Messages

1

Classifieds / Ellsworth Aeon Isis mountain bike (for GDMBR) size 17” med

« on: March 15, 2010, 02:43:06 am »

Years ago I searched for the most robust dual suspension bike I could find to take on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. I decided on the Aeon Isis, because it's rear stays are massively strong. It is also a single pivot design which is simpler and considered more robust than the 4 bar linkage designs. Check out Adventure Cycling's Bike recommendations here
http://www.adventurecycling.org/features/bikeforthedivide.cfm

Sram Attack 9 sp twist shifters (simpler than thumb shifters)
Avid SD 2.0 brake levers
XT rear derailleur
LX front derailleur
LX Vbrakes
Shimano Deore 175 length Triple Mtn crankset 44,33,22
Rock Shox Ruby fork
Rock Shox Float R rear shock
Velocity Aerohead Rims
LX front and rear hubs, 12-34 cassette
Maxxis Knobby 26x1.95 tires

The bike is in near new condition and has less than 100 miles. It has a few tiny scratches, but you have to look hard to find them. The only noticeable one is in the Aeon label on the right side.

The reviews on this bike are near 5 stars. Here are some:
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/bike-full/aeon/isis/PRD_349872_95crx.aspx

The Ruby fork is a coil and elastomer design for simplicity and reliability in mind. It wasn't an expensive model with oil or air dampening, but it works well and you don't have to worry about a leak.

Partner this bike with a Bob Trailer or Extra Wheel trailer, and you have a very comfortable and robust rig for the miles of washboard and bumpy trails.

Shortly after buying the bike, I was unfortunately in a car accident and had back surgery. After many years of rehab, I've recovered somewhat, but I'm afraid I won't be healthy enough to ride the route as intended. So it's time to let the bike go.

I believe that VBrakes are more reliable for touring, because a rotor can be bent and render a disc brake unusable. However, the frame and fork have disk brake tabs if you want to upgrade later or replace them.

I'm 5'10, 32” inseam, and the bike fits. I think the size is ideally suited for someone 5'5 to 5'10. The effective top tube is 59 cm.

Please note that the saddle is not included in the offer.

Please pm me if you're interested. Asking $500. Thanks for looking.
Rick

2

Gear Talk / Re: 2009 Bike Friday New World Tourist vs Dahon Speed TR

« on: December 20, 2009, 02:16:24 am »

I have both, We'll almost, I have a Speed P8, which is the same frame as the TR, but without the Dual Drive. Hands down I like the NWT waaay more. Much more fun to ride. The Dahon is flexy and creeky, feels like it's going to fall apart any minute. The NWT on the other hand is solid and well built.

3

Gear Talk / Re: Gunnar Rock Tour Owners Input

« on: December 20, 2009, 02:10:21 am »

I am looking to buy a mountain bike for touring with panniers. Does anyone have any experience riding the Gunnar Rock Tour mountain bike?

Yes I ride one. Great choice if you want a mountain bike that can also take panniers and go touring. Very solid with a load, yet still nimble. I have a 19" that I might be selling if you're interested because it doesn't fit me quite right and I'd like to order a custom geo frame. pm me if interested.

4

Connecting ACA Routes / Grand Canyon Connector Bike Route

« on: September 23, 2007, 01:47:29 am »

Hi Vicky,
We rode this route last May, and we liked it. However, I preferred the Western Express route from Cedar City to the Capitol Reef National Park (along the Highway 12 in Utah). Please check out my travel journal for more info:
www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/2391

5

Gear Talk / Thorn Nomad or eXp?

« on: May 06, 2005, 06:33:25 am »

Snowdoniafan,

I have a Nomad and i think it's plenty strong enough to carry heavy loads on long tours over rough terrain. I'm not up to date on the differences with the eXp, but i can't think of anything the Nomad would need to warrant the much higher price tag.

6

Gear Talk / Softride touring bike?

« on: March 13, 2005, 05:24:03 am »

Yeah they had a touring bike called the Sully, and i'm curious if it didn't sell because of poor marketing, poor performance, or it was too radical an idea at the time for the touring crowd. or perhaps all of the above.
a rep at softride told me they discontinued mtbs because there were 'issues' with the beam that dual suspension bikes didn't have.  But the problem didn't exist on their road bikes, so thats all they sell now. He then reacted like he made a mistake mentioning it and wouldn't go into it further.
I'm guessing that the issue has to do with beam instability from lateral forces (side to side). But i don't plan on touring much on singletrack, just going straight on paved and dirt roads. so perhaps it would work? And after minor back surgery, plush would really be nice.
I found a cheap beam mtb frame on ebay. so i'm going to load up some panniers and again with the bob to test the concept. i'll post the results later.
here's a pic of a softride touring bike http://www.classicrendezvous.com/USA/hollands_softride.htm

btw, a lot of people ride dual suspension on the Gr8 Divide and have linkage problems. Maybe this type of bike might solve their problems because it has a fixed rear triangle.

7

Gear Talk / Softride touring bike?

« on: March 08, 2005, 04:07:17 am »

Would a custom touring bike with a softride beam make sense? My theory is that the ride would be smooth, but would the rider's upper body have to work harder to balance the load since the rider's body mass isn't firmly attached to the frame? (assuming beam durability not a factor)
Anyone try this setup or have a counter theory? Thanks in advance.

8

Gear Talk / Great Divide with full suspension?

« on: April 15, 2004, 06:40:17 am »

I'm planning to ride the Great Divide, and im having a hard time deciding between a full suspension MTB (Aeon Isis w/ Bob trailer), or an expedition tourer (Thorn Nomad w/ panniers and suspension seatpost.)  Here are some personal criteria...
1.I prefer the feel of panniers over the Bob
2.I've had lower back problems in the past and i'd really prefer the comfort of full suspension. I read about the washboard.
3.However, I often wonder if full suspension is wise because it's one more thing that could break down.

I've read the book "Cycling the Great Divide", but i'm looking for more opinions. Thanks in advance.

9

General Discussion / Bike Friday Touring Bikes????

« on: September 24, 2006, 03:36:34 pm »

No problems at the airport, the bike was treated like any ordinary suitcase. The BF comes with a video which shows exactly how to pack and unpack, and they provide about 8 different felt bags that are sized just right to hold the pedals, stem, seatpost, trailer poles, handlebar ends ... So the components don't rattle or  scratch the frame when you move or turn the suitcase on it's side.
Like most BFers, on the plane I used a large duffel to hold my panniers, clothes and gear. Then when you land, the bike comes out of the suitcase, and in goes the duffel rolled up and any gear that didn't fit in the front panniers. For this trip i didn't need rear panniers.

10

General Discussion / Bike Friday Touring Bikes????

« on: September 24, 2006, 02:45:20 am »

Peter,
I recently rode a New World Tourist on a 500 mile tour in Sweden. I was totally impressed how well it rides, and the trailer works great, i frequently forgot the trailer was back there. But i thought the ride was too harsh when i hit cobblestones, gravel, or chewed up pavement. I have since ordered a Softride stem, a NitroPro suspension seatpost, and a Pantour front suspension hub. And i'll be more disciplined about letting air out of the tires for rough conditions. I hope that smoothens things out.
I was also tempted to get an Airnimal Joey, it seems like a great bike and the 24" wheels seem like the ideal compromise for a folder, but I think it would be too hard to find wheel and tire replacements if you had a problems on a tour. Perhaps in 10 years the wheel will become popular.