Topics

1

Gear Talk / Advice Please -- topic is what liner set to use with this sleep set up

« on: May 01, 2017, 02:52:55 am »

I have a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad and I've decided to go with a highly compressible, lightweight down quilt instead of a sleeping bag because I don't do any winter camping. In the mountains in the spring/fall, though, it can still get down to about 15 degree some nights. I need a liner that will "play well" with my sleep pad and quilt/comforter. Since no zipper, I am thinking maybe there is something lightweight and compressable out there that the pad can slip into or something? Anyone know of a freestanding product like that that isn't part of a whole system? Thanks.

2

Gear Talk / Surly, Trek, Soma....???? I'm overwhelmed; please help!

« on: May 01, 2017, 02:39:15 am »

Hi, I am new to touring, though not new to road biking. I've been riding for about 10 years now on a Trek Madone 5.2 and train to ride a week long ride every year where we cover approximately 500 miles over the span of a week. But our gear is hauled from campsite to campsite, so hauling gear is new to me. So, that said, I've been researching touring bikes for a few months now. I've been to a really reputable bike fitter and know that the bike geometry of the Trek bikes doesn't play well with my body geometry (trust me on this: I've put waaaay too much money into customizing my Madone for comfort and to avoid further injuries because I love how it handles on the road!). Because I am in the process of taking off 70lbs body weight, I want to buy a good, servicable entry-level touring bike (or slightly above entry level; money isn't the biggest factor but it is part of the deal) that I can use for a year or two while I drop the weight and do shorter tours of 3-10 days. Eventually I plan on having a custom CoMotion made for month-long+ tours once I'm better at touring and once I know I genuinely would enjoy longer tours. I've ridden a Salsa Vaya and a Salsa Marrakesh. I've also tried Treks and Cannondales but the bike geometry on those was no good for me. I was disappointed because I really liked the Trek 520. What are your thoughts on the Salsa bikes? What other bikes would you suggest I try? I'm only interested in steel with disc brakes. I am still unsure of the shifter situation because the end shifters are new to me, but I liked the overall feel of the Marrakesh better than the Vaya, but the Vaya had the shifters I'm used to. I just didn't like the way the Vaya handled as well and it didn't seem to absorb road vibrations as well as the Marrakesh either. I am a poor climber, so gearing is also important to me. Hey, I'm a curvy gal; climbing is never going to be my forte! If it is a consideration, I am 5/8" tall and I'm in my 50s. Looking forward to seeing what advice you all have for me; thank you!