Messages

16

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/

17

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

18

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.

19

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.

20

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

21

General Discussion / Re: AAA for bikes

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

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

22

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.

23

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.

24

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.

25

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.

26

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.

27

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.

28

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."

29

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.

30

Gear Talk / Re: Is a tiagra triple the right choice? Are there other options?

« on: December 28, 2021, 03:17:00 pm »

you bet. Sugino has made triple cranksets for eons. Combine it with IRD shifters.