Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: "Adventure" bike for short rider?

« on: March 12, 2016, 12:15:30 pm »

Bike Friday has lots of options for a great touring bike. They have no top tube so stand over height is not a problem. Mounting is an easy step through.

2

General Discussion / Re: My dog wants to go with me

« on: March 29, 2015, 06:20:59 pm »

I have no advice for you about how to bicycle with your dog but I wonder what happens when another dog gives chase? I have heard that in Florida there are many loose dogs and I have had many encounters of dogs pursuing ( trying to bite me!) while riding. I wonder if it would help or hurt to have a dog in a trailer when a dog attacks. No exactly on topic but I worry about loose dogs going after bicycles. Anybody have any thoughts?

3

Gear Talk / Re: Tire and tube storage

« on: October 20, 2013, 04:00:13 pm »

I have a Bike Friday and the tires aren't so easy to buy. The kind I wanted were a special order so I bought 2 intending to use one on the back tire and save one for later.
From everyone's replies, I need to protect the rubber from ozone and light so I will store them in plastic bags in a cool, dark plac.
Thanks.

4

Gear Talk / Tire and tube storage

« on: October 19, 2013, 07:46:54 am »

How do you store your spare tires and tubes? Is there anything that should be done to prevent or delay the rubber from degrading over time. I have some folding spare tires that are a few years old and I haven't needed to use them so far. How long do they last without breaking down?

5

General Discussion / Re: Training: Schedule Critique Needed

« on: March 31, 2013, 01:21:09 pm »

To answer your original question about training, here is my 2 cents: training on a stationary bike at a gym can offer great benefits if you are willing to do it right. It has to be intense enough. Spinning classes during the winter months for 60 minutes can be extremely beneficial. I have used this method for the past 2 years and I have condensed my training time. I have completed  500 mile week long rides in March for the past few years by riding outside once a week and then training on a spinning bike for a total of 6 hours inside on the other days (1 hour per day). I wear a heart monitor and go hard every other day. The schedule you listed looks ok to me. Have fun.

6

Routes / Re: Southern Tier Tour: Bubba Verus ACA Routes

« on: March 16, 2013, 04:03:00 pm »

I recently (2 weeks ago) did the ACA route from Phoenix to El Paso. We only deviated  from the route by going down to Lordsburg. We then got back on the ACA route in Silver City. We stayed on Rt.152 E  over Emory Pass to Kingston, NM. That was the hard day, with over 4,000 feet of climbing. Emory Pass is at 8,228 feet. But it wasn't that hard. It's only 46 miles from Silver City to Kingston and the last 8 miles are downhill. The age range in our group was 59 to 65 years old. The ride through the mountains is spectacular and not to be missed. The air smells so good. The view from the Emory Pass vista is incredible. By the time you ride into New Mexico, you will be in pretty good shape. I am so glad we chose this route. You will be very proud of yourself for climbing over the Rockies instead of going around them.

7

General Discussion / Re: Pacific Coast 2012

« on: January 02, 2012, 11:57:38 am »

The California Coast Classic is from Sept.9 to 16th in 2012. Goes from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Might be fun to join this organized ride on your way down from Seattle.

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General Discussion / Re: Bike Friday or S&S Couplers

« on: November 17, 2011, 06:12:42 pm »

No, my Pocket Rocket came with rear panniers and a small handlebar bag.

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General Discussion / Re: Bike Friday or S&S Couplers

« on: November 17, 2011, 07:44:18 am »

Just thought I would let everyone know I received my new Bike Friday Pocket Rocket yesterday. It took about 40 minutes to unpack and assemble. It's very easy to do. I watched the video from Bike Friday on youtube.com a day or 2 before it arrived. (They include the DVD with each new bike.)
The hard part about making this decision was switching to the small wheels. It looks kind of like a bike for Circus Bears. But it's sturdy and comfortable and very easy to ship or transport.
Thanks to all for your advice.
My plans are all set to start the Southern Tier in San Diego March 2, 2012.

10

Gear Talk / Re: folding bike for touring

« on: November 02, 2011, 10:20:46 am »

You can see many blogs from people on folding bikes at  the crazyguyonabike.com website. Click on the link for folding bikes. Here is link to a bike and gear list that should answer some of your questions: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=1r4vFZo&page_id=254691&v=9n

11

General Discussion / Bike Friday or S&S Couplers

« on: September 07, 2011, 05:43:48 pm »

I am planning on riding across the U.S. of A on the Southern Tier route with 2 friends. We are only able to ride 1 week at a time due to life obligations. We will ride in March 2012 from San Diego to Phoenix. Phoenix to El Paso will be later in the fall. We live on the East Coast so we will need to ship our bikes to and from several times. I need a touring specific bike to do this and I wonder what would be the easier: a folding Bike Friday or a conventional bike with S&S couplers? Please offer your opinions and ideas.
Thanks.