Messages

1

Gear Talk / Drive train/gearing changes

« on: October 19, 2007, 03:01:04 am »

DaveB:

That theory makes no sense, let me explain.

The chain and the cog make a single mechanical apparatuses, there is little force for the chain to operate independently of the cog to generate that much force. A bicycle is a machine of torque amplification, not horse power (The average human only develops about 1/8 of a horse power). Even if the chain broke first it would continue to follow through the stroke until it reached it's last link as a single unit. More likely, it would have let the energy go in a way that caused the chain to jump the cog and bind in other places. In such a case it would not hold the load possible to bend steel, even in a weakened state. As the tire is the weakest point of the three, it would give long before the cog or chain did. Thus, it is very probable that the cog went first causing sufficient stress on the chain to cause a link to snap. considering that a 34T produces an incredible amount of torque at the rear hub (When a small gear drives a larger gear, torque is multiplied), it is much more plausible that the cog went prior to the chain. But, this is indeed as much conjecture as your theory!

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

This message was edited by MichaelTheWingN on 10-18-07 @ 11:06 PM

2

Gear Talk / Drive train/gearing changes

« on: October 17, 2007, 01:00:28 pm »

I have been watching this topic with interest, I have a background in automotive high performance engine building and quite frankly, what I see is material issues. The brand name or the construction of things makes little difference if theres microscopic stress fractures in the material. Something the manufacturer has little control over. I ride a very stock Specialized, I have always ridden off the show room floor bikes and put 10's of thousands of miles on them from time to time. I have had no issues with parts. I am more then willing to trust a stock SCRAM from Specialized as readily as I am prone to trust a $300 Deore, but it still boils down to material quality and thats something that no one can predict! Is it possible to bend a particular part from any one? Absolutly...Just as it is very possible to put 2,000 miles of touring on a Walmart Roadmaster!

I get the gearing issue, but I don't get why that wasn't addressed at the time of purchase when you have a qualified bike mechanic to bounce questions off of. Now, with my background I fully understand gearing, it's everything in touring. But dealing with gearing is like dealing with tires or clip in peddles, it is a personal choice. For example, I tour with Walmart Pyramid tires. They cost $15 a piece and I get 4,000 miles out of a pair (with rotation). Could I go with a set of $150 Continentals? Sure, but why? I will get the same mileage out of both. Granted, I loose certain things like grip and what not, but tires for a bike are very much like tires for your car.

My impression concerning this thread is it's a choice that should have been made at the time of purchase and it's just material defects that don't show up until that component is under load. But, from an educational stand point, we could all use the opinions put forth!

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

3

Gear Talk / Laptop to carry on bike trip?

« on: October 03, 2007, 01:22:00 pm »

Not knowing exactly what you are planning to use the unit for, I have an alternative. Assuming you are going to be using primarily a word processing application, look at an Alphasmart 2000 portable word processor. Its lightweight, is able to plug into a Macintosh or PC and utilizes 3 AAA batteries for about 700 hours of battery time. Below is the link to the site with the specifications. There are others on the market, but this is a good alternative for electronic journal keeping and I am looking at one myself for keeping a journal on an up coming trip!

http://www.alphasmart.com/Retail/

Have a good ride!


Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

4

Gear Talk / Hybrid for touring

« on: September 18, 2007, 12:13:19 pm »

I ride a Specialized Hardrock sport...It rides like a 1976 Dodge Power wagon 4x4...But I love it...Really, you just need to go to bike shops and test ride some models...It is very much like cars...I have also toured on Raleigh and Schwinn -- before Schwinn went all department store on us :| -- and all rode well...But it does boil down to personal preference...Trek is also a popular model that you will encounter.

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

5

Gear Talk / Rear light for Surly Nice Racks

« on: September 18, 2007, 02:40:47 pm »

I have been looking at the same issue for a long while, with all the rear racks on the road, you would think there would be a plethora of rack lights. There is this item that may be of interest to you -- http://harriscyclery.net/page.cfm?PageID=49&action=details&sku=LT7309 -- It's a Planet Bike Rack mount, mounts most Planet Bike taillights onto a rear rack. I have no idea how universal it is, but it's a start. I have seen one other rack mounted light, but the manufacturer escapes me at the moment. If I remember the name I will edit this post!

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

6

Gear Talk / Tire Pumps for Long Tours

« on: September 17, 2007, 11:22:49 am »

I use a cartridge type pump as my primary and a standard type frame mount as my back up. Primarily because I was a certified auto mechanic and I am lazy, I like triggers and compressed air!

The frame mount pump I use is Topeak Mini Master Blaster, it puts enough air into the tire to at least get to a service station and air. One thing about hand pumps is the rubber seal the goes around the valve stem can wear out -- the valve cap threads are murder on rubber -- and if you can carry a replacement for it, you'll be covered. I had one go out on me before and it's one of those weird things you never think about until you have to.

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

7

Gear Talk / USS Recumbent Mirror

« on: September 14, 2007, 09:51:10 pm »

I use the "Take a look" cyclist mirror -- http://westernbikeworks.com/productdetail.asp?p=TLEGM -- I have used it for years...It is far better built then the 3rd Eye and can be mounted to your helmet as well as you glasses or sunglasses...All of the materials of the mirror itself is superior in quality -- coated Plexiglas and has brass or stainless steel throughout -- whereas the 3rd Eye is all plastic! I have only had to replace it once since 2000!

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

8

Gear Talk / The $64,000 question...Riding gloves!

« on: September 05, 2007, 08:28:35 pm »

I am looking for the cyclists of the world to speak up! I am preparing for a lengthy trip next year and am looking for the best fingerless -- mesh at all costs -- riding gloves on the market! You know, the type of glove that sees 10,000+ miles in a season and sarcastically asks "Is that all you got?" What do you use, recommend and "why?" Thanks!

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

9

Gear Talk / Rain Gear

« on: September 04, 2007, 01:16:13 pm »

Six of one or a half dozen of the other, you ride your bike, you are going to sweat. If you use a strictly coated nylon or equivalent, you are going to retain it all, moisture and heat. You can to a certain extent minimize that with ventilation such as pit zips and what not. The other alternative, and it is expensive, is GoreTex. It is a water proof material that will allow breath ability and allow moisture to escape. The cost between the two is about $100 for coated nylon and pit zips and $400 for GoreTex.

Beyond that, you are going to get wet from sweat, but as long as you are warm it's all good!

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

10

Gear Talk / Camping Tent

« on: July 25, 2007, 12:39:04 pm »

Condensation means your gear is working and small amounts of it should be expected...The ambient air temperature in your tent will be 10F - 15F warmer then the outside air and will condense on the fly wall...By the tent that works best for you, condensation is normal..

Happy riding!

11

Gear Talk / Charging electronics on camping tour?

« on: July 25, 2007, 12:46:36 pm »

Personally, I carry a solar panel that can charge 3, 6, 9 and 12 volt battery systems...The panel costs about $25 including shipping (the model I carry). You can attach it to your panniers or trailer and charge batteries while you run down the road...It is indeed the best $25 I have spent for gear in a long time! Check E-bay for one...Mine is only about the size of the palm of your hand.

Happy riding!

This message was edited by MichaelTheWingN on 7-25-07 @ 9:21 AM

12

Gear Talk / self sealing innertubes

« on: September 14, 2007, 09:25:58 am »

I am not a big fan of self sealing tires...the ones I have used not only developed flats, but turned out to be sticky messes. If you really desire to try sealant, then I would recommend "slime" -- http://www.slime.com/ -- and carry a valve tool and an extra valve as the sealant will ruin the valve. I just started using Slime tire liners this season and they are fantastic! They are much thinner and lighter then the rubber/plastic versions so they fit into the narrower road tires far easier. I haven't had a flat this season as of yet --  knock on particle board.

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

13

Gear Talk / Panniers or Trail Bob for USA crossing?

« on: September 14, 2007, 09:12:30 am »

I am a BOB trailer convert! I used to think they were a 12 pound kick stand...Right after Katrina I had to replace my ride, luggage and all. As I was in a FEMA emergency shelter I didn't have time to go hunting for panniers, so I bought a trailer. Now I wonder how I ever toured without the bloody thing!

An alternative for a BOB trailer that is taking hold in Europe is the "Extrawheel." http://www.extrawheel.com/index_en.php

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

14

Routes / Atlantic Coast Route

« on: September 15, 2007, 06:42:44 pm »

If you take the Outer Banks Alternate of the Atlantic Coast route, be prepared to stay in motels or camp grounds. Most of the Outer Banks is a National Wildlife refuge and Camping throughout is strictly prohibited "even" in someones front yard. I was told by someone on the Outer Banks when I did it in 2001 that unless you are a ID carrying family member, camping is prohibited, punishable by a fine. There really isn't any place to "stealth" camp as it's only a sand dune at most a mile wide at it's widest. But The sites and historical content made it well worth the experience when I did it and I would really recommend the Outer Banks to all who do the Atlantic Coast Route! Even with the added expenditures of lodging!

Have good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

15

Routes / Southern Tier in September-December

« on: August 29, 2007, 06:37:02 pm »

As for getting to New Orleans off of the Southern Tier trail: I live in Slidell, Louisiana and heres how I would recommend getting there...

At Bogalusa, Louisiana Take Highway 21 south, it's 4 lanes (about 15-20 miles)...At the intersection Of Highways 40/21/41 take a left on Highway 41 south to Pearl River, Louisiana (about 25 miles)...At the intersection of Highway 11 in Pearl River go through the stop light and continue on State Highway 1091 (Military road)...Follow Military road south until it dead ends at Highway 190 in Slidell, Louisiana (about 10 miles)...Turn left on Highway 190 and follow it until it dead ends at Highway 90 (Chef Highway; about 5 miles)...Turn right and follow Chef Highway over the bridge and into New Orleans...(Caution   as they are constructing a new bridge on Highway 90)...

Traffic is generally very light along the entire length except along Military road which is rather narrow for the first 5 miles or so ...There are many Hotels in Slidell should you need them, simply make a right hand turn on Gause Blvd. and head west...There is also a bike shop in Slidell called "Slidell Bicycle" @ 3991 Pontchartrain Dr. Slidell, LA 70458 Phone: 504-754-2232

Hope this helps...

Have a good ride!

Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live. Mark Twain

This message was edited by MichaelTheWingN on 8-29-07 @ 2:38 PM