Messages

46

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.

47

General Discussion / Re: Travel info Portland to Seattle

« on: February 24, 2012, 07:40:47 am »

It's interesting how plans will change when you get info from those in the know. I believe we will now take train to Vancouver BC and ride the ACA route to Portland. I am not adverse to deviating off the ACA route so any additional input is welcome. Thanks again to all.

48

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.

49

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.

50

Routes / Re: touring route for california

« on: January 25, 2012, 05:13:19 pm »

Thanks to all the info. it should be helpful and is a lot to digest. It sounds like I have my work cut out for me. Still  undecided if I will stay local or do a 3-4 day trip to Sonoma county then over to Amtrack and go to Seattle.

51

Routes / Re: touring route for california

« on: January 21, 2012, 08:03:56 pm »

Hey Raybo thanks for the info. it is helping me formulate a plan. We have been to San Fran once and driven the pacific highway so that experience and what you have said tells me we only want to spend a little time on it. We are not really into wine but thought wine country would be scenic and worth a look. Mainly we are interested in the open road, scenic countryside and quaint towns with great coffee shops and if we are lucky not too many tourists. I guess what we saw of Calif. when we were there two years ago has made us want to return. By the way the reason for San Fran is to fulfill an obligation we have there and then hit the road. Also we will be bringing our own bikes.

52

Routes / Re: touring route for california

« on: January 20, 2012, 07:18:54 pm »

Hey Craig thanks for the assist. Will be staying in hotels and using  the"warm showers" network. I was thinking of being on the road ten to twelve days straight perhaps making a loop of maybe 4 to 5 hundred miles and ending back in San Fran. Time of year will be first two weeks in June. Would like to sample the coastal road some but wife is a little intimidated by it.

53

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.

54

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.

55

General Discussion / Re: hip pain

« on: October 01, 2011, 05:43:46 am »

Thanks everyone for the info and encouragement. As my wife and I will be retiring in three months you can imagine what a bummer this is. Your information will help me look at it as just another of life's challenges. Thanks again.

56

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.