Topics

1

Gear Talk / Brooks Saddles

« on: January 03, 2006, 06:19:56 pm »

I have just purchased a new bike for touring. I was wondering if I could get some opinions about Brooks leather saddles. I have heard people sing praises about these. Are they good for touring? Does it take a lot of breaking in? Would you recommend the seats with springs? Or unsprung but use a shock type seat post? I have always just used the standard saddles that came new on the bike, and have been satisfied, but would like to equip my new bike with good stuffTextText

2

Routes / which route is best?

« on: January 03, 2005, 02:10:57 am »

I am planning a crossing of the USA. I would like to hear some pros and cons of the trans america,the northern and the southern routes and when is best time of year.I live in Pennsylvania. Thanks.

3

General Discussion / Best gearing for touring?

« on: January 24, 2006, 12:28:35 am »

My Jamis Aurora does not seem to have low enough climbing gears for loaded touring. It has a 32-11 cassette, and the Crank has 52-42-32. It has 700 wheels. I would like to hear your opinions on what gear ratios are the best and what combinations of sprockets to use. Would it be practical to just replace the small chainring with a smaller one?  

4

General Discussion / Keeping Clean

« on: January 18, 2006, 01:26:14 am »

What does one do about keeping clean clothes and underwear while on extended tours. I have observed in some of the packing lists that 3 pairs underwear and bike shorts might be all that you would pack. Do you wash them out daily? How do you dry them? I know from the little bit of touring that I did on the C&O canal, finding a way to wash clothes or bathe was limited to washing in the Potomac or using the handpumps.