heine</a>.</li>
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Things that didn't?</div>
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<ol>
<li>Could use a little more gear range in my drivetrain at the low end for longer or steeper hills, currently 35 inches, hoping to change to 27. But I've known this for a while, and change is imminent.</li>
<li>Some knee pain, not sure if it due to pedals or saddle adjustment. May trying changing pedals first.</li>
<li>Glue in the patch kit had dried out. Make sure to check your glue or replace glue every year or so.</li>
</ol>
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Rode with Nick who had 4 flats. First was on the front tire. Second was on the rear, third was on the rear and was probably the same piece of glass as before that we didn't find. Fourth was on their car after finishing the ride. Two cans of fix-a-flat/inflator seemed to solve that enough to get home.</div>
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Flat #1, on the front</div>
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Flat #2 on the rear. Near BWI Airport</div>
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What a day.</div>
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Post ride drop-off on New York Ave. in DC</div>
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jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0Severna Park, MD, USA39.070388 -76.5452409000000138.971789 -76.706602400000008 39.168987 -76.383879400000012tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-51196699936785071582015-03-02T22:04:00.000-05:002015-03-20T15:09:45.406-04:00Waxing PoeticallyWould you believe I've been riding my bike?<br />
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Well, I have...and gettin' crafty.<br />
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I decided to add some wax to my Velo-Orange Grand Cru handlebar bag to make it a little more waterproof. I haven't actually ridden in anything more than a drizzle yet, but it pays to be prepared. Plus, who doesn't like to wax stuff?<br />
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Fifteen minutes of internet research led me to purchase 4 ounces of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ACNUDES/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">beeswax</a> and 1 lb of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Oak-Gulfwax-Household-Paraffin/dp/B000PS6PY2/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1425350779&sr=1-2">paraffin</a> wax. One or both may be available at your local hardware store. Mixed in a ratio of 1 part beeswax to 4 parts paraffin, it makes a good wax for applying to cotton.<br />
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Some people seem to have lots of trouble applying waxing products to cotton ("had to throw away my Carhartt jacket, it was RUINED!!!" says The Internet). I'm not sure what they did differently, so here's what I did.<br />
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After heating in a jar in a water bath on the stove, I used a cheap paintbrush to apply to the cotton. The wax instantly dried when it hit the room temperature cotton. That's the white stuff on the bag below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJN_TxEU6p_R-9H5NyB8Al5HxTXtatnJPhpVwzrcgXeGTM2AhsV_89KYCmPEoO-X1sxpM4MWEOiZc8lAZi8IYxLv0OKJSduwbNswuIYZtLxOJPuNctSW75ucASCr7pqz2g0RTrolIbO8/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJN_TxEU6p_R-9H5NyB8Al5HxTXtatnJPhpVwzrcgXeGTM2AhsV_89KYCmPEoO-X1sxpM4MWEOiZc8lAZi8IYxLv0OKJSduwbNswuIYZtLxOJPuNctSW75ucASCr7pqz2g0RTrolIbO8/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I used a hairdryer to melt the wax into the cotton and a rag to rub the wax in and take off any excess. Pretty straightforward, but time consuming. When finished, the cotton looks a little irregular, about the same as something well aged. I also did the leather accents, since beeswax and paraffin are ingredients in most leather waterproofing products. You can tell in the picture below, the leather on the left is a little darker, it got a little more wax.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8tG8knzqDVn5pJhLH9uqM2JnqS6q2Ndh5nMPfrUE3icIxU2d247BVszXRPX2JDPpEANO5K37YAMYfhhTZstZ7cxMsuZGBGch7b2dJS9txCmLRlf_lFli0_0ZnomDhMNwPPf4dQUR2Kw/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8tG8knzqDVn5pJhLH9uqM2JnqS6q2Ndh5nMPfrUE3icIxU2d247BVszXRPX2JDPpEANO5K37YAMYfhhTZstZ7cxMsuZGBGch7b2dJS9txCmLRlf_lFli0_0ZnomDhMNwPPf4dQUR2Kw/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I only did the front and the inside of the top. There is a plastic stiffener which is in between the inside and outside cotton layers. It runs down one side, under the bottom and up the other side, acting as a reasonable moisture barrier. And the rear pockets are covered by the top flap and don't get rained on as much because when riding, rain mostly hits the front and top.<br />
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Total time, 1 hr.<br />
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I would pay an extra $30 to have the whole exterior of the bag treated like this during the manufacturing process.<br />
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Here are some pictures after riding for 11 hours on a rainy day. Rain was light but steady for 6-8 hours and there was a lot of road spray off other riders hitting the front of the bag.<br />
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Front, completely soaked on the outside</div>
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And completely dry on the inside</div>
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Ride more, even in the rain.rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11937671921960029064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-85278089574103848302012-08-03T13:45:00.000-04:002015-11-04T21:40:18.640-05:00Sturmey XRD3 vs. Shimano Nexus 3R-40<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/medium/sturmey-archer-3-speed-aluminium-hub-with-70-mm-drum-brake-with-gear-control-x-rd3-36-hole-IMG19009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/medium/sturmey-archer-3-speed-aluminium-hub-with-70-mm-drum-brake-with-gear-control-x-rd3-36-hole-IMG19009.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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VS.</h2>
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I have used the <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/products/hubs/cid/3/id/14">Sturmey-Archer X-RD3</a> hub on my own bikes for a number of years now and am also one of several mechanics servicing a fleet equipped with <a href="http://techdocs.shimano.com/media/techdocs/content/cycle/SI/Nexus/InternalHub/SG3R40_BRIM31_R/3R40E-SG-3R40_BR-IM31-R-EN_v1_m56577569830605863.pdf">Shimano Nexus 3R-40 hubs with roller brakes</a>. These two hubs are more similar than different, and choosing one over the other shouldn't be a major decision. On the other hand, for more technically minded people or those who do most of their own mechanical work, the differences are worth noting. I have very little experience with the <a href="http://www.sram.com/sram/urban/component/internal-gear-hubs">3-speed offerings from SRAM</a>, and since none of them include a drum brake I won't offer any opinion here.
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<b>Overview</b><br />
These are both internally geared three-speed hubs with an attached drum brake. Shimano calls it a roller brake, though it is functionally a drum brake. The gear range is nearly identical. It will make more difference changing the cog used by one tooth than picking one hub over the other, so this is a non-issue. In both cases the middle, or neutral gear, is the same as the chainring/cog combination.
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Three-speed hubs have been around since the beginning of the 20th century. The design is well understood, durable, and very low maintenance. Most would point to the mid-century Sturmey-Archer AW hub<a href="http://sheldonbrown.com/sturmey-archer/aw.html"></a> as the pinnacle of this type of hub. The internals were well sealed from the elements, very simple, and the machining and metallurgy were extremely high quality for the price. The modern hubs may not last the decades that the older hubs did, but the shifting is much improved and they remain low maintenance.
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<b>Shifting</b><br />
This is one area where the two hubs diverge. Sturmey-Archer offers a <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/en/products/detail/sls3c">classic trigger shifter</a> (similar to those found on countless old Raleighs), as well as a more modern <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/en/products/detail/sls30-bar-end">bar-end shifter</a>, <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/en/products/detail/sls30">thumb shifter</a>, <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/en/products/detail/tss33">grip shifter</a>, and <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/en/products/detail/dls30">button shifter</a>. Though Shimano only offers a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shimano-Nexus-SL-3S35-3-speed-Shifter/dp/B001GSSCTQ">grip shifter</a>, it is certainly a more effortless shift, and is more durable than most grip shifters (certainly better than the Sturmey). This may be one of the areas that cause someone to choose one the of hubs over the other.
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Shimano uses a small unit on the end of the axle (called a <a href="http://vickiac.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_06431.jpg">bell crank</a>) that provides visual cues for adjusting shifting. This bell crank will be removed when removing the wheel from the frame, but the shifting adjustment is retained so that shifting is perfect upon reinstallation. Sturmey uses an indicator chain coming out the axle. Shifting is adjusted by lining up the shoulder on the chain with the end of the axle. In order to remove the wheel, this needs to be disconnected from the shift cable (via tool-less disconnect system) and readjusted upon reinstallation of the wheel. It is a straightforward process but can be made much more difficult with dirt buildup at the end of the axle or poor lighting. The Shimano is really much better designed in this regard.<br />
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<b>Brakes</b><br />
The drum brakes offer many of the advantages of disc brakes without the maintenance of truing disc rotors or lining up the caliper. The brakes perform nearly identically in wet and dry conditions, and a rim that is out of true has no effect on braking performance. They are generally less powerful than rim or disc brakes, but only slightly. One thing that may be viewed as a negative is that drum brakes require an extra step to remove the wheel from the frame and these hubs do not come in a quick release version. The last few flats I've changed, I've merely left the wheel installed and removed enough of the tube to find the hole and patch it.<br />
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I am unable to make my tires skid with the Sturmey-Archer hubs, but they stop very quickly nonetheless. I have never felt the need for more braking power, even during panic stops. The braking performance of the Sturmey-Archer hubs has remained constant through the 4 years I've owned them. The pads are very thick and will likely outlast the bikes the hubs are installed on (bikes that are already 40 years old). If you carry a lot of weight or go down long hills, you will want the biggest drum available (90mm) and be careful to alternate brakes (every few seconds) to give the brakes a chance to cool slightly before using them again. If the pads overheat, they will glaze over and braking will deteriorate significantly. This can be corrected by removing the brake pads from the hub and sanding them slightly as well as sanding the drum with fine grit sandpaper.<br />
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The Shimano Roller brakes will cause the rear wheel to skid (at least on the 26x1.95 tires we use) but the performance will deteriorate over time. The brakes last about 1-2 years on bikes that are used more than any one person could use them. I would expect them to last 3-4 years for most people. If the bikes experience a lot of rain, the grease will get washed out the brake and the brake may be too strong, causing the wheel to lock up with very little force on the brake lever. If the brakes are used for more than a few days like this it significantly shortens the life of the brakes. Shimano sells roller brake grease that can be applied via a special port on the brake body to solve this. This would need to be applied once or twice a year under normal riding conditions. It is fairly easy to tell when the Shimano brakes are worn out. Putting the bike in a repair stand, adjust the brake cable tension properly so the brake is not engaged but starts to slow the wheel with very little force on the lever (Shimano recommends 15mm of lever travel before the brake is engaged). Now, when you test ride the bike, the lever will require quite a bit of travel before any appreciable braking power is felt and it will be difficult or impossible to lock up the wheel.<br />
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Shimano sells various <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shimano+roller+brakes&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS507US507&oq=shimano+roller+brakes&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3303j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8">versions</a> of the roller brake that will all fit the Nexus 3R-40 hub. More expensive versions come with larger heat sinks to dissipate heat buildup. Some also offer larger drums and/or V-shaped drums to increase surface area without making the brakes wider. The only brakes I would categorically avoid are the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=shimano+roller+brakes&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS507US507&oq=shimano+roller+brakes&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.3303j0j4&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=91&ie=UTF-8#q=shimano+roller+brakes+im45">IM45 brakes</a>. They have a spongy lever feel and don't provide much stopping power, at least not noticeably better than the IM40 brakes.<br />
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<b>Maintenance</b><br />
I have overhauled these hubs countless times, not always because they needed it, but mostly to satisfy my own curiosity. Making sure I know how all the parts work so that I can diagnose the problem without opening the hub and trying different lubricants to see how well they work. These hubs tend to fail slowly. It will become apparent through riding, especially in the 1st and 3rd gears (the indirect drive gears), that some play has developed in the mechanism. In the Sturmey-Archer you can start to feel the engagement between the axle and the planetary gears which is not evident in a new hub.<br />
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Shimano only offers a replacement of the complete internals (including drive side cone and bearings), while Sturmey offers a replacement axle kit which includes planetary gears (costing around half as much as the Shimano complete internal replacement) but not the drive side cones or bearings.<br />
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The Shimano hub is easy to service, requiring no special tools (standard cone wrenches are enough) and is something that could be done by an advanced home mechanic. The drive side bearings are not sealed very well being covered by one rubber seal. Regreasing these bearing should be done at least once a year, more in wet conditions, and can be done by anyone familiar with basic hub adjustment. The internal assembly can be dissassembled into sub assemblies where very small parts are held in place by circlips. This makes overhauls pretty easy and there is little danger of putting parts back together in the wrong order unless you remove every possible part for cleaning.<br />
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When lubricating the internals, I've been using a combination of Park Tool grease and Phil Wood Tenacious Oil. The resulting mixture is thick enough not seep through the rubber/plastic seals on the Shimano Hubs. In my opinion, the Shimano Internal Hub Oil is far too thin to be kept in by the snap-on seals and is better suited to their 7 and 8 speed hubs that have better fitting seals.<br />
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The roller brake unit will need to be removed for most cases of spoke replacement. We have found that most spoke breakages occur on the drum brake side of the hub. This is very easy to do and doesn't require readjusting the bearings during reinstallation. With the use of a cone wrench the proper angle of the roller brake arm can be set once the wheel is already placed in the dropouts, a huge timesaver over the Sturmey-Archer system.<br />
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While being better sealed, the Sturmey-Archer hub is much more difficult to disassemble and reassemble though the internals themselves are relatively simple. Unlike the Shimano internal subassemblies, the small parts (springs, pawls, planet gears, planet pinions, etc.)tend to fall out of place easily. Putting everything back correctly can be a little time consuming. Removing the internals requires a <a href="http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/sturmey-archer-c-spanner-for-hub-gear-internals-prod2805/">special tool</a> (or modifying a pair of channel-lock pliers as I've done). Reassembly may require some trial and error correctly aligning the drum brake arms relative to the axle flats based on the angle of the bikes dropouts. Because of the odd shape of one of the exterior nuts (round with two small notches opposite each other) and the cramped space trying to maneuver a tool between the exposed brake arms it can be frustratingly difficult to get proper bearing adjustment while also maintaining good brake arm position.<br />
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The drum brake unit is part of the hub shell and separated from the rest of the internals by a circular plate that is spot-welded in three places, the rest of the gap has been filled with a bead of silicone sealant. It is best to use a thicker grease lubricant (no oil) on the internals so it doesn't seep through to the drum brake. Any lubricant in the Sturmey drum brake area will cause braking to deteriorate dramatically. The drive side bearings are covered by a labyrinth seal which does a very good job of keeping water out. The freewheel bearing retainer is more exposed and can be accessed by removing the cog and the bearing shield. I would remove this shield and add a layer of grease to the exposed retainer every few months in wet weather (similar to the Shimano hub).<br />
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<b>Hub Failures</b><br />
These hubs should not fail under normal conditions with reasonable amounts of maintenance, but failures do happen.<br />
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We had two distinct issues with the Shimano hubs which led to failure. The first issue was poor adjustment from the factory. The hubs were shipped with the cone locknuts insufficiently tightened. Under normal circumstances, they may have been tightened enough, but the bikes had very low gearing, which puts a lot of stress on the axle. The constant back and forth stress on the axle (first and third gears will rotate the axle backwards and second will rotate it forwards if everything is not tightened sufficiently) led to the axle nuts coming loose and eventually to the non-turn washer stripping out the axle and causing the bearings to seize hub. At this point, the hub shell and axle were unusable, but all other internal parts were salvageable.<br />
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The second issue was pieces of the driver breaking off and becoming lodged elsewhere inside the hub. I was not able to definitively identify the cause of this but suspect it was due to users shifting while putting a lot of pressure on the pedals (such accelerating while standing on the pedals and shifting).<br />
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I had one of my Sturmey-Archer hubs fail. I overhauled it and was in a hurry when reassembling it. I must have put something in the wrong order. I noticed that the indicator chain didn't line up where it had before I assembled it which seemed odd. On the other hand, all the gears seemed to be working so I left it alone. After about two weeks it started skipping and suddenly became unrideable. I took it apart and the driver pawl shield had broken in two, fixing it would require purchasing the driver assembly, which I haven't done yet as that wheel was replaced with a Shimano Nexus 7 speed wheel.<br />
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<b>Verdict</b><br />
The Shimano hub is so much easier to adjust and work on I really thought it would make up for the shortcomings of their brakes. But having a brake that can be inconsistent over time is a real deal breaker. Especially one that fails perhaps too slowly for most people to realize until they really need it.<br />
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If the Sturmey-Archer hub was a little easier to adjust (by adding normal wrench flats to the ball ring on the drive side and the small nut/spacer on the brake side) it would be a hands down winner by virtue of the more consistent braking and myriad of shifter options.jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-48512476417048509592012-07-19T20:41:00.000-04:002012-07-19T20:41:07.112-04:00Oscar at the beach<div style="text-align: center;">
A quick stop in Raleigh at Grandma and Grandpa's house before heading for the coast...
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Exploring a new house was a blast...<br />
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We even got to vist the NC Aquarium... </div>
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And of course the beach was fantastic. Oscar loved running around and playing in the sand.
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He wasn't afraid of the water, until the surf got pretty rough.
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KpuuFIrjABNsAVbxUwdXkXbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="255" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pvazhVfmuLw/UAijwr0eE9I/AAAAAAAACJ0/LU-_gT8ckJM/s400/photo%2520%25284%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-33335792732060612662012-07-04T14:13:00.000-04:002012-07-04T14:17:14.158-04:00CSI: DC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some chocolate has gone missing recently...
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...we're interviewing the only witness, but so far he hasn't fingered any suspects.jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-72430836166912173932012-06-02T22:02:00.003-04:002012-06-02T22:22:17.999-04:00Happy Birthday O-man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In celebration of Oscar's very first birthday, we decided to make the smart choice and leave the planning to the professionals. Anyone who has a child older than 12 months is a professional to us. Thus, we attended a fantastic party at the home of our friends Kate and Jason (who make kid-friendly parties look easy). Oscar got a chance to practice tying a tie (more often than Jefe in the last 12 months).</div>
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He also got to practice walking...</div>
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and using a fork.<br />
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Everyone enjoyed the sunshine and wonderful food.</div>
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Oscar got to play with some wrapping paper and cardboard boxes.<br />
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Oscar snacking on some dessert shoes, mmmmm.<br />
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Oscar's toy mentor, Mackenzie, helped him find the best parts of his new toy.<br />
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And finally, there was cupcakes for all, but mostly for Oscar.</div>
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<br />jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-28061522098555097932012-05-26T20:00:00.001-04:002012-05-27T14:51:01.448-04:00A day at the museumIt was pretty hot today, so we were trying to think of fun things to do without baking in the heat at the playground. We went to the local <a href="http://www.crispusattuckspark.org/">not-too-secret park</a> in the morning before it got too hot. We took a tour of the Memory Garden and the wonderful blooming flowers. But alas, the mosquitos were already awake, so we didn't stay long.<br />
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After the early afternoon nap, we decided to head downtown to the <a href="http://www.npg.si.edu/">National Portrait Gallery</a> and the wonderful <a href="http://www.npg.si.edu/inform/courtyard.html">Kogod Courtyard</a>. Oscar got to run-ish around and make lots of noise, he even met a few other kids his age. After wandering through the galleries we found the Education Center (art lab) that is open on <a href="http://www.npg.si.edu/event/currentevents.html">certain Saturdays</a> from 1-4pm. Today was Portrait Story Day featuring <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_May_Wong">Anna May Wong</a>. Oscar got to make a drawing using their art supplies.<br />
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Perhaps he was inspired by the exhibit of <a href="http://www.npg.si.edu/exh/namuth/hnintro2.htm">Jackson Pollack portraits by Hans Namuth</a>.<br />
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The woman running the lab was kind enough to take a picture (Polaroid no less) of the resulting masterpiece.<br />
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Not many people get their portrait taken by an employee at the National Portrait Gallery. Oscar, you're destined for great things.jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0600 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA38.897763169766563 -77.02306509017944338.896218669766562 -77.025532590179438 38.899307669766564 -77.020597590179449tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-49020736737424818122012-05-14T22:09:00.004-04:002015-03-15T13:51:49.321-04:00We've been busyA lot has happened lately. Needless to say, Oscar is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOFdpGDO77c">getting better at walking.</a>
And well, he's getting more adventurous all the time, he's working on waving...
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Eating new foods...<br />
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Opening and closing doors...<br />
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And drinking by himself...<br />
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You're almost one year old, keep up the good work.jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-27874967501051824382012-02-08T19:36:00.004-05:002012-02-08T20:33:02.044-05:00WagonCam<iframe width="400" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QS1NR52TKZA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />The clinking noise you hear is the stuff in the wagon used to weight it down: bottle of wine and canned vegetables.jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-34586805336673757772012-02-06T19:55:00.005-05:002012-02-06T20:14:28.023-05:00A prison of his own makingOscar is getting really good at standing up and is able to use almost anything to do it. But once in a while he gets stymied...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dPAQk-epX1OiD8Z39BXOfnbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eCHVwqzoy8A/TzB4VdH6ooI/AAAAAAAACB8/j4ly0yX7LhI/s400/DSC00393.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_LWdDVnbN26OWZZ163kbCXbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4meZzTwDhdM/TzB4VohPoEI/AAAAAAAACCE/rDolfgpXn3Q/s400/DSC00397.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-_DwrhuRWvvRlCDxfuABVXbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEvGZOohd2U/TzB4WA7uwFI/AAAAAAAACCM/XUfD8qlqFUQ/s400/DSC00396.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qlhouWRfZuSPnP-o08xaxnbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DuZv4rFvGN8/TzB4WdpDjpI/AAAAAAAACCU/AWi2py6MgzY/s400/DSC00398.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5ciJ-HQ6OOMaXv824KBnN3bSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZJ9beLYesvY/TzB4W7aAOuI/AAAAAAAACCc/R1D1DL_qyaA/s400/DSC00400.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He was even more upset when I tried to extricate him from this situation.</div><div><br /></div>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-30936997678509032072012-02-05T13:29:00.002-05:002012-02-05T13:30:59.000-05:00Jaws!It's not easy getting a picture of Oscar's teeth, so here's a picture of the damage they can do.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1L6iyABiSMEFJd2oL4MDbXbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y6ZUDI9nkhg/Ty7KvwuLpwI/AAAAAAAACB0/2H7at-U-9dg/s400/DSC00392.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-37879266974781531982012-01-31T21:41:00.004-05:002012-02-06T20:15:49.179-05:00Country Sausage Day SchoolRebecca was awarded a day off for some superior work she's done at the Dept of Labor recently. When we realized there was a day upcoming that would be 65 and sunny, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. We planned out our Oscar excursion to an area with nice parks, playgrounds, and food; we headed to Capitol Hill.<div><br /></div><div>Everyone got ready to leave...jacket for Oscar, but none for us.</div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v4s7oSVQTFYz57r85C5e0XbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hHc5KOAX8Do/TyinkoflLzI/AAAAAAAACBk/ZGc7Z8t3Kyg/s400/DSC00323.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Riding the Met Branch Trail south, making sure mom is still there...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PH0G6XRAKFxOSljEbhfTtXbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MZQrqDpByYY/TyiG8y1ifPI/AAAAAAAAB_M/6RzovywlHn8/s400/DSC00325.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />First stop, Eastern Market. Oscar gets a snack, and we pick up picnic supplies (goat cheese, bread, corn thins, and limeade)...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2MW2Jrj997beIeUt1meCDnbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6lOT_oMr8G4/TyiG86DsxOI/AAAAAAAACBI/ID2LUiQKb7c/s400/DSC00330.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Saw this bike while we were getting picnic supplies. I had to take a photo, not many people (other than me) would put this much work into updating an old bike (a Peugeot in this case), it looks great.<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fqMG4RWRx1CnX7uN_4jqZnbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K6FTPPj32F0/TyiG9RYhn6I/AAAAAAAACAM/8cWItzigH9g/s400/DSC00334.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />In true French fashion, Oscar can't wait to get to the park before enjoying some baguette a l'ancienne...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NQqwEccBjqzOxAtGbxkRVHbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cmgDq_ztvto/TyiG-KG-nDI/AAAAAAAACBQ/K0YM5ZgmbF0/s400/DSC00339.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />and a little more at the park...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xU1ZoUtrEXXvybOj_ifSnHbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0RYkERbPL24/TyiG9y_YwzI/AAAAAAAAB_g/a8OqP2GuZ2I/s400/DSC00341.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />and how about a few clementines. "I'd like one in each hand, because I'm not sure which hand is dominant yet."<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s1XbVujtqbN_728c8RFMrnbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d-Sp9FUc7ZQ/TyiG-jSK9TI/AAAAAAAACBY/83ut42CzgwQ/s400/DSC00347.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Then it's time to play...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AcaXpJdvVKU4xvWzAawgOnbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UrvaNCYLkwo/TyiG-6CAi4I/AAAAAAAACBc/355JVmyXyPo/s400/DSC00350.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AHMJXH87UT66vlhamkXYl3bSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vmyy68PMzwI/TyiG_WUB_SI/AAAAAAAACBU/3c0mQhzEQLU/s400/DSC00357.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><br /><br />These loose sleeves over the poles can be played like chimes. Oscar was happy to oblige with plenty of banging on all of them.<br /><iframe width="400" height="301" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O0E4Nz9hxa4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Don't for get the tube, crawling back...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pCxHz1SlJMsQF_KxRI_QKnbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xPhRyoIMBrU/TyiHAGgAD3I/AAAAAAAACAU/qwJl7H-Kq-A/s400/DSC00367.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />and forth...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cFa3U92YCWtDx8MWIzV_ZHbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lD94-30PJaY/TyiHA9mqI8I/AAAAAAAACAk/uECyU6K3Nfc/s400/DSC00371.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />And maybe we'll try our hand at steering...a sailboat perhaps...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GkZuGQeXmNvGvSDuilJtOHbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hnUAu4qDcvE/TyiHBPo94AI/AAAAAAAACAs/odJw0QK2GGU/s400/DSC00374.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Having fun is hard work, luckily there is someone to take care of the transportation...<br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HQ2y5CTe0mBOLVqoYMtPeHbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xLYnjpDSCl8/TyiHBzKnWCI/AAAAAAAACA8/HrTZ0eNMmss/s400/DSC00384.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-65323961523649543572012-01-26T07:14:00.005-05:002012-01-29T12:57:56.421-05:00Found in DC<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9RaRXweS3MNQjOtIflTW-nbSv3JOhnqh0GFOIr5bYzI?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gCL7BkXP4HM/TyFEGeDd_ZI/AAAAAAAAB-w/qUNNkmxG2CM/s400/moneyE.jpeg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found a few dozen of these business cards in the area behind our apartment. I will let you draw your own conclusions. I'm just wondering how to pronounce "MoneyE?"</div>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-45835779555191605462012-01-23T10:04:00.002-05:002012-01-23T10:08:09.259-05:00Oscar on the move<iframe width="400" height="275" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xop_ZKbBv8E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3382133938695564639.post-52053041560802186152012-01-20T10:41:00.004-05:002012-01-25T09:19:07.561-05:00Working Hard...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gN6_YpIYT-dV66ZFA35BSdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yYGcgfIKzhs/TxmLGi__WzI/AAAAAAAAB78/k-e_sOSKcUk/s400/DSC00304.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rebecca and Oscar looking for OSHA safety hazards</div><br /><br />For those who want to know, we've compiled a list of OSHA safety hazards depicted in the book (pending additions by Rebecca)...<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3icnXVdh8pAFWfVsQzb6ptMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yehqnc-LO0s/TyALeKLAM5I/AAAAAAAAB9g/FYLZwbqfcDQ/s400/osha_1.jpeg" height="306" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yLOdNSLqrhxisXGjT2Skd9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dsKR1Gmj5Mo/TyALbKxNBZI/AAAAAAAAB9g/TN3ukC-skGw/s400/osha_10.jpeg" height="291" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6OdqtetkmqSBbRV0s7LqmNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e1oIU9X2Xpg/TyALbCHgd5I/AAAAAAAAB9g/nAXbOY0Vs68/s400/osha_9.jpeg" height="292" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xd0uQyIV-axtmga1pwEaktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zq24TymC-kk/TyALbRiwcqI/AAAAAAAAB9g/oiq14BAC9t4/s400/osha_8.jpeg" height="283" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/neBmyJJk10Qvq5nYCDkfVNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2EgH7O-4eb0/TyALb3LnYHI/AAAAAAAAB9g/lb1gw1ck7vo/s400/osha_7.jpeg" height="287" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e9IpbuzpuZQ_dF5BMWhxQtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wtyZICHN7YY/TyALcMIpd3I/AAAAAAAAB9g/0ce7AVjyYkc/s400/osha_6.jpeg" height="288" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XU21tSoVjl9jpfAqQuqplNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jcwepbV4pD8/TyALcscK6II/AAAAAAAAB9g/u9HHQae8zos/s400/osha_5.jpeg" height="290" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_JEpAZ2pqcoTOHsWva8jBtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_QehOlXemcM/TyALcq88pYI/AAAAAAAAB9g/DuCqepr6Wzg/s400/osha_3%2525201.jpeg" height="288" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8xZfxY2ZV6OzX_NrVOkhD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OEC_H90g63A/TyALdVcdl7I/AAAAAAAAB9g/Mf_f_-VxZbA/s400/osha_3.jpeg" height="286" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VKQlwQjtOHoa279xhgzfrdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fsCUcAsMDXI/TyALdp0JfFI/AAAAAAAAB9g/dI7R8VUjYls/s400/osha_2.jpeg" height="304" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MBiKXIMs3OQw1Fp0IsUIBdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_OraFLHR04s/TyANHFz0ZeI/AAAAAAAAB-E/DKSQHRKuu94/s400/osha_12.jpeg" height="291" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UzYXW3l6wAjEvHuWv10IFdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5vXJmISHDE8/TyANG77VPyI/AAAAAAAAB-E/Sj8HYhNdhRM/s400/osha_11.jpeg" height="288" width="400" /></a>jefehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02592604916786476865noreply@blogger.com0