Messages

16

General Discussion / Tire pressure

« on: July 31, 2019, 12:36:38 pm »

I wonder what tire pressure others run when they are on tour. I am about to replace the tires on my Kona Sutra. I am going to install Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700c × 38. The bike loaded is 70 lbs. I weigh 170 lbs. Do you run high pressure (75-85 psi) for less rolling resistance, or lower pressure (60-65 lbs) for comfort? Does tire pressure affect rolling resistance that much? I know it effects comfort levels.

17

Routes / Northern tier #10 Maps 126-127 To Avoid Canada Alternate

« on: July 31, 2019, 12:22:48 pm »

I am sitting here today with sometime  on my hands reviewing my up coming route. The Northern Tier route goes into Canada near Niagra Falls. I did not realize  this before. I do not possess a passport. Is there an alternative route that will keep me in the U.S?

Google maps shows 2 alternatives
1- north from Peace Bridge on rt 266 along the Niagra River to rt 31 that then goes to Lockport
2
2-RT 5 Main St Buffalo northeast  on surface streets to the University of Buffalo then continuing northeast to rt78 to Lockport.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

18

General Discussion / Re: shipping a bike to the start of the Trans America trail.

« on: May 16, 2019, 03:28:32 pm »

Thank you all. I have shipped my bike by Bikeflights to a hotel in Astoria. They were happy to accept it, and were not surprised when i asked. I fly into Portland on Saturday, hoping to start riding on Monday. Now if the sun would only come out.

19

General Discussion / shipping a bike to the start of the Trans America trail.

« on: April 26, 2019, 11:50:37 am »

This forum has answered so many of my questions without having to ask. Almost everything I needed to find out was answered previously in other post. Thank you.

I am flying to Portland Oregon May 18th to start my first major tour. Trans Am to the Underground Railway, north to the Northern Tier and on to Maine.

I'm looking for suggestion as to where to ship my bike using Bike flights. I have seen the another post recommending Bikes and Beyond in Astoria. Are there any shops in Portland you would recommend. I see there is public transportation from Portland to Astoria that accepts bikes. is that a viable option?

I am a confident bike mechanic and I have the ability to assemble my own bike. Has anyone ever shipped there bike to a hotel in Astoria? If so what hotel do you recommend.

My thought was to rent a car in Portland, drive to Astoria, spend a day or two getting ready (obtaining provisions, building the bike etc.) before starting out. Or doing the same thing in Portland and using public transportation to Astoria.

Any thoughts and recommendations are appreciated.


 

20

Gear Talk / Re: Charging

« on: November 12, 2018, 09:09:22 pm »

What power bank do you recommend?

21

General Discussion / Re: 2019 Kona Sutra front rack recommendations?

« on: September 29, 2018, 08:19:08 pm »

I recently purchased a Sutra. The shop that I bought from installed a Tubas Tara Lowrider rack. It fits very well.  My Ortlieb back packer panniers fit and ride fantastically.