The Ridazz Recommendation Thread
Thread started by
Richard_Colossus at 10.10.07 - 1:16 pm
So, I need a bigger bag...The Jansport bookbag is not cutting it.
Any recommendations?
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depends on what you need it for.
if you're riding a bike, need to get in and out of the bag often, need something pretty waterproof, and lots of space, go with a baileyworks, under the weather, re-load, chrome, pac bag or any number of other bags, look around, do some research for yourself, figure out what your needs are, and get a bag that fits for them.
just remember, a bigger bag can always hold a small amount of stuff, the inverse is not always true.
of course, if you really need to carry a bunch of stuff... well ask richie about the shopping cart....
FuzzBeast10.10.07 - 1:26 pm
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It could be worth it to check out the reviews on Fixed Gear Gallery. They thoroughly test the bags and have a lot of pictures of what you could expect:
BACKPACKS
MESSENGER BAGS
onethirtynine10.10.07 - 2:03 pm
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I'd also suggest that you go and actually see the bags in person before committing to a particular brand. Try them on, throw something heavy in there if you can (12 pack works nice) and see how it feels.
With messenger bags, most of them have different ways that they tackle the strap system. Some are amazing, and others are really not so great. But in the end it's all about what works for you.
kyber10.10.07 - 2:18 pm
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This is the post in the thread where somebody recommends that you go to Orange 20.
Go to Orange 20. They've got mess bags and cycling backpacks in various sizes, and you can try them on and stuff.
PC10.10.07 - 2:28 pm
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Some bike shop. It's supposed to be good for you.
PC10.10.07 - 2:39 pm
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And this is why I came to you bunch of weirdos...excellent information. I thank you with female skin.
Alright, onto the second inquiry.
Chainring/ Cranks.
So, I've been thinking of getting rid of the stock Truvativ chainring/ crank set on my Dirty Sanchez. I'm thinking of going the Sugino route. The 75 is a little too pricey...so I'm thinking of the RD Messenger. Any personal experience from you chaps here? I want to stick with with the 48x16 gear ratio I have now...I like the way it rides. If I go down to, let's say, a 42T chainring, what happens? Faster bike? Easier uphills? Spinnier downhills? I am not too hip on smaller or larger tooth ramafications.
Richard_Colossus10.10.07 - 2:46 pm
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Despite it being uber 'hipster', I will always swear my by Chrome bag. Lifetime craftsmanship warranty on it rocks, too.
Other bag manufacturers:
Manhattan Portage
Bailey Works
Brooklyn Industries
SPOOK10.10.07 - 2:51 pm
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What's wrong with the cranks you've got?
PC10.10.07 - 2:53 pm
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RC,
My Specialized Langster came stock with a Sugino Messenger setup (42/16). I found it great for climbing and scooting through traffic, but on the longer rides (Cubcamp) I always trailed despite how fast I could pedal. The low ratio in addition to running a fixed gear made me feel as thought I was working twice as hard, it seemed. The gear ratio you run should rest entirely on what style of riding you do. I have since changed to a 46/16 setup and am much, much happier. I might even go a little larger not that I feel a bit stronger.
As far as the actual products, I have no gripes. I have had no problems what-so-ever with the cranks.
Hope this helps. If you have any questions, or want to see my setup, email me.
SPOOK10.10.07 - 3:20 pm
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oooohhhhhhhh I see what the problem is. What you need is something called a "derailleur", this works in tandem with the gears you quoted above and many more!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derailleur_gears
hahahahahaha..............
Sorry, I couldn't resist!
User110.10.07 - 3:46 pm
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@ PC: There is nothing wrong with the ones I got...I just have some money to burn...so I thought I'd get some new cranks.
With that said, I think I'm going to stick with the gear ratio I have right now...
Richard_Colossus10.10.07 - 4:05 pm
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Dude.
I live at the top of a 30% grade. Gears are for weenies.
kyber10.10.07 - 5:11 pm
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Dude,
Maybe you can show these "weenies" how it's done next year? Looks like the mark their shooting for is a 100 trips in a day. Should be nothing for a dude living at the top of a 30% hill that rides a fixie!
http://www.pbase.com/coaster/fargo_street_hillclimb_2007
LOL
User110.10.07 - 9:35 pm
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Dude/man/bro et cetera,
I'm just kidding about the gear thing.
How much faster will spandex make you when you're climbing? Just out of curiosity ;)
kyber10.10.07 - 10:43 pm
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Regardless of how cool the fixie club is, I'll stick with the gears if you got a heavy bike, or haul alot of shit on it.
My Montague folder weighs in at 40lbs with all the urban armor equipped.
Couple this with a 10-20lb loaded bag going up a 30% grade, and you'll be glad you have them gears.
Now, if you've got some 20lb or under, stock road bike, take them damn gears off and single-action that sum'bitch.
Seems even when I'm not driving a semi, I'm still hauling something.
bentstrider10.10.07 - 11:48 pm
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Not sure about the spandex thing. My suspicions are that if there new duds, and they're breaking them out on this fine Sunday, it's got to be worth a few more trips up that hill. Personally I don't feel I need to support their choice of clothes. I did have an obligation to support the use of gears after I brought it up.
Just to be clear my position on fixies. This setup is great if you're riding track. There's no real need to get off the start first, the track is nice and flat, and no need to really stop. Hard to get these same conditions on the street! Sure if you know the streets you're on and the area you ride, you can dial in some gear ratio. But no matter what the ratio is, it's a compromise to satisfy all the conditions you'll encounter. And no, I don't buy the argument that just because you have less parts to break, it's a better choice. Cause I really can't remember ever breaking a derailleur, shift lever, cable, gears, or any other part that goes with that part of the system. I do remember one time as a kid my buddy broke a cable. We ended up putting a little rock in the derailleur and into a gear so he could limp home on.
User110.11.07 - 12:47 am
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RC, I strongly and sincerely recommend that you lie down in the shade with a cool beverage until this upgrade fever passes. If there's nothing wrong with your crankset, buying a new crankset will only be satisfying until the novelty wears off, which will happen about five minutes into your first ride on them. Take that extra money and stash it away somewhere. Then next time there's an awesome-assed Ridazz field trip, you can come along and use the bucks to pay for your expenses. That's good for a couple of days of solid fun on your bike, and memories that last a lifetime. Your choice, brutha...your choice...
P.S. Alan, did a fixed gear bicycle murder everybody you love?
PC10.11.07 - 1:11 am
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I just don't see the point in climbing (more like crawling) up a big ass hill in spandex.
Unless it's irony.
kyber10.11.07 - 1:24 am
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Anyway, PC is right.
If you don't really
need something, there's not much of a point in upgrading. It's better to have the cash in hand for other things like food, beer, americanos, etc.
It's ok to splurge every once in a while, but I only really do so when I just happen to need a particular new component and figure "what the hell, I'll go all out."
If anything (assuming you haven't already done so) I'd swap out the gnarly plastic platforms and get some track pedals. Now that's a difference you can feel (tm)
kyber10.11.07 - 1:45 am
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Or, some Performance/Forte "Shovel" bmx pedals that I got.
They're essentially a knock-off of those K.O.R.E. Elite pedals, but they do wonders when wearing Hi-Tec Enforcers.
bentstrider10.11.07 - 1:55 am
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Elite pedals eh?
then they belong on ridazz....
as for the whole fixie vs. gears for climbing....
there are people who do fargo fixed every year, they actually climb pretty damn well, if one has a bit of momentum. Must have something to do with that, cause I seem to see a lot of them going fast up hills, all the time.
As for the whole fixies belong on the track,
for many years, fixed gears were the only show in town, not just for tracks, those actually came later, they were used on the road by many, many people for decades, argueably through cycling's most popular period (you know those days like when cyclists convinced cities to first pave roads, and the original route of the 110 was a wooden bikeway).
for starting and stopping, they're great... explosive speed off a standing start is part of a lot of track events, and can determine a winner easily, and stopping, well, if you use a handbrake they stop exactly the same (though it takes half the fun out of riding fixed), if you use just your drivetrain to stop, they stop as fast if not faster than a coaster brake.
That whole deraileur thingy (bent one into uselessness 3 miles from the nearest house one time), with all it's cables (seen em break) and shifters (broken em), deraileur hangers (seen WAY too many bend/break) and stuff, it doesnt add much weight (only a couple pounds), but it sure does add a bunch of drivetrain friction.
But then again, different (pedal) strokes for different folks.
FuzzBeast10.11.07 - 2:23 am
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I'm by no means a fixie adhearent. I've never even stepped on one.
But User1, derailers do break. I had to carry my bike a mile up a big hill just to prove it. No it sits in the garage waiting for a used one I bought on eBay.
......
On another note.
I recently picked up a chrome bag that is designed to cary a laptop can also transport a small stack of vinyl records.
Sitll I have mostly relied upon a canvas over the shoulder bag for most thngs. Its good for the basic ammount of stuff id need to cary: jacket, camera, wallet, food, lock tools, etc.
I like this bag better for day to day because I can get in it easier if i need to take a jacket off or grab my camera or some food. In the event of rain, I put it under my jacket and that seems to do well.
trickmilla10.11.07 - 10:48 am
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PC-
P.S. Alan, did a fixed gear bicycle murder everybody you love?
Me-
Well it was a fixie gang that murdered my friends in Texas. They were murdered by a gang called the Fixie Chain Saw Gang. I will forever hold resentment to ANY thing called fix or any derivative of "fix", anything from Texas, or anything that has a whinny hi pitch scream to it, such as a 2-cycle motor. I am seeing a shrink and am doing my best to come to grips with this traumatic event in my life.
The spandex is dead to me.
Fuzz, where did I say fixies belong on the track? I thought I was pretty clear. For many years NO gears were the only game in town too. So what's your point? And yeah a fixie can stop as fast as a coaster brake bike, but I don't see many people just relying on a back brake. Why? Cause there's very little stopping power in the rear brakes. I've read that you get 75% and greater stopping power with a front brake. Why would anyone NOT want to include a front brake on their bike? Because it takes half the fun out of riding a fixie?!?!?! Funny, Sheldon Brown thinks just the opposite, he states,
"Some fixed-gear riders ride on the road without brakes. This is a bad idea. I know, I've tried it. If you do it, and have any sense of self-preservation at all, it will cause you to go much slower than you otherwise could, every time you go through an intersection, or pass a driveway. The need for constant extra vigilance takes a great deal of the fun out of cycling."
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixedb.html
And if you bother to read the rest of the page, he gives more points on fixed gear dangers. Now at this point you probably think I am assuming that people shouldn't be riding a fixie. Personally I think people can ride whatever the fuck the feel like riding, after all it's a semi free world we live in.
The deraileur and all the trimmings that go with the system does break. So does does seat posts, seats, chains, spokes, handlebars etc. etc. etc.. In the realm of things, the deraileur and gear system is VERY dependable when compared to other things failing, such as tires. Which brings me to another point. If you're so gung-ho about dependability, then why aren't you riding solid tires? OK, so the ride is not that nice. Certainly you must be riding thorn proof inner tubes, industrial strength tires, and slime in your tubes right? After all you seem to be hammering home "dependability".
User110.11.07 - 2:10 pm
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There is much anger in this one...
Don't worry User1, I'll rub that out for ya ;-)...
420LaHaRR10.11.07 - 2:53 pm
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I think the point he's trying to make is that:
Less parts = less possible breakage
It's the simplicity of the machine that draws people to it. Not to mention that less moving drivetrain parts = more efficient power transfer.
In the end, ride what you want. I personally don't have a problem with geared road bikes. Hell, I never thought I would go fixed, but after those first few rides on a friends bike I was hooked.
Plus, in FB's defense-- have you ever seen the hutchinsons he runs? I have the same ones and there are literally chunks taken out of the tire and they have yet to flat on me. The only time I've gotten a flat with them is when I hit a bridge expansion joint dead on (also put a 5mm hop in my rear wheel). I think what he's going for is the nearly bomb proof bicycle.
kyber10.11.07 - 2:59 pm
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I guess I don't have any "sense of self-preservation at all," because I go fast everywhere.
What a bunch of bullhockey. If you're passing a driveway at speed and a car that you didn't see shoots out at you, your front brake isn't going to save you. Ditto the sudden left-hook at the intersection, or the t-boning car driver blowing the red light when you've got the green. By that logic, we should all be riding on the sidewalk at three miles per hour.
THAT'S RIGHT, I WENT THERE. I DISSED SHELDON BROWN.
PC10.11.07 - 2:59 pm
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And the ridazz recommendation is...
...*drumroll*...
Screw your stupid question about backpacks and cranks! Let's argue about fixies!
City Hobgoblin10.11.07 - 3:29 pm
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In that case...
Brakeless vs. brakes
Helmet vs. no helmet
What gear ratio is the best?
How many NJS stamps do you have?
kyber10.11.07 - 3:34 pm
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No, no, let's stick to
Stubborn Roadie Curmudgeon vs. Irreverant Fixie Guy.
That one always turns into a snarky death match.
City Hobgoblin10.11.07 - 3:47 pm
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A quick note for you new folks: once you actually have a fixed gear bicycle in your possession, you are no longer allowed to use the word "fixie." That word has one purpose, and one purpose only: for geared riders to use in order to sound "hip" and "with-it." From now on, your bicycle is to be referred to as "the fix," "the track bike" (if applicable), or "the [brand name of frame]." If you have been riding your fixed gear bicycle for more than six (6) months, you may refer to it simply as "my bike."
PC10.11.07 - 3:55 pm
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I hereby challenge PC to a track stand contest for the right to use the term "fixie" in conversation.
Also, loser buys the winner scoops.
No training wheels allowed.
City Hobgoblin10.11.07 - 4:05 pm
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Oh I forgot!
@}-'-,---- peace ----,-',{@
@}-'-,---- love ----,-',{@
@}-'-,---- happiness ----,-',{@
@}-'-,---- and ----,-',{@
@}-'-,---- flowers ----,-',{@
@}-'-,---- for ----,-',{@
@}-'-,---- all ----,-',{@
PC, when you turn stone tonite, can you will your bike to me before hand?
The Less parts = less possible breakage argument doesn't really hold much water either. Why don't I see any fixies with fiber spoked wheels? Or a mag wheel? Here, I'll answer myself on this one....... because it doesn't look cool!!!! And I'm sure you guys are all running with sealed bearing right? One piece crank as opposed to a 3-piece crank? Less parts = less possible breakage.
No stubborn roadie here, just calling it like I sees it! As I said before, ride what floats your boat.
User110.11.07 - 4:05 pm
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Um...
http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com/2007/09/black-monday-aerospoke-crisis.html
City Hobgoblin10.11.07 - 4:10 pm
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Yeah....
Hobgoblin beat me to it.
kyber10.11.07 - 4:11 pm
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Fixies are OVERRATED...
Yes, I said it. And yes, my bike is still fixed, I'm just too lazy to turn the hub around, and honestly I do like it. But I like the thrill and fun of Ted Shredding better.
----
Now for a sincere request, I need new a new stem & handlebars. PC fucked mine up when he was doing the headstand during a skids competition up in Oakland. [Don't worry. It wasn't his fault.]
the reverend dak10.11.07 - 4:17 pm
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While I'm at it, this is a joke too..........
I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five.
Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer?
We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!
--Henri Desgrange, L'Équipe article of 1902
And the hiker responses to Henri..............
"Is it better to triumph the mountain on the strength of your leg muscles than by the artifice of a bicycle?"
User110.11.07 - 4:18 pm
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FUCK! Sorry, dude. It kind of was my fault because I should have known better than to do a skid contest on an unfamiliar bike that didn't fit me, on unfamiliar fucked up turf.
What's wrong with them? The stem, in particular.
PC10.11.07 - 4:22 pm
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They're bent slightly to the starboard side (to the right) about a quarter inch which makes the bars, which are bent even more so, about an inch & half off. I'll show you this weekend, it looks wonky. But it's not your fault, I pressured you.
I ride old beat-up bikes for a reason, not just because I'm poor. But they are meant to be RIDDEN.
the reverend dak10.11.07 - 4:34 pm
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I seriously bent your fucking stem? I AM SO AWESUM!!!!!!!
I don't have any stems or handlebars to offer, but if you're looking for a track wheelset...
PC10.11.07 - 4:43 pm
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Jeezus christ.
Fixed vs Geared
Mac vs PC
Fake vs Real
Domestic vs Import
Finger in the butthole during a BJ vs No finger in the butthole during a BJ
What did my boy Rodney "Hit me when I'm down" King say?
Anyways, this thread turned out like a "Cruz With Us" ride...hijacked.
I will take the aforementioned advice and hold the purchase of a new crankset when it's actually needed. Thanks for keeping level headed. I will also be taking a trip down to O20 and trying on some bags...I think I'm leaning towards the R.E.Load...their color combos are pretty sick.
@ Kyber: I did get rid of said plastic pedals a few weeks ago. MKS GR-9's, medium toeclips and white Campy straps are now how I roll. And yes, I felt the benefit immediately.
Now I must learn how to trackstand to attract more ladies.
Richard_Colossus10.11.07 - 8:25 pm
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Yip.
We should really just go for a ride together and listen to the Digital Underground classic, "DoWutchaLike".
Only reason I admire the fixed-gear riding crowd is due to the grapefruits they have for riding those things in everyday traffic.
I'm no hipster for calling those things the "Widowmakers", or the "Nex-O-Kin-Notifier", cause I.
I'll gladly take the risk of my folder folding up on me when I don't want it to.
bentstrider10.11.07 - 8:39 pm
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revdak - i got a stem for ya. i'll bring it to the heavy metal ride if you are gonna be there. i dont know the exact measurement on it.
speedybrian200010.12.07 - 12:53 am
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speedy,
thanks man. the bike is an 82 American made Raliegh Technium. They're very standard sizing all around. So i bet it'll fit. I'll definitly take a look at it. I'll be somewhere on the ride, for sure, don't know how long though. I have a birthday party to take everyone too... heh.
the reverend dak10.12.07 - 1:49 pm
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Richard,
Getting back to the messenger bags......... I was doing some shopping at REI Outlets and they have no less than 10 bags listed. Not sure of the price for non-members, but for members it's free if you have it shipped to the REI store of your choice.
http://www.rei.com/outlet-cycling
User110.15.07 - 12:39 am
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Ridazz Roulette!
What's Orange 20?