Topics

16

General Discussion / Amtrack Question Seattle Area

« on: March 07, 2012, 06:13:17 pm »

Planning to take the Coast Starlight into Seattle. Then Amtraks bus transfer to Vancouver. The layover is only 30 minutes and I will have two bikes to put together. Question is, can I just take my boxed bikes and put them on the bus and go? Is the bus station at Vancouvers Pacific Central Station the type of place I will feel comfortable assembling bikes at my midnight arrival time? Last question, I have a two mile bike ride from Vancouvers Pacific Central Station to my accommodations is that area safe in the wee hours?

17

Gear Talk / Chain selection

« on: February 27, 2012, 07:50:27 am »

Its time to replace the chain on my bike. I know this may be a somewhat subjective issue but which chain should I buy? I would like to go SRAM because I like their connector link. Are they fully compatible with the existing Shimano drive line? Next question is price. I noticed  thru Nashbar  SRAM chains for 9 speeds run from approx. 15.00 for a basic chain to 58.00 for a hollow pin design. There are also chains in between those prices. If it's an issue I,m a light tourer generally 30 LBS of gear on flat terraine, paved. I've also noticed there are other brands out there (BBB and Wipperman) whats the difference. I guess I could stick with Shimano but they have different grades also. How does one choose.

18

General Discussion / Travel info Portland to Seattle

« on: February 20, 2012, 09:36:57 pm »

Can anyone give route info for riding from Portland to Seattle. Traffic, scenery ,hills, shoulders, bike lanes etc. how about weather also for first week of June. I am from Florida and am unfamiliar with area, I plan to be in san francisco will Amtrack to Portland and then ride north.

19

Gear Talk / removing tabs on fork

« on: January 29, 2012, 06:18:21 pm »

I frequently remove my front wheel for transport and would like to make the job less of a hassle by removing the little tabs or nubs at the lower end of the fork. I seem to have heard they are unnecessary and are only there to reduce the manufactures liability.  I had several bikes from the 1980-90's that did not have them.

20

Routes / touring route for california

« on: January 19, 2012, 07:57:12 pm »

I have 14 days to tour using San Fran. as a starting and ending point. Any recommendations for cities to visit and roads to take/avoid. I need to include wine country in the route. A loop would be preferable. Would like to ride approx 50 miles a day as I am looking to do some visiting and not just put on the miles.

21

General Discussion / bike travel in cuba

« on: November 05, 2011, 04:41:45 pm »

Can anyone provide info on either self directed touring or a reasonable tour company in Cuba. I did some checking on the internet and what I found was expensive and was more of a biking vacation than touring. Also I know visiting Cuba is restricted for U S citizens but I heard there is an organization that will facilitate travel there based on some type of cultural or humanitarian excahnge.

22

General Discussion / hip pain

« on: September 29, 2011, 05:53:16 pm »

I have just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my right hip. I ride about 100 miles a week and just started doing week long trips riding 50 to 60 mile a day. Will the riding help or cause the problem to get worse. Doctor says I will eventually need a hip replacement. Will I be able to ride again after the replacement. Would like to increase rides to 2 to 3 weeks in the near future. If anyone has experience with this please advise.