Messages

1

Routes / Re: San Fransisco > Sierra Cascades > Portland > Astoria

« on: October 29, 2017, 01:23:48 pm »

Thank you   Most helpful.

I know they may sound like dumb questions to some, however that's why I'm asking them now before I pick my route/time  

2

Routes / San Fransisco > Sierra Cascades > Portland > Astoria

« on: October 29, 2017, 04:50:22 am »

I have to be in Astoria Oregon on May 29 to pick up the trans am. I'm considering maybe flyong out earlier. If I fly into San Fransisco and ride east to pick up the Sierra cascades route then via Portland to to Astoria will the passes be open during that time generally? If a pass is closed officially (snow) does that mean it's likely unpassable on a road bike still, or is that just for cars really? Closed means the snow hasn't been cleared from the road surface right? Or is it 'illegal' to ride a closed pass? I'd have a bivvy bag (no tent) and read in the National parks like Yosemite camping sites still charge same rates as an RV ?! ...so stealth camping in a bivvy bag would be my preference, however just how 'strict' are the rangers etc in the four wheeled tourist dominated areas? I'd stay on the route and move on each night riding about 12 hours a day. I'd allow a month maybe less, sound about right? 

3

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Best GPS file for Garmin 800 for the Trans Am Trail

« on: October 15, 2017, 06:45:20 pm »

I have an edge 800 as well. The ACA data gpx file page has a section on how an edge 800 isnt really good enough given it's 200 point limit (even less than the old gpsmap60csx, at least that has 500!)

How did you get on with the edge 800?

4

Gear Talk / Re: Hydraulic or cable disc brakes for the Trans Am?

« on: October 14, 2017, 07:15:19 am »

Thanks guys

5

Gear Talk / Re: Advice for choosing components to reduce gear inches

« on: October 13, 2017, 05:33:51 pm »

Not a solution for the OP as set up is different but just as an aside it is possible to use 11 speed Ultegra/105 shifters with an XT8000 11-40 mountain bike 11 speed cassette and keep a 50/34 up front. You have to ignore several you tube videos stating all you need to do that is add a road link to your long cage rear derailer, it's not that simple. Shimanos road and mtb group sets are not compatible, so there is a cable pull differential to be dealt with here that the road link alone does not solve.
The way forward is to use an xt8000 rear long cage derailer but install a wolftooth tanpan inline between your right shifter and the rear derailer. That deals with the cable pull differential. On an 11-40 cassette the long cage derailer can deal with the largest sprocket, even if you cross chain. If you go for say an 11-42 or 11-46 or something then my guess would be you's need the wolftooth road link as well.
The tanpan is a little tricky to install but it does work, giving you a much easier time on the steep climbs without losing the higher gearing on the flats/downhills, all with 11 speed sti road shifters still.
There are many options, this is just one...just in case it's of any help/interest.

6

Gear Talk / Hydraulic or cable disc brakes for the Trans Am?

« on: October 13, 2017, 05:08:08 pm »

I'm moving from rim brakes to disc brakes on a new bike for the trans am. It has disc brake wheels/forks....so I have to choose between hydraulic or cable disc brakes. I've never ridden disc brakes before. I have been told that cable disc brakes are fixable by the rider much easier than hydraulic brakes. Also small 'outback' bike stores often have no parts or experience of hydraulic disc brakes on road bikes on the trans am route...is that true? One local bike store here says run hydraulics, the other says run cable dis brakes. The ionternet is full of different opinions mostly from riders not doing more than local loops. I'm heavy at 105 kilos on a 15 kilo loaded bike. I know how to fix anything rim brake...but discs have me baffled as to how I'd fix them out near muddy gap for example!
Any thoughts?

7

General Discussion / Re: UK Trip Planning...John O'Groats to Lands End

« on: September 17, 2017, 06:17:33 pm »

http://lejogride.blogspot.co.uk/

just another blog but it's mine lol!

8

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / City Navigator North America? Or Garmin Cycle map?

« on: July 20, 2017, 09:58:04 am »

For Cycling the Trans Am ......is the extra cost of city navigator worth it over the Garmin cycle maps?