People who don't post

[eachan]

Yet another thing the British got backwards. ...OK, backwards from the US. Every bike I own and have owned, has the rear brake on the right handle, which makes sense in that a significant portion of the population is right handed, so using the stronger hand.

Every British bike I've owned has had a rear brake pedal.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

And yet no British bicycle that I've owed had a rear brake pedal. Mind you, I was into road racing, so there is that.

[FredRydr]

There are bikes, and there are bicycles.

[An old bloke]

Yet another thing the British got backwards. ...OK, backwards from the US. Every bike I own and have owned, has the rear brake on the right handle, which makes sense in that a significant portion of the population is right handed, so using the stronger hand.

This is when I point out that the US originally drove on the left. When and why that changed is something I failed to remember.

[An old bloke]

That depends on how you look at it. My take is that the front brake is controlled by the more sensitive hand, i.e.the dominant hand, which for the right hand is 90% of the population. As anyone who has experienced an unexpected journey over the handlebars knows, the front brake deserves serious respect and good control.

Most of the motorbikes I've driven are similar. Clutch on left hand, rear brake under right foot, front brake on right hand, gear change on left foot. Although I've also driven Italian bikes where the foot controls are swapped, I've not used one where the clutch and front brakes are swapped. Obviously I haven't driven/ridden everything, and no doubt there are examples to the contrary out there, so my thoughts are generalised.

Regarding motorbikes; you are correct now. Previously, until the mid-1970s or so, British built 'bikes' -- BSA, Triumph, Norton, Royal Enfield, etc. -- and some European models, had the shift lever on the right and the brake pedal on the left. It was the influx and popularity of Japanese 'bikes' -- Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki -- in particular that brought the standardisation.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Ah, with motorcycles I started in the 80s - mainly Japanese models.

[An old bloke]

Ah, with motorcycles I started in the 80s - mainly Japanese models.

No worries Mate. I pre-date you by a couple of decades. 'Beezahs' and 'Trumpets'!

[Ron Z]

And yet no British bicycle that I've owed had a rear brake pedal. Mind you, I was into road racing, so there is that.

My bikes are road bikes. Haven't had a bike with coaster brakes since 1968. I had a motorcycle too, but decided that as the owner of a small business with a family, it might not be a great idea to ride one. Besides, the season in Syracuse was decidedly limited.

What this has to do with posting or not, I don't know. But that's the way of threads on a pen forum.

[An old bloke]

'Lest I digress...'

[Willishakespeare]

I post when the pen size or situation requires it. I like the look of a posted pen, it looks to me to be complete.

[eachan]

The only time I post a pen is when I photograph it for sale. I never post my own pens for writing.

[FredRydr]

I never post my desk pens.

[arrow]

I don't post my nice pens, I worry it might leave marks, especially over time. It looks nice though, and some pens can benefit from the extra length. Some poket pens you just have to post.

[Montanez]

I never post. I usually take quick notes or the eventual signature, so just leaving the cap in the desk is easier.

[Ron Z]

I almost always post, especially standard size pens VS Sr or OS pens. The cap on the back end provides balance. The fact that a cap doesn't post properly is a common complaint, and suggests that posting is more the norm than not. How well the cap posts is a common question from potential buyers.

[cj2020]

I never post ever. I do not like the pen feeling heavy, plus I worry about scratches on the barrel of the pen!

[Zoe]

I nearly always post regardless of pen size.

[Scrawler]

I post those pens that are postable, because my hand wants a longer pen. I like the feel of the pen resting in the web between my thumb and forefinger (not an abnormal web--just the same sort of web everyone has). However, there are some pens that shouldn't be posted, like some more fragile Esterbrooks, and there are some pens that aren't designed to post. With those, I don't even try to post, much less force the issue. Besides, I need my other hand free to pet the cat/push the cat away from the ink/prevent the cat from guzzling my tea.

It seems to me you need something like this. Long and designed to post with a nice easy 3/4 turn thread to hold the cap on.
regal1.jpg

[Jon Szanto]

What about people who don't use their turn signals? I can deal with people not posting, but that?!

Just saw the following and thought of you and this thread:

[MarcR1030]

If a post provides for a balanced writing experience, I am all for it. For example, my 25p Conklin Crescent filler essentially requires for me to post it. Bottom part of the barrel barely reaches the middle of my thumb and index finger. Other pens obviously are just outrageous to be posted, See Ranga Model 5 (love that pen). I think if a pen can be posted and remain balanced, it provides for a much nicer and fuller look. I enjoy showing off the cap of a pen in most cases and also not having to worry about holding on to it or just having it awkwardly sit on my desk. I do find, however, that some pens which seem to welcome posting actually provide a better writing experience without one, such as the Diplomat Aero. Looks great posted but feels better writing not posted.