Messages

166

Classifieds / FS: New Panasonic Pasela Tourguard Folding Tires 700x32 (28 actual)

« on: November 10, 2009, 07:10:04 pm »

For Sale: Two Panasonic Pasela Tourguard folding road tires. 700x32c marked size, actual size when mounted is around 28mm. Brand-new, still in OEM boxes. Great touring tires, black tread with skinwall sides. Kevlar folding bead, Tourguard tread protection against flats. Price for both new tires is $42 shipped in the continental USA.

E-mail briwasson@verizon.net. Located in the Philadelphia area.

167

Classifieds / Trek 520 frame seen on Phila Craigslist

« on: October 23, 2009, 06:14:19 am »

Not mine, but thought someone might be interested. (Don't e-mail me about it!) A 59cm Trek 520 frame (looks to be 80s vintage) on the Philadelphia-area Craigslist for $140.

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/1433393874.html

168

General Discussion / Re: airline initial journey with 4 racks and panniers - how is this done?

« on: October 16, 2009, 09:35:51 pm »

An old thread, but maybe someone will read it down the road. If you have an S&S bike (which it sounds like you do), I highly recommend the soft backpack style case. We have both the hard and soft cases, and have used both styles when flying with our touring tandem internationally. Hands-down the soft case is much easier to work with, and you can fit a LOT of extra stuff (clothing and other soft things) in the outside pockets, which then serve as very good padding. Even though we've flown with two soft cases each way (it's a tandem) on multiple trips, we've never had any issues. I think the extra padding provided by the clothing really helps cushion the interior contents. It's an additional cost, but you could also consider getting an extra S&S soft case (assuming you already have a hard case) and pack your extra stuff in that. It's easy to put the soft case inside the hard case for storage at the start of your tour, leaving you only one suitcase to store (nice if you are storing at an airport that charges you per day, per bag). Our hard case has been gathering dust for a while, as the soft cases are also lighter.

On a tour last year with my S&S single bike I was able to fit the bike, racks, tent, sleeping bag, and other items all in the S&S soft bag. I carried on my rear panniers (clipped together as others have suggested so they were officially "one piece") with my clothes and other stuff. Nowadays staying within the 50 pound weight limit is the real challenge, and it's even less on many intra-European flights.

169

General Discussion / Re: Any experience with Surly LHT forks

« on: October 16, 2009, 09:21:26 pm »

A bit off-topic from the original question, but I put a LHT 26" fork on a Co-Motion OR Co-Pilot S&S frame (MTB) in place of the original Rock Shox Judy suspension fork when I built the frame into a touring bike. I was a bit concerned about it being a good replacement for the suspension fork's geometry, but it has worked out well so far. For the price I think it is a well-made fork, with the canti studs and low-rider rack mounts. The only color I could find at the time was the drab green color, but I was able to paint it red to match my frame.

170

General Discussion / Re: Penna to Georgia

« on: October 16, 2009, 09:16:02 pm »

Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway would make a nice part of your trip, although I'm not sure if they take you in the direction you need to go toward Georgia (they do go south :-)

Hills on Skyline Drive really aren't too bad, except for the initial climb out of Front Royal. Traffic can be bad on nice weekends "in season," especially in the central part of the park.

The Parkway is a bit more rolling, I believe (it's been a while since I've been there).

171

General Discussion / Re: Potential Resale Value

« on: October 16, 2009, 09:10:44 pm »

the morality and honesty of what you describe are very poor.  It sounds just like fraud to me.

Well put.  I had the same thought.  It never pays in the end to not do the right thing.

Note that I said "not good karma in my opinion" and that I personally wouldn't do it. I was just saying that I know someone who did it. While morally not acceptable, it's not fraud, as REI does offer an unconditional money-back guarantee, which would presumably cover "changing your mind."

Much better to buy a used bike and then resell it at the other end on Craigslist, Ebay, or a similar venue.

172

Classifieds / Re: WTB: Beckman tandem panniers

« on: October 16, 2009, 09:04:03 pm »

Hi Ray,

Private e-mail sent 10-17. Very interested!

Thanks,
Brian

173

Classifieds / Re: WTB: Beckman tandem panniers

« on: October 16, 2009, 09:00:05 pm »

Hi Ray

174

Classifieds / WTB: Co-Motion Nor'wester S&S frame/bike in 51-54 size

« on: October 16, 2009, 08:58:54 pm »

It's a long shot, but if anyone is looking to sell their Co-Motion Co-Pilot (S&S) Nor'wester in a size between 50-54cm please let me know. Will consider complete bike or frame only. Also interested in a Bilenky Tourlite with S&S. Thanks!

175

Classifieds / WTB: Beckman tandem panniers

« on: September 28, 2009, 12:18:40 pm »

I'm looking for a used set of Robert Beckman tandem-sized panniers. Prefer front and rear set. Racks, too, if you have 'em. Thanks!

176

General Discussion / Re: Train travel with a tandem

« on: September 28, 2009, 11:36:40 am »

I've shipped three high-end tandems (two Santanas and a Co-Motion) across the country using AMTRAK and it's always worked out well. I use two of their boxes, slid together. Turn the handlebars and remove the pedals and you are good to go. As others have noted, you can only use stations with manned (or womaned!) baggage service. Not all stations have this. I shipped my tandems unaccompanied (i.e., as freight), so I can't comment on traveling with the tandem. But I imagine it would be just as easy. From Philadelphia to LA, it cost me around $130 to ship the tandem, which included insurance for $2500, the boxes, and the shipping fee. Pretty reasonable for a tandem. And, it got there in just a few days.

177

General Discussion / Re: Potential Resale Value

« on: September 28, 2009, 11:18:23 am »

From my perspective, good touring bikes hold their value better than your normal bike. This is mainly due to the scarcity of finding them used (or new, for that matter). One suggestion would be to look on Ebay, Craiglist, etc., and find a used one that you could buy before arrival. Have it shipped to your friend's house, and then have them ship it to you on the East Coast when you arrive. Allow a day or two when you arrive to get it set up to your liking, tuned up, etc. (or have your friend do it for you before sending it on). Then, resell it when you finish and you'll likely recoup nearly 100% of your money.

Another option is to buy a touring bike from a store like REI (www.rei.com) that offers an unconditional return policy. Buy it on the East Coast, return it in California. Not the best karma in my opinion, but it's an option (and I know someone who did it... not me!). REI does have some decently priced touring bikes, too, so I'd consider them in any event. Plus, they have stores across the country, which makes for good customer service when touring.

No matter what you do, I think you'd have a good chance of selling your bike at the end of the trip, given that you have a month to wait around for a buyer.