Proper bicycle accessorizing

[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.