TerraCycle’s Longbikes Slipstream Idler Kit

5/12/09 Update: I can’t recommend this idler kit for the Slipstream. I have done a bit of riding with them now and have to say I am not impressed. The concept is good but the reality is increased noise and an idler that doesn’t seem to follow the chain line very well. This is an expensive upgrade without significant benefits.

TerraCycle offers a Longbikes Slipstream Idler Kit that looks very nicely made. It replaces the rubber idlers seen on most recumbents with coged idlers that have high quality bearings. TerraCycle claims that the better idlers provide improved efficiency and quieter operation. This improvement is not inexpensive, $154 for the kit.

I agree with TerraCycle’s explanation of why good quality idlers are important but I am not sure how noticeable the improvement will be for most riders. I have ordered a Kit and will document my experience.

The kit is not easy to find at the TerraCycle web site, the link above will save you time finding it.

(more description of the kit and TerraCycle’s explanation of why high quality idlers are important follow)

Bicycling Awareness

Great Bicyling awareness video from the UK. I would love to see something like this appearing in the US

Patagonia Web Sale – Save 30 – 60%

 

The Patagonia Web sales are not as good as the Outlet Sales but they are alot easier to get to. You can check out the lates sale at Patagonia Web Specials. Check out the Rain Shadow Jacket at 50% off ($74.50), this is a nice cycling and off-bike rain jacket.

How to remove Shimano HollowTech II Cranks

 

I have my new shorter cranks but so far haven’t been able to get the Shimano HollowTech II cranks that I am replacing off. Every time I start this job I find that I am missing another tool. Here’s a nice set of instructions with a tool list so you won’t have the same problem.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SHIMANO HOLLOWTECH II® OUTBOARD BEARING SYSTEM

Just be sure you have all of the tools they list as required before you start.

I have removed mine and it was as simple as the video shows once I had the tool to remove the caps. This is a beautifully designed set of cranks that is extremely easy to work on. I just wish they came in shorter lengths for recumbent riders.

Thanks to the folks at  enduro fork seals .com for a very nice set of instructions. 

Portland Bike Boxes

Check out what Protland has done for bicyclists … bike boxes in the road. This is amazing and innovative. Cheers to Portland!!!

You have just sealed that ranking as number 1 bicycling city in North America for me.

Hobobikers from Northwest Territories to Panama

 

I met Randy and Nancy in front of our local supper market about dusk. They were looking for a place to stay and spent the night with us. 

Here’s the latest update from the amazing Randy and Nancy:

Hello to all from the Hobobikers!

We’re about halfway on our trip now! We’ve cycled almost 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers) now since we started out June 9, 2006 at Inuvik, Northwest territories, Canada.

Hot Buy – Light Rain/Cool Weather Tights

 

In light rain and often in the morning, I like to wear breathable tights not rain pants. Campmor is having a nice sale on Hind DryLite Tights,  $29.96 ($50 List).

I have several pairs of Hind Tights and think they are very nice and a great buy. These tights are a little tighter than my favorites but a great buy and hard to beat if you like tights.

My 2008 Cycling Sandals

 

In 2008,  I am trying to do everything I can to eliminate the hip problem that kept me off of the bike for most of 2007.  Here’s my plan:

1. Go back to Power Gripsno more clipless pedals that are more efficient but also seem to put more stress on my hips and knees.

2. Shorter Cranks – my new cranks are 153MM versus the 170MM I was using.

3. I am going back to the traditional sandal that I used for 10 years before switching to shores with cleats for clipless pedals.

 For years I have used PowerGrips and the Birkenstock Milano with great comfort. The cork soles on the Milano have given me more comfort while riding than any other sandal I have used. They are very firm but also protect and protect your feet from the pedals.

Slipstream Kick Stand Fix

Update 4/9/08 see SlipStream Kick Stand Fix Installed

Greg Peek has a fix for the Longbikes Slipstream Kick Stand problem discussed in Slipstream Kick Stand Update.

There may be more but this is what I’ve found on the Longbikes web site:

Product upgrade announcement: Slipstream owners, if you have had problems with your ESGE 2 leg kickstand not staying tight to the frame, I finally made some reinforcing adapters which beef up the kickstand bridge and eliminate the problem of the kickstand rotating.  We will have a small quantity on the shelf in a few days when they come back from anodizing.  If you need or want to upgrade to these, drop me a note and we can get them to you.  I will determine the price and get photos on the site sometime later this week

The new parts (shown above) have a lip to prevent the kick stand from turning and lips to keep the bracket itself from turning. Looks like it should work. The parts themselves are like all of Greg’s parts very nicely machined and finished, very high quality parts.

The parts have arrived but the roads in New Hampshire are not yet ready for much Slipstream riding. We still have a lot of snow and ice along the sides of the road where there are sides. But I will be installing and reporting on results soon, I hope.

How to Replace Crank Arms

If you are replacing your crank arms with shorter cranks this video shows you how. Don’t forget you will need a crank puller, the standard tool is a Park Crank Puller.

You can also find this great video at  How to Replace Crank Arms at BikeTutor.com.   

If you also have to replace the bottom bracket, here’s a great video on how to do that, How to Replace a Cartridge Bottom Bracket at BikeTutor.com.