Messages

196

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: GPS query

« on: February 18, 2021, 06:47:11 pm »

The pros:  Garmin is the de facto GPS so a lot of gps data is geared toward their file format.

I think Garmin is the standard still but I just read a post on my Facebook Cycling Group about 30 mins ago and the question is do you use a Garmin or a Wahoo and about 2/3 of the respondents wrote they use the Wahoo and most commonly was the Wahoo Bolt.   I think it is quickly (over the past 5 years) becoming a new favorite. I used mine traveling cross country and tried to charge it every day there was power but could go two days in a pinch.  The Wahoo software is noted to be much less buggy and it just works.  Also, mine is b&w screen and uses less battery than the color screen Garmins do.... 

So, to pick up the thread in 2021, the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt will now handle turn-by-turn directions on download maps from Ride With GPS and Komoot. The Elemnt Roam will handle these files, Strava, and "any other routing source file."

Anyone know if "any other routing source file" would include the FrontPack platform used for the Adventure Cycling Association Bicycle Route Navigator? I have a question in with Wahoo, but figured folks on this forum would be approaching the question from the opposite direction of Wahoo, and might already have the answer.

197

General Discussion / Re: Trailer or just panniers?

« on: February 09, 2020, 03:05:32 pm »

I'm finishing up the planning for a ride back to MI using Route 66.  ... I'm thinking about 2 months to get back home to Grand Rapids.  ... Taking some of the weight off the bike by using a trailer looks to have some advantages but I'd appreciate any advice that might be given...

I also have both a trailer and panniers. Agree with all said, but will point out the physics - My Bob weighs about 14 pounds. Even my long trips have gone ultra-lightweight if I have real hills to climb - I don't even own large panniers. Yes, you might set a personal downhill best speed with the extra weight of the trailer, but you'll pay for it on the way back up the next hill.

That said, for leisurely flatland camping, a trailer with up to 70 pounds of payload can't be beat. If you're starting in Texas, you've left most of the climbing to the west. If you go for the trailer, simply make sure you are geared for the Joplin Missouri area.

And have fun.

198

GPS & Digital Data Discussion / Re: Dept. of Homeland Security: Your old GPS might not work after 6 April 2019

« on: December 25, 2019, 09:58:10 pm »

They will work just fine, only the ability to get UTC time is possibly impacted.

Exactly right. A bunch of us with old Garmins sold with software and technical support as BMW motorcycle NAV Vs had a temporary reversion to year -00 until the most recent firmware upgrade.

199

Gear Talk / Re: Waterbottles: alternatives to plastic and frame mounts

« on: December 25, 2019, 09:48:18 pm »

I'm looking for advice on mounting metal waterbottles to a bike.  My aunt is starting to bike longer distances and won't use plastic waterbottles, so I'm looking for a good solution to mount something like a hydroflask to her frame. ....  I'm looking for a frame-mounted solution, or something else that would allow her to carry water on the bike itself, rather than on her person.

All depends on how much she wants to carry and how tight she is for frame and handlebar space.

For what it's worth, I often carry an MSR 6 liter bag on my rack when running drier areas, and use it to fill more accessible bottles or flasks such as a PDW cup holder as seen in the attachement.

200

Routes / Re: Great Divide Route question

« on: December 06, 2019, 02:58:21 am »

Not clear why you'd want to return to the start.
Train into Banff.
Amtrak gets you a reasonable riding distance from Antelope Wells - though you can find some shuttle options on the internet, as noted.

201

Gear Talk / Re: Solo bikepacking, securing your bike

« on: November 24, 2019, 03:37:01 pm »

Ever since Matthew Lee had his racing bike nicked while racing the Great Divide route (thankfully with GPS unit still attached)...

.
Wow, never knew he had his bike stolen but given the increased popularity of the race and the GDMBR in general, some smart asses would probably keep an eye out for a quick grab.

Part of the folklore and featured in the 2010 video Ride the Divide - During the 2008 race, Matt had his bike stolen I believe from a McDonalds by someone who saw an opportunity, but probably couldn't handle the pedals and the loaded, 3 legged rig (featuring a Cannondale single fork up-front). Thanks to his race GPS, it was found by police abandoned beside the road a short distance away.

(And FWIW, I'll add that Abus makes similar locks to the Kryptonite above.)

202

Gear Talk / Re: I Blame Adventure Cycling :)

« on: November 23, 2019, 12:46:21 pm »

...I have looked at everything from the Surly LHT to the DT to the MnS; the Salsa Marrakesh (rear rack only included? can get with Brooks saddle) and the Cutthroat. I have looked at the All-City Gorilla Monsoon (I read through the build-up at Adventure Cycling and Logan Watts' build over at bikepacking.com) and the G-Road; the Kona Sutra (racks included and Brooks saddle), the Specialized AWOL, and the Trek 520 (racks included). I am pretty sure I don't want a carbon bike and, unless it has suspension or bigger tires, I don't want an aluminum bike. I mention the Brooks saddle included on a couple of those bikes because it seems to be the holy grail of saddles - I do not know....

Oh, one other thing, we're both in our 50s and would like to eventually tour in Europe after we retire in a few years. No experience... Never been. We both like the idea of doing that. ...

You're in an enviable position - ready to invest. You'll find plenty of advice from those of use who own enough old stuff and have to viacriously enjoy new purchases. Thanks for sharing, and we'll need the follow-up.

I'm currently running one bike - an old Monkey (Surly Karate Monkey) fitted with 3 sets of wheels, that commutes single speed and tours on- and off-road with a 14-speed Rohloff internal hub, (I will never go back to external gearing), disk brakes, Tubus rear rack with smaller panniers, a full or partial Revelate triangle bag, and an Arkel handelebar bag or old Revelate roll up front. I have a set of Rock Shox for the more serious mountain trails.... So loaded up, am I bikepacking or touring? I reiterate the opinion, there is no reason to choose between these over-defined terms. (A quote from Nicholas Carman - As I often say, “it’s not a touring bike until it’s on tour”. Likewise, I assert, you're not bikepacking until you're camping and riding your backpacking equipment on your bike through the wilderness.)

Looking as far forward as an old guy in his mid-60s can, I would add compatibility of the frame to a Gates belt drive to my future wish list. I hate chain maintenance in the mountains and even some Harley Davidson's and BMWs are belt-driven.

Here's a photo of the rear triangle taken by Nicholas Carman and featured on his review of GDMR mountain bikes https://gypsybytrade.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/real-touring-bikes-canadian-rockies/

203

Gear Talk / Re: Solo bikepacking, securing your bike

« on: November 23, 2019, 11:56:14 am »

When bikepacking and traveling light, one can't carry a 5lbs New York chain so how do you do deal with this problem?

Ever since Matthew Lee had his racing bike nicked while racing the Great Divide route (thankfully with GPS unit still attached), I've carried a small cable lock for use in the cities and camp sites. I have a couple of super lightweight versions of different lengths. Here's one sold by Adventure Cycling.
https://www.adventurecycling.org/cyclosource-store/equipment/sp/kryptonite-r-2-retractable-combo-cable-lock/