Comments for while out riding

Comment on Lunar Exploration: Riding White Mesa, NM. by While Out Riding

While Out Riding — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:18:44 +0000

Thanks very much Mike. Not sure when I’ll be that way again, but there’s still so much to discover in Colorado so I hope to make it back at some point…

Comment on Hot springs and Humperdinck: dirt roads to Idyllwild, CA by While Out Riding

While Out Riding — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:17:25 +0000

Thanks for the comment. Have a great time.

Comment on gear by While Out Riding

While Out Riding — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:15:55 +0000

I moved over to a two piece crankset when I was back in the UK. I had a spare SLX, so figured I’d give it a go as an experiment, seeing as I need to fit a new bottom bracket anyway. I’m still a big fan of square taper, especially if you can get your hands on Shimano’s UN72. The only issue I did find, though, is that sourcing square taper bottom brackets isn’t as easy as it used to be – finding the right size (73mm for the Troll/Ogre) and width – dependant on your cranks – can be problematic. Most places I went to had 68mm shell bottom brackets, or spindles that were too narrow.

I don’t expect outboard bearings to last as long – I’ve already gone through my first set – but every good bike shop I’ve been to in Latin America’s larger cities stocks them. They’re easy to fit, and light to carry if you want to pack a spare. And they’re cross compatible, as it’s simply a case of adjusting the spacers to fit the cranks you have.

If you’re feeling flush, the bearings from Phil Woods can be removed and changed from the cups without a tool, which is cool for touring. They should last a lot longer too.

http://www.philwood.com/products/bbpages/outboard.php

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the matter.

And yes, I needed to get the Troll’s BB faced, which is a quick job.

Comment on Lunar Exploration: Riding White Mesa, NM. by While Out Riding

While Out Riding — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:03:33 +0000

Sounds like a plan!

Comment on Lunar Exploration: Riding White Mesa, NM. by While Out Riding

While Out Riding — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:44:45 +0000

I haven’t tried to Woodchippers, though I heard good things. The only potential issue I see is the extra reach you’d get from running a drop bar on a bike designed for flat bars – it might end up being quite a reach. And getting the height of the bars right so the drops are useful. Maybe you could experiment with a shorter stem, steeper stem.

I prefer the aluminium H Loop bars over the Titecs, though they’re more expensive. As far as I know, these bars are wider too, and should work fine with rapid fire shifters. The downside of the design is if you want to run a bar bag, as the loop puts the weight waaaaaay out front. If the sweep is too much sweep, there’s plenty of 20-25 degree options around.

In any case, I’m a big fan of Ergon grips for long distance touring, especially with a rigid setup.

As for rack and panniers, I just borrowed what I could: a Planet X rack and Ortlieb rear rollers. I wouldn’t recommend the Planet X rack as it spaces the rack out really wide for running discs on a standard MTB frame, which compromises the rigidity. Tucking the disc mounts between the stays, a la Ogre, means you should be able to run a standard rack. Given the way cable pull disc calipers jutt out (like BB7s), you still may need to space the rack leg out a little, so there’s no rub against the back of the pannier.

Given the choice, I’d spend the extra cash and see if there was a Tubus rack that worked. The guys at bikebagshop.com know their stuff and should be able help work out what fits best.

Comment on Back in the Chihuahuan Desert: Bikepacking in Big Bend by While Out Riding

While Out Riding — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:28:44 +0000

It will be perfect over the summer. If you make it down to southern New Mexico, it might be pretty warm. But the rest will be just right.

Comment on Lunar Exploration: Riding White Mesa, NM. by Chris

Chris — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:36:22 +0000

Thanks for the info Cass, I’m leading toward the Ogre. I’ve got an old life insurance policy that I’m going to cash out to buy it. Doesn’t really do me a whole lot of good since it’s only worth something when I’m dead and at that point I wont be able to enjoy the bike, so it’s kindof a no brainer!

Take care, I enjoy reading your updates. Chris

Comment on Lunar Exploration: Riding White Mesa, NM. by Matthew Karsten

Matthew Karsten — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:36:12 +0000

Fantastic shots Cass, looks like a great ride. I need to get on a bike again soon.

Comment on gear by Christian Tenllado

Christian Tenllado — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 16:21:22 +0000

Hi:

Very nice blog! Congratulations!

I just noticed that you have changed your chainset to a shimano slx with hollowtech II. I am in the process of building my own version of the troll, and would appreciate your review in comparison to a square taper build. Is the hollowtech II bb reliable? Does it requiere much maintainance? Did the troll frame need facing to install the hollowtech II?

Enjoy your cycling.

Cheers.

Christian.

Comment on Hot springs and Humperdinck: dirt roads to Idyllwild, CA by Nyingpo

Nyingpo — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 05:29:43 +0000

Gearing up for the continental divide. Enjoy
Your travelogue, and glean useful tips with
Every installment. Keep the spokes turning.