Messages

1

Gear Talk / Tents

« on: August 06, 2006, 03:00:21 am »

Seel,
You may want to consider one of the new hybrid style tents. The Big Agnes Sarvis SL-1 is single walled in the foot end, mesh with rainfly in the head end. It is only 2-3 square feet smaller than many of the light two person tents, its walls are relatively vertical (so the floor space is usable/real) and it weighs in at only 2 lbs 12 ozs.

I bought one, but have not used it yet. My goal was weight savings and I plan to use it similar to your goals = biking with a BoB.

It is sold as being freestanding and appeared so in my living room. But that status is often questionable and it varies with the conditions.

In addition to the weight savings of the tent itself - be forewarned that your wallet too will be much lighter.

Last thing - I read reviews by other owners and they were highly favorable. I do not remember where the reviews were published, but lets hope they are authentic.

I won't have a chance to use mine extensively for several months, so I won't be able to get back to you with more feedback.

Good luck!!

2

Gear Talk / Straight handlebars

« on: August 06, 2006, 03:45:54 am »

Oh, I forgot this - I also have bar ends on the mountain bike so I have that option too. Three options with varying amounts of control, safety and comfort.

3

Gear Talk / Straight handlebars

« on: August 06, 2006, 03:41:55 am »

To suggest another option that I don't believe has been brought up.

I toured several trips thirty years ago with drop bars and found them ok. However, I am that much older now and look for various ways to reduce parts of the efforts of biking. My main bike now is a hybrid: relatively light and lively, but with straight bars. I sit upright in a lot of conditions which is good, but . . .

I have a set of aerobars on it and really like 'em. When I am 'down' in the aerobars, my weight is off of my arms and I am not upright and pushing all of that wind.

It is a bit cumbersome and slow to get to the brakes in a hurry, but I try to be prepared when the conditions call for it by having one hand on a break and the other still in the aero position.

I am going to tour again soon and plan to try this set up on the mountain bike I will tour with. In fact the aerobars are already installed and for the riding I currently do with that bike (mostly two track roads) I am comfortable and feel safe being in the aero position a significant amount of time. With weight trailing me (a BoB) I will probably not be in the aero position as much. However when I am, the break from supporting my upperbody weight will be enjoyed.

Any thoughts on this??  I know they work well for my current riding, but will admit that I'll have to try it first before saying it makes sense for touring - I think it will.

4

General Discussion / Shipping a bike and a BoB.

« on: July 13, 2006, 12:49:50 am »

Great! One day and three informative and interesting replies. It seems already that this will come down to personal preference and philosophy on how one goes about various parts of a trip.

I still expect there are different (or supporting) points of view out there. And I know I would like to hear those.   I am learning as we go - I already understand more of the options than I did yesterday.

Thanks to the three who have replied AND to those who still will!

scottm

5

General Discussion / Shipping a bike and a BoB.

« on: July 12, 2006, 12:38:46 am »

I am going to Australia to bike tour this winter. Opinions please (pros and cons) on bike boxes of what seems to be three levels of protection/investment, etc.: 1) basic cardboard bike box,  2) elaborate, foldable box such as Crateworks Pro-XLC, and 3) hardshell style boxes made by Thule and Trico Sports.

And about the Bob (which is more perplexing to me):  Do people box those to ship them? or just strap the wheel/tire into the bed and ship it open?  If people use boxes, are there any made specifically for this use? Etc., etc.

I understand there are a variety of considerations such as cost, storage of good boxes while there, etc. but for now I am just looking for initial thoughts, hopefully from those of you with relevant experience.

Thanks,  scottm