Topics

16

General Discussion / internal hubs

« on: May 12, 2017, 01:02:50 am »

Planning to ride the TransAmerica Summer 2018. I'll be 69 by then, and am planning to have a Surly built at my local bike shop by two mechanics who ride Surlys. Am thinking about an internal hub. Enough range for Hoosier Pass? Going supported this time, but plan to use the same bike for light-to-loaded touring also, before and after Transam. Thoughts?

17

General Discussion / ti trike

« on: December 26, 2016, 08:03:10 pm »

thinking about a recumbent trike. bought a terratrike, but my wife liked it so much she took it over. i liked it too, but kind of heavy. since, i have discovered the TiTrike. titanium, of course, with 20 speed shimano. patterson 28/45 planetary gear in front, sturmey archer drum brakes. to me, some unusual components. although i have heard the names. also has a huge load limit -- 400 pounds, although i would not go past 250-275 for fully loaded touring. also choice of 20 or 26 rear wheel. any thought from anyone who owns one or thoughts in general. red flags? like enough gears for transamaerica? thanks

18

General Discussion / trikes

« on: November 29, 2016, 02:53:25 am »

I seem to be having increasing problems with hand, arm, foot and butt pain, as well as some balance issues. I've tried all sorts of shoes, cleats, old cages, saddles, etc. I'm thinking about a trike, but my touring goal is Transam. I'm worried about seeing and being seen as well as weight. Any thoughts? Yes, big topic.

19

Gear Talk / trailers vs panniers

« on: November 02, 2016, 03:56:51 am »

I've heard various opinions on trailer versus  panniers. At 200 pounds and over 6 feet, the bike, tires and wheels, etc., already have a substantial load. A trailer seems a good solution. I realize it adds weight and rolling resistance. So, is there consensus or an "absolute," or is it all personal preference? Has anyone done any science on the topic? I'm talking about long, self-contained tours on pavement. Thanks

20

General Discussion / folders

« on: January 27, 2015, 02:52:48 am »

I rode road bikes for years, but have been riding a Trek FX 7.5 with road tires for mostly rails=to-trails rides of 25 to 30 miles and occasionally longer. And I'm breaking into a Bacchetta recumbent thanks to lots of hand, arm, foot and other numbness. The goal is touring, building up to south-north florida, maybe the cross georgia and cross-iowa tours and eventually cross-country.  This summer, we plan a car tour across the southern tier, into new mexico, Utah and Colorado. Idea is to drive half-day, then take a scenic loop or up and back to camp to hotel. And some days take turns driving and playing sag wagon. Since space is limited I'm thinking about a foldable. Any advice on whether a foldable is practical for 40 to 50 miles a day? Would one of the brands with an 8-speed internal and gates belt be at all practical? any preferred brands? thanks. roger