on 8/31/09 12:55 PM, Erik at elang...@gmail.com wrote: > I am in the market for a lugged steel frame, and am about ready to > pull the trigger on an A. Homer Hilsen. Based on my needs (described > below), I would greatly appreciate any guidance as to whether or not > this is the right bike for me, and how I might choose the right > tires.
Tires are kinda tricky business, as there are a lot of variables to the equation. I don't mean to obfuscate the topic, merely to say that you should trust your judgement for your specific conditions and riding style and not be afraid to try a variety of tires to see what works for you. My personal choice would be the Jack Browns, but some folks get a little twitchy at the idea of using a smooth tire on dirt. I'm coming to the opinion that under most circumstances, tire placement on the trail and weight distribution of the rider is much more important than tread on an off-pavement tire. Of course, I've been gloriously incorrect before and will be in the future... But, they work for me in the SF Bay Area on the "mixed terrain" rides that we do, as well as a bit of singletrack indulgence. http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclofiend/3847174284/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclofiend/collections/72157600164327134/ > > I live in Boulder and plan to use the bike primarily for road riding > in/around Colorado, so there will be a significant amount of climbing > involved. There are also quite a few gravel paths that I would like > to take advantage of around my house. I have no experience camping or > doing longer multi-day trips, but the concept intrigues me. > Basically, I do not currently own a bicycle, so I want this bike to > serve all of my needs. The Hilsen is a very versatile design. I would recommend taking small bites of what interests you and chewing thoroughly. That bicycle will be able to do what you ask of it. > My largest concern is this: most of my friends and neighbors go on 3 - > 4 hour rides up into the mountains on their super-light carbon > frames. Is there a way for me to set up the AHH so that it is > functional on mellow gravel roads, but also keeps up with my friends > on the steep climbs? Um. No. Well, maybe... I guess the thing is that I'm assuming that you haven't been doing much riding, since you don't own a bicycle. Your friends, on the other hand, have spent a fair amount of time building cycling-specific muscle and condition, and will have gained a fair amount of efficiency of effort and motion from the hours spent in the saddle. That counts for a lot - sort of the cycling equivilent of the "Old age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm" idea. It also depends upon your riding partners. I've been lucky enough to find people who are supportive to ride with. My experience has been that the folks who make rides _un_comfortable for slower folks don't much care if you are a minute slower or 5 minutes slower on a given climb - they'll still give you that grumbling smirk of disapproval. I also find that bringing baked good along in a saddlebag makes you a lot more popular. Also, asking general questions on subjects they love to talk about just as you hit the steepening parts is a good tactic. Then a couple of near-aerobic "hmmmmmm, what do you mean" interjections should keep them going until they are utterly breathless. > Will a 32 tire work for this? I would prefer to > only own one set of tires if this is possible. Realistically, the motor is what gets the bicycle and rider - not just the frame, mind you - up any climb. A narrower set of tires probably won't make all that much difference. And remember, you still have to come down the hills, and you may find that the Jack Browns offer far more bite and confidence there. hope that helps, - Jim -- Jim Edgar cyclofi...@earthlink.net Cyclofiend Bicycle Photo Galleries - http://www.cyclofiend.com Current Classics - Cross Bikes Singlespeed - Working Bikes Send In Your Photos! - Here's how: http://www.cyclofiend.com/guidelines "I had to ride slow because I was taking my guerrilla route, the one I follow when I assume that everyone in a car is out to get me." -- Neal Stephenson, "Zodiac" --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
