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Diy Hands On Projects
- Thread starter AriLea
- Start date
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
Yes... you are correct. I just ordered a set of bicycle panniers (saddle bags).
Apparently, as you get older you can't lift your leg as high. I kept getting my foot caught in my modified milk crate (on the back). Recently, I took a tumble on the parking lot trying to dismount after catching my foot (again) -- that was the last straw. I really can't afford to hurt myself.
After some careful measuring, I found a set that I think will work. I'll post pics after I install and test them out.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Interested
Elio Addict
The panniers will also help with balance by lowering the center of gravity. Try to keep the weight even between both sides.
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
So... I purchased a set of panniers that fit this oddball rear rack on this oddball bicycle.
The problem was... the trailing edge of the panniers kept finding its way into the spokes of the wheel (both sides). It was even worse if I put anything in the panniers. I needed something rigid and lightweight. Enter an old fluted plastic "Open House" sign -- several years ago, some realtor left this sign in my yard after she had an Open House for a home down the street (I live on the corner). After a couple of days, I removed the sign from my yard and stored it away, thinking she may remember it and want it back. Nope -- it just been sitting in the corner of my garage for years -- until today. I cut and zip tied it in place -- perfect solution.
One man's trash is another man's treasure!!
I may cut it down it bit, but thought I'd go for a couple "shake down" rides before I make any adjustments.
The problem was... the trailing edge of the panniers kept finding its way into the spokes of the wheel (both sides). It was even worse if I put anything in the panniers. I needed something rigid and lightweight. Enter an old fluted plastic "Open House" sign -- several years ago, some realtor left this sign in my yard after she had an Open House for a home down the street (I live on the corner). After a couple of days, I removed the sign from my yard and stored it away, thinking she may remember it and want it back. Nope -- it just been sitting in the corner of my garage for years -- until today. I cut and zip tied it in place -- perfect solution.
One man's trash is another man's treasure!!
I may cut it down it bit, but thought I'd go for a couple "shake down" rides before I make any adjustments.
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
My first grocery run with my fluted plastic "skirt guard" worked great. I don't know if I'll bother trimming them down or not.
I did notice that gasoline prices seem to jump 60 cents overnight. I had heard something about gasoline prices, but haven't needed any gas in a couple of weeks.
I just pedaled on by the gas station -- happily riding.
I did notice that gasoline prices seem to jump 60 cents overnight. I had heard something about gasoline prices, but haven't needed any gas in a couple of weeks.
I just pedaled on by the gas station -- happily riding.
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
My road bicycle just isn't built for pulling a cargo trailer for my larger grocery store runs. Between the gearing and the skinny tires, its quite difficult. And with the price of gas hitting $4.69/gallon -- I'm not taking the car out.
So... I've been keeping an eye out for a larger frame mountain bike. I found one at Goodwill (this past Friday), albeit in pretty rough shape. I didn't pay much for it (LOL)!!
Today's project was taking two broken bicycles and making one good one. I was given the Blue Bike and was thinking about fixing it up, but the frame was too short for me. So, I took the best pieces and made a somewhat functional mountain bike/cargo hauler. I still need a better shifter for the rear derailleur and need to install the cargo trailer coupler. But I'm looking forward to taking it out for a shake down run.
So... I've been keeping an eye out for a larger frame mountain bike. I found one at Goodwill (this past Friday), albeit in pretty rough shape. I didn't pay much for it (LOL)!!
Today's project was taking two broken bicycles and making one good one. I was given the Blue Bike and was thinking about fixing it up, but the frame was too short for me. So, I took the best pieces and made a somewhat functional mountain bike/cargo hauler. I still need a better shifter for the rear derailleur and need to install the cargo trailer coupler. But I'm looking forward to taking it out for a shake down run.
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
In an effort to avoid paying $5/gallon for gasoline, I've been using my bicycle for almost everything. My bicycle cargo trailer has been getting quite the workout. Unfortunately, the plastic rims are warping. I don't think its the weight and its not that hot, yet. So, I have no idea why the rims are warping/bending. This was originally a kid bicycle trailer that I up-cycled into a cargo trailer.
Any way, I purchased a busted up children's bike at Goodwill. Nothing on it was any good, except the rims and tires (which is all I really needed).
So I built a new under carriage / cradle that would accommodate the larger/stronger wheels. All of the wood and metal is scrap from various other projects. I did have to purchase long bolts to mount the cradle to the cargo box, but that was only $6.
Any way, I purchased a busted up children's bike at Goodwill. Nothing on it was any good, except the rims and tires (which is all I really needed).
So I built a new under carriage / cradle that would accommodate the larger/stronger wheels. All of the wood and metal is scrap from various other projects. I did have to purchase long bolts to mount the cradle to the cargo box, but that was only $6.
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
As gasoline prices hover around $5/gallon here, I've been using my bicycle(s) more and more for day to day errands (including grocery shopping). So much so, that I figure I could justify the cost of a front rack on my road bike ($11 on Amazon). I found the soft cooler at Goodwill for $2, so I didn't feel bad about poking holes in it and zip tying it to front rack. I did have to use hose clamps for the lower supports, as this road bike has no attachment points. I don't think it was ever meant to be used this way.
Now I can put a gallon of milk, etc. up front and ride on home.
Now I can put a gallon of milk, etc. up front and ride on home.
Sonoran Sam
Elio Addict
Yesterday afternoon, my girlfriend came to me in a panic and told me hot air was coming out of the vents. So, I went and checked our Evaporative Cooler and the pads were dry -- the main water pump had quit. I wasn't really surprised as it was about 11 years old -- a good run for a small pump.
I came back in and told my girlfriend the main water pump failed. Her response was "Who do we call??" My answer -- we call nobody. I went to my stash of spare parts and pulled out a brand new pump I kept in stock. 10-15 minutes later, the cool air was restored and she was happy.
I saved the box, so I could purchase another one to go back in stock for the next failure (10 or so years from now).
When I went on Home Depot's website, the price had doubled since I purchased the last new one ($25 to $50). I checked on Amazon and they have one for $40ish, so I'll use my credit card points to get it at a slightly lower price.
I came back in and told my girlfriend the main water pump failed. Her response was "Who do we call??" My answer -- we call nobody. I went to my stash of spare parts and pulled out a brand new pump I kept in stock. 10-15 minutes later, the cool air was restored and she was happy.
I saved the box, so I could purchase another one to go back in stock for the next failure (10 or so years from now).
When I went on Home Depot's website, the price had doubled since I purchased the last new one ($25 to $50). I checked on Amazon and they have one for $40ish, so I'll use my credit card points to get it at a slightly lower price.