leather is fine, cover it. don't ride it wet, etc. I have seen claims that Hetre aren't good for winter around here but I have commuted through all the seasons here in Seattle (specifically the Central District and SODO areas) on them and been fine.
though with a hilsen you can't use them so.. I have had good luck with 35c tourguard paselas on my 700c bikes. regarding gearing, I don't think you can go wrong with the standard riv-style triple (28/36/48 or something). you can get by on a 30/46 though depending on your fitness level. so all of that said, welcome to Seattle. have you considered checking out SIR? http://www.seattlerandonneur.org/ On Monday, July 11, 2011 11:23:56 AM UTC-7, Matthew Snyder 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 view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/td8zh_UMnbAJ. 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.
