[fatandslow]

I would like to get some input here. As I understand it, Grant Peterson used to run Bridgestone's American marketing operation (anyone out there please help me if I'm wrong, including you Grant if you happen to be in the neighborhood) and now owns Rivendell Bicycle Works. He advocates (correct me if I'm wrong, don't want to put words in anyone's mouth) steel frames, clearance for much wider tires than the standard 700cx23, and a larger frame size for a given PBH (pubic bone height) than most. To tell you where I stand, I find his arguments very persuasive and his bikes blow my mind, at least from an aesthetic perspective. But... I read his diatribes about clipless pedals etc. and I'm not so sure.... please check out Lugged steel bicycles, wool clothing, and leather saddles from Rivendell Bicycle Works and tell me what you think.

[Industry_Hack]

Was there a question in there somewhere?

[fatandslow]

Check the title?

[Industry_Hack]

Without actually knowing what the argument is, I really can't say whether he's right or not. The tire size issue is moot without knowing the reasoning behind it. Same with the frame size - a larger frame is about more than just seat tube height, it's about top tube length, and therefore, reach.

I'm curious to know what his beef is with clipless pedals. Even Jock loves them.

[CTD50]

There was an editorial a few years ago in Bicycling Magazine by the senior editor, who was a 'client' of Grant's...and said that the bike he was fixed up with was a revelation! It seemed to enhance the editor's ride experience in a new way, don't remember all the details (and I don't think I still have that issue). He did state, however, that it wouldn't turn him away from his 'old' bikes and their 'inefficiencies'.

Grant Peterson's hate on clipless is one of silliness; he claims that racers are dictating to us what is proper to ride, and that most non-professionals are just going clipless for the fashion of it. I personally would like to take my riding shoes and clip him upside the head for that, because clipless enhances MY riding experience like nothing else! I could lose the gears, lose the suspension, lose the disc brakes, even -- but I will give up my cleats when they pry them from my cold, dead feet! I had to 'take a break' from clipless a couple years ago, due to failure of one of the pedals and my temporary inability to replace it. One week on platforms, and my legs were in full revolt! Cramps that woke me up at night! O heck NO!

I personally doubt Mr. P could do much for me; I like where I am with the bike.

[Burr]

Narrow and hard tires are fast, what more can you say.

Clips help so you can pull and push and this saves work.

I run half inch tires and wish I had 1/4 inch at times. air at or above 120psi. Haven had a flat in years but after saying this I'll have one tomorrow.

I have ride only clips on my road bike and walk around clips on my touring bike. YUP fill over twice this year at a stop but I ain't to smart and I'm a slow learner (20 years)

BUT, the biggest thing is to get out there and turn the cranks, pride comes with the ride!!!

Egg beater and fat tires on my city bike

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by Burr

I run half inch tires and wish I had 1/4 inch at times.

They'd be slower. Seriously.

[Burr]

Why, remember I am only on paved roads with no traffic.

I run above 120psi.

Teach the old man.

[CTD50]

where are you getting 1/2-inch tires? that's like 13mm! 19mm is the smallest i've ever heard of, for racers (tubulars), and 22mm is the smallest clincher (regular tire) I've evr encountered. BTW, if you run 120+psi, you're only faster if the pavement is absolutely smooth; you will bounce over irregularities, and bouncing slows you down.

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by Burr

Why, remember I am only on paved roads with no traffic.

I run above 120psi.

Teach the old man.

http://www.twospoke.com/forum/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=5253