Biking the Hoosier Uplands » Hardware

Art bikes

Mitch — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:34:02 +0000

I’ve been riding my Rans Stratus, a long wheelbase recumbent with a custom gear setup, for several years now, and I love it, I have seen no reason to look for a faster, tougher, or more reliable bike. I don’t think one exists, and if it does, it is probably too expensive for me.

But recently I ran across this article from Wired, and it sure got me thinking that it would be cool to have one of these artbikes. It is all steel, and so pretty heavy with all the extra bling, but it sure would be cool to be stylin’ down Kirkwood on this puppy!

Greyhound Artbike

Aah, Nerhtz ride

Mitch — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:11:30 +0000

This was to be any easy rode trip, about 25 miles, out Kerr Creek to Gettys Creek and Mt. Gilead. We doglegged over to Robinson Rd, and took Nerhtz. We climbed the little hill, and then my chain broke (again). The guys at Bike Garage had fixed the chain and ordered a new one, so I knew I was taking a chance. Jojo was able to grab the back of my seat, and pulled me along the ridgetop.

I coasted downhill, and we turned on Earl Young so we could stop and attempt a fix at Alan’s farm in the valley. It was a cold day and we were hoping to warm up by the wood stove before working with the cold metal chain, but he was not home. We sheltered in the barn, and miracle of miracles, I had my chain tool with me (I had carried it for years with ever using it!)

This was a tough ride, kind of cool, which was fine till my chain broke (again), and we had to fix it as the snow fell. Jojo was with me and we worked for a half hour to get it “fixed”. Truth is I missed threading the 10 foot chain through the front derailleurs, so I had only my highest gear. Even so, I made it up Firehouse Hill and back to town.

I know that I might break down at any time, that’s part of the adventure. It is good to know I can fix things and get back some of those times. I’ve had to call Eileen for a pickup only 2 or 3 times in the past 5 years, twice at dusk, once because I had no tubes or repair kit.

So now in my pannier I have 2 extra tubes, a small pliers, a tube patch kit, tire tool, a pump, and a set of hex head wrenches. In winter I often carry a thermos of hot tea, food, extra socks, a bird book, and a poncho. So I am usually more than prepared, and even though I carry extra weight, I don’t find it a burden. I may go slower, but I can get farther and be more comfortable during the journey, this I like!

Amazing bikes on YouTube

Mitch — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:47:02 +0000

I found a few bike videos on YouTube that stretch the imagination:

Here is water filter on wheels, a really good idea:

Check out this home made kid’s tandem.

Here is something I had not seen before, a back to back tandem:

Ok, how about a back to back recumbent tandem?

Here’s a new brand, look ma, no hands!

How about a propellor driven trike?

Finally, the world’s fastest human powered bike, a recumbent of course:

Last ride for Longreen bike-March 9

Mitch — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 14:57:08 +0000

As we were expecting rain on Sat, Jojo and I took off about 4pm Friday afternoon and went east to 446. We planned on a short ride, as we had little time and my Rans recumbent is on its last legs (wheels). When I had Fred put a new brake on the rear wheel, he had to drill through a small crosspiece that became ovoid in the process. Now the bike wobbles at anything over 10mph, the tire rubs on the left arm of the back yoke. So this is perhaps the last ride for the Longreen. I’ve ridden it well over 10,000 miles, and replaced about every part but handlebars, seat, and frame. Now the frame is dinked, I am the only person who can use the delicate handlebars. and although the fiberglass seat still works, it has always been cracked, and needs replacement. So here are a few pics of Longreen’s last ride.

Time: 3 hours
Distance: 25 miles
Route:Old 446 to Pine Grove, then Pine Grove to the lake, and back.
Wildlife: 8 ducks flying, 6 buzzards circling

Here is the end of the line, I love the these signs we find all around the lake

My Rans renewed

Mitch — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 23:11:08 +0000

Dec 15, 2006

I just got my 10 year old Rans recumbent back from Bike Garage, they did a good job replacing the totally trashed bottom bracket, and installed new clipped pedals, and a speedometer, Jojo and I will now know how far and fast we are really going! Sunday I hope to get with Kevin to look over his bike, Jojo may be interested in the foldable model, more maybe even the big Linear.