Messages

1

Gear Talk / Headlight Recommendations for use w/ handlebar bag

« on: July 02, 2004, 07:54:29 pm »

Showing my age here, but I almost always ride with my ancient Kirtland "Tour Pack" handlebar bag (clips onto two "antlers" that mount over the stem & extend foward near the brake levers). The bag is about 3 inches above the level of the handlebars (traditional drop bars--Radonnauer??). It seems that most headlights mount on the bars just L or R of the stem. Those would be obstructed by the bag &/or mounting frame. I'm not interested in helmet mount lights.

I don't ride at night too often, but since the SNCF broke my ESGE rear fender, the Shimano generator hasn't worked for either the front or rear lights--the ESGE's have an electrical element running inside the fender. So, I'm looking for a decent headlight (already have a separate battery operated rear light).

Any suggestions anyone?

Thanks,

Perp

2

Gear Talk / 27" touring tires?

« on: July 02, 2004, 08:40:36 pm »

Not a recommendation, but check out manufacturer websites such as:

http://cycleus.webmichelin.com/tires/worldtour.htm

Good luck!

Perp

3

Gear Talk / Rain clothing?

« on: July 02, 2004, 08:06:04 pm »

The Marmot doesn't appear to have pit zips. Personally, I think they're a must--they allow on the move temperature control. Years, no decades, ago, I had a Performance rain suit w/GoreTex. I loved it. Jacket got destroyed but I still have the pants (& use them when needed). I just bought the Burley rain jacket sold on this site. Very nice! Only thing I miss is the hood!! I called Burley & they feel it's too dangerous to ride with a hood.

Long tail very helpful, as others have stated.

Don't forget shoe covers, especially if you hate that squishy feeling/sound every time you pedal! When jacket overlaps pants, and pants overlap shoe covers, you can stay pretty rain-dry. With pit zips you can stay pretty sweat-dry, too.

Regards,

Perp

4

Gear Talk / Good non essential items

« on: July 02, 2004, 08:42:11 pm »

deck of cards

5

General Discussion / Uphill

« on: July 02, 2004, 08:51:41 pm »

Oh yeah, forgot something else.

I try to stay on the middle chaingring up front for as long as possible and save the smallest ring for when I'm running out of gas. It seems easier to knock the chain down that way than have to shift the rears to a larger cog without losing your cadence. I find losing cadence due to a bad shift is a mega-bummer going uphill (and too prone to causing a strain injury).

6

General Discussion / Uphill

« on: July 02, 2004, 08:48:41 pm »

Sometimes I get psyched up by the sound of a car approaching from the rear. I sort of say to myself "you don't want them to see you walking up this hill" or "I wonder how they feel burning fossil fuel to go up this hill while I burn fat and get in shape".

It also helps not to think of the whole hill. Think of it in short segments. As you make it to the end of successive segments you'll be nearly to the top without realizing it.

Also, I used to get psyched out because I hated going slow on a bike. But I hate walking up a hill more!

Hope this helps.

Perp

This message was edited by perpster on 7-2-04 @ 4:52 PM