Messages

1

Gear Talk / Re: PedalCell

« on: May 26, 2022, 03:16:34 pm »

Thanks. I was impressed enough with reviews and response to questions from the company to order one. But it's been several weeks and no unit has arrived. The company is very apologetic, and I believe it's not their problem - it's the supply-side nightmares many businesses are experiencing. I'm patiently waiting meantime and looking forward to getting it.

2

General Discussion / Re: VT State Park Reservation Policy Change

« on: May 16, 2022, 10:28:10 am »

Yeah.  When I planned my first trip with a night at a VT state park back in 2018 I was surprised that I could not reserve a spot for one night on a Tuesday.

I know NJ has a two-night minimum for weekends only.  PA has no minimum at all.  Did a Saturday overnighter to a PA state park a couple of weeks ago.

Hey New York, are you listening?

3

Gear Talk / Re: Bar talk

« on: May 14, 2022, 07:50:48 am »

0n my LHT I started with flat bars then switched to butterfly when we rode across the US. I did not like the brake lever setup especially on fast descents. I could not keep my hands spread out. Switched to Crazy Bars for riding across Canada and for 3 European trips and other US tours.
They are fantastic!

Did your LHT have bar end shifters? If so, what did you do about those? If not, did you have to change out shifters and/or brake levers when you went to Crazy Bars. I kind of like the look of the VO Klunkers too. Might be an option.

4

Gear Talk / Bar talk

« on: May 12, 2022, 08:31:39 am »

I'd like to hear from anyone who has ditched traditional drop bars and installed alternatives such as VO Crazy Bars or Surly Molokos. Looking for more upright riding with a variety of hand positions. What sort of a project is this. I'm anticipating new brake levers (I have a Surly Disc trucker, 10-speeds, with bar-end shifters.) Am I also looking at new derailleurs etc? It's never as easy as just swapping one thing for another, is it? Thanks

5

General Discussion / Re: How to become a bike guide

« on: May 05, 2022, 01:03:35 pm »

I second the. Adventure Cycling Leadership instruction. I took a course years ago, and it covered a lot of things like team-building, role-playing and, perhaps most importantly, how to handle the group's funds while on a long trip. I never led a tour, but felt I was ready to after that. Good luck

6

Routes / Re: South of Buffalo

« on: March 29, 2022, 07:59:34 am »

JCostanz,

A million thanks. This looks like a winner. Just the sort of route I was looking for without going halfway to Rochester. I especially like the bike ferry, which puts you right on the bike path to the bridge. Safe travels!

Scotty

7

Routes / Re: South of Buffalo

« on: March 28, 2022, 09:12:55 am »

Thanks, John. Rt. 62 looks decent north of Hamburg. Getting to that point is the next puzzle.

8

Routes / South of Buffalo

« on: March 28, 2022, 08:40:02 am »

Anybody out there familiar with the southern part of Buffalo and its suburbs - specifically Hamburg, Orchard Park and Lackawanna? I want to get from Route 5 on Lake Erie to the Peace Bridge. AC has a well-mapped route that goes quite a bit east to avoid Lackawanna traffic, but I'm wondering if there's a safe way through Lackawanna and into the waterfront area. Thanks.

9

Gear Talk / Suspension seat post

« on: March 25, 2022, 09:27:04 am »

Anybody have thoughts about or experience with these? Just like to know if they're of any value for touring.

10

Gear Talk / Re: Breaking in Brooks B17 Imperial

« on: March 12, 2022, 06:22:42 pm »

I broke my B17 in by taking it off the bike and replacing it with the WTB that came stock. My rear end sent me a thank-you card.

11

Gear Talk / Re: PedalCell

« on: March 12, 2022, 06:20:06 pm »

Make sure Joe is not a paid sponsor. I had included a link above from Cyclingabout as well.

Right. I keep seeing glowing reviews for PedalCell and basically no negatives. That's why the skeptic in me was looking for some "discouraging words" about the unit. Still looking ...

12

Gear Talk / Re: PedalCell

« on: March 12, 2022, 06:17:56 pm »

Found this comparing geological and Pedal Cell. This guy is pretty straightforward - that is I don't think he's a shill. So I'm leaning toward PedalCell.

13

Routes / Re: Greater Niagara Circle Route

« on: February 04, 2022, 01:20:51 pm »

Thanks, all, for the suggestions and info. I continue to do research and will decide what to do later. I found a good video by Lvfree Adventures on You Tube of the ride from the Whirlpool to NOTL. That looks beautiful. Below Whirlpool, Google street view is some help showing a doable route. I can deal with the rest, I guess. You can stand anything for a little while.

14

Routes / Greater Niagara Circle Route

« on: February 02, 2022, 08:59:15 am »

Part of a route I'm planning for the summer would take me into Canada at the Buffalo Peace Bridge on the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake.  I see there is a Niagara Circle Route that has a leg running north through Niagara Falls along the river and another northbound leg further west. My question: Does anyone have experience with this route, especially as it negotiates the Niagara Falls area. Is it a zoo, or is it OK? I'm wondering if it would pay to take the more westward leg.Thanks.

15

Gear Talk / PedalCell

« on: January 29, 2022, 04:30:04 pm »

Anyone have experience with PedalCell, a rim dynamo setup, which is apparently more efficient and less expensive than a hub dynamo? All I read is glowing reviews. Any discouraging words out there?