Recumbent - trek r200 for touring?
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freewheel
07-25-07, 10:32 AM
Has anyone out there gone touring on a trek r200? I've put a lot of miles on this bike locally but wondering how it is for touring. I don't do hills very well with this bike, end up walking it up hills that a DF would be undaunted by.
Any hints would be appreciated. Maps, routes, tools, etc.
Plan on going up the coast early in August, would enjoy some company but I am a slow biker, only in fairly good condition, and about 70 lbs over weight. I'm hoping this trip will take care of those things! :)
cat0020
07-25-07, 10:42 AM
Maybe you should give some ideas of where you're looking to tour.
Which Coast are you going to visit?
freewheel
07-25-07, 02:57 PM
Sorry 'bout that. I'm heading out from Ukiah CA on the Pacific coast area inland on highway 101. I'm also considering driving up to Eureka CA to bypass the inland stuff so that I can be in the marine influence and cooler climate. Just got a book and I'll check out how bad the area from Ukiah to Eureka is. May not be so unpleasant as it looks when I've driven it.
I went down the southern route 25 or so years ago on an old $20 garage sale Huffy with a backpack strapped to it. I looked like a joke compared to all the folks with up to date equipment, but the biggest difference was in fact, "I was doing it and they weren't". By the time I headed back that old Huffy could climb those hills in S.F. like they were nothing. So maybe I'm a snob about not being a snob. Just want to ride and end up some place different and new each day..ta ta.
Just want to ride and end up some place different and new each day..ta ta.
If that's your goal I'm sure the R200 will do just fine.
If you are walking up hills perhaps you don't have low enough gearing? What is your lowest gear in gear gear inches?
freewheel
07-31-07, 10:13 AM
I haven't counted the cogs front back and middle so have no idea of actual ratios, but on the steep hills I end up chugging at 3mph so I figure the gear ratio is not the problem. It's the fact that I can't use my body weight to stand on those pedals. thanks
I met a guy on a tour last summer with a Trek. He did very well with it, but was obviously a fairly young and well conditioned fellow and remember that this was in ND where we don't have too much altitude change or hills. Heh! Looked like a nice bike. Don't see why it wouldn't do fine for you.