Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Frame Saver or T-9?

« on: October 21, 2012, 06:01:19 pm »

There is also a product called "LPS-3" which is an industrial strength rust inhibitor.  It's available at many ACE Hardware stores (find it near lubes like Boshield).  It really creates a nice coating and is a little cheaper than Boshield.  I use it ever couple of years on any bike I ride in the winter. It leaves a heavy duty wax based coating on metal.  There are two lighter grades, LPS-1 and 2, the LPS 1 makes a nice light spray lube which doesn't attract dirt.

Marc

2

Gear Talk / Re: Tire Selection for the Continental Divide Trail

« on: October 09, 2012, 09:40:00 am »

That doesn't sound stupid at all.  Being there certainly should give them more experience and credibility.

Thanks,

Marc

3

Gear Talk / Re: Tire Selection for the Continental Divide Trail

« on: September 28, 2012, 10:23:56 pm »

I hadn't even considered tubeless until you mentioned it.  What's the advantage?

Marc

4

Gear Talk / Re: Tire Selection for the Continental Divide Trail

« on: September 28, 2012, 05:34:01 am »

ROTFL!   Yeah I'd have to be pedaling a truck.  They have a 50mm Dureme which is about as bulletproof as tires get, but don't have knob tread.

Marc

5

Gear Talk / Re: Tire Selection for the Continental Divide Trail

« on: September 27, 2012, 08:37:18 pm »

That's what I am wondering about.  The Schwalbe Marathon Dureme is made in a 50 cm version, the tread is still conservative but from what I am seeing, a wide tread is going to be more important than a knobbie.  That patch in your photo looks tricky, but a knobby wouldn't really be useful unless it was muddy.  It seems, from what I have seen, that a large footprint will be productive, but knobbies counterproductive over most of the ride, does that make sense?


Marc

6

Gear Talk / Re: Tire Selection for the Continental Divide Trail

« on: September 27, 2012, 06:02:33 am »

Thanks.  The  Marathon's don't have the knobs you are talking about but have really tough sidewalls. If I can find a cross tire with beefed up sidewalls it would be great, but most that I have seen are narrower (35-39mm) and, like you said are too flimsy for loaded touring.

Marc

7

Gear Talk / Tire Selection for the Continental Divide Trail

« on: September 23, 2012, 01:47:14 pm »

I'm several months away from this, but am considering riding from Whitefish to Denver, largely on the CDT.  I've noticed from most of the photos and blogs I have looked at that people are riding 2" knobbies of one brand or another.  Most of the trails and roads seem to be packed gravel rather than loose technical terrain.  How do any veterans feel about something like 2" Schwalbe Marathons with a little less rolling resistance?  Are knobbies definitely necessary, or just a good thing in some limited areas?

Marc

8

General Discussion / Re: Health/Medical Insurance while cycling abroad

« on: September 23, 2012, 01:26:18 pm »

First, read your existing policy.  I know it sucks, but that's the best way to find out. Most US carriers provide "out of network" coverage while you are travelling, but "out of network" means larger deductibles, copays and higher costs for services in general.
The next caveat is determining how reliable their service is on foreign soil, you may have some flaming hoops and minefields to navigate before services are actually paid.  Of the carriers I have handled Assurant is the only one which actually advertises worldwide coverage and recognition.