Thoughts on 1980's Mountain Bike Fit and the Trek Antelope as a Winter Bike

I find it interesting how one bicycle can have multiple lives. The Trek Antelope's early life was as a versatile commuter/dirt road rider/sport bicycle. In the mid 90s it functioned beautifully as a world tourer, climbing steep inclines and holding it's own on rough, third world roads. Since 2000, this do-it-all machine morphed into a daily commuter again with an occasional multi-day tour thrown in for good measure. But, it some respects, I've moved on, mostly, to riding step through bicycles, so the Trek has lately served as a loan to relatives or our youngest son has ridden it to a mowing job when his bike has a flat.

What I find particularly interesting, is the suggested fit for bikes of this era. I went from riding a 20-21" touring bike to the recommended 19" mountain bike. I believe the rationale went like this: ride a smaller frame so you'd have clearance on rough trails, making it easier to dismount or put a foot on the ground.

In hindsight, and from the wisdom of age, a 20" mountain bike suits me better. The reach is perfect without the need for bar ends, which, on the Trek has become a necessity for optimal comfort.

So, what to do with the Trek Antelope?

Now that I've found a perfect-sized Peugeot step through for commuting - a size that's proven difficult to locate - it occurred to me (after Ryan suggested I use the Ross as a winter bike) that I should press the Trek into cold weather duty, small or not, and keep the Peugeot for the long haul and not subject it to salt-crusted roads.

The Plan - Transform the Trek into a lean, functional machine*

• remove front rack
• add wider gumwall tires
• beef up the worn hand grips, perhaps with a funky wrap job
• replace toe clip pedals with simple platform type

*Of course, the added benefit here is I don't have to get rid of a bicycle that has memories up the wazoo...

Bye Bye Trek 830 Antelope

Too small frame, no longer fitting anyone in our family.

Over several sessions, I broke down my once beloved Trek 830 Antelope, kept parts that might come in handy on our other old mountain bikes, and donated the frame to Old Spokes Home, where magic happens and they will rebuild it back up again for someone to use as transportation. 

I haven't seen this bike without a rack since 1985.

 Deore LX derailleur looks to still be in good shape.

Letting the crank and sprockets go with the bike.

In 1994 all the original Suntour components were replaced with the recommended Shimano group set, in preparation for our around the world journey.  As I lovingly dismantled the bike, I noted that the only thing still original were the stem and handlebars - a testament to how long these old mountain bikes can last and why they still make wonderful commuter bikes.

I have no regrets - how liberating to part with an ill fitting bicycle!

I'm now down to a manageable 4 bicycles.

Specialized Hard Rock Ultra - Great Utility, and Then Some!

1993 Specialized Hard Rock Ultra: unique pink and purple fade.

I didn't know I would replace my much loved Trek Antelope so soon! I have always admired 1980-1990s rigid mountain bikes for their relaxed geometry and utility - they make great all around bikes, whether that's commuting, touring, riding with family or, in colder climates are adept as winter beaters - add studded tires and don't worry too much because it's an old bike. Added bonus: frames are upgradeable with new components.

Amazing shape for a 30 year old frame! I feel very lucky.

Our youngest son is a bike mechanic at a shop that accepts bikes and parts donations - they rehab older bikes for resale or to help lower income folks get decent transportation at nominal cost. I happened to mention months ago that if he ever came across a certain model and color in my preferred 20" size, then give a holler, expecting it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

Granola handle bars set a little higher than my seat. Stem is at maximum height. I expect there will be tweaks down the road like a taller stem or bars with more rise, non-traditional fenders, etc.

I got a text and photo while I was just starting a solitary mountain bike weekend. "Hey mom, look what I found." When he said it was in great shape, it didn't take long to give him the green light. I was ecstatic of course, thinking about the possibilities, then, if I'm honest, wondering how I could personally justify this new addition, bringing what I thought was a perfect number of bicycles from 4 back to 5.

From August to November we started collecting parts. I bought the VO Granola bars as an alternative, though aligning width-wise with much loved Soma Oxford and Ritchey Kyote bars. Had the VO Crazy bars been narrower, that would've been my first choice. I also chose a loved saddle - the Terry Topo - at least for starters. 

Between our son's knowhow, sourcing new and used parts, and my industry discount - I work for Terry Bicycles - we saved money, and honestly I wouldn't have considered this project on my own otherwise. 
 

He put together a 2X assortment of components that would play nice together. The only hiccup was configuring the V-Brake setup, necessitating ordering a top tube clamp to correctly guide the rear brake cable. He also added his signature two colored spoke nipples, bordering the valve, when building wheels.

Immediate riding impression: I felt at home! I've missed this kind of comfort, 2" plush tires, and diamond frame. I immediately transferred the Jack-the-Bike-Rack for needed utility, and more recently, repainted an older, discontinued Blackburn Mountain rack, installing it fairly easily - saved from the Trek Antelope, so that old beauty lives on through this recent reincarnation. And, I have now fulfilled a dream of owning a purple bike!

Rack and my commuter pannier makes this bike more useful.

And I shouldn't have worried about the Hard Rock's place in my collection. Shortly after acquiring the frame, my husband and I rode a rugged Northern Rail Trail where my Rachel, unfortunately in her current setup, wasn't the best choice. I kept thinking how the Hard Rock would be a perfect complement, lending comfort to rough terrain.

For those seeking build details...

Brakes, Brakes, Swapping a Wheel, and More Brakes!

The Trek gets a brake adjustment and a "new" wheel.

After spending 1.5 hours to replace a brake cable and housing on my Peugeot St. Laurent, (frozen brakes on a frosty morning!) including the painstaking fine-tuning  required to adjust cantilever straddle cable in cramped space between fender and rack, I took advantage of attending a class on brakes, hoping to learn a few tips. I've fiddled with canti-brakes for 30 years, but until a few years ago I had never replaced my own cables so I was hoping experts could shed some light. It turns out, just as I suspected (but of course hoped I was wrong), cantilever brake adjustment requires time and patience, and, according to the mechanic, perhaps a beer. I had to laugh at his last comment because I knew exactly what he meant!

However, I did learn a few things related to brakes:

• My Peugeot doesn't have barrel adjuster screws like my Trek Antelope. My adjustments have to be spot on, whereas with the Trek I can get things close then make minute adjustments with the screws above the straddle wire and at the brake levers. Often, it's little features like this that make some bikes much easier to work on. 
• Cantilever straddle wires are set at a 45 degree angle. This optimum setting would've saved me some frustration. Now I know! 
• You can lightly sand rims to alleviate squealing brakes. I knew about roughing up brake pads, but not rims. The mechanic demonstrated with 80 grit sandpaper, though I would likely use a finer grain. As the mechanic pointed out, you might avoid this technique on a fancy, expensive bike, but any commuter bike should be fine.
• You can clean rims with alcohol. Hallelujah! I'm pretty fastidious with rims, but as I later learned, rubbing alcohol (and not the kind you ingest, the mechanic joked) does a bang up job at removing grime.

Funny thing is, less than two weeks after I went to the class, I had to swap the rear wheel on my Trek Antelope winter bike. Adding chunky tires to narrower rims was an experiment, and the rear tire started shifting, rubbing on brake pads (I was nervous about potential failure so I called for a car rescue as I discovered the problem after I pedaled to work) so I swapped the rim to a wider Araya version saved from the dismantled Ross. The rear wheel carries all my commuting weight, so better safe than sorry! The front wheel seems to be fine, but I will keep an eye on it.

The downside is gearing isn't optimal, going back to a 28T freewheel, but certainly doable for the approximately 4 months of winter riding. However, the silver lining could be that if I desire, my main commuter bike, the Peugeot, could have super low gears. The narrower wheel should accommodate my favorite commuting 1.75 tires.

Shiny rims! I took advantage of lightly sanding and cleaning the "new" wheel, per the mechanic's suggestion. Who cares if the rear wheel is wider than the front?

Back to the Trek. Swapping wheels meant another session of brake adjusting angst, one which I took my time at to get things pretty perfect this time around. I didn't want the slightest rubbing, which required finesse but I'm quite confident I made the right decision. The Trek is a fun bike, and with wider rubber it rides some where between my Peugeot commuter and a fat bike, so I've been seeking out single track, often short cutting paved bike path to ride on a trail through a frozen, harvested cornfield. If that isn't a testament to adding wide tires, I don't know what is!

Trek 830 Antelope Makeover

I have always liked the looks of my red Trek 830 Antelope and now that it once again has wide gumwall tires, the bicycle visually resembles the way it was when I bought the bike in 1986.

Testing my Blackburn commuter pannier to see if I have ample heel clearance.

There are very few original parts on the bike, and I forgot that the current rims are not my favorite (and original) Araya wide beauties, but a narrower replacement, having used 1.5" tires for over 20 years. I struggled putting the Kenda 1.9" fatties on the rims, wondering if I'd made a mistake buying wider tires, but I eventually seated the rubber and so far (after 15 miles) the wheels haven't given me any trouble.

Of course, fitting wider tires meant adjusting brakes and fenders to accommodate the extra rubber.

My overall goal was to simplify the accessories so the bicycle will be easy to clean, simple to ride with bulky clothing, and accept my handlebar light with an unobstructed front view in complete darkness, because, alas, the plan is for the Trek to be my main winter bike.

In addition to installing new tires, I removed the front lowrider rack, replaced extra long bar ends with a shorter version, removed the 25 year old black foam grips and squeezed on red gummy-bear like hand grips (which feel a little weird so I may cover them with fabric). I kept the cushiony foam bar end wraps as extra insulation between mittened hands and metal in sub-freezing temperatures, which I find extremely helpful. The bar ends also serve a functional purpose: the frame is slightly small so I like extending my reach when safe riding allows.

I'm glad the brake levers are still covered with grippy rubber - very helpful in fair or inclement conditions.
I suspect this item is no longer available. 

And because I had an extra rubber kickstand foot, the Trek now sports one too.

I am digging the frontal handle bar view, even though there is less room for bell, mirror, and light. In this case, just enough space is fine!

I didn't need another seat, but my husband has been troubled on an uncomfortable seat on his MB-2, so I offered up the Trek's gel seat and went so far as to swap it for him, then using his seat on my Trek. And I suppose I was also curious about the larger hole cutout and matching red/black color scheme and willing to try it on my own bike. Truth be told, I am also the type of person that sometimes buys fabric because I like a particular pattern or texture, then figure out later how I will use it!

Near as I can tell the saddle may be an older Terry model. I think it's leather, and if it is I wonder if I should
be concerned about leaving it outdoors in the winter at my workplace....dang.
Maybe I should replace it with a cheapo seat from our parts stash.

I removed one of two water bottle racks - no need perhaps, for even one during the winter.

Now that I enjoy flat pedals, it was a no-brainer to ditch the toeclips and pedals. I used a plastic pair that came with the white Peugeot St. Laurent, my commuter bike, A black pair was stock on Miss Clementine and I used a similar pair when I borrowed the Yuba Boda Boda. In spite of seeking out metal pedals because of looks and the ability to service the bearings, I appreciate the functional and quite adequate composite/plastic pedals, especially the type with recessed reflectors.

All in all, the shakedown 15 mile ride aboard the revitalized Trek (on a coffeeneuring run!)  was a real pleasure. The new tires provide a super comfy ride and any difficulty climbing hills was offset by the Trek's low range gearing. After a few more minor adjustments for comfort, the bicycle is ready for winter commutes.

Trek 830 Antelope

It seems almost blasphemous that in a year and a half of blogging I haven't paid tribute to my Trek. I recently took it out for a pre-spring ride and marveled at it's lightness and maneuverability, its easy shifting and low 34 tooth freewheel. It's the best of my bikes in so many ways.

It was fall of 1986. We'd lived in Portland, Oregon for a year. Times were flush. Lots of job opportunities. Extra cash. Eating out with friends. Hikes and micro brews. Living the good life. Commuted to work on the Miyata—the only bicycle I owned. My guy and I were ready for the mountain bike craze. The upright ride.

These were the days of only a couple respectable bike shops in Portland. I know, hard to believe. Sales on bikes happened only once a year. A Halloween Sale. The catch: dress in costume and receive 10% off a bike. Hmmm. Picture my lanky husband dressed in a red union suit, homemade cardboard pitchfork, and hat with horns. A devilish partner. I still chuckle when I recall his costume. I've long since forgotten what I wore, but it was enough to score the discount.

We came home with a Specialized Rockhopper and the Trek 830 Antelope. Both were sweet bikes. Stable with upright attitude. Made city rides pleasurable, plowing through leaves, hopping curbs, riding the 11 mile Leif Erickson dirt road in Forest Park, Portland's fabulous west side wonderland.

Then, across Oregon on an organized week long ride. Up canyons, down passes. We rode the Seattle to Portland event—back to back centuries. And the culmination: riding around the world (see Monday posts) with racks and panniers. The Trek was my mainstay until 2008. That's 22 years! This bike can do it all. I'd venture to say I have 30,000 miles on the frame. Most parts have been replaced during it's lifetime. And I hope it'll keep on traveling with me.

I'm currently navigating Vermont's mud season, appreciating the bike's versatility once again. Go Trek!

Bar End Wrap Conundrum

Since I've been rockin' the Trek Antelope for the past month as my daily commuter, the bar end wrap eventually unraveled to the point where it's become a nuisance. I've always preferred padding, even when wearing gloves. I hang on the elongated ends for a good share of my ride, so fixing them has become a necessity. Besides, with the cold weather coming I wanted the extra insulation between hands and metal.

Right bar end wasn't in bad shape. Note the brake lever grips.
I love these. I wonder if I can buy these again; they're getting thin.

At one time my husband used a neoprene-type of tube, which slipped over the end like a normal bar grip. I couldn't find one in my local bike shop. As it turns out people don't seem to use bar ends that much anymore. I had to think about a solution. New bar tape might be a waste again and with normal wear and tear, I'd be replacing it in a year.

Trek Antelope, sporting new bar end grips and new mirror.

Ta da! I dug in our parts stash and came up with foam grips. They slipped on with ease. Of course, a longer variety would work better, but I've positioned them where I commonly grasp the bar.

I also removed the old Rhode Gear mirror (see first photo.) I got tired of constantly turning the thing into viewing position; it has a tendency to swivel on bumps. The Velcro-type fastener is falling apart, another reason why it pivots. Also from the bike gear box, I found an extra Bell mirror. I use this same style on the Ross. I like it's simplicity and that it tucks beneath the bar, out of harms way. (For other mirrors I use see this post.)

2017 Rewind

What strikes me the most about 2017 is I added, quite unexpectedly, two more bicycles into my life, but of course January didn't start that way...

The year began with frequent snow-free winter bike commutes, punctuated by blasts of extreme weather, including hail in mid May plus I embraced a longer, cleansing ride in sunny, cold weather.

In the spring I added a front rack to Miss Clementine and later a specialized handle bar bag to complete her set up as a tour ready companion.

In the summer I went on an annual slow-roll with Adele in Canada, and also made a concerted effort to re-connect with an old friend, Paula, (who I'd forgotten liked to ride) plus made a new friend, Carmen, that led to a women-only overnight to Grand Isle State Park.  Carmen also joined me for a coffeeneuring outing and we regularly see each other at Queen City Bicycle Club rides. My husband and I also got out more, riding with Paula, an overnight in Canada, and exploring Groton State Forest, plus he accompanied me on several coffeeneuring trips. Now that our children are becoming responsible young adults, I love it when we can plan mini adventures or head out on a moments notice.

I welcomed two bikes into my life this year: a white Peugeot St. Laurent as a replacement commuter bike and a Dahon Boardwalk 6-speed, both Craigslist finds, both stumbled upon with endless searching. I'd looked for years for a larger framed steel step-through, and coincidentally I located an inexpensive brand-named folding bike, something I've always wanted to try. In November, I also, excitedly, re-purposed my Trek Antelope into a dedicated winter commuter. 

Bike overnights hold the power to rejuvenate me like nothing else short of a week-long vacation. This year I discovered the beauty of lone nights at our family's nearby lakefront cottage during September and October. 5 miles from home and 7 miles from my workplace, I packed food, overnight gear and dress attire and often pedaled the circuit: camp to work along the lake shore path, work to home to resupply and greet family, then back to camp, often arriving after sunset.

After a solo trip hiking Hadrian's Wall Path in early September, that particular bike-less adventure has ignited a spark for future plans. Whether it's US travel or overseas, on foot or wheels, I've vowed to make exploration a more consistent part of my life.

Onward to 2018!

If Money Were No Object - Optimal Bike Setups

What would you do if you had endless resources to upgrade a current bike versus purchasing a new one?

I was thinking the other day, what would my dream setups consist of and if I could replace my existing bike, what would I choose? I've already figured I could get by with only three bikes *.

Dahon Boardwalk
The Dahon is almost there in terms of commuting and touring abilities on flat terrain. After a couple 30 miles rides, and recent updates to crank, adding new tires and chain, I feel confident in the folder's abilities for more travel aboard this small-wheel wonder. For hauling gear, however, I'd like compact rear panniers, but they must be very narrow to avoid heal-strike. I recently bought two sling bags, which when sewn together, should provide exactly what I'm looking for, in addition to a small duffel bag that I currently use for commuting. Plus, when possible, I prefer to use items on hand. A second wish: a wee bit lower-geared freewheel for more effortless climbing - though that's splitting hairs so-to-speak.

Dream folding bicycle: I'd happily buy a new Boardwalk because a steel frame provides comfort, plus, in my opinion, the round tubing of this particular model is timeless! But if money were no object, I'd select a Brompton because of its reputation and build quality coming out of England - as opposed to Asia. With the ability to fold and fly without hassle and expense, I'd tour overseas. Brompton's are cute and come in cool colors, like purple!

Peugeot St. Laurent
Ideally, I'd swap the current Panaracer Pasela tires for the Tour Guard/flat protected version. Otherwise, my bombproof, scuffed Peugeot continues to function well as an all-weather commuter. I'd love to have 1x gearing for simplicity - I fell in love with the easy-shifting of a rented 1x11 mountain bike recently... My Blackburn pannier continues to be a perfect complement and has held up well after my practical retrofits.

Dream commuting bicycle: For a US option, I've always admired the looks and practical functionality of the Breezer Uptown & Downtown series of step-through styles. They are more lightweight with v-brakes. I'd sacrifice a rougher ride on an aluminum frame because the metal would hold up better against salted New England roads.

Rivendell Clementine
For my step-through touring rig, I'd like to explore narrower tires, curvier handlebars, and a splash of color to complement the blue frame, plus a different rack setup. On the other hand, low gears, plush ride, finally a comfortable saddle (4th one), and adequate, unique - if a bit awkward (click through friction) - shifting all make the Clementine a beautiful build. A great base for upgrades. No problem in the pannier department - I have multiple panniers that fit normal-sized racks.

Dream touring bicycle:  With above-noted tweaks, I think Clementine is it, unless a future U.S. market handles more options for step through tourers. I'd always wondered about a built-up SOMA Buena Vista mixte and whether that set-up would've been lighter, and yet, it's still not a loop frame. I love Clementine's ease of use and isn't something I would sacrifice on a whim.

*I've purposely left out the Peugeot UO14 and Trek Antelope from the discussion. Both bikes duplicate functions and if something were to happen to either one - heaven forbid - I wouldn't replace them.

Thankful for QCBC Wrench Series

How to work on your bike in good company? Attend a weekly Queen City Bike Club Maintenance Night! New this winter, when it's too cold or snowy to hold the usual club ride and later gathering at Zero Gravity, you can attend an open session at Old Spokes Home to address any bike issues. Guided by a lady staff mechanic, I showed up to clean my Trek Antelope's drive train, popping the chain into an ultrasonic cleaner, plus replaced the right shifting cable and housing. The next session is in another week or so and with scarily soft brakes, that's the next item on my agenda.

It's great to have dedicated time to get some much needed maintenance done.

Coffeeneuring 2017 - Sixth Cup at Mayes Landing

I paid homage today to an often overlooked park, Mayes Landing, at the mouth of the Winooski River where it empties into Lake Champlain. Water views, baby, water views!

The lawn space also overlooks the beautiful bike/pedestrian bridge, site of many stops, destinations, and otherwise awesome views looking west toward New York. But, upriver there is a special beauty in enjoying the swiftly moving current as it collects and moves debris, sometimes eddying before sweeping underneath the bridge.

Today's outing included a maiden voyage of my recently renovated Trek Antelope 830 that now sports 2" tires, the first outdoor use of a new Stanley coffee press, and to celebrate another wonderful ride with my husband.

The stove fuel was running low, even with my husband's panniers shielding the wind. I made the mistake of premixing coffee grounds, milk, and a squirt of chocolate syrup which had jostled on the ride, and then was difficult to press, though I eventually was able to enjoy a lukewarm mocha. I am impressed with the Stanley thermos: It seems to be well-made (I previously experimented with it at home), and can double as a regular thermos by leaving out the plunger/press apparatus. The width does not fit in my water bottle cage as suggested by a Facebook coffeeneur. Nonetheless, I'm glad I bought it because it makes excellent coffee and will fit in my commuter bike's basket.

My husband got a little artsy with the camera. Where's Annie?

There she is!

I'm happy to report I am in love all over again with my Trek.

The Place: Mayes Landing
Date: Saturday, November 4
Drink: Cafe Bustelo & Hersheys Syrup for a mocha
Observation:  Surprisingly, autumn colors are still vibrant along the waterfront bike path.
Total Miles: 15 

Colchester Streets Challenge - Challenging Motivation

A nice view from Water Tower Hill in Colchester.

I've decided to put the Colchester Streets Challenge on hold for the remainder of 2017. While I could devote weekends towards this goal, I've lost the motivation to get to roads that are a fair distance from home. While a challenge should be difficult to some degree, otherwise it's not a challenge, but especially a self-imposed one - at least the way I understand it - should be a source of inspiration...and frankly, I've lost interest. While I may finish a few more Colchester streets before the year's out, it's no longer my primary focus.

Other exciting events and projects have taken precedence:

• Coffeeneuring Challenge
• Revamping the Trek Antelope
• Getting to know the Dahon
• Bike overnights at camp
• Researching 2018 bike tour ideas

I'm also looking forward to gearing up for winter riding, more Burlington Bicycle Club rides, and weather dependent Cranksgiving and Winter Solstice events - all short term goals that I can easily get behind!

Memorial Day Fix

Notice the pointy center sprocket. This is worn and must be replaced.

Doggone sunshine for Memorial Day! Yay! After 6 days and 7" of rain we deserve some nicer weather. And just in time to squeeze in a ride with my man. Well, at least a short one as it seems lawn mowing is in order after the long stretch of bad weather. This gave me the impetus to replace two chain rings on my Trek Antelope—something I should have done three weeks ago.

Gunk buildup beneath the chain rings. Fortunately, I have a sealed bearing hub cassette,
which requires replacement as opposed to cleaning. It still spun freely.
I removed the  exterior gunk with rag

I would occasionally notice some chain skipping—a sure sign that rear cassette, chain, or front gears needed some attention. I cleaned the freewheel; it's only five years old. I replaced the chain about a month ago. That helped for a while, but as I inspected the chain ring teeth, I knew at least one ring needed replacing. I use the middle chain ring the most, and thus after about 15 years it's worn. I ordered a new one along with a granny gear ring. I seldom use the large sprocket.

My husband helped locate our removal tool and guided me through the process. Again, I'm learning that brute strength can be replaced with a rubber mallet. Tap, Tap, tap. Loose.

I cleaned up as much of the grease as possible on large ring and crank arm. Bolting on the new rings was relatively easy. The only difficulty was tightening the stack/cinch bolts (new terms for me). In my effort to regrease all parts, I lubricated the bolt receptors, which apparently is a no no. I unscrewed all five connections, cleaned them as best I could, and put it together again. After Internet browsing, I used a screwdriver and a dime to secure one of two notches in place while tightening the Allen bolts on the screw heads. However, only two of five still properly tighten. Fortunately, it's secure for the time being. Short of buying a special tool to hold the receivers in place (notches are pretty tiny), or purchasing new hardware, I'll monitor the situation as I ride. I'm hoping a couple of wet rides will remove more grease, then I can properly tighten the remaining loose Allen bolts.

 Clean front sprockets. So nice.

Voila! Two Memorial Day fixes: a smooth drive train and a long awaited ride with my favorite partner. About time...

Shifting Within the Spectrum

Shorter adventures fill my wanderlust these days compared with lengthy trips in the
 80s and 90s. Notice, the Trek Antelope held up on a long tour and is still in use
today (left photo, 2012).

The 1980s were a blur of cycling across the country, working briefly in Houston, then settling in Oregon and getting married. It was a time of high energy, high adventure in the Cascades: back-country skiing, climbing volcanoes. Occasionally we went on long rides: my first century (on my own in the hills near Mount Saint Helens), several double centuries (back to back 100 mile days), and an organized tour with Cycle Oregon on the Oregon Trail (400 miles across the state).

This life carried over through the mid-90s until the move back to Vermont. Then children provided an extra challenge. But little by little, the adventure is coming back. I'm learning to make the time away from home count. I appreciate the shorter tours. I'm confident going solo. I've learned to lighten the  gear I haul. Bike overnights, especially, have a charm all their own. You can carry more: bottle of wine, leave the stove at home, pack a pillow, eat breakfast at a restaurant because—what the heck—it's only for one night.

Always a constant, since my teens, remains bike commuting. It's my freedom from the car. It keeps me fit. I commuted year-round in Portland, Oregon—rain or no rain. And now, I'm back to at least 8 months of riding—all except the coldest, iciest days. It's my daily salve. I can't imagine life without it.

And maybe, if our health holds, my favorite touring partner and I will be back on the road someday, on an extended trip in some foreign land. In the meantime, we carry on, squeezing in those little trips that are oh so important, keeping the fire alive.

Dedicated Winter Bike 2.0

A dusting of snow has already coated our cycling paths. It has melted, but it's got me thinking about riding throughout the winter again because, at some point, snow will be here to stay - if we're lucky and I hope we are - it also means enough coverage to ski in local parks.

After getting rid of a too small Trek Antelope earlier in 2020 that served for two years as a practice winter bike, (never tried studded tires) I'm ready - I think - for the next step.

I've spent some time pondering exactly what that next bike should be: Do I want a lean maintenance-free machine, converting my step-through Peugeot into a 365 Bike and use currently owned 26" studded tires? I also have an extra wheelset, which means I could swap wheels when needed, though in reality the hassle wouldn't be worth it. Or, I could purchase a cheap single speed fat bike - I've always loved the comfort of cushiony 4" tires. But the coolest thing ever - to be honest I'm dreaming big - would be a 20" fatter tired bike like the Velo Orange Neutrino. which might cone in handy for multimodal commuting, using our local bus service. 

After all my internal ramblings, I've decided to slap the studded tires on the Peugeot St. Laurent and try it out for the snow season. If that's successful, then eventually I might have Old Spokes Home convert the bike into a 365 bike - the model is a perfect candidate.

Dedicating the Peugeot to winter duty still allows a range of perfectly suitable bikes for the rest of the year: skinny-tired fender-less Peugeot UO 14 for fair weather rides, Dahon Boardwalk, and with safe bike parking, the Rivendell Clem could also work. All are unique bicycles that would be efficient commuters (plus give me a variety of riding styles).

I think I answered my own question.

After another snowfall that has lingered for days, I was ready to get out there. Today I mounted the studded tires and rode in more fresh snow that started the moment I left home and continued for the entire 8 miles I was outside! To be honest, it's helpful that I primarily ride on flat trails.

I had so much fun. I can do this!  

Le Peug with studded tires. I removed the front basket for better visibility while using a front mounted light, and sporting an older set of small panniers.

5 Types of Bikes Worth Owning

I've come to the conclusion that five distinct styles of bicycles would satisfy my current lifestyle. Letting go of the Miyata 610 has broadened my bicycle horizons. That, coupled with acquiring a folding bike, testing a cargo bike, re-purposing the all-around Trek, and generally assessing the bicycles I own and the roles each play, 4 of my 5 bikes are likely keepers.

Touring Bicycle
Folding Bicycle
Dedicated Commuter Bicycle
Winter Bike
Cargo Bike

1. Rivendell Clementine
Though I ride the Clem-L (oh for heaven's sake Rivendell, please rename it back to "Clementine"!) the least, I've got the upright touring bicycle covered for multi-day jaunts, or riding across the country, again someday. I expect this bike to see me through the rest of my two-wheel riding years. For her current stock configuration, she, surprisingly, climbs hills and generally floats along with ease. Contrary to my first impressions, this bike is definitely growing on me!

2. Dahon Boardwalk
I never imagined a folding bicycle would become integral in my fleet. plus be such a good-looking, versatile machine! Tuck the bike into the back of our van; hop on and weave around traffic; heft on-board Amtrak or up escalators; adjust seat height for a visitor - whoa baby - so many possibilities!

3. Peugeot Saint Laurent
This white beauty is a sturdy, stable, and comfortable commuter rig that schleps my stuff to work, has extra capacity for errands, or can haul panniers for overnights close to home. Miss Peugeot fits me well and, understandably because I'm primarily a commuter, gets ridden 90% of the time.

4. Trek Antelope 830
This bomb-proof old mountain bike has filled multiple roles over the past 30 years, recently becoming a winter bicycle - a workhorse I'm comfortable subjecting to salted road conditions. Since I've become a regular cold weather commuter, the Trek is a perfect companion.

5. A Cargo Bike????
I would certainly love to round out my fleet with a cargo bike. While my current line-up could schlep gear, especially with the addition of a trailer, there's nothing like the carrying capacity of a dedicated mid-tail cargo bike, like the Boda Boda, one that's easy to handle but packs a punch for hauling almost anything. If I didn't own a car, this style of bicycle would be a worthwhile investment.

While my list is unique to me, yours, of course, should vary greatly. I'd love hear what styles you consider necessary in your fleet and why.