Hello, need some tips and advice...
#26
Every lane is a bike lane
Basically, don't let it stray too far from your sight. The only time my bike was where I couldn't see it on my last tour was at paid campsites/caravan parks. The only time this wasn't the case was at Crows Nest National Park. There I used a cable lock (basically a metal chain) to secure it to a picnic table (locked through the frame of course), removed all the valuables from my panniers (wallet, camera etc). When I came back, it hadn't even been touched.
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Worth considering is a decent quality hybrid cycle.
I own a giant x8oo which has served me well on tours of Norway (twice) and France/Switzerland. also when not touring it is an exellent commuting/recreation bike, it is 5 years old now and has clocked up over 15,ooo miles in that time with nothing more than the usual wear and tear.
As others have stated do not even consider a single man tent , go for a 2 man, the extra room it provides for your provisions is absolutely essential, and the extra weight is negligble.
My panniers are Karrimor which again have given me exellent service, but do not fully trust the waterproof quality of bags , i have always used inner plastic bags as added protection, wich proved indispensable on my last very wet weather tour in Norway.
I avoid any form of backpack as this causes a gradual discomfort with a long day in the saddle
I own a giant x8oo which has served me well on tours of Norway (twice) and France/Switzerland. also when not touring it is an exellent commuting/recreation bike, it is 5 years old now and has clocked up over 15,ooo miles in that time with nothing more than the usual wear and tear.
As others have stated do not even consider a single man tent , go for a 2 man, the extra room it provides for your provisions is absolutely essential, and the extra weight is negligble.
My panniers are Karrimor which again have given me exellent service, but do not fully trust the waterproof quality of bags , i have always used inner plastic bags as added protection, wich proved indispensable on my last very wet weather tour in Norway.
I avoid any form of backpack as this causes a gradual discomfort with a long day in the saddle
#28
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Reply to Dave:
Catfish. I am curious. That is some fine looking machinery and gear you got there, but how do you lock that stuff up while on your tour? Maybe secure would be a better word.
Dave:
Thats a good question first time out on tour i was worried about that same thing. here is my thoughts and what i do.
really about the only time i ever locked my bike is when i got ready to crawll into the tent and crash. so I didnt have to worry about every little noise in the night, that my bike would be gone in the morning. (made for at restfull night.) I had a light weight cable and conbination lock ( i would have lost the key) This kept honest thieves away. But a professional could have cut it but then nothing is 100% safe.
when I stoped at grocerys along the route I just leaned my bike up against the wall and went in. most times there were people looking at the bike in wonderment and waiting for me to return to ask a million questions. Remember that a loaded touring rig gets pretty filthy and looks like it weighs a ton, not a likely canidate for a theif to get away on.
While touring i get off into out of the way areas a lot and camp in some unlikly places. Best advice on security is go with your gut feeling .
I am planning next seasons tour any one with the time is welcom to ride some.
catfsih
In the larger cities or anytime i felt in my gut that it was a better choice to lock it I would lock it while in a store. or libarary using the computer.
after a few thousand miles i just developed a good sense of things. One lady i was talking to at a coffie shop asked if i was worried about someone stealing my bike and my answer was " hey if they steal it then i dont have to ride it any more" that was of course on a day that i was struggling..
Others I met onthe road locked their rig every time they dismounted. I usually tried to keep it in sight at while in a cafe
Catfish. I am curious. That is some fine looking machinery and gear you got there, but how do you lock that stuff up while on your tour? Maybe secure would be a better word.
Dave:
Thats a good question first time out on tour i was worried about that same thing. here is my thoughts and what i do.
really about the only time i ever locked my bike is when i got ready to crawll into the tent and crash. so I didnt have to worry about every little noise in the night, that my bike would be gone in the morning. (made for at restfull night.) I had a light weight cable and conbination lock ( i would have lost the key) This kept honest thieves away. But a professional could have cut it but then nothing is 100% safe.
when I stoped at grocerys along the route I just leaned my bike up against the wall and went in. most times there were people looking at the bike in wonderment and waiting for me to return to ask a million questions. Remember that a loaded touring rig gets pretty filthy and looks like it weighs a ton, not a likely canidate for a theif to get away on.
While touring i get off into out of the way areas a lot and camp in some unlikly places. Best advice on security is go with your gut feeling .
I am planning next seasons tour any one with the time is welcom to ride some.
catfsih
In the larger cities or anytime i felt in my gut that it was a better choice to lock it I would lock it while in a store. or libarary using the computer.
after a few thousand miles i just developed a good sense of things. One lady i was talking to at a coffie shop asked if i was worried about someone stealing my bike and my answer was " hey if they steal it then i dont have to ride it any more" that was of course on a day that i was struggling..
Others I met onthe road locked their rig every time they dismounted. I usually tried to keep it in sight at while in a cafe
Last edited by catfish; 01-12-02 at 09:39 AM.
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Have you considered a recumbent cycle for your tour? They have a great many advantages on extended tours. Main being, more comfortable and more efficient in energy use. In the States you have a great selection and there are some very good web sites on recumbents. I happen to be a late convert to recumbents but in the past 6 years have put 40,000 miles under my legs, so am a bit biased. Give them a try. no harm done.
Good luck and enjoy.
Good luck and enjoy.
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Well, after looking at bikes, I decided on a Klein Attitude Comp, I wanted a Race, but $$$.... So I think I'm going to go with the Comp. What do you guys think? I rode a Klein Attitude, and it was pretty nice.. And I know the deal with the Klein's are that they spend lots on frame, but their drivetrain is a bit down scale... Now, the question is, how do i get panniers on to see if they fit? I was looking at some, and it seems I would need to get a rack for the back first to have it hook onto something. Anyways, any comments on the bike choice?
#31
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The backpack ideal won't work. Put's your center of gravity way to high.
In another post, I stated that I use both a BOB trailer and panniers...one great combo that works
The bike that I use is a hybridized Trek 850 with a Judy fork upfront. On the handlebars rides an e trek GPS (I like to run off of the asphalt as much as possible).
On long treks I'll switch between knobbies and slicks depending on terrain.
One of the big errors for new tourer is to try and do too many milles each day...remember, terrain, weather, and fatigue will bring done the miles, plus don't forget to add some fun days into the trek. You'll be glad you did.
In another post, I stated that I use both a BOB trailer and panniers...one great combo that works
The bike that I use is a hybridized Trek 850 with a Judy fork upfront. On the handlebars rides an e trek GPS (I like to run off of the asphalt as much as possible).
On long treks I'll switch between knobbies and slicks depending on terrain.
One of the big errors for new tourer is to try and do too many milles each day...remember, terrain, weather, and fatigue will bring done the miles, plus don't forget to add some fun days into the trek. You'll be glad you did.
#32
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Originally posted by Old Dan
One of the big errors for new tourer is to try and do too many milles each day...remember, terrain, weather, and fatigue will bring done the miles, plus don't forget to add some fun days into the trek. You'll be glad you did.
One of the big errors for new tourer is to try and do too many milles each day...remember, terrain, weather, and fatigue will bring done the miles, plus don't forget to add some fun days into the trek. You'll be glad you did.
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1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
#33
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Originally posted by dennisk
Well, after looking at bikes, I decided on a Klein Attitude Comp, I wanted a Race, but $$$.... Anyways, any comments on the bike choice?
Well, after looking at bikes, I decided on a Klein Attitude Comp, I wanted a Race, but $$$.... Anyways, any comments on the bike choice?
Check out the wheels. According to Klein, the current model takes tubeless tyres. Not a good idea, stick to standard tyres so you have a better choice of slicks. The low spoke count is also worrying if you want to tour. You NEED a good 36 spoke wheel. Dont use 32 spokes or any low spoke count like the Klien's 24/28.
The front radial spoking is also dubious in a touring bike.
Does it have a good rack attatchement braze-on. If not, forget it.
The front suspension is not ideal for a big tour, another thing to go wrong, but people seem to use them. You may have trouble fitting front panniers, but Tubus make an (expensive) front sus rack.
The rear mech cable routing on the seat stay can gather water in the cable outer, leading to rust and premature breakage.
This model may make a fine and fun weekend play bike, but I wouldnt start a big tour on it.
You need something much more standard and well proven, with better spares compatability.
The thing you have to understand about touring is that Mr Murphy is your riding partner. If it can go wrong, it will. Tourers are by experience a conservative bunch. We like stuff that works, and when it fails, we can till carry on.
#34
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I'm with Michael. For touring you want a fairly relaxed set of frame angles ( for stability especially when loaded) strong wheels (one of my bikes has 36 spoke front and 40 rear) and good rack attachments.
Maybe the best idea is to go second hand at first. Geta good fuly equipped tourer as to add the desired bits to the Klein would cost a fair bit.
Maybe the best idea is to go second hand at first. Geta good fuly equipped tourer as to add the desired bits to the Klein would cost a fair bit.
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plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
#35
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I agree with Chewa and Michael, The Klien does not seem to be all that suitable for the type of tour you are proposing.
I personaly would stick with a rigid frame bike ( less things to go wrong) + the carring combination of trailer and rear panniers will place a great strain on the rear wheel , I would of thought a 40 spoke wheel will be pretty much essential.
I personaly would stick with a rigid frame bike ( less things to go wrong) + the carring combination of trailer and rear panniers will place a great strain on the rear wheel , I would of thought a 40 spoke wheel will be pretty much essential.
#36
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It's a nice looking bike, with a sensible mix of components but the wheels look like lightweight fun rather than fit for touring (as a 210 lb commuter I've been advised not to look at less that 36 hole hubs for durability and reliability). I don't know about the suitability of a suspension fork for touring - If it holds up, then by all accounts they can lower hand-numbness as well as helping with dirt-roads. My lbs said that for commuting any modern coil fork is generally more than reliable enough, and that any failures would likely be gradual, and start noticeably affecting performance before causing real problems - how this translates to touring with large distances between bikeshops I don't know...
Richard
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#37
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Best advice on security is go with your gut feeling.
Absolutely. Sometimes you "feel" that a place is not secure to leave your bike in, locked or not. Since I always have toured with a friend, we always have had the option to have one of us guarding the bikes while the other does errands. We never leave the bikes both unlocked or unguarded, though. They have on a few occasions been left with all panniers on for a couple of hours, and of course several times when buying food or such (we always take the bar-bags with us). Nothing have ever been stolen.
On the tent issue. If you go for one tent, buy one for at least three persons (if you are two). That way you get more space than a two-man tent.
If you are planning the long tour in 2003, you really should try to do a shorter (two weeks) tour this year if possible. First you will learn what you (don't) need and feel what it's like to do perhaps ten 100kms days in a row. 4000 miles is a long way, and you need to be prepared to make it the fun adventure it could be.
/Csson
Absolutely. Sometimes you "feel" that a place is not secure to leave your bike in, locked or not. Since I always have toured with a friend, we always have had the option to have one of us guarding the bikes while the other does errands. We never leave the bikes both unlocked or unguarded, though. They have on a few occasions been left with all panniers on for a couple of hours, and of course several times when buying food or such (we always take the bar-bags with us). Nothing have ever been stolen.
On the tent issue. If you go for one tent, buy one for at least three persons (if you are two). That way you get more space than a two-man tent.
If you are planning the long tour in 2003, you really should try to do a shorter (two weeks) tour this year if possible. First you will learn what you (don't) need and feel what it's like to do perhaps ten 100kms days in a row. 4000 miles is a long way, and you need to be prepared to make it the fun adventure it could be.
/Csson
#38
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well, the only thing is, I hate touring bikes, and I like the position of a mountain bike, its just how i like it... Can you guys recomend a good mountain for touring then? Something with 36 spokes, which has no front suspension is what your saying is good, right?
#39
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Originally posted by dennisk
well, the only thing is, I hate touring bikes, and I like the position of a mountain bike, its just how i like it... Can you guys recomend a good mountain for touring then? Something with 36 spokes, which has no front suspension is what your saying is good, right?
well, the only thing is, I hate touring bikes, and I like the position of a mountain bike, its just how i like it... Can you guys recomend a good mountain for touring then? Something with 36 spokes, which has no front suspension is what your saying is good, right?
I bought a C-dale F400 (has front suspension) about a month ago and most of my miles have been on the road, but I've learned a lot of lessons while doing some weekend trail riding. I am always in the bike shops browsing around and talking to people with experience. Everyone has got a different opinion, but you'll start to see it come together as you gain more experience and talk to more people.
Right now I still feel relatively inexperienced, but on the other hand, I am gaining the knowledge about what feels comfortable and what I like, which I think are the most important things.
Just think about how during your tour its going to be you and your machine. So make sure it suits you.
And like Csson said, just go out and do a small tour, get out there and ride. Thats the best way to figure it all out.
my two pennies,
Dave
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#40
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Originally posted by dennisk
well, the only thing is, I hate touring bikes, and I like the position of a mountain bike, its just how i like it... Can you guys recomend a good mountain for touring then? Something with 36 spokes, which has no front suspension is what your saying is good, right?
well, the only thing is, I hate touring bikes, and I like the position of a mountain bike, its just how i like it... Can you guys recomend a good mountain for touring then? Something with 36 spokes, which has no front suspension is what your saying is good, right?
Today, I won't tour without front supension - I've ran both fire and logging roads with and without front supension. Take it from me, on these roads a rigid fork would beat you to death (over the years I've been working on putting together an asphalt free Trans Am, maybe in a few more years it'll be done). Front supension may make you less efficent mileage wise, but in dirt and mud you get much, much better braking control, which could, in the long run, really mean better mileage since you don't have to walk out of the back country with a broken bike.......
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If you really want to take a backpack for hiking excursions, find one with an internal frame where the two vertical frame bits are removeable, remove them, tie then to your frame with electrical tape, roll up the backpack, and lash it to your rack.
I did this for an extended tour of OZ/NZ and it worked very well.
I did this for an extended tour of OZ/NZ and it worked very well.
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Hey guys, thanks for all the replies. I've been looking closely at bikes, and I'm leaning towards a Cannondale T2000. I heard some good things about the Cannondale frames, so I was checking the other hardware. I was checking out Shimano's stuff, and I saw the XTR as the rear derailleur. I thought the XTR was mainly for the MTB stuff? I know it's top notch.... Then I looked at the rear cogs, 11-34 (by the way, is this the number of teeth?), and for all the road bike rear derailleur's the max was 24, and I was just thinking they threw the XTR on to make it work.
The Shifters were Ultegra's, and I really like those... However, I'm not sure about some of the other components, such as the pedals or the crank, or the front derailleur.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/02/cusa/model-2TR2.html
Theres the web page with the specs, if you guys have some time, run down the list and tell me what you think about the components, what I may need to upgrade down the line, perhaps some components which may have problems.... I must say, by the way, I am impressed with the quality of the replies... very helpful. Thanks,
Dennis.
The Shifters were Ultegra's, and I really like those... However, I'm not sure about some of the other components, such as the pedals or the crank, or the front derailleur.
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/02/cusa/model-2TR2.html
Theres the web page with the specs, if you guys have some time, run down the list and tell me what you think about the components, what I may need to upgrade down the line, perhaps some components which may have problems.... I must say, by the way, I am impressed with the quality of the replies... very helpful. Thanks,
Dennis.