Messages

421

Gear Talk / Shimano sandals

« on: July 01, 2006, 11:17:39 pm »

Back to the shop! Not all cleats are interchangeable with all pedals. I have two bikes with different pedal makes and had to find the cleat that would work with both pedals and my shoes and sandals. The Shimano SM-SH 51 cleat works with both my Wellgo and Shimano pedals. But since you have the same cleat on your shoes try some chain lube on the cleat. Other than that I'm stumped.

422

Gear Talk / TIRE TALK

« on: July 01, 2006, 11:10:42 pm »

As you can see everyone has their favorite tire and it may be someone elses least favorite. Same with the size depending on the type of terrain. I find 32s fine for touring that is mostly paved. Some folks feel more secure with the ride that wider tires give. I have toured with a trailer and 25's when the terrain is 100% paved, but would use 32 or 38 for long fast mountain downhills when pulling a load or if the terrain is rough or not paved. All of the tires mentioned are the tops for touring. One caution though: the max inflation on the tire is just that, the max and not the ideal. 100 psi and above makes the tire hard and less comfortable but more importantly makes the tire less as supple for handling on those long descents.

423

Gear Talk / Questions about handlebars and trailers

« on: May 23, 2006, 12:08:31 am »

If you look around in the forum you will find MUCH written on the trailer v. panniers issue. It is very much a personal matter (unless the bike is not sufficiently stout enough for loaded panniers, like carbon fiber frames which pull a trailer adequately). Whether there is proof or not I opted for the trailer because I think pulling is less hard on the bike than being loading down with the weight of panniers.  I love my BOB but wish I had panniers just because they look more like bike touring should look. Handling is also a personal matter. My fastest mph on a bike (in the Rocky Mountains) is actually with the BOB not without it. I didn't even notice it behind me. With the great dry bag from BOB it is probably more waterproof than panniers. Everyone has their priorities; mine may not be yours. Having fun on the bike is the only constant!

424

Gear Talk / Another yes no question

« on: May 14, 2006, 11:47:51 pm »

no need

425

Gear Talk / Which tires for touring?

« on: May 23, 2006, 12:14:46 am »

700/25 is a great compromise. A little more secure than 23's and not sluggish like 32's. When I pull the BOB I put on the 32's, otherwise it is 25 on the same rim. Check with your bike shop regarding compatibility of tires on your rims.  Despite being a touring bike the tire makes a big difference in how it feels.

426

Gear Talk / Different types of steel frames

« on: April 07, 2006, 11:40:17 pm »

I can't answer it definitively but my understanding is that 853 is not only lighter but stronger than the venerable 531. You can't go wrong with either. I love the ride of my Waterford RST with 853 and took it on the Northern Tier without problems. There are many good reasons to get a custom frame from these great makers. For me a 54 yr old tall, not-as-flexible-as-I- used-to-be male, getting the custom fit, made just for my needs, was one of the most important reasons for not buying an off the rack bike.

427

Gear Talk / Kick stands

« on: March 14, 2006, 11:05:45 pm »

The BOB is a great kickstand itself.

428

Gear Talk / Comfort Gear

« on: March 29, 2008, 02:00:40 am »

I pity anyone using the original trailer, the Bugger. What a poor design, but glad I had one. At the time it was the only trailer out there.  See one when you use Google Images: Cannondale Bugger.

429

Gear Talk / Comfort Gear

« on: January 23, 2006, 12:20:10 am »

When I was younger I slept on 1/4" of something called "blue foam." Now that I'm 53 the thick Thermorest and chair option is not longer a luxury and well worth the bit of extra weight. So is the 16 year old single malt Scotch.

430

Gear Talk / Fenders

« on: March 14, 2006, 11:03:47 pm »

Full fenders don't affect BOBs and make it nicer for anyone following behind you.

431

Gear Talk / trailer and rear pannier?

« on: January 14, 2006, 07:41:53 pm »

I tour with a BOB and a rear rack with a trunk on it with no problems. The key is starting with good wheels. The trunk allows me to keep stuff handy that would be hard to get to in the BOB bag.

432

Gear Talk / Chain rings

« on: January 01, 2006, 12:23:29 am »

I agree with Russell. I use the Third Eye with a 24 and STI shifters when touring loaded (otherwise I have on the 30). Be sure to ride with it loaded on hills before you leave for a long tour because there is a best position for the device that you must find. I got a chain stuck under it before I got it adjusted properly. Also, practice shifting on the hills, shifting early, before it is a must shift down NOW. That will help aim the chain to the little chainring.

433

Gear Talk / Fenders

« on: November 08, 2005, 12:21:00 am »

Fenders make it much nicer for the person riding behind you! Rivendell is a good source of fenders and he (Grant Peterson) will even show you how to install them on bikes without eyelets http://www.rivendellbicycles.com/.

434

Gear Talk / Atlantis, Mercian or Bob Jackson

« on: September 09, 2005, 12:28:11 am »

They're all great bikes. In this price range you should also consider the Waterford Adventure Cycle (http://www.waterfordbikes.com) from the folks that used to make frames for Rivendell (who makes the Atlantis)  and the Schwinn Paramount. I love my Waterford RST-22.

435

Gear Talk / BOB skewers--do they break?

« on: April 23, 2005, 04:35:08 am »

I've lost a couple of the cotter pins that hold the trailer to the skewer. One problem is the rubber strap wasn't very strong initially but is stronger on newer models. Take extra pins! Old spokes work great as replacement cotter pins.