Messages

1

General Discussion / Waterford/Gunnar Closes

« on: May 31, 2023, 12:24:35 pm »

Extremely sad news that Richard Schwinn has decided to retire and close Waterford and Gunnar. Good thing I got mine when I did. I've visited the factory a couple of times and Richard was always gracious and loved having visitors.
https://bikepacking.com/news/waterford-gunnar-closing/

2

Gear Talk / Re: Shimano CUES

« on: March 11, 2023, 04:49:51 pm »

Well,  not everyone thinks this is great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qak_LsDbxq8

3

Classifieds / Hand Cycle for sale

« on: December 04, 2022, 02:35:56 pm »

Intrepid hand cycle ( they are no longer in business). Performance model. Triple crank by Shimano, brakes (rim and disc) by Tektro. , Rear wheels are Sun hubs and rims, 28 spokes, 700x25 tires. Front wheel appears to be composite of some kind. I used it after foot surgery, the "model" in the photograph also used it after foot surgery. Very adjustable for heights of 5'5" to over 6'. I'm 6'1" and it fit me well. see more photos at https://madison.craigslist.org/bik/d/madison-hand-cycle/7562441701.html
Shipping cost TBD from Madison, WI but done professionally. $750 plus shipping

4

Classifieds / Re: Wanted - old northern tour hwy 2 routing maps

« on: December 01, 2022, 05:27:31 pm »

I have them if you still want them.  I don't know how to do this just between you and me so please advise.

5

Gear Talk / Re: tubes or tubeless for a cross-country ride??

« on: November 10, 2022, 12:39:42 pm »

If ride quality isn't a primary factor for you then by all means go with tubes in a Gatorskin type tire. If you hate the harsh ride of those tires like I do then the choice is a little more nuanced. Tire manufacturers are making the tires ever so slightly smaller to accommodate the needs of tubeless set-ups. My arthritic hands simply couldn't mount these newer smaller tires when they were brand new. I went to tubeless because if used properly, and that is a big if, they should reduce the frequency of minor flats.

6

General Discussion / Re: Weight training and cycling

« on: September 26, 2022, 09:29:34 am »

I highly recommend Fred Matheny's book on training. For weight work see chapter 23 https://www.roadbikerider.com/register/fred-mathenys-complete-book-road-bike-training/.
Used paperback copies can be found

7

General Discussion / Re: AAA for bikes

« on: September 21, 2022, 07:57:14 pm »

There's also Better World Club https://www.betterworldclub.net/

8

General Discussion / Re: Shifting gears: I have 27 and use 4

« on: September 21, 2022, 07:55:33 pm »

There's no right answer to this question of course. Gearing is as personal as shorts and the holy grail, saddles (or chain lube). I have different gearing on all five of my bikes. A couple are intentional (touring v. commuting or nightly rides when not not touring) and a couple are just whatever gearing components I had lying around. They all work but I have to adjust for a few shifts each time I switch bikes. No big deal. If you like it, it is the right gearing for you.

9

Gear Talk / Re: Chair

« on: August 10, 2022, 06:08:45 pm »

I use a chair that uses my Thermarest  https://www.thermarest.com/products/seats/trekker-chair/trekker-chair.html. It's very comfortable and moves into the tent easily.
At 10 oz very light.

10

Gear Talk / Re: Pre-Built wheel with dynamo for Trek 520

« on: June 08, 2022, 05:20:02 pm »

Agree with always starting with your LBS. A quick glance at Ebay found a few wheels for sale.

11

Gear Talk / Re: Trek Domane AL5 Suitable for Touring

« on: May 03, 2022, 08:48:38 pm »

While waiting for the new frame why not have the venerable 520 frame repaired? It's one of the advantages of steel frames. A shop such as Yellow Jersey http://www.yellowjersey.org/service.html can do it. Don't be put off by Andy Muzi's weird website. He is a genius.

12

General Discussion / Re: Average Weight Loss/Gain on Cross Country Tour

« on: April 08, 2022, 07:26:50 pm »

I gain weight on a  one or two week tour-we eat well-but lose on a 6 week tour.

13

Gear Talk / Re: Tubeless versus Tubes - how well do tubeless hold air?

« on: March 10, 2022, 06:11:21 pm »

Yes, tubeless tires lose air faster. A small price to pay for the benefits.

14

General Discussion / Re: Is it a good option for beginners to choose a bike computer from Magene?

« on: January 24, 2022, 02:08:06 pm »

I may be biased because Planet Bike is headquartered in my hometown of Madison, WI but this is also in their mission statement:
"we pledge time, resources and profits to organizations working for sustainable transportation solutions."

15

Gear Talk / Re: Breaking in Brooks B17 Imperial

« on: January 07, 2022, 02:45:05 pm »

Here's yet another view. I like mine right out of the box without a break-in period. That's for the  B17. Th Pro is a different animal entirely.