Messages

436

Gear Talk / Place to buy new softer seats?

« on: March 15, 2005, 05:56:53 pm »

I don't know specifically about backs, but soft saddles can actually cause problems. Do lots of reading before rushing off for something cushy. Check out Adventure Cyclist contributing writer Sheldon Brown's thoughts on the matter at http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html and http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html. (While some models of leather saddles are hard to break in not all are, such as the Brooks B-17) I advocate a professional bike fit for everyone, but especially anyone with physical problems. Good luck!

This message was edited by driftlessregion on 3-15-05 @ 3:11 PM

437

Gear Talk / Touring shoe recommendations

« on: March 15, 2005, 06:05:29 pm »

Opinions about shoes are very personal. I've had hot foot in my touring Diadoras but not the Shimano sandal. Go figure. I love the sandal and after finishing with the mountains on the Northern Tier mailed home the Diadoras and rode 1500 miles with only the sandals. In fact I wore them off the bike 100% of the time too after mailing home the Tevas. I'm going to buy the Lake MX220 this spring.

438

Gear Talk / Just Tents

« on: April 26, 2005, 03:12:38 am »

I share your concern about length since I'm 6'2"+ also. I went to REI and climbed in a bunch of tents to see what I could tolerate. I suspect that once you decide on a length that any of the major brands: REI, North Face (which is what I bought), SD, etc. will work fine. Get something with a vestibule! Great place for wet shoes etc.

439

Gear Talk / Waterproof Cover (Bob Trailer)

« on: August 26, 2004, 03:28:50 am »

I felt the same way in my first trip with the BOB last year. I solved it this year by adding a handlebar bag and a rear rack trunk. The trunk carried all the rain and/or warm clothes, tools, first aid kit, while the handlebar bag had lots of room for food, camera etc.

440

Gear Talk / Question on pedals and cleats.

« on: August 11, 2004, 11:49:58 pm »

I used Diadora SPD shoes for 1000 miles through the mountains in June with no problems. I then mailed them and my Teva sandals home and used my Shimano SPD sandals as my only footwear for the next 1300 miles and was more comfortable on and off the bike.

441

Gear Talk / Replacing my 25 yr old derailleur, any suggestions

« on: May 13, 2004, 04:00:50 am »

Assuming that you aren't a small person and need narrow bars, yes, generally wider bars are more comfortable and give the steering a feel of more stability.

442

Gear Talk / Good non essential items

« on: May 10, 2004, 02:08:47 am »

Ditto the camp chair for the long Thermarest pad. A few oz. of 16 yr old Scotch.

443

Gear Talk / Saddle Advice

« on: April 01, 2004, 01:37:06 am »

It can't be emphasized enough that choosing a saddle is a very personal matter. I ride 2 leather saddles and the clone to the Terry Fly made by Terry's Italian maker. I bought it because I was having numbness but is a somewhat hard saddle. I ride a Brooks B-17 from Rivendell which I loved within the first 5 miles. I also have a 30 year old Brooks Pro that I hated the first year but may be on my bike this summer for a 5 week tour. The Pro starts out hard but all Brooks saddles mold to your anatomy. I have had no numbness with any of these three saddles.

444

Gear Talk / BOB tire

« on: October 31, 2004, 10:03:45 pm »

I bought the Comet at a local bike shop (for much less than the Hostel Shoppe) before the tour. It developed serious cuts and had to be replaced in Minot. Who knew?

445

Gear Talk / BOB tire

« on: March 22, 2004, 08:06:12 pm »

Thanks. I will check it out. Hostel Shoppe is right up the road from me. I've heard very good things about the store in general.

446

Gear Talk / BOB tire

« on: March 01, 2004, 03:41:06 am »

I've heard that the original tire on the BOB Yak wears quickly.  I'm thinking of putting a better tire on before my 2500 mile tour this summer. I have 500 miles on it now. I'm interested in your experience.

447

Gear Talk / STI and handlebar bags

« on: April 10, 2004, 12:50:17 am »

I answer my own question: I just put on the noodles and have about 150 miles on with them. They work great, my large Vaude bag fits fine, and I think the noodle adds a sleek silver look to the system. I'm very happy with them.

448

Gear Talk / STI and handlebar bags

« on: January 09, 2004, 02:46:15 am »

Would a squirt of Tri-Flow periodically on a wet tour prevent the problems you mention?

449

Gear Talk / STI and handlebar bags

« on: November 26, 2003, 10:09:51 pm »

Glad to hear that the predicted unreliability of STI may not be as bad as I thought. I have 105's and love them but don't mind swapping bar-ends for my Northern Tier trek next summer if necessary. I've had them on for 2000 miles now and wonder if they will break in the middle of ND. Anyone else?

450

Gear Talk / STI and handlebar bags

« on: November 25, 2003, 02:44:24 am »

Tonight I saw on the Arkel Panniers site about using either Avid Rollamajig or V-brake "noodle" to allow large handlebar bags wtih STI levers. Installed where the shifter cable exits the lever it directs the cable down without harming it. Does anyone have any experience with this system?

Does anyone have opinions about the reliability of STI on a long tour?