Author Topic: Will my bike hold up?  (Read 12936 times)

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Offline kyle3278

Will my bike hold up?
« on: January 14, 2010, 03:17:08 pm »
I'm planning a Pacific Coast trip in the summer and I was wondering if anyone has taken a Redline Conquest on that long of a tour.  I'll probably use a trailer, b/c I'm young and not that experienced.  I'd rather overpack and let my body work a little harder than forget something I need.  Any help would be great.  My bike's a 2008 Conquest Sport.

Offline whittierider

Re: Will my bike hold up?
« Reply #1 on: January 14, 2010, 04:43:06 pm »
From what I see on their website, it's a low-end bike, but there's no reason it shouldn't hold up just fine.  I don't think the coast ride is even 2,000 miles.  Just make sure it's all in good shape when you start the ride, and it'll be fine.  There are tons of bike shops along the way if you need one.

Offline John Nelson

Re: Will my bike hold up?
« Reply #2 on: January 14, 2010, 04:49:18 pm »
I suggest you underpack. Seriously, underpack. If you forget something your truly need, buy it. You are not going to ever be far from civilization. Ask yourself, "Am I absolutely positive that I will use this every day and that life will be miserable without it?" If the answer is no, leave it behind.

Note that overpacking is not merely a matter of working your body a little harder. A heavy load greatly increases your chances of mechanical problems, and greatly increases your chances of handling problems.

Offline staehpj1

Re: Will my bike hold up?
« Reply #3 on: January 14, 2010, 07:15:10 pm »
I suggest you underpack. Seriously, underpack. If you forget something your truly need, buy it. You are not going to ever be far from civilization. Ask yourself, "Am I absolutely positive that I will use this every day and that life will be miserable without it?" If the answer is no, leave it behind.

Note that overpacking is not merely a matter of working your body a little harder. A heavy load greatly increases your chances of mechanical problems, and greatly increases your chances of handling problems.
I agree.  A light load is a joy and will make the trip much more pleasant.  The key to being comfortable is to be comfortable when on the bike and when sleeping.  Comfort on the bike is helped greatly by carrying less, but be sure you have a decent tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag.  They have to be decent quality, but don't need to be heavy.

If there is someone at home that can mail stuff to you via general delivery it might help make you worry less about packing too little.  Seriously you really need very little especially on a route like the Pacific Coast.

Offline dwnptrl_777

Re: Will my bike hold up?
« Reply #4 on: January 14, 2010, 07:40:19 pm »
I suggest you underpack. Seriously, underpack. If you forget something your truly need, buy it. You are not going to ever be far from civilization. Ask yourself, "Am I absolutely positive that I will use this every day and that life will be miserable without it?" If the answer is no, leave it behind.

Note that overpacking is not merely a matter of working your body a little harder. A heavy load greatly increases your chances of mechanical problems, and greatly increases your chances of handling problems.

I have to keep repeating your words as I get closer to my TransAm this summer....

Offline santiam bicycle

Re: Will my bike hold up?
« Reply #5 on: January 15, 2010, 07:01:08 am »
Hey Kyle,

Can't agree more with the other posts. You will be on the coast where you are rarely further than  miles from the next coastal town. (Northern Washington being the only exceptions.) I you discover you REALLY need it, you will be able to buy it. And, you will find, there are few things you REALLY need. (Good raincoat!) You ask if your bike will hold up, it should be fine. I always recommend to folks to get their rear wheel re-spoked with quality spokes by a professional bike shop or wheel builder. Most companies use inferior spokes and unless you weigh 140 lbs, sooner or later you will break a spoke or two. Sometimes you have to wait out a weekend for a shop to open ...or longer because of vacations, etc. Also, be sure to lube your cables before the trip. This will reduce housing friction and you will be less likely to break a cable.

Offline trout

Re: Will my bike hold up?
« Reply #6 on: January 15, 2010, 08:33:00 am »
All good advise above. I think the bike will be fine, keep your load light, and have a great time!

Offline kyle3278

Re: Will my bike hold up?
« Reply #7 on: January 15, 2010, 11:25:36 am »
Great advice everyone...I've done a lot of backpacking so I know the "light and quick" approach.  It's staying true to that that's always a challenge when you're getting into a different outdoor sport.  Thanks for the tips.