Digital Gee

Retro,

I've thought about it from time to time, but at this point in time, I don't think it would be a good fit. (No pun intended.) I have precious little indoor storage room in my apartment, and (from what I can tell) recumbents are a lot more money for a decent model. There is an LBS not too far away (35 miles?) which specializes in 'bents, and one of these days I should pop over and give them a second look. But as I said, storage is also a problem. I live on the second floor, I don't relish dragging it upstairs every ride. That, and I'm not sure how easily it would mount to my car to take elsewhere for a ride. Maybe sometime in the future, however!

Digital Gee

You make a good point about choosing a lighter bike, and that's been going through my mind. My search for the best bike for me right now has started with the Long Haul Trucker, because a) I hold a romantic notion that I might fancy doing some short tours (under a week) one day, and b) I like trying out different kinds of bikes. That said, I don't foresee any tours in the near future, so...

In terms of riding conditions: I actually lived just 18 miles west of where I live now. San Diego is interesting in terms of weather. In the summer, temperatures at the coast might be in the low 70s, while in my old neighborhood, they'd be in the high 70s on the same day, and in my NEW neighborhood, they'd easily be in the low 90s. There's coastal temps, moderate temps 10 miles inland, and much higher (and drier) tempts in what we call the valleys of "east county."

Where I used to live, there were very few hills - just your typical metro neighborhoods + downtown and coastal communities. Out here in the 'burbs, there's more hills, and just east of here, if I want to get out of the 'burbs, it's country roads with long hills. I'm not comfortable with hills. I know I can get in shape to get up them, but frankly, I'm a bit uneasy coming DOWN them - I'm not into riding fast, especially on these particular streets, which are frequently quite crowded with traffic and rarely have good bike lanes.

I loved my Specialized Roubaix. I would get another road bike but can't spend $2,000 or more on one. That limits me to the entry level models, which aren't quite as appealing since I've had better.

I don't know. It's always hard to choose the next bike (at least for me!). Thanks for the suggestions!

stapfam

C'mon DG- you know how to tackle hills- Live at the top of them and Taxi Home.

If it is that hilly- Look at the lowest gearing you can get. And as you don't like fast downhills- Good brakes.

SuncoastChad

Dude! Who are you kidding. You're coming back!
I've had Colnago/Campy and now I'm Schwinn cruiser...get over "I've had better..." Ride, man, Ride!!

qcpmsame 

Wow Gary I was wondering where you were the other day. Good to see you posting again. That Surly LHT sounds like a good all rounder for you. How is the gearing if you are concerned about the hills? Maybe a triple if it doesn't have one (not familiar with the LHT.) Anyway it is good to see you again and hope you do et back into riding again.

Bill

Digital Gee

Thanks, Bill.

The stock bike is a triple, as follows: Shimano HG-50 , 11-13-15-17-20-23-26-30-34t

I've been out of it so long I don't even know whether that's good or not!

qcpmsame 

With the granny ring on the triple and that 34t gear you should be able to climb most anything, Gary. I think that LHT will suit you well from what I have read about it now.

Bill

Dchiefransom

Welcome back, DG. All I've got to say for a touring machine is HP Velotechnik Gekko FX.

Velo Fellow

DeeGee........I well remember the soul-racking evolution from your beloved but clunker Trek (3900?) mtn. bike to cross bike and eventually to Ruby. Along the way were issues over do-it-yourself maintenanc, lycra shorts, and your first fall. You gave me great camera advice and we swapped views on females and love-life-- and had a few private communications over annoying personalities now long gone. I've posted here variously as GrannyGear, CrossChain, '47, and now VeloFellow. I must be the Forum's schizo multiple personality-- which make you quite normal!


Anyway, some crash-caused injuries have kept my cycling almost nil for over a year but now I'm ready for a come-back at near zero fitness in my mid 60's. I'd count it as very kool if you'd join me as we bridge back up to the main group here at 50Plus. Why, heck, I might even keep my current name.

** A friend has an LHT (and a Madone) and does all kinds of riding on it.... the kind of bike you'd ride from San Diego to Patagonia-- or down to Starbucks. RoadBike reviews, among many others, here: https://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/la...5_5675crx.aspx

Doug64

Welcome back

The LHT trucker is a good loaded touring bike, but it is heavy and slow.

For loaded touring it is hard to beat. It is the "Ford 250" of touring bikes. However, it is relatively heavy and not very nimble due to its long wheel base. The same long wheel base that makes it stable with a load. This is my LHT that I built up on Surly's dark cherry red frame (an older color available in frame only). I am fortunate to have other bikes, and really don't ride the LHT except for loaded touring or training for a tour. Of course, it has fenders, racks, heavy rims and tires, and a mountain bike drive train.

The stock LHT also comes with bar end shifters, which I find slower and awkward to use. IMO the manufacturers use them because they are cheaper, and easier to adapt to mountain bike components than STI shifters. I built my bike with STI shifters (brifters). I'm not putting the LHT down. It is a great bike, especially if you need a "Ford 250". As was pointed out, there is a lot of LHT info on the Touring Forum.

This picture was taken during a 2900 mile ride this summer. This is the 2nd relatively long trip on this bike and it has performed exceptionally well. As you can see, I needed a " Ford 250" on this trip

Digital Gee

Wow! I am beginning to feel like I'm at my high school reunion! (Which, in real life, I'd NEVER attend, ).

I do remember you well, GG er VF! And you've brought back sweet memories of that Trek 3900. It got me started at age 54 or 55. I never took it off-road. It took a year or two before I replaced the knobbies, and got slicks. I even worked up to a metric century on that bike. It's been many a bike since then - some used, some new.

I resisted EVERYTHING that the experts told me, from cycling clothes to drop bars to clipless pedals. But eventually I tried them all, and you know what? The experts (you included) were right.

I never did become a wrench - it's not in my DNA. My favorite bike tool is my iPhone.

My personal circumstances took a terrible turn for the worst when the recession hit, and it's been a very tough three years. But I'm still alive and kicking, and having allowed myself to get completely out of shape, I'm itching to get back in the saddle again. I've also installed a resistance band set-up in my apartment and have been doing some strength training with that.

I'm DELIGHTED to see you return as well. I'm sorry to hear you crashed and must have taken quite a hit to keep you off the bike. I've never quite gotten over my own worry about having something serious happen out on the road. I wish we had some good off-street trails here, but I've never found them. So it's ride on the road and be mindful all the way. (No more headphones and music for me!)

I'd be delighted to join you. I've got youth on my side; I'm just a kid at 62, but I promise not to rub that in too much.

Gosh, it's so good to see so many folks here who were here when I was a frequent poster (and accused as such). Only ones I haven't seen yet are the Diegos. Wonder whatever became of them?

Velo Fellow

I have a Riv Romulus with a relatively long wheelbase/chain stays and relaxed angles....not the bike to ride 3 inches off someone's wheel and bumping elbows, but sweetly reassuring on straight and sweeping descents, something Gary had mentioned he might value.

George

Good to see you back Gary. I think you would like the LHT. From what I've read on the touring forums it's a great bike at a good price. I almost bought one, but changed my Jamis so much that, it's my touring bike now, with upgrades over the LHT. Anyhow welcome back.