FAB Jim The Cyclist

1974 Raleigh Sports Men’s bicycle

This week I added a couple new bikes to the fleet. The first one is a 1974 Raleigh Sports in bronze green color. It’s in pretty good shape for its age, but I plan to give it a big refresh. A friend of mine found an old Hercules in a dumpster that he has beenContinue reading “1974 Raleigh Sports Men’s bicycle”

Coast to Coast Brand Bicycles

I have been in search of a vintage bike to add to the fleet and ran across a bit of a mystery bike and wanted to share my findings. The bike is the Marquis, a nice vintage looking bike with fenders and a 3-speed hub like you’d expect on many old bikes. So, it lookedContinue reading “Coast to Coast Brand Bicycles”

Racine-Sturtevant Bike Path

Wanted to share another of the many bike paths in the area. This one is the Racine-Sturtevant bike path. A nice, paved path that covers about 3.5 miles going east and west and connects to other trails. The east end is at West Blvd in Racine and starts at the North Shore trail. The westContinue reading “Racine-Sturtevant Bike Path”

2008 Fuji Cross Comp

A couple years ago I decided I needed a good gravel bike and got a great deal on my 2008 Fuji Cross Comp. It’s been a real good buy so far and is great for long rides on the crushed gravel paths we have around here. Check it out: It has an aluminum frame withContinue reading “2008 Fuji Cross Comp”

Weight Loss Help with cycling phase 2

So far, my diet is going well. At about 15 weeks in I am down 19 pounds. My goal was one pound a week so I’m ahead of that. But now I’ve decided to tune up my diet a bit and have made a few changes: New calorie total My new daily calorie goal isContinue reading “Weight Loss Help with cycling phase 2”

Park Tool Polylube 1000 Polyurea Grease Review

A great grease for every bike mechanics toolbox. Lubrication is really important when it comes to bikes, and this stuff is specifically formulated for bike maintenance. It repels moisture and is compatible with conventional greases. It is even safe to use with carbon. Great for your bearings, seat posts, and bolt threads. And aContinue reading “Park Tool Polylube 1000 Polyurea Grease Review”

Must Have Essential Bike Accessories

You have wisely decided to take up biking and now you need all the must have accessories. Here is a list of our recommended items for every bicyclist. 1. Saddle bag Usually, you will be riding with just shorts and no real good pockets, but you still want your phone, wallet, and other essentials. GetContinue reading “Must Have Essential Bike Accessories”

The Diet Plateau and how to keep losing weight

Are you following the same diet, but now you have stopped losing weight? This is called the diet plateau and I think everyone trying to lose weight has this problem. I’ve scoured the world for help and will discuss some ideas below. My diet is going well, but I’m starting to hit longer plateaus. WhenContinue reading “The Diet Plateau and how to keep losing weight”

Bike build compatibility checklist and assembly order

Last year I decided I wanted to become a better bike mechanic and building a bike seemed like the best way. So, I started buying all cheap parts I could find. I learned a lot during the build, but it’s definitely more expensive than buying a used bike. I made an error and bought aContinue reading “Bike build compatibility checklist and assembly order”

Cycling Lingo

You have taken up biking, and now you want to be cool and speak the cycling language. Here are some common terms to help you fit in with the cyclers. 29er – mountain bike with 29” wheels. Aero – short for aerodynamic. Some bikes are designed to be more aero and it also refers toContinue reading “Cycling Lingo”