F
Fred
Guest
All I can say is that I hope all of it works out - bike
brake and weather and the transit strike so that you
ENJOY biking.
__o -\<, ( )( ) Keep on pedaling.
Or in this case - START pedaling
On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 22:46:36 -0600, Prairie Roots
<[email protected]> wrote:
>LOL. Compared to sitting on a 10F portapotty seat, bike
>stuff is pretty boring. To avoid having to go out there,
>I'm sure to get lots of practice exercising control of
>certain muscles over the next few weeks.
>
>Today I was glad for the transit strike. I'm the driver of
>my neighborhood carpool so NO standing outside in frigid
>temps. Our blast of winter was only a one-day thing. We
>return to 35F tomorrow, up to the mid-40sF over the weekend
>and extending into next week.
>
>I did mention on the phone with the owner today that I
>chose to patronize his shop for the very reasons you cite.
>He seemed to appreciate the comments, but... We'll see. If
>he keeps hiring high school kids to run the shop in his
>absence, he needs to do a better job of training.
>
>BINGO! You found a picture of my front brake. I think the
>left side of the black accordion brake boot is supposed to
>fit into the slot on the quick release mechanism, but I
>can't make it fit. That's what I need this guy to show me.
>I also need help getting the seat in the right position and
>at the right height.
>
>OK, that's as much thinking about this stuff as I can
>handle for tonight.
>
>I'm indebted to you for all your assistance.
>
>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 19:21:13 -0800, Fred
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I will skip the boring bike stuff and go right to the
>>portapotti at 10F!!!!! Yes, reminds of winter camping and
>>why I do it so infrequently (g)
>>
>>Yup, I would not want to ride in that either. Rarely these
>>days below freezing even - very rarely.
>>
>>Good luck with THE OWNER. I think that I would also
>>emphasize when you do see him that you purposely went with
>>the small local place expecting some personal service.
>>Maybe he will remember that, emphasize it with his
>>employees and also help with future tuneups.
>>
>>Best getting full satisfaction and going above 32F again
>>sometime before July! (G)
>>
>>Here's a pic of a v brake and frankly, it gives me no
>>clue (G)
>>
>>http://www.bikesmart.com/index.cfm?menu=browse&cid=BRK&ss-
>>id=PAOHADGIDFGFJHAK&ap=39.99&StartRow=1
>>
>>I see there are various models with the same design. If
>>I can get to a bike shop tomorrow I will see what I
>>learn (G)
>>
>>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 18:03:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>Wow. More thanks to you.
>>>
>>>I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
>>>arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
>>>talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
>>>I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
>>>to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
>>>the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>
>>>
>>>I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
>>>explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then
>>>asked if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are
>>>experienced cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful
>>>for a referral to another bike shop willing to cater to a
>>>novice. No, no, he assured me that he appreciates my
>>>business and will do whatever is necessary to make me
>>>happy. He couldn't explain over the phone how to
>>>reconnect my brake, but he told me enough that I know I'm
>>>doing something wrong. Dan told me to come in either
>>>tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any time and to ask
>>>for him. He'll walk me through all the parts of the bike
>>>and make sure I understand everything about it. I'll see
>>>how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and all the stuff I
>>>bought just in case I need to return everything.
>>>
>>>We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
>>>not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
>>>block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
>>>outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a
>>>person just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.
>>>
>>>Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
>>>links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
>>>track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
>>>doubt I'll have more questions.
>>>
>>>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:50:11 -0800, Fred
>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>>Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
>>>>or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
>>>>of those brawny workmen
>>>>- motorcycles, perhaps (G)
>>>>
>>>>Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner
>>>>(unless that is who you dealt with already). Clearly,
>>>>they may think you will not be buying another bike and
>>>>so don't really care but most shops want the loyalty
>>>>since there are all kinds of accessories one may come
>>>>back for. I know this may be unwanted advice, but you
>>>>can be honest and explain you have not had a bike in
>>>>years and really do need help in understanding how it
>>>>works - calipers and cables and latches (there really
>>>>are a number of ways of "loosening" the brakes around
>>>>the rim and even I had to figure it out on my newest
>>>>bike where the lever that did it was well-integrated and
>>>>not all that obvious. Some are on the brake lever (the
>>>>handbar thingie), some are on the calipers (the part
>>>>that tightened at the tire) and some use the "Y" cable
>>>>and just slip out of a fitting also near the wheel rim.
>>>>
>>>>On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
>>>>there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
>>>>between the moving handle and the brake body by the
>>>>handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
>>>>one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
>>>>camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.
>>>>
>>>>And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
>>>>slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
>>>>as the pads wear down a bit.
>>>>
>>>>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:26:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
>>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has
>>>>>different brakes front and back so no help there. F:
>>>>>Shimano V brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
>>>>>R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.
>>>>>
>>>>>I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
>>>>>sites you found and also follow your advice about
>>>>>calmly ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--
>>>>>so no recourse there.
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
>>>>>got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
>>>>>"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
>>>>>thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it
>>>>>work that way.
>>>>>
>>>>>So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
>>>>>today, study the book, study the links you found for
>>>>>me, call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
>>>>>shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
>>>>>have to.
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
>>>>>to help.
>>>>>
>>>>>Linda P
>>>>>
>>>>>On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
>>>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>>>>>>sites that might help.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>>>>>>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>>>>>>pic of it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake
>>>>>>looks like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-adjustment.html
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>>>>>>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>>>>>>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>>>>>>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>>>>>>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>>>>>>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>>>>>>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>>>>>>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>>>>>>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>>>>>>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>>>>>>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you
>>>>>>use a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or
>>>>>>challenge the payment unless they give you some
>>>>>>additional support. They should also generally include
>>>>>>one free checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>>>>>>offer some info:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/states/mn.htm
>>>>>>
>>>>>>More questions?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>>>>>>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>>>>>>0600, Prairie Roots <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>>>>>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>>>>>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>>>>>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>>>>>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>>>>>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>>>>>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>>>>>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>>>>>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>>>>>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>>>>>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>>>>>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>>>>>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull
>>>>>>>or centerpull type.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>>>>>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>>>>>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>>>>>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>>>>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003
>>>
>>>Linda P
>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003
>
>Linda P
>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003
brake and weather and the transit strike so that you
ENJOY biking.
__o -\<, ( )( ) Keep on pedaling.
Or in this case - START pedaling
On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 22:46:36 -0600, Prairie Roots
<[email protected]> wrote:
>LOL. Compared to sitting on a 10F portapotty seat, bike
>stuff is pretty boring. To avoid having to go out there,
>I'm sure to get lots of practice exercising control of
>certain muscles over the next few weeks.
>
>Today I was glad for the transit strike. I'm the driver of
>my neighborhood carpool so NO standing outside in frigid
>temps. Our blast of winter was only a one-day thing. We
>return to 35F tomorrow, up to the mid-40sF over the weekend
>and extending into next week.
>
>I did mention on the phone with the owner today that I
>chose to patronize his shop for the very reasons you cite.
>He seemed to appreciate the comments, but... We'll see. If
>he keeps hiring high school kids to run the shop in his
>absence, he needs to do a better job of training.
>
>BINGO! You found a picture of my front brake. I think the
>left side of the black accordion brake boot is supposed to
>fit into the slot on the quick release mechanism, but I
>can't make it fit. That's what I need this guy to show me.
>I also need help getting the seat in the right position and
>at the right height.
>
>OK, that's as much thinking about this stuff as I can
>handle for tonight.
>
>I'm indebted to you for all your assistance.
>
>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 19:21:13 -0800, Fred
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I will skip the boring bike stuff and go right to the
>>portapotti at 10F!!!!! Yes, reminds of winter camping and
>>why I do it so infrequently (g)
>>
>>Yup, I would not want to ride in that either. Rarely these
>>days below freezing even - very rarely.
>>
>>Good luck with THE OWNER. I think that I would also
>>emphasize when you do see him that you purposely went with
>>the small local place expecting some personal service.
>>Maybe he will remember that, emphasize it with his
>>employees and also help with future tuneups.
>>
>>Best getting full satisfaction and going above 32F again
>>sometime before July! (G)
>>
>>Here's a pic of a v brake and frankly, it gives me no
>>clue (G)
>>
>>http://www.bikesmart.com/index.cfm?menu=browse&cid=BRK&ss-
>>id=PAOHADGIDFGFJHAK&ap=39.99&StartRow=1
>>
>>I see there are various models with the same design. If
>>I can get to a bike shop tomorrow I will see what I
>>learn (G)
>>
>>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 18:03:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>Wow. More thanks to you.
>>>
>>>I'm out the door in the morning before the full crew
>>>arrives to hack at my house. None of the bike riders I've
>>>talked to at work are familiar with the Shimano V brake
>>>I've got. I called the bike shop today and asked to speak
>>>to the owner. I came up with that idea on my own without
>>>the prior benefit of reading suggestion below. <G>
>>>
>>>I told the shop owner (Dan) what happened last night,
>>>explained that I'm new to biking and bikes, and then
>>>asked if perhaps his shop prefers customers who are
>>>experienced cyclists and racers. If so, I'd be grateful
>>>for a referral to another bike shop willing to cater to a
>>>novice. No, no, he assured me that he appreciates my
>>>business and will do whatever is necessary to make me
>>>happy. He couldn't explain over the phone how to
>>>reconnect my brake, but he told me enough that I know I'm
>>>doing something wrong. Dan told me to come in either
>>>tomorrow before 6 p.m. or Saturday any time and to ask
>>>for him. He'll walk me through all the parts of the bike
>>>and make sure I understand everything about it. I'll see
>>>how it goes. I'll bring my receipt and all the stuff I
>>>bought just in case I need to return everything.
>>>
>>>We've returned to winter for a bit -- it's 10F -- so I'm
>>>not in any hurry this evening to be riding around the
>>>block on a bicycle. Shoot, it's too cold to be going
>>>outside to use the portapotty. Sometimes, though, a
>>>person just has to suck it up and do the hard thing.
>>>
>>>Again, thank you so much for your assistance. Some of the
>>>links I'd found on my own. Nice to know I was on right
>>>track. I've bookmarked them all for future reference. No
>>>doubt I'll have more questions.
>>>
>>>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:50:11 -0800, Fred
>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>>Maybe there is a bikie where you work or in the building
>>>>or at least someone mechanically inclined. How 'bout one
>>>>of those brawny workmen
>>>>- motorcycles, perhaps (G)
>>>>
>>>>Good luck. I would ask to speak to the shop owner
>>>>(unless that is who you dealt with already). Clearly,
>>>>they may think you will not be buying another bike and
>>>>so don't really care but most shops want the loyalty
>>>>since there are all kinds of accessories one may come
>>>>back for. I know this may be unwanted advice, but you
>>>>can be honest and explain you have not had a bike in
>>>>years and really do need help in understanding how it
>>>>works - calipers and cables and latches (there really
>>>>are a number of ways of "loosening" the brakes around
>>>>the rim and even I had to figure it out on my newest
>>>>bike where the lever that did it was well-integrated and
>>>>not all that obvious. Some are on the brake lever (the
>>>>handbar thingie), some are on the calipers (the part
>>>>that tightened at the tire) and some use the "Y" cable
>>>>and just slip out of a fitting also near the wheel rim.
>>>>
>>>>On the lever area - move the lever and look it over -
>>>>there may be something that moves in or neaer the slot
>>>>between the moving handle and the brake body by the
>>>>handlebar. On the caliper, also a little sliding part on
>>>>one arm or the other on the caliper (can be well-
>>>>camoflarged). The Y cable is more easy to spot.
>>>>
>>>>And, yes, there may be a turning barrel but that allows
>>>>slight adjustments and tweaking if the brakes squeak or
>>>>as the pads wear down a bit.
>>>>
>>>>On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:26:17 -0600, Prairie Roots
>>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>Many many thanks for your replies. My bike has
>>>>>different brakes front and back so no help there. F:
>>>>>Shimano V brake / Shimano Nexus lever;
>>>>>R: Shimano Nexus / Shimano AutoD dual control lever.
>>>>>
>>>>>I think I've got it figured out but I'll look at the
>>>>>sites you found and also follow your advice about
>>>>>calmly ranting. I paid by check--it cleared last week--
>>>>>so no recourse there.
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm not up on the terminology of brake parts, but I've
>>>>>got the cable hooked into the right slot, but there's a
>>>>>"rubber" accordion thing covering the cable that I
>>>>>thought also fit into the hook. But I can't make it
>>>>>work that way.
>>>>>
>>>>>So I'll take my hard-won owner's manual with me to work
>>>>>today, study the book, study the links you found for
>>>>>me, call the bike shop, look for some alternative bike
>>>>>shops, and give it another go tonight. Pics online if I
>>>>>have to.
>>>>>
>>>>>Thanks again. I really appreciate the effort you made
>>>>>to help.
>>>>>
>>>>>Linda P
>>>>>
>>>>>On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:19:46 -0800, Fred
>>>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>Sorry about the delay but I have been searching for
>>>>>>sites that might help.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>First, do you have the link for you bike model again?
>>>>>>That might have info on the brake type. Or at least a
>>>>>>pic of it.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Here's one link - page down and see if your brake
>>>>>>looks like the 2nd picture??? (see below)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cantilever-adjustment.html
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Also, usually the front and rear have the same type so
>>>>>>look at the rear one and see if you can figure it out.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>There are generally two types of brakes. One has a
>>>>>>pretty rigid metal caliper stuff and the release is
>>>>>>might be at the brake level (handle bars) or a small
>>>>>>clip like thing down by the brake shoes (rubber pads).
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The other uses a "Y" cable type of arrangement and the
>>>>>>release is just a small BUMP on the end of the cable
>>>>>>that slips into a slot/fitting on the metal caliper.
>>>>>>You need to squeeze the pad holders to the wheel to
>>>>>>slip the cable's bump into the fitting. In that web
>>>>>>site's pic, the words "anchor bolt" overlay the end of
>>>>>>the wire/cable where the bump fits into the brake.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Now, I would call the shop and RANT CALMLY. Did you
>>>>>>use a credit card? Suggest you might withhold or
>>>>>>challenge the payment unless they give you some
>>>>>>additional support. They should also generally include
>>>>>>one free checkup since cables stretch a bit.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I really am sorry this is not turning out terrific.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Also here's a Minn bike link. Some thing there may
>>>>>>offer some info:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>http://www.mikebentley.com/bike/states/mn.htm
>>>>>>
>>>>>>More questions?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>It really is hard in text like this - hey, digital
>>>>>>camera? a quick pic? On Wed, 10 Mar 2004 20:34:11 -
>>>>>>0600, Prairie Roots <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I picked up my bike today. I love it, but I'm more
>>>>>>>than a little irritated with the shop where I
>>>>>>>purchased it. No help whatsoever. "There's your bike,
>>>>>>>thanks. Bye." I had to ask for an owner's manual. No
>>>>>>>offer to show me anything, or to help me get it into
>>>>>>>my van. Nothing. Nada. One of the customers who was
>>>>>>>leaving the store right behind me saw me struggling
>>>>>>>and came over to help. He showed me how to take the
>>>>>>>front tire off by releasing the lever on the front
>>>>>>>fork. He also showed me how to release the brake
>>>>>>>cable. Apparently I can learn only one thing at a
>>>>>>>time. I got the tire back on but I can't figure out
>>>>>>>how to reconnect the brake. I think it's a sidepull
>>>>>>>or centerpull type.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>So here's my question. Do you know of any Web sites
>>>>>>>with clear and easy instructions for how to reconnect
>>>>>>>my bike brake? I've been Googling but not coming up
>>>>>>>with anything. My owner's manual isn't much help.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Thanks for any pointers. Linda P
>>>>>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003
>>>
>>>Linda P
>>>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003
>
>Linda P
>232/159.6/WW goal 145 joined WW Online 22-Feb-2003