NEW BICYCLE QUESTIONS

[vmax4power]

A WEEK AGO I PURCHASED A NEW 2011 CANNONDALE TOURING 2. IN MID JUNE I'M GOING TO TAKE IT ON A TRAIN FROM MICHIGAN TO EVERETT, WA AND RIDE BACK TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN. FIRST BIG TRIP EVER. WHAT STOCK PARTS ON THE BIKE SHOULD I CONSIDER CHANGING OUT, (TIRES, SPOKES, CRANK BEARINGS, WHEEL BEARINGS, ETC). ALREADY HAVE MY PEDALS. USING MY SADDLE FROM MY CANNONDALE S4 MTB, (VERY COMFORTABLE). I'M VERY MECHANICALLY INCLINED BUT WANT TO LIMIT MAJOR PROBLEMS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. ANY HELP IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.

[reed523]

Nice bike.  Should make the trip fine as is.  Only possible exception might be tires.  What does it have on it?

[vmax4power]

700 x 32c Schwalbe Marathon Racer w/RaceGuard belt reflective

[John Nelson]

You're good to go. Have a great time.

[DaveB]

The OP isn't unusual.  He bought a fine quality bike and then is thinking of changing everything but the headbadge.  

I agree that better tires might be useful and I hope his LBS checked the wheels for proper tension but, other than that, it should be reliable for many thousands of miles.  Ride and enjoy.

[indyfabz]

Assume you will be taking the Empire Builder. Enjoy the ride. If the train is on schedule it will still be light when you cross Marias Pass and skirt the boundary of Glacier N.P. Sometimes you can see mountain goats from the right side of the train, especially at Goat Lick. Early the next morning, grab a seat in the observation car for the ride through the Cascades, but don't look down if you are afraid of heights. You'll also go through the 7.8 mile Cascade Tunnel. It's longest railroad tunnel in the U.S.

Don't forget a tool to put your pedals back on once you reach Everett.

[Ronn]

  yea

[adventurepdx]

Regarding the original posters plan for taking Amtrak from Michigan to Everett, WA: As far as I know, none of the trains that service Michigan have checked baggage service, nor allow regular sized bikes on board (no "roll-on" service):
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Route_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241245664519
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=Page&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241337895554

You may have to ride/get a ride to Chicago, South Bend IN, or Toledo. These stations have checked baggage.

You could get on one of the Michigan trains with a folding bike, though.

[gypsysue]

We got on at South Bend, Indiana once with our bicycles.  It's pretty much on the state line with Michigan.

You'll also go through a 7 mile tunnel after you leave Whitefish, Montana, which is west of Glacier National Park.  Wave at me as you go by.  We've about halfway from Whitefish to the tunnel! 

When we got to Everett we took the Ferry across to Whidbey Island, then rode up to Anacortes and spent the night there before starting the Northern Tier.  The ferry was fun, and the ride up the Island was delightful.  There's a cool bridge when you go off the north side of the Island.

[vmax4power]

When the Michigan weather breaks I'll put some serious miles on the bike and have everything checked before I leave. The comment is right about the Michigan trains not having checked baggage. Going to leave from Milwaukee now. As far as tires, if Continental tires make the 4000 in the size I need I will definitely run them. 4000 to 5000 miles on my road bike, one flat. Thanks for the replies

[johnsondasw]

Yup! I've learned to use only Conti 4000s for all my road riding.  Fewer flats, better ride, last way long!

[vmax4power]

The only reason I removed the 4000's and replaced them with new 4000's was to do a timed century ride and didn't want to take a chance on a flat. They must have close to 5000 on them (one flat) and I swear I could get another 1000. Hope I;m that lucky traveling the Northern Tier

[RussSeaton]

Are you really talking about the Continental Grand Prix 4000 tire?  It is a racing type tire.  Widest is 700x25.  Not appropriate for a loaded touring bike.  I would not even carry it as a spare tire for an emergency.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/race/racetyres/grand_prix_4000/grandp4000_en.html

[staehpj1]

Are you really talking about the Continental Grand Prix 4000 tire?  It is a racing type tire.  Widest is 700x25.  Not appropriate for a loaded touring bike.  I would not even carry it as a spare tire for an emergency.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/race/racetyres/grand_prix_4000/grandp4000_en.html

I could well imagine touring on them.  They are great tires, very tough and for a lightly loaded bike 25mm is fine IMO.

[vmax4power]

I am talking about Conti GP 4000's. Looking at Conti web site it looks like the gator hardshell 700x28 is the tire. Still not ruling out GP 4000 700x25. It would push the weight limit but tough tires, great wear