Messages

1

Routes / Re: Across North America

« on: May 07, 2013, 04:00:55 pm »

If you want to bypass all the issues associated getting out of NYC/N. Jersey by bike, you can take Metro North from Grand Central Terminal all the way to Pougkeepsie, which is on Bike Route 9. Bikes are permitted at certain times provided you buy a one-time permit for $5:

http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/bikerule.htm

Rt 9, Poughkeepsie, is a major highway with heavy traffic. In general, west side of Hudson River is less trafficked.

2

Routes / Re: Across North America

« on: May 07, 2013, 10:09:01 am »

This is the route I am thinking of at the moment:
- from New York to Albany (read below)
- from Albany to Buffalo following the Erie Canal (NY State Canalway Trail)

If you get to Buffalo you might as well ride to Niagara Falls, CAN.

[/quote]

I would certainly appreciate an alternate route to State Bike Route 9.
And is there a store in NYC where I can find the ACA or other bicycle maps?

[/quote]

If you can't maps airmailed to you in time, order them delivered somewhere you could pick them up in USA. You can have them sent to General Delivery, any USA Post Office. Suggestion: Mark, "Hold for touring bicyclist". Ask, NYC, most bicycle friendly way ride to Newburgh. Email me off list for directions from there.

3

Routes / Re: Across North America

« on: May 07, 2013, 07:00:03 am »

And if it's possible to do some wild camping along the northern ACA routes?

http://www.phred.org/~alex/kenkifer/www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm

4

Routes / Re: Across North America

« on: May 07, 2013, 06:56:34 am »

About the ACA Northern Tier: if possible we would like to add more of Canada. So the route we are currently considering is as follows:
- leaving New York City with the NY State Bike Route 9 to Poughkeepsie, NY (85 miles)
- join the ACA Atlantic Coast to Bar Harbor, ME (542 miles)
- start the ACA Northern Tier and follow it until Ticonderoga, NY (401.5 miles)
  (or maybe as an alternative route take the ACA Green Mountains Loop from North Haverhill, NH to Port Kent, NY)
- from there rejoin the NY State Bike Route 9 to Rouses Point on the New York - Quebec border (92 miles)

I've bicycled from New York, where I live, to Bar Harbor, ME, picking up the Atlantic Coast Route. I have also ridden the Norther Tier. I would not do as you plan. You'll be repeating the section in New England where both routes are the same.

I  would avoid Route 9 in New York if you can. It is a very busy road. I would not follow closely NY State Bike Routes. They use too much busy roads.

If you go off and on the Northern Tier, consider including the highlights, Erie Canal bike path in New York, Niagara Falls, Canada (Falls are also in New York, but not as spectacular), Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana, crossing the Continental Divide.

When your plans are more definitive I can give more help bicycling in New York.

5

Routes / Re: Across North America

« on: May 07, 2013, 06:42:36 am »

I've heard the North Dakota-Eastern Montana stretch of the Northern Tier can get boring (and with sometimes difficult headwinds and that direction). 

North Dakota was one of my most memorable states to ride when I rode the Northern Tier; this includes the scenery, , the tranquility, and the people, including the Indians who extended hospitality.

6

Gear Talk / Re: Bike Sizing

« on: May 05, 2013, 06:20:45 am »

Frankly, I think bicyclists get too hung up on touring bike sizes. Difference between 59cm and 58cm, 3/8 inch; you might alter the bike's height that much by difference in tire size. My Cannondale touring bike only came in four sizes, and they couldn't sell enough to keep selling touring bikes, even in just those few sizes. As far as test riding first, so often recommended, not where I live. Rarely a touring bike on the sales floor, and lots of luck being my size. A knowledgeable bike shop person will know the bike and size you up, with an eye to how your proportions mesh with the other bike parameters beside bike height. That said, I think you'll do fine, with either the 58cm or 60cm bike, after adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle, tilting handlebars, etc. In fact, I think you'll get more out of fine tuning the various adjustments to size, then you'll get from choosing between the 58cm or 60cm bike.

7

Classifieds / FOR SALE: Shimano XT Touring Wheelset, Schwalbe Marathon Tires

« on: May 04, 2013, 06:33:42 pm »

*Wheelset, Shimano XT Touring, Shimano XT 100/135mm hubs with skewers, Mavic 36-hole A19 rims with machined sidewalls, blk, new, $250. Compare at $340, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Z0NO9I?tag=bfs062-20, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006Z0NNSU?tag=bfs062-20. (Photo)

*Tires, Schwalbe 700x35c Marathon Racer, the lightest, fastest tire in the Marathon series, wire, new, $35 (have 2). This tire sells for $50 each.

All plus shipping.

8

Classifieds / TAKEN: FREE: Assos Insulated Bib Tights

« on: May 03, 2013, 06:35:14 pm »

Size M (minor repair should not be noticed), for cost of shipping. Prefer someone who buys from my sell list, so I get something for pedaling eight miles to post office, but not a requirement.

9

Classifieds / FOR SALE: New List! Many New Items

« on: May 01, 2013, 03:43:42 pm »

All items in very good condition, unless noted, and are plus shipping. Photos, indicated, on request. (Takeoff means mounted, not used, or just tried and taken off.)

COMPONENTS

*Chainring, Shimano 36T 104mm 4-Bolt Pinned Steel Chainring, Silver, new, $15. This chainring sells for $36.39. Steel chainrings for middle and inner chainrings are the choice for wear. (Photo)
*Skewer, Shimano XT Front quick release, blk, new, $15. (Photo) This skewer sells for $30. (Photo)
*Skewer, Shimano XTR 135mm Rear quick release, blk, new, $30. This skewer sells for $63.97. (Photo)
*Brake, Disc Pads, Avid Original Juicy 3, 4, 7, pr, new, sealed package, $10.
*Brake, Avid Front Post Mount Bracket, new, packaged, $5.
*Headset, Aheadset 1 inch TR threadless sealed black, new, boxed, $15. (Photo)
*Headsest, Tange-Seiki Passage 1 1/8 inch threaded black, boxed, $10. (Photo)
*Headset, Tange Techno Glide 1 inch STR threadless black, packaged, $20. (Photo)
*Brake Levers, Tektro Sensir TK R 351 black flat bar, new, $10 each. (Photo)
*Brake Cables, Front and rear with casings, blk, new, $6. (Photo)
*Brake Lever Covers, Road, aero, blk, new, $5. (Photo)
*Seat Post Collar, 1-1/8 in., polished aluminum, $6 (Photo)
*Saddle, New Road or Mountain Bike, Black with white trim, $15. (Photo)

TIRES & TUBES

*Tire, Shcwalbe Marathon Racer, 700x35c, the lightet, fastest tire in the venerated Marathon series, wire, new, $35 (have two). This tire sells for $50 each.
*Tire, Ritchey Ele Vader, 26x1.9 in., new, $20. Mud shedding thread. This tire sells for $39.99. (Photo) This tire is highly rated. 4.33 out of 5! "These tires (rear) are the best for giving you speed and cornering control. You will power slide around the corners but still have control ...They never feel sketchy. The paddles practically lift you up the hills."
*Tire, Specialized Turbo, 700x26c, new, $15 (I have used this tire for loaded touring. Also for fast recreational riding.) (Photo) This tire is highly rated.

CLOTHING

*Women's Cycling Jersey, Primal - Namaste  Size Medium. Three rear pockets. This jersey sells for $69.99. New, with tags, $35. (Photo)
*Women's Harlow Hooded, Zoic Clothing -  - Grey Size Medium. Three rear pockets, one zipped. This hoodie sells for $55. New, with tags, $27.50. (Photo)
*Gloves, Chiba Classic QR Blue - Size Small. These gloves sell for $33. New, with tags, $16.50. (Photo)
*Vest, Campmor Polartec, blk, med, $14. (Photo)
*Shirt, Hinds Dry Lete, long sleeve mock turtleneck, blk, small, new with tags, $18 (sold for $38). (Photo)

RECUMBENT

*Burley Rack Stay Kit. Burley Recumbent Touring Rack Installation Kit for HepCat and Django models. New, packaged, $15. (Photo)
*Headrest, Catrike BigCat Standard Headrest, new, $65. This headrest sells for $125.
*Trike Seat Bag, most use on top; some say can use on bottom, blk, new, $30.

STRIDA

*Drive Belt, new, $30.

BMX

*Hub, Dimension 48 hole black front BMX, 14mm x 170mm. This hub sells for $41. New, boxed, $25. (Photo)

MISCELLANEOUS

*Pannier/Messenger Bag, Burro . This is a big bag, Apprx 20x13x4 in. Six pockets. Rugged Cordura type fabric. New, $70. (Photo)
*Messenger Bag, Sunlite . This is a big bag, apprx 20x14x5 in. Felt lined laptop compartment. Multiple storage compartments. Rugged Cordura type fabric. New, with tags, $50. (Photo)
*Burley Stroller Kit, http://www.burley.com/home/bur/page_73, This sells for $69; boxed, $45. (Photo)
*Zefal Fender Z-Clips (these are the fishmouth pieces that attach struts to fenders), package, new clips, $5.
*Assos Cinto, the remarkable system that so increased speed it was banned from competition; includes belt, cable, and attachment; (increases power on flats and hills) new, $40. (Photo)
*Assos Cinto, the remarkable system that so increased speed it was banned from competition; includes belt,  cable, and attachment; (increases power on flats and hills). Cable shows slight fraying. $20. (Photo)
*Seat Bag, Pedro's Ethik, blk, new, $10. (Photo)
*3-Way Hex Key Wrech, Park, 4, 5, 6mm, $6. (Photo)
*Stuff Sack, Thermarest, made for 3/4 sleep pad, but could be used for other things, new, $5.
*Waterbottle Cage, Planet Bike aluminum, takeoff, $3.
*Showercap Water Bottle, Trek, new, $4.

10

Routes / Re: Advice for a ride beginning in NYC

« on: April 25, 2013, 08:07:44 am »

I live in NY. I don't see much problem with getting back. There are more trains that accept bicycles than you state. I cannot give more information, as I do not use trains. You can always take a bus back. Personally, I would do a loop. Ride options include Catskills (hills), Finger Lakes (hills), Eire canal, Adirondacks (hills). There are many routes mapped that you can search online. After you are more decided on a route, you can post here for any details you want more information. I do not recommend following closely the official NY State routes, as they follow too much main roads. You might include Woodstock, NY in your plans.

11

Classifieds / Upgraded 2008 Cannondale Touring Bicycle!

« on: April 20, 2013, 12:32:39 pm »

This has been my most satisfying touring bicycle, but I bought a new touring bike, so have to sell this one. Cannondale is no longer making touring bicycles. This is the last year Cannondale made hand made touring bicycles in this country. Knowledgeable touring bicyclists will know component selection is right on. Bicycle is in very fine condition, save for small dimple on top tube. Bicycle has not been crashed, and is rideable right now. After receiving payment, bicycle will be taken to local bike shop for professional packing. Last time charged $25. Buyer responsible for packing charge and shipping, both paid to local bike shop. You will be very happy with this bike.

MSRP (new) $1,299.99
Size medium
Color Fine Silver
Frame Construction TIG-welded
Frame Tubing Material Touring
Fork Brand & Model TIG-welded Chromoly
Fork Material Chromoly, unicrown crown
Brakeset Tektro Oryx brakes, Road aero levers
Shift Levers Shimano Dura-Ace Bar Ends
Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra Triple
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore
Crankset Shimano FC-443, 26/36/48 teeth
Pedals FPU Road
Bottom Bracket Shimano BB-ES25
BB Shell Width 68mm
Rear Cogs 9-speed, 11 - 34 teeth
Chain KMC 9 speed
Seatpost Cannondale C3 2014 Alloy, 27.2mm diameter
Saddle Freedom (WTB)
Handlebar Cannondale C3, 31.8mm
Handlebar Stem Cannondale C4
Headset 1 1/8" Cane Creek S1
Hubs Shimano LX
Rims Mavic A119, 36-hole
Tires 700 x 35c Schwalbe Marathon Racer
Spoke Brand DT Swiss Champion stainless steel, 14ga. (2.0mm)
Spoke Nipples Brass

Shifters were installed new one year ago. Other new parts installed, saddle (has small blem underside which will not be noticed), rear derailleur, chain, pedals (no pedals were included when bike was sold new). Reflective patches added on rims. $600; what others are asking for 20 year older touring bikes.

12

Gear Talk / Trailer Plus Bags

« on: April 14, 2013, 12:08:31 pm »

In perusing photos I took of other touring bicyclists I met following Northern Tier I noticed all the cyclists with trailers also had bags on bike, ranging from four panniers on down. Not saying should use trailer, or if use trailer need also bags on bike. Just saying if you are thinking of using a trailer, all the cyclists I saw on trip had bags on bike in addition to trailer.

13

Routes / Re: Southern Tier

« on: April 12, 2013, 07:24:28 am »

My concerns are the long stretches w/o any services and "Stealth" camping.

Mark

http://www.phred.org/~alex/kenkifer/www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm

14

Gear Talk / Re: 2 stem configuration

« on: April 11, 2013, 07:01:16 am »

SJS Cycles (England); for example:

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/thorn-accessory-bar-t-shaped-105-mm-extension-0-deg-prod11040/

URL not loading for me.

15

Gear Talk / Re: Saddle bags versus trailer in tow: Which is better for a cross country trip?

« on: April 07, 2013, 07:12:02 am »

I prefer panniers as well.   Just don't purchase giant rear panniers and overload your back end.   I think my bike handles really well with medium sized panniers in back and small front panniers mounted on low-rider style front rack. 

Dave

Maybe best for you. Tests show best to have more weight on front, or at least have equal weight front and back. For that reason I see no reason for smaller bags on front. I use same size medium rear bags front and rear.