Messages

16

Gear Talk / Re: Rack mounted tail lights

« on: April 07, 2013, 07:06:50 am »

I'm having a terrible time finding a rack-mounted tail light, since everything on the market these days seems to be designed to mount on a seat post or drop tube, or even on clothing.  Can anyone recommend a tail light that is designed to be mounted on the rear rack using a bolt through the mounting hole provided on a rack?

Dan

I have removed the clip that comes with a bicycle taillight and screwed the light through the rack hole into the clip screw hole. That may make the taillight on-off switch too close to the rack to operate. I got around this by inserting a small tube between the light and rack, and using a longer screw through tube.

17

Gear Talk / Re: Racks

« on: April 03, 2013, 09:34:24 am »

Blackburn racks.  EX-1 for the rear.  FL-1 lowrider for the front.  $80 for both racks.

https://shop.sunrisecyclery.com/item/270?gclid=CLSGqMXvrLYCFc9AMgodxl4AgA

http://www.westernbikeworks.com/product/blackburn-fl-1-standard-lo-rider-front-rack?v=0000000&utm_campaign=products&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&adl=1&gclid=COewl-jvrLYCFfA-Mgod3BoApA

Western Bike Works says low rider is out of stock. Is Blackburn still making front racks? I thought Blackburn discontinued them under new ownership.

As to load carrying capacity, I found Blackburn racks fine, particularly if used the Expedition rack , stoutest of the three rear racks they used to make, and used the hoop front rack or the hoopless to fork braze-ons. I have heard of Blackburn racks breaking, but that's more strain I ever put on them. I switched to Tubus racks when I bought Ortlieb bags; the Ortblieb bags fit better on the Tubus racks.

18

Gear Talk / Re: Racks

« on: April 02, 2013, 10:16:18 am »

It is a strange choice for touring. Although weight rating is adequate, it lacks triangulation usually associated with a strong bicycle frame. I would also be concerned with maintaining a wood top on tour.

19

Routes / Re: Transamerica Cost

« on: March 30, 2013, 09:47:16 am »

If you pay for campground space, private or government, expect to pay no less than $15 night. Sometimes it'll be less, sometimes more, sometimes much more. If more at a private campground, sometimes you can negotiate a lower rate, sometimes not. Free camping opportunities are listed on the ACA maps for the route.

Wild camping, also called stealth camping, information here,
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=1385

20

Gear Talk / Re: Touring bikes...

« on: March 24, 2013, 09:22:52 am »

It is nearly a month since this woman posted her initial question, and she has yet to decide even the type of bike she should  buy. I suggested she concentrate on that....

I can´t resist cutting a quote from dkoloko.  I almost became a farmer this month too, so I have struggeld with quite a few decisions during these past months... 
Anyways - you have been very helpful - I thought I let you know what bike it is going to be.

Ta da!  http://salsacycles.com/bikes/2012_vaya

The brakes will be upgraded, the gearing might be a triple and the tires won´t be that fat.

Thanks!

No criticism intended for time it took you to choose a bike. I questioned side-track to ultra lightweight bicycle travel niche. I thought as a novice you had enough to think about in choosing a bike to buy. I stated even type of bike, because earlier you had not settled on a touring bike, considering also a cross bike. Best wishes on your choice, and may you have a very enjoyable and memorable tour.

21

Gear Talk / Re: Looking for Rain Pants

« on: March 24, 2013, 08:24:02 am »

So you are saying that you can have waterproof and breathable?  I guess that depends on how much you sweat and how hard you are exercising.   My experience has been and remains that waterproof and breathable fabrics are never breathable enough that I am not wet with sweat when wearing them while riding at my usual pace.

This is an example of what I mean by "old". It is almost invariable that someone in these conversations will begin, "I have never found a...that...or words to that effect.

22

Gear Talk / Re: Looking for Rain Pants

« on: March 23, 2013, 12:56:19 pm »

Waterproof, breathable.

oxymoron?

This is old. I hope it doesn't branch out into a side discussion here. I am sure the archives is loaded with this topic.

So, since this is old and you started the thread, have you found anything?

The "this" is argument can't have waterproof and breathable.

23

Gear Talk / Re: Looking for Rain Pants

« on: March 22, 2013, 08:32:20 am »

Waterproof, breathable.

oxymoron?

This is old. I hope it doesn't branch out into a side discussion here. I am sure the archives is loaded with this topic.

24

Gear Talk / Re: Saddle bags versus trailer in tow: Which is better for a cross country trip?

« on: March 19, 2013, 11:40:22 am »

I have toured with a BOB Yak myself and I fully agree with your analysis. However there is something most trailer people never mention. Something which annoys me a lot and explains why I switched back to panniers again. When pulling a trailer, especially standing in the pedals going uphill, I feel a large dead mass behind me. A mass which tries to live its own life. I would describe it as inertia. The trailer gives me small sideways "counter forces" when pedaling and I don't like that.

I have a two wheeled trailer. Yours is one reason I tour with panniers, leaving the trailer at home for shopping, hauling. I call it pulsing; there is a lag between force applied at pedals and force transmitted to trailer, especially felt up hills.

25

Gear Talk / Re: Touring bikes...

« on: March 19, 2013, 11:32:29 am »

Every time I have bought a stock bike, they have swapped parts for the difference in value between the parts. 

Good to try, but I have been told shop would only allow 50 percent of value of part swapped toward cost of new part. Yours to decide if that is acceptable.

26

Gear Talk / Re: Camping Gas/stove

« on: March 19, 2013, 11:27:23 am »

I look for (liquid gas) fuel in quart bottles either at Wal-Mart, camping stores or hunting fishing stores as I travel or will try to buy it from someone at the campgrounds. Otherwise, I buy a quart at the gas station.

It is rare now days to find liquid gas from someone in a campground. Quart cans of liquid gas in stores are also rare. Camping stores that cater to backpackers that sell liquid gas by the ounce are apt to charge a very high price. Expect to pay as much for a quart as you'd pay for a gallon at a big box store. Rather than pay so much per ounce, I bought a gallon can, filled my bottles and left rest at bike shop, saying give to next touring cyclist.

27

Gear Talk / Re: Helmet of Justice

« on: March 17, 2013, 11:49:54 am »

More information:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2013/03/hit-and-run_drivers_beware_hel.html

28

Gear Talk / Re: Camping Gas/stove

« on: March 17, 2013, 10:41:37 am »

You can fill up a pint (or quart) fuel can at any gas station in the country with your choice of gas (petrol) or diesel.

Multi-fuel stoves allow gas station gas to be used, but sooting and clogging may result. I have taken two quart fuel bottles, and filled them with half of a gallon can of Coleman fuel, then sold rest of can back to store.

29

Gear Talk / Re: Camping Gas/stove

« on: March 17, 2013, 10:33:54 am »

• I have had trouble finding canisters on my tours in the US.  So I don't usually tour with a canister stove.

Be interested in more specifics from anyone; what geographical areas, etc.

30

Gear Talk / Re: Touring bikes...

« on: March 16, 2013, 07:18:33 am »

the Salsa Vaya is geared a bit high, at least for me -- plus it's more expensive than the four models above. 

I advise a novice who is going to do fully loaded touring to have lowest possible gear; if you need it, you have it; if you don't, just limit your shifting to your higher gears. For the Vaya, for you, I recommend swapping the 30 tooth chainwheel for a 24.