1
Routes / Re: Columbia Gorge Bridges - Portland to Walla Walla
« on: September 12, 2014, 12:24:32 pm »
Thank you!... I actually think I planned on crossing that one...I'll recheck my route.
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2
Routes / Columbia Gorge Bridges - Portland to Walla Walla
« on: September 08, 2014, 01:08:16 pm »
I am headed out from Portland to Idaho next week. Anyone aware of any of the bridges that are closed and or do not allow bikes. I go across the Bridge of the Gods all the time. And remember the one by Biggs being closed a few years ago. I had to drive and extra hour... I wouldn't want to get there and need to figure out a different route on the spot.
3
General Discussion / Re: importance of componentry
« on: August 28, 2014, 05:30:08 pm »
Choosing the right componentry is important and it depends on your personality and your means. I enjoy high performance componentry, to me it adds to the enjoyment of touring. Hence, if I chose a middle of the line components, I will quickly begin to wonder if the more expensive one would perform better and end up buying both. So, for me it would be a stupid decision to go middle of the road. This is how I discovered the difference between Ultegra and Dura ace. I got a nice standard bike (with Ultegra) while I was waiting for my custom bike to be built (with Dura ace). So, I ended up riding them alternatively. The cranks flexed less, the shifting was significantly smoother and quicker, etc. So, I put Dura Ace triples on all my touring bikes, and I am reminded how much better they perform every time I get on one of the bikes (either the Ultegra or Dura Ace). So, I agree, get on with riding, but if you are like me, then get the best componentry possible, because it is nearly forever (I ride around 5,000 miles a year spread across 8 bikes). If cost is your highest consideration, choose something else. This is one of the reason forums are here, so people with different perspectives can voice their opinion and a reader can pick which paradigm to relate to.
On a side note;
Unfortunately Shimano no longer makes triples, but they do make Dura Ace bar end (showing Dura Ace is not only race componentry). So to me that suggests the the newer gear with thinner chains was not up to touring (hopefully just yet), and they will some day. Maybe just a pipe dream, but I may wish to buy another touring bike and sure would like Dura Ace.
On a side note;
Unfortunately Shimano no longer makes triples, but they do make Dura Ace bar end (showing Dura Ace is not only race componentry). So to me that suggests the the newer gear with thinner chains was not up to touring (hopefully just yet), and they will some day. Maybe just a pipe dream, but I may wish to buy another touring bike and sure would like Dura Ace.
4
General Discussion / Re: Riding on the US Interstates
« on: August 28, 2014, 05:04:22 pm »
I live in the state of Washington and used to live in Arizona. They both allow riding on the Interstate, and on occasion when I am really in a hurry I do ride on them. But it is miserable with the noise and differential velocity with cars and trucks. I agree is should be legal everywhere. But there are so many better causes to fight for, doesn't seem to be worth the effort. That is my personal feeling. I guess especially since I don't remember being in a state that prohibited it.
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General Discussion / Re: New Biker Travelling Across the Western US - Looking for advice
« on: August 18, 2014, 02:51:07 pm »
I second the CrazyGuyonBike and particularly short overnight rides to get things together. Any bike can be used as a tourer provided it has enough ridgitity. If you weigh a lot and put stuff on a bike not built for it, then the frame can start flexing and manifest itself as front wheel shimmy, then can become dangerous. So, riding overnight rides and two night outings is a great way to work everything out.
6
General Discussion / Re: brooks saddle break-in how long
« on: August 05, 2014, 03:08:27 pm »
Russ,
That is interesting. Do you weigh very little? I weigh around 250... and I think 20 - 40 hours are plenty. I have eight bikes with Brooks Saddles and a couple in reserve. Maybe my weigh, makes a difference, cuz, thousands of hours I would be chucking it. That goop to me reduces the useful life for me (I don't live in the desert any more). I now live in the Pacific Northwest.
That is interesting. Do you weigh very little? I weigh around 250... and I think 20 - 40 hours are plenty. I have eight bikes with Brooks Saddles and a couple in reserve. Maybe my weigh, makes a difference, cuz, thousands of hours I would be chucking it. That goop to me reduces the useful life for me (I don't live in the desert any more). I now live in the Pacific Northwest.
7
General Discussion / brooks saddle break-in how long
« on: August 04, 2014, 07:24:12 pm »
Sliding around.
A slick saddle will make the dynamic forces obvious. You don't want your butt to stay in the saddle by friction, you want it to stay in the saddle because all the opposing forces are in perfect equilibrium. So the saddle helps you achieve that.
A slick saddle will make the dynamic forces obvious. You don't want your butt to stay in the saddle by friction, you want it to stay in the saddle because all the opposing forces are in perfect equilibrium. So the saddle helps you achieve that.
8
General Discussion / Re: brooks saddle break-in how long
« on: July 30, 2014, 12:58:57 pm »
Paddleboy is correct. i have retired a couple when they have stretched too far.
9
General Discussion / importance of componentry
« on: July 28, 2014, 03:52:58 pm »
Neil, you express a view commonly held by value oriented people. That people with money are stupid and easily duped, as evidenced by buying top of the line stuff. But that is false, and actually probably quite the opposite. I have 6 bikes with2004 vintage triples. Two Ultegra and 4 Dura Ace STI groups with a mountain front derailure on a couple to allow smaller chain wheels. Categorically the Performance of the Dura Ace is very significantly better than the Ultegra. Period. Faster shifts, cleaner, and profoundly less pressure to shift. I have 40,000 miles on these bikes and could tell the difference with big mittens on. Generally you get what you pay for... Except maybe watches.
10
General Discussion / Re: brooks saddle break-in how long
« on: July 28, 2014, 12:53:17 pm »
The Swift is intended to be a lighter saddle for racing. Mine has titanium rails. It is not as comfortable as a B17. But much more comfortable than the Italian racing saddles.
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General Discussion / Re: brooks saddle break-in how long
« on: July 25, 2014, 12:17:59 pm »
I have a Swift and have had at least 10 B-17s. I don't remember exactly how long. I am fortunate that Brooks saddles feel pretty good to me from the first use. But I would guess 20 or 30 hours of use.
12
General Discussion / Re: Can live/work wherever I want - why not on a bike?
« on: July 23, 2014, 12:35:02 pm »
Seems like a style that would work would be, plunk down in one place for four days of work (assuming 40 hours a week is your objective). Then move and tour for three or four days. Then plunk down. I have traveled / worked for a couple decades, and always found myself needing continuous time to work ( I was a Geologist for a decade, and then a IT Project Manager (all over the world) for a couple.
13
General Discussion / Re: [California] SF to SD Biking Trip
« on: July 22, 2014, 04:34:15 pm »
Yes, but South Dakota is 1,600. Maybe not as bad.
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General Discussion / Re: Can live/work wherever I want - why not on a bike?
« on: July 21, 2014, 07:48:45 pm »
The van is good. Bring your bike!
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General Discussion / Re: [California] SF to SD Biking Trip
« on: July 21, 2014, 03:37:37 pm »
Let's see that is about 110 miles a day. I think I did that once, on the flats in North Dakota with a tail wind after touring for six weeks, because I didn't have a choice. Now if you are young and inexperienced, you could do it... but it would not be fun. Maybe that is what you are going for. My rule of thumb is if you are comfortable riding 50 miles a day, divide by two to find the reasonable number of touring miles. I typically start touring at 40 miles a day, and work up to 50 or 60 depending on the terrain. Seventy or eighty is not unreasonable if you like to push... although not over mountain passes. I recommend, picking a place about 40 miles away and do a credit card tour to there on the weekend. That should help calibrate, what is enjoyable for you.