Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.Nomad
04-29-04, 05:57 PM
I am about to head off to France touring in 6 weeks and was wanting some advice on a couple of issues. I own a Fuji World touring bike and need some advice on tyres and brakes:
1. The bike came with Hutchinson Globetrotters (they are 700x38C) and although they demonstrated great puncture resistance (even kept out a 2 inch nail), the rear tyre only lasted 2000 kilometres before it wore through to the kevlar, and this was unloaded riding! The rear tyre was also badly out of shape. I was considering the Continental Travel Contact. Has anyone had experience with these, good or bad, or have other recommendations?
2. Brakes. I find the Avid Shorty cantilever system a bit disappointing. The front brake is not particularly effective and the rear is OK, but when I'm braking on a relatively steep slope, the rear will lock up often when I'm trying to stop. No amount of adjustment (and these things are awkward to adjust) seems to make any difference. I'm not sure whether this situation would improve when loaded, but considering I'll be riding in the Alps and Pyrenees I'm not sure whether to take the risk! Has anyone got some advice on this? I was thinking of changing to a V-brake system such as the Avid Single Digit 5 which is used on the Trek 520. Any suggestions?
Thanks
1. The bike came with Hutchinson Globetrotters (they are 700x38C) and although they demonstrated great puncture resistance (even kept out a 2 inch nail), the rear tyre only lasted 2000 kilometres before it wore through to the kevlar, and this was unloaded riding! The rear tyre was also badly out of shape. I was considering the Continental Travel Contact. Has anyone had experience with these, good or bad, or have other recommendations?
2. Brakes. I find the Avid Shorty cantilever system a bit disappointing. The front brake is not particularly effective and the rear is OK, but when I'm braking on a relatively steep slope, the rear will lock up often when I'm trying to stop. No amount of adjustment (and these things are awkward to adjust) seems to make any difference. I'm not sure whether this situation would improve when loaded, but considering I'll be riding in the Alps and Pyrenees I'm not sure whether to take the risk! Has anyone got some advice on this? I was thinking of changing to a V-brake system such as the Avid Single Digit 5 which is used on the Trek 520. Any suggestions?
Thanks