Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Bike Sizing

« on: May 12, 2013, 04:23:11 pm »

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful and helpful comments.  I'm pretty set now on getting the 58 based on your comments and comparisons to my current road bikes, primarily effective top tube length.  This summer or fall, if you see a tall skinny old guy on a white Surly riding the California Coast or the Washington/Montana portion of the Northern Tier, say "hello". Happy riding to all.

2

Gear Talk / Bike Sizing

« on: May 04, 2013, 04:13:31 pm »

I've done the research, I've talked to many people and I've done a test ride and I'm all set to purchase a Surly LHT.  I've looked at the measurements, I've measured myself and my current bikes and everything suggests I need a 59cm frame, but the LHT only comes in even sizes.  So, am I better going slightly smaller (58cm) or slightly bigger (60cm)?  I'm sure it won't make an iota of difference and I'll be happy with whatever I choose, but I know there are knowledgeable folks out there who may be be able to guide me in a way I have not considered.  Thanks for any input and happy riding.

3

Routes / Re: Cycling in the U.K.

« on: November 14, 2012, 12:31:39 pm »

I appreciate the response and link.  The John O'Groats to Land's End route is exactly what I have in mind with a detour to the town in the north of Scotland from which my mother's maternal grandparents emigrated.  I think I may still have some cousins there.

4

Routes / Cycling in the U.K.

« on: November 12, 2012, 05:20:04 pm »

I am considering a bike ride in late 2013 in Scotland and England.  I've looked at Iron Donkey, but their maps seem limited to specific regions and I'm looking for resources that can cover everything from the North of Scotland to Cornwall.  What other resources are out there?

5

Gear Talk / Touring Bikes - Surly LHT vs Novarra Randonee

« on: November 12, 2012, 05:16:14 pm »

I'm in the market for a new touring bike.  After 12 years and 10,000 miles I need to replace my Cannondale T-2000 due to cracked head tube.  BTW - Kudos to Cannondale for honoring a warranty and giving me a replacement, although not a T-2000 as it is no longer made.

On a ACA ride this summer the ACA support crew recommended the LHT, but the Randonee got some praise too.  I think I understand the pros/cons of each bike, but would like to get some opinions from other experienced riders.  I'm 6' 2" and will need a big frame.

What do people like/dislike about these two options?

6

Gear Talk / Squeaky brakes

« on: February 13, 2011, 01:06:07 pm »

Anyone have a simple fix for squeaky brakes?

7

Routes / Re: Amtrek

« on: August 15, 2010, 04:27:28 pm »

Traveling by Amtrak is a great way to go.  I took the train from downtown LA to San Luis Obispo 2 years ago and then rode back.  I took a train that accepted unboxed bikes, so I was able to put my bike on the cargo car in LA, take it off the cargo car in SLO, attach my bags and ride away.  Really simple.  I think for sometrains you have to box your bike, but I believe the Amtrak website has all of the information you need to make an informed decision. 

8

Routes / Northern Tier - Buffalo to Maine

« on: August 10, 2010, 08:55:50 pm »

I just completed a great ride following the ACA Northern Tier route from Buffalo, NY to near Sebago Lake, ME and then off route back to Boston, MA and I want to send out a big thanks to Bert's Bike in North Tonawanda, Joe at the Wide Water Drive-in in Lockport, Jim at Bear Mountain Inn near South Waterford, ME and the REI store in Boston. All of these business and people deserve our continued support.

9

General Discussion / Re: Buffalo Bike Shops

« on: July 07, 2010, 09:38:49 am »

Thanks for the thoughts.  I'm flying into Buffalo from Los Angeles and spending the night before I leave at a hotel near the start in downtown Buffalo.  The folks at Bert's have told me their Tonawanda store is the one closest (about 8 miles) to where I am staying.  While Rick's is closer, the folks at Bert's have been much more responsive so I plan to reward their good customer service.

10

General Discussion / Buffalo Bike Shops

« on: July 03, 2010, 11:37:20 am »

I'm shipping my bike to Buffalo in two weeks to ride the last two sections of the Northern Tier to Maine.  The ACA maps list two bike shops in Buffalo - Rick Cycle Shop and Berts Bike & Sport.  Anyone out there have any experience with either of these two stores and, if you do, any recommendation?

11

Routes / New Hampshire

« on: June 27, 2010, 05:03:38 pm »

Any recommendations for a detour off the ACA Northern Tier route in New Hampshire to see a cousin near Concord, NH?  After ther detour to Concord, I would like to rejoin the ACA route on into Maine where I'll visit a friend south of Portland.

12

Gear Talk / Chain Rings

« on: June 20, 2010, 04:56:13 pm »

This is a much discussed subject, but most of the comments are too general to be helpful.  I'm talking about gear inches and the experts are always complaining that most touring bikes (I ride an old Cannondale T-2000) are not geared low enough.  Well, that's fine, but please then give me suggestions on components to use that will function seemlessly and be dependable.

My bike has chain rings of 52, 42 and 30 and my rear 9-casette runs 34-11, so I have a low end of 24 gear inches.  The rear derailleur is a Shimano XTR.  I would like to swap out the 30 tooth chain ring (and lower the 52 and 42 too), but the mechanic at my bike store is worried that my derailleur couldn't handle the gaps and I could end up with chain drops and other shifting problems.

I'm a strong enough rider I can handle most hills with the gearing as it is, but as I age (I turn 60 next month) I'd rather have mechanical advantage on my side and work less.

Any recommendations?  I appreciate the input.

13

General Discussion / Camp Stove - Fuel

« on: June 19, 2010, 05:28:23 pm »

In late July, I'm flying to Buffalo from LA to do the last leg of the Northern Tier.  I have a Snow Peak Gigacamp stove that uses white gas, but I'm assuming I can't fly with the fuel.  I've also been told to make sure the stove is clean, i.e. no fuel scent.  Does anyone have any experience with this and does anyone have a suggestion where to buy white gas in Buffalo?