old bike guy

Hey all: need your opinions. Planning on riding from Durango to Albuquerque this June-solo.Need to make a birthday party in Alb and only have 2 1/2 days to get there. Planning on double centuries (have done that before). Will probably just go down US 550 all the way, with a bunch of water and little else. can't decide which bike to take. My trusty Bianchi Axis (which I've toured with before) or my new Specialized Roubaix Expert Triple (carbon, ultegra, etc.). Riding Speicalized Armadillos (23/25) on the Roubaix. It's a gem to ride, and have an aluminum seatpost to substitute for the carbon post so I can use my rack.. Would be traveling pretty lightly-try to find a hotel in Cuba for first stop-want to put miles on each day.. Any opinions on the bike, or the route? O B G

rob3rto

I'd go for the one that leaves you feeling best after a long ride. Have you ridden a century on the Roubaix yet? Subtle differences in bike geometry could potentially have a pronounced effect on such long rides.

I'd say leaving Durango and coming into Cuba will be your biggest climbs, so that would be both on the same day. I don't know how to circumvent that, though, unless you can procure a place to stay in Lybrook then decide whether to ride the full distance the next day or just to San Ysidro and finish up on your 1/2 day. Or you could hitch to Aztec or Farmington and start from there. You'd miss both the most scenic and narrow road that way.

Also, I don't how normally configure yourself for touring, but I'd recommend a mirror and perhaps a flag for that ride. 550 used to be notorious, although it's four lanes now. Still, it won't hurt to know what's going on behind you and be pretty visible.

Sounds like a great adventure either way, keep us updated on your plans!

old bike guy

thanks for the advice, rob3rto. Haven't done a century on the Roubaix yet.. all rides have been between 34 and 50 miles so far..only have had it a couple of weeks. Still commute mostly on the Bianchi. But it sure is nice to ride, especially in the hills. How much of a "climb" are you referring to between Durango and Cuba? Hadn't really recalled much of a big elevation change on the way to Alb., just the ups and downs of the arroyos..I do recall the climb out of Durango to the airport and on for a while. What have I forgotten? I always use a mirror, but hadn't thought of the flag..Good advice..I figure about 120 miles or so to Cuba..anyplace to stay there? will be carrying plenty of water. I've been a little concerned (ignorant, actually) about the wheels on the Roubaix. Roval Eschappee's..20 and 24 spokes, I believe. DT Aero butted spokes, 2.0mm round/3.2mm x 1.25 mm bladed. Could be a real pain if one breaks on the way down, and I am not familiar with this set up for replacing them. Actually fewer spokes on the Bianchi...Broke one a while back., but more standard..and experience or thoughts? OBG

rob3rto

Here's the climb I was thinking of: https://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1749841 Just that mountain pass on the way into Cuba. About a 600 foot elevation change, but when you're already that high, the weather can be pretty different from bottom to top. That and the climb to the Durango airport are the two that stick out. Still, you know better than I your limits . I'm not a touring cyclist myself, I've just driven that road too many times.

There are some hotels in Cuba, but I've never needed to stay in one: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g4...co-Hotels.html And here's a review that appears to be concerning the Frontier hotel: https://realtravel.com/cuba-journals-j3671445.html

Sorry, I have no experience with the wheels, but I guess it would be prudent to take some extra spokes either way. I'm sure you could find a helpful hand if someone saw you with a mechanical - lots of riders out there.

Cheers,
rob