Comments for Korey Pelton's Cycling Blog http://cycling.peltonweb.com The adventures of a cyclist in southeastern Idaho. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:12:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Mountain Bike Ride Near Scout Mountain by RainMelon http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2010/08/11/mountain-bike-ride-scout-mountain/comment-page-1/#comment-2777 RainMelon Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:12:01 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/?p=148#comment-2777 I love my disc brakes! I think one of the great benefits is that you can set the cables a little looser to make them feel similar to a padded brake. When I am on a distance ride I usually tighten the cables up and take advantage of the quick braking abilities of the disc, but on the mountain I loosen them to make it easier to move slowly. I have had these brakes for 6 months and they have not been negatively affected by my adjustments. I will give it a few more months and see what the outcome is. =) I love my disc brakes! I think one of the great benefits is that you can set the cables a little looser to make them feel similar to a padded brake. When I am on a distance ride I usually tighten the cables up and take advantage of the quick braking abilities of the disc, but on the mountain I loosen them to make it easier to move slowly. I have had these brakes for 6 months and they have not been negatively affected by my adjustments. I will give it a few more months and see what the outcome is. =)

]]> Comment on Learning To Bicycle In The Winter by Liam H http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2009/12/23/learning-to-bicycle-in-the-winter/comment-page-1/#comment-2773 Liam H Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:55:41 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/?p=61#comment-2773 Great article. I love cycling in the snow although it does take a bit of extra preparation I've tended to find on packed snow the technique is to take the straightest lines possible and try to turn as gently as possible. Do you not find that the studded tyres squirm on the roads? <a href="http://cyclingfitness.hubpages.com/_lhh/hub/Winter-Cycling-Clothing-How-Look-Good-While-Staying-Warm-And-Dry" rel="nofollow">Warm Winter Cycling Clothing</a> is a must- particularly gloves and headwear. A snood/ buff is always a brilliant addition to a winter waredrobe. Great article. I love cycling in the snow although it does take a bit of extra preparation

I’ve tended to find on packed snow the technique is to take the straightest lines possible and try to turn as gently as possible. Do you not find that the studded tyres squirm on the roads?

Warm Winter Cycling Clothing is a must- particularly gloves and headwear. A snood/ buff is always a brilliant addition to a winter waredrobe.

]]> Comment on Riding The Tour De Vins 54 Mile Route by Korey Pelton http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2011/08/28/ridin-the-tour-de-vins-54-mile-route/comment-page-1/#comment-2745 Korey Pelton Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:47:48 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/?p=306#comment-2745 Haha, you aren't a pansy. You are advancing really quickly. After 4 years of cycling, you'll be where I'm at. Yeah, it takes some time to advance just like any other endurance activity, but it's a lot of fun. I'm actually pretty paranoid of clipless pedals, so I've got them loosened up all the way for unclipping quickly. And when I come to a stop, I unclip both feet. Travis always laughs at me when I do that. ;-p Good job getting out of the saddle when you're near the top of a hill. That's actually a technique that professional cyclists use! I've read a few cycling technique books from the ISU Library and I've watched a bit of televised cycling. That's really all I know about professional cycling. Oh, and I joined Idaho Cycling Enthusiasts one year. :-) Haha, you aren’t a pansy. You are advancing really quickly. After 4 years of cycling, you’ll be where I’m at. Yeah, it takes some time to advance just like any other endurance activity, but it’s a lot of fun. I’m actually pretty paranoid of clipless pedals, so I’ve got them loosened up all the way for unclipping quickly. And when I come to a stop, I unclip both feet. Travis always laughs at me when I do that. ;-p Good job getting out of the saddle when you’re near the top of a hill. That’s actually a technique that professional cyclists use! I’ve read a few cycling technique books from the ISU Library and I’ve watched a bit of televised cycling. That’s really all I know about professional cycling. Oh, and I joined Idaho Cycling Enthusiasts one year. :-)

]]> Comment on Riding The Tour De Vins 54 Mile Route by Jona http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2011/08/28/ridin-the-tour-de-vins-54-mile-route/comment-page-1/#comment-2744 Jona Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:13:19 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/?p=306#comment-2744 Ah, I see your time now. Man do I need to work on my biking (and my roller skating - I can tell this is going to be a busy fall!) if you did 32 miles more than me, plus all that elevation gain, in a mere 1 1/2 hours more than my route took me. Pansy! I am a pansy! I did find it humorous that on the climb under the interstate I was trying desperately to get out of my left clip and finally gave in to peddling because I was going to slow I was about to tip over - and there was plenty of traffic. Geared low and did fine. The other hills I geared low until I was "nearish" the top, then just because I could, geared back up and got out of the saddle to peddle. That is way more fun than sitting down, but dang the butt and heart muscles get quite the little workout! Not to mention it's something I couldn't do on the Townie, so of course, I must do it now! More riding time, that's what I need. And more skating time. If only I could bike, skate and knit at the same time - I'd get ever so much done! Ah, I see your time now. Man do I need to work on my biking (and my roller skating – I can tell this is going to be a busy fall!) if you did 32 miles more than me, plus all that elevation gain, in a mere 1 1/2 hours more than my route took me. Pansy! I am a pansy! I did find it humorous that on the climb under the interstate I was trying desperately to get out of my left clip and finally gave in to peddling because I was going to slow I was about to tip over – and there was plenty of traffic. Geared low and did fine. The other hills I geared low until I was “nearish” the top, then just because I could, geared back up and got out of the saddle to peddle. That is way more fun than sitting down, but dang the butt and heart muscles get quite the little workout! Not to mention it’s something I couldn’t do on the Townie, so of course, I must do it now!

More riding time, that’s what I need. And more skating time. If only I could bike, skate and knit at the same time – I’d get ever so much done!

]]> Comment on Riding The Tour De Vins 54 Mile Route by Korey Pelton http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2011/08/28/ridin-the-tour-de-vins-54-mile-route/comment-page-1/#comment-2743 Korey Pelton Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:03:07 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/?p=306#comment-2743 I know, I should know by now that you should take about twice as much water as you think you need on an 80 F day! Yup, I did it by myself. Sometimes that's a good thing since you can totally focus on how you feel and go at your own pace. I tend to try to keep up with others on group rides and usually poop myself out too quickly. Good job on your ride! Yeah, hills take time to get used to. You just have to hit a low gear and try to relax. Or at least that's what I keep trying to do. :-) And, yes, there's an old saying that goes something along the lines of "you WILL fall over at least once when getting used to clipless pedals." I know I did. And I did it while riding with Travis, at a busy intersection full of cars. :-p I know, I should know by now that you should take about twice as much water as you think you need on an 80 F day! Yup, I did it by myself. Sometimes that’s a good thing since you can totally focus on how you feel and go at your own pace. I tend to try to keep up with others on group rides and usually poop myself out too quickly. Good job on your ride! Yeah, hills take time to get used to. You just have to hit a low gear and try to relax. Or at least that’s what I keep trying to do. :-) And, yes, there’s an old saying that goes something along the lines of “you WILL fall over at least once when getting used to clipless pedals.” I know I did. And I did it while riding with Travis, at a busy intersection full of cars. :-p

]]> Comment on Riding The Tour De Vins 54 Mile Route by Jona http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2011/08/28/ridin-the-tour-de-vins-54-mile-route/comment-page-1/#comment-2742 Jona Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:34:04 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/?p=306#comment-2742 Sweet! Never scrimp on water though, you silly man! So did you go this alone? If so, megga kudos for not bypassing Terry! Props. I was well satisfied with my 25 miler, though two of those little hills tried to stop me! They did last time & I walked both. The first one I was determined to do (prior to Inkom, so not yet halfway through & plenty of energy) but the second one (on old Hwy 30 as it passes under the interstate) which isn't even all that steep had me wanting to walk. I tried, actually, but couldn't get my left foot out of my new clippy peddles, so doggedly peddled on. Other than the train tracks outside Ross Park, I didn't stop on the ride. Of course, I tipped over, my left foot still clipped in: nice bruise today! (4 months of roller derby and no bruises - go figure); I can only hope to ride your route...maybe in a couple of years! Good job! If not before, perhaps I'll see you on the 17th! Sweet! Never scrimp on water though, you silly man! So did you go this alone? If so, megga kudos for not bypassing Terry! Props. I was well satisfied with my 25 miler, though two of those little hills tried to stop me! They did last time & I walked both. The first one I was determined to do (prior to Inkom, so not yet halfway through & plenty of energy) but the second one (on old Hwy 30 as it passes under the interstate) which isn’t even all that steep had me wanting to walk. I tried, actually, but couldn’t get my left foot out of my new clippy peddles, so doggedly peddled on. Other than the train tracks outside Ross Park, I didn’t stop on the ride. Of course, I tipped over, my left foot still clipped in: nice bruise today! (4 months of roller derby and no bruises – go figure); I can only hope to ride your route…maybe in a couple of years!

Good job! If not before, perhaps I’ll see you on the 17th!

]]> Comment on Touring Bike Photos: My Windsor Tourist by Korey Pelton http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2009/05/11/touring-bike-photos-my-windsor-tourist/comment-page-1/#comment-2725 Korey Pelton Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:22:07 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2009/05/11/touring-bike-photos-my-windsor-tourist/#comment-2725 Hi Glen. I really haven't researched the latest line up of touring bikes since I bought the Windsor Tourist, but I highly recommend that you look around locally and online just to make sure your chosen purchase is the very best bang for your buck. The bicycle market is very competitive in the last few years and this is a good thing for consumers! I did notice recently that Bikes Direct has added the Motobecane Gran Tourismo to their touring bike section. It looks as though they've modeled it after the Surly LHT, and it's got some nicer components and lower gearing than the Windsor Tourist, which is nice. Anyway, deciding on the touring bike that best fits your needs requires quite a bit of searching and comparing, but it is very worth it. Almost every major bicycle company makes some kind of touring bike, and it is good to compare all of them. Good luck and happy riding! Hi Glen. I really haven’t researched the latest line up of touring bikes since I bought the Windsor Tourist, but I highly recommend that you look around locally and online just to make sure your chosen purchase is the very best bang for your buck. The bicycle market is very competitive in the last few years and this is a good thing for consumers! I did notice recently that Bikes Direct has added the Motobecane Gran Tourismo to their touring bike section. It looks as though they’ve modeled it after the Surly LHT, and it’s got some nicer components and lower gearing than the Windsor Tourist, which is nice. Anyway, deciding on the touring bike that best fits your needs requires quite a bit of searching and comparing, but it is very worth it. Almost every major bicycle company makes some kind of touring bike, and it is good to compare all of them. Good luck and happy riding!

]]> Comment on Touring Bike Photos: My Windsor Tourist by Glen H. http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2009/05/11/touring-bike-photos-my-windsor-tourist/comment-page-1/#comment-2724 Glen H. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:55:50 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2009/05/11/touring-bike-photos-my-windsor-tourist/#comment-2724 Hey Korey, "I already own a couple of road bikes, but those do poorly on dirt and gravel trails. And the mountain bike that I own just won’t keep up with a touring bike on road ways. Thus, the touring bicycle is the perfect solution. The tires and rims are medium width, it has drop bars for a more aerodynamic riding position, and it has tire/frame clearance for fenders to keep yourself from getting mucked up." That my situation out here in Virginia. I am a heavy rider (over 250 pounds) and currently ride a Trek 100 comfort bike which is a sled. The terrain I ride is like yours and a touring bike makes sense because of its larger tires, durability and speed. Gonna buy from Bike Direct and they have quite a few brands offered. Based on what's out there, would you still stick with the Windsor and why? Thanks, Glen H. Hey Korey,

“I already own a couple of road bikes, but those do poorly on dirt and gravel trails. And the mountain bike that I own just won’t keep up with a touring bike on road ways. Thus, the touring bicycle is the perfect solution. The tires and rims are medium width, it has drop bars for a more aerodynamic riding position, and it has tire/frame clearance for fenders to keep yourself from getting mucked up.” That my situation out here in Virginia.

I am a heavy rider (over 250 pounds) and currently ride a Trek 100 comfort bike which is a sled. The terrain I ride is like yours and a touring bike makes sense because of its larger tires, durability and speed. Gonna buy from Bike Direct and they have quite a few brands offered. Based on what’s out there, would you still stick with the Windsor and why?

Thanks,

Glen H.

]]> Comment on My Favorite 2-Hour Challenge Ride by Jared Wilson http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2011/03/14/my-favorite-2-hour-challenge-ride/comment-page-1/#comment-2699 Jared Wilson Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:53:41 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/?p=267#comment-2699 Just happened to see this blog... keep up the good work, it's nice to hear ideas of where to ride around Pocatello! Just happened to see this blog… keep up the good work, it’s nice to hear ideas of where to ride around Pocatello!

]]> Comment on Touring Bike Photos: My Windsor Tourist by Korey Pelton http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2009/05/11/touring-bike-photos-my-windsor-tourist/comment-page-1/#comment-2696 Korey Pelton Tue, 14 Jun 2011 14:35:21 +0000 http://cycling.peltonweb.com/2009/05/11/touring-bike-photos-my-windsor-tourist/#comment-2696 That's correct. Even if a wheel is built with lower quality spokes, if it is built by hand by someone who has been trained in the "art" of wheel building, it will last a long time and probably will not even need to be trued for years. All wheels nowadays are machine built and I've had friends with bikes from Raleigh, Trek, and so on break spokes. The only thing I know about spokes is that "butted" spokes are good to use since they are nice and thick on the ends (where thickness matters) and thinner in the middle to conserve weight. Other than that feature, there's nothing much else to worry about spokes. In my article above, I first took my wheel with a broken spoke to a professional bike shop and they replaced the spoke, and then I just ended up breaking another spoke. So, if you're going to take your wheels to a professional, make sure they do a thorough job even if it costs you more money in labor :-) Whoever rebuilds the wheel will tell you what lengths of spokes you need, which will most likely be the lengths of spokes the wheel is currently built with. Also note that the lengths of all the spokes on the front wheel are all equal, whereas half the spokes are the rear wheel are shorter than the other half due to one side (or flange) of the rear hub having a greater diameter than the other side. But like I said, your wheel builder will tell you what you need. Oh, I also highly recommend that you load up your bike with a bunch of weight (camping gear, cans of food, whatever) and go for a 10 or 20 mile bike ride one or two weeks before you go on your trip. Wobble around, bounce around, and do some heavy cranking to verify that your wheels and all other parts are working well! That’s correct. Even if a wheel is built with lower quality spokes, if it is built by hand by someone who has been trained in the “art” of wheel building, it will last a long time and probably will not even need to be trued for years. All wheels nowadays are machine built and I’ve had friends with bikes from Raleigh, Trek, and so on break spokes. The only thing I know about spokes is that “butted” spokes are good to use since they are nice and thick on the ends (where thickness matters) and thinner in the middle to conserve weight. Other than that feature, there’s nothing much else to worry about spokes. In my article above, I first took my wheel with a broken spoke to a professional bike shop and they replaced the spoke, and then I just ended up breaking another spoke. So, if you’re going to take your wheels to a professional, make sure they do a thorough job even if it costs you more money in labor :-) Whoever rebuilds the wheel will tell you what lengths of spokes you need, which will most likely be the lengths of spokes the wheel is currently built with. Also note that the lengths of all the spokes on the front wheel are all equal, whereas half the spokes are the rear wheel are shorter than the other half due to one side (or flange) of the rear hub having a greater diameter than the other side. But like I said, your wheel builder will tell you what you need. Oh, I also highly recommend that you load up your bike with a bunch of weight (camping gear, cans of food, whatever) and go for a 10 or 20 mile bike ride one or two weeks before you go on your trip. Wobble around, bounce around, and do some heavy cranking to verify that your wheels and all other parts are working well!

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