[CR]Was Steel, Failure, and Used Racing Bikes, Now: Know your tools

(Example: Racing:Beryl Burton)

From: <Sid_Smith@baxter.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2003 14:39:36 -0600
Subject: [CR]Was Steel, Failure, and Used Racing Bikes, Now: Know your tools

Lou and all,

I do race, although most of my bikes have never been raced by me. That doesn't mean I ride any gentler on the Saturday or Sunday pack rides. Those pack rides are just as gnarly in sprints and climbs, although we do limit contact to "friendly" contact. Bottom line, if you want lightly used, know your previous owner. But, I'm with the Monkeylad, it probably doesn't make a huge difference in most cases. With the exception of off list materials, it's tough for a human to damage a well designed frame without help.

The Safety Soapbox: I have a policy of making sure all my equipment is in good order (bikes, cars, tools, etc) cause I never want to be in a position of trying to remember what I'm not supposed to do with a piece of equipment. 50 mph on a downhill is not when you want to be trying to remember if these are your "good" tires or straight wheels.

Sid Smith In snowy Lake Forest, IL, but making plans for Austin, TX (yeah!!)

"It's a weapon, not a jewel!" - Mike Walden