[DonnaMobile]

in reply to: Ping Webmaster #36712

Found Keith’s contact info, just in case…
keith@anacostiabikecompany.com
(202) 531-2138

[DonnaMobile]

in reply to: The Ride of the Hard Man – interview w/ Hinault #36391

an even clearer version of the video here…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8sSprvMMXg

[DonnaMobile]

in reply to: LBS Rant #36649

Oh boy, am I ever relieved! I see am not the only one here who will stick with rim brakes! Now I can come out. Last summer I had a new all-road frame built by a wonderful framebuilder named Antonio Taverna, of Cicli Vetta in Padua Italy. One reason I had it built was that I already had all the components. The second was that I prefer Campagnolo shifters and no bikes are specd with them. The main reason, though, was that I did not want disc brakes. There were many reasons, starting with the inconvenience. I frequently drive places with my bike and use a fork mount roof rack that I can quickly put my bike on. Not possible with discs, of course. I also envisioned a scenario where I was on tour and experienced a damaged wheel. I wouldn’t be able to just borrow any old wheel from someone. I also take my bike on trains a lot, and read that some racks might present a problem for discs. People who have them told me what a pain they are. I was always coming across articles about adjusting and maintaining disc brakes—why deal with that? And mainly, I simply had no need for them. I’ve ridden down many a switchback descent in the rain and the problem wasn’t not being able to slow down down, it was fear of losing traction. When I come to a a sketchy unpaved descent, I walk, and having discs wouldn’t change that. BTW, the brakes on my new bike are TRP CX8 mini v-brakes.

I am not against disc brakes, just the belief that they should be the norm for everyone, on every kind of bike, and not giving consumers a choice or say in the matter. People are being brainwashed into thinking they are so much better, but many can’t even say why. Even Walmart sells bikes with discs! My neighbor paid extra to have a disc-equipped MTB to ride on a flat multi-use trail. Now he’s getting a Trek road bike with them because he’s convinced that they are better, even though he’s never even ridden a road bike. I expect that many people who have them won’t admit even to themselves that they don’t like them, because they’ve shelled out a lot for the bike. I have a feeling that the average buyer may not even realize that frames are made either for rim brakes or for disc brakes, and you can’t switch if you change you mind.

[DonnaMobile]

in reply to: Velovirus????? #36546

Guys, please come to Italy! I am leaving for there in May and have no intention of changing my plans (yet!). So far there are no cases in the places where I ride most of the time: Treviso province, where I live, Belluno province, where the Dolomites are, or Vicenza province, where the Asiago Plateau is. There are strict measures and controls in place, so we hope the spread will be slowed down, though they could fail to detect the virus in people who have it a couple of weeks before showing symptoms. At any rate, it’s not a death sentence. The unfortunate people who have died were already suffering and weakened by other illnesses or conditions. There are already a lot of people who have recovered and feel fine. I am concerned more about the economy than anything else.
I sure hope the Giro goes on. There are two great stages near my home, the Prosecco ITT and a stage starting in Bassano del Grappa, which is also hosting the national pro championships. There’s also a U23 Giro stage in the area; the Adriatic Ionica stage race will probably come through as well, and possibly the Giro Rosa. A lot is riding on all of these events. In addition to lost tourist revenue, there are many industries, including eyewear and of course cycling, that depend on Chinese parts, so they are hurting too. Cancelling events that bring so much excitement and joy to peoples’ lives would be terribly sad, a psychological blow.
My concern is also selfish though: my new custom all-road bike is awaiting my return, and I can’t wait to head out on some minimalist tours with bikepacking gear, on mixed surfaces,. But if worse comes to worst, there are a lot of excellent rides and fun things to do right here in NJ (seriously, I’m not kidding!)

[Author]

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