Bicycles of our childhood

[dimlight65]

On 1/7/2023 at 6:09 PM, dimlight65 said:

Ok, so I did a little spread sheeting to finger out what gears I think I want.

 

 

Stock gearing was the far right column: 44 tooth front, 19 tooth rear, giving a 1:2.32 ratio at the wheel.

 

What I have now is the far left column: 44t front, 18t rear, yielding 1:1.78 low, 1:2.44 mid, and 1:3.33 hi ratios at the wheel.

 

I believe these numbers to be accurate based on how the thing rode.  Low was easier than before, mid was a little harder than before, and hi was nigh impossible to use at parking lot speed.

 

So, looking at the sprockets I have ordered (yes, I know I should have done this spreadsheet before buying gears), I think I am going to go with the 36 tooth front cog until I get into a little better shape.  Once I'm able to pull third with that gear, I'll swap over to the 42 tooth, and maybe eventually back to the 44.

 

 

Ok, having ridden it a few more times, I think I'm ready for a gear change.  I realized I'm not even fit enough to pull the 36 tooth front cog just yet (and the stroker cranks make it worse), so I'm going to install the 32 tooth gear.  I'm going to hate that it is silver, but it's what it's.  

[dimlight65]

Popped on the 32 tooth sprocket today.  

 

 

I knew I would hate that it is silver, but since John won't let me near the spray paint, I'm just going to have to live with it.

 

I guess it's not too bad from a distance though.

 

 

And from the other side...

 

 

... you can't even tell.

Edited April 9, 2023 by dimlight65

[dimlight65]

Rolled the bike out for a ride today...

 

 

Then I remembered I just finished eating a big plate of sauerkraut and sausage...

 

 

So I rolled it right back into the garage...

 

 

...and took a nap instead.

[dimlight65]

"So Tim, why aren't you riding your bike?"

 

 

Because Karen, it's hot as balls here!

[dimlight65]

On 8/20/2023 at 3:43 PM, dimlight65 said:

"So Tim, why aren't you riding your bike?"

 

 

Because Karen, it's hot as balls here!

 

Because Karen, I'm a lazy fatass!  There, happy now?

[dimlight65]

I had every intention of taking the bike out for a ride, but my sister put some stuff in the way...

 

 

So I "can't."  Oh well...

 

 

Waddayagonnado?

[datzenmike]

 

Forget-abat-it

[Duncan]

Damn. I actually rode my bicycle today.  First time in a really long time.  I had my '40 Ford in for new tires, and as soon as my wife picked me up at the shop, she burned rubber outta here for a weekend with some of her relatives.  The store was close enough to ride to, but it really kicked my ass.  My legs were all rubbery for an hour or two..

 

Is it really 130 degrees, or is that in a closed car or building that's been in the sun?  I think Death Valley is the hottest place on earth, and I don't it's ever hit 130 there..

 

 

[dimlight65]

12 hours ago, Duncan said:

Is it really 130 degrees, or is that in a closed car or building that's been in the sun?

 

I believe the OAT sensor is under some black bodywork.  It always reads about 10-20 (or probably more sometimes) degrees higher than the actual air temp until I get rolling.

 

Checking the Googles shows:

 

What was the high temperature in Dallas in August 2023?

 

The high of 110 degrees on Aug. 25 and 26