Motorless bikes. Wotz da drill?

[Ixion]

Anybody know lotsa stuff about motorless bikes. Y'know the sort wiv pedel fings. Like a moped but wiv no mo.

No I haven't lost my licence.

But I've always been a fat lazy prick, 'cept when I was young, when I was a skinny lazy prick. Mrs Ixion reckons that skinny lazy prick is better than fat lazy prick, and she's been nagging me . Again. And making dire predictions about arteries and all sortsa stuff.

Load of cobblers I reckon, but I've gotta shut her up somehow.

So I asked her to review the options for me (cunning trick that, that's what management training does for ya)

She reckons the options are

1. Eat less.
Uh, no. Bugger off. I like eating.
2. Eat horrible boring shit like tofu and such like crap
Bugger off, darling. I tried that muck once. I'm firmly in favour of meals properly balanced between the four major food groups - sugar, starch, grease, and burnt crunchy bits.
3. Drink less
Uh, you were joking? But it's not funny. Next.
3 . Exercise more.

Uh, well , maybe. Like what?

So she suggested walking. And I've tried it (loyal and suppliant spouse that I am).

Bloody boring. You walk for ages and then you can still see where you started from . And walking never takes you anywhere decent . About the only thing walking does well, is the handling on gravel is good.

So, now she's suggested cycling. Which sounds a bit better.

It's faster. And gets you places. Like places where you can get a beer (Won't mention that to Her though but).

Now, I remember cycling, from when I was at school. I had a bicycle. A nameless one, they're the best.

But I went and sussed out the cycles at the Warehouse.

They seem to have acquired a ot of stuff that my old Nameless didn't have.

Like gears. The Nameless had a Sturmley Archer 3 speed gearbox (lota swank factor in that, back then). Worked by a little lever on the handlebars. Some of the new ones have about 20 speeds.Bloody hell, the powerband must be narrow as.

And suspension ! Some of them have suspension.Some of them have more suspension than half the motorbikes I've owned. Do y' really need it?

And there's all different sorts. Back in the day there were two sorts. Boys' and girls'.

And they're all made of superlattepretensium or summat.

So, anyone here know stuff about treadleys.

What's really worth having, what's not.

And how do those bloody gearboxes work. I couldn't see a gearlever. And how would you work it anyway, if you're peddling.

What sort should I look at? Bearing in mind I don't want to race the bloody thing, I just want something that'll get me to the nearest pub.What else do I need to know.

Anyone ? 'Twould be appreciated

(Oh, and I have already told Her that I absolutely REFUSE to wear lycra. )

[SwanTiger]

What are you drinking tonight Ixion?

[Ixion]

That's very good of you. I'll have a Speights thanks. Seeing as you're not actually here, I'll have it next time I see you.

[MidnightMike]

How tall are you and how much to you weigh? *( this will affect what i suggest )

[Ixion]

5'9" and about 95kg.

[MidnightMike]

You want a mountain bike, id say with at least 21 gears, front suspension, aluminium frame, etc. Just say that to someone in a bike shop and they will steer you in the right direction.

[twinkle]

Don't get ANY suspension. No use at all for road riding. And the only good suspension is expensive suspension.

[James Deuce]

5'9" and about 95kg.

You know how you asked if we were related the other day? Long lost twin who got sent back in time at birth perhaps?

[MidnightMike]

Don't get ANY suspension. No use at all for road riding.

What about wheelies?

[WINJA]

rooting is good exercise , get a hotter wife

[The_Dover]

rooting is good exercise , get a hotter wife

Or borrow someone elses like I did.

[Jamezo]

Or borrow someone elses like I did.
The exercise value of peeking through windows is still the subject of scientific controversy.

[N4CR]

Get a second hand one off trademe or something they are simple so if something breaks can't be hard to fix just make sure cables ain't rusty and sprockets ain't bent. Like my shitter: The black flame 'pedal edition'. (PE)
Had it for 8-10 years now... 18 speed, almost been written off 2x and still goes. Done a few thousand k's on it, got lost in the kaimanua's on it too. And been about a third the way up mt ruapehu hehehe...

Suspension is for pussies in most cases, especially the riding you will be doing, makes it harder to wheelie anyway, stupid stuff unless you really really need it. Only wished I had it a few times when it got particularly fucking arm/leg shakingly-out-of-your-sockets bumpy.

You can pull mean stoppies and decent wheelies on a pushie too :yes:

For the record it is a Giant boulder something 300 or so. Never really took notice of that. It has some tubey frame brand name but looks the same as all the other bikes without the stickers... guess it's like an 'LGC TWIN TUBE FRAME' or whatever on the cbr's. They are still slow as fuck. :lol:

Check trademe and save some coin, do it the rungi way. You know you want to! Mr Two stroker....
Also don't forget to ask if it has a good powerband before you buy it, some of them are pretty shitty.

[Mr. Peanut]

Too much gas in the tank eh?

Here's some cheap-ass lazy ways of losing weight.

Freeze your nuts off - the colder you are the more energy you have to burn to keep warm.
Don't sit down if you can.
Drink copious amounts of diet coke/soft drink - no sugar and it fills you up.
Eat big fluffy fiberous stuff with not much energy in it - Apples, bran, so on and so forth.
Eat a big breakfast in the morning and try not to eat dinner or late at night.

I used to be 95kg, I'm 80 kg (more muscle though initially went down to 74kg) now.


Exercise is a waste of time :angry:

[avgas]

Its the same situation as buying a motorbike. You dont know how they are like untill you ride them.
I would recommend something from one of the big manufaturers (Avanti, GT etc) as this will fuck out slower than other rubbish.
Mountain bike, hardtail, with average decent brand front shocks (rock shox, manatiou, marzocchi etc), Shimano 21 or 24 speed with thumb shifters (grip shifters are dogs), alu (if you like it lite) or chromolly frame (if your scared your going to break it). Those bash-bars/arm rests on the end of the bars are a god send to if you can get them - both road and off road they come in handy.
Brakes : get anything that doesnt rely on a dodge frame thing. V cable brakes, hydralic etc is ok.
Wheels : Lite/strong alloy - decent brand name otherwise the spokes will fuck out.
Tyres: I found that Velicoraptors gave the best 'any condition, any type of riding style', but alot of other tyres out there give good value.
Seat : A good seat is worth the price. Those slim gel ones seem to be the latest good idea so far.

If your really desparate for a bike, i have a old Avanti 'Cuda here that i used to race back in 98 that is sitting here untill i can ride again (damn leg)

[Gremlin]

hmmm, I rode bicycles for years, raced em competively on the road, and I have a custom built one too...

First up... I don't tend to trust the warehouse. I prefer bike stores, but I have never trusted bikebarn, after one screwed up a mates bike...

Suspension - depending, you may not have much choice. I think all bikes now come with front suspension. Most have rear suspension. Unless you are riding off road, you don't need it, and I never had it, preferring the response of a rigid frame.

Brakes - The standard now is "V-Brakes".... not actually a v tho, more like a square upside down U. Powerful, and plenty good. You won't be buying high up enough to get disc brakes...

Gears - Don't get something called gripshift (section of the rubber handle bar grip). Its nicknamed gripshit for a reason. iirc, most mountain type bikes (as opposed to road bikes ie race) have the gear shifts on/under the handlebar... Thats fine.

If you haven't ridden for a while, trust me, you WILL get a sore arse, if you do enough distance. You will want a comfortable saddle on your bike. Some will buy an aftermarket one, with gel in it. A bit poofter... but hey, if you want it... whatever.

Buying shop new will be more expensive than second hand, but you will be able to trust the shop etc, and know its in good condition. Secondhand, you may not be sure, maybe a cracked frame, shoddy brakes... but it will be cheaper.

Bikes come in different frame sizes as well...

edit: some more answers...

changing gear - you have to be peddling at the time. The cable operated gear shifter controls a guide (or derailleur sp) that simply moves the chain sideways, and pushing into onto another cog (chainwheel (front) or sprocket (rear))

suspension does make the bike a softer ride... some brands use a suspension piece under the saddle

[Blackbird]

I have a mountain bike (Diamondback Topenga) which I diligently cycled 24 km a day to work on for 3 years all in the name of fitness. Trouble is, Tokoroa is at 1100 ft altitude and winter cycling at 6.30a.m in -5 degrees is no fun at all. You arrive with snot all over your face and never really warm up properly unless you dress like the Michelin man. Then there's the mandatory shower after you arrive at work unless you want a decreasing circle of friends. All these preparations take way too much time. However, after years of non-cycling, having front suspension was a revelation - far less shock loading on aged wrists and elbows.

Yes, they are good fun if you discount the time I fell off and pulled 2 ribs off their mounting points, but I'd stick to going and fetching the Sunday paper on it. That might just about keep your wife off your back:innocent:

[Street Gerbil]

I ride a bike 1.5 hours a day to keep myself from absorbing unwanted pounds and to keep Mrs. Street Gerbil happy. My recommendation - get yourself a so called "fixie" (i.e. a bike with a fixed gear, where in order to move you need to turn pedals all the time, like on kids bike). Get a cheap frame off trademe and order a fixie rear wheel from any decent bike shop. Since you won't be able to waste your time coasting (while erroneously thinking that you are exercising) it will only take 30-45 minutes a day. Don't repeat my mistake and watch for your kneecaps!
Good luck!

[WINJA]

winja needs a garage painted and a pile of wood cut , see next weekend ixion

[Swoop]

The exercise value of peeking through windows is still the subject of scientific controversy.
But running away from angry husbands, burns LOTS of energy... particularly if they are holding a big sharp knife...:blip:

[Coyote]

A few tips:

-Cheap suspension up front can be handy for going over potholes and kerbs, just takes away the initial shock

-Stay away from 'Milazo' (main warehouse brand). Poorly put together, crappy parts, something will go wrong shortly after buying it

-Avoid Grip Shifts like the plague. 'Butterfly' gear shifts are much better

-If you're not doing hard riding, don't fork out more money for a lighter frame. No point

-Chrome = Bling. Bling = Fine ho’s

-Rear shocks absorb pedalling power, best to avoid them (they however do have bling factor)

-Make sure you can stand over the frame. You don't want it being high enough to 'knock yourself' if you come off the seat`

[Meanie]

rooting is good exercise , get a hotter wife
Hell get several wives bloody expensive but youll loose the pounds fast

[Coyote]

Anyone of these would suit you


I actually quite like the second one

[Mr. Peanut]

Here's something I had in mind, hey Ixion stand here for a sec will ya mate....

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=847353259332475258&q=label%3Arobot+chicken

[Rosie]

If you just want something to get you to the pub and back, I would just get a 2nd hand 10 speed (road bike type thing, like they used to have in the 80's). Not as many complicated bits to worry about compared to most mountain bikes, and they are much nicer to ride on the road.

If you want a really good workout, and live somewhere not exceptionally hilly, you can just take the gears off, leaving you with even fewer moving parts.

If you get some cans of paint from repco and give it a really daggy paint job (see attached), people are less likely to steal it.

And if you decide the push biking thing isn't for you, you don't end up with an expensive toy taking up space in the garage.

If you do want a newer bike, I would go to several bike shops and chat to the staff about the sorts of things you want, to get an idea of what all the nice shiney features are, and what would suit the kind of riding you want to do.

[inlinefour]

However I could not afford a good bike so I brought cheaper shitters and they tended not to last very long. Used to keep me trim and in better health. I also need to hook right back into it. Have got the bike that I should not be able to break so its time to force myself back into it. After yesterdays ride Im still feeling it slightly today. Ive even been eating less for the last year, helps, but bugger all once your metabolism slows down...

[Oakie]

As an alternative you could do what I did. Buy yourself an exercyle. I know you don't actually finish up at a pub ... but even better than that ... when you've had enough you just stop, get off and you're home. Nothing worse than being all shagged out with a sore arse and still 3km from home. I'm not even going to mention punctures, sudden rainstorms or kamikaze dogs.

I've actually got mine set up in the garage in front of an old TV so I can watch a doco or something as I pedal off the kilos.

Just a suggestion.

[Street Gerbil]

If you just want something to get you to the pub and back, I would just get a 2nd hand 10 speed (road bike type thing, like they used to have in the 80's). .

:rockon: I concur. Can't think of a better workout bike. In fact, I would probably get it for myself (but Mrs. Gerbil definitely won't approve a 5th bike in the house).

[crashe]

errrrrrrr just get one of those exercise machines...

You know where you have it in the lounge and you can pedal to your hearts content and still watch tv and have a beer all at the same time... and no matter if its pissing down with rain, you will still be dry... except for the sweat pouring off you... :whistle:

Then you wont get a ticket for drink riding on a bicycle.




I have a mountain bike hanging in my garage, been there for ummm a number of years now going no where fast. (warehouse one)

[MidnightMike]

If you just want something to get you to the pub and back, I would just get a 2nd hand 10 speed (road bike type thing, like they used to have in the 80's). Not as many complicated bits to worry about compared to most mountain bikes, and they are much nicer to ride on the road.

I went for a ride on one of those from a garage sale a few months back, scared the shit outta me when i was goin about 50k down hill to realise the brakes didnt work properly :gob:

[Gremlin]

If you just want something to get you to the pub and back, I would just get a 2nd hand 10 speed (road bike type thing, like they used to have in the 80's).
For someone looking to start on a bicycle as such, they are not recommended. Your seating position means a sore back, hands, wrists, for those not used to the position on the bike.

I broke an old 12 speed... the spokes weren't up to my cycling... I kept snapping them when I pushed down hard... :bye: Mountain type bikes (as opposed to road/race bikes) are more durable for a little bit of abuse.

[Ixion]

Well, thanks to the good offices of Messrs Trademe, I have now acquired, for relatively small outlay , an Avanti Montari, which should be adequate for my simple needs (ie, getting me to the nearest pub)

And I will never again criticise the seating arrangments of sprotsbikes. Apart from being as hard as a rock, the seat seems specifically designed so as to ensure that one's uh, "masculine accessories" are compressed painfully between seat and thigh. I do not remember this problem when I last rode bicycles as a school boy. I suppose the said accessories were smaller then.

A question for the pushie types. Apart from the lack of a clutch being damn confusing (every time I change gear, I end up locking the wheel up.), it is doubly confusing because the brakes are on the wrong side. The front brake is where the clutch should be , the rear brake where the front brake should be . Is this normal? And is there any reason why I should not change them?

And as for those derailleur gears!. Deranged gears would be a more accurate term! The result of a crazed collaboration bewteen a senile Heath Robinson and a manic depressive chimpanzee.

For those that are not familiar with the things, gear changes are effected by a small bent bit of metal being forced against the side of the chain until the chain is pushed off the sprocket. And (hopefully) falls onto a smaller sproket alongside! Or not, as the case may be. Upward changes are even worse, the chain is forced against the sprocket side in the hope that it will eventually ride up and catch (literally) on a larger sprocket! I used to own a 1923 James, which, compared with this , was a masterpiece of advanced engineering design!

Never mind. It will serve it's purpose.

[Motu]

So are you taking it down to Hamilton tomorrow night...will you go via SH22?

[Ixion]

Wel, I could tuck it into the BMW saddlebags. Sort of like a tender on a big yacht. As to SH22, well , it does have knobbly tyres (quite aggressive ones, actually)

[dveus]

A question for the pushie types. Apart from the lack of a clutch being damn confusing (every time I change gear, I end up locking the wheel up.), it is doubly confusing because the brakes are on the wrong side. The front brake is where the clutch should be , the rear brake where the front brake should be . Is this normal? And is there any reason why I should not change them?


I had to go check that one, no matter how much I thought about it I couldn't figure out which way mine were, suppose it becomes a habit after a while so hadn't thought about it in a long time. To answer your question, thats the opposite way to both of my pushbikes. Rear brake is on the "clutch" side.

[Gremlin]

On the handlebar, right lever is the front brake (same as motorcycles I have come across) but the left is the rear brake (why you lock it up). All bicycles I have come across have the front brake on the right.

You MUST keep pedalling when changing gears, thats how the shifter is able to move the chain. It is also nice not to change gears while sitting still. While the derailleur will not actually switch the chain across, it will place additional strain on it (kinda like kwaka not being able to select 2nd while in neutral, or stationary).

[twinkle]

And is there any reason why I should not change them?

None at all. It should take you about 10mins.

[Wolf]

doubly confusing because the brakes are on the wrong side. The front brake is where the clutch should be , the rear brake where the front brake should be . Is this normal? And is there any reason why I should not change them?
Sounds like a previous owner did change them, every pushie I've seen with brakes fitted has the lever for the front on the right and the rear on the left.

[WRT]

I used to have an avanti montari, way back in the day. The brakes were the wrong way round, mine came from the factory that way.

[Flyingpony]

And if you ride through wet grass - N O B R A K E S ! ! ! ! :nya: (unless it's one of those fancy ones with disk brakes)

Best to keep the chain in a straight as possible line between front & rear cogs.

To help stop it from locking up when you change gears, don't put power to the pedal when doing it, always pedal forewards, best to only change one or two gears at a time, and only change when the cycle is moving forward.

[Sniper]

I went and bought a Bike today for the purpose of getting fit and such nonsense. Shouldnt really be on a bike for another 2 weeks, but doctors have no idea what they are talking about. besides, Im sure I heard him say, "But its up to you"

Last time I rode a bike was when I was 15, and this feels like a stupid, stupid question, but do you usually sit with your seat higher than the bars? :slap:

[bungbung]

depends on the bike and how tall you are. I'm 6'4" and my seat has always been higher than the bars. Modern mtbs with long travel front suspension have the handlebars a lot higher up than traditionally.

It doesn't really matter, as long as it's comfortable for you. You can raise the bars up if you need, by fitting a high rise stem and/or riser bars.

[Sniper]

Thanks mate. Mine is a mountainbike with front suspension and disc brakes. Interesting bloody thing.

[Flyingpony]

The front brake is where the clutch should be , the rear brake where the front brake should be.
:killingme Maybe I should laugh so much because my mountain bike has the same arrangement, has done since I bought it over 10yrs ago. It is quite handy when carrying something heavy (like a shopping bag) with your right hand, at least the front brake can still be activated ...

[Motu]

I have one of these infernal contraptions now too.....I have trouble turning down feebees.Are these things a major cause of prostrate problems and heart attacks? Is it a female activity?

Some Avanty 12 speed mountain bike with road tyres.I don't have a helmet yet (everything is shut!) so I took it around the lake today....even if I can't ride a motorcycle at the moment I can still get 2 wheels on gravel.I usually walk around in 45 minutes,and it takes just 10 minutes on the bike,but seems to take just as much energy,so did a couple of laps.So I'll do 2 or 3 laps on the bike depending if I ride the 3 km to the lake or take the bike in the Pajero.It's nearly 20 years since I used to ride a pushbike regually - when I lived on Waiheke Island I used to ride my 10 speed to work,and it's a very hilly place.But when I shifted to a gravel road I couldn't use my delicate light weight road bike,and found mountain bikes not worth the effort on the steep gravel hills.So good to be back with pedals in a flat town - this will be my commuter to work now.

There is always some activity at Late Hakanoa,and this Easter they are doing model power boat racing,3 days so far.Aaah,the smell of castor oil and screaming 2 strokes....some of those boats are seriously fast - and no one gets hurt!

[Mr. Peanut]

If you want to get your tyres howling, shift your weight onto the outside pedal as you corner, works a treat.

Don't you love the lack of rules?

[Dave Lobster]

The front brake is where the clutch should be , the rear brake where the front brake should be . Is this normal?

Its normal on some race bikes. My brake levers are also the gear levers. Changing down with the right one and braking isn't a good idea, so my brake is on the left hand side. Caught me out the first time I rode it. Sideways on a pushbike at 35 mph made my arse twitch like a motherfucker.

[Wolf]

Sideways on a pushbike at 35 mph made my arse twitch like a motherfucker.
That'd be nerve-wracking. Worst I did was "coast" down a steep hill. My uncle's driveway was at the bottom so I slowed to what I thought was enough to dismount and swung off the bike. Don't know what speed I was doing but it was marginally faster than I can run so I wound up with the bike getting away on me and I was at a lean with my hands on the handlebars and my feet scrabbling to keep up. Was expecting to face-plant at any moment - the only thing holding me upright was the bike and it was rapidly leaving me behind. Fortunately I managed to turn the wheel up my uncle's driveway and slowed the bike enough for me to catch up.

They're not the most stable things - give me a motorbike with some decent tyres and decent mass, any day.

[avgas]

Yay i gots a new mountain bike. i put new pedals on it last night. now all it need is a seatpost that i wont have to remove from my asshole every time i get off the bike.
Anyone going to woodhill this weekend?

[Dilligaf]

(Oh, and I have already told Her that I absolutely REFUSE to wear lycra.

Quite Right!! Repeat after me, Lycra is a privilege, not a right...:shutup: