Messages

1

Classifieds / Miyata 1000 LT for sale

« on: May 21, 2019, 09:11:37 am »

56cm 1990 Very clean low miles. This has triple butted splined cro-mo tubing. Great touring bike! See what Sheldon Brown says about this bike!  $800 with all new cables, tires & bar wrap (have a favorite tape or tire? let me know!).  Only reason I am selling it is I ride a 53cm. I am a professional bike mechanic. If you have any questions email me at bikeguyrich@aol.com or reply here. Pictures available upon request.

2

Classifieds / Looking for a newer set of 165 Octalink cranks

« on: October 23, 2013, 10:12:33 pm »

I need a set of triple or double Shimano 165mm Octalink cranks.  Ultegra or 105 for a road touring set up. I am happy to pay what they are worth.  Can anyone help?  Email me at bikeguyrich@aol.com. Thanks!

3

Gear Talk / Re: Shaving Creme

« on: March 28, 2013, 10:20:43 pm »

The sunscreen sounds interesting, I just use whatever soap is available as I don't do much sunscreen (though heaven knows I probably should) I have tried just water and it rips my face up. When touring, the lightest travel razor is fine as long as it is pretty new. I will try the sunscreen next time out.

4

Gear Talk / Re: Brooks Saddle help

« on: December 05, 2012, 09:55:55 pm »

The aged b-17 will take less time to break in. Proof-hide it before you use it, make sure to get the underside.  There are so many diffferent shorts out there I can't make a knowledgeable comment other than get the right size and the more padding does not mean more comfort. Good luck.

5

Gear Talk / Re: help choosing a bike

« on: December 05, 2012, 09:23:00 pm »

Thanks to all of you for your imput.  I am probably going with the Saga Soma after test riding  a few of these.  Why the Soma?  I can build up the bike with the specific parts list I want  without having to accept "off the rack" parts. The Soma I tried was a sweet ride smooth and the geometry seemed to fit my body type just fine. I will let you know how I fare on my travels. Thanks once again for some very interesting and thoughtful comments! Now go out and ride.

6

Gear Talk / Re: Bike Rack Advice

« on: December 05, 2012, 09:10:08 pm »

The Thule swingaway rack is one of the best if you want to access the rear of your vehicle while still having the bikes on the rack. Most other Mfgrs offer a fold down rack to access the rear when the rack is empty, some are aluminum and lighter in weight (therefore easier to manuver). Go straight to a good local bike shop to get all the info on the various companies and their offerings.  With a roof rack your insurance may cover some problems, but just wait till you go  thru a drive thru bank or Dunkin Donuts and you will get a rude awakening on how much it costs to fix their damage.  Roof racks are costly, your bikes on top are a sail and will decrease your gas mileage, plus bikes can be a pain to get off if your not tall or you don't have upper body strength.

7

General Discussion / Re: I am new and would like to take my first tour

« on: June 23, 2012, 10:02:53 pm »

Find a local bike shop that is on the ACA website and visit them. If you live in S Jersey check out Erlton Bikes in Cherry Hill as a couple of those guys have toured and are into it. 

8

General Discussion / Re: Roadside stand/ camping/ B and B

« on: June 23, 2012, 09:59:11 pm »

The warm shower and a clean port-o-potty are sure fire draws. Have separate campsites that are good for tenting with picnic tables.  Post what you have at the bikeshops along the route within 100 miles either way with a contact phone number.  Offer the shop employees a discount to check it out. The shops will tell the cyclists what your all about. If your not near a town or a good breakfast joint you can offer breakfast, or snack foods but don't overdo it, stick to non perishable stuff and keep it simple until you know your market. Offer the massages, that could be a draw. Having a bike stand and tools is another plus, along with a free water for cyclists sign.  Being friendly and welcoming will be your biggest asset

9

Gear Talk / Re: Feedback on this bike please...

« on: June 22, 2012, 06:24:17 pm »

Save your shipping money and buy in the states where the bikes are cheaper anyway. Look up KHS touring bikes (very nice and reasonable), exchange rates on the pound and cost of shipping a bike to the Pacific Coast and you will see what I mean.

10

Gear Talk / Re: Any suggestions for headlights that are tour-worthy?

« on: June 22, 2012, 06:17:55 pm »

I like the Princeton Tec Eos too!  Also worthy of note is the Princeton Tec Push (my sons favorite). Use replaceable AA batteries or rechargeable ones. Eos has head strap Push does not. Push has more lumens but I see just fine with the Eos.  Oh yeah, Made in America.

11

Gear Talk / Re: Bike Shorts

« on: June 22, 2012, 06:00:47 pm »

I have some Garneau shorts that are doing just what I need them to do.  Also a pair from Giant

12

General Discussion / Re: Bicycle shop Seattle

« on: June 22, 2012, 05:56:10 pm »

Wow, thanks about the Amtrak tip, That means you don,t have to have a bike shop reassemble the bike at the other end either.  What a savings

13

Gear Talk / help choosing a bike

« on: June 22, 2012, 05:39:00 pm »

I am going with a new touring frame. I am looking at a Long Haul Trucker, Soma Saga, Aurora Elite, or a Raleigh Port Townsend (the last two would be complete bikes. Cost is not as much a factor as reliability. Would be touring around the States and Canada. Self supported  with tent bag, cooking gear etc..  I am 61 years old, 160 lbs medium frame. (53 or 54 cm.)  Personal preference is for 700 wheel base but with good logic I can be talked into 26. I ride a Brooks or an old Ideale (my personal favorite) saddle and I am a bike mechanic so other than frame repairs I have no worries. I have read some on each one of these but I want some feedback from users with real life expedrience