Messages

1

Gear Talk / How many people tour with non-touring bikes?

« on: March 16, 2009, 07:51:23 pm »

So, I have a dilemma. I am planning my first short tour this summer (Oregon Coast via Hwy 101) and plan on using a Bob trailer.  I have read about every possible link in regards to the types of bikes people use on tours and have read the many recommendations to use a touring specific bicycle on bicycle tours.  I own two bicycles (a Klein Quantam and a Felt Q600 series mountain bike) and have been considering purchasing a cyclocross bicycle (either a Kona Jake the Snake or a Dew Drop) for commuting and as a new all-around bicycle.  I also am wanting to use it on the tour because my Klein is not meant for this type of application and the Felt is pretty darn heavy and I don't think very comfortable for long miles.  Are there any other people on this site that have bucked convention and toured on either a hybrid or their 'road bike' successfully.  I just don't want to buy a touring bike if I only plan on touring with a trailer, maybe once a year.  Great site btw.  Really enjoy all the advice you get here and the experience you can tap into.

Summit Ridge   

2

General Discussion / House Bill 3008 Oregon

« on: March 16, 2009, 07:41:25 pm »

Here's a local link in regards to this bill http://www.ktvz.com/global/story.asp?s=10004907.  In essence, the state wants to make a mandatory two year bicycle 'registration' fee of $54 for adult bicycle riders in Oregon.  The fee is to supplement the state's coffers for road maintenance.  My question is how many of you have 'mandatory' bike registrations/fees already in place.  While I agree $54 every two years seems excessive (and pretty darn close to what motorvehicles pay for registrations which doesn't seem fair) if I was guaranteed the money would go towards making the state's roads and highways more bicycle friendly by improving bike lanes, crossings, safety areas, striping, etc...I would be more apt to agree with the legislation.  Oh, and I'm a new member here and really have enjoyed the site thus far.