Messages

1

Gear Talk / Child Carrier for Cargo

« on: November 27, 2006, 01:37:15 pm »

I have gone on tours where my friend was using an older Burley Child carrier and I was using a BOB.

While descending hills on gravel roads, the Burley would hit bumps and fly up into the air and turn on its side.  On single track the Burley would have more issues.  On smooth roads, the Burley would have no issues.  On all surface types, the BOB had no issues.

2

Gear Talk / OMM Pannier Rack Research

« on: November 20, 2006, 02:31:44 pm »

I have the OMM front low rider rack.  I was very impressed with OMM and Channing's willingness to work with me in configuring a removable top mounting self for the low rider.  That level of customer service speaks loudly for me.  

3

Gear Talk / Straight handlebars

« on: June 14, 2006, 10:47:12 am »

If you like flat bars and before you buy bar ends, look at the butterfly shaped handlebars.  Nasbar has a Trekking handlebar usually on sale for around $10.00.  They will give you plenty of hand positions.

4

Gear Talk / Another yes no question

« on: May 11, 2006, 12:30:57 pm »

Yes

5

Gear Talk / Kick stands

« on: February 27, 2006, 12:47:44 pm »

I don't think damage to the frame will occur.  I can think of scenarios where the kickstand could be helpful on a solo tour, especially using a BOB trailer.  In cases where having someone / kickstand holding the bike up-right could be a nice-to-have, but not mandatory.

6

Gear Talk / bike shops is LA?

« on: February 08, 2006, 10:46:46 am »

I have included two article URLs about sizing a bike for touring.  I don't know if the authors are correct, but I have noticed that over the years, that bike sales individuals, are trying to push smaller sized bikes.

www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/bikes_framesize.html

www.peterwhitecycles.com/fitting.htm

7

Gear Talk / Why can't I use a carbon fiber bike with a trailer

« on: February 02, 2006, 10:50:26 am »

My oldest son has a Trek with carbon rear stays and front fork.  We went on a week long tour using BOBs, with similar results.  I initially was more concerned about the wheels than the frame.  His wheels have less than 20 spokes per wheel.  No problems with the wheels or the frame on the tour.  Now he has a problem with staying on the road when riding, but I contribute this to his mother's genes, she has the same problem with riding and talking at the same time.

8

Gear Talk / Cold Mountain front racks?

« on: January 15, 2006, 10:01:27 pm »

I use the OMM Low Rider for both my mountain and road bikes.  OMM has an attachment that puts a top shelf on the low rider.  I cant say enough good things about their racks and the owner.

9

Gear Talk / Fenders

« on: March 16, 2006, 12:27:02 pm »

Here is my real life story of the benefits of fenders.  I live in the Midwest around cattle/hog country.  An 18 wheeler cattle truck hand emptied his cargo of animals and washed the trailer out.  Then he drove off down the highway.  I was riding behind the 18 wheeler draining water/fecal matter left on the highway.  I was sure glad I had fenders.

10

Gear Talk / Brooks Saddles

« on: January 06, 2006, 01:58:13 pm »

I've had one Brooks Pro saddle for over 30 years and a newer B-17 for 3 years.  I broke my saddles in by turning the saddle upside-down, pour Needs Foot Oil into the upside down saddle.  Rub the foot oil onto the underside leather of the saddle.  Put the saddle in a plastic bag upside down and place the saddle and bag in a closed up car's rear dash during a summer day.  The day long heat will open the leather pores up for the oil to penetrate.  The oil will soften the leather.  The oil will also discolor the leather and cause a oil stain on any shorts you use when riding.

11

Gear Talk / Touring Rear Wheel Recommedations

« on: December 11, 2005, 06:42:40 pm »

I too have a Phil hub, which I have used on tours for the past 30 years.  I have 36 hole, 3 cross pattern.  I have never broken a spoke.  I am curious, which is the largest factor in this discussion, is it the fact that custom wheel builds using the best quality spokes are strong, or does the hub make that much of a difference.  Is a $100.00 hub using double butted 14 gauge spokes, custom built, going to break spokes easier that a $350.00 hub?

12

Gear Talk / Front Fork. Carbon vs Steel?

« on: November 26, 2005, 01:31:27 am »

Is a carbon fork more vibration dampening than a steel fork?  On my older steel bike, the front fork had a large degree of rake.  On my newer steel bike, there is no rake. I don't see forks these days with the same degree of rake in comparison to older styles.
Also in regard to cracking the carbon fork, with OMM low rider panniers, the lower attachment is via the skewer and the upper attachment just balances the rack without needing much torque on the clamp.  I don't think it would fracture the fork.

13

Gear Talk / Front Fork. Carbon vs Steel?

« on: November 23, 2005, 01:40:18 pm »

Carbon Fiber fork vs Cromo Fork.  Any suggestions.  If I am going to use front racks, OMM low riders, is carbon going to hold-up?

14

Gear Talk / Difference Longer Crank Length Makes

« on: November 16, 2005, 04:39:14 pm »

Thanks for the input.  I agree that the tension on the trainer is one control that could not be measured.  I also agree the results were too good to believe.  Thanks again.

15

Gear Talk / Difference Longer Crank Length Makes

« on: November 16, 2005, 10:43:24 am »

Are my findings correct?  I am giving up on my 30 yr old touring bike, it is becoming a money pit.  I am thinking of using my mtn. bike for touring.  I have done the "gear ratio" and "gear inches" calculations.  I have the same width tires on both bikes (28 mm).  To test things out, I put both bikes on the indoor trainer to find out if the longer crank will make-up for the smaller wheel (700cc vs 26 inch).  My test was to pedal the bike at a comfortable cadence on both bikes (they both have cadence computers), then compare the RPM and the MPH.  The longer crank arm of the mtn. bike 175 vs 170 for the road bike, allowed me to pedal in a higher gear inches at the same cadence (90 RPM) and achieve a greater MPH.  I believe I can compensate for the drop handlebars of the road bike with my butterfly handlebars and adding aero bars, on the mtn. bike.  Again, does the longer crank make that much difference?