Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Great Divide Tire Dilemma

« on: June 09, 2010, 10:16:16 am »

Much Thanks for the useful feedback.  I think I'm gonna stick with the 2.0 XR's and carry a 29X2.1 in my bounce box if I feel I need a greater width. 

Harry:  Make sure you get the updated map for the Canada section of the route (the addenda will not suffice).  It was JUST UPDATED last week!  Even though I bought mine two months ago ACA wouldn't give me a credit for the new section.  Oh well...

Hope to see you out there!

2

Gear Talk / Great Divide Tire Dilemma

« on: May 17, 2010, 07:56:45 pm »

Hi All:

So after all the research it seems that the resounding vote is the Schwalbe Marathon XR.  Good.  Problem is I'm riding a hard Tail 29er (with a rear rack for panniers) and a front suspension fork and the largest size for the tire is 700 X 50 (28 X 2.0).  The tire fits fine on my wheels but I'm now concerned it may be too small.  Everyone raved the puncture-resistance of this tire for the Divide Route but I've also heard of folks who say to get a tire with a width 2.2 or higher for cushion and/or grip since I'm riding a HT.  Oy-Vey!!  Any input would be appreciated.  Specifically those that have had success with a tire on a 29er wheel for off-road use.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

3

General Discussion / Techno-info for GDMBR

« on: April 26, 2010, 08:32:27 pm »

Greetings everyone:
Not sure if this is the appropriate section to post this but here goes.  I'm riding the GDMBR this summer as a fundraiser and was wondering if anyone had advice as to the best method or device(s) to use to periodically update my website with text and images?  I did the Northern Tier in '07 as a similar thing and found libraries to be hit-or-miss with odd hours and often with restrictions, old computers and library police!  Some towns were great and others abysmal.  I'm thinking phone reception, satellite, iphone ipad, best carriers, devices, etc.

All suggestions sincerely appreciated.   

4

Routes / Great Divide Start & Finish Logistics

« on: March 22, 2010, 07:37:15 pm »

ACA has been great to have a list of shuttles to provide me transport to and from the start and finish but what about bike transport?

-Are people shipping to a bike shop or hotel in Banff?  Is there a LBS in Banff to assemble a shipped bike or is it all self-serve?

-And when I get to Antelope Wells I can call a shuttle to come get me but where is the nearest airport and what do I do with my bike?  Are folks buying open-ended flight tickets for the return?  I guess it's two one-way flights?  Do they ship a box to themselves ahead of time for the return of the bike?

Sorry to sound like such a newbie but when I've done big trips before I've usually had a pick-up at the end!!

And I did search the archives but didn't see how this specific issue was addressed previously.  So I apologize in advance if this has already been beaten to death!!   

5

Gear Talk / Re: suspension seat post...

« on: March 22, 2010, 07:21:06 pm »

I'm HAPPY to report that although I sold in my 26" FS KONA I bought a 29er HT from Gunnar and it is great!!  Incidentally the "Rock Tour" http://gunnarbikes.com/site/bikes/rock-tour/ is specifically designed to carry up to 50 lbs. of gear with a rack so it made my decision of which bike to get pretty easy.  I've since added a cane creek thudbuster and am impressed with how much of the "edge" it takes off the bumps.  It truly levels out alot of the terrain and keeps me in the saddle more; which equates to my back being less susceptible to the isolating jolts it used to get when I was out of the saddle often.  I've also adopted a new style for when I'm out of the saddle; I no longer stand upright.  I try and keep myself bent over forward as much as possible and this seems to somehow support my back better; it doesn't feel so isolated and vulnerable to the jolts.

Again, many thanks to all who've contributed to this "pain" of mine!  I head to Calgary in 3 months!!

6

Gear Talk / Re: suspension seat post...

« on: February 23, 2010, 08:02:06 pm »

My sincere thanks for those that took the time and effort to respond honestly and with GREAT HELP!!  It's nice to know i'm not the only one out there who suffers greatly with back problems and is yet hell-bent to do whatever I can to keep riding...within reason.

Staephpj1 brought up some great points/reminders and I appreciate your honesty and candid-ness.  It's true about trying to keep my back as parallel to the ground as possible.  I've all but given up on single track mt. biking (which I've simply adored) as it's just beaten the hell out of my low back.  But I believe I've been "standing" too much upright when I've been out of the saddle and that just puts too much strain on my low back.  As long as i'm in the saddle I seem to do much better as I believe it helps to support my back.  I seem to leave my back "too exposed" when I'm out of the saddle even for short periods.  But this could be due to my position while i'm "out" of the saddle.

I'm also going to try and incrementally lower my handle bars on both my touring bike (which I commute with almost daily) and my new mt. bike 29er (which i hope to do the divide with this summer.

Again, thanks for your time and insights.  Getting old is a drag but if i keep up with the stretching and modify my riding technique perhaps i can remain riding for many more years?  Incidentally, sleeping on the ground does wonders for my back as it supports it greatly.  That is one part I'll enjoy easily!!   

7

Gear Talk / suspension seat post...

« on: February 18, 2010, 12:02:14 pm »

Hello everyone:

I'm seriously considering the GDMB Route this summer and the only thing that will stop me is my back!!  I've already tried everything I can think of to set me up for the highest probability of success (29er Gunnar Rock Tour hard tail with great Suspension fork) and I've read that folks can get a fair bit of help with a suspension seat post.  I did the entire Northern Tier in '07 with my Cannondale Touring bike with really no back issues but I know this will be alot different!

Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Bill

8

Classifieds / Knee-Savers Pedal Adaptors

« on: October 23, 2006, 04:58:35 pm »

I have a pair of 20mm, Stainless Steel Knee Saver's for sale.  
I used them once on a 2 hour ride.  They are in MINT
condition.  I changed my pedals and now no longer need
them.  They cost me $48 for the pair and will sell for $25 and
free shipping.

Here's the link:  http://www.kneesaver.net/

I can be reached @:  billwagner0506@bellsouth.net.

Hope someone can use them.


SORRY THESE ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.  

This message was edited by bishop on 11-2-06 @ 9:48 AM

9

Gear Talk / Rack and Panniers for T2000?

« on: May 18, 2007, 05:14:24 pm »

NEWS FLASH:

Just got back from the LBS (where I bought my T2000)for some last minute purchases and the owner tells me  "Did you hear?  Beginning 2008 and later Cannondale will no longer be using the fatty fork on the T2000."  No, I haden't heard, but I am truly glad for future buyers!!

10

Gear Talk / Rack and Panniers for T2000?

« on: May 08, 2007, 10:56:42 am »

Good news:

With my now FULLY LOADED BIKE I am happy to report that everything is working smoothly!!  Fork and rack (and now fenders) all are working great.  Here's a link to my journal for those that want to follow along.
http://www.bikeformima.com/

Hope to see you down the road...

Thanks again for all the help.

11

Gear Talk / Rack and Panniers for T2000?

« on: May 03, 2007, 09:59:42 pm »

Funny you should ask Paul...

THE SAGA HAS COME TO A CLOSE!!

Just yesterday I FINALLY got my T800 fork put on my T2000 bike.  The
local bike shop where I bought my T2000 last summer ordered me a
T800 fork.  Although it isn't the same year as my bike nor is it the
same color.  But at this point I just wanted the problem resolved!  My
bike is charcoal/black and the new fork is dark brown which really
doesn't phase me in the least.  They didn't charge me for the fork and
gave me 1/2 off installation ($20).  I ordered a Tubus Tara front rack
from the very helpful "Wayne" at The Touring Store and it fits just like
BC said, an elegant glove.  Funny how easy something works when all
the parts come together!!  So I've returned the OMM (X2) and Jandd
rack's and look forward to my first ride with all the stuff loaded this
weekend!  I hope the new fork doesn't effect the bikes riding geometry
any.  Even if it does, at least I can use my front panniers now!

I'd like to repeat and extend a heartfelt thanks to all of you who really
helped me out in this colossal jam.  I'm not sure where I'd be without
this forum?  Cannondale really needs to look closely at this design flaw.    
It is an avoidable fiasco.  They really should design their own rack if
they continue with the fatty fork.

I'll let you all know how the first loaded down ride goes.  But it feels
solid in the garage.

Thanks again,

Bill

12

Gear Talk / Rack and Panniers for T2000?

« on: April 13, 2007, 10:00:12 pm »

UPDATE:  The bike shop that sold me the T2000 has given me two
options, sort of.  Replacing the front fork with a Surly long haul trucker
(for purpose of color match to the rest of my bike) or, if they can find
one, a 2006 fork from a T800 (which is black, like mine).  He also said I
could get a 2007 T800 fork but it would be blue, not black.  So, if the
Surly becomes an option, does anyone know if this fork is front-rack
friendly?  He didn't think it would effect the ride that much, if I decide to
go with it.  The Saga continues.

13

Gear Talk / Rack and Panniers for T2000?

« on: April 13, 2007, 03:23:13 pm »

Thanks for the reminder BC.  I will make sure that the OMM rack will stay on if I need to take the front wheel off.  If not (and probably NOT) I will start the hassle of contacting C-dale for the T800 fork.  How much will the fork set me back?  Did you install it yourself?  Damn, what a hassle with this!

14

Gear Talk / Rack and Panniers for T2000?

« on: April 13, 2007, 11:44:44 am »

I couldn't give a rat's *** about image.  Why would Cannondale sell their TOP OF THE LINE TOURING BIKE WITHOUT ANY FRONT RACK BEING ABLE TO USE ANY OF THE FORK'S EYELTES?

15

Gear Talk / Rack and Panniers for T2000?

« on: April 11, 2007, 05:59:04 pm »

Just got off the phone with John from Old Man Mountain and he's
shipping me an Ultimate LowRider.  I'm hoping for the miracle he
promises!  It turns out I was right, EVERY eyelet on the T2000 fork is
merely decorative!  Thanks Paul and BC and others for all the help.  I'll be
sure to let everyone know if this one works!