My New Luna Bike!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Woo-HOOOOOOO!!!!! It's here! Arrived yesterday from Colorado, and we've been setting it up all morning.
TIG welded steel custom road bike with semi-touring geometry, made to my measurements. Extra wide gear range for hills.
Color- sort of a beeswax/custard. I designed the little bee image for the toptube. (bees have been a recurring thing in my life)
Here are some pictures:

5673

5674

5675

5676

5677

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Last picture....
5678

I gotta run out the door for a couple hours....going roller skating at the rink :) ....be back later tonight.
Wheeeeeee...... :)

[GLC1968]

It's BEE-youtiful, Lisa!!

I love the matte finish on it (am I seeing that correctly?) and the bee is the perfect personal touch!

Congratulations! Have you been out on a ride yet?

[redrhodie]

Wow, Lisa, that's very smart looking. It's really, really beautiful! I love the color, especially with that saddle. So nice to see something so lovingly designed and executed. You must be so excited!

[MM_QFC!]

Gorgeous! Best wishes for many happy miles to you both! Really cool head badge too...great job designing it...just really sweet!
Mary

[madscot13]

that is a great bike. can I have the component run down?


ps, I love powergrips- so easy and UNbreakable!

[Pax]

Ooooooooh, very nice!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm so sorry to post and run- but I gotta run right now, it was all I could do to get these pix posted before I left---I will answer questions about the components etc. later tonight when i get back!
Yes, matte finish. Rode around the block 3 times- feels good but can't tell much til a bigger ride maybe tomorrow.

I'll be back later. Yes, I'm excited! :p

[jesvetmed]

How exciting for you! I LOVE the bee.... great job on everything. Can't wait to hear how she rides!
Jes

[Thorn]

Simply gorgeous! Love the bee! So...how does she (is it a she?) ride?

But, inquiring minds....why does the seatpost have a bend?

May you have many happy miles together!

[Grog]

Beauty!!

[sgtiger]

Gorgeous! The bee is a nice touch. <raises imaginary glass of champagne> BSG, happy riding!:cool::D

[Geonz]

I'm breathless and amazed. Gooorrrgeous.

[SandyLS]

Beautiful bike, Lisa. I hope the two of you have many safe and happy miles together.

[mudmucker]

Very nice. Contratulations and of course well-deserved. Shall await the ride reports.

[mimitabby]

che bella! I like it. It is sublime. Thanks for posting photos even when you were in a hurry. It came; 2 days early didn't it?!

[xeney]

So pretty. Can't wait to hear the specs.

[Zen]

Butternut

[KatyLady]

What a gorgeous bike. Looks like all those months of waiting were worth it! I have a custom steel of my own on order and the wait is killing me. Hope mine turns out as nice as yours. Like others I'm anxious to see the specs but will certainly understand if you spend time riding before feeding our "need to know".

Congratulations . . . enjoy!

[tulip]

Welcome to the Luna world! Yours is beautiful. Butternut for sure!

My Luna is the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden, and I've ridden alot of bikes. It's like riding on a cloud, really! And I love that they are hand made by a woman. I visited Margo when she was in New Mexico, and it was just her and her dogs and her tools (and alot of bike frames) in her garage. Very neat lady indeed.

Congratulations and I can't wait to read your detailed report later.

[VeloVT]

hmmm... I think Brooks makes leather tape... hmmm.... (white might be pretty also).

But of course, it's simply gorgeous just as it is. Congratulations and enjoy!!! Steel frames are so pretty and I love the color. Flan. Buttermilk. Dulce de Leche. Vanilla. Mmmmm!!!!

[Bad JuJu]

Woo-hoo! What a classic beauty! Love the bee, of course, and the color is simply delicious. Enjoy and let us know how she rides. I know you can't wait to do some major miles!

[sbctwin]

What a beauty of a bike...the color is calming...Here's to many, many happy miles...

[7rider]

Very pretty...and very subtle.
Is it paint or powder coat?
How did you do the bee?
And a carbon fork?? Wow.... ;)
What kind of wheels on it?
What will become of your other bike?
(eek! So many questions!!!)

Well...congratulations, and many long and happy rides.

[Trekhawk]

Beautiful bike Lisa!!

I hope you have many wonderful adventures together.:)

[Tuckervill]

Lovely, just lovely. :)

Karen

[emily_in_nc]

Ooooh, very pretty! I love it!

Enjoy MANY happy and safe miles on her....

Emily

[Aggie_Ama]

Lisa she is a beauty!! Is she everything you hoped for or more? Can't wait to hear about your longer rides. :D

[KnottedYet]

Wow! That is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations!

Wow!

Wow!
:eek:

[Harley]

WhooWhee, she is a pretty ride. Love the color, and the Brooks saddle with classic bike bag. You'll have many many miles together.
Congrats!

[Wahine]

Lisa that bike is beautiful in a very elegant kind of a way. I love the bee. Congratulations.:cool:

[DebW]

Sweet

[KnottedYet]

Oh, Oh, Oh! I just noticed the word "Luna" on the downtube! Wow, how elegant and subtle!

[Fredwina]

Congrats - may you tow have many happy miles together:)

[cosc]

Your new ride looks like she will be as smooth and sweet as honey. Congratulations!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, a girl comes back from roller skating and finds so many nice posts from you all....thank you so much!

Hmmm....first to answer a few of the questions asked:

TIG welded steel frame.
The Seat tube is 'bent' in the middle to achieve standard setback as opposed to the more usual setback at the top of it where it meets the saddle. It's just a design variation, nothing 'fancy'.

It is indeed powdercoated, not paint. A matte finish (people told me that light colors don't look good in matte finish...phooey I say!) And yes Knot, I had them do the usual Luna logo but in a shade very slightly lighter than the main coat so that you have to look twice to see it. The bee was a drawing that I adjusted a bit and paid extra to have the bike painters make as a decal on both sides of the top tube. They did a good job with all the tiny feet, etc.

I dislike logos, and spent quite a bit of time this morning removing the 8 stubborn loud stickers from my new rims. Also installed the PowerGrip straps inside out to hide thier logos too. :rolleyes:
I love PowerGrip straps on my nice wide MKS touring pedals. I can wear any shoes I want! They feel snug when your feet are in, and you just turn heel out and back to remove your foot from the diagonal strap.

The very beautiful steel headbadge is the official Luna bike headbadge and I think it is just stunning.

I waited about 5 months for this bike, which I actually think is a pretty short time for a custom. I was very happy to get it so quickly. Margo (the owner and builder at Luna Cycles) is very efficient and all her predicted dates were accurate.

I'm kind of a retro bike fan, but I did go with a carbon fork this time. :cool: A Reynolds Ouzo Pro.
The wheelsets are by Velocity, with Arrowhead rims. Black rims, hubs, and spokes.
Continental GrandPrix 4 Season tires (flat resistant) 700x25.

The bike is a 9-speed, mostly Ultegra level, except the mountain/touring gearing parts are XT etc.
Shimano ST-R600 9-speed short reach brifters.
Salsa Poco handlebars with Cinelli cork tape
Deda Logo stem
Chris King black headset.

Phil Wood bottom bracket
TA Carmina crankset
24/36/48 triple rings
Shimano XT front der.

Rear cassette 12-34 with XTR Shimano derailleur

Yes this is a very wide gear range. Believe me, at age 54, I need all the help I can get on the hills around here. ;)

Brooks B68 saddle
Bagman rear saddlebag brace
Baggins/Rivendell 'Little Joe' saddlebag
2 water bottle cages (for those long hot rides!)

Total weight of the bike with Brooks saddle, pedals, cages, computer, etc (but without the saddlebag) is 20 pounds. That's 4 pounds lighter than my Rivendell. The Luna's tubing is lighter weight since the bike was not made for a typical man's weight.

I'm probably forgetting stuff.

My Rivendell will be my second bike. I intend to keep it and keep using it. (I need to get another saddle now!) I always felt uneasy having only one bike, if it needs fixing or gets damaged or stolen (god forbid). Two is a safe feeling.
Whether there will be a huge difference in comfort or speed between the two bikes remains to be seen. But after an around the block ride the Luna seems lighter and not as long. Turns quicker, and has the feel of a slightly smaller frame. I can't wait to go on a 15-20 mile test ride....and tomorrow's forecast is for 50 degrees and sunny!!!!- what incredible luck! :D :D I will have to get used to the brifters, after my beloved bar end shifters the new brifters seem weird. All that clicking! :eek:
I will report back after that ride for sure.

[MM_QFC!]

Thanks for all of the particulars, Lisa; your lovely new bike is just exquisite...I'll think of you from this coast, as I'm taking tomorrow off and going for a ride too - tailwinds!
Mary

[madscot13]

I really appreciate all of the information. I'm actually looking into that gearing also- and I'm not 54. (I hope that made you feel more comfortable about the gearing, although you probably are self confident enough not to need it.)

May I ask why did you choose the TA Carmina crankset? I'm just going through my options: you could have purchased an equivalent sugino xd- 500t, deore XT (even though it might be very ugly on your road bike), or any other mid range trekking cranks? I've never heard of TA carmina before, I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.

thanks and once again that is a beautiful bike. I might have to start daydreaming about my own luna

[Meg McKilty]

Oh my, that's a hot little bike!
I love the bee- I used to be a beekeeper! And the Brooks saddle is very nice.

[divingbiker]

Very nice, Lisa. I think I've got the same gearing on my Rivendell. Sometimes on big downhills I run out of gears, so I think when I go custom I'll have a bit bigger gear up front. It's interesting to see what others choose when they go custom...I'm filing it away for my future dream bike. Have fun riding it!

[Velobambina]

Gorgeous and classy, just like her owner!

[Crankin]

I can't wait until Kredo can go riding with her. I hope they get along, since they are so different...
Seriously, the bike looks gorgeous. Mazel Tov.

[OakLeaf]

Bee-autiful!

[Bron]

What an elegant-looking bike. I like the lack of glaring logos.

[tulip]

Is the frame an Eclipse or an Orbit? Very nice.

[Andrea]

How awesome is that?!?! What a gorgeous bike!

[Jo-n-NY]

That is a beautiful bike Lisa. congratulations and may you have many enjoyable and safe riding miles.

~ JoAnn

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thank you. :)

It's an Eclipse (road)....sort of...I guess. Though Margo really just sort of made up a custom geometry that would fit my body measurements and my riding goals. It's part touring and part road bike. It really is a custom bike in every sense of the word. There was a lot of planning and somewhat challenging component coordination.

My Rivendell has the same gear range....but we had to do a lot of juggling and changing of parts to get it. That range does not come standard on Rivs. Running out of gears on a downhill?- has not happened to me yet. I figure by the time I hit 40mph I probably won't be pedaling anyway! :eek: ;)

The TA Carmina crankset provided the exact number of front ring cog combinations that we wanted, which was 24/36/48. A Shimano Ultegra triple would usually come with 30/39/52 (not a low enough granny gear for me). The TA is also adaptable to swapping rings later to change cog numbers --like if I get 'super quads' later on. ;)

Later I will be staining/sealing the cork tape in a nice coordinating color.

[twin]

That is not only beautiful it is hot! That is one of the best bikes I have ever seen. Many happy miles to you.

[Triskeliongirl]

She is georgeous! CONGRATS!!! I can't wait to hear the first ride report. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rij73]

Beautiful! May you have many happy years together...

[SouthernBelle]

I like that color. & the Brooks looks so good with it.

[Ninabike]

Beautiful bike Lisa. It should "turn some heads" among knowledgable bike folk you meet on the road. May you have many happy and safe miles together.

[spokewench]

What a lovely retro bike

[Blueberry]

Lisa-

The is bee--you--tee--ful (sorry, I couldn't resist!).

Looking forward to your maiden voyage report:)

CA

[short cut sally]

Lisa, love the color of that bike. and at first i wasnt so sure about that matte finish, then i took a second look and decided i really like that. the color and finish is so different from what i've seen and i think that's what i like about it. i do have a question, with it being a matte finish, it should wash the same as any bike with the regular shiny finish correct? I am assuming it must have like a clear coat or something? enjoy your bike..hope you got to ride it today, it might have been near 50 today but man, are those winds out there today horrible, at least in my area of the state..

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, had my first actual ride today- 16 miles on a beautiful sunny Spring day about 40 degrees.

There are things about this bike that are identical to my older bike (my Rivendell)- the saddle, handlebars, pedals, gearing range....those things were blessedly familiar and so they eased and diminished the 'oh how weirdly different!' factor for me.

The brifters are taking a bit of time to get used to from my old bar end shifters. I'm sure I will get used to them but I do already miss being able to zip through 3 or 4 cassette gears at once when confronted with a sudden steep altitude change. I'll get the hang of these things. :rolleyes: They remind me of click beetles. :cool:

The new bike is 4 pounds lighter (mostly because of lighter tubing more appropriate for my weight) and the top tube is shorter and the stem is 2cm longer. Overall this makes the new Luna feel a little quicker, smaller feeling, and more responsive. A little more 'get up and go'. It also turns better than the slightly longer Rivendell.
I am slightly more bent forward, but still I look way more upright than typical roadbike riders. Happily, I have no back or neck issues.

I do feel that I can get behind my pedaling a little more- meaning that I think my butt is further behind the crank. I always felt a bit too balanced on top of the crank on the other bike- felt I could never get far enough back to get more power, even though the reach was already too long. So I must be better balanced now. That was a major issue I was hoping to improve, so that's good.
The nasty left elbow pain/ache that I usually always get after 10 miles no matter what did not materialize today- only a very slight twinge happened but it never got any worse. I was very glad about that- it's been an ongoing biking discomfort for 2 years. Again this indicates to me that my weight is better distributed back (off my hands) and the reach is less long.

Another treat was being able to actually wrap my fingers around the brake levers for a change! Love those short reach levers with shims! :p

The first few miles I was not really sure if I was indeed more comfortable overall or not. Things were different enough to feel confusing, and there was no dramatic orgasmic "Oh My God this bike is incredible!" revelation like some people have. :rolleyes: But by the last five miles I just started feeling very natural on it and I felt connected to it. My Rivendell feels a little longer and heavier and I always feel a bit like I am riding on top of this great machine. This bike feels more like I am connected to it and I feel in control of it more. The differences are more subtle and complex than I thought they would be.
I really like this bike and was quite comfortable on it by the end of the ride.
I bet it will feel better and better every ride now. Already my two biggest problems seem much improved- the "elbow pain with weight on hands/reach" thing, and the "getting my center of gravity back more and getting power-behind-my-pedaling" thing.

It's a keeper. :)

It told me it's a 'girl', by the way. My Rivendell Rambouillet has always definitely been a 'boy'. :p



P.S. Shelly yes it has ClearCoat finish on top. It'll get the same dings and scratches as any other bike. I've come to terms with that concept.

[Triskeliongirl]

One thing I noticed in the pic, is your bars seem tilted up at quite a high angle. You may have had to do that on the riv to shorten the reach, but maybe its making your positioning on the brifters sub-optimal. If the reach is correct, you should be able to angle the bars so the drops are either parallel to the ground, or pointed only slightly up. If you feel good with how your hands are contacting the brifters, then maybe you just need time to get used to the new shifting.

But overall from your description, it sounds like the fit is great, just that perhaps the fit of the riv wasn't as bad as you thought. Being one with the bike, and balanced over your bike is key, so its great that all feels right!

[madscot13]

It'll get the same dings and scratches as any other bike. I've come to terms with that concept.

how does one come to terms with that?

[Mr. SR500]

Very Nice! Welcome to the world of STI, I think you'll come to love them in short order. Bike looks great, color blends nicely and carbon fork seems to fit in just fine with the classic features. Love the King headset and Thomson seatpost. Now I know why you went 9 - speed (to get that large cassette), and I understand.

Finally as a guy, I gotta say you need a smaller bag :)

Great Bike! Enjoy!

[yellow]

Congratulations on your new baby! You don't have to send them to college and if you spoil them rotten they are good to you.

Very classy.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Finally as a guy, I gotta say you need a smaller bag :)


Never! Step a-w-a-y from my Little Joe! :mad:



Madscot- you come to terms with little scratches and dings because it shows that it's a well loved and used machine (just like my beloved banjos with little dings and smudges). It's like how wrinkles give you character! Many models with flawless faces tend to look like they have no personality, cold and empty.

[KnottedYet]

Madscot- you come to terms with little scratches and dings because it shows that it's a well loved and used machine (just like my beloved banjos with little dings and smudges). It's like how wrinkles give you character! Many models with flawless faces tend to look like they have no personality, cold and empty.

Ok, maybe I can use that to come to terms with my bike boo-boos.
That ding where I whacked my chainstay with the pedal wrench? Character, baby, it's added character.

Feng Shui or Wang Chung or Wabi Sabi or whatever it's called.

[DDH]

beautiful bike Lisa. Congratulations. Do you name your bikes? If so whats her name?

[bambu101]

Beautiful! She looks like a lovely buttercup color, like the wildflowers that grow in New England.

Congratulations!

[tulip]

Lisa, your description of your ride is great. You describe very much how I feel on my Luna--as it (her) being an extension of me, or I of it (her). It's the first bike that I've ridden that I really feel like part of the machine, not perched on it, not fighting it.

My Luna is a persimmon-orange-red, and I named her Carmen Bacana (bacana means "cool" in Brazilian Portuguese), but I usually just call her Luna (sometimes Luanne when I've had a few!)

Congratulations on a beautiful ride made by a beautiful woman with a couple of beautiful dogs helping her out!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa, your description of your ride is great. You describe very much how I feel on my Luna--as it (her) being an extension of me, or I of it (her). It's the first bike that I've ridden that I really feel like part of the machine, not perched on it, not fighting it.

My Luna is a persimmon-orange-red, and I named her Carmen Bacana (bacana means "cool" in Brazilian Portuguese), but I usually just call her Luna (sometimes Luanne when I've had a few!)


I suppose it will take me a while to find the right name for my bike- it is a girl bike though, so that narrows it down some.

Isn't your Carmen persimmon-red Luna pictured on the Luna website gallery? Post a link here so we can all admire it! It's HOT!!!!

I have tried smaller saddlebags but have found I just can't make everything fit....sturdycable&lock, tube, small pump, patch kit, a couple of tools, extra wool shirt or a wind vest, wool glove liners (the weather quickly changes here and suddenly get cold or windy), snack for long rides, emergency bungee cord and a few bandages, a bandana, roadmap, ID and money, cellphone.....sigh. We ride typically 2-4 hour (sometimes up to 8 hour) rides in mostly rural areas so there is little chance of being near a gas station when you need any assistance. I need to be self-sufficient if a problem occurs when I'm out there in the middle of nowhere on a wooded road alone. If I was just riding up and down paved main roads dotted with stores I wouldn't need to bring much. Hey at least I don't have to pack any hair curlers! :D

[7rider]

.. and there was no dramatic orgasmic "Oh My God this bike is incredible!" revelation like some people have. :rolleyes: But by the last five miles I just started feeling very natural on it and I felt connected to it.



I can see that. When you go from one high-quality, well made bicycle to another high-quality well made - and custom - bicycle...I would not be surprised at your statement. I felt the same way going from my stock Seven to my custom Seven. Improved fit...different ride, and yeah...better "connection" to the bike.

And, Mr. SR500...you are SUCH a guy! I was heavily influenced by guys at the start of my riding (even the women who influenced me were more "guy like" in their habits/styles), and consequently, I .. um.. travel light. Tiny Pedros bag. But 90% of the other women I see out there have great big honkin' saddle bags. Like they're going on an expedition. It's a girl thing.

[tulip]

Isn't your Carmen persimmon-red Luna pictured on the Luna website gallery? Post a link here so we can all admire it! It's HOT!!!!

Last time I looked, Margo still had it in the Photo Gallery of her website (www.lunacycles.com) way down at the bottom (I bought it in 2005). Yeah, she's hot; took a while for me to feel like I could keep up.

EDIT: I just looked at the photo gallery. ALL those bikes are hot! Love the simple single speeds.

[Starfish]

Lisa, that is a gorgeous, classic bike. LOVE the bee!!


It's a girl thing.

I dunno. I think it might be a personality type thing. My ex-husband always rode with a full trunk rack...he wanted to be uber-prepared for anything. But then, that was how he travelled in a car, too. Me, I can dash off for a long road trip with just a toothbrush. That said, my bike bag is not super big, not super small. I think it is a personality thing.

Lisa, again...gorgeous bike.

[GLC1968]

I always feel a bit like I am riding on top of this great machine. This bike feels more like I am connected to it and I feel in control of it more.

I felt this exact same feeling when I went from both of my first two bikes to my current bike. Mine's not custom, but because I finally got a good fit, I'm amazed how I went from feeling like I was riding a machine to feeling like the machine was connected to me. I never could explain it right and I think you just did!

Congrats! (and it does get better with each and every ride!)



I dunno. I think it might be a personality type thing. My ex-husband always rode with a full trunk rack...he wanted to be uber-prepared for anything. But then, that was how he travelled in a car, too. Me, I can dash off for a long road trip with just a toothbrush. That said, my bike bag is not super big, not super small. I think it is a personality thing.


Ditto. MY DH does the same thing and I much prefer to travel light...especially on the bike! :)

[Aggie_Ama]

Lisa- Get your DH to take some action shots!! :D:p

My saddle bag is a mountain wedge, carries a tube, tire levers, CO2, tampon, small thing of sunscreen, eye drops and a tiny bottle of Aleve. My jersey pockets have cell phone, wallet and food stuff now plus arm warmers in the cooler months. DH is too proud to put one on his bike and carries everything in his jersey pockets. For a while my bike was nekkid (no bag) and looked great but I looked like a pack mule! I can't carry a big bag cause my bike is so tiny, I am going to have to find a handlebar bag before I ride the mountains this fall. :rolleyes:

[Mr. SR500]

I can see that. When you go from one high-quality, well made bicycle to another high-quality well made - and custom - bicycle...I would not be surprised at your statement. I felt the same way going from my stock Seven to my custom Seven. Improved fit...different ride, and yeah...better "connection" to the bike.

And, Mr. SR500...you are SUCH a guy! I was heavily influenced by guys at the start of my riding (even the women who influenced me were more "guy like" in their habits/styles), and consequently, I .. um.. travel light. Tiny Pedros bag. But 90% of the other women I see out there have great big honkin' saddle bags. Like they're going on an expedition. It's a girl thing.

Fair enough :) I use a little 25 cu in bag, and gave Kim a 50 for her new bike. Several of the guys I ride with go bag free and just stuff things into their jersey pockets, but I've also seen some handlebar bags - on womens bike, so maybe a girls thing. So far I've been good to go with my little bag: spare tube, mini-tool, patch kit, CO2 w/2 cartridges, tire lever, and a little cash. I carry my phone, food, and keys in my pocket.

[VeloVT]

I wish I could manage a super small bag. I can pack everything I need into a 45ci bag if I have to, but not much smaller (and I'm more comfortable with the large TImbuk2 bag which is something more like 80ci :o). Guess I'll just have to keep working on it...

[bean fidhleir]

Beautiful bike! Now let's hope your Riv doesn't get the displacement mopes.

[Bruno28]

Sweet bike BSG

[madscot13]

I wish I had a seat bag like that? I would put a strap on it and pretend it was my purse when I went inside.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wish I had a seat bag like that? I would put a strap on it and pretend it was my purse when I went inside.

I just strap a bike on it and pretend it's my purse when I go outside. ;) :D

Now my Rambouillet is jealous because I swiped both the saddle AND the bag off of him to give to the USURPER. I can order a new Brooks easily, but I'll have to track down another Little Joe.

[madscot13]

in addition to the bag you got me wishing I had a bike that, but I mean a unique one of a kind Luna that fits me perfectly because it was made by women who understand.

how did you order it? was it difficult to fill in the measurements online. you have made it sound personal but was it ever difficult not to try it out first?

oh and don't rush to answer, unfortunately, it will be another 10 years before I can get one.

[BeeLady]

That looks like a BeeLady bike to me!

Bee-autiful!

[elk]

LISA got her new LisaRide!!!!!!!!!
So happy for you. Love the bee and the honey color....oh ok butternut....

I want to see you ON it though...I have an image of you on the boy bike...

Mazel Tov!!!!Ride in good health...:)

look at those Acorn bags on ebay..they look very very similiar

[Zen]

oh and don't rush to answer, unfortunately, it will be another 10 years before I can get one.

You nut.

[madscot13]

You nut.

so what if I am a Luna bike wanting, too poor for it nut?


ps. all I can think of is my own Luna bike.

[uforgot]

Sandra and I both have the Acorn bags. He actually made them to order for us as we didn't want the side pockets. Anyway, he hasn't been selling much on ebay lately, but that's because he has a website now. www.acornbags.com .

[elk]

hmmmm maybe i could a bag with snaps and FAKE buckles!!!


Sandra and I both have the Acorn bags. He actually made them to order for us as we didn't want the side pockets. Anyway, he hasn't been selling much on ebay lately, but that's because he has a website now. www.acornbags.com .

[uforgot]

hmmmm maybe i could a bag with snaps and FAKE buckles!!!

Huh? These bags are handmade. No fake buckles. Not sure what you mean???

[sandra]

hmmmm maybe i could a bag with snaps and FAKE buckles!!!

read in the FAQ. Don't think you are gonna get it Elk. As soon as my bagman comes in, I'm finally going to get to use my bag.

[elk]

Huh? These bags are handmade. No fake buckles. Not sure what you mean???
:pI wrote in another post about my large Acorn saddle bag and how much i like it except it has buckles....which I ---even I, who mostly loves old things--hate. Hate them on dog collars and bike bags...snaps are SO much easier.

what FAQ, Sandra? on his new website?

[sandra]

yes, on his website. He talks about the buckles.

[elk]

yes, on his website. He talks about the buckles.

I just read it...I don't buy it though...you can use metal snaps...:eek:

[uforgot]

Okay, now I get it. You're thinking he can custom make them with snaps! What about this carradice bag (http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/zippedroll.html)? snaps and zippers and even though it looks small on the site, I think it's almost as big as the Barley. The Barley measures 28X15X15 and the zipped roll is 28X14.5. A possibility? I had a Barley and it held a lot.

[elk]

Okay, now I get it. You're thinking he can custom make them with snaps! What about this carradice bag (http://www.wallbike.com/carradice/zippedroll.html)? snaps and zippers and even though it looks small on the site, I think it's almost as big as the Barley. The Barley measures 28X15X15 and the zipped roll is 28X14.5. A possibility? I had a Barley and it held a lot.

:o i have that one too.....

[uforgot]

Sounds like maybe you should get a trunk and a rack. Those are super easy to get into and take off if you get one like the Trek interchange set. I just snap the trunk (http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=44&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C15%2C411%2C475&iProductID=44&bShopOnline=1) on my commuter and can take it off in less than a second.

Those carradice/acorn saddle bags are not easy to get into and get off the bike. Even with the quick releases. I'm like you, I'm trying everything!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I was lucky enough to snag a second Baggins Little Joe bag (used). So now I'll have one for each of my two bikes. ONe is grey, and one is tan. Still need a second Bagman though. :(

Still only have 30 miles on my new Luna (what a CRIME). :( :( :( I injured my hip while roller skating 2 weeks ago and have been slowly recovering. I think within another week I will be able to bike again. I'm feeling much better the past few days.

[elk]

yeah...but i bet it still has that new bike smell...:p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

yeah...but i bet it still has that new bike smell...:p

Yeah, every once in a while I go out to the garage and sniff at it. :cool:
http://www.psyclestore.com/images/Phil-Grease.jpg

[uforgot]

That explains the avatar, Lisa!

[sandra]

Just reading this thread my head is all floaty. You know, like you just-smoked-a-really-good-joint floaty. :eek:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Just reading this thread my head is all floaty. You know, like you just-smoked-a-really-good-joint floaty. :eek:

Why Sandra, I'm SHOCKED!!!! :eek: :cool:

[uforgot]

Just reading this thread my head is all floaty. You know, like you just-smoked-a-really-good-joint floaty. :eek:


Really? Maybe I'd better go back and read it again. I obviously missed something!

[sandra]

I thought we were sniffing something.:cool:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Really? Maybe I'd better go back and read it again. I obviously missed something!

Here, just have another whiff of this Phil Wood hub grease.... :cool:

Oh, and don't forget the wonderful aroma of Brooks Proofhide!
http://www.trophybikes.com/content/Image/Tools,%20lube,%20workstands/proofideCROP.jpg

[KnottedYet]

Whaddaya know! I've got both the Phil's grease and the Proofhide! Gotta mix me up a batch of that sniffin' stuff...

(it's the cod liver oil in the Proofhide that really does the trick, y'know)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The other day I was changing wheels on my roller skates and I also changed out the bearings on the wheels. The smell of the bearings grease was exciting to me. :cool:

[uforgot]

This takes me back. All the way back to college in the 70s.

[Julibird]

Wow - my throat and chest are constricting with admiration and envy for this beautiful machine. Sigh.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Julibird....golly thanks! But hey you know what?- I've been having a bit of trouble getting the shifting to work just right- dropped my chain twice today! :rolleyes:
It is a lovely bike though, and I feel privileged to own it. Hope I can get my shifting act together soon. (kinda missing my trusty bar end shifters right now) ;)

[F8th637]

What a beautiful bike! And dreamy . . and oddly enough creamy, like butter. ;) Might need to get those cables adjusted maybe?

[mimitabby]

Lisa,
there is a possibility that your chain / derailleur / etc is not QUITE adjusted correctly. Do not assume that YOU are the problem!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa,
there is a possibility that your chain / derailleur / etc is not QUITE adjusted correctly. Do not assume that YOU are the problem!

There is a possibility of the chain line not being quite right. Brian is looking into it. But he checked over the derailleurs this morning and found them ok. We are talking a huge gear range here, and that's a part of the trickiness to get it just right. Also I am sure there is still some "operator error" in terms of my shifting when there is too much pressure on the chain perhaps. Time will tell, we are working on it. Only a problem at one certain point.
No, the cables are fine- have only riden about 40 miles so far- they can't have stretched out much yet! :D