Could somebody help me out on an question about bikes for instance trek vesus schwinn vs. mongoose

dave, what exactly are you looking for in a bike?

100 to 150 is what I want to spend right off. Until either my jewelry or assembly position take off , then let the mods begin

Are the mods on the trek difficult to find rear rack lights,etc

Nice, knowing what to look for in a decent starter bike is a great help thanks.

sounds great..I would really like to see it. got an interview monday for test tech in miramar could use a good commute bike..

Swwwwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If this doesn't fly , How good is the Raleigh M-40 I just seen one on cl for 55$ also a Cannondale for 200

Just got you're message, and just as I was reading it , I was calling my folks in Idaho, (b-day was today ,37yr) they sent monies, now I can go get that m-40 raleigh. Though thank you for the offer of the tempary solution to my bike issue. I just sent a bid for the Raleigh and for a Univega MTB w/ kangaroo bags. Any info on either bike would be much apperciated. Between Velocult and you FixedSD, both are a credit to the biking community.

for the spokes just wipe them down with steel wool and the only thing you can do to protect them is to maybe oil them with linseed oil. for chrome parts use steel wool. if the frame has rust remove all the rust down to bare metal and re-paint that area

How does one take care of a Brooks saddle?

rideproof (follow the directions), and don't sit on it when it gets wet. I'm still uncertain of how to keep it dry in the rain, other than a rain cover, which I don't have. So far I've been using a plastic bag.

Any thoughts on chainring size for loaded touring? I bought a Fuji Touring in December and it came set up with 52-42-30, I feel like it could definitely be lower.

Also, my Brooks hurts my taint. Never had that problem on other saddles. I think it's how I angle my pelvis when I ride, but I've been playing with fit issues for a couple of weeks now and might have to sell it.

This is a little beyond bike tech, but cool. I was checking out BostonFixed.com, (I'll probably be moving there in about a year) and they have a google map feature on the forum. One of the tabs at the top of the page, under the logo, says "maps." People can pinpoint places and routes and what-not on it. I think that is an awesome idea. Can we get something like that with on here? It looks like the same software. I don't know much about the inter-web, so I'm of no use.

Has anyone tried reelights? Or know of a shop around here that carries them? www.reelight.com
Flashing LEDs powered by magnets on your spokes, never needs batteries, they have models that will keep flashing at stoplights, or give you a solid beam. Apparently they last forever. They sound pretty awesome, and a lot cheaper than getting a hub dynamo.

If anybody would like to help me work out how to use the wind up motor out of the emergency flashlights we could try to mount it to the bike with minimum wires, my wife had an old bike powered light system on her huffy it was rusted and useless but it could work to be converted to power an led system(I have an AS in electronics engineering degree) we could market it

I've found a couple of schematics and I have most of the parts now I could use help in designing a housing case for them

Arrg... Surly Long Haul Trucker with bar end shifters. Returned to original shop three times for spontaneous shifting across the last two outside, smallest cogs. Over the last 25 years I've had three different touring bikes with bar ends, I switched out to down tube every time for fast, clean shifting. Does Velo Cult have a ballpark price to swap out these stinking bar-ends with Dura Ace down tube shifters for nine speed? Labor, new cables and housing that come with the new shifters, and tape job included in estimate. Thanks for help, and you can keep the Dura Ace bar ends and cables.

Thanks, I'm on the way...

Andy:Has anyone tried reelights? Or know of a shop around here that carries them? www.reelight.com
Flashing LEDs powered by magnets on your spokes, never needs batteries, they have models that will keep flashing at stoplights, or give you a solid beam. Apparently they last forever. They sound pretty awesome, and a lot cheaper than getting a hub dynamo.

Yes, I have them on my neighborhood beach/drunk bike and I like them a lot...for a neighborhood beach/drunk bike. I'm not sure if I'd put them on my commuter. I bought the ones (both front and rear) that stay blinking even when you stop so they don't blink every time the magnet goes around. The magnet charges the little battery pack (or whatever it is) and the lights flash at a steady pace and they won't slow down until the charge wears out. Which is about 1-2 minutes after the wheel stops spinning. There are two magnets attached to the spokes so it passes the light/opposing magnet frequently and only takes ~10 feet to get them going and they are pretty darn bright. They'll even start flashing when walking the bike. I think they are very cool and a great idea.

Other pros: Don't have to worry about them being stolen off your bike. Never have to worry about the battery running out. If you don't use rechargeable batteries for your current lights the reelights are a one time cost. No need to buy batteries again. And if you are drunk you don't have to worry forgetting to turn your lights on! BTW: I don't condone riding you bike drunk!!

Cons: They are not in the best position for commuting. They are a too low, however, for certain situations so are the lights you put on you seat post and handlebars IMO. The real reason I wouldn't put them on my commuter is they are a bit loud. Well at least the front one on mine is. It isn't really loud but you know they are there. The little magnet pulls on the light inwards a bit as it goes around and the light rattles as it comes back to position. Personally, I wouldn't want to hear that for ~20 miles a day commuting. Setting them up was a little bit of a hassle compared to normal LED lights but I've never had to fiddle with them since.

I wanted to show a link to the silliest (because I feel I would be laughed at for using it) but coolest (because it's so practical) idea I've seen for your bicycle!

Click-Stand

Velo Cult:oh man, that looks absolutely stupid. every time you stop you need to find the stand? if you're on an incline there's nothing to stop the bike from rolling front or back. if the handlebars turn at all the bike slides out and falls over. i'd rather just lay my bike down on the ground

Pretty quick to judge there.

Yes it's silly but it does come with a strap for the brake so it won't roll when you stop. Plus it also has a strap to attach it to your bike so you can find it right away. It's also is lighter and perhaps as if not more stable than any kickstand on the market. Is it perfect...no but it was designed by some guy who has good intentions and loves to tour his bike. I thought it was an interesting idea plus I give credit to someone who actually executed and brought his product to market.

Velo Cult:your right, i would need to try it. for loaded touring and heavy rigs i can't see it being any better than a double kickstand. im not a fan of anything that leans the bike over when you're dealing with heavy bikes. are you going to get one? swing it by the shop if you can.

I agree with you. Other than being a bit lighter, the double kickstand is better for touring bikes, xtracyles and the like. (However that xtracycle double kickstand is fricking expensive!) For specialty bikes i.e. recumbents I could see this product working. This guy looks like a touring freak and apparently this is what his brainstorming came up with. So maybe he is on to something...I just thought it was interesting.

LOL, no I don't think I'll buy one which makes this whole discussion kinda funny and moot.

we can order them for you. there's a few options on them so stop in the shop and we can show you.

Willing to trade Angle grinder for bike parts

hey Evster, no problem on that rack you really want. we know how to make it work with your quick release axle. the only thing is when do want to remove your front wheel it's not as quick and easy but it's do-able. DR.J on this forum has this setup on his commuter bike. i believe we have that rack in stock too right now.

so, im not the only one that dreams about the shop. glad to hear im not alone. although, i think we're dreaming about different things