Messages

16

Gear Talk / Re: Bob Yak Trailer? XCountry tour, thoughts?

« on: February 14, 2013, 08:19:42 am »

Just a thought on the BOB. 1/2 the loaded BOB weight goes on the rear axle of the bike. So, 23's are pretty narrow for it. I use a two-wheeled trailer. Undoubtedly a bit more drag from the 2nd wheel, but the tongue weight is almost none - can be negative weight if you load the trailer weight rearward. Mine - a WIKE - is super convenient and weighs the same as a BOB. Burley also makes some good carrying trailers.

17

Gear Talk / Re: Generator Hubs and USB Devices

« on: February 14, 2013, 08:10:26 am »

Hi All
I have a B&M Son 20 generating front hub. it has about 6w power. I have it wired to a 'The Plug' which is inserted into the top of the steering tube. The Plug has a usb port. I mount my smart phone or light directly next to it and plug it in, easy as pie. I use my phone with iBike as my bike computer. I find the generator will keep the phone charged at whatever level it starts at. This is pretty phenomenal as the gps is going and sucks a lot of power. The light is no problem. In fact, a friend's light was dying, we plugged it in. After a few minutes it had enough power to come on from cold dead!
One note: I have to be going about 12 mph to get the smart phone charging, under that it wanes slowly.
Enjoy the touring.
Dave from Madison, WI

18

General Discussion / Self Contained Touring in Northern Minnesota

« on: February 02, 2013, 12:25:32 pm »

Hi
I'm looking for information about cycle camping in Northern Minnesota, considering the Duluth-Grand Marais - Ely - Bemidji- Grand Rapids - Brainerd area. The usual info would be welcomed - route, condition of paved roads, traffic flow, stores, sights not to miss,etc.
Thanks
Dave from Madison, WI

19

General Discussion / Re: Cross Country on a recumbent bike

« on: December 12, 2012, 10:21:34 pm »

I've done over 10 years self-supported touring with recumbents. Here's what's important to know. Trailers are better than panniers: less bulk than underseat panniers, more balanced than a rear-heavy rear panniers, and overall less weight on the bike. Two-wheeled trailers are vital, essential, and one-wheeled trailers are unsafe and dangerous and will take you down. I was taken down by one (a friend on his recumbent had one and I switched with him to help him out!). I was going downhill in Acadia National Park in Maine at 35 mph and the trailer went into a wild shimmy and took me down. This is not a matter of inexperience or poor handling - I've gone 50 mph downhill. Two wheeled trailers are inherently much more stable, and also take all the weight off the bike. So, please be safe. Several good two wheeled trailers are out there, from the commonly found Burleys to the less common Wike (Canadian) and others.
On another note, recumbents are great for touring - comfortable, good power on flats and downhills. You will work much harder on uphills, but I do it anyway!
Enjoy the ride.
Dave from Madison, WI

20

General Discussion / Re: recumbent

« on: October 24, 2012, 05:21:38 pm »

A bit more I'll say: 10 years of recumbent touring. Panniers are efficient, but you have to manage them in rain, and if you hit gravel the heavier bike can be hard to get through. Underseat panniers make the bike harder to mount and dismount. I prefer a 2-wheeled cargo trailer, mine is a WIKE. It is the same weight as your combined panniers, very waterproof, easy to manage, visible, rolls through gravel pretty well.
All in all, love touring with the recumbent!

21

Gear Talk / Need new front disc fork for recumbent Bachetta Giro ATT 26, recommedations

« on: July 22, 2012, 07:34:03 pm »

I'd appreciate recommendations. I road and tour. Aluminum vs steel vs carbon: weight vs strength? Eyelets for fenders?
Thanks
Dave