Topics

16

Gear Talk / Schmidt Dyno Hub vs Shimano Alfine, N-80 or Sachs Dyno Hubs with DIWA Lights

« on: October 17, 2009, 09:32:09 pm »

I am back and although there has been discussion about the above subject, I want to purchase a hub generator for my Comotion Norwester Tour. I have my reasons why I like this setup. There has been some new developments from Shimano and Sachs that are worth considering. Does anyone know or have experience with the above dyno hubs? Although, I would love to purchase a Schmidt SON 28 hub generator, I am not sure I want to spend the money. I currently have a Breezer Uptown with a Shimano N-30 Dyno hub. I am using it with a Lumotec Oval Senso Plus in front, coupled with a rear Busch Muller stand light. I like it except for two things. The grounding of the N-30 generator, if not correct, one can get a mild shocked. There is some wheel resistance, without the the light on. I am looking at the new DIWA lighting system. This system is interesting. Similiar to the the Lumotec Oval Sensor Plus, however, the rear light is supposed to get very bright, when you slow down, similiar to a brake light. Has anyone purchased this and what are your thoughts. Thanks

17

General Discussion / Florida Cyclists Introduction

« on: March 15, 2009, 12:39:55 pm »

John, I live in Tampa and most likely be moving to Sarasota. It would be great, if the we could have Florida cyclists introduce themselves, where they live, and share some info, similiar to what you did in Colorado. What do you think? Thanks Bob

18

General Discussion / Profile Information

« on: March 08, 2009, 11:44:03 am »

This may create some discussion or maybe not, but it would be nice if people, who contribute to this forum would fill in part of their profile. I understand, the need for confidentiality in our society, but it would be interesting to see gender, age and at least location (where you are from). I know some are from nowhere and traveling but for the vast majority you have a home. It would give us a better perspective. Here is where I get into trouble, female viewpoints are appreciated and sometimes different on a subject and sometimes they are similiar. It would be nice to know. I hope I haven't offended anyone, we all share a love for cycling, touring, and want to help one another, all I ask is to give the above some thought. 

19

Gear Talk / Power Monkey Explorer Solar Charger

« on: March 04, 2009, 10:02:35 am »

Has anyone had any experience with the Power Monkey Explorer Solar Charger. I believe Adventure Cycling sells it in their catalogue? The devise looks intriguing but not sure where and how you'd mount it. I will try to look it up online. How would you rate it? Thanks

20

Urban Cycling / Walmart Electric Bicycle Affordable To The Masses

« on: February 26, 2009, 10:13:54 am »

Wow another shock when I went to Walmart, besides carrying 700c tire tubs, they had a brand new electric bicycle. Price was 399.99 and it came with one battery attached like a rear pannier with the option of purchasing an attaching a second one. Now I realize this is Walmart, but it looked pretty sturdy, top speed 18 mph and with two batteries a range close to 40 miles. Had a seven speed rear derailleur and a single speed crank. It didn't appear heavy in the rear. The motor was like the Curie electric motor. I will try it out next time I am there. If Walmart is offering an electric bicycle, at a truly affordable price (I know some will say stay away from it) to me this is a big thing and makes a statement that just maybe, American attitudes are beginning to change. This was in Tampa, Florida not one of the more bike friendly areas of the country.

21

Connecting ACA Routes / West Coast of Florida Connector

« on: February 24, 2009, 05:02:15 pm »

I am relatively new to the forum, I am researching a suitable route, but has anyone considered another connector route for the westcoast of Florida. What if you did an off shoot from near the end of the Southern Tier Route around Tallahassee and went south down the west coast of Florida. It could go through Inverness, Springhill, Odessa, Tarpon Springs, Clearwater, St Petersberg, Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and then connect back to the (St Augustine to Ft. Lauderdale connector) all the way east to Ft. Lauderdale. This would also be a good trip to Ft. Myers/Naples to take the Ferry over to Key West.  Since we have the best weather, in the winter, (this year the exception) it would be a great week tour, say Tampa to Ft. Lauderdale or Tallahassee to Keywest via the Ferry in Ft. Myers/Naples. (ie for part of the route 100 miles, Suncoast Highway to Route 54 west to Pinellas trail to St. Petersberg) Any thoughts from ACO or members? We could start a winter touring season and we could sure use the tourists. I can assure you our state has come along way since the "dive or die" days of the late 1970's.

22

Gear Talk / Phil Wood Rear Hub For Older Freewheel Bikes and Tandems

« on: February 23, 2009, 11:57:01 am »

FYI, we have an older Santana Tandem with a six speed 14-34 freewheel and did not want to spend $350-500 to replace everything. I spoke to Phil Wood and he has a hub that will work, with our tandem rim, (48 spoke) at a very reasonable price. Since we have bar cons, we will be able to get an 11-34, 7 speed, without having to replace the entire drive train. Prior to this, the smallest I found was a 13 tooth gear. With a 54 tooth gear on our crank, we will really be able to fly! I thought this might help a few of you out there.

23

Gear Talk / Front Racks Low Rider vs Expedition Rack

« on: December 28, 2008, 10:39:25 am »

I have recently purchased a Comotion Norwest Tour and was about to go with a set of Tubus racks. They look very sturdy and would look great on my bike. The front low rider would work but I was thinking of another option. Jandd makes a front rack that can be used as a low rider but has a shelf on top for a sleeping bag. It is rated at 25 pounds. They also have a rear rack rated at 50 pounds. Has anyone used these racks? Any other suggestions? I could mix and match. Thanks

24

Gear Talk / Co-motion Americano vs Norwester Tour

« on: November 23, 2008, 05:33:55 am »

I recently had a mishap with an auto which totaled my Cannondale Touring Bike. Depending on what the drivers insurance will pay, determines the direction to go. I think this time around I may go steel. I was looking at a Surly LHT but my local bike shop suggested I upgrade to a Co-motion. There recommendation was the Norwester Tour. At 5'9", 157 lbs, and age 57 they felt it would be a better bike. I live in Florida. I want a true touring bike, that can carry larger rear/front panniers, feel comfortable, yet go at a decent speed. I would use the bike 30% for heavy touring, 30% lighter touring, and 40% for recreation riding. Can one have their cake and eat it too?

Is the Americano too heavy, slower, & overkill? Will the Norwester Tour work? Or should I stick with the Surly LHT?

I rode a LHT, the other day, with 700c wheels I really liked the way it road, very comfy. The Co-motions are fit, order, pay, and hope for the best. I hear they are great to deal with but..., I have never purchased a bike without a test ride. Any direction or comments would be most appreciated.
              Thanks Tourista829