Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Which Schwalbe

« on: January 14, 2012, 12:40:33 am »

I have run the regular marathon 700x32 for years on one of my commuters and they are just about worn out, they are very comfortable and have never punctured which is pretty impressive for mostly NYC riding (think 3rd world road surface with extra broken glass).  I replaced the marathon plus on my other commuter with a lighter tire and really appreciate the increase in performance, also no punctures.
On my other bikes I use marathon XR, marathon extreme and big apples as well as panaracer tires.  My pluses sit in storage.
If I were doing your ride I would go light. Whatever you choose will work fine.

2

General Discussion / Re: Bike Friday or S&S Couplers

« on: January 13, 2012, 11:47:05 pm »

If you go S&S what will you do with the travel case?  Ship it to your destination every time?
With BF you take it with you.  Much less hassle IMO.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Which 26" tires would you use for Prudhoe Bay to Mexico via the GDBMR?

« on: June 27, 2011, 12:36:42 am »

tombrogan     http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/schwalbe-marathon-xr-hs359-high-density-guard-folding-tyre-with-reflex-26-x-225-inch-%2857-559%29-prod11298/

4

Gear Talk / Re: Dream Bike Starting with a Long Haul Trucker Frame

« on: June 08, 2011, 07:57:55 pm »

+1 for Rohloff  if cash is in plentiful supply.    some good info in the brochure here  http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/ravennomad.html

I think the LHT complete is a great deal though.  S&S is a waste for most people IMHO. 

5

Gear Talk / Re: Which 26" tires would you use for Prudhoe Bay to Mexico via the GDBMR?

« on: June 08, 2011, 07:41:19 pm »

Marathon XR is ideal. fit and forget!

6

General Discussion / Re: Recommend a bicycle for travelling round the world

« on: February 18, 2011, 12:32:37 pm »

I would definitely recommend a bike fitted with a rohloff hub.  It would be cheaper in the long run than derailleurs, and much less agro.
Santos, Tout Terrain and Thorn make excellent machines.

7

Gear Talk / Re: Rohloff- two questions

« on: February 10, 2011, 04:56:36 pm »

I have toured twice with the Rohloff running 38x16 on a 26"wheel which gives me 17.2 gear inches.  I was very glad of the low gearing on the Great Divide last summer as I had done very little in the way of physical prep for the trip.  The relatively low high gear has never concerned me.

The hub noise is not as bad as you would think given all the fuss about it on the net.  Mine has had 2 oil changes and is now very quiet.  It has never bothered me and I am very easily irritated.

IMO on a trip like the GDMBR the Rohloff is a far superior system to derailleurs due to the low maintenance and the ability to shift gear at a standstill. 

8

Gear Talk / Re: NEW BIKE for all purpose + off-road and road touring travel.

« on: January 20, 2010, 12:35:34 pm »

I have Rohloff on my expedition tourer and it is a wonderful piece of kit.  The only downside is the slightly limited gear range, but that is a very minor niggle compared to having an almost maintenance free, bullet proof drive train.  Santos now offer a belt drive Rohloff which is a superb system.  For something like the GDMBR I would only use Rohloff, for trans Am I would be happy with either system.
Also, some people have commented that the gap between gears on a Rohloff is too great in the higher gears.  For me this has only been an issue when very tired.

S&S couplers are every bit as good as they are made out to be as long as you keep them tight.

9

Routes / Minneapolis

« on: March 18, 2009, 02:13:19 pm »

I just found out that I have to go to Minneapolis, but will have 6 days free between obligations.  I thought I might as well squeeze in a camping trip rather than fly home.  is anybody here knowledgable of cycling in this part of the world and has any suggestions for a route/loop of 250 to 350 miles? 

Thanks.

10

General Discussion / Cycling Goggles

« on: October 20, 2008, 11:42:22 am »

I recently bought some outdoor work glasses from Home Depot which I now use for cycling, They give almost perfect alround vision and the arms are adjustable individualy in length and angle.  This last feature makes the glasses extremely comfortable and they can be adjusted on the fly easily with one hand to insure suitable air flow for the conditions being ridden.

 The glasses have a gold coating which makes them uv resistant and also suitable for wearing at night.
Unfortunately, I just looked on their website and couldn't find the particular pair I'm refering to. If you are passing a Home Depot or hardware store it might be worth a look.

Since buying these $5 work glasses I have never worn my %250 Rudy Project's

Hope this helps!