I now own two road bikes. The bikes are pictured below. Click on the photo and see the full bike. I have yet to master posting photos, so be patient.
1983 Nishiki Cresta
The first photo is of my 1983 Nishiki Cresta, purchased from Daniel Boone Cycles in Houston. The purchase was in the Spring of 1984. Over the years, I've put at least 8,000 miles on the bike. It remains mostly original. The rear derailleur was replaced in 1986 with a Sun Tour XC 4000. I've no recollection of what originally came on the bike other than it too was a Sun Tour, but not very good. The saddle is not original, but is the same model. The original Avocet Touring I saddle was black, the replacement a honey color. The bike set up for about 9 years, not ridden and somewhat exposed to the elements, the bike suffered little damage and cleaned up nicely.
The touring geometry of the Cresta makes for a gentle ride, but it isn't the best at cornering and quick maneuvers. I love to ride the bike, but wanted something a bit quicker and lighter. Thus, the next bike.
1987 Centurion Lemans RS
The second bike pictures is a recent acquisition. Its a 1987 Centurion Lemans RS, considered a good mid-range bike produced by Centurion, later to become Diamondback, for the US market. Its original except for the saddle and new handlebar tape. Dérailleurs are Shimano Light Action, which I'm told is an unpolished version of the 105. After a set of new tires, cleaning, and oiling, the bike rode great. It met my expectations, not the least of which was a pocket book that cannot afford new bikes.
So far, the Centurion hasn't been out on the road as often as I would like. I'm not fond of high heat and humidity, common in Houston and the heat has been higher than normal, even for my town. The last week, rain has kept me off the road. Also, I'm not typically and early riser, so morning rides haven't been happening. Hopefully, that will change next week. During the school year, I get my grandson ready for school. He's now 5 and starts kindergarten this fall. I'll be getting up early, have 5 or so hours before he comes home, and plan to begin riding at least one hour a day.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
1983 Nishiki Cresta
Original except for rear dérailleur replaced in 1986 with a Sun Tour XC 4000, saddle(original was a black Avocet Tour I, this is the same model in honey). I'm the original owner, purchased new from Daniel Boone's Cyclery, Houston, Tx 1984.
1987 Centurion Lemans RS
Original with Shimano Light Action dérailleurs, Shimano Bio-Pace chainrings, and Araya rims. Replaced the original seat with a Koobie, installed new bar tape, same color as original.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Looking at a new (used) bike
I've been trying to get a new stem for my Nishiki so that I can raise the handle bars. My favorite shop ordered one, but they sent him one too long for the head tube on my bike. He let me take it home to try, but it wouldn't work. So, I took it back. He deals mainly in used bikes, some new neighborhood rides, and BMX stuff.
One of the used bikes is a Centurion Le Mans RS with Shimano Biopace chainwheels. I'be been looking at it for a while now. We aired up the tires and I took it for a spin. The bike performed well, especially for a 21 year old bike. The top tube was a bit friendly with a certain part of my anatomy, but the reach was fine. It felt great to be one the bike. Unfortunately, the rear tire went flat halfway through the ride. That happens when you're a bit heavy and the tires are old.
Good price on the bike, so I may buy it. The Centurion is lighter than my Nishiki and better set up for fitness riding. I will not let go of the Nishiki, but its always nice to have another bike or two. It will join my Nishiki and Gary Fisher, along with the 6 or so bikes that belong to my sons, girlfriend of one of the sons and my wife.
One of the used bikes is a Centurion Le Mans RS with Shimano Biopace chainwheels. I'be been looking at it for a while now. We aired up the tires and I took it for a spin. The bike performed well, especially for a 21 year old bike. The top tube was a bit friendly with a certain part of my anatomy, but the reach was fine. It felt great to be one the bike. Unfortunately, the rear tire went flat halfway through the ride. That happens when you're a bit heavy and the tires are old.
Good price on the bike, so I may buy it. The Centurion is lighter than my Nishiki and better set up for fitness riding. I will not let go of the Nishiki, but its always nice to have another bike or two. It will join my Nishiki and Gary Fisher, along with the 6 or so bikes that belong to my sons, girlfriend of one of the sons and my wife.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
12 miles Wednesday
Well, the air conditioner crisis is over. We managed to get the fan circuit board on the air handler repaired for a relatively small amount, hopefully less than $300...the exact size of the stimulus check I received Tuesday, what do you know.
I managed to get back on the bike this afternoon for a 12 mile ride. It went well, though, as usual, Houston is hot and humid, even at 6 in the evening. The encouraging part of the ride was the fact that, even with a lay off of several days, the ride didn't tire me excessively. That's great considering my training program is only about a month old. Yes, I'm calling it a training program, though it hasn't been formalized. The intention is to become strong enough to ride a century in the fall, no later than the Spring of '09.
When I first returned to biking, I rode the greenbelt paved trails. But, the trails make a lot of cutesy turns and curves, have too many walkers, joggers, and slow bikers, and aren't made for much speed. I'm not riding that fast yet, usually 13-15 mph with periods of 17-20 mph, but that's too fast for the trails. So, I moved to the streets last week. And, I'm finding that to be a very good choice.
So far, I find Kingwood drivers to accept cyclists very well. I'm not riding the major thoroughfares, the difference in speed between me and the cars is too great considering the traffic and, with the roads being curved, there's no shoulder or easy place to dump if there is a problem. But, I've found a number of back streets that get me through the subdivision. Sometimes, I'll switch to the trials for a short stretch, mainly to connect to another street or to go under one of the thoroughfares . There are a number of pedestrian tunnels tht cross under the major roadways.
In the short time I've ridden the streets, only one driver has taken issue with my being in the road. He was incensed at me for having the audacity to use the left lane to turn left. It seems my taking the lane for the turn slowed him down. One other driver was impatient on a narrow road with no shoulder because I was riding over toward the middle because of potholes and a badly uneven surface near the edge of the road. Strangely, there was no traffic and he could have gone around, which he finally did after blowing his horn a number fo times. Hopefully, the good situation I've experienced to this point will continue as I go forward with my program.
I managed to get back on the bike this afternoon for a 12 mile ride. It went well, though, as usual, Houston is hot and humid, even at 6 in the evening. The encouraging part of the ride was the fact that, even with a lay off of several days, the ride didn't tire me excessively. That's great considering my training program is only about a month old. Yes, I'm calling it a training program, though it hasn't been formalized. The intention is to become strong enough to ride a century in the fall, no later than the Spring of '09.
When I first returned to biking, I rode the greenbelt paved trails. But, the trails make a lot of cutesy turns and curves, have too many walkers, joggers, and slow bikers, and aren't made for much speed. I'm not riding that fast yet, usually 13-15 mph with periods of 17-20 mph, but that's too fast for the trails. So, I moved to the streets last week. And, I'm finding that to be a very good choice.
So far, I find Kingwood drivers to accept cyclists very well. I'm not riding the major thoroughfares, the difference in speed between me and the cars is too great considering the traffic and, with the roads being curved, there's no shoulder or easy place to dump if there is a problem. But, I've found a number of back streets that get me through the subdivision. Sometimes, I'll switch to the trials for a short stretch, mainly to connect to another street or to go under one of the thoroughfares . There are a number of pedestrian tunnels tht cross under the major roadways.
In the short time I've ridden the streets, only one driver has taken issue with my being in the road. He was incensed at me for having the audacity to use the left lane to turn left. It seems my taking the lane for the turn slowed him down. One other driver was impatient on a narrow road with no shoulder because I was riding over toward the middle because of potholes and a badly uneven surface near the edge of the road. Strangely, there was no traffic and he could have gone around, which he finally did after blowing his horn a number fo times. Hopefully, the good situation I've experienced to this point will continue as I go forward with my program.
The best commuter/urban bike
This appeals to me as absolutely the best commuting bike I've seen. Great for taking care of those obnoxious drivers who run you off the road, yell get back on the sidewalk, or throw stuff at you.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
No ride today
I wanted to get out and ride today, but life interfered. The blower fan in the air conditioner burned out, so spent a good part of the day looking up and trying to get a repair person to respond, not an easy task on a holiday weekend.
I did manage to get out to a bike store in my area. The guy who owns the store and is the sole worker is a former BMX racer grown to middle age. He runs the place on a shoestring. His shop is in the front of the lot his home sits on, the building was free. He and his brother moved it into place from the business next door. Mostly, he does repair work and sells used bicycles. There are a few new GT bikes and adult trikes at the shop. The bikes are of the adult comfort type and low end BMX. But, he will order most anything in his catalogs.
My purpose in going to the store was to see if he had a used stem for my Nishiki. I've determined I need to raise the height of the bars. I'm not into speed these days, my back ain't the same as it was 24 years ago when I bought the bike, and by raising the bars, I believe the set up will be more comfortable. Alas, he had nothing either in his used parts box or his bicycle graveyard that worked and looked decent. But, he was able to order a new stem at a good price, much better than that of upscale bike shops prevalent in my area. It makes one feel good to spend money both where the price is right and you know its going directly into the hands of the person who will use the money to feed his family as well as his business.
That bicycle grave yard has possibilities for further exploration. There were a few bikes that looked as though they would make fine fixed gear or single speed bikes. I'm not too much into that, but may consider it in the future. Other possibilities include some of the used bikes he has for sale. One of the bikes definitely caught my eye. Its a Centurion Lemans RS. The bike is in good condition and the price is right. I may take him up on it and add it to my collection.
I did manage to get out to a bike store in my area. The guy who owns the store and is the sole worker is a former BMX racer grown to middle age. He runs the place on a shoestring. His shop is in the front of the lot his home sits on, the building was free. He and his brother moved it into place from the business next door. Mostly, he does repair work and sells used bicycles. There are a few new GT bikes and adult trikes at the shop. The bikes are of the adult comfort type and low end BMX. But, he will order most anything in his catalogs.
My purpose in going to the store was to see if he had a used stem for my Nishiki. I've determined I need to raise the height of the bars. I'm not into speed these days, my back ain't the same as it was 24 years ago when I bought the bike, and by raising the bars, I believe the set up will be more comfortable. Alas, he had nothing either in his used parts box or his bicycle graveyard that worked and looked decent. But, he was able to order a new stem at a good price, much better than that of upscale bike shops prevalent in my area. It makes one feel good to spend money both where the price is right and you know its going directly into the hands of the person who will use the money to feed his family as well as his business.
That bicycle grave yard has possibilities for further exploration. There were a few bikes that looked as though they would make fine fixed gear or single speed bikes. I'm not too much into that, but may consider it in the future. Other possibilities include some of the used bikes he has for sale. One of the bikes definitely caught my eye. Its a Centurion Lemans RS. The bike is in good condition and the price is right. I may take him up on it and add it to my collection.
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