Bikes that we used

[MrWaves]

While there are loads of tandems out there today, when we rode the second half of the Bikecentinnial (starting at Boulder and turning off towards the end down to San Francisco) there were a few specialist manufacturers just appearing. However being a student I had access to a decent workshop and built a tandem frame out of Reynolds tubing wehre possible and stainless steel tubing for the drain pipe and laterals. I got an eccentric from a tricicle builder and built the bike lugless - using a temporary dexion jig to hold the frame true.

We had some problems with the chainsets, we used standard TA rings, which needed reinforsement on the back centrally spaced tripple. The inner ring having wound up the first time we tried it out. Unfortunately we hadn't locked the bolts in and we spent at least an hour on the first day in the mountains, finding all the bits to put it together again.  Also, while we managed to build up the wheels with 13 gauge spokes, so had no problems there, the back rim eventually cracked at the weld and we had to rebuild the wheel with a new rim along the way. Otherwise we had no problems keeping up a good 100 miles a day average.

I still have the tandem hanging in the halway but don't get the chance to use it unfortunately as nobody trusts me to throw them down hill sides like my younger brother did then!

[gerjw]

I was lucky enough to have a nice bike on the ride. A 1973 Raleigh Pro. Changed the wheels (Phil hubs and Super Champion 58 rims 40 spoke rear) and put on a triple crank (Sugino) and a long cage derailleur (Campy Rally) and off I went. In my group however there were all sorts of machines. We had four Dutch riders and two of them had mild steel frames, steel rims and steel fenders. I saw all manner of bikes along going the other way. One highlight was to run into some neighbors of mine at home in San Jose on Hoosier Pass. They were riding a Jeffrey Richmond triple. It was a couple with their nine year old daughter (in the middle).

[tomg]

1rst xUSA, self contained, e-w, 1982

Bike used:1972 Atala "Giro de' Atala" steel frame (straight)

It was completely rebuilt (except main-frame/fork)
Randonneir Handlebars, swan stem, grab-on padding, "Pro" Brooks saddle, weinmann side-pull brakes, sugino triple crank-set, ense(?) fenders, blackburn rackset (high, not low rider), and 1/4 x 27 inch tires
Re-commisioned to commuter, Stolen 1996...............

2nd xUSA, self contained, 2011

Bike Nash rebuild 1994 6000t steel chro-moly d/b (last tour 2004 east coast NJ -Maine) or
Bike Nash build 2009 Aluminum copy of Surly LHT
to continue........!

[probablynotpossible]

This information is very close to my post about a "Bikecentennial build" https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=14920.0 I understand many people road different bikes, but I am interested in building a bike that would have been typical bike most road in 1976. Any helpful details would be appreciated.

[Loader]

I have lived in New York City for many years, where I find a decent bicycle on the street, a phenomenon quite ordinary.
So I collect old bicycles, repair them, use them as spare parts, etc.
Over the years, I found "Bianchi" in 1976, "Raleigh" about the same, "Mongoose" 2000, "Shwin" 2009 and many others, including two English and one Japanese.



I try to upgrade them, as I can. Of course, they are all inferior to new carbon bicycles. But quite good for unsportsmanlike riding.

[Roadhog76]

I started my ride as an "independent!" riding from East to West with my Windsor Road Racing Bicycle.  It was equipped with Sewup tires.  My biggest problem was with spoke brakeage.  It almost ended my trip within the first 3 days.  I found a bike shop that explained to me what my problem was and sold me a new hub and rim.

[cyclist alan]

I used canyon and schwinn and its one of the best brands. You can find out more brands here :-https://bikesreviewed.com/brands/

[BikePacker]

This information is very close to my post about a "Bikecentennial build" https://forums.adventurecycling.org/index.php?topic=14920.0 I understand many people road different bikes, but I am interested in building a bike that would have been typical bike most road in 1976. Any helpful details would be appreciated.

Just had my 1973 Schwinn Continental 10 Speed completely refurbished bump to bumper.