Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: Bike setup for the GDMBR

« on: December 31, 2021, 06:38:40 pm »

MrBent:

I'm in a similar situation trying to get my hardtail (front suspension) bike setup for the GDMBR.  Not sure if I'll be doing it in 2022 or 2023 depending on the Covid situation.

Thanks for you post as I have used your setup as comparison.

Here are some of my feedback:

1)  Have you considered going with a suspension seatpost?  Some of the terrain can get pretty rough per my understanding on the GDMBR.  The suspension seatpost was recommended to me by an experienced tourer.   Here is a full article on it with a video explain the unique details and benefits of suspension seatposts.   The video is well worth watching.
https://www.cyclingabout.com/best-suspension-seatposts-touring-bikepacking/

Long story short.  I ended up getting the Cane Creek LT Suspension Seatpost (4th generation).  It has the longest travel at 90mm.  It really dampens a lot of the bounce and shock.  Pro:  It makes for a very comfortable ride.  Con:  It is a bit heavy.  I figure the additional weight of it was worth it and very important to keep the body fit and comfortable for such a sustained challenge as the GDMBR. 

2)  I also got the Jones H Loop bar but I was lucky in finding a used Carbon version of the Jone H Bar for a good deal with the little Jones pouch.  It save 250 g of weight. 

3)  You'll want to check the gear ratio to make sure the 1x12 will have adequate low gearing for heavy loads during steep mountain climbs.  Here is a great gear calculator to use to check.  https://www.gear-calculator.com/

My bike have a 3x9 drivetrain so my low end gear is around 17.7 and the high end is around 103.

2

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 18, 2018, 02:08:06 am »

I think you're thinking more of "conventional touring" in terms of tire choice for Marathon Plus.  I would never go down that road since my combine weight of my rig and myself (total ~ 170 lbs) is less than your typical male rider.    It would be overkill IMHO.

No I'm not. I am pointing out the low weight of Marathon Supremes relative to convention touring tires (Marathon Plus).

But you seem to have all the answers so I'm not sure why you asked for advice. Good luck with your tour and happy pumping. 

Hhhmmm.... I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that I "have all the answers".
I don't think that I ever implied that I did...   

In regards to your question, "I'm not sure why you asked for advice."

Here is my response:

Asking for feedback and suggestions shouldn't mean that I have to completely discount my own judgment and intelligence and to completely forgo my opinions...  I think everyone is ultimately accountable for themselves and they need to do what works best for them which means adapting the suggestions and weeding it through.

I solicit feedback because at times, new information and data challenges my thinking which I thoroughly appreciate and learn from it. Just from this one post alone, I have learn a lot from all the comments and suggestions.  I thoroughly appreciate the feedback and have altered my gear list because of it.

I am not "threatened" because someone else does not agree with me or sees things differently.  It should be vice versa.  I don't mean to offend anyone if I don't agree with their suggestions either.  It's meant as an open discussion and everyone hopefully, learns something new and different and adapts the comments to their individual and unique style.

Maybe I'm misreading it .... but there seems to be an underlining combativeness to your posts ever since I mentioned that I wanted to have an easy time with my hand pump to minimize "sour arms"... pick on the weak? 

I'm not new to cycling just new to cycle touring.  I have been cycling for 10 years+.   And yes, I like to ride fast....  It's neither good nor bad.  Just a personal preference.  I am very active and fit.  I do "bicep curls" regularly at the gym .........

BUT that doesn't mean I'm not still going to look for the best hand pump out there to minimize the number of pump strokes that I need to get to the required tire pressure!   Maybe you enjoy pumping but I prefer my time on the saddle so why make an issue of it and bring it up repeatedly.  Also, there is a safety element that I have to consider and that you probably don't.  If I have a flat on the side of the road, as a solo female cyclist, I want to get moving and off that side of the road asap....   

My point... we're not all alike and it's ok to share information amongst each other and to coordinate around the needs of the individual....  meaning not all suggestions will work for that individual personally.  It's not a big deal...  and please don't take it personally.  Regardless, I do truly appreciate the time you've taken to give feedback and recommendations. 

3

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 17, 2018, 10:05:32 pm »

I definitely don't mind sacrificing some puncture protection for lighter weight and a smoother ride.  Knock on wood.  This statement is from someone who has not had a lot of flats in the past 10 years of road cycling.

Ha ha - so the person who gets "sour" arms when he has to use a pump is willing to sacrifice puncture resistance for a few grams lighter weight, which will probably be negated by all the co2 cartridges he'll need to carry anyway.

Marathon Supremes offer a good compromise between weight, puncture resistance, durability and grip, and are about the lightest and fastest rolling touring tyre available. They are featherweight compared to the Marathon Plus which weigh nearly 1kg each.

Better get down to the gym and pump weights - bicep curls will probably be good exercises for pumping. 

The way I figure it.... I can change a flat in about 10 minutes... with "sour arms" for 1 hour.
I'm willing to trade 10 minutes of inconvenience to have a more enjoyable time for one month to two months of cycle touring with less weight and less gear.  I believe in the philosophy that less is more.  I carry 2 CO2 cartridges on all rides regardless.  I've never had to use more than one cartridge on any ride in the past 10 years.  The extra cartridge is just for backup.    It's a tradeoff and it's a personal choice. 

I think you're thinking more of "conventional touring" in terms of tire choice for Marathon Plus.  I would never go down that road since my combine weight of my rig and myself (total ~ 170 lbs) is less than your typical male rider.    It would be overkill IMHO. 

Which is why, I'm looking outside of the box and looking for a combo road/touring tires and not your "conventional" touring tires made for heavier loads.

4

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 17, 2018, 03:06:57 pm »

Go for Schwalbe almotion - am very happy with them.

Thanks for the recommendation.
They seem like great tires for conventional touring but seems rather heavy though at Weight: 629 grams which is even higher than the Marathon Supremes.

Since I'll be going with a fairly lite setup, I'm hoping for more of a road tire than a touring tire but want smoother ride.

5

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 17, 2018, 02:58:41 pm »

Total weight ~ 160 to 170 lbs.

...

I currently ride with Continental GP 4000S II and love them!!!  Unfortunately, they only go up to 28mm.

I think 32mm would be better for my trip since it'll be a little smoother ride.

At your weight, I'd think the Conti GPs at 28 would be fine.  You're not dealing with Kansas and eastern Colorado expansion joints for which you'd want 3-6" tire width.

Most tires go up in weight a fair bit from 28 to 32, and it's not just the additional size.  The bigger tires have thicker sidewalls, which don't absorb road shock as well as thinner sidewalls on the skinnier tires.  They're also more likely to have thicker tread, which is good for puncture protection, so that would be the tradeoff.  Do you want better puncture protection badly enough to put up with additional weight and stiffness?

Thanks so much for the feedback Pat.

I definitely didn't know that ... "The bigger tires have thicker sidewalls, which don't absorb road shock as well as thinner sidewalls on the skinnier tires." 

I was always under the general impression that "bigger tires = smoother ride".    I guess from all the touring blogs that I've read that was the conclusion that I derived at.... 

Just so I understand clearly, are 'conventional touring' folks going with larger tires because the total weight of their system requires it  (assume 100+ lbs + 200 lb rider = 300 lb total) and because skinny tires can't handle it?

I definitely don't mind sacrificing some puncture protection for lighter weight and a smoother ride.  Knock on wood.  This statement is from someone who has not had a lot of flats in the past 10 years of road cycling.

6

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 17, 2018, 11:10:18 am »

VittoriaRandonneur
Have good puncture resistance and r lighter than the marathons. I used both and had good luck with both but my Vittoria were worn out after 3000 miles and the Marathons were still going strong. but they cost a whole lot less too...

Thanks for your feedback.
However,  I just checked the Vittoria Randonneur on Bicycle Rolling Resistance website. 

Here's the scope:

Test Summary
Conclusion: 2 / 5 Not Recommended
Weight: 598 grams
Rolling Resistance: 32.4 watts
Puncture Resistance: 21 / 4

They're actually a lot heavier than the Marathon Supreme and extremely high rolling resistance per the tests.

7

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 16, 2018, 12:34:55 pm »

Ok.  New question and it's been discussed in other posts but I'm still a little undecided.

What tires to use?

My situation:


Tour - Pacific Coast Route (Astoria to SF and possibly all the way to San Diego)
Bike - Titanium Motobecane Fantom Cross Cyclocross bike (w/ gearing conversion) - 20 lbs
Gear - ~ 30 to 35 lbs (including racks & panniers)
Water ~ 4 lbs
Me - on a good day (108 lbs)

Total weight ~ 160 to 170 lbs.

I've read Marathon Supremes are good touring tires but they seem rather heavy with higher rolling resistance.

I currently ride with Continental GP 4000S II and love them!!!  Unfortunately, they only go up to 28mm.

I think 32mm would be better for my trip since it'll be a little smoother ride.

Wondering if I should go with Marathon Supreme or Continental GP 4 seasons since the 4 seasons come in 32mm. 

Rolling resistance on the Marathon Supreme is 19.1 W vs Continental GP 4 seasons is 17.2 W.
Weight on the Marathon Supreme is 432 grams vs Continental GP 4 seasons is 215 grams.

I'm leaning towards the Continental GP 4 seasons since it has lower rolling resistance and nearly half the weight.

Any comments or feedback?

8

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 13, 2018, 09:39:20 am »

Hey RonK: 

I want a high pressure pump because I also road ride with my carbon fiber road bike so I was just hoping to buy 1 pump for touring as well as regular rides at home.

"So what if it takes a few moments more to inflate your tires. What’s the rush."  -  Not so much about a timing issue but more about ... sour arms!   

Sour arms? Well you'll just have to suck it up I think. High pressure pumps have small pistons/barrels and of necessity require more pump strokes. High volume pumps have larger pistons and barrels so fewer strokes but a lot more effort and will really sour your arms. 

LOL... you caught me.
I must be dyslexic!

I meant to type "sore" arms.... 
But, in hindsight "sour arms" seem appropriate too ... 
High lactic acid = Low pH = "sour" arms 

9

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 12, 2018, 09:11:23 pm »

Hey Inge,  Thanks for the photo!

Hey RonK: 

I want a high pressure pump because I also road ride with my carbon fiber road bike so I was just hoping to buy 1 pump for touring as well as regular rides at home.

"So what if it takes a few moments more to inflate your tires. What’s the rush."  -  Not so much about a timing issue but more about ... sour arms!   

10

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 10, 2018, 12:19:03 am »

Thanks everybody for all the experienced feedback on pumps.

I will definitely pack a hand pump then.

I like the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HP as well. 
I was torn between the Lezyne and the Topeak Morph.
Aesthetically, I like the Lezyne better but I read mix reviews.
Is it hard to get to the higher tire pressure?

Do you think it is worth extra $ for the built in gauge with the pump? 
Or do you just go by feel for the pressure?

11

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 09, 2018, 02:10:09 pm »

Ok. 

Another newbie question - 

I'm wondering what is the best lite weight bike "hand" pump to pump up my tires regularly?

I just purchased the Topeak Road Morph Pump with gauge for my Pacific Coast Route ride in August. 
However, it is rather "long" and somewhat heavy.  My bike frame is only 49 cm so the length really because an issue for me to attach it on the bike with limited real estate on the bike.

I'm wondering if I even need a bike "hand" pump..... or whether I can just get away with CO2 cartridges (2), a mini CO2 bike pump, and schrader presta adapter.

For my normal road rides (30 to 50 milers) in the past 5 years, I have never carried a road pump. 
I just carry CO2 gas cartridges and a mini Portland Design Work CO2 gas pump.
I have only had 3 flats in the last 5 years (knock on wood!).  (2 flats were consecutive because of a tiney tiny thorn around the stem that I didn't discover until the tire deflated again in a day or two...).  I'm not your typical "male" rider since I'm very light weight (108 lbs) on a superlite carbon bike which I think helps with less flats than the normal heavier rider.

The scenerio with my touring bike will be slight different though since it'll be heavier (+30 lbs).  I was thinking that I would carrry my gas pump, 2 CO2 cartridges, and schrader presta adapter.  I would check tire pressures regularly every 3 - 4 days at bike shops or gas stations (schrader presta adapter) to keep up tire pressure.  For flats, I would rely on my CO2 cartridges and replace the cartridges at bike shops, etc.  I figured that the route was rather commercial so there wouldn't be too many days of remote riding. 

Is this a  Bad idea???   Good Idea???   Any suggestion on lighter pumps that is good on road bikes and that you don't have to strain excessively to get to the higher road tire pressure? (which is why I use CO2 cartridge).  For hand pumps, I like the Topeak Road Morph because it comes with a lever and you can sort of stand on it.  Seems to have pretty good reviews.

Has anyone used the Leyzne Carbon Road pump?  See a deal on it on CL for $40 and wonder if it is worth it and whether it would be hard to get up to road tire pressure?  One reviewer said 300 hand strokes to get to road pressure.  Aaarhhhhh....

12

Gear Talk / Re: Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: June 01, 2018, 02:13:43 pm »

Thank you all for your feedback!

Based on comments, I will definitely go with SPD pedals and pack my MTN Sidi SPD shoes.  I'm especially glad I don't have to buy another item to do this tour!!! .   

I pretty much live in my TEVA mush flip flops daily so I'm more than happy to pack it for the trip! 

I currently have the Shimano SPD pedals (M540) (350 grams) that are just knobby type. 

I'm wondering if it is worth investing in a SPD pedal with Platform like Shimano PD-A530 (383 grams) or M324 (533 grams)?

13

Gear Talk / Re: Marathon Supremes...

« on: June 01, 2018, 01:55:15 pm »

I recently read an interesting article comparing the rolling resistance for just the Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard based on width of the tires.

Interestingly, of the four sizes evaluated (32mm, 37mm, 40mm, and 42 mm), the best rolling resistance was the 37 mm tire size for the Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard. 

https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/specials/schwalbe-marathon-32-37-40-47

Wish the same article was done on the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires. 

14

Gear Talk / Newbie Road Touring Need Help with Gear Questions

« on: May 31, 2018, 01:08:41 pm »

Hi All!

Need some help deciding what gear is best for ultralight setup road touring. 
I'm trying to keep my gear down to less than 20 pounds with camping and simple cooking stove.

I'm doing the Pacific Coast Route in August.

a)  Can't decide to use SPD pedals or go with BMX style flat pedals and good rubber sold shoes (ie FiveTen)?

Pro of SPD:
More power and pedaling efficiency, utilize different muscle groups of the leg to minimize fatigue, I'm already familiar with it and I have both the cleats and SIDI mountain bike shoes already. 

Con of SPD:   
Need to pack an additional pair of shoes for days off bike walking around town, etc which would additional weight.

Pro of Flat Pedal and Rubber sole shoes:
Easy on and off, Need to pack only one pair of shoes so less weight to overall gear

Con of Flat Pedal and Rubber Sole shoes:
Less power and pedal efficiency, utilize primarily the calf muscles to push down, additional gear that I need to buy (both the flat pedals and five ten shoes).

b)  Bike Headlights
Thinking about going with the "torch" style flashlights like Tank007 to be used as a bike headlight or camp light.  I won't be riding at night so don't really know if a headlight is absolutely necessary except when it gets possibly foggy.  I will definitely have a rear flashing strobe type light but not sure what is out there and what is best for UL system.

15

Gear Talk / Re: Women and Brooks Saddles

« on: April 27, 2018, 01:55:30 pm »

Thanks for the info Pat.

Really appreciate it.

I need a Dad that'll give me a Brooks Saddle too.  :0)