Saw this info this morning via Hubstripping. The German cycling website Aktiv Radfahren posted info on an upcoming Alfine 11 speed hub, SG-S700, due in September of 2010 for 300 Euros. Reported 409% ratio, gear steps of 17% and 13%. Article translation is here.
I’ll keep an eye out for more official information from Shimano as it comes.
We recently found a decent sized stash of new old stock TA tandem captain’s cranks. On a tandem, the front cranks have pedal threads opposite those of a normal crank set, great if you want to set up a tandem with a left timing chain, not so great if you don’t have the stoker cranks to match. Without the matching rear arms, they’re pretty much useless.
Except, we had them rethreaded for use as normal cranks. A small machine shop did the work, and they came out good as new:
These are functionally the same as normal new old stock 165mm Cyclotouristes, and they come with the original foil stickers. They will be available only in 165mm length, that’s all there is.
We’ve got a couple of chainring sizes on order, but we’re soliciting opinions on what rings to stock with the cranks. Have you always wanted a new Cyclotouriste crank but couldn’t afford it? What size rings would you buy? A classic compact double at 46-30? A single 42 or 46 tooth ring? We’re looking for input, so please leave a comment if you have any interest. These are genuine TA Cyclotouriste cranks, with the same restrictions on triple front derailleur use as described here.
We expect to have these available with chainrings, chainring fixing hardware and dustcaps within a couple of weeks.
Benno Belhumeur has just posted this excellent cantilever mechanical advantage calculator, hosted by Circle A Cycles of Providence, RI. The accompanying paper discusses how different cantilever geometries change the way brake setup should be approached, and the effect that geometry changes have on mechanical advantage.
I’ve got a lot of bikes to measure… Thanks to Benno for the great effort.
An inexpensive alternative to a classic canvas saddlebag. Has the same dimensions as the “large” bag from a certain English manufacturer, but made in China from 600D polyester, rather than cotton duck. This makes for a lighter and less rugged bag. Has leather straps that are a little bit thinner than standard, but should hold up OK. Elton rode with this bag on his commute for a while, and it kept everything dry as expected. He was pleased with the overall function of the bag.
Mounts in the traditional fashion to any saddle with bag loops, such as the Brooks B17, B66, or B72. You can sometimes make do with a saddle without loops, but not always.
Here are some measurements I took from some of the square taper cartridge bottom brackets we carry. The drive side length is measured from the edge of the bottom bracket shell to the very end of the spindle. These measurements should be good enough relative to each other for chainline adjustment, but I wouldn’t use this chart to compare with bottom brackets from other manufacturers, which may have different taper lengths.
| Bottom Bracket | Overall Length | Drive Side Length |
|---|---|---|
| Sugino/Tange 68-103 | 103mm | 18mm |
| Shimano UN54 68-107 | 108mm | 20mm |
| Shimano UN54 68-110 | 111.5mm | 20mm |
| Shimano UN54 68-113 | 114mm | 22.5mm |
| Shimano UN54 68-115 | 115.5mm | 23.5mm |
| Shimano UN54 68-118 | 118.5mm | 25mm |
| Shimano UN54 68-122 | 123mm | 28mm |
| Shimano UN54 68-127 | 128mm | 30mm |
Jay Guthrie from Jtek Engineering has posted an update on the Jtek website with some pictures of his shop.
All of us here at Harris Cyclery wish you the best, Jay and Ryan.
Text to speech videos, bike racing, laughter, by steevo.
“The last time I had butter I was climbing like a cat 3 track sprinter.”
Most road bikes sold today have no way to mount a full set of fenders. There are a few commercial options that are easy to install and work ok, like SKS Raceblade, which are short fenders attached with rubber straps. Being not very into commercial options that are easy to install, I decided to make my own after reading a post on BikeForums by stausy, who was looking for a good way to attach fenders to his bike.
Just Arrived: TA Cyclotouriste Pro 5 Vis Cranks 165mm
The modified cranks are now in stock, with some chainrings dustcaps, and outer fixing bolts available. We’re expecting hardware to mount inner chainrings next week. All chainrings are new production, and super shiny. Very nice stuff.
Cranks are only available in 165mm length. $149.95 a set.
Right now, for outer chainrings, we have 42, 44, or 46 tooth available. These are suitable for use as a single ring, and have the bolt holes to attach the inner chainring.
Inner chainrings, 26, 28, or 30.