Comments for EcoVelo http://www.ecovelo.info Eco-Friendly Bicycling Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:20:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with Podcast ReadySubscribe with WikioSubscribe with Daily Rotation Comment on Notification Changes by Alan http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/GbUmcdIwUvA/ Alan Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:20:32 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15243#comment-26278 Hi Doug, <em>"Out of curiosity, will you continue to utilize WordPress as the platform for the EcoVelo blog?"</em> Yes!! :-) I still feel the self-hosted WordPress solution is the best available for conventional blogging. Most of the plugins I use are reasonably well-supported and are updated in a reasonable amount of time after new versions of WordPress are released. Sending bulk mails from any application, particularly if your application isn't running on a dedicated server, can be pretty fussy. I wouldn't let my particular issues discourage you from moving forward with your WordPress install. Alan Hi Doug,

“Out of curiosity, will you continue to utilize WordPress as the platform for the EcoVelo blog?”

Yes!! :-)

I still feel the self-hosted WordPress solution is the best available for conventional blogging. Most of the plugins I use are reasonably well-supported and are updated in a reasonable amount of time after new versions of WordPress are released. Sending bulk mails from any application, particularly if your application isn’t running on a dedicated server, can be pretty fussy. I wouldn’t let my particular issues discourage you from moving forward with your WordPress install.

Alan

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/notification-changes/#comment-26278 Comment on Critical Mass Could be Challenged in SF by Doug R. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/mVr1AMbkEQU/ Doug R. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:19:17 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15220#comment-26277 Watch out! They will try to go after those of us who "Tweed" ride next! Fat, lazy Americans will only change when gasoline goes to $9.00 a gallon and stays there. Oh, all of a sudden bikes and bike infrastructures will be all the rage! Keep pedaling and keep up the awareness people. Watch out! They will try to go after those of us who “Tweed” ride next! Fat, lazy Americans will only change when gasoline goes to $9.00 a gallon and stays there. Oh, all of a sudden bikes and bike infrastructures will be all the rage! Keep pedaling and keep up the awareness people.

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/08/critical-mass-could-be-challenged-in-sf/#comment-26277 Comment on Belt Drives by Jody http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/upo6rBKptYc/ Jody Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:01:03 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15233#comment-26276 I've been riding a Trek Soho for 7 months now 4 days a week, and really like the belt drive. This bike also has internal hub brakes, which are a bit squishier, but once you get used to them they don't seem to slow you down any slower. Its quiet, clean and, knock on wood, reliable. My only disappointment so far is that its a tad heavy, but you can't have everything... I’ve been riding a Trek Soho for 7 months now 4 days a week, and really like the belt drive. This bike also has internal hub brakes, which are a bit squishier, but once you get used to them they don’t seem to slow you down any slower. Its quiet, clean and, knock on wood, reliable. My only disappointment so far is that its a tad heavy, but you can’t have everything…

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/belt-drives/#comment-26276 Comment on The Decidedly Unfashionable Chartreuse Safety Vest by beth h http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/g63FekJzQM4/ beth h Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:36:28 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=12072#comment-26274 If dressing up like a Christmas tree on acid is what it takes for me to be seen by motorists in our car-centric landscape, it's worth flushing whatever's left of my vanity down the drain. If dressing up like a Christmas tree on acid is what it takes for me to be seen by motorists in our car-centric landscape, it’s worth flushing whatever’s left of my vanity down the drain.

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2009/11/02/the-decidedly-unfashionable-chartreuse-safety-vest/#comment-26274 Comment on Notification Changes by Doug http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/PSJM0MTLdYk/ Doug Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:02:18 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15243#comment-26273 Alan Out of curiosity, will you continue to utilize WordPress as the platform for the EcoVelo blog? I am in the process of launching my company blog and had planned to utilize WordPress for that purpose. Your experience on email notification not being a "core" feature in WordPress is very helpful, informative, and, well, troubling. I can see how time intensive it can be to search for a new 3rd party plug in with each new release of WordPress. Regards, Doug Alan

Out of curiosity, will you continue to utilize WordPress as the platform for the EcoVelo blog?

I am in the process of launching my company blog and had planned to utilize WordPress for that purpose. Your experience on email notification not being a “core” feature in WordPress is very helpful, informative, and, well, troubling. I can see how time intensive it can be to search for a new 3rd party plug in with each new release of WordPress.

Regards,
Doug

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/notification-changes/#comment-26273 Comment on “I don’t believe a bicycle is a transportation device” by Doug http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/9y3bpFuhFHs/ Doug Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:29:54 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=14975#comment-26271 Perhaps the Washington Area Bicycling Association (WABA) or the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), both with staffers that live within 10 kilometers of Supervisor Cook should offer to take the fair bureaucrat on a tour of local paved non motorized multi use trails and on-street marked routes designated for bicycle traffic. The Washington, DC area should be at least as vibrant as Portland and Seattle for bicycling transportation, considering population density, and lobbyists per square inch. WABA is a very effective and well managed advocate for cycling. I hope their is a way of enlightening Supervisor Cook and perhaps improving his IQ on the matter, maybe even becoming an advocate. Hate mail and name calling would likely harden is narrow perspective. Some people are not well informed, and this is unfortunate when they become government bureaucrats and influence the allocation of taxpayer funds. I will send a link to this discussion to WABA and LAB for their opinion. Nice work EcoVelo for bringing together excellent information and to all the commenters here for valuable opinions. Perhaps the Washington Area Bicycling Association (WABA) or the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), both with staffers that live within 10 kilometers of Supervisor Cook should offer to take the fair bureaucrat on a tour of local paved non motorized multi use trails and on-street marked routes designated for bicycle traffic. The Washington, DC area should be at least as vibrant as Portland and Seattle for bicycling transportation, considering population density, and lobbyists per square inch. WABA is a very effective and well managed advocate for cycling. I hope their is a way of enlightening Supervisor Cook and perhaps improving his IQ on the matter, maybe even becoming an advocate. Hate mail and name calling would likely harden is narrow perspective. Some people are not well informed, and this is unfortunate when they become government bureaucrats and influence the allocation of taxpayer funds. I will send a link to this discussion to WABA and LAB for their opinion. Nice work EcoVelo for bringing together excellent information and to all the commenters here for valuable opinions.

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/02/23/i-dont-believe-a-bicycle-is-a-transportation-device/#comment-26271 Comment on Notification Changes by Tim http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/tqY7HqrgzEI/ Tim Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:24:15 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15243#comment-26269 That worked, thanks Alan. That worked, thanks Alan.

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/notification-changes/#comment-26269 Comment on Belt Drives by Lovely Bicycle! http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/QXcYlcAMvWU/ Lovely Bicycle! Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:04:09 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15233#comment-26268 I'd like to try a belt drive out of curiosity, but I have no problem with traditional chains. I’d like to try a belt drive out of curiosity, but I have no problem with traditional chains.

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/belt-drives/#comment-26268 Comment on Notification Changes by Alan http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/k2UyjAK2Ue8/ Alan Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:56:03 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15243#comment-26267 Sorry, Tim. Try again now, it should be working. Thanks- Alan Sorry, Tim. Try again now, it should be working.

Thanks-
Alan

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/notification-changes/#comment-26267 Comment on Notification Changes by Tim http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/A6lyTRYjvZQ/ Tim Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:48:24 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15243#comment-26266 When I try to subscribe the page says: "The feed does not have subscriptions by email enabled" When I try to subscribe the page says: “The feed does not have subscriptions by email enabled”

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/notification-changes/#comment-26266 Comment on Gallery: Chris’ Haluzak Hybrid Race by Scott Wayland http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/5dILWxMni_0/ Scott Wayland Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:18:28 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=1463#comment-26265 Thanks, Jeremy. I think my frame has the hood, so I should be okay. We'll see. The frame shop has had it for weeks. Ugh. On my previous Zak, I found I needed to add a second layer to the bracket to brace it more stiffly as the unsupported unit would bend with even a moderate load. Once I backed it up with a shaped piece of aluminum "L" stock, it was pretty good, and I could park it loaded without problem. Here's an address to a photo showing the loaded bike in my driveway. http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics/docs/00/00/15/18/small/backhome.jpg?v=A I can't wait to get the new ride out on the road! I wish RANS or somebody would buy out Bill's design and jigs and bring that baby back to market, maybe with something like the RANS "sling mesh" seat. We need another American USS bike. Scott Thanks, Jeremy. I think my frame has the hood, so I should be okay. We’ll see. The frame shop has had it for weeks. Ugh. On my previous Zak, I found I needed to add a second layer to the bracket to brace it more stiffly as the unsupported unit would bend with even a moderate load. Once I backed it up with a shaped piece of aluminum “L” stock, it was pretty good, and I could park it loaded without problem.

Here’s an address to a photo showing the loaded bike in my driveway.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/pics/docs/00/00/15/18/small/backhome.jpg?v=A

I can’t wait to get the new ride out on the road!

I wish RANS or somebody would buy out Bill’s design and jigs and bring that baby back to market, maybe with something like the RANS “sling mesh” seat. We need another American USS bike.

Scott

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2008/08/06/gallery-chris-haluzak-hybrid-race/#comment-26265 Comment on Five Drivetrains by Runjikol http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/ALRu0k1Ipe0/ Runjikol Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:18:12 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=13819#comment-26264 Hi from down-under. I filled out the poll for replacing the drivetrain with Chain-driven Shimano Gear-hub. I guess it was a semantic choice because I couldn't replace it on my current frame with my ideal: belt-drive Shimano or Rohloff. Reason; my frame doesn't have the split. I'm pretty new to Ecovelo: only started reading this week. Keep up the good work. :-) Hi from down-under.

I filled out the poll for replacing the drivetrain with Chain-driven Shimano Gear-hub. I guess it was a semantic choice because I couldn’t replace it on my current frame with my ideal: belt-drive Shimano or Rohloff. Reason; my frame doesn’t have the split.

I’m pretty new to Ecovelo: only started reading this week. Keep up the good work. :-)

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/01/01/five-drivetrains/#comment-26264 Comment on Belt Drives by David F http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/fNCEw1KD_ns/ David F Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:40:59 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15233#comment-26263 Personally I think belt drives are great. Clean, quiet, low maintenance. Sure, the belt will get dirty, but it won't be oily dirty that you can't ever hope to wash out of your light coloured trousers. My package from Gates arrives Thursday. :-) Personally I think belt drives are great. Clean, quiet, low maintenance. Sure, the belt will get dirty, but it won’t be oily dirty that you can’t ever hope to wash out of your light coloured trousers. My package from Gates arrives Thursday. :-)

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/belt-drives/#comment-26263 Comment on Gallery: Chris’ Haluzak Hybrid Race by Jeremy Lewis http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/ICuvF2qwVg4/ Jeremy Lewis Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:39:42 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=1463#comment-26262 The kickstand pictured on The Bicycleman's website will ONLY fit Haluzaks manufactured after (about) the fall of 1997. These are the bikes that use the "Breezer" style dropouts (they have a hood). Earlier bikes have a flat rear dropout and required a different style kickstand all together. Bikes with these newer dropout should also have a serial number stamped on the end of the main frame tube. Personally, I never liked (nor used) a kickstand, nor did anyone else in the shop. We manufactured them (reluctantly) for bike shops and the public. First they were difficult to modify, and second, because the only "reasonable" location was the rear dropout, the bike was still rather unstable. This is due to the fact the entire bike's weight was in front of the kickstand. Check your dropouts... Good luck... Hope this helps The kickstand pictured on The Bicycleman’s website will ONLY fit Haluzaks manufactured after (about) the fall of 1997. These are the bikes that use the “Breezer” style dropouts (they have a hood). Earlier bikes have a flat rear dropout and required a different style kickstand all together. Bikes with these newer dropout should also have a serial number stamped on the end of the main frame tube. Personally, I never liked (nor used) a kickstand, nor did anyone else in the shop. We manufactured them (reluctantly) for bike shops and the public. First they were difficult to modify, and second, because the only “reasonable” location was the rear dropout, the bike was still rather unstable. This is due to the fact the entire bike’s weight was in front of the kickstand. Check your dropouts… Good luck…

Hope this helps

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2008/08/06/gallery-chris-haluzak-hybrid-race/#comment-26262 Comment on Gallery: Chris’ Haluzak Hybrid Race by Scott Wayland http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/wSUw8gBHWLk/ Scott Wayland Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:16:51 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=1463#comment-26261 The comments to this bike live on! I'm getting back on the Haluzk dream. I purchased a used Horizon--in worse shape than I was led to believe and so paid too much (doh)--but I'm rebuilding it from the ground up, so all will be fine in the end. I'm having the original brake bosses and such removed and disc brake tabs installed, having the whole thing stripped and repainted! Part of getting this together is getting a kickstand. I purchased the bracket from Bicycleman with the warning it has some problems. They agreed to take it back if necessary, but I'm thinking it will be possible to modify it. I won't know for sure until I can mess with it, which won't be for another month--arrgghh. Once I get this baby in my mitts, I'm NEVER selling it. This will be my third Haluzak, and this one is getting all the trimmings. Good luck with your search. You might order the part and see what the problem is. I hope it's nothing a little filing or cutting can't cure. Go Zaks! Scott The comments to this bike live on!

I’m getting back on the Haluzk dream. I purchased a used Horizon–in worse shape than I was led to believe and so paid too much (doh)–but I’m rebuilding it from the ground up, so all will be fine in the end. I’m having the original brake bosses and such removed and disc brake tabs installed, having the whole thing stripped and repainted! Part of getting this together is getting a kickstand. I purchased the bracket from Bicycleman with the warning it has some problems. They agreed to take it back if necessary, but I’m thinking it will be possible to modify it. I won’t know for sure until I can mess with it, which won’t be for another month–arrgghh. Once I get this baby in my mitts, I’m NEVER selling it. This will be my third Haluzak, and this one is getting all the trimmings.

Good luck with your search. You might order the part and see what the problem is. I hope it’s nothing a little filing or cutting can’t cure.

Go Zaks!

Scott

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2008/08/06/gallery-chris-haluzak-hybrid-race/#comment-26261 Comment on Belt Drives by Andrew http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/xwqncLzUb1Q/ Andrew Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:10:42 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15233#comment-26260 I love the idea of belt drives. While people love to talk about the compromises in mechanical efficiency, it's rare that the average rider maintains their drivetrain enough to achieve the theoretical brilliance of a chain. Belt drives make it a lot easier for everyone to enjoy their bikes without having to think about the details. That said, I personally couldn't get over the difference in mechanical feel going from a derailleur to an IGH, but I'd say I'm probably more of a speed freak than the average bike commuter. I'd still love to try a belt/IGH combo. I love the idea of belt drives. While people love to talk about the compromises in mechanical efficiency, it’s rare that the average rider maintains their drivetrain enough to achieve the theoretical brilliance of a chain. Belt drives make it a lot easier for everyone to enjoy their bikes without having to think about the details.

That said, I personally couldn’t get over the difference in mechanical feel going from a derailleur to an IGH, but I’d say I’m probably more of a speed freak than the average bike commuter. I’d still love to try a belt/IGH combo.

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/belt-drives/#comment-26260 Comment on Gallery: Chris’ Haluzak Hybrid Race by Geof Gee http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/9CU4oeHcRvU/ Geof Gee Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:21:18 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=1463#comment-26259 Hi, I'm in a similar boat at Bruce. I have been looking for the kickstand adapter for a while. The Bicycle Man still carries the part -- http://www.goestores.com/storename/bicycleman1/dept/266119/ItemDetail-10532240.aspx -- but they are defective. Pete has been unable to contact Bill to get more. Has anyone been able to contact Bill Haluzak about getting more? geoffreygee@yahoo.com Hi,

I’m in a similar boat at Bruce. I have been looking for the kickstand adapter for a while. The Bicycle Man still carries the part — http://www.goestores.com/storename/bicycleman1/dept/266119/ItemDetail-10532240.aspx — but they are defective. Pete has been unable to contact Bill to get more. Has anyone been able to contact Bill Haluzak about getting more?

geoffreygee@yahoo.com

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2008/08/06/gallery-chris-haluzak-hybrid-race/#comment-26259 Comment on Belt Drives by Alan http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/Qpv12ZcZEs4/ Alan Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:58:48 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15233#comment-26258 @Tal Gates owns the belt drive market at this point. They manufacture front and rear sprockets that fit existing cranks and hubs. The selection is limited for now, but expanding as we speak. As the market grows, I'd wager we'll see other players come in. As for stiffness, it's a non-issue. Travel (come apart) and folding frames have been proven stiff and durable for many decades. The requirements for belt drive frames are arguably even less demanding. Alan @Tal

Gates owns the belt drive market at this point. They manufacture front and rear sprockets that fit existing cranks and hubs. The selection is limited for now, but expanding as we speak. As the market grows, I’d wager we’ll see other players come in.

As for stiffness, it’s a non-issue. Travel (come apart) and folding frames have been proven stiff and durable for many decades. The requirements for belt drive frames are arguably even less demanding.

Alan

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/belt-drives/#comment-26258 Comment on Belt Drives by Alan http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/TKvd-64Tcag/ Alan Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:54:22 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15233#comment-26257 @Jay Belts solve all of the issues you're describing. They require no lubrication so they're totally clean. I rode a Civia Bryant with a belt and no chainguard for a couple of weeks, and even without the guard, no matter how hard I tried I was <em>unable</em> to catch my pants in the belt. Also, full chaincases aren't all they're cracked up to be; if you have to remove a rear wheel----particularly at the roadside----they can be a real hassle. Alan @Jay

Belts solve all of the issues you’re describing. They require no lubrication so they’re totally clean. I rode a Civia Bryant with a belt and no chainguard for a couple of weeks, and even without the guard, no matter how hard I tried I was unable to catch my pants in the belt. Also, full chaincases aren’t all they’re cracked up to be; if you have to remove a rear wheel—-particularly at the roadside—-they can be a real hassle.

Alan

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/belt-drives/#comment-26257 Comment on Belt Drives by Tal Danzig http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CommentsForEcovelo/~3/hnm-P8SZyOY/ Tal Danzig Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:52:59 +0000 http://www.ecovelo.info/?p=15233#comment-26256 Jay: it's my understanding that belt drives are inherently a lot cleaner than chain drives due to the fact that there no chain lube is required. That being said the only time my bike is ever really clean is right after it's been thoroughly cleaned. Even in dry weather dust from the road, break dust, etc all lead to a dirty bike. Quick tip: stay cleaner by always walking or carrying your bike from the non-drive side. Jay: it’s my understanding that belt drives are inherently a lot cleaner than chain drives due to the fact that there no chain lube is required. That being said the only time my bike is ever really clean is right after it’s been thoroughly cleaned. Even in dry weather dust from the road, break dust, etc all lead to a dirty bike. Quick tip: stay cleaner by always walking or carrying your bike from the non-drive side.

]]> http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/03/09/belt-drives/#comment-26256