Topics

1

Gear Talk / Kirtland panniers

« on: February 09, 2008, 11:59:51 pm »

After hearing so many good things about Kirtland panniers I was disappointed to learn that they'd gone out of business. If this is true (and I don't know for sure that it is), is there another pannier out there that has the same qualities that the old Kirtlands did? Thanks...

2

Gear Talk / Pannier/Daypack combo?

« on: January 23, 2008, 03:43:50 am »

Does anybody know of a pannier that can also serve as a daypack? I've used shoulder straps on my Jandd "Mini Mountain" panniers but this doesn't work when I have to walk any distance with filled panniers. Any guidance or reviews on such a product would be mightily appreciated.
Thanks...

3

Gear Talk / LWB or SWB for touring

« on: August 09, 2007, 09:45:48 pm »

I'd appreciate any information that could be shared regarding use of short-wheel based vs. long-wheel based recumbents for touring (SWB, LWB).

I'm presently riding a Tour Easy (LWB) which is great for speed, comfort and ease of maintenance. But it's simply too long to fit in the back of my Subaru Outback and a major pain to put on the roof rack (with lifting + fairing removal).

I'm assuming a SWB 'bent would be easier for carrying but 1) how do they handle with racks and panniers, and 2) does the generally higher pedal position make a difference for numb feet or tingling toes? Are there any SWBs that are more suited for loaded touring than others?
Thanks in advance for any guidance or thoughts on this topic

4

Gear Talk / shipping box + bike trailer...all in one

« on: April 07, 2007, 07:14:43 pm »

I know that Bike Friday makes a great little trailer that allows owners to first ship their folders and then use the trailer as a true trailer for touring. But does anybody make a similar shipping box/trailer for non-folding, standard diamond frame bikes?  Any guidance would be mightily appreciated.
Thanks....Carl

5

General Discussion / Platform pedals for touring bikes

« on: June 03, 2008, 01:09:33 am »

Grant Petersen of Rivendell bikes makes a good case for riding with simple (albeit good quality) platform pedals. You can read his arguments at the Rivendale site. I've ridden in sandals for day rides of less than 50 miles, but what happens when you've got a fully loaded bike for several days in row? Does the difference in pedaling efficiency start to make a difference?

6

General Discussion / Contact lenses

« on: February 10, 2008, 08:44:15 pm »

I recently switched to replaceable soft contact lenses that require sticking your finger in your eye to get them out (unlike the old gas-permeable lenses that popped out with a special blink). They also have to be kept much cleaner than the old gas-perm lenses. Have other tourists had experience with these replaceable lenses on multi-day rides? Is there a type of towlettes that cleans your hands well enough to keep these little membranes from getting crudded up when they're removed? They're very comfortable but just seem too delicate for sustained outdoor activity.