astrov

a cyclocross bike would be perfect for Leif Erickson Road or Saltzmann Road in Forest Park. Glad to hear you're riding.

That Panasonic should be purchased and thrown away.

The other issue with going with dad's old bike from the 70's or 80's: http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/4209463612.html Where are you going to get parts for it when it breaks? The internal componentry is probably seized or rusted, to some degree - diminishing the bike's reliability and critically, efficiency. You'll be biking long distances if you ride to Portland and back.

I'll start with a disclosure: I am a rank newb at cycling. I cycle to work on weekdays and rode a fair amount last summer recreationally. New bikes are cheap this time of year. Maybe paradoxically, it's a better idea for you to spend a little more - say, around $500 - to obtain something you'll enjoy riding and has resale value, in the event you don't enjoy it, and do need to sell it - then spend $100-200 on some POS you won't enjoy riding and definitely can't resell. And even if you do enjoy riding said POS, you'll want to upgrade right away because you'll become conscious of its limitations. Example: http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/bik/4258111069.html This appears to be a well-cared for, quality machine. You could probably get that for $500. Your minimum level of componentry that you want to get is Shimano 105, which this bike features. My guess is you need a frame size 54, which is really common, but you might be a little smaller. The Gatorskin tires are going to be more flat resistant than most tires, and you'll need that quality if you ride on Highway 30. Riding on that highway sucks. The shoulders are covered with debris. Last time I was out there I got a nasty pinch flat after hitting a random chunk of asphalt. I recommend the many windy pastoral roads around Skyline - McNamee Road, Rocky Point, Rocky Creek, West Germantown, Cornell, NW 53rd (which goes through Forest Park). There is riding gold in them hills! Were I you, I'd figure out my size by demoing a couple bikes at Performance or River City Outlet, and if not buying one new there (because again, new bikes are cheap right now), see what I can find on craigslist in the $500 range. Below that, I'm sure there are deals out there for people who can buy a frame and parts and put them together, but they aren't obvious to me. I think of it as I think of mountaineering. I could try to summit in pack boots and ski pants with a borrowed ice axe, but my enjoyment of the experience is going to be so minimal that I won't want to do it again. Investing in a road bike has made me more willing to spend money on gear for mountaineering. This guy's presentation skills need work, but I think he makes a point you might relate to. He has a suggestion on a quality economical road bike you can buy:

I like how easy it is to rack gear on ovals. And maybe I'll meet an aid climber. I'll take the oval carabiners if no one else wants them.

Anybody know if there's any ice up in them Gates right now? We're thinking about heading up this weekend and debating bringing a rope and a little pro. If it's snow-filled, we won't bother bringing said rope and pro. TIA.

PM Sent on the 2004-style picks. I was looking for them. http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1114653/WTB_Picks_and_Griprest_for_Cha#Post1114653

Wanted to buy: Size 47 mountaineering boots. I'd prefer the Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX or a similar winter mountaineering boot that can handle at least moderately technical terrain. probably not interested in plastic double boots. To show that I'm serious, and to create good juju, I will give my sz 47 nepal tops away to an aspiring poor climber once I have a new set. They are a fine summer mountaineering boot for moderate routes but I'm ready to upgrade.

also sent PM

I'd take 2010 for 1 (one) beer ... also in Portland. Will be at PRG tomorrow. I already have 2000-2009.

thanks jon.

I figure this is long shot, but you never know what your fellow dirtbags have the gear chest. I need some replacement picks for the pre-2010 Charlet Moser Quarks. I would take B or T style picks, either the "Quad" or the "Cascade". (Bonus - if someone has the griprest that goes with these handles, that would be cool.) It looks like I can buy the picks internationally, but for the price I could rent tools when I need them, or else get about halfway to something more modern. http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Winter-Climbing-Equipment/Ice-Axes/Ice-Axe-Spares/Petzl-Charlet/Petzl-Charlet-Picks-CMO-PICK#.Um3RpnCOTh4 I might just donate these tools if I can't get replacement picks. Any good karma will be paid forward!

Wear 'em til you learn, son. Wear 'em til you learn.

did the 'pons not come with anti-bottes? Also, breakfast is clearly cooking in the background of the first shot. let me know if that's still available.

but that shouldn't stop anyone from offering to buy them outright.

a pair of F3 is 12 ounces lighter than what I'm skiing now, the Matrix. I'll try out your F3's to see if I can ski 'em before you drop them off at next adventure.

Never used? I guess they come dirty and disheveled from the store, then. Like distressed jeans.

New in shrink-wrapped box, Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Home 3 TB External hard drive. I purchased this from Office Depot last summer (8/13/2012) and have not opened it. I paid $179 and have the original receipt. This appears to be the same model that retails for $175 on amazon. STAM3000100. http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAgent-GoFlex-External-STAM3000100/dp/B004E3XP42 Possible trades (or partial trade) include trekking poles / backcountry ski poles, backcountry stove (MSR multi fuel or pocket rocket (butane canister)), softshell jacket (size large), rock climbing shoes (sz 13), down jacket (puffy, size large, preferably with hood). Also La Sportiva mountaineering boots. http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/sys/4096919427.html

sorry man. How much would it cost REI to through a left-over GoPro camera up in the corner of that garage and hook it up to a left over hard drive and put it on loop? Next to nothing, I'll bet. that might deter a few folk. I'll bet they spent as much on their disclaimer signs.

any beatards up for a climb this weekend? I will lead SE Corner or you lead YW and I follow. Or whatever other project you have in mind. I have gear, car, and beer money. Usual partners are fishing or something.

I've heard that biking should be avoided by technical climbers because it builds excessive leg muscle. I got a road bike a few months ago and have been riding at least a few times a week. I go on 40~ mile rides frequently and even did 94, somewhat spontaneously, last Monday. I usually incorporate hill climbs in my rides. I recently noticed that my leg muscles look slightly more bulky and definitely more well-defined. (See post in Cafe Sensitivo forum for pics, if interested.) At what point are the aerobic benefits bicycling offset by the additional muscle weight gains in the legs, for a climber? I have no desire to lead anything beyond 5.10+. Physically, I am mostly leg.

Sent a PM. I'm available this week as well.

you're kidding, right?

which Smith Rock edition?

I strongly recommend getting backcountry sleeping permits ahead of time. Source: Personal experience.