Messages

1

Gear Talk / Advice on bike options?

« on: August 18, 2006, 10:41:23 pm »

Thanks everyone for your input.  I am now the proud owner of a trek 520.  I'm still rounding up the rest of the gear.  I think I'm even going to try a Brooks saddle from Wallbike.com .  
Jeremy

2

Gear Talk / Advice on bike options?

« on: July 16, 2006, 07:51:27 pm »

I guess I should have specified the GT ZR4ooo is a road bike.  
I was under the impression that the instability of loaded panniers was an issue related more to the head tube angle and wheelbase.  

3

Gear Talk / Advice on bike options?

« on: July 14, 2006, 09:20:09 pm »

Wow, That's a quite thorough response.  I appreciate your time.  The bike I ride now is a GT zr4000.  It's an aluminum fairly inexpensive bike I got on clearance 3 years ago.  I have about 7000 miles on it, and just had to replace a bottom bracket.  It has a really stiff frame, and a stretched out riding position that I wouldn't want to be in for days on end.  I read that the steel frames dampen the vibes, and the Raleigh's geometry is a bit more relaxed. That's why I was thinking it would be more comfortable. It would need all the things you mentioned including wheel rebuild, plus a headset.
 I have some mechanical skills concerning the bikes that I have, just limited knowledge of interchangeability concerning the last three decades of components and frames.  So thank you for your suggestions.  

I've read too many warnings about bike handling with panniers loaded if the geometry isn't right.  That's why I was thinking of a trailer.  Would you concur with that line of reasoning?    

4

Gear Talk / Advice on bike options?

« on: July 14, 2006, 10:47:15 am »

I don't even have enough money to be on a budget, but I have a dream.  I'm in the beginning stages of planning a tour across America.  I'm wanting to do this as a charity ride for warm blankets international (they help rescue human trafficking victims www.warmblankets.org).  So I need a proper bike.  The most cost effective option would be to buy a trailer and go with what I have, however I'd prefer to have at least a steel frame.  I've been watching ebay for some time, and it seems every bike set up for touring sells pretty high compared to their non touring counterparts.  So my question is Would it be cheaper to outfit, for instance an old lugged Raleigh Grand Prix with proper components for touring and buy a trailer, or just buy a new trek 520?  Along with that is the question, do they still make components that would fit on an old raleigh frame.  I think the frame  was made in the seventies.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.
jeremy

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. -- Helen Keller

5

Routes / Late Trans Am Departure Possible?

« on: August 18, 2006, 11:13:24 pm »

I'm glad I found this post.  I was just about to start a new discussion asking if August was a good time to start the trans am west to east.  I'm planning for that in 07.  I was hoping the mountains in the east wouldn't be too cold in October.  You've put me at ease.  thanks.