Touring - Conversion Qs

I have a Cannondale Cad 3(among others :) ) and I would like to convert it over to a light tourer. I was thinking of either going the way of the handlebar bag/ saddlebag combo, or trying to get a new fork and using my ortliebs up front. Anyone know of where a 1" threaded fork with rack mounts could be found? The bike's aluminum, but ride "harshness" doesn't really bother me.

I have a Cannondale Cad 3(among others :) ) and I would like to convert it over to a light tourer. I was thinking of either going the way of the handlebar bag/ saddlebag combo, or trying to get a new fork and using my ortliebs up front. Anyone know of where a 1" threaded fork with rack mounts could be found? The bike's aluminum, but ride "harshness" doesn't really bother me.

Spicer Cycles sells a 1" fork that has rack mounts but not mid-fork mounts. You could use the U-bolt mounting method for the mid-rack mount. Delta sells a rack that would work. Look here (http://www.deltacycle.com/product.php?g=27).

Schwalbe Big Apple tires eradicate every vestige of harsh riding fat aluminum tube bikes. Their speed and liveliness belie their 790 gram weight (26 x 2.0).
Tune the ride with a tire pump. They will still roll fast even if they're not inflated to maximum pressure. The stiffness then becomes an advantage in the handling department. Also, you could skip the fork and get an Xtracycle. I figure an Ortlieb/Tubus setup weighs around 12 pounds. I wouldn't be surprised if the Xtracycle weighed less. It is also said that the Xtracycle smooths out the ride because it moves the wheel out from under your butt and because it flexes a little. People who ride Xtracycles really love them. The Xtracycle, $399, would probably be cheaper than a quality pannier/rack set up and you would not have to go through the hassle of fitting them. Mountain bikes have short chainstays and suspension forks which complicate the fitting procedure. You would also have an extremely useful bike to use when you are not touring and it could be a candidate for a Stokemonkey.
Amazon gives the weight of the Xtracycle as 9.6 lbs.
http://www.amazon.com/Xtracycle-FreeRadical-Better-than-Trailer/dp/B0002TR340

I have racks and panniers already. Having ridden an xtracycle bike working as a messenger, never again. I like th harsh ride, keeps me on my toes.

Cyco, +1

http://www.spicercycles.com/index.cgi?cat=2&sub_cat=Forks&prod_id=215&cat_desc=Road

That the fork you were talkin' about?

http://www.spicercycles.com/index.cgi?cat=2&sub_cat=Forks&prod_id=215&cat_desc=Road

That the fork you were talkin' about?

Yes. Assuming that the Caad 3 uses a road caliper brake and not cantilevers.

That it does. Spicers got a lot of goodies on sale that I like right now.... Guess I need to get a job :)

OK, asking for a bit more help on this one. I have been looking for DAYS to figure out what size i need to get the fork and can't find the fork specs for my bike for the life of me. I suppose I could go to my LBS, but it is a very dangerous ride and I don't like taking it (55mph no shoulder 2 lanes each way for about 2 miles)

OK, asking for a bit more help on this one. I have been looking for DAYS to figure out what size i need to get the fork and can't find the fork specs for my bike for the life of me. I suppose I could go to my LBS, but it is a very dangerous ride and I don't like taking it (55mph no shoulder 2 lanes each way for about 2 miles)

Measure the head tube height from the crown to the top of the headset to get the length. Order a fork that is a bit longer than this and cut it to fit once you get it. Measure it twice before you cut:eek:

Just be careful with "a bit longer"! With threaded forks you'll be highly unlikely to get one a perfect length, it means you have to cut it to fit. As such, it really doesn't matter too much if it's 0.5mm, 5 cm or 50cm too long; you'll still have to make that cut (do threaded forks come in standard steerer tube lengths anyway? I've never ordered one so don't know). I'd strongly advise you order a fork with a healthy overlap to avoid problems. And definitely measure many many times before that cut...... make sure the headset that you plan on using is in place before making that mark!

Just be careful with "a bit longer"! With threaded forks you'll be highly unlikely to get one a perfect length, it means you have to cut it to fit. As such, it really doesn't matter too much if it's 0.5mm, 5 cm or 50cm too long; you'll still have to make that cut (do threaded forks come in standard steerer tube lengths anyway? I've never ordered one so don't know). I'd strongly advise you order a fork with a healthy overlap to avoid problems. And definitely measure many many times before that cut...... make sure the headset that you plan on using is in place before making that mark!

With the fork he's looking at, his choices are 170, 200 and 230 mm length. By a little more, I mean for example, if he measures his current fork and it's 172 mm long, don't buy the 170. If it's 180 mm long, don't buy the 230. Pick one that's pretty close but has enough extra length for the cut. If you cut it long, you can always use spacers. If you cut it short, you can always make a lamp out of it:eek: