Topics

1

General Discussion / airline initial journey with 4 racks and panniers - how is this done?

« on: June 24, 2009, 12:47:59 pm »

Consider this a "newbie" question.

I have a bicycle that will fit in an airline size suitcase, and I know I can cram my shoes and a certain amount of clothing around it.  But I am baffled now about how people carry their racks, fenders, and 4 panniers (presumably filled with tent, bag, and remainder of clothing and tools) to get to the destination of choice (for a long self-supported tour).

Please offer some advice on this.

Also spent considerable amount of time searching for insurance (mostly for the bike)... no longer a homeowner, so how is this possible?

Thanks!

2

Routes / Montreal connection to Massena NY ? (Seaway Trail)

« on: April 26, 2005, 02:03:25 pm »

I am looking for a route from Montreal to Massena NY where we can connect with the New York State Seaway Trail along the St Lawrence and Lake Ontario as far south as Oswego. From there we would need to hop to Syracuse for flight home.
The American Byways website has info for New York's Seaway Trail but that route ends at Massena.  http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2200/travel.html  

Any suggestions on the connection from Montreal?
We've tried to find info on traveling southwest on the north side of the St Lawrence to Cornwall, and crossing the border; not having much luck with bike maps for that section.

Has anyone bike the Seaway Trail along this portion?

Suggestions on the Oswego/Syracuse leg?

Are there any good sources for maps that will show more info on gradient of these roads?

The Route Verte is available in French language version - it is "Sold Out" in the English version.

3

General Discussion / Pannier comparisons?

« on: April 06, 2005, 07:47:09 pm »

Shopping for panniers, I have narrowed down to the Ortlieb Bike Packer Plus/Front Roller Plus (single hole top load drybag) with the Arkel GT54/GT34 (waterproof main compartment, side loading, all the bells and whistles). These new Arkels have a waterproof lining built-in to the main compartment; it uses the same waterproof zipper that Ortlieb uses on the bike tourer products.
I have no experience w/ any panniers.
Does anyone have experience w/ the Arkels?
Is it true that unless you use a totally waterproof bag, your stuff will all get wet?
Weight is an issue - I like to travel light - but on self-supported cross-country touring, need space for camping and minimal cooking gear.
The other concern I have is in fetching the panniers in exchanges at airports, trains, etc. Arkels are quite a bit heavier.

All suggestions appreciated.

4

General Discussion / checklist for bike purchase

« on: November 02, 2004, 08:32:40 pm »

Questions for tour-savvy people:
I have never been on a "tour" longer than 2 days, but touring self-supported across the country is my dream. In replacing my 30yr old racer, I am going to splurge on a touring bike, but it will be my only bike and I like to ride a lot during the week (35-50 miles typical day out), and I cruise - here on the sandbars of Florida - on my 32pound 10spd at 16-20mph.

That said, I'm torn between 2 choices (and 2 companies):
Independent Fabrication's "Independence" vs. "Club Racer" .... OR
CoMotion's "Americano" vs. "Norwester".

How much weight should I count on needing to carry in order to go across country self-supported? Could a Club Racer or Norwester take me on a cross-country tour?

Having no direct experience makes it so hard!
Please help!