Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Tail Bone Pain

« on: March 25, 2013, 11:38:05 am »

Has she had a fit using a qualified bike-fit professional?  Most of these types of problems can me alleviated with a good bike fit.

Just spoke with my LBS and will be taking her in for a fit next week.  Thanks for the advise

2

Gear Talk / Tail Bone Pain

« on: March 24, 2013, 01:15:08 pm »

My wife has been breaking in her new Brooks B17s on her trainer.  She likes it much better than her older gel saddle but has just started noticing a little soreness in her tailbone.  Anyone else have this concern and any suggestions?

3

Gear Talk / Re: Selle Anatomica Titanico X

« on: March 19, 2013, 04:04:38 pm »

Last time I checked, Monarch Leather, the leather vendor to SA was charging $100 to cut a Brooks, so buying a Brooks saddle and sending it to Monarch Leather is an expensive way to go.

I did see on the SA site it is around $100.  I hate to do that to this Brooks I have been trying.  The black B17 Special with the copper rivets really is a thing of beauty but not why I got it.  Brooks gets great reviews but I ran into some issues with my, well you know.  No matter what way I adjusted it I just can't get it to be comfortable on my soft areas.  I only have about 22 bike trainer miles on it but just feel its not for me.  Even my Doctor suggested a switch.
Anyway, thanks for the comments and will consider the SAT saddle.  I will be calling them with a few questions and I have heard they have great customer service and a 30 day guarantee.
Joe

4

Gear Talk / Selle Anatomica Titanico X

« on: March 18, 2013, 03:18:05 pm »

Any fans out there of the Selle Anatomica Titanico X?  Looking at the cutout design.  Have tried a Brooks B17 Special and just can't get away from the pain after many adjustments.  I know they make the imperial but thought I'd look into the SA brand- made here in Wisconsin.

5

General Discussion / Re: Touring Question

« on: March 14, 2013, 05:19:44 pm »

My question is how do most of you find the time to ride across the U.S. with full time jobs and mortgages and the rest of the responsibilities of everyday life. I have a dream to cycle across the country but don't have 3 months to take off. Thanks Jim

I wonder the same.  My wife & I are new to all this and this year we will start on lite tours.  One week of vacation will be a 6 night and another week will be a 3 night "Inn to Inn" tour.  Simple.  But a good way to go if we can't travel far or long.
Just a thought....

6

General Discussion / Re: Guide to Poor Woman's Cycling

« on: February 21, 2013, 05:31:29 am »

Saw your post in the Classified section and it seems taking a 65 lb dog and

1. Bike Tow Leash or Springer America
2. A water resistant blanket such as Tuffo brand with carrying case.
3. Water Proof Seal Line Bags for food.
4. Sleeping Bag for doggy.
5. Clothes and padded doggy shoes

goes against the minimalist and lightweight touring frame of mind...

Sorry, but have to agree with MidSouth.  This is getting interesting.

7

General Discussion / Re: Guide to Poor Woman's Cycling

« on: February 17, 2013, 07:42:33 pm »

First of all welcome.  I really don't mean to pry, but you did mention not only are you broke but you are in college debt.  Perhaps before you start on your great adventure (and I encourage you to do so) it would be wise to find some way to pay off your school debt and save some money for your journey.  It would take some stress off of you and make for a more enjoyable ride with an also much favorable ride setup.  Hope it all works out for you.

8

Gear Talk / Re: Brooks B67

« on: January 27, 2013, 07:09:10 pm »

Thanks Lucas.  I am waiting for a reply from Wallbike and am leaning toward B17 for me and the B17s for my wife.  I figure with their return policy we can't go wrong.
Thanks all for your input...Joe

9

Gear Talk / Re: Brooks B67

« on: January 20, 2013, 11:41:56 am »

I think you're over-thinking things - analysis paralysis!  B-17 or B-67?  Pick one, order it from wallbike.com, and try it.  If you like it, you're done.  If not, return it (for a full refund) and try the other one.

Perhaps you are right...my first thought was the B17 and wallbikes return policy is so great it's worth a shot.
Thanks for your input.

10

Routes / SS Badger - North Lakes Route

« on: January 20, 2013, 08:56:33 am »

Our local paper is stating that the North Lakes Route (Manitowoc Alternate) SS Badger announced the first 2013 crossing will be May 17th.  Single crossings will continue until June 8th.  Double crossings begin June 9 - Sept 2.  Single crossings resume Sept 3 - Oct 13.
Continued operation of the car ferry may be dependent on getting EPA approval.  The EPA has decreed the Badger must stop dumping coal ash into Lake Michigan on its crossings.
More info... www.ssbadger.com

11

Gear Talk / Brooks B67

« on: January 20, 2013, 07:36:39 am »

I had posted questions about the B17 Standard but have been doing more research and wondering about others thoughts on the B67 and a B67s for my wife's bike.  We are lite tourers with Hybrid bikes and a more upright ride (my wife's bars tend to be higher than saddle since she is only 5'3"). I ride bars just about even with the saddle.  The Brooks and other sites state they are made for road and touring in a more upright position. We are looking for more comfort and the padded gel seats just don't seem to cut it.  Any thoughts?
Thanks, Joe

12

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle Touring vs Backpacking

« on: January 05, 2013, 09:49:41 pm »

I came across this while reading "Retired Couple Tackles The Northern Tier" by Jim Cox on CrazyGuyOnABike from 2006:
...You may wonder how doing this compares to hiking the Appalachian Trail. It's a little early to answer that, but to me the big appeal of both is the SIMPLICITY of the life style. Everything you "own" is right there in a few cubic feet -- plus your only real concerns are eating, sleeping and whether or not your body will hold up. The negatives about biking are the mechanical concerns and the traffic. The positives about biking are: (1) You sleep in beds a lot more often. (2) You eat a lot better food. (3) You cover a lot more miles and, therefore, see a lot more things...

13

Routes / Re: Northern Tier + North Lakes (SS Badger Ferry)

« on: December 27, 2012, 08:10:53 pm »

I believe there is an alternative Ferry that leaves Milwaukee and heads over to MI.

LAKE EXPRESS...... route is Milwaukee to Muskegon ~ 2 1/2 hrs

14

Routes / Re: Re: Need help with getting ready for bike tour

« on: December 15, 2012, 05:52:50 am »

It sounds to me like you should perhaps take more time in your research and planning.  If you have an REI near you, you could have them help you with you equipment research and if anything have it shipped to you friends. 

15

Gear Talk / Brooks Saddle help

« on: November 21, 2012, 06:13:03 pm »

Have been reading alot about how great the Brooks saddles are.  I am looking at  a B17 aged and I have a few questions.  Everyone talks about the break-in period where it breaks in to form to the sits bone (not sure if I have that correct).  I now ride with padded rider shorts (baggy pair) and was just wondering how much more comfortable it is riding a Brooks with the shorts.  I am not sure that most reviews I read on the Brooks are those of riders who wear shorts or not.  I know the topic of saddles comes up often but was just curious if you seasoned Brooks riders do wear shorts.  Thanks.