OCTOBER 2002 TECH TALK (RANTING RICKY)

MARCH 2002 TECH TALK (SELL BICYCLE STUFF ON EBAY)

JANUARY 2002 TECH TALK (CLOTHES MAKE THE TEAM)

DECEMBER 2001 TECH TALK (UPGRADING OLD TANDEM)

NOVEMBER 2001 TECH TALK

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2001 TECH TALK (WHAT TOOLS?

AUGUST TECH TALK 2001 (RIDING LOTS OF MILES)

MAY TECH TALK 2001 (GO GRANNY GO)

APRIL TECH TALK 2001 (UTAH TRAINING)

MARCH TECH TALK 2001 (WHO’S WORKING WHO’S NOT?

JANUARY 2001 TECH TALK (A NEW YEAR)

DECEMBER 2000 TECH TALK (CHAIN LONGEVITY)

NOVEMBER 2000 TECH TALK (WEIGHT HAS AN ADVANTAGE)

OCTOBER 2000 TECH TALK (EXTRA SET OF WHEELS)

This just in, CHILE PEDDLERS TANDEM CLUB DISBANDS DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST.  Does this sound a little harsh, well that's just the way I am. ( I stole that from my mother. ). I can't find my book. Does that period go inside or out of the parenthesis. I'll do it both ways. In 10 months we will be leaving the charming village of ABQ. That's air traffic control for Albuquerque. Now you might ask what this has to do with the Chile Pedalers.  Well when we leave their will be only 2 and sometimes 3 couples at a ride. I have made more Saturday rides this year than most people affiliated with this club and I work Saturdays 7 till 3. Sunday rides are another story. I work all night, Saturday night, on the midnight shift and have only missed one Sunday ride . ( Give me plenty of room to weave ). No, I'm not patting myself on the back. I used to have this nagging itch to keep this club together. If we know dede and Dennis are not going to show for a ride we always coordinate with Dean and Lee to make sure someone goes in case some new person shows up. Who knows someone might be reading this web site. Edel and Tom can be counted on for Saturday rides unless they are IN FRANCE. Sunday is dog day for them. We ride 4-6 days a week and almost every week with the main stays of this club. We don't promote anything like most clubs. Why do I need a club? 

 Where the hell is he going with this? I suggest we disband the Chile Peddlers or Pedalers or what ever you want to call it. dede does most of the work by doing the web site and hounding people to lead rides so I suggest we call it " dede AND A FEW FRIENDS TANDEM CLUB ". She could update the site at her leisure with the occasional story from her friends. We could call her and ask when she plans to ride. Who knows maybe 4 couples would go for the same ride. I bet I know who it would be. Let me here from you on my proposal.  821-2081 or rick.vicki@mindspring.com . I know the 3 couples who will respond. Maybe the 8 of us should get together for dinner and discuss this issue. Pizza at Dennis and dede's. Call her for the day and time. Enough Said. 

 Oh yea, a tech issue. Joe V. I researched the pinch flat issue and keeping the tires over inflated seem to come out on top. I go 10 psi over the rated pressure always and have never had a pinch flat. Vicki and I can bunny hop the tandem if we have enough speed over a lot of things. The other option is tubular tires (sew ups). Good luck.

 Ranting Ricky.

Why have more than one set of wheels?

1) You have more money than sense.

2) You want to impress the Marvin's.

3) You are tired of flats on training rides but still want to  keep up on club rides.

It's probably all three in inverse order. You can build a set  that are nearly flat proof. We used our original wheels, Avocet Cross tire, Mr..  Tuffy tire liners, and slime tubes. The tires are an inverted tread with a lot  of rubber, not the knobby type. If Mr.. Goathead ( this is the meanest of all  thorns to you out of state folks ) gets by the first two defenses just pull him  out give the wheel a spin and re-inflate. These tires come in widths 25mm to  32mm and inflate to 105psi. The best thing is mileage for your $25 investment.  We have over 3000 miles on them and the rear has at least another 2000 miles.  The front will dry rot before it wears out. This set up adds about .75 pounds to each wheel but makes that second set of wheels feel really light.

The second set or club wheels have $40 tires, latex tubes, and  CXP semi aero rims. Had to flats last weekend, trying to keep up with the  Marvins, due to glass. Had to toss the rear with only 400 miles. They are  faster, handle better, and ride nice. The only problem is 2 sets of wheels just  will not impress the Marvins. You have to buy a really expensive, very light set  of carbon fiber wheels, with tubular tires from some company only the real  techos ( Tom Hendricks ) know. Then you keep that tank of helium next to the  tire pump. Ok I don't have the helium , Vicki likes to sound like Donald Duck to  often to keep one around. 

What was the first reason. Oh Yea, as you can tell from this  article I don't have any sense and no money left. 

Next month research will reveal why Tom and Edel coast down a  hill upright faster than all of us in our best aero tuck. Go buy something for  your tandem. It will make you want to ride more.

Rick

Last month I said that Edel and Tom could coast  down hill faster than the Thompson tandem. After much testing (ok a couple of  hills on last months ride) the answer appeared, birthed across the stars, like a  vision.  I don't want a pickle, I want to ride my motorcycle. (Whoa a  flashback). Their total weight is 30 pounds more than us. Any of you who helped a kid cheat at the Pinewood Derby adding that magnet under the car, after weigh in, as the kid stages the car knows this makes a big difference.  I looked around in search of this extra weight. First Tom has a lot of stuff in his big bag and never found those rocks we put in there last summer. Second I'm scrawny, Tom's strapping.  He must be real strapping because Vicki has to edge Edel by a quarter stone or so.  (Maybe Vicki forgot how much a stone weighs).  Back to the test.  I won't let her proof read this one and take my lumps later. 

Weight has an advantage, but after a certain speed can be overcome with aerodynamics.  About 25 mph we began to catch  E&T.  At 30 mph we start slowly pulling away.  When that 45 mph point rolls around I'm not sure what is happening. I here Edel screaming at Tom and using the drum brake.  I guess the test is over.

And that my fellow tandem enthusiasts is why I  put up with 554 grams of aerobars on a bike that might possibly have titanium bottle cages next week.  Down hill may not be where aerobars shine.  They are great on the flats or into a wind. Ok if you are moving you are more than likely into the wind.  We have logged 16 test days with heart rate monitors, same flat course, and both directions to check the efficiency of the bars and stoker position.  A gain of at least 1 mph is normal  in the 20 mph range no wind.  Speed up to 24 mph, no wind, and you gain about 1.6 mph at the same effort.  Try to ride faster than 24 mph on the brake lever hoods for a test and my heart will explode.  Maybe next year.

Just a reminder don't ride in a pack on the aerobars unless you are out front breaking the wind and comfortable with the conditions.

How much does a stone weigh? Be at the next ride and someone will have figured it out. We also need to discuss chain lubes

Rick

Recently someone asked about timing chain longevity. My first reply, being the smart ass that I am, it was about 60,000 miles on a Ford  Pinto. (Puzzled look)  Oh on a tandem.  Well if you kept it lubed, dry, and  never rode the bike it would last forever.  (Go to hell look)  After a little more banter we decided to replace the chain when there was no more adjustment  capability.  This assumes there was plenty of room for adjustment.  I have changed 3 timing chains in my tandem career using this method and all measured out of tolerance.  It would be wise to change more often to keep wear on the chain rings to a minimum.

What makes chains wear?  Dirt, lack of lubrication, and all that rubbing and flexing.  We can take care of all three to a point. The last requires not riding so that's out.  Dirt is the main culprit.  I knew a guy who commuted 18 miles a day and never missed a day in 7 years.  He had his first dollar if you know what I mean.  He cleaned his chain every 100 miles. He wiped and relubed in the middle of a double century we rode years ago.  For his effort he got twice the mileage that I could manage.  I am the sort, when it looks real bad then clean it.  Dirt is everywhere, especially on the shoulder of the road.   Your tires do an excellent job of throwing the real fine particles in to the air for your chain to absorb.  (Your water bottle top also.  YUCK ) What to do?   Wash or wipe those chains as often as possible.  I use orange degreaser and my power washer.  If you don't have the power washer then a brush and garden hose  with spray nozzle will work.  Some people advocate removing the chains and  soaking in solvent.  I have done this for years but with the chains getting  narrower and special pins required to reassemble I have stopped.  The timing  chain can be removed with out disassembly so this idea is ok.  I think you  weaken the chain when you take them apart. 

When the chains are nice and clean you need a good lube.  I  asked a few club members what they were using.  Most liked a wet lube like  Tryflow.  One used the melted paraffin wax method.  I did this for years but what a pain in the ass plus you have to remove the chain.  The two chains I broke in my 35 years of cycling used this method.  There may be a master link available for nine speed chains but it will surely be the weak link.  Dry lubes work ok but don't last more than 50 miles.  You then take the easy way out and  spray on more sealing in the dirt.  My suggestion is to use a wet lube and wipe  the chain after each ride.  Lubing should not be necessary unless you rode  through water.  Wash the chain when you see buildup. 

One last thing.  Replace the rear chain every 1500 miles and  the timing chain every 3000 miles.  This will save those more expensive  chainrings and cogs.  Don't forget to save the extra piece of chain for the next  timing chain. (Model number also)

Oh yea a stone weighs 14 pounds.

 Well the new year is here.  It's cold outside so  some of you may not be thinking about the old tandem.  I have few ideas you can  do indoors.  Change the computer battery.  No matter how fast you are that  odometer is going to reset to zero.  Buy a log book or at least a pad to keep up  with maintenance items.  Speaking of pads replace those worn out brake pads.   Change the shift and brake cables.  Don't forget the housing.  That little cable  has been hard at work sawing into that thin cable liner.  Check the tires (this  should be done after every ride) and remove those little slivers that will  eventually find high pressure air.  Lube a few pivot points.  Replace that  chain.  Clean the bike or I will send Dean over to give you a little grief.   Check the wheels for true.  Rims don't last forever so clean and inspect the  braking surface.  Check around the nipples for cracks.  We have 1.5 times more  weight on these things than most.  Give the tandem a good visual  inspection.

 Now get out there and ride you wimps.  It's not  that cold and it's cheaper than skiing.  We got 800 miles for December.  So get  out there.

 T Ricky

On a tandem this question is asked over and over.   Maybe not out loud because you want to continue on the tandem and with life.   Most of you that ride with us have noticed we have heart rate monitors all over the bicycle.   We started with one for the stoker.   The captain had been riding for 30 years and knew how hard he was working.   Well eventually the one in front educated himself and bought the one in back a new monitor.   Why?   Most of these monitors interfere with each other in close proximity.   The non shifting riders bar, where we mount our HR, was under the butt of the Ass on the tandem.    Eliminating the interference required a new coded heart rate monitor.   This unit  also has cycling functions so the rear person would stay aerodynamic and still  at 65 mph.   The old monitor was mounted on the front bar, along with a bunch of  other s#^%$.   It is out of range of the second seats transmitter.   This worked  great.

 Then another problem came along side.   Lee  Marvin.   If you want to know how hard each of you are working then you have to  talk.   Well L Marvin figured out quickly how hard we were working and would pounce when we were maxed.   We tried everything including consulting with the Navajo Code Talkers.   Two minutes later Laura broke the code including hand signals  when she was in front of us.   Well the price of friendly competition went up by  $149.50.   Enter HR monitor number 3.   We mounted # 3 on number 2's handlebar.    Number 1 ( 1 in this endeavor as long as the bike is moving forward anyway ) now wears a coded transmitter.   The non coded (first HR monitor we bought) receiver on front picks up this signal.   The two coded units on back bar read out the respective heart rates of both individuals working there buns off (I  wished some buns would go away) to remain with the Marvins.   Now Vicki has to change her riding position so someone can't see our rates when that someone is along side the Litespeed. 

Making all this work requires a little integrity on the part of the person with two monitors.   It also requires you to know various things about your individual heart rate.   These things can be determined  by reading a book that talks about HR training.   Arnie Baker MD wrote a new book recently that tells you how to come up with these numbers.   I can't remember the name but I know Tom ( you remember Joan and Tom, they used to ride with us )  Hendricks can tell you.

Now to recap.   HR 1 and HR 3 receive 1 and HR 2  receives 2 while 2 monitors HR 2 + HR 3 and adjust to 1's rate.   Got it?   One  last thing when you start a Polar coded HR monitor, other coded units need to be out of range.   After you start one, that person steps back and the other person  starts theirs.   The non coded will read anything in it's range. 

 Next month I need a little help.   How many different terms can be used to identify the two positions on a tandem.   E-mail me with your ideas at rick.vicki@mindspring.com  . 

 Rick T

The Utah trip will be here before we know. I am  looking through Tom's maps and I see a lot of climbing. One day has a summit of  10600 feet. Luckily the day before is mostly down hill. These climbs always  brings fear to the hearts of most people. Well fear not my fellow Chilies we  will commence training rides up to Sandia Crest every Saturday starting the 21st  of April. Maybe the May ride will be a crest ride. Surely the Utah ride will  have no greater grades than our own crest road. Some may ask what is technical  about climbing the crest. For one thing getting your bike shifting to that  small chainring smoothly. Also deciding if that small chainring is really small  enough. The Utah ride features a lot of time at or above 9000 feet. Riding at  altitude will help you acclimate to the thin air. Then when those weenies from  Vegas and L.A. are riding past you, after their 30 mile side trip, you can at  least mutter to have a beer waiting for you at the lodge.

Speaking of shifting chainrings, I installed a  new cable on the front derailleur last week. I found the cable lightly touching  a weld at the bottom bracket. I sanded the weld and added a piece of plastic  cable housing to the cable in this area. This housing is easy to take out of  the cable by cutting it length wise and removing the outside housing. This  reduced the friction of the system 40%. Now if someone would come up with a way  to shield the cable at the front bottom bracket. The front tire throws a lot of  dirt on the cable and shifting drags the dirt into the housing.

Well hope to see you on the crest rides. We  will normally be at the triangle at 9:00 am. Give me a call if you plan to  ride. (821.2081)

Rick T

On the crest climb a couple of weeks ago, Tom and I were talking about the percent of grade we would encounter in Utah and how it compared to what Vicki and Edel were struggling up now.  They were breathing too hard to add much to the conversation.  We were saving ourselves for all that high speed steering and braking on the downhill.  Tom calculated that a mile and a half of sustained 14% would be the toughest.  Still a couple of miles from the ski area Vicki was working pretty hard on this 7% so I shifted to granny to give her a break.  It was a nice clean shift.

If there is one thing that brings fear to a tandem captain it's the shift to and from granny. If the chain ships off the granny the bike stops instantly before you have time to think of uncleating your foot.  If you do save yourself from tipping over the chain is jammed between the chainring and frame.  This usually nicks the paint.  The extraction process is where the paint gets scraped, chain gets bent, hands blooded, and the stoker moves back because something may fly other than those nasty words. 

What can you do?  You will use granny in Utah.  Break out the tools and get it shifting on the stand. This may require some tweaking of the front derailleur.  Then go for a test ride on some hills with the stoker and do some serious shifting up and down.  This really holds true for those who let the bike shop tune.  I have had more problems going from granny to the middle chainring than going down.  The chain seems to bounce off the middle on it's way to the frame.  Shift lever speed makes a difference.  Practice a few times.

 Now 14% what granny would be suitable?  This depends on how strong you are  (Greg & Michelle), how hard you want to work (Michael & Laura), how long the hill (Dean & Lee, he hates to go to granny), altitude ( ABQ people, we rule), and how much the combined weight (all of us, everybody wants a lighter bike).  I spent most of the evening searching for a rule of thumb about this problem.  I concluded that a 24 chainring with a 32 tooth rear cog was about as slow as you could ride. Now this is easier riding than keeping the old 30 on.  But the 30 will shift better.  With a little practice you should be able to stand the entire length of this grade.  Did I say stand, walk is the word I was looking for. Anyway we are sagging that day.

See you in a couple of weeks.

Rick T.

Vicki and I are increasing our mileage these next few months in preparation  for the Cochise County Classic.  Up until now I thought bicycle maintenance  costs were low.  A new tire every few months, maybe a chain now and then.  Now  we are wearing out big money things like cogsets, chain rings, and shoes.  It is  amazing how much time you can spend picking out these items.  You search through  catalogs and go to local shops to price things.  If you want to make a change,  which I did, then time is spent researching makes and models, number of teeth  chain ring with what cog set, and on and on. 

 Well after a week I finally made up my mind.  (Eat your heart out Dean. You  will never decide what wheels to buy.)  Larger chain ring for time trials with  the 11-23 cogset and what we have now for everyday riding.  Two different setups  mean additional cash, but hey, Vicki's worth it. I purchased a new aerobar  because the springs broke in the old one.  Some more tubes and tires.  The tires  were on sale. When the bill came due it was enough money for a weekend in  Vegas.  Well when you spend as much time on the old steed as we do it's worth  it.

 One other note about this process.  I bought everything locally.  Most of  it at Cycle Cave because they have some of the best prices in town.  Sure I  looked through all the catalogs and I would have saved about $35 after taxes or  shipping.  I like to look and feel the product.  Bob, at Cycle Cave, had to  order some of the odd things like 56 tooth Dura Ace TT ring but that took two  days.  I was six days deciding.  Don't forget to support our local shops.

 Now for the big thing.  HOW DO WE GET MORE THAN THE CORE GROUP OUT FOR A  RIDE.  One idea is for dede to spam everyone that she has on the list the night  before.  Another, is for some of us to attempt to enjoy an easy paced ride and  not leave newcomers behind.  Number 3.  Hold a small rally in conjunction with  Spikes Ride this fall.  I am checking on the date.  If you have other ideas  please tell the Grand Poobah or she might not be that Grand next year.

 Oh Yea.  Our cats got hold of the catalogs, ordered a catamaran and sailed  to Catalina. They knocked over a catafalque near the catacombs. It was a  cataclysmic catastrophe. They were catapulted back and landed in a catalpa tree  killing a catbird.  Willy was the catalyst, Milly was catatonic.  I had a  catarrh and cataracts. Vicki was cataleptic after the catcall. But everything's  OK.  They took the catwalk to the catbird seat.

 Rick T.

Hello fellow cyclist. Vicki and I have been riding long distance more than around home lately. As the miles go slowly by we run out of things to talk about or the wind noise is to much to talk over. So I start thinking of the various things that can go wrong on the road. One thing that comes to mind very often is the tools needed if something breaks between Stanley and Roswell. So I have come up with some ideas. 

Around town you need tire irons, pump or CO2, and a tube or patches. If something else breaks you can get a ride. This may be all you need if you are in a group or on well traveled roads. Now venture a little farther from home and the list changes. You will need the above and a cell phone. The cell phone. Ever wonder why the are called CELL phones? They operate in these little cells that are near all the roads we don't like to ride on. Take a look at your carriers chart. There are a lot of nice roads not covered. Always take change or a nice smile so someone will let you borrow their phone. We carry a ham radio. The coverage is top notch in this state.  You have to be in some deep canyon not to get a repeater. Most of the repeaters have auto patch so you can call someone on the phone. Getting a ham license is easy. No Morse code required to use the repeater bands and the radios are the same size as a cell phone. A big problem for us is everyone is at work when we are out riding. Take a long list of phone numbers. There is never a phone book at a pay phone. 

A chain tool might come in handy. I think preventative maintenance is better. We do carry a spare tire and two tubes. A new tube was bad the other morning half way to San Ysidro in the dark. Remember a dollar bill is great for a boot if you don't have the spare tire. A twenty works better due to it's higher priced construction. Two or three hex wrenches and a screw driver are about it for us. If you do have a multi tool with all this stuff built together make sure you try it on all the screws and bolts.  Some of these things can't get to the area needed. Spokes might be nice but then you need a tool to remove the cog set. Never broke a spoke on the other side. This $8000 bike is getting heavy. The best thing you can have is real good friends. We have used them a few times. We have dede and Dennis crewing for us at The Cochise County Cycling Classic. Now that's friends.  Thanks guys. I can't forget Lee. She has given us every phone number where she could possible be located. Thanks Lee. 

If you have a tool you think is required let me know.

Speaking of dark it's about time for another night ride. Next full moon. Oh yea they have a lot of the road paved north of San Ysidro. For now there is a thirty foot wide bike lane almost to Cuba.

Until next time.

Rick T.

Well it's been about a year since we started this column. I have had a lot of fun and learned many things doing research. Some things I find are not passed along because most of you read other publications. Some of these have the same old thing over and over. If another title says "Have legs like these" I'll assist in finding the editor and giving him an atomic wedgey. I would have to come from another gene pool to have legs like the picture. This article may just ramble so hang on.

We were trying to decide if one should have sex the night before a major event. It was decided, given the average age of CP's, that one or both should have sex when ever it comes along.

There is no Spike's Ride this year. I may try to organize a small weekend tandem rally next spring.

We saw a new tandem at this months ride. Janet and Joe have a new Co Motion with one of those fancy paint jobs. As expected they are fast. It was great to see four tandems in a tight draft. They even brought new members on their old tandem. Welcome Greg and Julia.

We need to get some ideas on next years trip. Tom and I have tossed some ideas around but would like some input from others. You know how he likes to climb and how I like long distance so let's hear from you.How about 100 mile days with 6000 ' of climbing.We will probably decide at the December gathering.

I have a guy that works with me who buys/sells snow/skate boards and has accounts with some bicycle parts wholesalers. If you are looking for parts at an excellent price let me know.

I received an email from Johnny O the other day. He and Cuba are doing great. We need them and Lynn, Harold and Henry to send us an article about their travels and such. It is always good to here from outside the area. It would be really nice to hear from Las Vegas and LA also.

The most recent catalogs are talking about the end of the season. What do they mean? It is finally cooling off so you don't sweat so much. One of our high mileage months was December. Get out there and ride. Plan on the annual night ride to see the lights the end of December.

A recent publication at the FAA used the term "brain burp". I think we are really taking this PC thing a little far. Should I call the 80 year old guy across the street an "old burp"? He would be offended. I'll stick with "old fart". We all understand. Speaking of 80 year old guys, Reese Walton finished the 252 mile Cochise County Cycling Classic in 23 hours. We beat the old fart but all of the youngsters limped up to the stage and he ran including a leap of 3 steps on the way down. Who says getting old is bad. This was his 11th time to do this ride. Stay in shape you never know how long you will be around. 

Well that's about it. One last thing. Vicki and I had the best crew that lack of money could buy at the CCCC. They did not win the best crew at the event but only because they did not whoop and holler as loud as the winning crew. In our view they are the greatest crew. Anyone who wants to go on a 5 day trip get up at 1am and stay up all day following two serious (nuts) cyclist around are the greatest. To top it off they paid their own way no matter how hard I tried. I know what you are thinking and no, they are all ours, you can't use them, get away. 

Thanks dede and Dennis.

Rick T.

Ed Note: Rick has been writing this for a year now and I owe him a big thanks for adding so much fun and information to our newsletter.. THANKS RICK!

I’m sure if anyone has any ideas about topics, he would welcome them.

dede

A few weeks ago, while we were sampling beer, Dennis asked me to write an  article on upgrading the present tandem.  I started thinking about this on the  short rides we do this time of year.  The first question that came to mind.   Does one want to upgrade or do they really want a new tandem?  If you think like  I do it is a requirement to spend money on a hobby.  That's why it is called a  hobby rather than a business.  This was pointed out to me several years ago by  the IRS.  I'll give you a dollar to name a hobby that does not cost money.  Most  hobbies are not fun unless a lot of money is spent and you beat yourself up.   Golf.  Some say running is cheap.  I suppose that's why N1KE, a very  large business jet, could afford to fly from Oregon to every World Series game  this year.  Some say bicycle riding is a sport.  Nope.  We can't sit around  drinking beer and eating hot dogs with our gut hanging out watching it.

 If you have not spent much money on the old tandem in the past 7 years  maybe it's time for a new one.  Hey it's the giving season. Go for it.  A lot  has changed since the steed was brought to the barn.  New tandems have light and  strong wheels, shifting better with more gears and frame materials continue to  evolve.  Janet and Joe bought a new CoMotion and I think it is weighs less than  our 3 year old Litespeed that I continually upgrade.  It came with a great set  of wheels. 

 Before you spend a lot of money on upgrades compare the cost.  How much  money will the old tandem bring on Ebay?  Better yet, how much enjoyment could  you get loaning the old bike to future teams?  What do the components cost?  Are  modifications to the frame required?  I will be happy to consult with anyone on  upgrades and modifications.  I don't know a lot ,but I know a bunch of experts. 

 This is short list of things to change.

1) Remove that drum brake.  Saves 2 lbs.  Keep it for loaded touring.

2) Cut off excess seat post.  Does not save much weight but makes you feel  good.  After all most of us are shrinking.  Well, in height. 

3) New wheels. Saves .5 to 1 lb. of rotating mass.  Most new wheels are  stronger with less spokes.  More aero also. 

4) New fork.  Saves a pound or more.  Many great carbon forks out there.  Most improve ride and handling.

5) New pedals.  Saves up to a  pound on a tandem.

6) Handlebar and stem.  Could save a pound.  These things feel light but  some are half the weight of others.

7) Crank set.  Over a pound in most cases unless you already have  titanium.  The new cranks are stiffer and have sealed bearings.

8) Nine speed drive train.  No weight saving.  This brings your bike into  this century.  I saved this till last because it is expensive and may require  modifications to the frame and a new rear hub.  Changing to ergo shifting is a  plus. Before you make this change check your present setup for duplicate  gearing.  A change in cogs or chain rings could give you more gear options.   This will be next months blabber.

You can easily save 5 pounds on an old tandem and never touch the frame.   So go ahead have that second slice of pie.

 Let's talk before you make the change.

 Tip of the month.  Ride down wind first.  The wind always turns  around.

 Rick T.

As this newsletter goes to press (web?) Rick has a painful “situation” that precludes his being able to sit down. Rick spoke with me about the topic so I decided to fill in with my knowledge of the subject.

Axiom #1: Tandem Teams with matching outfits are faster than teams with sloppy, unmatching ensembles.

Corollary (submitted by Dennis): The more colors in the matching jerseys the faster the team.

dede and Dennis

I know all of you out in the tandem world are riding more than I, if you  are riding at all. The official mileage log shows about 100 miles for the year.  If I am lucky, these little pesky problems you have as 50 approaches will occur  only this winter. Being a technical guy I have a major problem with the  emotional side of things like enthusiasm. I should be working on one of the 108  projects that need to be completed within 17 months, but a cold has my  enthusiasm zapped. OK where is this going? One of my projects is to eliminate as many things that are not used around the house. No you can't have my tools,  I have projects to complete. Cycling since I was five (yea I was the geek on the bicycle in high school) a lot of things have accumulated. There was a Shimano Crane derailleur in the box. This thing was manufactured during the  war. The one we lost. Hey we are 11 and 1. This relic brought $30 on Ebay. A wheel that was in my attic since I moved here in 83 fetched $40. To make a long story longer, my boxes of junk tallied nearly $300. The guy that sells this stuff for me buys complete bicycles on sale then parts them out. Some guys got into a bidding war for some wheels and paid 15% more than the same ones at Colorado Cyclist. Competitiveness, you gotta like it. So get out those old parts you may have a gold mine. This friend will do a limited amount of selling for other people. If you don't have an Ebay account let me know. 

The annual trip is taking shape. I'm looking forward to getting together  with the club founders. They have a lot of information I need. This will  probably be one time that tandems will take a stoker. I crack myself up.  Stoker, Back seat Ha, Ha. (Vicki made me add those last two because she didn't  get it). You see they spend most of their time in their RV. That is why we are eliminating stuff. We will be on the road in 17 months. I have a few questions for L&D so the rest of you please step back. See you in PA.

Rick T.