Messages

1

General Discussion / Re: triplet design

« on: March 10, 2010, 05:32:18 pm »

I wouldn't recommend it.  Tandem and triplet tubing is much bigger than single-bike tubing.  Before the likes of Bill McReady (sp?) at Santana came along and made the tandem world what it is today, one problem with early tandems was that they were much too flexy.  Our steel tandem's tubes are the size of Cannondale single-bike aluminum tubes, and the bottom tube is as wide as the BBs.

Well said.

Anyone with the math skills tol calculate the frame stresses would agree that a tandem or triple bike is a new and different bike from the ground up.

2

Gear Talk / Re: Question about something.

« on: March 05, 2010, 05:41:40 pm »

What is the average screw/bolt size for a bike. I bought a rear rack and it came with neither screws, nor clamps. So now I'm kinda stuck wishing I had bought the seat post rack. So, if anybody could give me a rough estimate I'll try and figure out how to attach this thing to my bike. As it didn't come with instructions either. And I'm hardware challenged. This is gonna be interesting. Late '90s Raliegh MTN Bike is what I have btw. Thank you much!

If you don't have a LBS nearby you might try Lowe's or Home Depot.  They stock a large assortment of small metric nuts and bolts.  Be sure to take one with you.  The selection is overwheming.

3

General Discussion / Re: Sex drugs n rock and roll

« on: March 05, 2010, 11:27:51 am »

Ha gotcha, actually I need to buy medicine while in the USA as our NHS won't give me/sell me enough to cover the entire trip.

Do I have to register with a Doctor or can I go into a pharmacy and buy medicine I need Losec daily which isn't available over the counter here. How can I do it?

Thanks

You may find it difficult to get a perscription filled when you present a non local address.  You should check with a drugest.

4

General Discussion / Re: My Idea

« on: March 04, 2010, 07:11:19 am »

So Im currently 22, about to graduate from Colorado State University. I am an Ultra Runner! So Im sort of crazy to begin with..when I got the idea in my head that biking across the country would be a fantastic idea. I won't undertake this feat for another year, I do understand planning takes time. I had some questions for people..hopefully you can answer them!

1)What route is the best to take beginning in the summer
2)How long can I expect (on average) to cross the country
3)Any idea on costs?
4) Can I pitch a tent anywhere or do I have to be in a campground..

Anything that would be helpful! Im pretty good as far as gear is concerned..I have a great Jamis bike, I'd need a little tag along carrier for my stuff and clothing..

Being a woman..its a littler never wracking to want to go across the country solo..there are some weird people out there..any bad experiences?

Thanks!

Don't do it alone.

5

General Discussion / Re: Is it possible to be tracked via any type of GPS system...?

« on: February 24, 2010, 01:06:06 pm »

Thank you very much.  It is sold at a Big 5 around the corner from me so I'll check it out tomorrow.

I am trying to figure out what APRS is as well.  It's what the Pedouins are using but I haven't a clue as to what it is or how it works.

Thanks again!

Steve.

6

Routes / Re: southern tier map for friends and family

« on: February 23, 2010, 04:55:10 pm »

I've had a couple of requests for a map of the southern tier route - one that folks back home can hang on the wall and plot my progress as I ride.  Is there something like that already created? 

If you got your amateur radio license before you left you could equip your bike with APRS and your family could log on their computer and follow your progress in real time.

7

General Discussion / Re: Folding Bikes

« on: February 23, 2010, 04:50:46 pm »

I know not probably something us tourers/serious riders might own up to knowing anything about.

Well I want to buy a couple to keep on my boat as we often moor up quite a long way from any shops etc. And I thought if they folded then they would not take up valuable space.  Does anyone know of reasonable quality bikes they would recommend.

Thanks

Sorry don't know why this turned into a poll  

How well a bike holds up to salt water is something to consider.  You might read this short paragraph.
http://store.bikefriday.com/pipermail/yak/2007-December/010521.html

8

Routes / Re: Puerto Rico

« on: February 18, 2010, 12:40:19 pm »

I'm planning doing a bike tour in Puerto Rico from march 27-April 6....I'm going to be going with my girlfriend who is new to touring.  I have heard about the bioluminescent bays and surfing beaches...The temperatures, distances and terrain look good but you can never know for sure.  I hoping to hear about experiences people have had touring the island.  Highlights, things to look out for, and just general impressions of the island culture. I really want to hook my gf on touring so this first tour needs to go well. 

Contemplating in NYC

You don't have to travel to Puerto Rico to see bioluminescent bays, it's just more pronounced there.  A motorboat leaves a path, a bucket of water thrown into the bay will glow for a few seconds.  But on a moonless night you can see the same thing off both coasts of the US.  Watch the surf.

9

Routes / Re: Puerto Rico

« on: February 18, 2010, 11:33:01 am »

I'm planning doing a bike tour in Puerto Rico from march 27-April 6....I'm going to be going with my girlfriend who is new to touring.  I have heard about the bioluminescent bays and surfing beaches...The temperatures, distances and terrain look good but you can never know for sure.  I hoping to hear about experiences people have had touring the island.  Highlights, things to look out for, and just general impressions of the island culture. I really want to hook my gf on touring so this first tour needs to go well. 

Contemplating in NYC

I lived in Puerto Rico for three years, but it was a long time ago when PR2 was the big road.  If you want to see the island you'll have to get out of San Juan.  Puerto Ricans are very considerate of cyclists.

10

Routes / Re: New Sierra Cascade Route

« on: February 17, 2010, 10:34:54 am »

I have a book called *The Pacific Crest Bicycle Trail*,  by Bil Paul, Bittersweet Publishing Company, Liverpool, California.  It looks like a good option to me.

11

General Discussion / Re: maximum weight 2

« on: February 16, 2010, 05:46:05 pm »

thanx for the replies but what i mean is what can the tires and or frame support for weight including my 160 pound body

At 160 pounds I can't see it being an issue unless you want to take an awful lot of stuff or ride a low spoke count performance road bike.  I can't give specific numbers for various bikes though.

You might consider additional information from Sheldon Brown's opinion on tires.  http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#labels

12

General Discussion / Re: Bike recommendations for heavy people

« on: February 06, 2010, 09:01:25 pm »

Find someone locally who knows about tandems.  Check on 48-spoke wheels. 

13

General Discussion / Re: TRANSAMERICA should start on the Atlantic!

« on: February 04, 2010, 12:53:12 pm »

if you're desperate for atlantic ocean then hitch ride across chesapeake bay bridge and the ocean will be more within reach of pedal, so to speak...

but, i think you'll find after a xc tour or two that it's not necessarily if you reach ocean to ocean, but rather everything inbetween.

just my opinion.

This is a great response.

14

General Discussion / Re: Where to start Atlantic Coast Ride in South Carolina?

« on: February 03, 2010, 04:19:10 am »

I was stationed at Charleston AFB for two years a long time ago.  Seeing the gigantic houses on the battery that survive hurricane after hurricane for more than a century are worth the trip.

15

General Discussion / Re: Water Filters

« on: January 31, 2010, 06:59:58 am »

I bought one 15 years ago and used it once.