Bicycles

[unharmed]

Awesome, Jii. How you finding the fixed off-road?

[Jii]

Absolutely love it! Sure. it's slower and harder when descending but the climbing abilities are amazing. And you have to think ahead regarding pedal strike on rocks etc but you quickly get the hang of it. I rode brakeless for a while but it was too hard to do steep descends properly because of the speed build-up but now that I have the brake I can practically do almost any descent that's not too slippery (wet rock, roots etc.) But it sure is fun riding fixed offroad!

[unharmed]

Chapeau! I just don't think I have the bike-control to do it. I love SS off-road though and don't think I'd go back to gears for that.

[Mild7]

Agreed unharmed. SS mountain riding is the best fun I've had on a bike since I first got my bmx in the 80's.   No plans to go back to gears any time soon.

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[unharmed]

Absolutely. Only exception is maybe a 1x9 setup if I was going to do some MTB touring.

[Mild7]

Exactly why I've been wanting to have a tinker with an 8 speed Alfine hub.  Sort of a compromise between SS simplicity and touring practicality ( if such a thing exists)

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[Giles]

[Giles]

Can anyone recommend a pair of spd shoes that don't look like cycling shoes?  Had a little accident and ripped the cleat out of the bottom of one of my shoes - need a replacement pair…..

[Jii]

Shimano have some that are a bit more hiker-esque. These are highly regarded over here as winter cycling shoes. I've only used Sidis so I have no experience of those. Quite a steep price though imho if it's not exactly what youre looking for. Lake also makes some not so cycling shoe looking ones but don't know any particular models, sorry.

Edit: How could I forget the Chrome Kursk! More your style and some of my bike messenger friends use them all the time so I guess they're better than average qualitywise.
Chrome Kursk Pro

[Chris]

Betcha Viberg or Beck's could custom build a set of boots with the fittings for you.  I've seen it done with golf cleats; the process is basically the same…

And you do need a new pair of boots.:D

[Giles]

Chris, I know, but these are shoes…..This is what I am getting:

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/shoes/kursk-pro.html

Thanks Jii

[Jii]

Glad to be of help!

[JCar2666]

Why even bother with clip ons?  I personally can't stand them.  I use studded pedals.

[Chris]

@Giles:

Chris, I know, but these are shoes….

Pfft, if you want to be reasonable about it, I guess those are ok.;)  I couldn't resist the chance to suggest a gratuitously over the top choice, though.

[Giles]

I am not using clips atm, as I only have one boot with a clip and hate it.  It is amazing how much more efficient it is when you can pull up as well as push down…

[Mild7]

Giles, unless I'm already too late, I would seriously recommend Five 10 minnaar's:

http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-detail/23-minnaar

They have the the stealth sole, which is the stickiest rubber I've ever used on a shoe full stop, plus this model has the SPD option too.  Best of both worlds.

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[Giles]

Not too late thanks.  As it is my birthday in a couple of weeks, Mme B has just been pinged…..

[Megatron1505]

When's your Birthday G, Pams is on the 17th.

[Mild7]

Finally a topic where I can drop some knowledge

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[Giles]

14th….And USD130 in US, so we will pick up when we are over there in Oct - Brilliant and thanks again....