Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Bob cart extension

« on: June 23, 2020, 05:49:56 pm »

It might be worth checking with Universal Cycles out of Portland, Or. ( plus couple other locations)  They carry an amazing stock.  I didn't see the extension on their website, but you may get lucky.   Danny

2

Gear Talk / Re: rear rack for Marrakesh

« on: May 30, 2020, 11:21:24 pm »

Witzgall, I have a Marrakesh 2017 with the alternator dropouts.  I looked into using a Topeak rack, but with the alternator dropouts it sat way high above the rear tire.  Didn't really  try too hard to find other racks that would work and used the rack that came with the bike.  I've been happy with it.  Danny

3

General Discussion / tour company

« on: February 02, 2020, 08:33:54 pm »

Hopefully, this is an appropriate question for this forum.  Is anyone familiar with, or have first hand experience with, Cycle America tour company?  I'm looking at their coast to coast tour.  Thanks

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General Discussion / Re: Others Like Great Divide

« on: November 08, 2019, 10:16:28 pm »

SJS, you may be interested in the KATY trail in Missouri.  240 miles of gravel from Clinton, Mo to St. Charles, Mo.  Easily done as a credit card trip.  Look at the web site for katy trail state park.  A bit of a drive for you but worth the trip.

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Gear Talk / Re: large seat bags, or racks for road bikes w/o mounting eyelets

« on: August 04, 2019, 07:54:47 pm »

Check out Universal Cycles website out of Portland, Or.  They have a large selection of bags including Apidura and Revelate.  Very good shop to deal with.

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General Discussion / Re: Lake Michigan tour advice

« on: July 07, 2019, 04:32:47 pm »

ACA does a tour that starts and ends in Traverse City.  I did the trip a couple of years ago and it's a really nice route.  Nice camping spots and enough small towns if you prefer motels.  You might want to check the ACA site for Michigan Lakeshore under self contained tours for a route idea.

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General Discussion / Re: shipping a bike to the start of the Trans America trail.

« on: April 26, 2019, 10:58:25 pm »

There are several REI locations in Portland and the surrounding smaller cities.  There should be one in most any area of  Portland you will be in.  I checked with the Clackamas REI and they will accept a bike from  Bike Flite.  What they charge is the cost of a tune-up ( $40 when I checked a year ago) and that includes assembly.  The ride from Portland to Astoria via Hwy 30 is a nice ride along the Columbia River.  Enjoy.   

8

Classifieds / Re: Looking for pannier set

« on: April 02, 2019, 07:57:37 pm »

Look for an Email just I just sent re Lone Peak panniers.

9

Routes / Re: Fast Trans-Am route ideas welcome

« on: February 28, 2019, 10:36:41 pm »

Engee,  RAAM does require a qualifying race.  However, you may be able to get information on routes by visiting the website.  You may also get pointers on the support aspects as well as rider rotation and technique.  Trans-am has been done many times by various size teams as well as individuals in much less time than you available.  I
 crewed for a solo rider that took 12 days in spite of horrible weather and other physical problems.  That year the race went from Irvine, Ca to Savannah, Ga.  It's very doable and if that's your goal, go for it.  Ultra Marathon Cycling Assoc., who puts on the race, has recently changed the name to World Ultra Cycling Assoc.  Good luck.   

10

Gear Talk / Re: Titanium vs. Steel: Worth it?

« on: November 02, 2018, 12:29:46 am »

Over the past 35 years I have had three touring bikes, all steel.  All were comfortable to ride and I never had any complaints or problems with steel frames.  Having said that, I would go with titanium if the expense is no issue.  I have ridden road and mt. bike ti frames and really liked the ride quality.  A lot of road vibration seemed to be absorbed by the frame and made for a nice smooth ride.  My only complaint with the road frame was that I got more flex in the rear triangle when climbing than on my other bikes.  I think that was more an issue of frame design than material, but may be something to look at.  Also it was in race conditions so relatively big gears and pushing hard.  I like the idea of the frame being rust "proof" (for all practical purposes), and anytime you can save a little weight, why not.  I'm no expert on frame building or material, but have ridden a lot of miles on all the different frame materials so this is just my opinion.  I'm sure there will be others. 

11

Routes / Re: Surprise present

« on: October 02, 2018, 08:18:08 pm »

Barb, Portland has many excellent bike shops.  Two that I used while living there until recently were Universal Cycles and REI.  Both carry good touring bikes and are very customer friendly.  They also have informative web sites.  Universal is  a good source for almost anything you need for cycling.   

12

Gear Talk / Re: mixte

« on: August 14, 2018, 12:33:22 pm »

You might look at Bike Friday.  They make a range of bikes from touring to tandems and are very well made.  Easy to mount and nice to travel with.

13

Gear Talk / Re: Roof rack mount for bike with low rider rack on front wheel

« on: August 14, 2018, 12:27:00 pm »

Yakima at one time made a fork mount that was raised about 6 inches.  It would work for bikes with front racks or fenders.  Not sure if it is still available, but you may find one at a used rack store such as ReRack in Portland, Or.  I have one that works well with blackburn and surly low rider racks.