My new Quest is here...

[MurrayF]

My new Quest 559 arrived almost four weeks ago. It's required a modification to allow for my long-leggedness in getting the front derailleur to work. The more acute angle between the boom and the chainstay that I require did not allow the front derailleur to drop the chain on to the lowest/smallest ring.

Much to the hilarity of my beautiful twin daughters, their father has had to relearn his bike riding skills. It was pointed out to me that relaxing into it was the key! This helped reduce the width of path that I occupied considerably. Due to the inability to shift gears properly, my riding has been limited. My second ride of some 15km, with the family on Brisbane bike paths, was puntuated by my having to stop to drop the chain onto the lowest gear!

We've had a bit of rain in Brisbane and I'm yet to jump back on the Quest with the new bottom bracket but I am looking forward to it. When I take up less space on the bike path and can confidently negotiate obstacles, I'll start my commute to work...

 

[Mark B]

Hi Murray,

Congrats on the new bike. You're going to love it!!!

Just curious... Your bike path has hills big enough to require your small chain ring? :shock:

Mark

 

[defjack]

The Quest is a great bike. I will have something about my 451 up soon. Jack

 

[John Tolhurst]

Murray, that photograph is excellent!

 

[Kim Tolhurst]

Hi Murray,
Well done for all the long legged people too, who will follow. I look forward to riding your trails when its time for a ride with you.

Cruzin cheers, K.

 

[MurrayF]

Thought you might like that John!
We have a commercial photographic backing at work - for our wardrobe bible photos. It adds a professional touch! While it is a little awkward to set up single-handed, it doesn't take too much time. I can't access the photos at the moment but will post another when I can...
If the rain holds off long enough this weekend, we hope to do a test ride into work - without the pressure of peak hour traffic.
Yes Mark, some of our "bike paths" are normal roads (saves money and looks good on bike maps) and a few inclines do require low gears.
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/bccwr/facilities/documents/brisbane_bike_map_05.pdf
Some of the paths lead no-where while others just stop abruptly. Of course, once I get my recumbent legs, I won't need no low ring!!
Thank you too John, for your help in specifying a replacement bottom bracket to get me going.

 

[MurrayF]

Thanks Kim - another damp day here. I know we need the rain but does it all have to arrive at once?
After your measurements and advice, I've added a q/r Topeak MTX-rack (Type A).

Any lower on the seat post and it angles down rather acutely. If anyone's curious, the other appendage is for my cable lock.

I also have a Defender mudguard on order that, according to the literature, attaches to the underside of the rack. A rear light that matches the rack is on the list, but I've discovered it requires removal of the rack's reflector. Sounds silly! I'd like to work out a way of adding the light with the reflector. Perhaps it can sit under the rack and above the mudguard when it's installed?

The kick stand hit (and clanged) against the frame (due to the curve of the frame). My cheap solution was to wrap some cable tidy wrap around the stand - it works a treat!

John/Kim/Doug - what are the two holes through the frame (under the seat) intended for, please?

 

[Gromit]

MurrayF wrote:
John/Kim/Doug - what are the two holes through the frame (under the seat) intended for, please?

Bottle Cages
More info in this thread

 

[MurrayF]

Quest 559 assembly

I forgot to mention... so simple, even a child can do it...

Secretly, I think she was keen to see her father try to ride it!

 

[JonB]

Re: Quest 559 assembly

MurrayF wrote: Secretly, I think she was keen to see her father try to ride it!

Are you sure she doesnt want to try it herself?