Proper bicycle accessorizing

[oxysback]

Heh - after reading this, I had to go find photos of my bike. I never noticed that my stem and seat post matched on my road bike. It just turned out that way when I got it fitted!

My commuter is not matching. I don't even have two matching tires on that bike! My stem is black and my seat post is silver like my frame. Plus, having such short legs, very little of my seat post even shows...so it's hardly obvious. Considering this is what mine looks like, I think yours looks just fine the way it is!

Are your wheels two different sizes or is that just an illusion?

My seat post comes out a bit more than yours, but I've found it's annoying to find bags that don't end up rubbing on the tire.

[uforgot]

Are your wheels two different sizes or is that just an illusion?

My seat post comes out a bit more than yours, but I've found it's annoying to find bags that don't end up rubbing on the tire.

I had the same problem with bags. On my bike you'll see Mark's rack from Rivendell. It still had some issues with size, so I took it to a welder and had some adjustments made. I couldn't fit the bagman support on with my seat, and when it was on, the bag hung through. This rack is now perfect for my Acorn Saddlebag.

[oxysback]

I had the same problem with bags. On my bike you'll see Mark's rack from Rivendell. It still had some issues with size, so I took it to a welder and had some adjustments made. I couldn't fit the bagman support on with my seat, and when it was on, the bag hung through. This rack is now perfect for my Acorn Saddlebag.

That's a great solution. I have a medium Acorn bag. It rubs on the tire a bit, and to top it off, I got it before I got my Brooks B67, so I have zip ties hooking it to the saddle from the d-rings on the bag. It fits really awkward around the springs, too. I've ordered Keven's Bag from Rivendell in hopes that if it doesn't fit on the back, I can always use it for a handlebar bag.

I love the silver seat tube on your Surly, by the way.

[uforgot]

Thanks! I hope the Keven's bag works. I have the large Acorn bag, and I almost got the Carradice zipped roll. I just don't like that white leather on the black bags. It's dimensions are very close to the Barley and Acorn, but it's round so I thought maybe it would stay off of the wheels better. Let us know how your bag works. Better yet, post a pic. I've taken a look or two at it on the Rivendell site and thought it might be a good solution also.

[GLC1968]

Ellen - yes, they are two different sizes. The front is a 24", the rear is a standard 700c. This is why I don't have matching tires - gatorskins don't come in 24x1! I don't like the look of it, but I figure it probably makes my bike less likely to be stolen.

I don't have problems with bags, but I also don't carry much in a saddlebag. I either use the trunk you see there, a pannier, or my handlebar bag. The tiny little wedge carries my extra tubes (yes, I have to carry 2), a multi-tool, a patch kit and a tire lever. All that stuff stays there all the time so that I never have to worry that I have it with me. The rest of the bags shift around as necessary depending on my needs.

[oxysback]

Ellen - yes, they are two different sizes. The front is a 24", the rear is a standard 700c. This is why I don't have matching tires - gatorskins don't come in 24x1! I don't like the look of it, but I figure it probably makes my bike less likely to be stolen.

Which brings me to my next question...why are they different sizes? What's the advantage?

[GLC1968]

Which brings me to my next question...why are they different sizes? What's the advantage?

Mainly so that the bike can have a shorter top tube without compromising design in other areas (like a steeper seat tube angle or greater fork rake). Most of Terry's bikes below a size 19" have two different sized wheels. My 19" Terry road bike has two 650c wheels for the same reasons.

When I'm on the bike, I don't notice it at all. I just think it makes the bike a little 'odd' looking. So far, my only two issues with it are 1) I want to buy lighter wheels and they are exceedingly hard to find and 2) it's difficult to find fenders that work (I'm currently using race blades). It is definitely a huge conversation starter...kind of like my Mini was when I first got it.