https://mobile.twitter.com/attnkatdaley/status/268580652042035200

‘Cross bikes were traditionally pieced together from whatever spare parts you had lying around.

If you have a full matching ‘cross bike, you need to rip at least one part off and replace it with another brand. Ideally something older like 9 or 8 speed.

I hear that @nvvelominati had one Shimano shifter in front and one SRAM. Maybe that’s taking it a bit too far.

Incidentally what is a “rear derailleur cable tumor “?

Its my derogatory term for one of these

Incidentally what is a “rear derailleur cable tumor “?

@Nate

Then we need to petition to be reheard – that was pre-STI when you’d pick up your chainrings from TA and your simplex derailleur, etc. It was all friction shifting so there were no compatibility issues to overcome and there were certain companies that excelled in certain areas but perhaps didn’t offer components in the others. I think that argument is outdated and no longer relevant since the advent of the groupset. Are the Keepers really going to argue that its ok if I roll up on a bike with Campag shifters because their ergonomics are the best, and Shimano mechs, cassette and hub with a Jtek rear derailleur cable tumor simply because it works well? Or rather does the Velominatus carefully determine which of each of the Big 3″²s strongsuits it most values and then accepts that brand’s potential shortcomings?

Anyone turning up like that would be roundly thrashed with their own chain and have the offending cassette stamped in to their forehead to form a rather nice red cog emblem!

Then we need to petition to be reheard –  that was pre-STI when you’d pick up your chainrings from TA and your simplex derailleur, etc.  It was all friction shifting so there were no compatibility issues to overcome and there were certain companies that excelled in certain areas but perhaps didn’t offer components in the others.  I think that argument is outdated and no longer relevant since the advent of the groupset.  Are the Keepers really going to argue that its ok if I roll up on a bike with Campag shifters because their ergonomics are the best, and Shimano mechs, cassette and hub with a Jtek rear derailleur cable tumor simply because it works well? Or rather does the Velominatus carefully determine which of each of the Big 3’s strongsuits it most values and then accepts that brand’s potential shortcomings?

I’ve raised point 2 before and been roundly shouted down.  The reasoning was that although current fashion is to run a complete groupset, it has not always been this way and back in the Golden Days before STI and the like, it was in fact common if not de rigeur to pick the best of different manufacturers’ wares.

2.   Since the aesthetics of the machine are so important to the Velominatus (Rule #4, Rule #8, Rule #40, Rule #41, Rule #45 and Rule #74 come to mind) I’d like to hear the Keepers’ position on the concept of non-unified drivetrain componentry, i.e. ‘Shimergo’.   I’m guessing its a resounding ‘Fuck No!’ and yet after a quasi-in-depth review (I skimmed them before writing this) it appears the Rules by their letter would technically allow such an abomination. A Rule to the effect of ‘Pick your brand and stick to it’ is absent in written form although I’m sure it must certainly be there in spirit.

I think its fair to say that the Velominatus limits himself/herself to either a Gruppo, Groupsan or Broset (If anyone is riding Mektronic, good for you).  Certainly accommodations must be made for non-‘Big 3’-branded components like cranks (since so many bikes come spec’d with FSA and others like Quarq/Rotor are available as aftermarket), and chains (with manufacturers like KMC).  Cassettes are another that can be interchanged in my book (since the direct compatibility of SRAM and Shimano in this area means that a ‘BroSan’ rear mech/cassette is fairly commonplace).  That said, it is my fervent belief that the brand unity of the shifter, derailleurs, hub-type trinity should never be deviated from.  I don’t care if a Campag-Shimano configuration can be made to work with a Jtek Shiftmate; I don’t care if its cheaper.  Even for the Velominatus Budgetatus, of which I am certainly one, a line must be drawn – I draw that line at ‘Shimergo’

Just by way of a bump..on the whole Forest Gump Wave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMse7XwZmoA

Yup, that is exactly what I was talking about!  Thanks for posting the clip!

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

damn you sexy flanders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMse7XwZmoA

I live i rural Australia, so things might work differently here.  Motorbikes wave at each other a lot, but in western areas, it is still customary for car drivers to wave as they pass too.  I drive to a lot of remote locations for work, and there are often very few vehicles on the road, and it’s all still a bit old school.

Ducati riders wave at each other a lot, but sometimes you get a surly one of those too.  Motorcyclists tend to identify strongly with their chosen marque, and tend to acknowledge  others of their tribe more.   I’m guilty of that, being an admitted wog-snob when it comes to performance gear.  Ducati, Campagnolo and Bianchi all the way for me.  My wife has an MV, so they get some love too.

You can tell a farmer by the big hat and the dirt on the car.  A farmer would rarely waste water washing a car.  You get a lot of travelling baby-boomers these days though, with big flash 4WD/caravan combos, not too sure what they do.

I like the Rule 9 idea.  Rule 9 riders should acknowledge each other, as should riders on big climbs.

still doesn’t change the fact that most of us will look terrible in a skinsuit, though.

I give everyone a big wave, no matter what. I just love being out there and love seeing others out there doing what I love.

Same here. In this neck of the woods, the roads aren’t exactly flooded with cyclists (especially compared to the country roads and bike paths of the Netherlands), so whenever I see someone on a nice road bike going the other way, my wave is given almost automatically*. It’s usually not the full-blown Forest Gump salute, but rather, as I often ride with my hands on the brake-lever hoods, a friendly ‘lift of the left index finger’, combined with a slight tilting-back of the head, which I’ve developed to near perfection.

I usually get a friendly wave in return (the Danes, in spite of their reputation as fierce, pillaging, plundering, skull-bashing Viking-types are,in fact, nice people, by and large) But as @straithlubnaig** puts it: on the very rare occasion when a waved-to rider pointedly ignores the greeting (particularly when said cyclist is clearly not in the process of laying down terrible amounts of the V and biting his/her own handlebars in half), I sometimes find myself wondering how they manage to be in such a foul mood while riding their bikes?

* Off topic: I’ve never owned/piloted a motorcycle – but would anyone know if motorcyclists still, more or less consistently, wave at each other on the road? Or are there simply too many of them nowadays?

** what does that name/handle actually mean, by the way? Assuming you’re Scottish, and the name is Gaelic? Yes, I know – Google it. I’m a lazy sod…)

When we had this whole exact conversation about 1-to-1.5 years ago I think JiPM summed up the way he and I acknowledge other riders best:  He said that he is like Forrest Gump waving to Lt Dan when docking his shrimp boat.  Of course, he also posted a youtube clip of that scene to accent the point which is beyind me.

I give everyone a big wave, no matter what.  I just love being out there and love seeing others out there doing what I love.

Speaking of “Farmers waves” I have noticed over the years that farmers on tractors seem to initiate waves to me a whole bunch while I am riding.  I wonder if there is not some sort of kinship with them, being outside, working in the fresh air, hopefully doing what they love (and mostly being way underpaid for the work they do). 

I’m with Marcus on the wheel-sucker thing. If I’m riding solo, and someone wants to suck my wheel, it does not hurt me. I don’t feel a need to change speed.

I’m more bothered by people riding past in the opposite direction who don’t return my nod. Sometimes that pisses me off enough to think, bugger it, I’m giving up on the nod. But then I think, what if the next rider is new, and I ride past without a friendly wave or nod ? They will think I’m a COTHO and wonder why brothers on the road are not more friendly. Granted, I grew up in a rural area, where it’s traditional for passing drivers to give each other a “farmers wave”.

There is a Rule for thought. Thou shalt always acknowledge another rider. Ignoring other riders is not cool, especially if they have offered a greeting, and suggests that your head is too far up your arse.

I reckon you could do with a few more rules about getting along and being gracious to other riders, and a few less about being condescending anal snobs.

I always give either a farmers wave or a sharp nod if otherwise engaged to pretty much anyone on a bike, but to be honest there are legions of folk who dont reply or reciprocate and yes it does make you think ‘wanker’.

I was thinking maybe my own personal rule for this will be Greet Other Riders Only On Rule 9 Days because they do have someting in common and are not just jumping on the ol’ cycling bandwagon, and they are clearly not wankers.

@mcsqueak

@scaler911

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

STOP IT FUCKER!!!!

That picture’s gotta really confuse you. Ass of a chick, head of a dude. Let me know tomorrow when you figure out which it is.

@scaler911

@mcsqueak

@scaler911

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

STOP IT FUCKER!!!!

I agree whole heartedly “” stop it. Stop it now!

@scaler911

@mcsqueak

@scaler911

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending aCogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

STOP IT FUCKER!!!!

And stopping it now.

@mcsqueak

@scaler911

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

STOP IT FUCKER!!!!

Yikes! You gents better cut this shit out before you break out the ‘man-scissors’!

@mcsqueak

@scaler911

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

STOP IT FUCKER!!!!

I agree whole heartedly — stop it. Stop it now!

@scaler911

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

STOP IT FUCKER!!!!

I normally use the ever frowned upon emoticons but decided to be more compliant this time…my mistake ;)

Hey Captain Walker, you know the law against emoticons! Bust a deal, face the wheel. Two men enter, one man leaves.

@scaler911

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

Oooo, my brain.

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Here’s one that’ll make your brain hurt:

@Mclennan whilst this is a definite breach of The Masturbation Principle, I can tell you that you have company. The only photo of me that has ever graced (or is ever likely to grace) a bike magazine (Bicycling Australis) sees me climbing Falls Creek on a road bike with a fucking Camelbak in about 2001. My excuses were that it was the Alpine Classic (200ks and about about 4000 mtrs of ascent) and that the temps were in the high-30s and higher and I wanted to drink constantly. But they are meaningless.

Yes, I was well-hydrated but all the photo says is that I was a dirty little rule breaker. We are better off keeping that shit to ourselves.

No, the photo says you were a self-sufficient hard-man, not stopping for anything, not leaning on a support crew.  It’s all in the interpretation.   100% rule adherent for a 5km ride to a coffee shop to preen and pose is way less cool than 200km in an Aussie summer, rules be damned.

Just need to clarify too, that people are kinda putting words in my mouth, implying absolutes that I in no way intend.  I can kinda work out when there is a good reason why people might not return a wave.  Jeez, sometimes both my hands are occupied too, and not just when I’m having a double handed swing.

I’m a flippant kinda guy, who grew up on Monty Python.

@Deakus, @Mclennan what @confused&curios.com means is – stop being so damned gentlemanly towards each other…

I will reserve a severe tongue lashing for those that truly deserve it….in the interim, it is peace, love and rock n’ roll!

Yes, I was well-hydrated but all the photo says is that I was a dirty little rule breaker. We are better off keeping that shit to ourselves.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

Hehe.  Not going to be that guy, but I do seem to recall you administering the beat down to a few trolls.

@Deakus I wasn’t actually serious, just having a bit of fun. Suggesting I am stupid is a bit harsh I would have thought. For your information you can always open another internet window if you wanted to look something up but being stupid I dont know how I know that.

@Deakus

@Mclennan

@Deakus I wasn’t actually serious, just having a bit of fun. Suggesting I am stupid is a bit harsh I would have thought. For your information you can always open another internet window if you wanted to look something up but being stupid I dont know how I know that.

My tongue was firmly in my cheek, no offense intended…I normally use the ever frowned upon emoticons but decided to be more compliant this time…my mistake ;)

Just a warning @Mclennan: 99.99999% of the time we call each other all kinds of names around these parts. Just go back and read any shit between @minion (the sheepfucker) and @marcus (general all around ass-hat). It’s all in good fun.

But if they sense any weakness, it’s ON. After over a year on the the site, hosting a Cogal, attending a Cogal and writing articles here, ask them what I’m best know for. Don’t worry, one of those bastards will bring it up soon enough since I’m poking at ’em with a stick right now.

@Deakus I wasn’t actually serious, just having a bit of fun. Suggesting I am stupid is a bit harsh I would have thought. For your information you can always open another internet window if you wanted to look something up but being stupid I dont know how I know that.

My tongue was firmly in my cheek, no offense intended…I normally use the ever frowned upon emoticons but decided to be more compliant this time…my mistake ;)

I nearly partook of a #32 transgression yesterday. I didn’t end up using a camelbak but was contemplating it’s use. Thought I better get some clarification. The details were. 34 degrees celsius, 100km ride on gravel on a cyclocross bike with a single bidon cage. The dilemma was that I hadn’t been on this rail trail here in Australia (Ballarat) before so was unaware as to whether there would be frequent water stops. I didn’t end up breaking the rule and was adhering to all others (black knicks, cultivating tan lines, sock length, road helmet etc) but what are your thoughts? Usually there is no drama following rules but this one nearly got me yesterday.

My theory is

I would say that dying of dehydration to adhere to the rules does not make you a hardman….it just makes you stupid…..however there is a rule (and now that I have started typing I can’t look it up) about announcing rule breaches….something about the masturbation principle?

My theory is

sorry keepers, but i will tuck in any time i god damn please.

As for physics… they can and do explain how and why bicycles work. The idea that it’s a mystery how we stay upright is just an urban legend. It’s mostly down to centripetal force… for the mathmaticaly minded, here’s a decent read on the physics http://www.pedalmagic.com/Physics.htm

Fantastic rider to emulate!  I’ll do my best.

motor city – Right! Forgot his name. I guess I’m not the only one thinking that ride was pretty impressive!

VeloVita – Oh yes, almost forgot that cold-as-ice chain fix from Iljo!

G’rilla – my cx riding has definitely improved my overall handling skills and I feel much better on the road. My off-road skills are still coming along but when I race I think that’s the biggest factor holding me back from placing higher. But, only one way to get better – keep truckin’!

I’m with Marcus on the wheel-sucker thing. If I’m riding solo, and someone wants to suck my wheel, it does not hurt me. I don’t feel a need to change speed.

I’m more bothered by people riding past in the opposite direction who don’t return my nod. Sometimes that pisses me off enough to think, bugger it, I’m giving up on the nod. But then I think, what if the next rider is new, and I ride past without a friendly wave or nod ? They will think I’m a COTHO and wonder why brothers on the road are not more friendly. Granted, I grew up in a rural area, where it’s traditional for passing drivers to give each other a “farmers wave”.

There is a Rule for thought. Thou shalt always acknowledge another rider. Ignoring other riders is not cool, especially if they have offered a greeting, and suggests that your head is too far up your arse.

I reckon you could do with a few more rules about getting along and being gracious to other riders, and a few less about being condescending anal snobs.

Just try to prepare, for if the Rule Enforcers would come knocking on your door (sorta like Cheap Trick’s Dream Police) — “they’re the judge and jury all in one.”

@Ron That dude in the neon from Farnese Vini was Matteo Rabbotini. I think that stage might be my racing highlight of the year.

Indeed.  The only other finale I got as excited about this year was Iljo Keisse’s win at Stage 7 of the Tour of Turkey when he crashed coming through the last corner, remounted and realised his chain was off, put the chain back on and still managed to hold off the charging peloton by a whisker.  Certainly not as prestigious or Rule V worthy as Rabbotini’s win though.

@Ron That dude in the neon from Farnese Vini was Matteo Rabbotini. I think that stage might be my racing highlight of the year.

Yeah, one of my top moments as well.  I was watching sporza and listening to the commentators just made my whole week.  They were almost as awesome as Rabbotini!

Not sure if the link is the sporza commentated one as I am at work and cannot open youtube here.  But, if it is not, youtube the sporza version and listen to the call.  Just awesome passion.  Got to love Italians!

@Souleur the gyroscopic effect is what makes it easier to balance on the rollers the faster you go?

indeed, thats what they say
its interesting the addition of forward motion though adds another dimension and inertia to the whole equation that throws the whole consideration into a frenzy
i just accept it happens and let the nerds in analytics figure it out
heading to island hop for a week w/the family in the warm sun and chase Sandy, will post the calcuations next week when i get back that I found that is actually funny

Came across this Giro highlights set & I thought it was pretty awesome. Good recap & some fitting music, I think, for how amazing the riding is in such a Tour. Also, brings back some memories of bits n pieces I forgot. Pozzivivo going off the front like a mini-rocket! That dude in the neon from Farnese Vini…crashes and wins the stage AFTER getting caught by Purito. Impressive.

Also, um…reaffirmed respect for Cavendish. He puts his nose in there, which takes serious nerve. Then he navigates some serious madness, which takes serious skill. And  he gets fucking run over & comes back to get right back into the mix. And wins. HardMan for sure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwDTFBsdtWw&feature=related

@Adrian

@harminator

Damn you Adrian. You’ve ruined the moment!

Actually quite glad if you choose not to wave, I remember “Something about Mary”

It’s like doping in the 90″²s.

98% admit it. The remaining 2% are liars.

Or Valverde’s ……Potato…Potato

@harminator

Damn you Adrian. You’ve ruined the moment!

Actually quite glad if you choose not to wave, I remember “Something about Mary”

It’s like doping in the 90’s.

98% admit it. The remaining 2% are liars.

Damn you Adrian. You’ve ruined the moment!

Actually quite glad if you choose not to wave, I remember “Something about Mary”

Fucked I might be am but I always try to look like the attack might come any time.

If you’re hoping for a constant response, Rule#5. Its not all about you.

I’m fucked.

I can’t be fucked.

I’m descending at terminal or escape velocity (whatever the fuck that is).

Stick, hole, rut, glass, gravel, roadkill, etc in the line.

Recumbent.

In my small mind, I’m Nibbles, tapping out the rhythm for Count Basso, low on the Zoncolan in the 2010 Giro.

I’m a wanker.

You look like a wanker.

All of the above.

I’m with Marcus on the wheel-sucker thing. If I’m riding solo, and someone wants to suck my wheel, it does not hurt me. I don’t feel a need to change speed.

I’m more bothered by people riding past in the opposite direction who don’t return my nod. Sometimes that pisses me off enough to think, bugger it, I’m giving up on the nod. But then I think, what if the next rider is new, and I ride past without a friendly wave or nod ? They will think I’m a COTHO and wonder why brothers on the road are not more friendly. Granted, I grew up in a rural area, where it’s traditional for passing drivers to give each other a “farmers wave”.

There is a Rule for thought. Thou shalt always acknowledge another rider. Ignoring other riders is not cool, especially if they have offered a greeting, and suggests that your head is too far up your arse.

I reckon you could do with a few more rules about getting along and being gracious to other riders, and a few less about being condescending anal snobs.

Hey Ken. The Rule that precipitated the “silent wheelsucker” thread is titled “Introduce Yourself”. I’d say this is pretty much spot on for “being gracious to other riders” or always acknowledging another rider”. As Brett pointed out earlier, tow or don’t tow, suck or don’t suck as you prefer. Just communicate. This is like a nod only better. Does it matter which direction the other rider is going?

I too am a chronic waver. Even when I’m repeatedly ignored my hand shoots up in a reflex I totally can’t control.

Chronic nodder here…sometimes I think I am getting repetitive strain injury.  To those who nod back, I get a little pleasure…even the moutain bikers!  To those who do not nod back, it depends on my mood and how much I am suffering.  I either think “Rude fucker…I have just expended valuable energy that I really could have done with recognising you and affirming my respect for you being on the road on two wheels.”  If I am training properly then I just think “Maybe they were suffering more than me and could not raise their head”….

Either way I never wave….this would be dangerous, to take my hands off the bars it tantamount to committing hari kiri!

Most of the Rules are a half serious and half pisstake, and it seems to depend on random factors as to when they are fun or not.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I too am a chronic waver. Even when I’m repeatedly ignored my hand shoots up in a reflex I totally can’t control.

Totally clean and sober too, thanks for asking.

@Ken Ho Good for you, mate. Take one viewpoint and dismiss it as being “condescending anal snobs” then insist that total strangers have to acknowledge each other just because they happen to share the same mode of transport – superb logic there.

As I have repeatedly stressed, if you don’t mind silent wheelsuckers then jolly good for you. I, and others, do so how about you stop being an anal condescending snob and try and understand that we don’t all have to think like you?

Dude, not sure if you are on the rumbo tonight or what.

Rules like “you seat must be in the exact position I prefer” are condescending and snobby, and that’s just one example.  Honestly, when I first read the Rules, I thought the fashionista ones were a big piss-take on the people who take themselves way too seriously.   You know, the kind of people who buy all the gear and sit around looking great, but are as useless as a chocolate teapot at the actual past-time or sport.  They say that cycling is the new golf, and ain’t that the truth.

Shoot me for thinking that we are all brothers on the road.  I know that is a delusion.  You are right.  Just because people use the same mode of transport does not mean they have anything else in common.  That much is plain.

As I have repeatedly stressed, if you don’t mind silent wheelsuckers then jolly good for you. I, and others, do so how about you stop being an anal condescending snob and try and understand that we don’t all have to think like you?

I’m more bothered by people riding past in the opposite direction who don’t return my nod.  Sometimes that pisses me off enough to think, bugger it, I’m giving up on the nod.  But then I think, what if the next rider is new, and I ride past without a friendly wave or nod ?  They will think I’m a cotho and wonder why brothers on the road are not more friendly.  Granted, I grew up in a rural area, where it’s traditional for passing drivers to give each other a “farmers wave”.

There is a Rule for thought.  Thou shalt always acknowledge another rider.  Ignoring other riders is not cool, especially if they have offered a greeting, and suggests that your head is too far up your arse.

I reckon you could do with a few more rules about getting along and being gracious to other riders, and a few less about being condescending anal snobs.

I find it quite cool when there are say just you and 2 or 3 mates riding along and you have been hammering for a while, especially in say windy conditions – you stop at lights and find 20 riders on your wheel. Even better if they are blowing hard.

Like Marcus I don’t really understand the objections to people sitting on. The only ones that really annoy me are those who sit on and then sprint off from the lights like a maniac but slow down almost immediately so I have to pass them again in a few hundred meters.

‘Oweverrrr, I’m a Velominatus Flippitatus when changing wheels or cleaning my bike.  I’m buggered if I can get a rear wheel in and out of the derailleur while it’s rubber side down.  My domestique will always place his jacket on the ground to protect the bike.

Given that I’m now n=6 (DS MTB, beater utility bike, roadie, TT, trackie and beach cruiser), I’m inclined to be a bit blase about my rule adherence.

On Rule #23, how do you reach Terminal Velocity, which I suspect was the speed originally intended, without a decent tuck.  A tuck is what gets you there.  Where is teh coolth in sitting up like a whiny bitch instead of tucking and reaching a fearsome speed.

A physicist may not be able to explain how we ride our bikes, but after teaching a young adult last year, who could not balance on a bike to save herself, I had to work it out.  It’s quite simple really.  Initially, she could not even coast in a straight line for 10m.  She would just fall sideways while on the move.  Having been able to ride for as long as I remember, this confused me.  I had to mess about at slow speed for a bit to work out what was going on.

Consider for a moment a motorbike turn, which exaggerated the process.  You lean or fall into a turn.  Well, to stay upright on a bike, you literally steer into the fall then correct.  After a short while,the process resolves into a less visible series of smaller falls, requiring smaller turns and corrections.  As soon as I coached her to steer into the fall, the falling stopped.

See Bicycle Repair Man.

I must go call the Monty Python crew….there is definitely a film in this somewhere!

@unversio That is pure class.

@unversio

Merckx Moses brought down a Campagnolo Commandment to teach his people how they must shift!

Surely it’s to teach his people how they roll?

My brain hurts …..

@Dan_R

I have not sourced groups yet. I figured I get a few frames out there but the LBS which is building a state-of-the-art building as we speak (and which I’ll probably start working at since the owner loves me) said they let me have some frames/bikes at their store so I do need to get a group source .

 

@the Engine

@snoov

@Souleur

Fuck Newton, whats he know…afterall, if it were all physics, NONE of us would even be able to stay upright on the bike for any length of time, as to this day no physicist can explain how we ride per their/the laws of physics

You’re kidding right? I’d bet ANY physicist could explain how we are able to ride our bikes.

On Escape Velocity, I just thought it was the VELOcity required to drop wheelsuckers/competitors.

As we all know:

exactly

I said it tongue in cheek once that sometimes this V site is like the cycling equivalent of The Big Bang Theory. Proof positive! What next? Have Sheldon C redraft The Rules?

@Souleur

Fuck Newton, whats he know…afterall, if it were all physics, NONE of us would even be able to stay upright on the bike for any length of time, as to this day no physicist can explain how we ride per their/the laws of physics

You’re kidding right? I’d bet ANY physicist could explain how we are able to ride our bikes.

On Escape Velocity, I just thought it was the VELOcity required to drop wheelsuckers/competitors.

so, its a little tongue in cheek, but seriously, check it out

some physics guru’s say its gyroscopic inertia, some say its bike geometry (rake/trail/speed), some say its steering forces….check it out, its kinda funny that NONE of them really nail it down as to ‘how’ this bike stays upright in motion

and through in the ‘ghost rider’ effect and they just flip their lids man

@snoov

@Souleur

Fuck Newton, whats he know…afterall, if it were all physics, NONE of us would even be able to stay upright on the bike for any length of time, as to this day no physicist can explain how we ride per their/the laws of physics

You’re kidding right? I’d bet ANY physicist could explain how we are able to ride our bikes.

On Escape Velocity, I just thought it was the VELOcity required to drop wheelsuckers/competitors.

As we all know:

exactly

@Ron

@frank

@Dolamite

In the revised Rule #18, why would skinsuits be barred from the Track, Time Trial and for some, Crits?

They’re not; when you’re racing cross, skin suits only.

I don’t know about this. 1) I’d rather put that money towards something else. I do a few races a year, but at this point I don’t think I need that upgrade. 2) I’m racing in the lowest category. Is a SS not a D-bag move when I’m so lowly? 3) You really, really need to be PRO-skinny to not look absurd in a skinsuit. Might look dashing on you 185 cm beanpoles, but us short and stout guys…eh, not so hot.

Hmm, yes indeed, it was originally re-written as “skin suits or lycra” for CX but someone dropped the lycra out of there…

That’s because everyone who doesn’t suck races in skin suits. Its not an option, really. Rules are Rules and they are not to be trifled with. You don’t see J-Pow or Sven rockin’ a jersey, and they Look Fantastic.

To be fair, this puts me at odds as well – I don’t have a skin suit and Velominati doesn’t have one yet either. It will be on the list for next season, don’t worry. We will be compliant.

[dmalbum: path=”/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/frank/2012.10.30.22.51.07/”/]

To be clear, this doesn’t apply to training, in which case jerseys etc are fine. Perhaps the Rule needs some clarity in this regard.

Mmm…this isn’t going to go over well, but Rule #23 is absolutely fucked. Escape Velocity refers to ascending, not descending (don’t blame me, blame Newton). It is the speed required to break free from the earth’s gravitational pull. As in “When ascending, one should only come out of the saddle to achieve escape velocity.”

Ergo, one should only tuck to achieve terminal velocity, which is the rate of descent where downward force from gravity is equivalent to the hindrance caused by pesky phenomenon known as resistance (in this case drag from wind resistance & friction from rolling resistance). Which would be precisely the reason to tuck in the first place. Unless of course you are licking the salt off your handlebars.

Further, by employing the most perfect and efficient tuck, and at the same time absolutely thrashing that 53×11, one may temporarily exceed terminal velocity, and approach a theoretical land speed known simply as V-locity.

I know, I know…who the fuck is this guy? but this is a detail oriented site, looks like you are about to set The Rules in stone, and I thought now might be the time to get it right.

True enough, but while escape velocity in the context of Netwonian Physics is oriented around gravity and accelerating fast enough to break its pull, in Velomian Physics, we are trying to break the confines of The V. Escape Velocity in this context refers to the speed your bike reaches when you can no longer apply more of The V to the pedals.

Escape Velocity is correct, really, you just need the correct frame of reference.

between that and Rule 43, if sydney riders/commuters/working wonders would follow that life would be so much better.

I have not sourced groups yet.  I figured I get a few frames out there but the LBS which is building a state-of-the-art building as we speak (and which I’ll probably start working at since the owner loves me) said they let me have some frames/bikes at their store so I do need to get a group source .

@Souleur

Fuck Newton, whats he know…afterall, if it were all physics, NONE of us would even be able to stay upright on the bike for any length of time, as to this day no physicist can explain how we ride per their/the laws of physics

You’re kidding right? I’d bet ANY physicist could explain how we are able to ride our bikes.

On Escape Velocity, I just thought it was the VELOcity required to drop wheelsuckers/competitors.

As we all know:

Deacon Bikes is officially open for business. I hung the last of the sheet rock today and built a bench. Now I need to build myself a CX rig and I got a few people in line already but I hope to taking orders by Jan. 1.

Then I decided to “decorate” a little bit…

Got the graphics and the paint sourced out already…

…so I’m pretty stoked.

Looks good! Once the bench top starts to stain and darken, thow a coat or two of epoxy or think varnish to protect it for the long haul. My business start-up is moving along. Pre-season bookings are done for a bunch of stuff, some financing has started to come through, and I get to look at Euro product all day. Anyone want to buy a $13,000 BH?

I forgot, but do you have a source for groupos for your frames? I have been schemin’ up a low cost wheel set for the “not so into spending money” crowd, other wise know as the Velominatus Bugetatus. How does this sound – Miche Primato hubs, Sapim Race spokes, and single eyelet box clinchers? They’d weigh about 1650g with a 3x 28/28 lacing.

And on a great note, the wheels that I had previously announced as perhaps lost or stole have arrived at V HQ. I don’t want to spoil anything, but they are being prep’ed by Frank.

Well, I have to run and see my doctor about my off-season preparations…

Actually, I wish it looked like this…

@wiscot

The only thing under the bench is a Craftsman tool bag and the box that the truing stand came in.

 

Ah-ha. Now you mention it, that’s what it is. If you do get a stray beaver in there, I guess you can kill it with the bit of frame on the bench. Man, you’ve gotta be dreading the first stain on that pristine counter top . . .