tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663089657141718051.post6182159795577719976..comments2022-03-24T23:36:03.004-07:00Comments on The Upright Cyclist: ChangesB+http://www.blogger.com/profile/18353381870331760316noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663089657141718051.post-39787227946242320452012-07-18T14:55:34.382-07:002012-07-18T14:55:34.382-07:00Yes, the old SA hubs were often (not always, as I ...Yes, the old SA hubs were often (not always, as I know from one model) excellent. My '63 still works flawlessly. I've never known it to misbehave, except when I have not adjusted it properly after removing the rear wheel. The Shimano doesn't feel as "solid" as the SA, somehow, but has been fine thus far. I'm pretty used to the twist shifter, but like the trigger model better. Somehow, I remember better which gear it is in with that form of indication. Maybe the muscle-memory will kick in for this one, eventually.<br /><br />I purchased the new Raleigh at Metropolis Cycle on N. Williams (the only place around with that model on hand). They were very helpful and easy to work with. I'm going to post a piece sometime about how different cycleries handle folks like me...people neither in the "sport" camp, nor really "hardcore" (yet?) about transportation cycling. The employees at Metropolis were very easy-going about it all...just your "friendly neighborhood cyclery" sort of feel about it.<br /><br />I have been amazed by how completely my knee pain went away once I changed back to this frame style. I was beginning to worry that age was catching up to me on this...but not yet, I guess! When I was out today on an errand, I could not help but notice how natural and easy this pedaling position is, especially on the moderate hills I deal with.<br /><br />Your DL-1 does look great...I'm only a little envious ;-) I miss having a full chain case, but I guess that's just not in the cards right now. We will see how things go this winter. I'm just one mud flap away from being "ready" for the rains--though I prefer not to think about that just yet.<br /><br />Keep in touch!B+https://www.blogger.com/profile/18353381870331760316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663089657141718051.post-12031397069331951592012-07-18T12:28:29.317-07:002012-07-18T12:28:29.317-07:00When my wife and I first got into cycling for tran...When my wife and I first got into cycling for transportation, we bought Electra Amsterdams, his and hers. They were nice, until we started riding them more than around the block, at which point lights started falling apart, spokes started breaking, and we realized that the geometry that allowed you to put your foot flat on the ground while sitting on the seat meant that you could put almost no power into the pedals (even more extreme than a Dutch city bike, almost kind of semi-recumbent).<br /><br />After a while, I ended up purchasing a 1953 Raleigh Sports on Craigslist, which totally opened my eyes, it was brilliant. Unfortunately, I did have the crank spindle break on me, and it was never quite the same after that, due to cotter issues (though I did make it rideable). At the moment, I've got a heavily modified Raleigh DL-1 (Royal Roadster) from about 1980, which is kind of my dream bike. My wife has a WorkCycles Secret Service. Both of those bikes have been brilliant, and really fill all our daily transportation needs (along with walking and public transit).<br /><br />From my experience with new Sturmey Archer hubs, you're probably better off with the Shimano, honestly :) Unfortunate, as the 4-speed SA hub on that 1953 Raleigh Sports was the best hub I've ever ridden, I loved that thing. Worked perfectly at nearly 60 years old, was completely solid.<br /><br />Could I ask where in Portland you got the Raleigh? Curious to see it in person :)Dave Feuchthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06103790541088515008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663089657141718051.post-44168203142501089972012-07-12T17:31:18.204-07:002012-07-12T17:31:18.204-07:00Thanks, Alex. I've been away from my blog for ...Thanks, Alex. I've been away from my blog for a bit, but wanted to respond. The Boston 8 looks like a great solution to your needs, so congrats on finding the right thing in the Bicycle Jungle. Like you, I have felt a bit frustrated with myself for my purchase of a bike that didn't work out. The simple fact of the matter was that I didn't have the experience or the guidance to get the right type of bike at first. It is a bit like finding a car that suits one's back and legs...a short test drive just won't do the trick. I was so enamored with many of the aspects of the bike I was purchasing that I didn't know how to "read the tea leaves" about the problems that would ensue with this particular design. In purchasing this new bike, I had a lot more to draw from in making the decision. At least it was a much less expensive learning experience than a bum car purchase! Blessings on the journey...B+https://www.blogger.com/profile/18353381870331760316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663089657141718051.post-29265329190253818262012-06-18T08:40:03.014-07:002012-06-18T08:40:03.014-07:00I remember when I was in the market for a new bike...I remember when I was in the market for a new bike - it was so confusing. I wasn't even really sure what I wanted, except that I knew I wanted a folding bike because my apartment is so small. I too made a purchasing mistake. I didn't research properly at first, and I bought a small-wheeled folding bike. I test rode it, and I didn't love it, but I was assured that I would get used to the ride and the handling. After about a week, I still wasn't feeling it. It was twitchy, and the small wheels meant I felt everything. I almost even fell off going over a larger pothole. Not the bike for me.<br />Then I found out about <a href="http://www.montaguebikes.com" title="Montague Folding Bikes" rel="nofollow">Montague bikes</a>, which are full-sized folding bikes. I did a test ride, and it felt just like riding my old bike. Like you, I prefer the internal gears, so I got the Boston 8, which has the Shimano 8-speed, and I could not be happier. I'm so glad I decided to get rid of the small-wheeled bike...I don't know what I was thinking there!Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01717941308616724770noreply@blogger.com