An open letter to well-meaning motorists everywhere. A common and aggravating problem that is very nearly on topic.
Dangerous Altruism
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Author Archives: Kurt
Schlumpf vs Di2
As I spool this project back up, there is just one question nagging me: Is Schlumpf the right choice? Reality has modified many of my initial aspirations, I think it’s worth reconsidering a Di2 front derailleur instead.
A Year of Di2
A year ago today I began running Shimano Di2 electric shift on my recumbent trike. I’m pleased to report it has exceeded my wildest expectations. But like most aspects of this now multi-year project, there were problems in the beginning.
Warm Showers for Windows Phone
Warm Showers for Windows Phone has been upgraded to version 1.3.1.
Twenty Thousand Miles
Sometime this spring I’ll pass the 20,000 mile mark on my 2008 Trice Q recumbent trike (now the HDQ). Chump change for some, but to me a lot of miles. Between daily, four-season commuting; weekend sport rides and overnight tours; occasional week-long commercial tours; and one epic 5 1/2 month, 4,500 mile tandem ride across the U.S.; this trike has seen a lot of action. I thought it would be interesting to document how the trike has held up through all of this.
Three Years Ago Today
This is what I was doing three years ago today. Time to start planning the next big adventure. Zoe’s thinking Netherlands. Because it’s flat 
.
Trike Build Phase I: Ultegra Di2
At long last, I’m riding a complete installation that meets at least a portion of my original goals. It’s been a rocky journey but now I can tick off “fast, precise, and reliable shifting that is impervious to freezing” and “high quality, ergonomic shifter” from my list. Here are the gory details of the recent build that got me here. Once I’ve had time for evaluation and to refill my coffers, I’ll embark on Phase II—Dynamo Lighting and Hydraulic Brakes and Phase III—Schlumpf. Stay tuned. Continue reading
Plan B
Contrary to my previous post, I am actually relieved to be dumping the Alfine. Who knows if I’ll ever wind up selling the thing—there seems to be a glut of under-priced (gray market?) hubs out there– but at least I now have a high confidence path forward. Here is that path, with very few question marks remaining.
Door #2
True to its word, Shimano resolved the issues with my Alfine-11 hub in 3-5 days. Yesterday I received an entirely different hub by return mail. I suppose it’s possible that this is a refurbished hub but by all outward appearances it’s brand new. By most any measure, Shimano’s response was beyond reproach. So why am I not smiling?
A Step Backward
According to the postal service my Alfine hub has been received by Shimano. According to Shimano they’ll look at it within three to five days. So I should have some sort of resolution soon. Meanwhile I’m back using my old drivetrain, and it sucks.
A Seasonal Commute 