Recent Posts

91

General Discussion / Re: Your best single piece of advice

« Last post by jsc on March 15, 2023, 12:15:56 pm »

My brother and I are starting an east to west tour beginning in DC on May 4.  Maybe we'll run into you at the starting gate.  We're heading west on the C&O Canal towpath to follow the Transam Eastern Express, so if not around DC maybe after Walden, Colorado.  We decided on the Eastern Express start to cut out about 40,000' feet of climbing in the Appalachians and Ozarks. Good luck and have a great trip!

92

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« Last post by cosjp on March 15, 2023, 11:25:42 am »

Hi - I'm preparing for a transcon starting in May and just wanted to gather opinions on the tools/parts most needed for emergency situations. I've got some basics covered - couple tubes, CO2 inflator, spare tire, pump, tire levers. What else would you have for those situations you might need to make a quick field repair? I know I need a good multi-tool and I'd love any feedback on ones you love. I'm wondering if I need a chain tool, spare links, etc. What else?

Thank you in advance!

I'm preparing for my trip stating June 1st. My tool list sounds similar to yours. Two tubes (although I'm running tubeless), tire levers, pump. A good multi tool - can't go wrong with Park Tools, try and get one with a chain breaker on the tool. I also run disc brakes so I'll be packing a spare set of pads too.
If you have your bike serviced a couple of weeks before the trip you should break a chain, but maybe it's a good shout having a spare quick-link.

Awesome! Which direction are you heading? I'm leaving a few weeks earlier than you maybe we'll cross paths lol. Although I am staying a bit higher than unusual.

I have a brand new bike so really I shouldn't have chain issues. That said - sh*t happens and if it does I don't want to be caught with my pants down lol. So I definitely think having a few extra links/rivets is handy considering they weigh almost nothing. I'll probably just make a little kit with things like that, some extra screws, cleat bolts, etc. Largely I expect the issues to be tires.

93

General Discussion / Re: Your best single piece of advice

« Last post by Jono1979 on March 15, 2023, 10:39:43 am »

1. I did not like biking in the Appalachians on the TransAm (Virginia, Kentucky): Some locals were hostile, lots of aggressive chasing dogs, you are in hill billy country. I did not feel welcome in that part of USA. The bikers I met had similar experiences.

Can't argue about the dogs, though I wasn't bitten.  I found the locals gracious and generous; of course, I didn't have a "get past the hillbillies" chip on my shoulder.

I try to treat my rides as an opportunity to learn about the areas I'm riding through, to approach new locations with an open mind.  At first it's surprising -- the people with whom I disagree the most on political or ideological grounds are often the same people who are the most welcoming.  After a while, I re-learned the lessons of the Muppets: People is people.

Your final paragraph is inspiring. I know that this summer my perceptions of the "Red States" as a European will change. People is people. The majority just want security and purpose. I am really looking forward to the people I will meet on my TransAm adventure.

94

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« Last post by Jono1979 on March 15, 2023, 10:33:11 am »

Hi - I'm preparing for a transcon starting in May and just wanted to gather opinions on the tools/parts most needed for emergency situations. I've got some basics covered - couple tubes, CO2 inflator, spare tire, pump, tire levers. What else would you have for those situations you might need to make a quick field repair? I know I need a good multi-tool and I'd love any feedback on ones you love. I'm wondering if I need a chain tool, spare links, etc. What else?

Thank you in advance!

I'm preparing for my trip stating June 1st. My tool list sounds similar to yours. Two tubes (although I'm running tubeless), tire levers, pump. A good multi tool - can't go wrong with Park Tools, try and get one with a chain breaker on the tool. I also run disc brakes so I'll be packing a spare set of pads too.
If you have your bike     serviced a couple of weeks before the trip you should break a chain, but maybe it's a good shout having a spare quick-link.

95

General Discussion / Re: Amtrak Bike Travel

« Last post by Perojok44 on March 15, 2023, 10:17:45 am »

I understand your frustration with reserving a spot for your bike on Capital Limited. IMO, your suggestion of raising the price or increasing the supply is good. Hopefully, Amtrak will take note of your concerns and make some changes.
In the meantime, have you considered going on a bike safari in Tanzania? I came across this amazing link to a Tanzania safari tour https://altezza.travel/en/tanzania-safari, which could be an incredible adventure for you and your bike. Exploring new places and challenging yourself in different ways is always fun. It could be a good alternative to Capital Limited for your next trip.

96

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« Last post by cosjp on March 14, 2023, 10:03:59 pm »

There was never any question about a pump. He said in the original post that he was going to bring a pump, and no one suggested otherwise.

l understand.  I was just trying to (poorly it seems) point out the advantages of a pump.  His sentence "so I will keep the CO2 cartridges as they are easy to carry and my experience with some of the smaller pumps (I got the Lezyne Micro Drive Floor Pump) has been sometimes it's hard to get the tire to properly seat without enough pressure (or it just takes an extremely long time.)" made me think he was torn over using a pump or only the cartridges as the sentence was construed as to he is not a fan of pumps even though he also said he was definitely taking a pump.  I apologize for my confusion.

No need to apologize. I apologize for the ambiguity! I have no reservation about using pumps. I'd actually prefer it. I've just had experience that sometimes a small pump is hard to get a tire to seat properly so I figure I'd keep the CO2 on hand for that purpose but my go-to is absolutely the pump.

97

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« Last post by John Nettles on March 14, 2023, 09:59:09 pm »

There was never any question about a pump. He said in the original post that he was going to bring a pump, and no one suggested otherwise.

l understand.  I was just trying to (poorly it seems) point out the advantages of a pump.  His sentence "so I will keep the CO2 cartridges as they are easy to carry and my experience with some of the smaller pumps (I got the Lezyne Micro Drive Floor Pump) has been sometimes it's hard to get the tire to properly seat without enough pressure (or it just takes an extremely long time.)" made me think he was torn over using a pump or only the cartridges as the sentence was construed as to he is not a fan of pumps even though he also said he was definitely taking a pump.  I apologize for my confusion. 

98

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« Last post by cosjp on March 14, 2023, 08:57:22 pm »

There was never any question about a pump. He said in the original post that he was going to bring a pump, and no one suggested otherwise.

But definitely carry a pump that can generate sufficient pressure. There are many of them and there’s no reason to carry a pump that can’t do the job.

I see no downside to carrying a patch kit and a tire boot.

I think the pump I got is a good middle ground between I know I'll work a bit, but it can generate the pressure and is both schrader and presta compatible. https://ride.lezyne.com/collections/mechanical-products/products/1-mp-mfdr-v204hv (with gauge)

Thanks! I will definitely have a pump! I have one spare tire already - I'll mull over if it's worth carrying that over a patch kit. Good point on the mail delivery!

Patch kits are basically for tubes, not tires.  A tire patch is the "patch kit" for tires.  Carry both as it can really suck to be a long way from a shop with tires and/or tubes. I have used a tire patch once, but I was so glad I had the tire patch as a long slit was in the sidewall which really allowed the tube to expand through the tire.  I carry two tubes as I do not like patching tubes but carry them as my flat record in one day is 4 I think. 

At minimum, I carry 2 tubes OR 1 tube and 1 patch kit.  I always have a tire patch as they are light, compact, and require no maintenance.  You should carry the adequate number of cartridges plus 1 if you do not take a pump. You are much more likely to use 2 tubes in one day than a hypercracker or even a spare tire. Plus a pump is good for rescuing (which I have done a few times) those who use cartridges  .

Mail delivery is great but probably at least one day's delay (probably 2-3) plus the expense of next day air.  While Mail is great as a pre-planned resupply and as a backup, I would not want it as my primary method.

Aha good call! My plan is to have two tubes - but I'll definitely procure a patch kit for both tube and tire. I get it now. Many thanks!

99

General Discussion / Re: Must have spare parts/tools

« Last post by John Nelson on March 14, 2023, 08:40:20 pm »

There was never any question about a pump. He said in the original post that he was going to bring a pump, and no one suggested otherwise.

But definitely carry a pump that can generate sufficient pressure. There are many of them and there’s no reason to carry a pump that can’t do the job.

I see no downside to carrying a patch kit and a tire boot.

100

Routes / Re: Recommandation for 1 month ride in august in low traffic places ?

« Last post by jamawani on March 14, 2023, 08:27:55 pm »

Do you want remote?
Then the Chilcotin Highway in British Columbia might be for you.
95% paved, very little traffic, spectacular scenery, serious grizzly country.

Ferries and coast highway from North Vancouver to Port Hardy.
Then ferry from Port Hardy to Bella Coola. Center of Nuxalk culture.
The Chilcotin Highway runs from Bella Coola to Williams Lake.
It's so worth it, but challenging - not impossible.

Heckman Pass is straight up - the other way is straight down and can burn out brakes.
There are plenty of provincial campgrounds and lodges along the way - - but - -
you need to be alsolutely bear conscious at all times.

From Williams Lake I suggest Hwy 97 south to 100 Mile House (kinda busy)
Then Hwy 24 east to Clearwater and Hwy 5 north to Valemount.
From there, head east on the Yellowhead Hwy (Hwy 16) to Jasper.
At Mount Robson Prov. Park you can bike into a backcountry wilderness campsite.

If you have additional time, you can always ride south a bit on the Icefields Parkway and back.
Jasper National Park also has bikeable rough fire roads to backcountry campsites.
From Jasper, catch VIA Rail back to Vancouver.

Pic - Kinney Lake Backcountry Campsite at Mount Robson