Messages

316

Gear Talk / Re: Trek 520 vs Cannondale T1 or T2

« on: January 28, 2012, 12:39:44 pm »

"Handling and ride are subjective experiences.  The better bike is the one you're most comfortable on.  Even if people who've ridden both offer opinions, that reflects how the bikes feel to them, not you."

This would mean that all the opinions of handling and ride in all the reviews of bikes have no value. I take a more open view; hence my inquiry.

317

Gear Talk / Trek 520 vs Cannondale T1 or T2

« on: January 27, 2012, 02:05:11 pm »

Interested in feedback from anyone who has touring experience with recent models of both, to compare. Not interested in components, advantages of repairing steel over aluminum, choices in other brands, etc. Just these two, differences in handling and ride. (Yes, I know Cannondale has discontinued touring models for now.) Thanks.

318

Gear Talk / Re: Rain Gear (yet again...)

« on: January 26, 2012, 04:47:31 pm »

In tests of waterproof shells last spring in Climbing Magazine, Sierra Designs Jive came in first for durability.

319

Gear Talk / Re: Novara Randonee

« on: January 18, 2012, 12:49:17 pm »

The 2012 Randonee has SRAM bar end shifters. While I prefer bar end shifters for touring, there is question if the SRAM are equal to the Dura Ace bar end shifters usually speced for bar end sifters on touring bikes.

While the Randonee may be a good choice for your needs, randonneuring bikes are usually configured for credit card touring, brifters, lighter tubing, higher gears, etc.

On the road touring I have noticed more Surly LHT. Trek 520 is another popular choice in your price range.

There have been complaints about Bikes Direct for customer service.

320

Gear Talk / Re: Folding tires

« on: January 08, 2012, 11:07:35 am »

I have toured on folding and non-folding tires. When I buy, I usually buy non-folding tires; cheaper. The biggest advantage I see for folding tires is weight, minor point for touring. Wide folding tires are available.

321

Gear Talk / Re: Rain Gear (yet again...)

« on: December 27, 2011, 01:05:45 pm »

I have used a number of breathable waterproof jackets with different fabrics, including Gore-Tex. I cannot say any were a waste of money. If I was buying now, I'd try eVent from good reports I've  read. If durability is paramount, consider waxed cotton, garments made for hunting and camping, where lightweight is not a consideration, and garments made for mountain climbing. Gore-Tex garments for mountaineering are apt to be made for extreme conditions, perhaps a plus to you. In conversation, Gore-Tex told me their bicycling garments are made with the expectation bicyclists will not be cycling in heavy rain (yes, I know, I have been caught in heavy rain, too). Gore-Tex also said they guarantee their garments; if a garment fails to meet your expectations, and the dealer will not refund your money or substitute a garment to your satisfaction, Gore-Tex will.

322

Routes / Re: Pacific Coast Route

« on: December 17, 2011, 01:47:45 pm »

Sept would not be too cold. Expect some rain. State and county campgrounds may have hiker-biker sites; $5 or so a night. Some campgrounds may be closed, depending on when you start. Some campgrounds are "primitive"; outhouse; no showers. Tip: if campground is full, may still accommodate you as a bicyclist. Ask before continuing on.

323

Gear Talk / Re: Bike Mirror

« on: December 15, 2011, 12:36:01 pm »

Chuck Harris bicycle mirror; models to mount on sunglasses or helmet.

http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/201104_MirrorMan_Siple.pdf

324

Routes / Southern Tier, Louisiana to Florida, or Reverse

« on: December 01, 2011, 09:01:19 pm »

What would be the best times of the year to bicycle from New Roads, LA to St. Augustine, FL, following Southern Tier, or reverse? Better to go east or west?

325

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags

« on: November 11, 2011, 04:51:46 pm »

Finally, some useful replies. Thanks all.

Revelate. Eric at Revelate was the one who gave me the reply to use two rear panniers plus full frame bag, handlebar dry bag setup, and cockpit bag. As I stated, the three lightweight bags would give me approximately 2/3 of the capacity of two additional panniers, which is what I am looking for.

Just use 4 panniers. Advantage of combination setup I am inquiring about would be saving weight on bags, presuming two panniers weigh less than the three lightweight bags, and saving weight of rack.

Reduce load. For me, getting load down to 4 panniers was an effort; 4 panniers, no other bags, nothing on rear rack. As stated, my requirements are for bicycle touring, on road, camping, cooking, on extended tours, lasting weeks or months.

326

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags

« on: November 10, 2011, 10:02:09 am »

For the second time I am not interested in a mountain bike system. I did not at any time "clearly" say I am interested in a mountain bike system. I did not list any "brands or companies or models" because I did not see any sense in it. For example, I stated I was not interested in systems that "include a backpack". What sense would it be to laboriously include whichever "brands or companies or models" that include a backpack?

I did not make any "contrary statements". I asked two specific questions. You never addressed either. Instead you have falsely accused me of making statements I never made.

327

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags

« on: November 09, 2011, 01:51:55 pm »

Waynemyer replied,

"I still have no clue about what you are asking.

Do you want two front panniers and the rest rackless bags?
Do you want to avoid rackless bags entirely?"

I stated I want, a "combination system, two panniers plus equivalent of two more panniers in lightweight (rackless) bags". I stated, "panniers on front or back; my panniers will mount either place".

I asked for "recommendations of combination panniers and lightweight (rackless) system"

I don't understand, in view of statements above, why you ask "Do you want to avoid rackless bags entirely?".

I got one good response from a bag manufacturer that recommended using my two panniers on rear, and adding a full frame bag, a handlebar harness for a dry bag, and a cockpit bag. Combination of the three lightweight bags would give me only 2/3 of capacity of two more panniers, which is what I asked for, so maybe work for me, maybe not.

You asked, "Is a transverse saddlebag acceptable?"

If you have a better suggestion using my two panniers on front and adding a transverse saddlebag, I'd like details.

Adding to my requirements detailed in first post, I want bags to be waterproof. Thanks.

328

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags

« on: November 05, 2011, 05:17:26 pm »

This is the sort of reply I received on the other list. Touting lightweight system; examples of lightweight systems; none combination system, two panniers with equivalent of two more panniers in lightweight bags, as I am looking for.

329

Gear Talk / Re: Panniers and Lightweight System Bags

« on: November 05, 2011, 01:21:07 pm »

I don't understand your reply. I am not interested in a mountain bike system. I listed which failed to meet my criteria.

330

Gear Talk / Panniers and Lightweight System Bags

« on: November 04, 2011, 10:08:37 pm »

Tried on another list to get recommendations of combination panniers and lightweight (rackless) system. Had a lot of referrals of lightweight systems, but no combination system as I want.

Problems with setups seen so far,

Not combination system, two panniers plus equivalent of two more panniers in lightweight (rackless) bags, which is what I want.
For mountain biking, rather than primarily road biking.
Include a backpack.
Not for extended fully loaded touring, camp, cook, weeks or months.
Include DIY (home made) items, which I am not interested.

Would would be best to start, panniers on front or back; my panniers will mount either place.
Then, what lightweight bags to add?

(Be interested in any problems with lightweight systems (many seem to make bike very top heavy.)