Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: Making the Commitment

« on: June 10, 2011, 05:12:04 pm »

If it seems daunting, why not give yourself permission to take it off the "bucket list"? Setting an extreme goal like riding coast to coast might suck all the fun out of it. What if you don't make it all the way for whatever reason. Will you be obsessed over the failure? Bicycle touring is not an extreme sport! What if you start out with the idea of going as far as you can or as far as you feel like? Go as slow or as fast as you want. Don't over plan. Stop if and when you feel like it. Take a nap. Relax. You might end up riding all the way and feel like riding back too. You might go two or three weeks and decide to pick it up again next year. Who cares? What if you did it in two or three week chunks, coming back to the business and family and doing another two or three week chunk the next year. Touring should be relaxing and you should have a great time. I give you my permission!

32

General Discussion / Re: Getting a Bike to where you are going

« on: May 31, 2011, 04:56:37 pm »

I helped a customer use the Pika Packworks
soft sided bike carrier to take on the plane for her tour of the English countryside and she was happy with it.
I have used a reusable box which any bike shop can get from Quality Bicycle Products. These are good for about 3 tours before they start getting pretty frayed. I ship the bike via FedEx to the motel at the start of the tour, put the bike together and ship it to my destination, put the bike back in when I get there and ship it home. Pretty easy.

33

Gear Talk / Re: Brooks Saddle - Some helpful tips before I purchase

« on: May 13, 2011, 06:14:09 pm »

It's all a guess at this point. The only thing that I know is that I don't like the stock saddle that came with the LHT. I haven't ridden bikes much either so I have no past experience, so I'm trying to go on borrowed experience from others who have experience. I realize this isn't fool proof, but I come in to it knowing that and based on others experience, I can make up my mind.

Any thoughts on the Brooks B66 with the springs?

Also, I realize that everyone's butt is different and that it's not the same for everyone, so no need to tell me that, but I would be interested in hearing about your trial and error.

I have about 1 month before the trip where I plan on riding 10-30 miles a day, every day. I also weigh about 165 and do not have a big butt, just in case that makes any difference.

Thanks for the input.

Also, never mind the handlebar question, I'm sticking to what I got. I found that if I tilt the handlebars back a bit, it helps a lot.

I'm not sure the B66 would work with the LHT. From the Broooks website: "B66 and B66 S are the ideal all-rounders for daily city or touring use in a rather upright posture. They are most appropriate for cyclists who set their handlebars higher than their saddles." If you want springs you should look at a Flyer. I have been using a Berthoud saddle for two years and It's been great.

34

General Discussion / Re: southern tier, st francisville ferry...good news

« on: May 07, 2011, 02:30:22 pm »

According to the LA DOT, because the river is at the stage when protocol calls for closing the ferry, they have decided to close the ferry permanently as of May 5, 2011. The bridge is not 100% finished, but is open for traffic.  cajunpedaler do you know if bicycles can get across without riding in traffic?

35

Gear Talk / Re: Best Brake pads

« on: May 05, 2011, 03:30:14 pm »

Are you sure they're not old stock?  Scott-Mathouser became Kool Stop AFAIK.

I am not aware of the compounds Kool Stop is currently using. When Scott's original patent on the iron oxide formula used in the Gen-X pads expired Kool Stop did start using the compound. The Scott family has licensed the use of the Gen-X formula to Yokozuna in Japan and they are making the road and mountain pads and shoes using that. The old school block style shoes are still made in the US, using the same formula. 

36

General Discussion / Re: southern tier, st francisville ferry...good news

« on: May 04, 2011, 03:25:52 pm »

Wow, I wonder how that will affect traffic in St. Francisville. Bucolic and hypnotic I remember that town to be. I had to wait about 30 minutes for a broken down car to be taken off the ferry. Don't even want to think about the 60 mile detour over a death defying bridge if the ferry had not started again. It seems like the ferry was sort of unreliable that way. Part of the adventure maybe?

37

Gear Talk / Re: Best Brake pads

« on: May 04, 2011, 03:04:22 pm »

I just replaced my pads with Yokozuna Scott-Mathauser pads. Even though Sheldon Brown says the Scott-Mathauser pads are no longer available Yokozuna is now selling them. I can definitely notice better stopping power than the stock brake pads on the Tektro long reach road calipers. Available at Bike Touring News in v-brake style and Shimano road style.  Replacement inserts or shoes.

38

General Discussion / Re: Camelbak / Water Bladder

« on: April 26, 2011, 12:54:41 pm »

Silas,
Personally I use a small hydration backpack and would recommend it for a few reasons. 1) I have never been worried about having too much water. 2) Easier to drink out of than bottles. I probably drink more regularly too. 3) I have heated water with my stove, poured it into the bladder and used it to take a shower. Pure luxury! 4) I put small stuff that I want to keep track of in the pockets.
On the downside......
Sometimes the bite valve leaks. That's annoying.
Yes it is possible to forget it. But I get into the habit of doing an inventory after each stop.
Just don't put any drink mixes in the bladder, and it's not a problem to keep clean. 

39

General Discussion / Re: Need advice from you! (the pros)

« on: April 26, 2011, 12:37:06 pm »

Thanks, gang!

The backpack was simply in lieu of yet possessing the panniers for the trip. I'll be getting them soon, and I'll replace the backpack.

Though that brings up another question: Would it be a good idea to carry a lightly loaded backpack for necessities (for when I must leave the bike to enter a store)?

I'd rather stray away from fanny packs...

Also, what'd you think about the site? What would a cyclist like to have me focus on?

I carry a hydration backpack. Mine is from Fox but Camelbak seems to be the standard. Good for carrying an extra 70 to 100 ounces of water and small items that I need to get to quickly like my wallet.

40

General Discussion / Re: Complete Newbie Con<<sidering Touring

« on: April 11, 2011, 06:34:28 pm »

Hope it's OK to toot my own horn

Yes, commercial links that are relevant to the topic at hand are welcome. Up front advertising is not. I'd guess you are referring to the article about bike size.

Fred

Yep, thanks Fred

41

General Discussion / Re: Complete Newbie Con<<sidering Touring

« on: April 08, 2011, 08:01:25 pm »

Hope it's OK to toot my own horn
http://www.biketouringnews.com