Just Riding Along... Revisiting the Haro V3.

Now that the Xtracycle has been disassembled, I am back to square one with my old friend, the Haro V3. This bike was my very first "real" mountain bike, from 2003 I believe. This bike has gone through some changes over the years.

For a while it was my MTB, geared with a Manitou suspension fork, and V brakes. That phase traveled from Ohio to Southern California and continued on for a bit. Then, after the Gary Fisher Rig showed up, it turned into a geared commuter with 1.5 inch slicks, then switching back to trail duty as a second single speed. Moved back East, and it found it's way back to the streets, as a single speed commuter, this time with a Salsa steel rigid fork and disc brakes. It hung on the wall of the garage for a time, patiently waiting for parts once again. Finally came the cargo bike phase, via Xtracycle. Now, we are here:

Back to just a frame. What form should it take now?

I have to say, this bike has lasted far longer than I ever would have guessed. I couldn't even begin to estimate how many miles it has logged over the 9 years or so that I have owned it. I am thinking I could piece together a cheap single speed again, but this time run some Schwalbe Big Apples just for fun. Anyway, whatever form this bike takes on, it has been the best $400 that I have ever spent. Thanks Haro!

Just Riding Along... Day 14.

Along the Little Miami scenic path.

Perfect weather today in SW Ohio, very unusual for this time of year. Normally, this would be the start of clearing away snow from the sidewalks, but today was around 60 degrees. Perfect day for a bike ride.

This afternoon, I started out on the T500 to get in a good ride through nearby Indian Hill to tackle some hills. After about 3 miles, I realized that I had a flat rear tire, and no spare tube, tools or pump. Luckily, I had briefly chatted with a friend at the trailhead parking lot, who graciously picked me up to spare me the torture of walking back to the house. Moral of the story: Be prepared.

After being dropped off at home, I switched out my Magicshine from the T500 to the HaroX and took off once again. Determined to take advantage of this great weather, I once again started off into Indian Hill. Not a long ride by any means, but still a bit of climbing, and one long descent which really makes the ride. After the long cruise out of Indian Hill, it was home for dinner.

Racing the sunset in Indian Hill.

After dinner, I received a call from my brother-in-law who had the urge to test out his new Cannondale for the first time, and asked if I felt like a night ride. For sure. So, once again, on the bike path for another round, this time again on the HaroX. Unfortunately, something was amiss in the rear wheel, which ended up being another flat tire. Luckily, this time, I had a spare, and the proper tools to fix the problem, and ride home without issue. Seriously, two flats in the same day? That has not happened in a while, and I cannot remember the last time that I had a flat. But at least I was prepared.

Almost the half way point for the month, here are the maps of today's rides, minus the 1st ride:








All in all, such a great time today on the bike. Even thought there were a couple flat tires, I was still out enjoying the weather, and enjoying the spin. That is what it is all about, and now this is starting to become a habit. I am cool with that. Hope you got out and enjoyed this great weather!

Cinco de Mayo, or day of bike related stuff...

I have to admit, Cinco de Mayo was quite different for me before I had my daughter. I would have been a day full of drinking, doing something outdoors, and probably more drinking. Granted, I did have a few brews yesterday, but nothing to the proportions that have been consumed in the past. Here is basically a run down of what happened yesterday:


The day started off with Goose and I taking the XtraHaro down to the local doughnut shop, Ms. Cheri's, to get a few pastries to start our day. Quite a few people were intrigued, and also confused with the entire family bike/van setup. Very comical to try to explain it to non cyclists, but at the end of the trip, I think most people got it. I guess that is the draw back to being only one of a few Xtracycles in the great Cincinnati area.


After spending the morning tooling around on the cargo bike, the afternoon brought some sitting on the patio, enjoying some Hudy Delight. This is a local Cincinnati beer, or was since it is now brewed in PA. I do believe that they will be producing it here in Ohio once again in the next couple of years. Anyway, just a light beer. Nothing fancy. Since the weather is getting warmer, it makes me want a lighter beer, and this one does the trick. Plus, it is cheap, and has more flavor than a Bud Light. Works for me.


Once the evening set in, I retired to my garage to work on a few bicycle related projects that I have needed to do. The first was to get Big Red back up and running. I ended up putting on a set of Maxxis Crossmark 26x2.1s front and back, and a new Wippermann single speed chain. The Crossmarks do fit in the back, and in the front there is a little bit of rubbing, but for this town cruiser, I do not mind. It was nice to take a little spin on it last night.


After that was finished, I started to add some protection to the Xtracycle frame. Basically, I just cut up some old tubes, and zip tied them to the frame, to act as a chain protector. It is not flashy, but it will do the trick. I think after all of the miles that I have put on, that gave me a decent idea where I am getting chain rub. Also, it was free. It pays to stockpile old tubes for this reason!





Since the V Racks were off of the HaroX, I decided to clean it up a bit. I don't normally wash my bikes all that often, so I made sure that it count. Also cleaned up the Haro Mary SS, since she might be leaving this weekend. We shall see. All in all, a very productive, awesome day!

Finished...

So, I have had some time to put in a few miles, what can I say. It's pretty awesome. Yesterday did around 10 miles before the newest snowstorm hit the Cincinnati area, and everything feels really good. Maybe its the fact that the bike is long, or that I have more gears than I have ever had, but this bike climbs really well. I am also surprised how well the Maxxis Crossmark tires roll on pavement. These tires will give me some options when the nicer weather rolls around. Here are some pictures of the complete bike as it sits...

Teaser shots...

Got the XtraHaro back from Bishop's Bicycles, had to have new derailleur cables and housing installed. The included kit did not work unfortunately. Another thing that did not work was the chain extension, which was not a nine speed chain. So I had to buy two new chains. Bummer. At this point, I don't care. The bike is now functional!
Only a quick ride home from the shop, so not a true shake down, maiden voyage, but I plan on hitting the streets tomorrow once I am home from work, and of course some better photos. Here are a few teasers:

XTRACYCLE!!!

Just ordered my Xtracycle conversion kit! Cant wait to get the ball rolling on this long overdue project of awesomeness!

Gears...finally!

Here is the latest version of the Haro V3. Looks like the xtracycle conversion will have to wait, but for now, this will be the commuter set up. Here are the parts:

-2003 Haro V3 frame
-Sram X9 rear derailleur
-Shimano LX front derailleur
-Sram X7 shifters
-Avid BB7 brakes
-Avid SD7 brake levers
-Easton EA50 handlebars
-Bontrager stem
-Salsa rigid fork (From an Ala Carte)
-Sun Ringle Singletrack wheelset
-Truvativ Fire X mountain crankset with GXP BB.
-Original Haro seatpost
-Shimano clip/platform pedals
-Maxxis Crossmark 26x2.1 tires

I still need to fine tune the shifting a little, but for the most part it is ready for commuting duty. After the shifting is all set, the next thing to order will be some Schwalbe Big Apples! Here's a few pictures:

Haro stable...

Here is a pic of my trusty Haros. I cannot say enough at how durable these bikes are. The red and silver Haro V3 I have had since 2003. It is now in the waiting stage for it's next place in life, as a cargo bike. The Mary SS I just bought this year, but I have thrown quite a bit at her in the last couple of weeks. I'm sure she will be just fine. I just wanted to post these pics, just to give Haro props, they make great products, and I feel they do not get enough credit. Here's to you Haro, thanks for making awesome bikes!