eBent Recumbent Cycling

A Bent Look at Self Contained Touring

Archive for February 2008

No Clipless Pedals for Me This Year

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Cartoon from unknow souce 

This is a sadder but wiser update of  my 2006 post:  Why I don’t use Clipless Pedals. 

I am back to Power Grips this year. I don’t know it for sure but I feel that using Clipless Pedals in 2006 contributed to the hip problem that have kept me off of my bicycle for the last year.  All I can say is that I had no problems for years with PowerGrips but after 6 months with Clipless Pedals, I had to stop riding because of hip pain. This is not proof but I don’t think I can ignore this strong feeling.

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Written by Roland

February 29, 2008 at 4:48 pm

Posted in Pedals and Shoes, Rant

Tips From Ryan Owners Club

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dickryan.jpg

Here are some useful tips from the Ryan Owners Club 

You can see the complete list at Ryan Owners Club TipsThe Ryan Owners Club is a great resource for all Ryan Owners, I still own two Vanguards.

Most of these tips also work just fime for Longbikes Slipstream Owners.

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Written by Roland

February 29, 2008 at 7:48 am

Posted in Uncategorized

How to Really Clean a Bicycle Chain – Parody

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chainclean01.jpg

 If you feel the way I do about cleaning your bicycle chain, you might enjoy this parody from the esteemed Sheldon Brown and Tom Deakins.

Check out:

The ShelBroCo Bicycle Chain Cleaning System

Sheldon Brown, we miss you.

Written by Roland

February 28, 2008 at 7:58 am

Washing and Lubing Your Bicycle

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This is video is a little slick but still very good.

The first thing to do before you start your Spring Bicycle maintence or any other Maintence Session is to Wash and Lube your bike. You results will be much improved.

Here’s a set of brushes you might find handy at a reasonable price.

Park BCB-4 Bike Cleaning Brush Set of 4

Written by Roland

February 27, 2008 at 10:40 am

Posted in Uncategorized

Cleaning Disc Brakes

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I knew I should be doing something to my disc barkes.

Written by Roland

February 27, 2008 at 10:02 am

Odd Bicycling News

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I am sad to say this site appears to have died since I wrote this article. I can understand it must have been a lot of work. But it is still worth brosing for the oddities. 

Some alternatives that are still active: Total Bike or I Like to Bike

Looking for news about bicyclists, try Bicycling in the News = BitN.

I am not usually a fan of this kind of thing but found myself fascinated by stories  like:
Pedaling to Petra – aretz – Tel Aviv,Israel Geographical Tours intends to run bicycle trips to Romania, Morocco and the Republic of Georgia, but their primary destination will be Jordan, … http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/859591.html

When you need a bicycling news fix, give  Bicycling in the News = BitN a try, you will find the sad, the ugly, the odd, and the amusing there.

Written by Roland

February 27, 2008 at 8:49 am

Repairing Flat Bicycle Tires on the Road

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I know tire repair sounds pretty basic but tire repair is a key skill for anyone who rides a bicycle more than walking distance from their home or car. I have had lots of tire repair experience and learned what I  know the hard way, sitting on the ground in the rain with a flat.  My record is 4 flats in one day but with the excellent tubes and tires I use now, I seldom get a flat. But when you do, being prepared and relaxing will take the sting out of the experience.

Just click on the play button to watch the video. I got several good tips watching it and I thought I was a tire repair pro.

Recommended Tire Repair Gear to Carry on your bike:

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Written by Roland

February 26, 2008 at 10:33 am

Rear Deraileur Adjustment Made Simple – Wow!!!

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Front Deraileurs are seldom a problem because they seldom need adjustment. But I have often had problems with my rear dérailleur. I know it must be simple but the adjustments have been a mystery to me. Here is a video that makes it all simple. You will want to run out and adjust your rear dérailleur after you watch this video.

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Written by Roland

February 26, 2008 at 7:14 am

Finding a Parking Place for your Car while Bicycle Touring in Vermont

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Grand Island State Park - South Hero, VTGrand Island State Park - South Hero, VT thanks to Gary at http://www.rollingroads.com/gary/nhvt.shtml for the picture

Finding a parking place for your car while you are off on your bicycle tour is a major part of planning a bicycle tour. Each of my tours has had its own answer.

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Written by Roland

February 25, 2008 at 9:38 am

Posted in Tour Planning

Why I always wear a bicycle helmet

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Roland Loaded for first tour of 2006 

I don’t bicycle without a helmet. That logic has been reinforced for me several times.

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Written by Roland

February 24, 2008 at 9:28 am