1998 Marin Stinson

Last fall I saw this cool looking bike at the Bicycle Goodie Shop in Bethel with a Brooks Saddle on it that was in for repairs.  Linda, the shop owner, told me that the rear internal hub couldn't be repaired and that the owner was now looking to sell the bike but of course what caught my eye was the Saddle.  When I first asked the price was way too much for a bike that was basically broken and didn't include the Brooks.

On Wednesday of this past week I happened into the shop and saw that the bike was still there and the owner throught the seller might come down on the price.  Got his number and made an offer which he didn't like.  I left him my name and number and said to call me if he reconsiders.  Six hours later, he did, and for a little extra he through in the Brooks B66 saddle!  

This bike is the perfect platform for fixed gear commuter/cross bike.  Originally, I was going to convert the Qball into a Monster Crosser, assuming I could sell the Fetish Fixation and find a 29er frame.  That could still happen but for now I have a 700c fixed gear conversion to work on and this will be the perfect fixed gear commuter, which means I have to sell the Bridgestone as well.

Here are the specs according to Bikepedia:

Bicycle Type	Hybrid
Sugg Retail	$379.00
Weight	Unspecified
Sizes	13.5", 15.5", 17.5", 19", 20.5", womens 17.5"
Colors	Matte forest green

Frame & ForkFrame ConstructionTIG-weldedFrame Tubing MaterialTange chromolyFork Brand & ModelRST 800Fork MaterialAluminum/chromoly, triple-clamp crownRear ShockNot applicable

Components
Component Group	Shimano Nexus
Brakeset	Shimano Nexus Roller brake brakes, Shimano Nexus levers
Shift Levers	Shimano Nexus
Front Derailleur	Not applicable
Rear Derailleur	Not applicable
Crankset	Aluminum, 44 teeth
Pedals	Resin
Bottom Bracket	Shimano BB-CS11, 116mm spindle
BB Shell Width	68mm English
Rear Cogs	4-speed internal, 19 teeth
Chain	KMC UG-50, 1/2 x 3/32"
Seatpost	Aluminum micro-adjust, 27.0mm diameter
Saddle	Marin Comfort
Handlebar	Aluminum, 2" rise
Handlebar Extensions	Not included
Handlebar Stem	Aluminum
Headset	1" Victor VP-H67

Wheels
Hubs	Front: Shimano Altus, Rear: Shimano Nexus Roller brake
Rims	Alex VP-18F, 36-hole
Tires	700 x 38c Marin Lite
Spoke Brand	Steel, 2.0mm straight gauge
Spoke Nipples	Brass nipples

Now I have to take the rear wheel off and see if I can convert that to a fixed gear or do I need another rear wheel.  Also have to take off the drive train cover and count teel on the front ring.  According to Bikepedia, it's a 44t upfront.  If that is the case, I am saved, if not I have to find a new crankset.  I am thinking Nitto flared drops.  One break and fixed of course.

The Friday Fix: Requiem for a Raleigh

The Super Course has left the stable. I am saddened to see it go because it was such a fun bike to ride but there were a few factors that perciptated my decision to set her free, like needing the money to pay for the new wheelset for the 'Horse and opening space in the garage for another bike which I will be picking up later today. I think the bike is going to good home, though, and ironically back to the town in which it came from, Wilton, CT.

It will be a young man's first fixed gear. Now he will experience the joys of spinning like a mad man down Southern New England's glacially carved hills and climbing back up again. The Raleigh's new owner has the potential of becoming a fixed gear free styler and just the fact that he will be riding a fixed gear to school, he will be the envy of all other riders.

I put the big red reflector back on and I think it looks really cool. The KHS sprung saddle is really nice and comfortable.

This isn't anything new but thought a picture of the rear wheel would be nice, since it's a new wheel.

42:15 gearing rocks! I had Christoph clips but they were old looking and dragged everytime I started out so I took them off. I want to see what riding a fixed gear is all about without being clipped in. These bars are awesome! Great positions for the hands and really comfortable, too.

So, this will be the last viewing of the Raleigh.  Fare-the-well, old friend.

Back on the 'Horse!

Me on the 'Horse riding the Pond Trail

Photo Credit:  Nate from Amble On

The new wheelset rocks and the bike is working great! Put the bike through it's paces at Bennett's Pond on Tuesday. Here I am pictured above riding the Pond Trail, which is insanely technical and extremely challenging. Going back to gears and full suspension has been a bit of a relearning exercise but after a ride like that and no sore back what more can you ask for?

Bennett's Pond RAW - Riding the Bush

Met up with my friend Nate, who is a new NEMBA member and Trail Ambassador, to ride one of my favorite places, Bennetts Pond.  In the map above, the tourquoise track is the latest ride and the dark blue track is the last time I was at Bennetts (last year).  Other tracks were subsequent rides but as I realize now, I think I visited Bennett's more than once last year.  To date, I have logged a total 60 miles at Bennetts.

Last night's ride started out on the Green Trail which is almost completely overgrown with pricker bushes and grass.  The treadway is really buff but it also has many roots which make it fun.  Part way down the trail and around a slight bend is a blowdown that Nate brought to the attention of Ridgefield Open Space Association (ROSA), the self appointed care taker for Bennett's, but either they don't have the manpower or they don't really care.  I would think it might be the latter as a way to control mountain biking.  

Unfortunately, in their short sightedness they are also excluding equestriennes who use this area quite a bit, evidenced by all the piles of road apples seen on the trails (nice examples just below the blowdown in the above picture).  I am thinking that a TM session in the future might be necessary.  A couple of bow saws and do some clipping along this trail would open things up nicely.  

This picture of Nate on the green trail gives you a pretty good idea of the Bush on the trail.  The trail itself is nice, just the edges need to be cut back.

Nate Close up

Another Blow down (white Trail).  Again, Nate conveyed this to ROSA over a month ago and nothing has happened yet.  Might make a good up and over if you cut the top log.

Looking back up the trail

This Mud wallow on the white trail, at this point, probably isn't worth armoring because of the trail braid that already exists.

Just need a little rock work on the braid and it will be zooming.

Stream Armoring for the Pond Trail.  This is a nice armoring job that's fun to ride.

Stream Armoring for the Pond Trail (from the other side)

First time on the Pond Trail and it's a really technical and challenging trail to ride.  Some sections like this one pictured above is quite close to the water.

Nate riding the Pond Trail

Swans and their cygnets

New Wheels for the Horse!

Got to thank Pete over at iBike for hooking me up with a barely used wheelset. They are Sun Single Tracks. A little beefier than the DT Swiss 540s that I used to have.

The 'Horse is now looking like it's ready ride! Gearing will be interesting because the largest ring in the back is a 32t and the FSA cog that was originally on the bike came as a 34t. I doubt I can tell whether there is any difference.

Needed a new back tire so I went with the only tires that I have, Kenda Kerates. They fit nicely but need to be tested.