Messages

1

Gear Talk / A chain is a chain is a chain....or is it?

« on: September 08, 2005, 04:30:00 pm »

Thanks--I had just learned about chains that don't have a master link. The guys at the bike shop are really cool, and they told me they'd show me how to do these kinds of things I know absolutely nothing about. I appreciate the good advice about the "cheapo" vs. "top of the line" chains too. Ya learn something new every day!  

This message was edited by Crescendo on 9-8-05 @ 12:30 PM

2

Gear Talk / A chain is a chain is a chain....or is it?

« on: September 07, 2005, 12:06:47 pm »

I know this probably a nOOb question, but hey, I'm a nOOb, so...

My bike shop peeps told me I'm going to need a new chain for my bicycle soon. Are all chains alike? Should I be looking for anything in particular when purchasing a new one? (you know, aside from one that's a proper fit)

Ta.

3

General Discussion / I got halfway there when...

« on: September 16, 2005, 08:29:58 pm »

"I seem to like the set-up that I am not currently touring with."


That is exactly what will happen to me!  :p

4

General Discussion / I got halfway there when...

« on: September 15, 2005, 10:47:50 am »

Thank you all for your great advice. I did mention my bike in a previous post--it's a Specialized Sirrus Sport. I really like the bike, but I'm not sure how it rates as a touring bike. I've been told that the disc brakes mean I'll only be able to use a seatpost rack that will support about 40 lbs, and I don't know if that's going to cut it. Would I be better off with a trailer? I can travel pretty light, but in general, how much does your gear weigh? What would I have to do to the bike to make it more tour ready? Will I have to get different rims to better support the additional weight? I'd rather not have to go out and buy another bike if I can avoid it.

5

General Discussion / I got halfway there when...

« on: September 04, 2005, 01:30:47 pm »

The highest natural elevation in FL is Britton Hill which is 345 feet above sea level, and no where near where I live. 345 feet! I've worked in buildings that are more than twice that height! I'll have to transport my bicycle out of state to ride some decent hills.

The other day I was out, cruising along easily with a barely noticeable tailwind. Then I turned around and headed back towards home and WHAM! That breeze went from being barely noticeable to being something I had to contened with. Into the wind was definitely a whole 'nother story! (another new experience)

Incidentally, what do you do when you're out and it starts raining? I have foul weather gear for boating, but there's no way I can ride with it. Is there good rain gear specifically designed for cyclists, or do you just seek shelter? I imagine that sometimes you just have to keep going, as long as there's no thunderstorms.

This message was edited by Crescendo on 9-15-05 @ 6:54 AM

6

General Discussion / I got halfway there when...

« on: September 03, 2005, 11:19:41 am »

I've been checking out some local clubs and considering joining one (Honestly, I'm not the "joiner" type, but I'm not ruling it out). I was lucky to have found a really good bike shop from the beginning, when I bought my bicycle (a Specialized Sirrus Sport) a little over a year ago. The owner and his crew are very good about teaching me about the bike as well as when, where, and the finer details of how to ride. They're nice people and they've been a really big help.

I'm going to do what I can to prepare myself as much as possible regarding as many aspects as possible. I'm already in good physical condition, but not nearly good enough to go out and do 60-80 mile rides, fully loaded with gear, day after day. I'm not about to simply bite off more than I can chew, and that's why I'm giving myself adequate time ( I feel) to prepare and learn. Like you said, a trip like that is NOT the place to get into shape.

I live in FloriDUH (fairly recently relocated). I've learned that this state has the second highest fatality rate in the country regarding auto accidents, so you can guess it's pretty crazy on the more open roads. Lot's of roadkill in the bike lanes, and I don't want to become THAT. Floriduh is also relatively flat, so I have to find a way to train for the areas of the country with higher elevations.  

Thanks again for the advice! I appreciate it!

7

General Discussion / I got halfway there when...

« on: September 03, 2005, 12:11:53 am »

Just a newer and different perspective for me. It's not that I was unaware that speed limits aren't obeyed, as much as it was about being passed by cars going way faster than I'm accustomed to being passed. Most of my experience is riding around the local neighborhood, with very little traffic.  

The more I ride, the more I notice how bad drivers are at obeying traffic laws. Worse than that, many just aren't paying attention to...to anything. I honestly never realized how many people just blow through stop signs to get closer to the intersection.

I can change a flat (but truing a wheel is a different story). Still learnin' though.  

8

General Discussion / I got halfway there when...

« on: September 02, 2005, 02:39:32 pm »

Thank you for your reply.

Did you ever have to do anything like that out on the road? Did you ever have to "learn on the fly", so to speak?

Today, I was out for a 25 mile ride (my first!) and I learned that puddles may actually be pot holes overflowing, that "STOP" to a car driver really means "you may want to slow down a little, but maybe not", that "45 MPH" means "at least 50 MPH", that "55 MPH" means "at least 60 MPH", and that when a car passes you at 65, it seems like it's going 75 MPH.

here's a link I found that I found somewhat helpful.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tooltips/truing.html

9

General Discussion / I got halfway there when...

« on: September 02, 2005, 10:45:04 am »

...(what happened?)

I'm new to touring. Actually, I've never ridden more than 20 miles at a time, but I'm planning to get the gear I need to make a solo, trans continental trek in the spring of '07. Maybe that seems like a long way off, but I know I have a lot to learn, and I want to be prepared, so here I am. I'm 100% determined to do it.

You know the saying, "you don't know what you don't know", so I'm not even sure of what questions to ask. "Expect the unexpected, and the unexpected will never happen." Please, help me expect it.

Have you ever been stranded between stops? Did you ever need to be rescued? Have you ever rescued someone else? Did you ever get lost? Afraid? Lonely? What was your most exhilarating experience on a tour? How has bad weather affected your plans? Did you have any really bad (or really good) experiences with people along the way? Do you have a favorite campsite? Was there ever anything you needed and didn't have? Is there piece of gear no one seems to remember to bring? Was there something you did and wished you hadn't? Something you didn't do, that you wished you had done?

I'd be very grateful if you would share any of your experience(s) with me. Thanks!  

This message was edited by Crescendo on 9-2-05 @ 10:00 AM