Messages

1

Connecting ACA Routes / Dayton OH to Sunset Beach NC

« on: July 02, 2006, 10:02:19 pm »

I'm planning a trip from Dayton, OH to Sunset Beach, NC (right on the No. SO. Carolina border).

I looked at using the Trans American Route from Bera, KY east to Richmond, VA and then pick up the Atlantic Coast route south from there but it appears to be several hundred miles longer.

Can anyone offer a more direct route or resources for mapping my own route? Any advise regarding riding through KY, Virginia and No. Carolina?

Thanks in advance!

2

Urban Cycling / top bicycle-friendly cities and towns

« on: November 21, 2006, 06:13:54 am »

If "Bicycle Friendly" relates to Bike Paths, then I vote for Xenia, OH. From the hub at Xenia Station (Old Railroad Station) you can travel South to Cincinnati, East to the outskirts of Columbus, OH, West to Downtown Dayton and even further South towards Middletown, OH, and North almost to Urbana, OH (just north of Springfield).

The paths lead you through various landscapes (mostly flat) and towns which make for great rides. They are well maintained and for the most part everyone one the paths (walkers, rollerbladers, etc) are courteous.

Then again if "Bicycle Friendly" relates to roads - I have yet to find a city that is truly "Friendly". Motorists have yet to understand their responsibility to "Share the Road". I find this true if I "take my lane" at an intersection or simply riding to the right. Motorists are always very eager to prove they can maneuver a 3,000 lb hunk of steel around us and be in front.

Even the media doesn't get it! Anytime there is a story about an accident involving a bike -  it's presented in a way that the cyclist was at fault. I'm not saying we (cyclists) are perfect - we're just not in the wrong 100% of the time.

So, where do I ride; I ride the roads around Xenia and beyond. The bike paths are great for a leisurely ride but I like the openness of the road. There are plenty of back roads out there where motor vehicle traffic is minimal and to top it off there are hills!

This message was edited by Seel on 11-21-06 @ 2:14 AM

3

Classifieds / FOR SALE Velocity Wheel set

« on: August 24, 2008, 05:37:48 pm »

FOR SALE:
Velocity Dyad wheels and hubs
   40 spoke rear 3 cross over
   32 spoke front 3 cross over
Schwalbe Marathon XR 700x35 tires
Like new less than 500 miles
Asking $350.00
Contact me at ckrebs2ATwohDOTrrDOTcom

4

Classifieds / FS: 2005 Bianchi 58cm Volpe

« on: October 22, 2007, 06:10:12 am »

All standard equipment as listed on Bianchi website for 2005 Volpe model (http://www.bianchiusa.com/528.html) included as parts

All components as listed are new and installed with less than 500 miles on them:
Velocity Dyad wheels and hubs
   40 spoke rear 3 cross over
   32 spoke front 3 cross over
Schwalbe Marathon XR 700x35 tires
Shimano XT M760 22x32x44 Chain ring w/ 175mm cranks
Shimano XT M760 Front Derailleur
Shimano XT M761 Rear Derailleur
Sram 11-34 Rear Cassette
Scram chain
Shimano Dura-Ace Bar-Cons
New Shimano Shift and Brake cables
Brooks B-17 Saddle
Salsa Moto Ace Mountain Stem
Cateye Wireless CC-CD300DW Double Wireless (Speed and Cadence)
Freddy Fenders  Not installed


Asking $900.00
Shipping your expense from Dayton, OH

Pictures available; please contact me at ckrebs2ATwohDOTrrDOTcom

This message was edited by Seel on 11-10-08 @ 2:15 PM

5

Gear Talk / Drive train/gearing changes

« on: October 17, 2007, 06:10:49 am »

"SRAM cassettes are no more rugged than any of the Shimano offerings."  

Maybe my wording was not proper; here's what happened. While training for an extended ride I was pulling my BOB trailer with 30lbs of gravel loaded. I was going up a hill and was in my middle ring on the front and the 34T in the rear. I stood to pedal and the 34T bent and the chain broke.

I was fortunate to get a ride to my LBS and there I compared the Shimano LX cassette to a SRAM. Take a look - you'd be amazed at the difference in the construction of the two. Where the Schimano is designed for durablility it also sacrifices some of that durability due to it's lightweight design - especially on the larger rings. The SRAM is heavier but it's design lends itself to be stronger - my opinion only. The design difference is in the support of the large ring. Take a look on the websites.

Since changing over I have climbed the same hill in the same gear with even more weight, put 100's of miles on the bike and have not had any breakdowns.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!  

6

Gear Talk / Drive train/gearing changes

« on: October 15, 2007, 06:38:31 am »

I did exactly what you are asking to my Volpe with great results! What I learned: the LX rear cassette bent early on so I changed it for a Scram 11-34. The SCRAM is steel and built to take abuse. The LX RD I purchased is a bottom pull and that in combination with my 35mm tire creates a problem; in order to take off or put on the rear tire it cannot be fully inflated; the RD is in the way. Doesn't cause any problems went the tire is fully inflated just getting the wheel into the dropouts. Also, can't use a fender because the RD is in the way.

It's a great combination that has proven very reliable and very easly on the legs. I also switched out the STI's for barcons.

SEEL

7

Gear Talk / Camping Tent

« on: June 19, 2007, 10:02:52 pm »

I purchased an REI Half Dome (http://www.rei.com/product/728308) that has proven to be very reliable. It's a 2 man (really 1 1/2) that has good vestibule space, ventilation and the rain fly is neat. It has vents at the top that you can open to let the air circulate.

I give it a 10. Not the lightest but IMHO sleep comfort is critical when touring so I don't care about the weight of my tent or sleeping bag.

8

Gear Talk / Volpe vs. ??

« on: April 25, 2007, 06:33:57 am »

I'll check around here (Dayton) and get some prices also.

9

Gear Talk / Volpe vs. ??

« on: April 24, 2007, 06:28:09 am »

Good Luck! My frame has several nicks also so I went to the LBS where I bought it and he ordered some touch up paint. No deal wrong color! He treid again and received the same wrong color again.

I've decided the best thing to do is find some clear coat to put over the nicks. Bianchi obviously doesn't provide the paint. I'm told a good body shop might be able to duplicate the color but haven't tried that.

SEEL

10

Gear Talk / Volpe vs. ??

« on: April 15, 2007, 09:08:18 am »

I too put a Jandd rack on the rear. I bought Freddy Fenders but can't get the rear fender on due to the recent installation of the Shimano XT front derailleur; it sticks back too far back into the rear triangle to make the attachement to the spreader. I made it work but after installing it I determined that if I get a flat rear tire, changing it would be a real hassel. The hassel is caused by the new derailleur; in order to put the rear tire back on I can't inflate it to it's maximum - the tire hits the derailleur and won't allow me to get the wheel in the dropouts. So, I have to put about 10-15#'s in the tire, put it on and then inflate the tire to its max. With the rear fender on it just magnifies the problem.

With all that said the rear rack does a good job of keeping most of the rooster tail off me.

As noted in my earlier post I've installed all my upgrades and the Volpe is a DREAM! The Velocity rims and schwable tires are a great combination - the bike just rolls and rolls!

The new XT crank and 11-34 cassette allow me to climb just about anything and I hardly notice the trailer behind me.

I too live in Ohio (Fairborn) and it's been difficult to get rides in without rain or snow. I would highly recommend Schwable Marathon XR tires - not too agressive tread, very smooth, and great grip.

Enjoy!

11

Gear Talk / Volpe vs. ??

« on: February 28, 2007, 06:31:01 am »

I've been riding my Volpe for 3 years now. I researched and researched touring bikes before I purchased it. My decision points were: Fit, components, comfort, economics.

My test ride was about 25 miles over flat to somewhat hilly terrain and I knew in the first 5 miles that I really didn't need to look any further; so I just enjoyed the remainder of the ride.

I've done several centuries, TOSRV, GOBA, and a 4 day camping trip with my grandson; I still love the bike. Up to this point the only change I've made was a saddle - now I sit on a Brooks B-17.

I'm taking a 9 day trip this summer (Dayton, OH to Sunset Beach, NC) and in preparation I am changing the components. Changing the crankset to a MTN (lower gearing), switching to an 11-34 cassette, Barcons, brake levers, and Velocity Dyad 40 spoke rims. These changes are due to changes in my body (a bit heaverier now) and I will be pulling a trailer.

The changes are also in anticipation of my 2008 Lewis and Clark journey.

IMHO the Volpe is the best buy for the $.

12

Gear Talk / Need a new tent

« on: January 10, 2007, 04:39:02 am »

The top tent on my gear list is the REI Half Dome. 2-man, free-standing, great ventilation, light weight, etc. If I were buy a tent today for touring this would be it - just my personal opinion.


Now with all that said I must confess that I'm seriously looking at switching to a hammock! Read about the Spear Hammock @ http://www.speerhammocks.com/index.html.

I will in all probability be purchasing the kit and sewing it myself.

13

Gear Talk / Recumbent Riders Only

« on: November 14, 2006, 06:41:21 am »

Thanks y'all for the advice. I finally found a LBS that stocks several different 'bents; Easy Racer, Burley, WhizWheel, and Rans.

Last Friday I rode a Tour Easy and fell in love! The LBS was extremely helpful in giving advice about what to consider, etc.; they even told me a route to use if I wanted to try some small hills. That route took me to the local cemetery where it was nice and peaceful   and I could concentrate. I was amazed at the ability of the 'bent to climb! Not at all what I thought I'd experience - not fast but at least I was going up hill, sitting down, and enjoying the ride. The one thing that caught me completely off guard was the steering - if you decide to turn the 'bent wants to turn even more than you do. Takes some getting use to I suppose.

After 40 minutes or so I headed back to the LBS. The route back included a ride on a four lane inter-city road that has a small decline to it; I was FLYING! The speed limit is 35 and I was keeping up with some of the traffic!

Upon my return the LBS offered a ride on the other models - I declined. I had already decided that a LWB was what I wanted and as silly as it sounds I like the look and color of the TE along with the fit and comfort.

The next task is to find a Longbike Slipstream that has the USS. I want to try that before I hand over the $$$$$$$'s.

Any opinions about OSS vs USS?

My plan for the 'bent is to do a 850+ mile solo ride next summer as a trial/warm-up to doing the Lewis& Clark the summer of '08. That too will be solo.

Thanks again to all who have contributed!

This message was edited by Seel on 11-14-06 @ 2:42 AM

14

Gear Talk / Recumbent Riders Only

« on: November 01, 2006, 04:41:27 pm »

What type recumbent do you ride? LWB, SWB, OSS, USS, brand, etc? Thinking of making a switch from my upright to a 'bent. What advise do y'all have to offer?

15

Gear Talk / Bike choices for commuting / touring?

« on: August 02, 2006, 05:54:43 am »

I bought a Bianchi Volpe last year and am extremely satisfied with it. I've put about 1300 miles on it and the only thing I changed was the saddle.

I put 25mm tires on it for organized rides (Centuries) but for the most part keep Conti Touring (32mm) on it for daily use.

Very durable and comfortable!