Topics

1

General Discussion / Found on the road

« on: February 29, 2016, 10:37:26 pm »

Over the years of riding (60!), I have found many items on the road.  These include a wallet with $222 in it (returned), a full size crowbar, two 12 inch crescent wrenches, two short rubber mallets, multiple smaller wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers, over 250 bungee cords (I have a collection), a loaded .45 pistol (safety off!), several cell phones (only one able to return) and today, 4 miles from home, a leatherman multi-tool, a little rusty but fully functional. I'm sure there have been many other items which I'm not recalling right now.  I'm curious as to what you other riders out there have picked up on your cycling travels?

I tried to attach a photo of the Leatherman to this post, but the attachment could not be done.  Any ideas on that, you techies?

2

Gear Talk / Bike saddle issues

« on: December 23, 2011, 12:38:23 am »

Has anyone tried the Specialized Romin Evo Pro bike saddle?  I'm dealing with serious issues sitting on the seat--and this after 50 years+ of riding.  Discomfort is almost constant.  There is also a lot of conflicting evidence of traditional saddles causing male "performance" issues, if you get my drift.  I am considering a recumbent but at present have 2 diamond frame bikes and insufficient funds to switch over to a bent. I will be trying one out at a bike shop this spring.  I would like find a solution to this issue with one of the bikes I already own.

The aforementioned saddle has received some good reviews.     

3

Gear Talk / Uncomfortable seats

« on: December 05, 2010, 04:02:06 pm »

OK, after 50+ years of riding, I suddenly developed a problem with consistent and ongoing pain and discomfort in the "sit" area.  I've tried different seats, many different positions, etc.  I have to stand up out of the seat every 5 minutes of so, while the buddies I'm riding with will go all day almost without getting up.  I ride modern CF road bikes, high quality.

I did a little research  online and have come across the SQ Labs seats from Germany which claim to be made just for guys like me.  However, they cost $192--more than I'm willing to shell out on a hope.  There is nowhere in the NW, where I live, to go try one out or even look at.  Has anyone ever tried one of these?  Any other suggestions about this issue?  I'd like to be back to regular riding in the spring, but have pretty much quit for the past several months.

Thanks

4

Gear Talk / fiber fix spokes and stein mini lock

« on: June 02, 2010, 01:30:20 pm »

I am purchasing a couple of FiberFix spokes and the Stein Mini Cassette Lock.  I think they could both prove very helpful for emergencies on tour.  Has anyone used these before?  If so, do you have any hints about their use, i.e., are the instructions clear and did they work?  I'd hate to be out on the road and have them with me and be faced with unforeseen problems.  I'd appreciate hearing about anyone's experience "in the field" with these tools.  Thanks, Doug

5

Pacific Northwest / ACA forum members from PNW

« on: November 11, 2009, 09:53:27 pm »

OK, so I'll try again to breathe some life into this moribund part of the forum, given that there's been no action in the past 3 months.  I'm wondering if there are any other PNW bike tourers on this site.  We live in a fantastic part of the country for touring--mountains, prairies, the Pacific Coast, inland waters, rivers, and two of the top 5 bicycling cities in the US--Seattle and Portland. 

6

General Discussion / Bonking on tour

« on: November 01, 2009, 07:01:56 pm »

Anyone had the experience of bonking big-time on tour?  Boy, I've had a few.  One time, on a 91 mile solo day in 80+degree heat, some headwind and 4000 feet of gain, plus heavy panniers and insufficient water and no services for most of the way, I hit the wall with 25 miles to go.  I called ahead and reserved a motel and did a lot of walking on hills.  I was a little worried for awhile but, of course, made it.  I've learned a lot about how to sustain myself since then.  I bring extra water, electrolyte powder, good, sufficient food, and work to pace myself.  Using a trailer instead of panniers seems to help for me, as I think I get a lot less drag that way.  I know there are some different opinions on this, and it's an individual thing with different riders having different preferences.

What are some of your experiences and what do you all do to avoid bonking? 

7

Pacific Northwest / Best roads in your area of the PNW

« on: June 29, 2009, 11:14:45 pm »

We could share the best rides in our areas of the PNW. 

I'll start.  If you're in Central Washington (around the Cle Elum or Leavenworth areas) and planning to go over Blewett Pass, or are just in the area looking for a good ride, try the Old Blewett Highway.  If you're coming from the south. about 4 miles past Mineral Springs Resort the Old Blewett takes off on the left.  From the north, it starts about 5 miles past Ingalls Creek store/resort on the right.  There are signs both ways, but you need to keep a close watch. This old road it a total of 10 miles long, gains 1000 feet in 4 miles using the south entrance and about 1200 feet coming from the north.  We locals ride it all the time, and often extend the ride by starting on the main Blewett highway farther down on either side. You can do this to make the ride as long as you want. This main Blewett has good shoulders and a very smooth surface, although on weekends can be busy.  The old road is a real gem--no traffic, lots of fun curves, etc.  Maintenance is rare, so there is often some debris on the road, but it's easy to see and steer around.  The route is good for climbing conditioning!  If you get the chance, check it out. 

8

General Discussion / Trek Madone Touring

« on: May 11, 2009, 10:20:11 pm »

Has anyone tried touring on a Trek Madone CF road bike?  Of course, I'd be using a trailer or going supported or on a credit card tour.  Just wondering how many others have toured on carbon, and if they ran into any particular problems.  I've done a little on a Specialized Roubaix.

9

General Discussion / Touring on carbon

« on: November 23, 2008, 11:25:10 pm »

I have been touring for almost 30 years.  In 2005., I bought a Burley  Nomad and really prefer the trailer style.  I now ride a carbon fiber bike and used it with the Nomad last spring for a moderate 3 day ride.  Everything went great.  The bike is way lighter that a traditional touring rig and the weight of the trailer is offset by lighter bike weight and the fact you don't have pannier weight.  And the carbon is a much smoother ride, resulting is less fatigue.

My question is, why is touring on carbon never recommended.  The bike, wheels, etc seem plenty sturdy.  I ride 700/23c foldable tires.  My bike has 8000+ miles and is doing great.

Has anyone taken long tours on a carbon bike?  What are the drawbacks?  I intend to do some extended ones on this (Specialized Roubaix).

Thanks!    

May the wind be at your back!

10

General Discussion / cardiac pacemakers and touring

« on: February 09, 2008, 05:45:55 pm »

I am a 59 year old male.  Due to heart rhythm problems, I was fitted with a pacemaker 3 days ago.  I've been touring for about 30 years,and hope to continue.  Any other roadies out there with this condition,and, if so, how does it affect your biking in general, and multi-day touring specifically?  Any feedback is appreciated.  

May the wind be at your back!