WTHarper

2,320 reputation

1515

bio	website	velostrigiformes.tumblr.com
	location	Portland, ME
	age	26
visits	member for	1 year, 1 month
	seen	45 mins ago
stats	profile views	38

I'm fascinated with bicycles...with how they work, how they're built, how they're used, and what they have to offer. I'm pursuing an MS in Civil Engineering specifically to design and construct cycling infrastructure for transportation planning.

I have worked with several bike-share programs providing free access to bicycles for students, workers, and retirees. In addition, I volunteer as a bicycling safety advocate with local schools.

I appreciate lugged steel, leather saddles, Bridgestones, and pink bar tape.

My next big goal is a cross-country ride from Maine to California.

	2,320 reputation	bio	website	velostrigiformes.tumblr.com	visits	member for	1 year, 1 month
1515 badges		location	Portland, ME		seen	45 mins ago

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Oct 28	comment	How do I use retro drop down handlebars with no hoods? Additionally, the existing handlebar is rather narrow with steep ramps (called a "track" handlebar). Other styles of drop bars exist which have flatter ramps (so your hands don't slide forward while riding on the hoods) and swept back flat portions (so that using your interrupter levers is more comfortable).
Oct 28	answered	How do I use retro drop down handlebars with no hoods?
Oct 27	comment	Spokes keep breaking - bad hub or bad build? Thank you for giving us updates! It is a valuable asset to the StackExchange format to have some sort of response from the person posing the question.
Oct 26	comment	Would hydraulic disc brakes be easier on my hands than mechanical disc brakes? The difference between mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes (or v-brakes and cantis, for that matter) shouldn't equate to more or less usage. Either your disc brakes need to be serviced, or your issue is more a result of bar setup and body posture. Could you describe a bit about the brakes (age, brand, whether they've been serviced...) and a bit about your setup (i.e. resting lots of weight on your hands and wrists).
Oct 24	comment	Alternatives for front shifting for small hands FYI-RivBike sells individual bar-end shifters: MicroShift brand for $46. A piece of housing, some bar tape, and a new shifter cable and she's back in business!
Oct 23	answered	Topeak Explorer Tubular Rack two versions confusion
Oct 23	comment	Topeak Explorer Tubular Rack two versions confusion 29" and 700c rims are the same diameter (iso 622mm). Primarily, the difference in width and length is to accommodate wider MTB frame stays and tires...I'd stick with the TA2026-B.
Oct 22	comment	Alternatives for front shifting for small hands Most bar end shifters are suitable for triple chainrings. Since she can use her whole hand, it would be a good deal easier to shift and trim when needed. Also, you can swap in one shifter and leave the indexed brifter on the right (and use the left brifter as a brake only).
Oct 17	answered	Dahon handle post hinge loosens too quickly
Oct 16	comment	Creaking bottom bracket There are many related queries about bottom bracket creaks and squeaks jumbled around in this forum-take a look! There is some great information around here.
Oct 10	comment	shaving your legs, arms, or both? Fitting lycra comfortably is also a good reason to be cleanly shaven (both arms and legs). It actually gets quite uncomfortable otherwise.
Oct 10	comment	Feedback on Bern Helmets for winter I've found excess heat to be a problem too!
Oct 10	comment	Which bicycle do you recommend for a short daily city commute that can last for a solid 8-10 years? That Schwinn Traveler has a Biopace crankset-that's pretty neat. Also, these bikes are wildly different sizes! Figure out what fits and go from there.
Oct 6	comment	Purpose of partially filled in rear drop out I can only imagine that this was to avoid having to install dropout adjustment screws on the semi-horizontal dropout. It is only on the drive side because it accurately positions the cog set above the derailleur guide jockey. (Though, in the photo they're definitely intending to drill out the aft section of that dropout.)
Oct 3	comment	MIG Welds vs Brazing for simple bike hacks The setup I have I bought from a hardware store for ~$100 and uses MAPP and oxygen. For small braze-ons it is best to use silver brazing rods, and for structural modifications use bronze. You'll want some welding glasses, leather gloves, and whatever frame prep tools necessary. Also, buying a small respirator will cut down on breathing any flux fumes. Really that is it!
Oct 3	comment	MIG Welds vs Brazing for simple bike hacks MIG is very much a diy system because they're super easy to use (basically a welding squirt gun), but beyond that they don't offer the precision and control of a TIG weld. If you don't have access to a MIG machine, it'd be best to find a TIG welder (or learn about brazing and do it yourself! It's fun!)
Oct 3	comment	MIG Welds vs Brazing for simple bike hacks It is worth noting that brazing--using lugs or fillets--is more labor intensive and went out of fashion in the early 90s in favor of TIG welding. You find a few very high quality producers (Waterford, Rivendell) still making brazed frames; more importantly, however, most home builders use a brazing torch. MIG welders are cheap and easy to use, though, and I'm sure many people have modified bicycles with no complications.
Oct 3	comment	MIG Welds vs Brazing for simple bike hacks Your results will depend on how comfortable you are with either method. Brazing tends to be the standby for most hobbyists (including me) because the equipment is easier to setup, it is cheaper, and it is harder to ruin a bicycle (though not impossible).
Oct 2	comment	How do I make the platform side of a Shimano PD-A530 multi-purpose SPD pedal less “slippery”? As an addendum, tapping blind holes (i.e. a hole with a bottom) can be tricky and usually requires two taps. To avoid this problem, I used JB Weld which is super strong and very permanent. I bought 1/8" stainless threaded rod and cut it to length and it works brilliantly.
Sep 26	comment	for a single-speed conversion, is it always necesary to change bottom bracket? On a fixed gear bike, locking up the rear wheel will tear off a chain tensioner from the force. Single speed setups with freewheels can use a chain tensioner, but fixies require horizontal/track dropouts or an eccentric hub/BB (or lots of fiddling with rings, cogs, and half-links).