Messages

1

Gear Talk / Facilities/Bike Shops in Anacortes

« on: May 20, 2007, 06:51:07 am »

I'm starting my Northern Tier trip next week. I'm flying from Europe into Seattle on Saturday night and starting the route on the Monday.

I have a few final bits and pieces to buy - cable lock, stove fuel, US phone charger etc ( things that arent convenient to carry over).

Will i be able to find/buy these in Anacortes or should I get them in Seattle?

Can anybody advise me whats the best way to get to Anacortes?... and are the stores open on the SUnday.

Thanks

D

2

Gear Talk / Front Rack for Trek 520

« on: April 19, 2007, 10:33:21 am »

I recently bought a Blackburn Custom Low Rider front rack for my Trek 520.

Unless I'm mistaken it doesnt seem compatible. It requires a CL1 upper eyelet (at the higher fixing). The fixing bolt appears to be designed to go right through the fork.

However my Trek has an eyelet only on one side of each front fork - outside.

Any advice would be appreciated. Is there a more suitable rack I should get?


Thanks

3

Gear Talk / Advice re Trek 520 frame size

« on: March 23, 2007, 02:12:29 pm »

I picked up my shiny new Trek 520 25" last week - I got the LBS to change over the inner chainring. Thanks for all the advice folks.

I can identify with your comments Timber, a lot of the bike shops I went to suggested a 23" - turns out it would have been too small.

Anyway...enough chat for now... I'm off to get some saddle time in - (which reminds me of one more thing I have to change).

4

Gear Talk / Advice re Trek 520 frame size

« on: February 19, 2007, 08:11:52 pm »

Just looking for advice on frame size..... I'm 6'1.5"  (73.5inches). My
inner seam length is 34.5 inches.

I'm looking to order a Trek 520 from my local Trek dealer and want to
be sure I get the best frame size.

The shop suggested a 23" frame for my height. However, they were not
familiar with this bike and their approach seemed dissinterested.  
They dont have a Trek 520 in stock and will take 2 weeks to order. I
wont be able to try a model out for size in the shop before ordering.

I have checked the Trek website and it recommends a 25" frame for a
74" height rider (I'm 73.5).

Does anybody have advice on which frame size I should go for? Any
other tall 520 riders out there?

Mant thanks

5

Gear Talk / Advice-buying a Cannondale'Touring Classic' ?

« on: February 05, 2007, 09:09:11 am »

Many Thanks for all the advice and comments.... I can take it then the the classic is as good as if not better than the T800/T2000....

Incidentally is the Rohloff hub commonly used in the states? I'm also considering a Thorn Raven. Would there potentially be problems with servicing or parts ?

Thanks
RidersToTheSea

(thanks Ian for your comments also, I'll drop you a line and we might work something out)

6

Gear Talk / Advice-buying a Cannondale'Touring Classic' ?

« on: January 07, 2007, 03:37:37 pm »

I'm Irish and I plan on riding across USA next Summer. I was interested
in the Trek 520 or a Cannondale T2000. However, I cant seem to find a
T2000 in Dublin.  I have only seen a Cannondale Touring Classic (link
to spec below)

Question is: whats the difference between the Touring Classic and
T2000?
Is the touring classic up to doing 4300 miles?
Am I better off with a steel bike ie. Trek 520?
Are there other options I should be looking at?

http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/32398/07-Cannondale-
Touring-Classic/



Your advice would be appreciated. Many Thanks

Riderstothesea

7

Gear Talk / Buying a New Trek 520

« on: November 03, 2006, 09:03:39 am »

I plan on buying a new Trek 520 for a Northern Tier trip next Summer.

Does the standard bike come equiped for everything that the trip will throw at me? Or do I need to upgrade parts and components?

Is there a general consensus?

I will be buying the bike in Europe (1month order time)



Thanks,

Don

8

Routes / Overall height gain on Northern Tier Route?

« on: April 23, 2007, 09:42:26 am »

Can anybody tell me what the overall total height gain on the Northern Tier Route coast-to-coast is?

D

9

General Discussion / Problem companion

« on: February 21, 2008, 09:33:24 am »

Brad, I had numerous shakedown rides. The comparison with moutaineering is not really relevant. An incompetent second can kill you - but an incompetent travel companion is usually just a pain in the ass.

So did this topic ever make it to print? I dont get it this side of the pond.

Regards

10

General Discussion / Problem companion

« on: July 27, 2007, 11:50:05 pm »

I'm a European who has recently completed my Northern Tier tour. I'm happy to say that the people I met along the entire route have been some of the friendliest, most helpful and charming people that I've ever met. With one unfortunate exception - the companion that I met through this website. These comments are in no way  aimed at ACA or the website - more a refletion, for what its worth,  of my own failure to sort out the problem.

Things started out reasonably well at first. But as miles went by I became more and more startled at my companions biggotted comments and opions of others. I tried with some difficulty to ignore these. Despite my own honesty my companion increasing failed to pay me back for joint expenses (i.e. campground/motel costs etc). Ultimately I was left with no option but to drop my companion and go my own way.

For what it's worth I would recommend people who meet via forums to agree some basic ground rules before the trip - these shold cover finances, routing, equipment etc. (Unfortunately I was mistaken when I took for granted that my companion would carry basic equipment like lights, lube, tire levers and a puncture repair kitt!!!!! - equipment that I would then have to lend him)

I now regret that I didnt have the bottle to drop my companion a lot sooner. It has left a bitter note on an otherwise exceptional life experience for which I'm very grateful to the ACA.

Ridertothesea

11

General Discussion / Where this year?

« on: February 07, 2007, 10:06:30 am »

I am that Irish guy! Looking forward to May !

I had a somewhat bemused reaction from my folks when I casually explained to them that I was going to get on a plane next Summer and cycle across the USA with some guy I met on the internet!

12

General Discussion / Seeking advice on bringing a bike from Europe to U

« on: September 24, 2006, 09:56:19 am »

I am planning on cycling the Northern Tier self supported West to East
during the Summer of 2007.

I'm Irish and will be flying over from Ireland a couple of days before the
start of the ride.

I am wondering what's the best way of bringing the bike over. Is it
possible to bring it with me as luggage? Or should I have it shipped
over before hand UPS or otherwise? I don't have any relatives or friends
living on the west coast.

Thanks,

Don