Comments on: More Lessons Learned on the 300k

By: Errin

Errin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 22:43:58 +0000

Sorry to hear about your collarbone. I hope it heels up in time for your 600k. I’m glad you describe PBP ’07 that way, because I’ve heard it was pretty bad, with the rain right?

By: Dodger

Dodger — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:45:02 +0000

PBP has definitely been on my mind. In fact the “early registration” process was a big part of my motivation for riding this year. Unfortunately I broke my collarbone on the RMCC 400km a couple weeks ago. Now I’m trying to figure out how to recover and possibly get in a 600km by the end of September. It’s too early to tell, and I’m not sure if I’m cautiously optimistic or just plain delusional at this point. I hope to make it work, though, because PBP ’07 was probably the most fun I’ve had on a bike since I was a teenager.

One other thing: there are few reasons to have more than one brevet bike. I think the most important thing is to find a bike that fits you and is mechanically sound — the rest sorts itself out. You might check the download over at Bicycle Quarterly, “What Makes a Good Randoneur Bike”: http://www.vintagebicyclepress.com/samples.html

By: Errin

Errin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:05:20 +0000

Thanks for the comment. That’s been exactly what I’ve been thinking about the last couple of days. Keep checking back here as that’s what I’m doing, building a Rando specific bike. I’m going to put a link to your blog on my front page. Are planning on PBP?

By: Dodger

Dodger — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:18:50 +0000

Errin -

Don’t get confused about riding a ‘randonneur’ bike. Most of the speedy randos I know change their approach for rides of 400km and up. Below that and many are just out for a fast double century. Above, and you’re talking about night riding, clothing changes and (lots) more calories. That’s precisely where an event-specific bike comes in handy. Just my 2c.

On the handlebar issue there are several ways you can go, some mentioned above. Another alternative — although I’m not usually in favor of more gear — is to look at some of the Jandd handlebar bags. The ‘capo’ attachment moves the bag away from the bars allowing you to use the full width. Many sizes depending on your needs.

Good luck,
Dodger
http://www.1200km.com

By: Errin

Errin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 23:50:33 +0000

Thanks for that link. I actually have the Nitto Lamp Mount 2 on my LHT. I didn’t know there was a smaller one. That may be the ticket. I also saw the Paul Components Stem Cap mount. That’s an interesting idea too. Although, I need room for 2 things, GPS and Light, so it wouldn’t work in my case.

By: MG

MG — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 21:07:35 +0000

Errin, congratulations on all your riding and I enjoy reading the ride reports. You might also consider something like this for getting more room on the bars: http://thedailyrandonneur.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/6th-day-of-randonneurmas-nitto-lamp-holder/

By the way, I love the top photo of the Salsa… nice!

By: Apertome

Apertome — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:14:42 +0000

I am a fan of handlebar bags too. I was going to suggest the same thing Darren suggested. I keep my Acorn handlebar bag pretty tight but there is still room for my fingers behind it. A little cramped, maybe, but it’s doable. I also replaced the side stability cords that came with it with a couple of leather straps, this helps keep things stable. On the Bianchi I have been using a much cheaper Banjo Brothers handlebar bag and it doesn’t look nearly as nice, but it works OK.

If you need a front rack, you could probably install one with P-clamps, or get a new fork.

I’m dealing with the same issues with my B17. Let me know if you find a solution. I tensioned and drilled and laced, but I’m still not sure yet. Then again my Bianchi, which I intend to use for distance rides, has a more typical plastic saddle (Selle Italia) for now and I was skeptical, but it actually worked great on one hilly century ride. I recently signed up for the Ride Across INdiana (RAIN) — 160 miles. I will be curious to see how my setup fares for that.

It’s inspiring, and helpful, reading about what you’re learning as you do more and more distance riding. I’m going through the same thing, more or less, although I’m a couple of steps behind. Thanks for posting the details about how you tweak your ride, it gives me a lot of ideas.

By: Errin

Errin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:44:21 +0000

I hadn’t thought of that, but it’s worth a try. Thanks! Sometimes the most simple things are overlooked.

By: Darren

Darren — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:40:33 +0000

Have you tried loosening the straps on the handlebar bag just enough so you can slip your fingers around the bar? I think if you loosen the top straps, the bag may hang lower and swing around more, but will still be stable.

I had that same problem, but once I loosened my straps I’m now able to use the tops of the bars. It works out even better on cold mornings because the bag will shield your fingertips from the wind.

By: Errin

Errin — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:02:02 +0000

I have a one of those tank bags, a smaller size than the one in the link. Once it’s filled with stuff, it tends to flop around a bit though. Also, the shape limits what you can use it for. I should use it to carry my brevet card and wallet, it’s perfect for little items like that.