Re: [CR]A Beautiful Day in San Diego

(Example: Production Builders:Tonard)

Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 19:53:53 -0800
From: "Chuck Schmidt" <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR]A Beautiful Day in San Diego
References: <22099351.1080009170933.JavaMail.root@gonzo.psp.pas.earthlink.net>


Pat Moffat wrote:
>
> Brian,
>
> Thanks for mentioning the gears your group was running on your fixies this last weekend. After reading so many posts from Chuck Schmidt about riding fixed gears, I built three, and I really like them. Since I don't know anybody who rides fixed gear, I just made it up as I went along. The first was a world Voyager at 56.7 inches. That was fine for the neighborhood. Next, an early 70's PX-10 at 70.9. Then I went to Bisbee last weekend and scored a '51 Holdsworth. It's too pretty to hang shifters, cables and what-not on it, so I'm making it into a fixie. Currently it's at 75.6 inches, but it seems a little long. I think the PX-10 at 70.9 seems the best for me (mostly flats).
>
> I would be interested in hearing what other list members ride....especially the big guns. . . .Chuck?

I think I fit the description of an Old Gun more than a Big Gun (but then e-RICHIE told me I should be eating salad after seeing the picture of me with my Mercian fixie, so what do I know?).

The two Gillott road/tracks, a 1954 and a 1955, both came with 48 x 16 (79.1 inches). The 1959 Mercian Vigorelli Superlight road/track came with a 48 x 16 (79.1 in). The 2003 Waterford road/track had 48 x 16 for a long time, but I put a new 17 tooth steel cog on when the 16 tooth aluminum cog got worn, so now it is 48 x 17 (74.5 in).

Decided to try the 17 cog after John Pergolizzi said the 17 is considered the Magic Gear™ in NYC fixed gear circles. It is nice, but not real different than the 16 cog that I ride so much.

John you were sorely missed on the ride Sunday... remember, "Friends don't let friends miss vintage rides!"

Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California

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