Originally Posted by
RicR
Bob, Thanks for the feed back on the riding speed. I guess I'm in the ball park, and you're right, the bike is so much fun to ride and comfortable, I should take more time to enjoy the scenery. I like the looks of the Schwalbe Marathon GG RLX wire bead tires and I am very interested in what you think after you ride with both of them mounted. Were they any harder to get on the rim than normal and if you notice the decreased resistance?
Strange, but I was able to use the plastic stay protectors that came with the kick stand and the bolts actually extend about 1/8th inch on the inside. Not sure what the difference is? The seat back bag you ordered looks like it will hold a lot and it looks good on the bike. I'm trying to decide on a trunk back and panniers for the rear rack. The rack was also installed at the LBS and was suppose to be a sun or made for the sun, but I don't know what it is. I would like to pack a lunch some days for long rides and also be able to make runs to the grocery store. Would also like to do so touring one day, but don't know if I will get to that.
Thank you for starting this thread.
Ric
First, yes the new Schwalbe Marathon GG RLX were a bit more difficult to get onto the rim than the Kenda tires. The Kendas practically fell off the rim. Not really but they came off rather easily.
Second, the ride on these tires was very comfortable. They roll very well and just feel better. They are stiffer than the Kenda and are a bit harder so they don't absorb the bumps like the softer tires. I feel they have less resistance than the Kenda. I've now put 105 miles on the tires and my very satisfied with them.
The new kickstand has been working very well. The bolts on the mount are just flush on the backside so as I stated above, I couldn't use the stay protectors. I think I know what the difference is between the two bikes. Ric, yours is a CX (chrome moly), mine is an AX (aluminum alloy). Mine probably has thicker tubing to help strengthen the lighter material.
I've got the new seat bag on the bike. I've decided to use it for my tool kit, spare tubes and other incidentals. The bag fits the seat perfectly and has a lot of space. I'm quite happy with this purchase. If there is a draw back, it's the extra weight up that high. But it hasn't affected the riding.
I'm using the Topeak Explorer rack with the MTX pannier rack bag. The best feature of this bag/rack system is the track. The bag has a plate on the bottom that inserts into a track on the rack. I can take the bag off with just a push of a button. I take the bag into the house when I'm loading it for my commute. I take my lunch in the rack bag and put a change of cloths in the fold out panniers. When I start touring I will opt for a better pair of panniers but for now, this works great for commuting.
I've been concentrating on getting the bike set up for commuting but now that it's done, I'm going to start getting items I'll need to do a week long tour. I've been looking at tents and other camping supplies as well as the Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus Rear Waterproof Pannier
I will also ad an under seat rack with panniers. I've really enjoyed setting this bike up the way I want it and look forward to making it my perfect bike. This is a picture taken today on the Chinese Bridge at Deering Estate.
I'm glad you're enjoying the topic Ric. I hope you're getting lots of useful information.
On a personal note. I've been striving to break 100 miles in one week. Well today's ride put me at 105 miles and I've still got two commuting days left. If the weather holds out, I should gain another 36+ miles just commuting.
Bob