Subject: The SOB works!
Author: Richard Arimoto
Date: Mar 27, 2002, 7:34 AM
Post ID: 1709937363
Loopsters: Having two bikes, an Eldo and a Bassa, with
different/opposite shifting patterns was "a problem waiting to happen."
Scanning the loopframe list I saw a reference to a shifter offset
bracket (SOB)made by Stephen Brenton. This clever little adapter
reverses the shifting pattern on the Eldo.
Looking at a e-pic Stephen sent and studying the geometry of the shifter
linkage on the Eldo, it looked as though the SOB would work and so I
ordered one. I got it, painted it and finally installed it last night
(about 30-45 mins, quite easy but some minor fumbling as per usual).
In brief, the SOB works great. I'm impressed with the simplicity of the
design and the quality of the machine work (Thanks Stephen!).
On another front, my speedo self destructed. Not eager to shell out the
cash needed to get it fixed, I decided to put on a bicycle speedo as I'd
heard they work quite well. I got a Specialized Speedzone Comp at a
local bike shop, made a bracket so I could mount it to the place where
the front fender is attached to the frame and got a stick-on magnet for
the wheel and walla, that works, too. The speedo is very accurate (you
program in the tire circumference to the millimeter) and it reads up to
99 mph. It has a trip meter and an odo plus some other stuff I'll never
use. Eventually I'll get the Veglia fixed, but now there's no hurry. I
don't know why the major manufacturers don't use the simple
magnet/sensor system for the speedo--it works very well.
On the dealer/service front, I'm sort of compelled to mention some
recent positive experiences I've had. (1) I had a Suzuki dirt bike I
wanted to sell and having no luck trying to sell it thru the paper, I
took it to a dealer for him to sell on consignment. We agreed on 10% of
the selling price. Fine. I get a call from a prospective buyer, we
meet at the shop, and the bike is sold. I pull the dealer aside and get
the wallet ready, but he says, "I really didn't do anything, so you
don't need to pay me anything." I finally sort of forced $20 in beer
money into his hand. (2) I needed to get the Eldo appraised for
insurance as it is worth more than book value. I take the bike to my
local independent along with some comps I got from the internet. We
discuss the value (we came to the same value indendently) and he writes
up the appraisal. "What do I owe you," I ask. "Nothing," he says.
Again I press him to take a few bucks but finally give up, thanking him,
and eventually buying a little something.
So what's my point in relating these stories? Just that there's still
some good folks out there who aren't always looking for ways to make a
buck.
Rich A