Biking '10 part 2

[bassteban]

Is it all paved? If so, this makes climbing seem easy. Compact gearing and 13.96lbs.....ahhhhhhhhhh.

Mix Canyon Road is indeed paved to the top; there's a dirt/gravel road connecting it to Gates Canyon Road, which is like a four-lane superhighway at the top but has a lot of gravel/dirt nearer the bottom. Roadies do it(Mix)but I'd crap my pants descending on a skinny-tire bike. I nearly did on my monster truck as it was...

 

[spade2you]

And you'll still ride something twice awesome

LOL, who knows. I'll either become "old school" and talk about the good old days when real bikes weighed 14lbs. Although, if the USA cycling governing body becomes like the UCI, where amazing stuff will be available, but it won't be legal for racing.

 

[anyonefortennis]

LOL, who knows. I'll either become "old school" and talk about the good old days when real bikes weighed 14lbs. Although, if the USA cycling governing body becomes like the UCI, where amazing stuff will be available, but it won't be legal for racing.

There's still hope - they just allowed disc brakes on CX events.

 

[spade2you]

There's still hope - they just allowed disc brakes on CX events.

Isn't it a 2 year trial or something? I'm not into CX, do I don't comb everything with a fine tooth comb, but I thought I saw something that they were going to evaluate disc brakes for 2 years then make a final decision. I also thought I read that disc brakes may help a bit, but not nearly as dramatically as MTB disc brakes due to the decreased surface area for stopping.

 

[bassteban]

Why would they not allow discs in CX- strictly tradition?

 

[spade2you]

Why would they not allow discs in CX- strictly tradition?

No clue, although studded tires are still out. I assume that's more for rider safety.

 

[bassteban]

No clue, although studded tires are still out. I assume that's more for rider safety.

Studded as in screws- like in ice racing? God, that'd be great for bloodthirsty spectators.

 

[spade2you]

Studded as in screws- like in ice racing? God, that'd be great for bloodthirsty spectators.

Yeah. I think the screws demonstrate vastly superior traction, but are obviously a little risky in a mass start setting.

 

[bassteban]

Yeah. I think the screws demonstrate vastly superior traction, but are obviously a little risky in a mass start setting.

*it's only a flesh wound*

 

[My name is Mudd]

Link Removed

Any of the current Bay Area folks ever climb Old Page Mill Road up to Skyline/hwy 92? There are three corners about 2/3 the way up that look EXACTLY like this shot, and WICKED-steep...I swear, the first one literally has to be at a 45 degree angle for about 30 yards...no lie.

 

[bassteban]

Not, I- but I have gone up Mount Washington, on the cog railway- where it hits 37% at one point. It's UNGODLY steep- I can't imagine 45 degrees. The stretch in the pic is pretty crazy- and the pic does NOT do it justice- but it gets worse nearer the top.

 

[My name is Mudd]

That corner really does look your pic; a tight uphill 180 and from the apex on out, it just goes straight up...the next two corners aren't quite as bad as the first, but all three are successive and within a half-mile of each other. What makes that stretch even worse is that's is not really safe to head for the far outside of each corner (where it's relatively less steep) 'cause the exit of each corner leads to a blind left-hand bend, and there is traffic on the road semi-regularly (residents, UPS trucks, etc). I love to climb and I HATED that piece of road...I'm standing up on a 38-26 and 177.5 cranks and as far left as I dare put myself and barely above stalling.

 

[anyonefortennis]

Isn't it a 2 year trial or something? I'm not into CX, do I don't comb everything with a fine tooth comb, but I thought I saw something that they were going to evaluate disc brakes for 2 years then make a final decision. I also thought I read that disc brakes may help a bit, but not nearly as dramatically as MTB disc brakes due to the decreased surface area for stopping.

Well, until there is a good solution for a drop bar hydro lever, the stopping power will just not be there (as compared to MTB disc). Hope had a solution for this but it was discontinued.

Right now the only decent disc road bike brake is the Avid BB5/7 Road so lack of options is going to keep discs out of CX racing for a while IMO.

Edit: This was Hope's solution - maybe it looks like someone did this aftermarket perhaps?

Link Removed

 

[anyonefortennis]

Anyone have a good source for instruction on re taping drop bars? The cork tape that came on my Vaya slipped during my last ride and I've never taped bars before. I've done hundreds of racquet grips so hopefully it own't be too different.

 

[bassteban]

I've taped a few sets of bars & actually enjoy it, but I'd have a brain fart explaining it(I learned by fouling it a few times & not usually repeating my mistakes ); it's likely similar to tennis racquets, I'd guess.

 

[CapnSev]

Why would they not allow discs in CX- strictly tradition?

It should be coming in either this year or the next, I can't remember.


I actually prefer the old-school cantilever brakes on mine. That way when I brake it squeals really loud and intimidates the competition.

 

[bassteban]

It should be coming in either this year or the next, I can't remember.


I actually prefer the old-school cantilever brakes on mine. That way when I brake it squeals really loud and intimidates the competition.

I inadvertantly helped spook a horse w/some old Mafacs one time.

 

[Jon_West]

So, I just came back from a race. I was in the lead, 200 meters from the finish line when a guy clips my wheel from behind. I wipe out, he wipes out, and 7 other guys wiped out going 45 km/h.

My 3000 dollar bike is destroyed. :scowl:

 

[bassteban]

How are you?

 

[spade2you]

He must have hit you really hard if clipping your back wheel also took you out. Sprintin' is serious stuff.