Messages

1

Gear Talk / Bike Setup for Great Divide

« on: September 21, 2009, 01:05:02 pm »

I plan on riding the Great Divide next year and currently have a 2006 Novara Safari.  After seeing videos of some of the route with rocks and large pieces of gravel should I have a front suspension fork mounted to save wear and tear on my body and equipment?  Will a front suspension fork help with handling?  If you do advise installing a suspension fork which one should I get?  Or!  Should I just keep on the steel fork as spec'd and go with bigger tires?

  Would I have been better off getting a steel Gunnar Rock Tour for the Great Divide?

  Thank you!

2

Gear Talk / Bike choices for commuting / touring?

« on: August 02, 2006, 11:51:35 pm »

You are basically the same size as me.  I have a 55cm 2006 Randonee.  The REI Flagship Store in Bloomington, MN just got in the last batch of Randonee's with one in each size.  

  These are probably the last of the 2006's before the 2007's come out.  It may be more than you would like to spend but they could ship it to you or a nearby store.  You would need to pay for shipping though.

  One thing nice is that the techs there will properly pack it so that it will minimize the chances of it getting it damaged by UPS or Fed Ex.

  I hope this helps!  Sorry about your bike getting stolen.  

3

Gear Talk / Bike choices for commuting / touring?

« on: August 01, 2006, 09:28:04 pm »

What size do you need?

4

Gear Talk / Bike choices for commuting / touring?

« on: August 01, 2006, 06:33:31 pm »

I just purchased a Novara Randonee and am really happy with it.

5

Gear Talk / Reliable Front Suspension Fork

« on: August 01, 2006, 11:52:58 am »

Which front suspension fork would you advise me to purchase if I switch from a rigid front steel fork to tour the Great Divide route? Previously I was just considering using my steel rigid front fork on my hardtail to minimize mechanical issues but after reading a few posts about losing hand, wrist or arm sensation for a while after touring the Great Divide I am now leaning towards switching the front fork to suspension.

With the changes in technology, model names from year to year which fork model or brand would be the most reliable or least likely to have problems in this type of tour?

6

Gear Talk / Gear Advice for Great Divide

« on: July 25, 2006, 11:49:00 pm »

  Would it be ok to use a Bob Ibex trailer on the Great Divide route or would it be easier with panniers?

  Could I get away with using lowrider front panniers if mounted to a Novara Safari or are they a no no on this particular route?  

7

Gear Talk / 2006 Novara Safari

« on: July 25, 2006, 11:37:01 pm »

 I am interested in riding the Great Divide route in the future.  Would the 2006 Novara Safari be a good choice for this type of tour?  Does anyone have any experience with this bike?  How are the wheels with Alex rims?  Any weaknesses with this bike?  Strengths?  When it becomes available again at REI I am seriously considering purchasing it.