This is a shameless attempt to save the the most advanced civilization in
history from imminent self destruction by eliminating carbon emission,
dependence on foreign sources of fuel,obesity, hypertension and diabetes.
Cycling accomplishes all those things at once and helps us develop a better
understanding of ourselves, each other and our relationship to the cosmos.

Oh, horse puckey!
I like to ride bikes, have been doing it all my life.
The rest of that crap is just a fringe benefit,
and the blogosphere gives me a chance to share my interior
monologue with virtual rather than imaginary friends.

Friday, October 23, 2020

Old people, new tech.

     Another beautiful fall day rambling about for 20 miles or so I stopped to watch a swan couple feeding in the local marsh.  You can't believe how frustrating it was to get a photo of these two.  They come up for air simultaneously and put their heads back down in perfect rhythm and each time I snapped a shot their heads went down and I caught nothing but their backs.

     After reviewing my attempts at nature photography it dawned on me that I have a video option.  Any 12 year old would have  created a Tic Toc masterpiece.  Oh well, what do you do with old people.  Maybe I'll get it next time.
 
     "Next time" came around for tire technology.  A friend was bragging about the ride he was experiencing after converting to tubeless tires so I was tempted to try it again.  He is more profligate than I and didn't mind paying $90 a tire to give it a whirl.  That has been the sticking point for me.  The tires developed have been just too damn expensive for an experiment.  Panaracer came out with Gravel King tires which can be had for less than $50, so I was tempted.  I also had need  for new wheels so I decided to have Velocity build a set for the Hillborne and I could pass the old ones down to another project I'm considering.  This time around the tubeless thing appears to be a success.  Riding on 20-30lbs less  pressure provides a very luxurious ride.  On a Rivendell the ride is incomparable, maybe indescribable.  I don't notice any loss of speed or increase of effort, but those are both areas I ignore anyway.  The sidewalls for the Gravelking tires are more stout than I need for this bike.   After I wear them out, I may be tempted to roll the higher priced Rene Hearse tires, maybe even convert the Steam Punk Hunq as well.

2 comments:

  1. Have been rolling RH tires for a few years now, got much more miles per dollar than GKs, with better ride quality to boot.

    Mitch in Battle Creek

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Mitch. I needed to hear that. I never questioned the ride quality, but simply stressed over the price. I wear out 3-5 tires a year.

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