Messages

1

Gear Talk / Kick Stands

« on: November 08, 2007, 01:35:31 am »

I just bought a new touring bike today.  All I can think about is all the cool and necessary accessories I need to get.
I want to buy a kick stand that can support a loaded bike.
If there is one you really like, let me know and where to buy it.
Thanks

2

Gear Talk / Front Derailer

« on: August 20, 2007, 03:59:15 pm »

I'm thinking about building out a new bike.  I'm not a derailer expert, and I could use some insight.
On the Shimano website some front derailers are "top swing" and some are "bottom swing".  Is one better than the other for a touring bike.
Some derailers are "wide link"  Again, I'm stumped.
If anyone out there has a opinion or preference of derailers, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks

3

Gear Talk / Cleaning Bike

« on: May 22, 2007, 11:38:32 pm »

I'm constantly getting caught in rain storms.  The sand and junk takes a while to clean out real well.
I know it is not recommended to use a power washer for it  blows out the good grease for key components.
However, what about using a air compressor set on low pressure, just to get the sand out after it dries?

Any thoughts?

4

Gear Talk / BOB Suspension or Not

« on: January 12, 2007, 10:10:06 pm »

Thanks for the article, but it really does not compare or contrast the suspension vs. non-suspension, it jsut talks about BOB's in general.
Has any one out there used both?
Anyone feel that the weight of the suspension a burden when used on a road tour?
Anyone felt that the non-suspension on a dirt tour is a real hassle?
If you cold buy 1, for multiple uses, which would you pick based on weight, function and price. (about $100 extra for th suspension model)

Your advice and opinions are appreciated.

5

Gear Talk / BOB Suspension or Not

« on: January 11, 2007, 05:49:43 pm »

I got a gift card for Christmas to buy a BOB trailer.
I would be using the trailer for both road and dirt tours.  I have seen plenty of people using the NON-Suspension models in the dirt.  Sure it bounces around, but it doesn't seem to bother them to much.
Less bounce, more weight, more money
vs.
More bounce, less weight, less money.

Cast your votes and give me a brief opinion
Isn't Christmas Great!!

6

Gear Talk / Need a new tent

« on: January 12, 2007, 10:15:55 pm »

I absolutely LOVE my Big Agnes Seedhouse 2.
I'm sort of tall (6'2"), and I fit. Sleeping comfy with 4 panniers.  The body of the tent is all mesh, great ventilation. Poles are great.  Total weight with fly and ground cloth is right at 4 pounds (I think)  Packs small enough to fit inside my panniers
And, Made is USA Steamboat Colorado.  There customer support is awesome.
On a side note, I bought their sleeping bag and pad as well.  They are all great.
 

7

Gear Talk / Tents

« on: August 17, 2006, 12:19:34 am »

I bought the Big Agnes Seedhouse 2 person.  It has performed great for me and I can set it up in only a few minutes.  My two person tent weighs in at 3 pounds with stakes, fly and ground cloth.  It pack smal and fits into a light weight dry bag.
I prefer the two person, because there are times you want to bring gear inside.  I brought all 4 of my panniers inside every night.
The main body of the tent is all mesh.  I love this because the tent stays cool.
Good Luck

8

Gear Talk / Newbie on Panniers

« on: January 20, 2006, 09:02:56 pm »

I'm a new member, and have never done a tour before, although I do ride alot.  I have just signed up for the Introduction to Mountain Bike Tour with ACA.
I have a lot of stuff to buy, and I'm not real knowledgable yet, but getting there.

I'm thinking about buying the Arkel XM-45 panniers designed for mountain bikes and their short chain stays.  I ride a 2005 Santa Cruz Blur.  What do you all think?  Sound good or would your point me in another direction.

On a side note, I bought the Big Agnes Seedhouse tent as featured in the Novemeber issue of ACA.  It is really nice.
I'm certain you have all seen these NEWBIE questions before, but we do appreciate your help

9

Routes / Short Mtn tours in CO

« on: February 27, 2006, 11:37:33 pm »

I live in Colo Springs and I'm trying to get some ideas for short tours.  I can generally only spare 1,2 or 3 nights at a time.
There are plenty of point to point routes, but I'm looking for loops to finish back at my car.  My desire is for mountian biking.

Any ideas besides just studying maps which I'm currently doing

10

General Discussion / Intro to Dirt Touring

« on: June 27, 2006, 11:52:31 am »

Bummer!!!  That might explain why there was such a small group.

11

General Discussion / Intro to Dirt Touring

« on: June 26, 2006, 08:59:14 pm »

Are you sure it did not say 10% paved?  Anyway that is about how much of the ride was actually paved.  The miles and hours were less than your typical road tour for probably 3 reasons:
1.  Heavier bikes on dirt roads and trails
2.  Carrring multiple days of food for we were not passing through towns out in the woods.  With no conveniences, purifiying water, and washing clothes in streams etc. just takes longer.
3.  It was an intro tour, so I think Adventure Cyclist kept the mileage down.

So to answer your question, we were typically on our bikes by 8:30am and off by 3:00p  ish...
We took plenty of breaks and enjoyed the outdoors free of cars and civilization.

Hope this answers your question.

12

General Discussion / Intro to Dirt Touring

« on: June 26, 2006, 12:25:50 am »

I just completed the Intro to Dirt Touring in Colorado.
The tour was great.  Our group was small, and the adventures were many.  Wally did a super job of leading our team.  Big Kudos to Wally!!!
I had a great time, and if anyone ever wants to get off the roads, you should give dirt touring a try.  Great experience and I'm can't wait to get out there again.  A real wilderness experience.  If anyone has any questions about it, just fire away.

13

General Discussion / Wish I Had Thought Of That

« on: June 26, 2006, 12:21:15 am »

I just bought a retractrable cable lock for skis and snowboards.  Small and weighs hardly anything.  Won't stop a cable cutter, but will stop anyone from grabbing your bike and taking off.  Works great.