Topics

16

General Discussion / Wear eye glasses/sun glasses while riding

« on: January 05, 2011, 03:22:57 am »

Despite many years of riding and touring and putting up with a sore neck finally figured it out.  I've tried all sorts of adjustments to the bike but it has just dawned on me that my glasses slip down slightly or just block out my upward field of vision causing me to lift my head slightly higher than is natural and I think that this is the cause.

However, I don't seem to be able to come up with a solution, does anyone else have this problem, maybe like me you don't even realise it, and what have you done?

Thanks Tony

17

General Discussion / Shrink wrapping your bike for flights

« on: October 23, 2010, 10:57:27 am »

My nephew has just flown to Oz from UK with his bike shrink wrapped and reported all well despite 2 changes of planes.  This was his first time flying with a bike and thought that was a good idea, I can't see how it would stop any damage to the bike but just wondered if anyone else has tried this and am I being too cautious.

18

General Discussion / Running emergency repairs on the road - must see video

« on: October 21, 2010, 03:40:34 am »

Bicycle Repair Man

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxfzm9dfqBw

Wish I had his number - enjoy

19

Gear Talk / Gunnar frames - are they any good????

« on: August 07, 2010, 05:07:13 am »

Hi, my local bike shop is recommending a Gunnar frame.
I have never heard of them, (doesn't mean much) does anyone have any view as to their quality, service etc

Thanks

20

Gear Talk / For Guys (maybe Girls) with size 14 + feet hitting the panniers. A kinda techy ?

« on: August 03, 2010, 10:19:30 am »

Was just about to buy a Bike Friday - until I realised that my heels would allow me only a 4" wide rear pannier!  I've always struggled with hitting the rear pannier even on a 700 wheel any thoughts ideas.  Not smaller panniers as I need the space for extra water/food when crossing Australia.  Got away with it in USA. Trailer's not an option because of hassle when flying plus if I used that option on a BF it limits me how I tour in the future.

What happens to the ride if I extend the rear pannier to take the larger panniers.  The load would be well behind the rear hub ...... any ideas?
Thanks Tony

21

Gear Talk / Converting my suitcase to a trailer

« on: July 22, 2010, 03:58:15 am »

Ok I know I have thread about BF's but also considering a Brompton.  They don't do a case that converts into a trailer- I could consider a BF case & trailer set up but just wondered if anyone else has ideas about transforming a strong suit case into a trailer and how did you do it?

22

Gear Talk / Has anyone toured on a Bike Friday?

« on: July 19, 2010, 12:49:04 pm »

Hi I'm considering buying a BF as my next touring bike and have a couple of questions.
How was it in general compared to a regular 700 touring bike?
Did you have the 3x9 gearing and was it reliable etc?
Did you tow a trailer and if so how did that go?
Any other problems?

Thanks Tony

23

International / Anyone have knowledge of Perth Australia

« on: July 05, 2010, 04:09:18 pm »

Planning to ride Perth to Sydney, trying to get info on bike & camping shops in Perth to buy some of the gear I can't fly with.

Also any info on reasonable accommodation

Have tried Australian forum, plenty of hits but no replies.

Thanks

24

Gear Talk / Bike Friday & the trailer case

« on: May 28, 2010, 12:03:26 pm »

Has anyone ever done a long distance tour using a Bike Friday and towing the trailer that converts into a case for carrying the bike in?

Planning to go Perth to Sydney Australia next year and for the first time considering an alternative to a regular touring bike.  But somewhat nervous about making the change.

Why consider it, hate taking bikes on planes and also want to then go over to New Zealand before returning to UK.  Also think it would be much simpler to get to airports etc in a taxi ready for flights.

Plus I can leave my touring bike here in USA ready for next adventure.

25

Routes / Using Google Maps & the cycling routes - Beware!

« on: May 25, 2010, 03:22:37 pm »

I was so excited when Google Maps started giving routes for bicycles and have very successfully plotted routes with them.  However, Last week one of the roads they sent me on didn't exist and I ended up in a private plantation, trespassers to be prosecuted by the Sheriff!! Having gone several miles on a very hot Florida day I was not overly impressed but fortunately, one of the Mexican workers said he could show me a way through the forest on some narrow sandy lanes.  Just about managed to keep up with his buggy but he got me through.  What a hero - shame we beat you at soccer yesterday.

MORE concerning was that the proposed route through Akron Oh would have taken me though a very dangerous area for gangs etc - luckily a local was able to put me right.

I like this development from Google but just wanted to warn others to double check where it sends you. 

26

General Discussion / Good morning America how are you?

« on: April 24, 2010, 07:33:16 pm »

Well the volcano couldn't keep us Brits away for long.  Setting off tomorrow up the Atlantic coast from Jacksonville Fl, just wanted to say hi and thanks for all the information you guys have given me and to ACA who are very helpful.

Tony

27

Routes / Ohio River into Pittsburgh Pa

« on: March 19, 2010, 07:32:28 am »

Hi can anyone tell me which is the most suitable road to take, coming from the Beaver in the north, into Pittsburgh.  There are two roads that follow the Ohio River, Ohio River Blvd & Constitutional Blvd, but looking at Google it's hard to tell which, if either , is bike friendly.

Thanks Tony

28

General Discussion / Amtrak & carry on luggage

« on: March 10, 2010, 07:27:16 am »

Hi does anyone know what the rules are regarding carry on luggage on Amtak.

Planning to bring bike back from Washington, overnight to Orlando.  I know about boxing the bike but can't find out about carry on luggage and how many pieces are allowed.

My idea is to buy a suit case to put all the numerous panniers, tent etc in, is this necessary?

29

General Discussion / Gatoraid (sp?) v Water

« on: March 09, 2010, 09:47:38 am »

Recently rode with a guy who wouldn't drink anything but Gatoraid (sp?) I always drink water and have never had problems but I just wondered if Gatoraid is
a) any good at all,
b) was he right to just drink Gatoraid and it really did helped him.
c) should it just be used maybe at the end of a ride to replenish lost salts etc.

Tastes like all the other sugary drinks and such unusual colours put me off. 

30

Routes / Great Allegheny Trail

« on: March 07, 2010, 12:50:44 pm »

Hi Has any one ridden the Great Allegheny Trail and the Youhgiogeny River.  i'll be coming from Akron Oh heading for Lancaster Md and figured on following these two trails.

Just wondered what the surface is like on GAT as riding touring bike 700 x 32c

Thanks