Conference noted::bicycle

    Safely desending hills will in my opinion require a better brake than a
    shimano 105. Buy the best brakes you can afford ( New Dura Ace). Safety
    is or should be your concern. Also before buying a bike your should buy
    a hardshell helmut. Now I know thats a four letter word over there but
    what is your brain worth? 

    	I agree with Charlie on one point and disagree on the other.
    
    Shimano 105 Brakes
    
    	This summer I went on a 400+ mile tour across Colorado with
    a group of Deccies and other assorted friends.  The group had a
    wide range of bikes, using a wide range of components.  At least
    two people in our group had bikes with the new Shimano 105 group, 
    including the brakes.  Both of them live in Colorado and are fast
    and safe on descents.  They seem to think that their bikes are fast
    and safe as well, and after riding with them for the better part of
    a week I have to agree.  I believe that the brakes were one of the
    selling points of this component group - they are certainly safe.
    
    HELMETS
    
    	With the newer helmets, the only sacrifice involved in wearing
    one is loss of panache - especially in France.   In this respect,
    cycling is much like downhill skiing - 80% sport and 20% image.
    While it is a value judgement, I would recommend getting one - even
    if it means looking like a Q-tip on wheels.  Helmets provide cheap
    insurance, and who knows, you may start a fashion trend.
    

    I agree that the 105 brakes aren't up to the challenge.  They stuck out
    of the list like a sore thumb.  However, I think you'll gasp when you
    see the price of the Dura Ace brakes - they're $150! For the kind of
    riding you describe, cantilevers are cheap AND strong.  The only
    possible disadvantage is that they require a frame with bosses to mount
    them -- not a big problem, considering the type of riding you say
    you'll be doing... 
    
    I also seem to remember a really ugly French centerpull brake that
    was supposedly indestructible -- anyone out there recall it?  That
    might fit the bill, too...
    
    Ward, seeing how you're probably already a fashion trend-setter in
    France (you haven't cut your hair, have you?), I'd second the
    recommendation for a helmet.  You'll probably have everyone wearing
    them in a year! 
    
    MATT

    I agree with .2 . 105 brakes are O.K.  I know several people who
    have used them  , and they are all still alive today. 
    
    Why LOOK pedals for recreational riding ?
    
    Q: How do you spot an American cyclist in Europe ?
    A: He is the one wearing the helmet.
    
    I have to admit that you are right though ; its an area where we
    should take a lead from you.
    Now all I have to do is find an American helmet to fit. They are
    all such big sizes, must be the big heads !   .... only kidding...
    
    John

	For VERY hilly terain I would recommend a wider range of
	gears.  I use a Suntour Ultra-7 12 to 34 cluster and
	28,38,50 in the front (28 and 38 are Sugino Cycloid non-round
	chainrings).

	For this wider range I recommend a Heuret DuoPar rear derailleur.
	Should be easy to find since it is a product of France.

    .4> Why LOOK pedals for recreational riding ?

    I view the LOOK pedals as (1) a safety feature, (2) a convenience and
    (3) an attractive addition to a white bike.

    .4> How do you spot an American cyclist in Europe ?

    I *am* an American cyclist in Europe, on temporary relocation in
    Valbonne.  Family, bike and I return in a year or two to the wide, flat
    roads of New England.

    -- Ward

.6>    .4> How do you spot an American cyclist in Europe ?
.6>
.6>    I *am* an American cyclist in Europe, on temporary relocation in
.6>    Valbonne.  Family, bike and I return in a year or two to the wide, flat
.6>    roads of New England.
        
        Provided, of course, you live through the experience.  Might
        want to look into getting a helmet (�:^).
        
        Tom

    As .2 pointed out, on the ride across the rockies, we crossed the
    continental divide four times.  On EVERY downhill, we dropped at
    least 3,000 feet.  Coming off Loveland pass, we hit 50 mph on the
    straights, 10-15 mph on the switchbacks.  I rode with a guy know
    as the "grizzly."  At 6', 180 lbs, his shimano 105 brakes worked
    pretty darn well.  When you're two to three feet apart at high speeds,
    you build a pretty good level of trust for your neighbor's components.
    
    By the way, Mr. Pollard, weren't you the one who always used to
    look good and never wear a helmet?  Next time you talk to Steve
    Mandraccia, ask him about his crash on the downhill of Vail Pass.
    Didn't have a helmet on, lots of blood, and a free ambulance ride
    for both Steve and his bike.  I don't think there was any brain
    damage, but with Steve....who knows?
    
    I agree with others, get the helmet.
    

    	As Gary points out, I never used to wear a helmet unless
    forced to.  Isn't it true that the newly converted are the most 
    zealous?
    
    	By the way Gary, how is it that you only hit 50?  You must have
    been sitting up.  Coming down from Loveland on I70, Larry's computer
    clocked a max speed (held in memory for LATER viewing) someplace in 
    the 60s.  As a point of interest, we were both drafting Sue and her 
    Shimano 105 brakes.

    Ride easy, I'm going to get a helmet.  I'll probably have to settle for
    the best I can find in France and pickup a top-notch helmet the next
    time that I'm in the States.

    I have many years experience wearing a Bell Magnum helmet while riding
    various motorcycles, even in New Hampshire where only the wimps wear
    helmets. :-)

    I'm still interested in comments on the bike components now that the
    brain bucket issue is resolved.

    -- Ward

    Eighteen gears seems rather a lot for your bike. If you don't watch
    out on some of the hills you will fall off whilst you are deciding
    which one to use !!!.
    
    With 3 front rings and such a small step (2 teeth) on the rear block
    you really are duplicating a lot of gears.
    
    I suggest you keep to two front rings ( 48 + 36 ?) and run from
    14 to 36 at the rear. This should give you a good range with 
    a good kerb crawling capability !.

    Now about that helmet !!.
    
    Mike