Messages

796

Gear Talk / Re: stove or no?

« on: April 19, 2010, 11:43:37 am »

You said "we", so we can infer that your group is larger than one. I would say that the larger the group, the more sense it makes to have a stove, due to economy of scale factors, division of weight factors, and division of effort factors. But for a group of one, eating in cafes may provide much-needed human interaction.

797

Gear Talk / Re: What's your favorite 100 mile unweighted bike?

« on: April 19, 2010, 11:38:05 am »

My favorite bike is the bike I already own, whatever that may be. For many people, 100+ unloaded miles is a day ride. I don't think there's any bike that won't work for this.

798

Gear Talk / Re: Pannier Attachment Question

« on: April 16, 2010, 02:30:57 pm »

My Ortlieb panniers rattle around quite a bit, but have never come off. The bottom hook is pretty loose and lets the panniers rock a bit. I don't think you want them so tight that they are constantly under stress.

The top hooks, although also loose, have a positive attachment such that they cannot jump off accidentally.

If things were too tight you'd have to fuss with them too much to get them on and off. I like the fact that you can just drop them on and pull them off.

799

Gear Talk / Re: Tool time

« on: April 12, 2010, 02:49:19 pm »

What tools to take depends on your risk tolerance, how far you'll be from civilization, and your weight tolerance. Multitools may be less expensive, but you may find that individual tools may allow you to take less weight by taking only exactly what you need.

Certainly take allen wrenches in sizes and shapes to fit all your bolts, and something (an allen wrench or pedal wrench) for your pedals. Take a chain tool. Some things on your bike take screwdrivers, so take a pair of those too. Take at least one tire lever. Take a spoke wrench. You might also want something to remove your cassette for spoke replacement.

In my opinion, those are the essentials. Decide on what else you might need to feel comfortable, such as cone wrenches. Some people (not me) take small vice grips, pliers, cable cutters, etc.

Note that I've just dealt with tools, because that's what you asked about. Certainly spare parts and supplies are other important components of your repair kit.

800

Routes / Re: first time

« on: April 09, 2010, 07:01:30 am »

There's not anything I can add other than the numerous tips you find reading these forums and the how-to articles on this site. Let us know if you have any specific questions. Have fun, which I'm sure you will.

801

Gear Talk / Re: Touring Shoes, Cleat Selection and Toe Clip Survey

« on: April 06, 2010, 11:44:06 am »

I use Pearl Izumi Vagabond M3 mountain bike shoes with SPD cleats. I got hot spots all the time until I discovered the metatarsal button.

http://mikescomputerinfo.com/hotfoot.htm

802

Gear Talk / Re: Anyone think this tent would be too big to haul cross country?

« on: April 06, 2010, 06:50:55 am »

I'm a rank rookie when it comes to camping so the ease of setting up a tent is more of a consideration than a couple lbs of extra weight.

You're only a rank rookie for the first few days. But you'll be carrying the tent a lot longer. And, as previously mentioned, all modern tents are reasonably easy to set up.

Keep in mind that the larger the tent, the harder it is to find a suitable plot of ground and the harder it is to set up. Furthermore, if you get a three-person tent, the manufacturer might assume that you're going to have somebody with you to help set it up.

803

Gear Talk / Re: Anyone think this tent would be too big to haul cross country?

« on: April 05, 2010, 06:58:00 am »

"Too big" is a valid question, but "too heavy" is an even more important question. This tent is both. But it's cheap, and if money is very tight, we all make compromises.

How many people do you need to sleep? If only one, then look for a two-person tent rather than a three-person tent. You'll have hundreds to choose from.

804

General Discussion / Re: Monument Valley in July

« on: April 03, 2010, 08:49:40 am »

In my opinion, Monument Valley is not a must-do detour unless you've got plenty of time. Although Monument Valley will place you in a John Ford western and you'll feel like John Wayne, it's not like you're going to miss all the good scenery if you miss Monument Valley.

805

Gear Talk / Re: Help Pulling the Trigger

« on: April 03, 2010, 08:44:21 am »

Any of the bikes you mentioned will be fine. Test ride all three. Place first priority on the one that feels like the best fit. If that ends in a tie, buy the one you like the color of better. Seriously.

806

Routes / Re: Katy Trail and Trans Am

« on: April 02, 2010, 01:27:24 pm »

I suspect that someday, the ACA may add the Katy as an alternative route. They seem to do this (i.e., map out alternative routes) after sufficient time and interest. It looks like they did this between Chester and Murphysboro on the TransAm.

807

Gear Talk / Re: handlebar bags for DSLR's?

« on: March 31, 2010, 03:20:17 pm »

Ortlieb bags have optional camera inserts. Call Wayne at The Touring Store and discuss your needs. He'll fix you up quickly.

808

General Discussion / Re: REI Bikes

« on: March 31, 2010, 09:58:51 am »

I'm running 48/36/26 in the front with 11-34 in the rear with LX derailleurs, and it is at the absolute limit. Any more and the chain wouldn't function on both small-small and large-large. Now you don't necessarily need small-small or large-large, but then again you don't want anything bad to happen if you should accidentally shift into them.

809

Gear Talk / Re: Road Training/Touring Bike--Tricross Sport?

« on: March 30, 2010, 08:58:28 pm »

I don't have a Windsor Tourist, but I've heard a number of positive experiences and no negative experiences with them.

810

General Discussion / Re: Do we have to book for campings during summer?

« on: March 30, 2010, 07:44:44 pm »

Buy the ACA Great Parks South map 1. After you get to Boulder ride Left Hand Canyon to Ward (ask anybody on a bike in Boulder, as everybody knows this route). Then you can follow the GPS route to the TA. It'll keep you off the ugly roads.

Lefthand Canyon is a really hard way to get to the Peak to Peak Highway, on a fully loaded tour bike.  That last mile to Ward is very steep.   Hwy 7 / South St. Vrain road out of Lyons is nicer.   It's a lower grade, and it's a really beautiful ride.    That's the one I use to get to Estes Park when I'm leaving on a tour.  Don't take Hwy 36 from Lyons to Estes directly, unless you are really rushed for time - that one carries all the car traffic.   And DEFINITELY don't take Hwy 119 from Boulder to Nederland - way too much traffic, no shoulder, dangerous.

I agree with all of that, especially those two roads you said to avoid.