Messages

136

Gear Talk / Re: Shaking on the downhills

« on: November 16, 2010, 01:21:50 pm »

Guy's journal on CGOAB mentions this problem at length.  Semi permanent first aid treatment was to stretch bungee cord between head tube and seat post.  This significantly reduced shimmy.
Course would be MUCH better to solve problem permanently before ya leave.
Also, ya may find better gear weight distriution to be 60% front & 40 & rear.

137

Gear Talk / Re: FYI

« on: November 16, 2010, 01:07:11 pm »

Knife or bike?
 
Good luck ... with both!

138

Gear Talk / Re: Brooks B17 - Standard or Aged?

« on: November 15, 2010, 07:45:11 am »

As a B-17 (standard) user who's never tried the pre-aged variety, I don't see the need for the pre-aged.  I've never been uncomfortable on a new B-17, and all four have become even more comfortable within 500 miles.
That leaves the texture.  I prefer to be able to shift slightly on occasion, and don't want no steenkin saddle texture grabbing my shorts as I wiggle.

:thumbsup:

139

Routes / Re: pine creek trail on bicycle touring on car free paths

« on: November 14, 2010, 07:49:14 am »

Interesting site & resource.
Thanks for heads up.

140

Routes / Re: West to East, Early Spring

« on: November 14, 2010, 07:30:18 am »

Keep yourself safe and the very best of luck to ya!!

141

Routes / Re: West to East, Early Spring

« on: November 12, 2010, 12:25:25 pm »

IMHO if ya can wait a few months to begin, may be better to go in counter clockwise direction.  Not only will western mtns be difficult/impossible to get over, but riding Pacific coast in northernly direction will be real tough due to prevailing wind.

142

Midwest / Re: Nice Midwest Town Desperately Seeks Bike Shop for Long-Term Relationship

« on: November 11, 2010, 10:23:02 pm »

Ohhhh, to be 20 yrs younger!!!

143

General Discussion / Re: What are some of the steepest grades on the Trans Am?

« on: November 09, 2010, 08:47:12 am »

Not sure about the TransAm, but Northern Tier has Chilkoot Hill in Stillwater, Minnesota. It's a three-block stretch of 24% climb.  It rises 100 feet over a distance of 700. There is an annual professional cycle race  in Stillwater which includes this hill (Nature Valley Grand Prix). The first year, organizers tried to put pedestrian fencing on Chilkoot but it was sliding to the bottom. So this section during the race has a European feel w/o fencing.
-stevnim

Now wish I hadn't read this thread ... some things ya don't want to know!   
I'm going e>w ... maybe it'll be downhill for me ...........

144

Gear Talk / Re: Cycling Sandals

« on: November 07, 2010, 04:46:00 pm »

I bought a pair of "Nashbar" sandals made by Exustar. They are real comfy and easy to walk in with an arch support and healcup footbed as well as a good stiff cycling sole. The cleat mounting area of the sole is recessed enough that one can walk in them without the cleat hitting the ground. I like 'em alot.
Best,
Carl in San Diego

Hope my experience will mirror yours.
Mine arrived yesterday ..............

145

General Discussion / Re: Bike Fit Where LBS Doesn't Have My Size In Stock

« on: October 31, 2010, 11:03:17 pm »

I'd do a dealer search on Cannondale's site. Then, start calling shops. There's no reason to be loyal to your LBS, as they aren't willing to earn your business. If a shop is worthwhile, they'll order it without coercing you into buying it.

BTW, I bought my last bike from a shop that's 4-1/2hrs away. The "local" shops that carry the brand are worthless, so no reason to patronize them.

+1

146

Great Lakes / Re: Chicago to Eugene, OR?

« on: July 28, 2010, 07:08:23 pm »

Hope ya don't ge caught in snow goin over passes.   
Good luck, and stay safe!

147

General Discussion / Wonderful Resource!!!

« on: July 28, 2010, 04:52:03 pm »

Just joined the forum & this is 1st post.  Next year plan to utilize portions of several ACA routes to tour from Eugene, OR, to Boston .... or vice versa.
Have reviewed a few of the topics and postings therein.
Want to say BIG THANK YOU to all the posters ... there is just a wealth of useful info here!!!