Comments for EcoVelo

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Alan

Alan — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:57:16 +0000

@Larry

Over the past few years I’ve maintained a number of bikes with Shimano internal gear hubs and I agree, the cable attachment at the hub could be improved (the SRAM is much easier to use). That said, with some practice I figured out I could rotate the linkage counter-clockwise with a small flathead screwdriver to release tension on the cable, facilitating its easy removal. Once I figured out the technique, it’s never really been an issue. Of course, I need to make sure I carry a small screwdriver in the tool bag on the bikes equipped with those hubs.

Alan

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Larry

Larry — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:45:20 +0000

I have a 2006 Breezer Uptown 8. The chaincase got loose very early in the bike’s life; the bracket that holds it on to the bottom bracket got loose, and caused the case to go loose and make the bike unrideable. I had my LBS remove the bracket (and the chaincase) completely, and I haven’t missed it in over 5,000 km of riding.

My other issue with the Uptown 8 is the shift linkage on the rear hub. There is literally no way to remove and replace that linkage without injury of some sort. There is simply no way to do a field repair of a flat tire, which makes the bike more or less useless for long-range riding. I love everything else about the bike, the ruggedness without excessive weight, the utility for carrying packages, and the dynamo hub. I even like the Schimano Nexus hub, except for the pain and suffering it causes when trying to repair a flat. And, naturally, the only tire that’s ever gone flat on me is the rear — two patch jobs and a tube replacement to date! I wish there was some fix for this!

Comment on Schlumpf Advanced Belt Drive System by Alan

Alan — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:35:13 +0000

@Thor

“To my understanding it only works with Schlumpf transmission in front, which makes the system expensive and unobtainable for most.”

I hope that’s not true, but I’m afraid you’re right. If so, that will severely limit its application.

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Mike

Mike — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:28:09 +0000

The photo above appears to show a chain case with a two-inch diameter hole in the RIGHT side centered roughly on the rear axle. Just take a look at the large version of the photo.

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Alan

Alan — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:14:32 +0000

@Joseph

“I haven’t seen a traditional Pashley chaincase. Do they manage to seal even tighter by some sort of bearing between the case and the axles?”

Our Pashleys had gaps there as well, though perhaps not quite as large. The Uptown 8 I had on loan last year had the same case and the coverage was fine. Personally, I don’t think it’s an issue in actual use.

Alan

Comment on Cyclisk by Lee Trampleasure

Lee Trampleasure — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:03:52 +0000

Here’s some more photos:
http://www.freshnessmag.com/2010/09/08/mark-grieve-x-ilana-spector-cyclisk-bicycle-obelisk-sculpture/

If you Google cyclisk, ecovelo is the second result :-)

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Joseph E

Joseph E — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:47:58 +0000

@Mike, my 2009 Uptown 8 has a pretty complete chaincase which looks the same as this new model. Sure, it has a hole on the left side to let the rear axle thru. In practice, I’m not sure that this hole could be much smaller or fit tighter; mine already squeaks against the side of the hub if it is bumped by a rack or bag. The front end of the chaincase has an equally tight fit between the cranks and the bottom bracket and axle. It seems like it will do a good job of keeping out rain or dirt; not much rain around here in the summer, but mine is doing well so far.

I haven’t seen a traditional Pashley chaincase. Do they manage to seal even tighter by some sort of bearing between the case and the axles?

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Mike

Mike — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:47:34 +0000

I’ve never seen a Breezer in person; I’m just looking at the photo above, and I can clearly see the teeth of the rear cog exposed by a two-inch or greater circular opening in the chain case around the rear axle. I’ve never seen a Pashley, Batavus, Gazelle, or Azor chain case with an opening anywhere near this size. This is a difference of multiple orders of magnitude, unless I’m actually looking at an area of transparent material and not an opening in the case. Dean, does your Breezer have a hole this big in its chaincase?

Comment on Your Friend, Mr. Tailwind by Alan

Alan — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:45:05 +0000

“Just get 12ft and cut out what I need?”

That’s what I typically do, or you can take measurements after you have the bars installed and buy just what you need from your LBS…

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Dean

Dean — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:03:11 +0000

@Mike did they change the chain cases? I have a 3+ year old Uptown 8 with this chain case and I can tell you from experience that there are no issues. I just finished changing my chain for the first time after riding thru 3 rough slushy @ salty Canadian winters and the chain was completely clean. The chain case does a great job of sealing from the elements.

Comment on Cyclisk by randomray

randomray — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:24:45 +0000

The bike ” places ” they got these from could recycle the steel and aluminum if the wanted and yes they would be paid for it . Not much for steel , more for aluminum though . This is highly recyclable . Some things like gold have been recycled for more the 5,000 years and steel more then 2,500 years , aluminum about 75 years and carbon fiber Never .
I would need a better picture of the whole Cyclisk to decide if I like it .

Comment on Schlumpf Advanced Belt Drive System by Richard Masoner

Richard Masoner — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:43:55 +0000

It doesn’t seem like the Speed Drive is exactly *required*, but it’s pretty obvious Schlumpf came up with this to try to increase demand for their 2 speed cranks. Otherwise, you have a ridiculously low gear with the 27T cog on their Belt Drive attachment.

@JamesMallon: “Guitar Ted” is a pretty big dude. I’m a lighweight, but I’ve also managed to ratchet belt drives a time or two. It’s not a dealbreaker for me, though: I still like belt drive SS bikes.

Comment on Your Friend, Mr. Tailwind by GTPowers

GTPowers — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:40:13 +0000

Question.
I’m looking to swap to bar like these on my Safari and I am wondering what a good length of new cable to pick up for replacement. Any suggestions? Just get 12ft and cut out what I need?

Thanks,
GT

Comment on Schlumpf Advanced Belt Drive System by Schlumpf Belt Drive System » Cyclelicious

Schlumpf Belt Drive System » Cyclelicious — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:30:52 +0000

[...] @ Ecovelo scooped me on this news. Charlie @ WIRED claims this gadget can bring belt drive to any bike but that’s not strictly [...]

Comment on Sneak Peek: 2011 Breezer Uptown Infinity by Alan

Alan — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 20:57:50 +0000

@Stephen

“Arguments over plastic vs. metal chaincases, synthetic tweed vs. woolen tweed, etc. are amusing and a sign of a real sea change. Very, very cool…”

I agree!! :-) Looking forward to this year’s Interbike…..