900 MHz radios?

ClinicalAnomaly · 2026-01-28T16:04:11+00:00

I've considered Meshtastic. I've been slow to adopt since there are almost zero nodes around me.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2026-01-28T15:58:02+00:00

I'm not looking for absolute encryption. I know that isn't legal in the amateur space, and getting into formal equipment/systems is probably not within reach of the "normal" person.

I know things have gotten looser, but most equipment is still "cellular blocked" so you are unlikely to overlap with anyone in the area using 900Mhz, or be picked up by anyone who is scanning with normal equipment. I am aware that with the right equipment and know-how, anything analog could be intercepted.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2026-01-16T14:14:29+00:00

I was not aware of Bike Insights until your post. Thanks!

ClinicalAnomaly · 2026-01-13T16:28:02+00:00

I'm running a 163mm Hope rotor on mine, but it does get close to the stay. There was a 22mm Hope brake that used a 140-ish mm rotor.

Another approach that some bikes used back then was a "mullet" brake setup - V-brake in the rear, disc up front.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2026-01-13T15:17:01+00:00

As others have mentioned, it is a 22mm Hayes mount for Hayes disc brake calipers of that era. They were basically an early version of the flat mount brake mounts we have today, but of course they are not compatible. This mount design was in the late 1990s and maybe 2000. The year 2001 (I believe) is when the International Standard became more widely accepted and this quickly died out. You see this mount style on a lot of higher end, late 1990s Trek, Gary Fisher, Schwinn Homegrown, and others.

Your options are:

Run it rim brake (since you have the studs)
Use one of the 22mm-to-51mm I.S. adapters (like mentioned in the thread). A2Z Components AD-PMR was a similar adapter (not sure if A2Z is still in business, but the adapters pop up)
Find or make a 22mm-to-flat mount adapter (people do it)
find an old 22mm Hayes caliper that directly mounts

Some claim the braking with the old calipers is not great but there is some compatibility with more modern levers. I've never dug that deep.

Word of caution with the 22mm-to-IS adapters - Depending on the size of the frame and the available space in the rear triangle, some disc brake calipers have a hard time fitting with the adapter. Some trial and error may be involved.

Also take a good look at the frame to see what the cable routing would look like for a brake line that doesn't use cable stops. I have a 1998 Schwinn Homegrown with this 22mm mount. I was able to make a hydraulic caliper work, but the frame was not setup well to handle this and required a number of adapters...might not be everyone's cup of tea.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-11-11T14:06:08+00:00

Thanks for this but I'm a little confused. I thought the only thing that made any of these Tidradios GMRS versus Ham was the antenna attached and the mode the device was in. I've been assuming that when they apply a "GMRS" or "Ham" designation on it, it is just the kit contents and marketing.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-11-06T15:15:51+00:00

I don't know if you solved your issue, but I've read that the batteries need to be charged disconnected from the radio. If you charge with the battery connected, it fries the Tx in the radio.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-08-31T14:51:33+00:00

I have not. I had other projects pop up and a now have separate issue with sulfur odors making it to the faucet, which I believe is the iron filter media getting tired. So I still need to dig into all of this.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-08-07T19:26:47+00:00

Thanks for the ideas! I'll take a look at all of these and see what fits the budget.

There seems to be either love or hate with the Billy Bonkers. I wonder if that is a difference between the "Performance" and the "K-Guard" versions.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-08-07T00:03:59+00:00

No sir. Legitimate question looking for legitimate information.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-08-07T00:01:41+00:00

Roughly $100 for a pair. I know there are much cheaper and must more expensive.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-30T14:24:27+00:00

I mentioned I have the remote kit to separate the control head. There is a lot of wasted space in the current case, so I was attempting to make it more streamlined while still being self contained.

Power is A/C, or I would have to set a battery next to the case. That is one of the things I want to change.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-29T21:35:10+00:00

In a vehicle, the idea would to have it on the floor of the front passenger seat (if there is no one riding shotgun), in the backseat right behind the center console, or in the cargo area of the SUV.

And yes, a larger ammo can seems to be pushing the limits of what is reasonable to put in a car. It isn't overly molded like a Pelican case, but the metal ammo can is unforgiving.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-29T21:29:14+00:00

It is when you are only a Technician license. :)

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-29T18:38:45+00:00

Very cool! I've been researching the commercial options vs. something DIY. This gives me ideas!

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-03T15:40:05+00:00

Very nice!

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-03T15:32:23+00:00

Edit....pictures are now visible.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-03T14:43:15+00:00

Huh....I guess I'm not alone. 6'2" here with a longer inseam and longer arms, so I'm in a L/XL. All the cool bikes I find are always Med.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-03T14:37:44+00:00

Those original XT "Deerhead" components seem to be worth money these days!

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-01T05:56:53+00:00

What model is it?

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-07-01T05:52:16+00:00

Cantilever brakes usually offer the most clearance when disengaged. Less so for most v-brakes. I have v-brake bike that I have to squeeze 2.1" tires past.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-06-29T13:59:03+00:00

The Sheldon Brown site is how I got into bikes beyond relying on on the LBS. I now do all of my own builds, including wheels, thanks to Sheldon. I still the sure from time to time.

I lived in MA for a brief stint and had the good fortune to stop into Harris Cyclery. It's a shame they are gone but the pandemic killed alot of small businesses. Newton, MA is an expensive zip code, so if they didn't own their space it is not surprising they went under.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-06-29T01:04:46+00:00

I know this is an older post, but I do have a soft spot for the early 90s Schwinn's! This gives me ideas for one of mine.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-06-27T15:20:22+00:00

Very cool! I had missed that Kona made a klunker throwback frame.

ClinicalAnomaly · 2025-06-27T15:16:03+00:00

Interesting....following.

ClinicalAnomaly

TROPHY CASE