Disk brakes

Technician said:

ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.

For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering what
options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search has
not returned anything that makes any money yet).

He's dreaming again.

Penny

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

(like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field of
expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What did you
major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)

I'm going back to grad school for the next 2 years to avoid looking for jobs where they don't exist
:-) Illinois is getting hit pretty hard. We've had huge layoffs in the last few years (Motorola, for
example). The state budget has been gutted, so this Big 10 college town (Champaign-Urbana, home of
the University of Illinois Frightening Illini) is having a rough time.

(sorry for the WOT...but I'll bet Travis isn't the only one here with job concerns)

-Barry

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Technician said:

ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.

For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering
what options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search
has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

He's dreaming again.

Penny

Perhaps, hence the words "future reference". has it become poor netiquette to ask a question for
research now?
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net megalink.net~farmersOpen ↗

"B. Sanders" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

(sorry for the WOT...but I'll bet Travis isn't the only one here with job concerns)

-Barry

Indeed!

James

"Penny S." <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Technician said:

ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.

For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering
what options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search
has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

He's dreaming again.

Penny

I'm dreaming....dreaming of someone driving over to his house and smacking him upside the head!
Come-on, somebody has to live within driving distance (tap...tap...tap)....heck I'll pay for the gas
and even a couple meals if the drive is long.....PLEASE!!!!

" Johnny was bad, even as a child everybody could tell Everyone said if you don't get straight
You'll surely go to hell

But Johnny didn't care He was an outlaw by the time that he was Ten years old He didn't wanna do
what he was told Just a prankster, juvenile gangster

His teachers didn't understand They kicked him out of school At a tender early age Just because he
didn't want to learn things (Had other interests) He liked to burn things

The lady down the block She had a radio that Johnny wanted oh so bad So he took it the first chance
he had Then he shot her in the leg And this is what she said Only a lad You really can't blame him
Only a lad Society made him Only a lad He's our responsibility Only a lad He really couldn't help
it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's underprivileged and abused Perhaps a little
bit confused

His parents gave up they couldn't influence his attitude Nobody could help The little man had
no gratitude

And when he stole the care Nobody dreamed that he would Try to take it so far He didn't mean to hit
the poor man Who had to go and die It made the judge cry

Only a lad He really couldn't help it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's
underprivileged and abused Perhaps a little bit confused

It's not his fault that he can't believe It's not his fault that he can't behave Society made him go
astray Perhaps if we're nice he'll go away Perhaps he'll go away He'll go away

Hey there Johnny you really don't fool me You get away with murder And you think it's funny You
don't give a damn if we live or if we die Hey there Johnny boy I hope you fry! "

--
Slacker

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

(like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field of
expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What did
you major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)

I'm in Farmington, Maine. I guess my background could be classified as electrical/mechanical (scored
top on electrical and mechanical on ASVAB) with very good strengths in computers. In these fields, i
am quite easily taught, so i am only marginally limited by current knowledge.

Mechanically i can usually look at some sort of machine, and with a bit of time, and tools to open
'er up for examination, i can have it pretty much figured out in a few hours. I have rebuilt a
2-cycle motorcycle using the manual only for specific settings or torque.

Electrically, i am the same way. i have re-wired my room several times to place an outlet where
needed, or to change an outlet over to a grounded one. I can also do well in the electronics end of
it. i have built several audio amplifiers, though i have yet to understand them fully, i can read a
schematic and generate a circuit from it with little difficulty (providing that i have reference
materials for any semiconductors).

With computers, i may not know all there is to know, but i have a fairly broad area of knowledge. i
have a very good understanding of the scripting format, thus i can usually read and understand most
any script language enough to learn from it. Hardware is simple to me, it is nothing to swap out a
component whenever needed, and software is much the same. there are so many similarities that most
programs can be learned by simply working with it for a while.

For the longest time, i had no idea what i wanted to do for a living. for a while i though i enjoyed
computers enough that i would like to be employed using them. I have since decided (while building
up the GT actually) that i much prefer mechanical work. i enjoy getting down and dirty with tools
and working with my hands. I just have to find the job that best fits this joy.

A position has opened up at the local VIP (discount auto parts, aka crappy parts at a low price) for
a full-time tire changer. not sure exactly what it entails, but i figure it is worth a shot.

a fairly recent (within the past 3 years) interest of mine is turbine jet engines. i would love to
work in this field, but the only positions available are at airports, and there is so much at risk,
that it kind of takes away from the job. now, assuming i got the needed training and the FAA
certification, it would be nice to be a jet engine mechanic for just a few small jet aircraft. but i
fear i don't have a good enough credit to apply for another student loan (mainly because i have to
keep deferring my last student loan).

Quoted message said:

I'm going back to grad school for the next 2 years to avoid looking for jobs where they don't
exist :-) Illinois is getting hit pretty hard. We've had huge layoffs in the last few years
(Motorola, for example). The state budget has been gutted, so this Big 10 college town
(Champaign-Urbana, home of the University of Illinois Frightening Illini) is having a rough time.

Yeah, i think the unemployment rate is nationally large. i may have to go back to school as well.
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net megalink.net~farmersOpen ↗

Technician said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

(like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field of
expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What did
you major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)

I'm in Farmington, Maine. I guess my background could be classified as electrical/mechanical
(scored top on electrical and mechanical on ASVAB) with very good strengths in computers. In these
fields, i am quite easily taught, so i am only marginally limited by current knowledge.

just curious, do you have any real world experience in this stuff? Not trying to poke, but be
serious here. One thought is that if jobs are scarce, volunteering your skills builds real world
experience and looks good on a resume`

Penny

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Technician said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

> (like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field
of expertise? (That's a little nicer than the presumptuous and grammatically questionable "What
did you major in?", as if that were the only factor in a job search...)

I'm in Farmington, Maine. I guess my background could be classified as electrical/mechanical
(scored top on electrical and mechanical on ASVAB) with very good strengths in computers. In
these fields, i am quite easily taught, so i am only marginally limited by current knowledge.

just curious, do you have any real world experience in this stuff? Not trying to poke, but be
serious here. One thought is that if jobs are scarce, volunteering your skills builds real world
experience and looks good on a resume`

Penny

Unfortunately it is all self taught, and not really anybody to back it up, except the town "crazy
guy" whom i did a little computer work for, but he isn't exactly somebody you want to use as a
reference.

I have thought of volunteering, but there is not even really any place to volunteer anymore. i tried
to see about the public library using me to do PC repair on their systems, or at the very least, be
a tech desk guy for the users, but they already have a guy to do all that. as far as mechanical, i'm
at a loss how i can volunteer there. and electrical, i belive i need a licence to do any of that
outside of my own home (and i think you technically need one for even that). As far as i can figure,
the only real way i will get any experience is to get a job in one of those fields, hence applying
at VIP for the tire changer job.

Like i said though, i may have to go back to school in order to get a little piece of paper that
says i can do what i know i can (anybody know of a college that has a jet engine mechanic major?
preferably fairly near maine as i would either have to drive, or come up with some money to fly).
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net megalink.net~farmersOpen ↗

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I have thought of volunteering, but there is not even really any place to volunteer anymore. i
tried to see about the public library using me to do PC repair on their systems, or at the very
least, be a tech desk guy for the users, but they already have a guy to do all that. as far as
mechanical, i'm at a loss how i can volunteer there. and electrical, i belive i need a licence to
do any of that outside of my own home (and i think you technically need one for even that). As far
as i can figure, the only real way i will get any experience is to get a job in one of those
fields, hence applying at VIP for the tire changer job.

Volunteer jobs: Build and host a website for the local playhouse group. Be a stagehand for them as
well. (Lighting, sound, etc) Build a database for the elementary school reading program. Ask around
at the local mom and pop PC shop and see if they need any 'free' help. Start a PC recycling deal for
underprivileged families. Get throwaways, fix them up, and give them out. Start a bike recycling
deal of the same sort of families.

This is not new information, Trav. We've been over this before.

Quoted message said:

Like i said though, i may have to go back to school in order to get a little piece of paper that
says i can do what i know i can (anybody know of a college that has a jet engine mechanic major?
preferably fairly near maine as i would either have to drive, or come up with some money to fly).
--

well, gee...a 2 minute google turned up the Embry-Riddle Brunswick Center, at NAS Brunswick. Or,
join the Maine ANG.

You're not trying, son.

Pete

Slacker said:

" Johnny was bad, even as a child everybody could tell Everyone said if you don't get straight
You'll surely go to hell

But Johnny didn't care He was an outlaw by the time that he was Ten years old He didn't wanna do
what he was told Just a prankster, juvenile gangster

His teachers didn't understand They kicked him out of school At a tender early age Just because he
didn't want to learn things (Had other interests) He liked to burn things

The lady down the block She had a radio that Johnny wanted oh so bad So he took it the first
chance he had Then he shot her in the leg And this is what she said Only a lad You really can't
blame him Only a lad Society made him Only a lad He's our responsibility Only a lad He really
couldn't help it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's underprivileged and abused
Perhaps a little bit confused

His parents gave up they couldn't influence his attitude Nobody could help The little man had no
gratitude

And when he stole the care Nobody dreamed that he would Try to take it so far He didn't mean to
hit the poor man Who had to go and die It made the judge cry

Only a lad He really couldn't help it Only a lad He didn't want to do it Only a lad He's
underprivileged and abused Perhaps a little bit confused

It's not his fault that he can't believe It's not his fault that he can't behave Society made him
go astray Perhaps if we're nice he'll go away Perhaps he'll go away He'll go away

Hey there Johnny you really don't fool me You get away with murder And you think it's funny You
don't give a damn if we live or if we die Hey there Johnny boy I hope you fry! "

--
Slacker

Hey, Slack, you're a SoCal boy- did you get to see the "Goodbye Goodbye" mini tour? I was sad to see
one of the very best concert bands go, but I enjoyed sending them off.

Miles

Quoted message said:

Hey, Slack, you're a SoCal boy- did you get to see the "Goodbye Goodbye" mini tour? I was sad to
see one of the very best concert bands go, but I enjoyed sending them off.

Miles

Actually, as much as I like them, I never did see them live. I do think Elfman is a musical genius.

--
Slacker

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.

For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering what
options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search has
not returned anything that makes any money yet).

<snipped rest>

Travis my man, I think you're approaching this wrong...

While there is nothing inherently "wrong" with your new GT frame, it's not the kind of thing you
should think about throwing a lot of money at. Just as the group helped you to understand your Goose
had no right to a Thompson post, hydraulic brakes on that bike are little over the top. You'd
honestly be better served saving your money and moving into the wonderful world of

time you get the $2K or so together (it sounds like it'd be over a year) you'll know if you plan to
stay committed to cycling or not...who knows, in a year you could have a lady friend and a little
Travis on the way, and the new-bike-fund will be quickly reallocated. I don't want to sound
insulting in the least, but just as $1500 rims, a 5-point harness, and a loud muffler won't make a
Neon a race car, hydraulic discs are probably overkill for your GT. Keep the bike forever - or
better yet, keep it 'til your better off, and you meet a kid that reminds you of yourself, and
return AMB's favor - but undrestand there are still limitations.

...and regarding disc brake research...if it's going to be a few years before you make the purchase,
what brake systems do you think will be available then? Nothing will probably be the same (who saw
Avid's Juicy7 setup coming 18 months ago) and all your info-gathering will be moot.

I don't want to knock you down or come off harsh - your enthusiasm is awesome...biking needs more
folks like you - but there are limitations. A disc brake would probably twist that GTs stay up like
a Twizzler 🙂

Penny says you're dreaming...know there is nothing wrong with that. But keep your feet on the
ground. And ride that GT 'til your legs fall off.

Chris

Add front discs bu upgrading fork/wheel

Forget about putting a disc on the rear the of that bike... Just get some Cane Creek Direct
Curve-II's or Magura's

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I have thought of volunteering, but there is not even really any place to volunteer anymore. i
tried to see about the public library using me to do PC repair on their systems, or at the very
least, be a tech desk guy for the users, but they already have a guy to do all that. as far as
mechanical, i'm at a loss how i can volunteer there. and electrical, i belive i need a licence
to do any of that outside of my own home (and i think you technically need one for even that).
As far as i can figure, the only real way i will get any experience is to get a job in one of
those fields, hence applying at VIP for the tire changer job.

Volunteer jobs: Build and host a website for the local playhouse group. Be a stagehand for them as
well. (Lighting, sound, etc)

The only playhouse we have is university owned and operated. if your not part of their university
(staff or student), they don't want you (except for the audience at public plays).

Quoted message said:

Build a database for the elementary school reading program.

I have been told they already have one, though a check on their site fails to find one. perhaps
parents are given a "special" url to get to
it.http://www.mallett.msad9.k12.me.us/ (try the search, he he. i _hate_ frontpage with a passion).

Quoted message said:

Ask around at the local mom and pop PC shop and see if they need any 'free' help.

All the mom 'n pop computer stores have gone out of business. all that is left if Staples and
Office-Max 40 miles away.

Quoted message said:

Start a PC recycling deal for underprivileged families. Get throwaways, fix them up, and give them
out. Start a bike recycling deal of the same sort of families.

i have thought of this, but have been held back by two things.
1.) like any other program for underprivileged families in this area (and many others i assume),
people will cheat the system.
2.) i am very unorganized. in fact, my teachers kept threatening to submit me as an example for
Websters Dictionary. i am a total synonym for organization.

Quoted message said:

This is not new information, Trav. We've been over this before.

Quoted message said:

Like i said though, i may have to go back to school in order to get a little piece of paper
that says i can do what i know i can (anybody know of a college that has a jet engine mechanic
major? preferably fairly near maine as i would either have to drive, or come up with some money
to fly).
--

well, gee...a 2 minute google turned up the Embry-Riddle Brunswick Center, at NAS Brunswick. Or,
join the Maine ANG.

I did actually search, and may have come up with Embry-Riddle, though their main site, as far as i
could find, does not list the brunswick center so i may have skipped over it. re-searching using
"Embry-Riddle Brunswick Center" for keywords did return information about the brunswick center. i
filled out the form for information request, so i will see what they offer. the engine maintenance
course picture shows a reciprocating engine, though they may still teach about turbine engines.

Thanks for pointing it out.
--
~Travis

travis57 at megalink dot net megalink.net~farmersOpen ↗

Slacker said:

Quoted message said:

Hey, Slack, you're a SoCal boy- did you get to see the "Goodbye Goodbye" mini tour? I was sad to
see one of the very best concert bands go, but I enjoyed sending them off.

Miles

Actually, as much as I like them, I never did see them live. I do think Elfman is a
musical genius.

--
Slacker

Dooood... I hate to rub it in, but a half-dozen or so of the very best shows I have evr seen were
Boingo shows. if they evre do a reunion. GO.

Miles

Technician said:

The only playhouse we have is university owned and operated. if your not part of their university
(staff or student), they don't want you (except for the audience at public plays).

did you ask?

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Build a database for the elementary school reading program.

I have been told they already have one, though a check on their site fails to find one. perhaps
parents are given a "special" url to get to
it.http://www.mallett.msad9.k12.me.us/ (try the search, he he. i _hate_ frontpage with a passion).

show me a public shcool that won't take volunteers.... please. ( unless you

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Ask around at the local mom and pop PC shop and see if they need any 'free' help.

Quoted message said:

Start a PC recycling deal for underprivileged families. Get

throwaways, fix them up, and give them out. Start a bike recycling deal of the same sort of
families.

i have thought of this, but have been held back by two things.
1.) like any other program for underprivileged families in this area (and many others i assume),
people will cheat the system.

do you know for sure? For all the cheaters there are deserving folks who've gotten bad breaks too.
Try a battered womens's shelter if you need convicing of this.

Quoted message said:

2.) i am very unorganized. in fact, my teachers kept threatening to submit me as an example for
Websters Dictionary. i am a total synonym for organization.

So? So was Einstien. You are so full of excuses and lack of imagination that it's really pathetic.

Do or do not, there is not try.

Penny

Penny S. said:

Technician said:

ok, so the subject was a little vague, i couldn't think of a quick summery so it'll have to do.

For future reference (ok, so i'm really obsessive about researching things), i was wondering what
options were available for upgrading the GT to disk brakes (like i said, future, job search has
not returned anything that makes any money yet).

He's dreaming again.

When my dog dreams, he makes running motions and whines and drools.

Apparently Travis does the same thing, only with his paws on the keyboard.

Kathleen "All your tennis balls are belong to us!"

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

In article <[email hidden]>, [email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

"Technician" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

(like i said, future, job search has not returned anything that makes any money yet).

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Where are you, and what kind of jobs are you looking for? What is your background and/or field
of expertise?

I'm in Farmington, Maine. I guess my background could be classified as electrical/mechanical
(scored top on electrical and mechanical on ASVAB) with very good strengths in computers. In these
fields, i am quite easily taught, so i am only marginally limited by current knowledge.

Mechanically i can usually look at some sort of machine, and with a bit of time, and tools to open
'er up for examination, i can have it pretty much figured out in a few hours. I have rebuilt a
2-cycle motorcycle using the manual only for specific settings or torque.

Electrically, i am the same way. i have re-wired my room several times to place an outlet where
needed, or to change an outlet over to a grounded one. I can also do well in the electronics end
of it. i have built several audio amplifiers, though i have yet to understand them fully, i can
read a schematic and generate a circuit from it with little difficulty (providing that i have
reference materials for any semiconductors).

With computers, i may not know all there is to know, but i have a fairly broad area of knowledge.
i have a very good understanding of the scripting format, thus i can usually read and understand
most any script language enough to learn from it. Hardware is simple to me, it is nothing to swap
out a component whenever needed, and software is much the same. there are so many similarities
that most programs can be learned by simply working with it for a while.

For the longest time, i had no idea what i wanted to do for a living. for a while i though i
enjoyed computers enough that i would like to be employed using them. I have since decided (while
building up the GT actually) that i much prefer mechanical work. i enjoy getting down and dirty
with tools and working with my hands. I just have to find the job that best fits this joy.

Travis, you are an engineer without a degree to prove it. It's time for you to become enterprising.

A story: The kind and generous fellow who taught me electronics theory and Boolean logic (when I was
12) was very much like you in terms of background. As a young man, he started a business repairing
electronic equipment. This turned into a career at Cessna Aircraft teaching avionics. That
experience vaulted him into becoming the director of an artificial intelligence lab at Boeing. He
never received a college degree. During his entire career he always did side jobs, such as voice
work for the local radio station.

Moral of the story: Broadly technical guys like you are golden. People always need something to be
repaired: House repair, car repair, auto repair, bike repair, PC repair, appliance repair, teaching
folks how to use Windows, MS Office, and much, much more. Heck, you could make a living out of just
fixing screwed-up Windows PC's alone. How about setting up wireless networking (Wi-Fi) for the rich
folks in the gated communities? Charge 'em plenty - they'll love wireless networking, and you'll get
return business. (BTW: It's incredibly easy to setup, too.) This is a way for you to "leverage" your
broad understanding of things technical. (I hate the word "leverage"; but it's appropriate.)

Have some basic business cards printed up. Put the word out with flyers at the grocery store, or
anywhere else people congregate (church?) What I think you'll find is that once you have a small
base of satisfied customers, word of mouth will do the advertising for you. In a Walmart world,
personal service is a rare find, and much needed. The elderly are especially needing of someone
they can trust to help them. If you attend church, you may find that to be a good place to
spread the word.

When times are tough, and jobs are scarce or non-existent, being enterprising and versatile is the
only way to stay afloat. Don't wait for existing companies to hire you - they're about to go under
themselves.

Quoted message said:

A position has opened up at the local VIP (discount auto parts, aka crappy parts at a low price)
for a full-time tire changer. not sure exactly what it entails, but i figure it is worth a shot.

It's hard work. My Dad was "the tire man" for a Mercedes dealership when he was in his late 20's. He
loved the job. I'll bet it pays poorly, though.

Quoted message said:

a fairly recent (within the past 3 years) interest of mine is turbine jet engines. i would love to
work in this field, but the only positions available are at airports, and there is so much at
risk, that it kind of takes away from the job. now, assuming i got the needed training and the FAA
certification, it would be nice to be a jet engine mechanic for just a few small jet aircraft. but
i fear i don't have a good enough credit to apply for another student loan (mainly because i have
to keep deferring my last student loan).

A good friend of mine did exactly this. He went to Spartan Engineering and got his AP certfication.
He rented a space at a local airport, and had his own aircraft repair business for a while. It's
good work; and pays well; but in a down economy, it's not clear how much work there is to do.
Business jets are the first to go when the money gets tight.

Be bold and be enterprising. You'll find helping people to be very rewarding. They'll *pay* you for
those broad mechanical and technical aptitudes of yours.

-Barry

Technician said:

<manic rambling>

Shouldn't you be worrying about a job, instead of Disk brakes?? It's no wonder your
unemployed........

-Spider