Hi Matt - welcome to the NW! I would suggest perusing the Cyclofiend pages for lots of good ideas. I echo some of Mike's advice, but I'd say the key thing is long fenders if you're planning on riding much in the rainy months. Short fenders are fairly worthless when you're going through puddles. I have some shorter Planet Bikes on an old mtb commuter, and I got really wet until I grew them some huge mudflaps that went nearly to the ground.
I have honjos on my AHH, and they are perfect! I also use a brooks B17 and just keep a cover for when it really starts raining. I generally park it inside, so no worries about it sitting in the rain. Here's some pics of variations I've done on this one: Noodles, Acorns, and Pasela 35s https://picasaweb.google.com/stonehog/KenmoreRide#5482535584482414002 Porteurs, Basket, and Jack Brown Blues https://picasaweb.google.com/stonehog/HilsenAcorn#5451356875513857314 Rando Bars, and Gran Bois Cypres tires https://picasaweb.google.com/stonehog/HilsenAcorn#5451356875513857314 I also have Albatross bars on another riv'd commute bike that shows the "too short" fenders and extra mudflaps: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonehog/5432332106/in/set-72157625889039111 As far as bags - the Acorns are great even in the rain - unless you're going to be in full downpours for more than an hour, your stuff should stay fairly dry inside. I fit underclothes and an iPad in mine and leave my pants/shirts at work. I used to use an Ortlieb Office pannier, but stopped after I used a Sackville Shopsack and the Acorns over the course of a rainy winter with no discernible difference in keeping my stuff dry. Now I just think the ortlieb is heavy :) As for tires - if you're looking for zippy - get the Cypres or Jack Brown Greens - awesome stuff. If you commute/ride over glass or other nasty road debris regularly - get something with some protection. I like the Schwalbe stuff I've tried on my other bikes (Big Apples and Kojaks). Bars are way too personal, but what I've found is that I like the porteur and albatross style best for the commute. The drops come in handy when there's a lot of headwind, but that's up to you. I am currently riding the Rando bars, and giving them a shot. OK so far, but definitely more back/neck soreness than usual. If you're not used to hills, just start with a triple. That will get you up anything. Lots of folks here run compact doubles (currently on my AHH), and there are a ton of fixed gears around, too. You'll figure it out... Brian Seattle On Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 11:23 AM, Matthew Snyder <mwsny...@gmail.com> wrote: > Hi RBW folks, > > I put down a deposit on a new AHH (63cm) and I'm looking for advice on > how to build it up. I'm relocating to Seattle after years of living > in various places where the biggest hills are highway overpasses. I'm > looking to build a commuter that can also handle weekend trips, > overnights, "light" touring, centuries... that sort of thing. I see > there are a few Seattle-area people on this list so I'm hoping to > elicit some insider advice. > > The AHH will not be my only bike. I already have a Bilenky porteur > (650B) that I will use for grocery runs and heavy loads. I have a > beater for locking up outside late at night. I want the AHH to be > zippier, more suited to a faster pace and longer rides. I have a set > of Acorn bags (large saddlebag and boxy rando bag) that I plan to use > as part of the build, and I'm hopeful that those bags will be enough > for daily use, perhaps augmented with a backpack on days when I need > extra capacity. I'm also considering a rear rack with panniers. I > have a set of orange Ortliebs which are great at keeping things dry > and for visibility, but lose points in the attractiveness category, I > think. > > I have been using albatross-style bars almost exclusively for the past > five or six years. But I'm thinking it makes sense to go with drops > on the AHH for the increased riding positions. > > I'm 6'3", 175lbs, in case that matters. > > Questions I have: > - What about the rain? Obviously fenders are a must, but I'm > interested in other suggestions from people living in rainy climates. > Are there certain components you'd recommend or not recommend? I'm > also very interested in tire suggestions -- my current favorite tires > are Hetres but it's been awhile since I've bought a quality 700c tire > and I'm not sure what people like for rainy, hilly areas. > > - Hills. I know this might sound silly, but I haven't had to think > much about gearing, living on flat ground. I always have enough gears > and I can usually get by with just one if need be. How do I know if I > want a compact double or a triple? > > - Saddles: I've been riding mostly Brooks for years, and I carry a > rainproof saddle cover with me. Should I consider some non-leather > alternatives, though? > > Thanks. This will be my first Riv! > > -- > Matthew Snyder > Ann Arbor, MI > > > -- > 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. > > -- 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.
