Folding Bikes - Tent for me + Bike Friday
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Doug Campbell
10-31-05, 08:21 AM
I know that this has been done to death, but I'm having trouble doing the research. Since I've got my new $2,500 Bike Friday, I'm a little paranoid about leaving it outside when camping. I know, that in previous discussions, people referred to tents that have a very large vestible that could hold my Bike Friday and suitcase/trailer. Can't seem to find them. If you have any idea of good candidates, the feedback would be appreciated.
LittlePixel
10-31-05, 08:45 AM
Can't you tie the bike to the ground using a system that employs tent pegs and bungees? What about leaving the bike at the campsite office? Or locking it to the showerblock? I understand your fears - in my experience though people on campsites seem to be a lot more trustworthy about others possession and pretty vigilant about looking out for other campers...
CaptainSpalding
10-31-05, 09:26 AM
Usually the discussions I've read about tents and bike touring relate to storm protection for the bike, rather than theft protection. If you want to keep the bike from being stolen, don't get hung up on the "vestibule" idea, just get a little bigger tent to accomodate you and your bike.
Below: the Mountain Safety research Velo tent with "vestibule."
http://www.msrcorp.com/tents/images/velo_bottom.jpg
Mr_Super_Socks
10-31-05, 10:44 AM
I have said this before on the touring forum and will say it again - the water, grime and grit the bike gets exposed to while riding in the rain is far, far more damaging than clean rainfall from above. the road spray is like a sand blaster shooting the grit up into your drivetrain. In comparison, rainfall is harmless. it's not likely your bike would dry out overnight in a downpour after a day of riding in it even if it was covered, so I never bother.
If you want, you could buy a cheap tarp to throw over the bike, but the idea of sleeping with a slopped-up grimy bike from a day riding in the rain is oh-so unpleasant.
Theft is a different concern, but a lock would be better than a tent in that case.
icithecat
10-31-05, 07:17 PM
This last september we pulled into (by car) a cabin in Jasper. The place seemed empty. An hour later a cycle tour group pulled in. Later I walked around and counted 30 touring bicycles. All were leaned up outside the cabins with no locks. Bfs, recumbents, 700cs. All over the map as regards to configuration. Not a worry amoung them as regards to theft or rain damage. None of the bikes could have been worth less than $2G.