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Messages - twalls

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1
Classifieds / FS Montbell sleeping bag; Big Agnes pad
« on: March 27, 2015, 10:26:55 pm »
Montbell UltraLight Super Spiral Down Hugger #3 Long Right Zipper. Used maybe 25 or 30 nights, laundered in front-loading machine with Nikwax following Western Mountaineering instructions.  $125 + shipping.

Big Agnes Insulated AirCore sleeping pad.  20x78x2.5, mummy.  Used only briefly.  $40 + shipping

Payment by money order, cashiers or certified check

Contact Tim Walls, padretw@aol.com for more details, and a picture, if you'd like.  Thanks

2
Gear Talk / Re: Rohloff Hubs
« on: December 16, 2014, 09:38:28 pm »
For a less positive view see Bicycle Quarterly, vol 11, No 4. (Summer 2013).

3
Gear Talk / Re: payment for gear
« on: February 09, 2014, 05:06:37 pm »
Thank you for your replies. I feel a lot more confident now.
I am not sure yet about the exact items I will sell yet, but I will post a list soon
Tim

4
Gear Talk / payment for gear
« on: February 05, 2014, 04:27:43 pm »
I have some camping and touring stuff I would like to sell.  What is your experience with payment methods? I have sold a few things in the past, trusted the honesty of the esteemed members of this group, and never been burned. I looked a bit at the suggested method by ACA, (an intermediate holder), but it seems pretty expensive.  So what do you recommend? Thanks, Tim

5
Gear Talk / Re: Full coverage helmets
« on: February 05, 2014, 04:12:24 pm »
Thanks for your replies.  I got a Bern Brentwood and it's working out pretty well. It is  snug, especially with a light stocking cap or a buff as a first layer.  There seems to be enough ventilation, but we'll see how it feels in the summer. As far as the "dork" factor goes, form should follow function, yes?  Tim

6
Gear Talk / Full coverage helmets
« on: December 24, 2013, 03:53:17 pm »
I'm due for a new helmet. I have about 5 years on my Giro. I think I'd like to try one of the full- coverage types from companies like Bern or TSG.  What's your experience?  Ventilation? Fit? Headlamp attachment? Thanks, Tim

7
Gear Talk / Re: Surly Troll
« on: November 30, 2012, 10:19:53 am »
I do have a rear fender on, and it was no problem to remove the wheel. Here in NW Wa fenders are not optional.  I've only taken the wheel off once; I can't remember if I had to loosen the fender struts to get the wheel through, but it was not a big deal.
I wish Surly had put a kickstand plate on so I could put a double-legged stand on. It would make tire-removal easier.

8
Gear Talk / Re: Surly Troll
« on: November 29, 2012, 03:49:07 pm »
I have a Troll, which I bought in early 2012.  I changed the tires to 1.5" Specialized Nimbus, and had the wheels upgraded to 36 spokes.  This last was probably overkill, but I won't have any problems with breaking spokes.  I also had the handlebars changed to a mtn bike style riser bar because the ones coming standard didn't strike me as too comfortable. 

It's a good all-rounder, seems to carry a load well.

The only consistent problem I have with it is that my left heel will occasionally hit the adjuster wheel on the rear brake, and tighten it,  so I have to stop and give the wheel 2 or 3 clicks counter-clockwise to loosen it. 

I was a little worried about getting the rear wheel off while fixing a flat, but a LBS guy told me to put the chain in big front, little rear, and that made it real easy. 

Hope this helps.

9
Gear Talk / Re: Chain Maintenance on Tour
« on: October 31, 2012, 04:14:02 pm »
You might try Chain L.  No connection to me.  Pretty sticky stuff, everything has to be wiped well, and even then the OUTSIDE of the chain will attract a fair amount of crud.  But, based on the 'smooth-running, no-squeak' performance I've had, the INSIDE-- the pins-- are staying lubed. And that's where the wear happens.

( Here in the NW appearance means nothing--everyone knows that)

10
Gear Talk / Re: Surley Troll
« on: August 03, 2012, 12:10:48 pm »
Actually, I used clipless pedals on most of the bikes I've had in the past. With flat pedals I get a lot less foot numbness, because I can move my feet around. Same logic as with hands and butt.  And I don't have to use special shoes.  As far as efficiency in pedaling, opinions vary.   I will learn in time to keep my feet forward.

11
Gear Talk / Re: Surley Troll
« on: August 02, 2012, 03:34:04 pm »
I've spent several months with my Troll now.  Good all-rounder, with only one small glitch: my left heel (I don't use foot restraint) occasionally hits the outside adjusting wheel of the disc brake, and auto-adjusts it more closed. Surprising and annoying to suddenly have the rear brake start to hang up.  No, my feet are not gigantic.  Size 11. Otherwise great bike, great stopping brakes.

12
General Discussion / Re: Near miss with truck on Trans-Am
« on: July 08, 2012, 07:17:00 pm »
I think a lot of close angry encounters result from the last second sighting of a cyclist by a vehicle. So, flashing rear lights, a flashing front light and flags seen from a long distance help with avoiding the near disaster. I have flags front and rear pointing out to the road side to give drivers a gauge of how much space to give me. I usually don't wear bright colors myself because there is a tendency to turn into what a driver is looking at, so the flags give them a "target" that isn't me. Make sense?  It seems to have worked well for me. Using a mirror of course.

I have found most everyone across the country to be very considerate using the above method. Excepting the occasional knuckle-dragger, to be sure.

13
Gear Talk / Re: Touring Bikes Under Consideration
« on: May 18, 2012, 12:29:56 pm »
Your hybrid with good racks, and low gears would prob be just fine  I rode the Trans Am in 2010 with people who had all kinds of bikes,and  most made it across in fine shape.  Those who didn't had some physical issues, or were so put off by the weather, and bugs that they weren't having enough fun.  But the bikes they used were not the main problem.  One English woman we rode with was on an old junker she had ridden for thousands of miles.

Those things said, however, I prefer a bike that will take fenders and wide tough tires with lots of clearance.  A Kona Sutra, for example, would not fit this criteria.

I just acquired a Surly Troll.  It has upright bars, 26" wheels with lots of room for fenders, low gears and disc brakes.  So far, so gut.  Going on a little noodle up into the San Juan Islands in a few days on it's maiden voyage.  Timo

14
Gear Talk / Re: Surley Troll
« on: March 07, 2012, 07:51:21 pm »
Took my first ride on the Troll today.  Went swimmingly.   The bike is set up w/ 26 x 1.75 Marathons, and wide fenders (Planet Bike,Cascadia).  The bars are a slight-rise pretty straight mtn bike bar, with Ergo grips.  Glad that Surly chose to paint it BRIGHT ORANGE, and with the black fenders, seat, and front rack, fairly yells Oregon State, home of the fighting Beavs (I know it's hard to picture).  The only glitch was Old Tool Time Tim partially stripping the threads of the right crank by improper threading in of the pedal.  But, I think the bike will more than meet my needs.

15
Gear Talk / Re: thunder jug
« on: February 26, 2012, 11:25:54 am »
Foldable because after emptying and cleaning in the AM, it is easily compactable.  Stores away easily. No big lump taking up a lot of space. 

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