Uncle mo is your friend. Really sucks is the UPHILL rock gardens...

(I hate those power-modulators too, probably didn't make that clear, and would rather have really strong brakes that only require a light pull, and just get used to them... most of my regular bikes now are v-brakes and only require 2 light fingers to get good powerful braking.)

if you recall, one of his brifters is funky, and the inexpensive shimano replacement 7-speed brifters are in fact dual V/C long/short pull.

another issue, however... the rear cable routing for V is different than C of course, as there's no center bridge, instead you need a free 'loop' of the last couple inches of sheath that can move side to side with the brake arm.

an interesting variant on the V-brake...
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...e+3+Brake.aspx
http://images.jensonusa.com/large/br/br404a00_____f.jpg
look ma, no noodle!

I'll probably leave the brakes for now since I got the shifter working again. :clap I noticed new pads tend to be longer then they used to be.

I've never had problems with getting hung up on the cants. Although I remember some people having issue with it. I'll probably go with what I have since I won't have to change out the brake shifter combo. I might change them out later if I feel the need though. Then I'll swap in some V-brakes. Maybe something like a Deore XT or Avid Single 5's or 7's.

As for tires, I'm thinking Conti Gravity or maybe Panaracer Fire XP's. Although I'm curious about the Specialized Rhythm's and Compound Pro. Maybe a Sauserwind Control Bliss2...

Thanks for the help. :freaky

do you plan to do hard core steep technical trail riding on that thing?!? those are all, afaik, pretty hard core mountain tires, the kind that suck on the street, and wear out really fast on pavement. I'd think something like a Conti Explorer would be more useful on a bike like you have.

I'll probably end up places I shouldn't. :lol3 I doubt I'll stay on pavement or even graded roads all the time. There are a lot of single and double track trails around. It's not going to be a commuter/urban bike. I live in a rural area with a lot of parks. I would have to ride some pavement to get there.

The Explorer looks promising. How about the Vapor?

Rode 53 or so miles today from the beach, down the coast and inland a bit. Felt pretty good.

http://mr-head.smugmug.com/Cycling/B...94_n9Lru-L.jpg

Paul and I at the beach, a little late so we were playing catch up. Not a bad thing with this group. They were blowing up guys on PCH. 25 mph or so as a warm up.

http://mr-head.smugmug.com/Cycling/B...85_4mrit-L.jpg

Since we had the time, Paul and I stopped by what I call the "Hobbit House" in Corona Del Mar,
http://mr-head.smugmug.com/Cycling/B...67_iQVS6-L.jpg

We caught up with Dave and then the crew as they came back down some insane climb. Old guys rule, so we didn't need the extra altitude.:lol3
http://mr-head.smugmug.com/Cycling/B...03_CmoCS-L.jpg

http://mr-head.smugmug.com/Cycling/B...49_Dh779-L.jpg

Lots of riding good times.

Track map

Top speed,
http://mr-head.smugmug.com/Cycling/B...61_YZ89U-L.jpg

I have a 2001 "medium" Stumpjumper FSR Disk that I'm not using. I really need a longer "large". its got 4" of travel front and rear, hydraulic disk brakes, and is a pretty darn good mtn bike, mostly deore, 3x9. its got the fox float shock from before the 'brain'. Its all in good shape, never been beat on or jumped, and not really ridden that much. make me an offer.

hmm. on this?
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NUT3v0pNW04/TJ...0/DSC_0015.jpg

:nono

you want *this* :deal
http://www.hogranch.com/digi-2006/20...s/IMG_5592.JPG

I have a 2001 "medium" Stumpjumper FSR Disk that I'm not using. I really need a longer "large". its got 4" of travel front and rear, hydraulic disk brakes, and is a pretty darn good mtn bike, mostly deore, 3x9. its got the fox float shock from before the 'brain'. Its all in good shape, never been beat on or jumped, and not really ridden that much.

make me an offer.

Went MTB-ing with my regular partner, at one of our regular spots. We ripped a couple laps and decided to run it reverse for the last lap. We got maybe 100 yards in, I railed left, cranked over to the right, was looking up trail, and rolled sideways off a 1" stick. The pic is the result. I was slammed to the ground so fast I still had a hold of the grips, but, managed to tuck my head so my face didn't get smashed. Unfortunately, I landed with elbow under my ribs. So, I've got a couple sore ribs and my shoulder is very painful. I feel lucky I didn't break anything.

We have plans to ride, tomorrow, so I went to work wheelsmithing. I set up four jackstands, grabbed a deadblow hammer, and went to work straightening the wheel the best I could. There was one area with a pretty good kink that the hammer came in handy with. I've got it within 1/8" runout, but, there's a definite twist to the rim itself. I'll get replacement stuff on order, Monday. But, the wheel should get me through tomorrow. I'm not feeling like I'll be doing much more than enjoying the scenery, anyway.

What I started with. :eek1
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h3...s/IMG_1409.jpg

Well, I'm having some fun with it as I fix it up. Oh and the shifter works better then ever now. I even found the serial number. :lol3 Ended up taking most of it apart to get any rust off the chrome. There are a lot of dings in the paint but then what do you expect from a 20 year old mt. bike. I doubt I'll bother repainting it as I'm kinda partial to the 90's colors even if they are sorta :ymca. The pic I took when I pulled it out of the garage really looks dated though. I'm sure it will look a lot better with new tires. I'm not fond of the gum wall look it had.

I'm still not certain what tires I'll use, just yet though. The Conti Explorers don't look too bad actually. A friend of mine recommended the Panaracer Fire XC's which got me looking at the Conti Gravity. I can get the Gravity's for $26 shipped. Haven't seen the Explorers.

Still looking at semi-slicks though it's hard to get an idea of how they handle as many seem to be trying to run single track with them. :huh

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NUT3v0pNW04/TJ...0/DSC_0008.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NUT3v0pNW04/TJ...0/DSC_0018.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NUT3v0pNW04/TJ...0/DSC_0024.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NUT3v0pNW04/TJ...0/DSC_0021.jpg

All I've got to say is WOW, glad you toast your body any worse. Isn't Mtn biking FUN!!!

Well I've pretty much got the Surly LHT dialed in ,now the fun begins getting some stuff for it. A Surly nice rear rack,wireless computer,maybe a Carrdice saddle bag.and bagman support. I'm thinking a fairly large saddle bag,rear panniers,and a handle bar bag will give me enough storage so that I don't need front panniers. I really don't want to carry more than 60 lbs of crap on bike. Any thoughts from you tourists and bikepackers.

Do some nosing around here.

They've got great articles, compiled from tons of experience and member feedback.

Kicked the Way Back machine lever up to STUN, and got this far.
Part 1 isn't working yet.

P2 is:

http://mr-head.smugmug.com/Cycling/C...13_BaQGD-M.jpg


Well back in the day.

6-er of Stone beer.

:D

I'm still broke...

M