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Search: Posts Made By: niknak
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Forum: Touring
01-31-24, 07:54 PM
Replies: 44
Views: 1,236
Posted By niknak

I don't have experience with this route, but the...

I don't have experience with this route, but the Altravesur (https://bikepacking.com/routes/altravesur-bikepacking-route/) in Southern Spain looks amazing. If you stay high in the mountains it might...
Forum: Touring
12-06-23, 05:20 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 536
Posted By niknak

When we toured Ireland as part of a larger trip...

When we toured Ireland as part of a larger trip in 2016 most of the hostels we stayed at offered camping. It was pretty sweet to have a shared indoor space to hangout in. On occasion we paid extra...
Forum: Touring
12-05-23, 07:17 PM
Replies: 46
Views: 1,675
Posted By niknak

As far as I know 12-speed derailleurs aren't more...

As far as I know 12-speed derailleurs aren't more fragile than others. They were first introduced in the mountain bike world, which is much harsher on derailleurs than other disciplines.

I've...
Forum: Touring
11-22-23, 01:13 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 686
Posted By niknak

In 2016 we rode part of the North Coast 500. The...

In 2016 we rode part of the North Coast 500. The section from Ullapool to Tongue was spectacular. Easily some of the best road touring I've ever experienced. You will contend with motor homes during...
Forum: Framebuilders
10-13-23, 12:07 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 797
Posted By niknak

The All Road Bike Revolution includes a lot of...

The All Road Bike Revolution includes a lot of good information that’s biased to low trail bikes favored by the author. I still think it’s worth a read.
Forum: Touring
10-10-23, 11:56 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 1,025
Posted By niknak

I know you're looking for a new bike, but for...

I know you're looking for a new bike, but for credit card tours, you could probably use one of your existing bikes with a couple of bikepacking bags strapped to it. Check out Apidura's stuff...
Forum: Framebuilders
07-24-23, 05:40 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,073
Posted By niknak

Framebuilder Supply in Portland has them....

Framebuilder Supply in Portland has them. (https://framebuildersupply.com/collections/chain-hangers/products/chain-hangers-one-pair)
Forum: Touring
07-12-23, 02:41 PM
Replies: 24
Views: 1,064
Posted By niknak

I guess I've never visited those places before....

I guess I've never visited those places before. :foo: Regardless, your idea is novel. Please post a photo when you've made it.
Forum: Touring
07-11-23, 11:05 AM
Replies: 24
Views: 1,064
Posted By niknak

Seems like the hammer head needs to be heavy...

Seems like the hammer head needs to be heavy enough to be effective. What's wrong with using a rock found on site? Nothing to carry with you.
Forum: Touring
07-06-23, 03:54 PM
Replies: 79
Views: 3,268
Posted By niknak

I read the thread. Same old, same old. Dudes...

I read the thread. Same old, same old. Dudes arguing that wheel weight matters or doesn't matter. Someone posts a link to the Tire Rolling Resistence website. Someone mentions Jan Heine. The only...
Forum: Touring
07-06-23, 12:55 PM
Replies: 79
Views: 3,268
Posted By niknak

Regardless of what I do and don't understand,...

Regardless of what I do and don't understand, I've never heard of someone trying to argue that a difference in trail, let alone a small difference, has a huge affect on uphill speed. Like I said...
Forum: Touring
07-06-23, 11:57 AM
Replies: 79
Views: 3,268
Posted By niknak

So an 8.5% difference in trail is slowing you...

So an 8.5% difference in trail is slowing you down that much? I doubt it, but it's an interesting theory. I guess you could add little weights to your wheels with the 38mm tires on to similuate the...
Forum: Touring
07-02-23, 02:15 PM
Replies: 29
Views: 1,775
Posted By niknak

I agree with VeganBikes. Move to alt bars since...

I agree with VeganBikes. Move to alt bars since you say the majority of your riding is in the upright cruising position. Tons of braking and shifting options to suit your preferences. And give up the...
Forum: Touring
07-02-23, 01:49 PM
Replies: 79
Views: 3,268
Posted By niknak

Road racers have increased wheel weight in recent...

Road racers have increased wheel weight in recent years by favoring deep section rims and wider tires. I'm not arguing wheel weight is inconsequential, but it seems there are more important factors...
Forum: Framebuilders
07-02-23, 12:56 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 811
Posted By niknak

You say that steep seat tube angles are your...

You say that steep seat tube angles are your friend, but you also say you feel like you're sliding forward. It sounds like your saddle may be too far forward right now. Try sliding it back on the...
Forum: Touring
06-15-23, 12:03 PM
Replies: 112
Views: 7,571
Posted By niknak

I think the Radavist's take on this debate offers...

I think the Radavist's take on this debate offers the most clear distinction between the two terms. If you're doing a bike tour and competing for the fastest time on a designated route, you're...
05-18-23, 05:53 PM
Replies: 3
Views: 557
Posted By niknak

I only rode the GDMBR from Banff to Whitefish in...

I only rode the GDMBR from Banff to Whitefish in 2012. A lot may have changed since then. But I wouldn't want to do it on a gravel bike. There are lots of long climbs followed by long descents. I...
Forum: Touring
04-06-23, 01:38 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 779
Posted By niknak

My wife and I rode the whole BRP south to north...

My wife and I rode the whole BRP south to north in 2019 (http://rideeatcamp.com/category/blue-ridge-parkway/). Some friends joined us for a large chunk of the route. It took us 12 days, none of which...
Forum: Touring
03-26-23, 11:45 PM
Replies: 35
Views: 1,326
Posted By niknak

The one international point to point trip I did...

The one international point to point trip I did ended in Spain. We flew out of Madrid. We spent a few days in Madrid, including one day to call around to the bike shops to find some spare boxes and...
Forum: Touring
03-06-23, 06:29 PM
Replies: 38
Views: 1,830
Posted By niknak

I toured for multiple months in Europe with my...

I toured for multiple months in Europe with my wife in our MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent in 2016. It worked great for us.

That being said the package size and weight of a 3-person tent isn't that...
Forum: Framebuilders
02-15-23, 08:09 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 1,256
Posted By niknak

The quickest way to get going is to take a...

The quickest way to get going is to take a framebuilding class. You learn a ton and you get a custom frame you made at the end of it. Here are a few names to research:

Metal Guru
Doug Fattic...
Forum: Framebuilders
02-02-23, 09:12 AM
Replies: 24
Views: 1,609
Posted By niknak

I have no allegiance to any tube manufacturer....

I have no allegiance to any tube manufacturer. The hardened tubes from any manufacturer can be drawn thinner. The more basic chromoly will be thicker. You're not going to notice a difference if your...
Forum: Touring
01-07-23, 07:55 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 2,274
Posted By niknak

I think a hardtail is more versatile. If you need...

I think a hardtail is more versatile. If you need to take the edge off, something like Cane Creek EE Silk suspension post is nice. Or if you're planning to use a dropper post then getting a hardtail...
Forum: Touring
01-07-23, 07:46 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 1,478
Posted By niknak

Most of the water that gets your feet wet comes...

Most of the water that gets your feet wet comes from the front tire. A full coverage fender does better than any shoe cover keeping your feet dry, except in downpours. Shoe covers will stop some of...
Forum: Framebuilders
11-20-22, 03:27 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,461
Posted By niknak

You put blind faith in the builder regardless....

You put blind faith in the builder regardless. It's a custom bike after all. Questioning their choices for your build should be part of the conversation for sure.

I just don't believe that someone...
Forum: Framebuilders
11-17-22, 11:54 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 2,461
Posted By niknak

I would recommend letting the framebuilder you...

I would recommend letting the framebuilder you chose select the tubing based on the ride characteristics you're after. Adhering to a certain tube brand and model name will only limit the options the...
11-01-22, 06:53 PM
Replies: 30
Views: 4,673
Posted By niknak

A different thought is to keep the frame set and...

A different thought is to keep the frame set and upgrade parts on the bike to reduce its weight. For instance, you could probably easily save over 1.5lbs with lighter wheels and tires.

Another...
Forum: Touring
09-22-22, 03:45 PM
Replies: 53
Views: 1,799
Posted By niknak

For those temps I bring thermal tights, thick...

For those temps I bring thermal tights, thick sleep socks, a hooded puffy jacket, a beanie, a buff, and some thick gloves. For overnighters, I usually pack some luxuries too, like a book or printed...
Forum: Framebuilders
08-25-22, 08:18 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,443
Posted By niknak

They come up for sale from time to time on the...

They come up for sale from time to time on the Framebuilding Tools and Supplies Facebook group.
Forum: Framebuilders
08-22-22, 01:06 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,443
Posted By niknak

I think the Cobra frame jig looks great. I would...

I think the Cobra frame jig looks great. I would have bought one if it was available when I was frame jig shopping.
- optional plumbing for TIG weld backpurging
- ability to hold and locate seat...
Forum: Framebuilders
08-16-22, 10:02 PM
Replies: 6
Views: 726
Posted By niknak

Those parts are likely silver brazed on. Hit them...

Those parts are likely silver brazed on. Hit them with a torch with the frame positioned so gravity does its job.
Forum: Touring
06-28-22, 09:46 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 1,824
Posted By niknak

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I rarely get...

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I rarely get punctures on tour since I'm likely on small back roads away from cities. That's why I don't see the point in using heavy touring tires that ride harshly....
Forum: Touring
06-28-22, 09:22 AM
Replies: 29
Views: 3,378
Posted By niknak

I made a spreadsheet for this a few years back...

I made a spreadsheet for this a few years back and I'm probably missing lots of options, but here are the some of the lightest I found:

Arkel Drylite - 28L 540g 19.3g/L - By far the lightest...
Forum: Touring
06-27-22, 08:08 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 666
Posted By niknak

I toured in Spain as part of a longer European...

I toured in Spain as part of a longer European tour in 2016.

1. I wouldn't recommend following a Camino route and expect to get the same experience as the walkers. I'd personally create my own...
Forum: Touring
06-22-22, 07:27 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 1,566
Posted By niknak

Adventure Cycling's Idaho Hot Springs Loop or the...

Adventure Cycling's Idaho Hot Springs Loop or the Great Divide are both excellent off-road options. You can get paper and digital maps of each to ease planning.

Otherwise, have a look at all the...
Forum: Touring
06-20-22, 05:34 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 1,237
Posted By niknak

Sounded like a fine tour. I think Vermont is...

Sounded like a fine tour. I think Vermont is unique in the US in that there's a hug network of small dirt roads that still lead to towns with resupply points. The dirt roads that I toured on were...
Forum: Touring
06-09-22, 04:56 PM
Replies: 23
Views: 1,838
Posted By niknak

I wouldn't wish bar end shifters on my worst...

I wouldn't wish bar end shifters on my worst enemy :lol:
Forum: Touring
06-09-22, 03:15 PM
Replies: 23
Views: 1,838
Posted By niknak

AFAIK, the Diverge uses drop bars and the owner...

AFAIK, the Diverge uses drop bars and the owner wants to keep using them. Even though the Deore MTB group set is a good value, it wouldn't work in this case.

Probably the best value is to find an...
Forum: Touring
06-01-22, 08:33 PM
Replies: 23
Views: 1,838
Posted By niknak

You could swap the crank for this Rivendell...

You could swap the crank for this Rivendell 38-24t crank (https://www.rivbike.com/products/silver-crank-wide-low-double-38x24-with-guard). That'll get you much lower gearing.
Forum: Touring
06-01-22, 08:27 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 409
Posted By niknak

Napa valley isn't that big and the roads are VERY...

Napa valley isn't that big and the roads are VERY busy or narrow with no shoulders. Sonoma county has better roads for touring IMO and plenty of wineries too. There are some nice roads out of...
Forum: Touring
05-30-22, 06:44 PM
Replies: 35
Views: 1,731
Posted By niknak

I can recommend Stan's Darts or just the standard...

I can recommend Stan's Darts or just the standard tubeless plugs to help plug holes that are slightly larger than sealant can seal by itself. Of course, big gashes or gaping holes mean it's new tire...
Forum: Touring
05-23-22, 11:03 AM
Replies: 68
Views: 4,872
Posted By niknak

Tubus racks are powder coated, not painted. If...

Tubus racks are powder coated, not painted. If you use panniers with plastic attachment points it'll likely take a long time before they wear through the powder coat. If you want to protect the rack...
Forum: Touring
05-23-22, 10:31 AM
Replies: 37
Views: 2,002
Posted By niknak

I have holes in both my Thermarest Neo Air pads....

I have holes in both my Thermarest Neo Air pads. It has been easy to find the holes and patch them. To me the comfort is worth it, just like I'd rather deal with the occasional tube/tubeless puncture...
Forum: Touring
05-16-22, 01:26 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 725
Posted By niknak

Ya, the website didn't provide that info. I...

Ya, the website didn't provide that info. I called last year to see if there was a way to book 1 night spots and the person said only by phone.
Forum: Touring
05-16-22, 09:07 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 725
Posted By niknak

If you're arriving by bike, foot, or kayak to the...

If you're arriving by bike, foot, or kayak to the Vermont State Parks, you can call them and book for one night any day of the week. We camped at 3 or 4 state parks last year on our tour...
Forum: Touring
05-07-22, 01:42 PM
Replies: 45
Views: 3,069
Posted By niknak

I'm sorry my comment was unhelpful. I think what...

I'm sorry my comment was unhelpful. I think what Tarptent offers is a good deal considering it's a ready-made product. It's $16 for a 38" aluminum pole...
Forum: Touring
05-07-22, 08:45 AM
Replies: 45
Views: 3,069
Posted By niknak

Tarptent sells poles...

Tarptent sells poles (https://www.tarptent.com/product-category/struts-poles-stakes/) of various lengths for their tents at reasonable prices.

It seems your biggest hurdle is not knowing how to...
Forum: Touring
04-26-22, 08:47 PM
Replies: 67
Views: 4,102
Posted By niknak

Yes, paper maps are best in many places to help...

Yes, paper maps are best in many places to help plan. Electronic maps come in handy when you need to find specific things in a town or city, like a grocery store. We used the IGN maps in combination...
Forum: Touring
04-25-22, 07:30 PM
Replies: 67
Views: 4,102
Posted By niknak

They probably spent lots of time looking at maps,...

They probably spent lots of time looking at maps, adjusting to bad decisions, and enjoying good decisions. Hey, that's what we do today!?!
Forum: Touring
03-30-22, 04:50 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 2,445
Posted By niknak

I bring rain pants on longer trips in...

I bring rain pants on longer trips in cooler/rainy climates. I always ride with shorts or pants over padded undies. The shorts and pants can be used off the bike. I like having separate shorts and...
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