Messages

1

Gear Talk / Weight on Top of Rear Rack and Bike Handling

« on: November 28, 2006, 01:08:51 am »

I plan to upgrade the stock rear rack on my Trek 520, probably to
Tubus Cargo (although I'd be interested in suggestions). I want a fairly
long shelf because I plan to bungee or otherwise attach about 12
pounds of stuff in a dry sack to the top of the rack. I'll have some fairly
modest-sized panniers on the back, with the pair carrying 15 or so
pounds. My front bags will be mounted on a lowrider rack (Tubus Tara,
although I'd like suggestions on this too) weighing maybe 15 pounds.

These weights are well within the capacity of the racks, but I'm
wondering about how the weight on top of the rack will affect
handling. Any thoughts about that?

2

Gear Talk / Trek 520 rim cracks -no warranty service

« on: November 28, 2006, 01:13:18 am »

I've got an '05 Trek 520 with a little over 10K miles (most of it day
rides in the San Gabriel Mountains). I recently noticed two small cracks
near one of my spoke nipples. My bike shop guy said the rim was still
safe, but to take a look at it fairly often.

3

Gear Talk / Brooks Saddles

« on: February 04, 2006, 08:21:31 pm »

Wallingford (www.wallbike.com) has a waterproof seatcover that fits Brooks B17 saddles. I put mine on if there is any chance of rain.

4

Gear Talk / MSR VELO TENT

« on: January 24, 2006, 12:52:22 am »

Did you wind up buying this tent? How did it work out? I'm interested
in it too, but it also sounds a little big to lug around.

uc

5

Routes / So Tier San Diego to Phoenix

« on: November 30, 2006, 12:54:36 am »

Thanks for the information, Wanderingwheel. It's always good to hear
from someone who has done the route.

6

Routes / So Tier San Diego to Phoenix

« on: November 17, 2006, 01:53:12 am »

I'm thinking of riding the Southern Tier from San Diego to Phoenix
around the end of the year. What are the winds and temps like on that
stretch in December/January? And will I be able to find hotels/motels if
I do this as a credit card tour of 50-80 mi per day?

uc

7

Routes / Route 50 Pollock Pines-S. Lake Tahoe

« on: July 17, 2006, 06:14:25 pm »

Thanks for the feedback. It's really clear that Hwy 50 would be hazardous for my health.

I still need to get from the Western Express Route to South Lake Tahoe, though. On the map, a left turn on Hwy 206 onto 207, up Kingsbury Grade and through Genoa looks like the way to go. Is that the way to do it, or is there some better way?

The other thing is that I have a friend in Incline Village who I would like to visit. Is there a reasonably safe way to ride around the lake to its north end?

8

Routes / Route 50 Pollock Pines-S. Lake Tahoe

« on: July 03, 2006, 12:57:40 pm »

Route 50 from Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe looks shorter and easier than the Western Express Route. I've heard that riding Route 50 on this segment is illegal for bikes, but I've also heard that a lot of people do it.

Is there anyone who knows both routes and can comment on the differences between them?

uc

9

Routes / Routing in Sierra-Nevada Range

« on: February 12, 2006, 12:54:10 am »

Thanks for the detailed info. And Wrightwood, you're right about the
June Lake loop. I've done that and it's very pleasant.

10

Routes / Routing in Sierra-Nevada Range

« on: February 06, 2006, 08:02:02 pm »

I'm considering a trip up Hwy 395 from Mammoth Lakes, CA to meet up with the Western Express Route, on which I will turn west and follow it to San Francisco.

I plan on doing this mid-summer if all works out. Here is what I need to know...

What is 395 like north of Mono Lake? Are there shoulders? what's the traffic like?

Should I follow 395 all the way to its junction with Hwy 206 (The Western Express)? Or should I turn onto Hwy 89 and go through Markleeville and meet up with the Western Express at Woodfords? Or is some other route recommended?

And what is Hwy 88 like going over Carson Pass?

11

General Discussion / Overnight Bike Theft

« on: November 27, 2006, 12:44:21 am »

I'm concerned about leaving my bike out overnight and having it
stolen. That's one reason why the MSR Velo tent (where the bike gets to
stay inside) is attractive to me, even though it's pretty heavy.

What do others do about overnight bike security?

12

General Discussion / Multi-Day Cycling Events

« on: November 28, 2006, 12:41:48 am »

I think RAGBRAI is in a category all its own. It's what the love bead set
used to call "a happening." It's all about being part of the crowd and
feeding off (and contributing to) its goofy energy.

It's the opposite of a typical bike tour where we hit the road to get
away from everyone and everything for a while.

13

General Discussion / Lazy North Americans?

« on: November 18, 2006, 08:01:15 pm »

The car culture is very strong in the U.S. and most Americans are unable or unwilling to think outside the (metal) box. In Los Angeles we have a fair number of adults out on bicycles on weekends, but not many who see the bicycle as more than a recreational tool. A pity, since the weather here is optimal for year-round bicycle commuting.

I've been commuting year-round by bicycle since 1987 and it's one of the best lifestyle choices I've ever made.  

14

General Discussion / MSR Velo Tent

« on: October 18, 2006, 11:13:13 pm »

This tent is on my radar screen too, although I have not seen it in
person.

I'm guessing that it would have been darn near perfect for that
supported 30th anniversary ride that AC had this past summer.

It would work well for RAGBRAI or one of those other cross-state rides
where a baggage truck takes your stuff from town to town.

15

General Discussion / Cycle America

« on: January 02, 2006, 01:02:22 am »

I'm thinking of doing a tour with Cycle America. Anyone have
experience with them?

uc