mymorningjacket

Just a simple question pertaining to kick stands. Yay or nay? Pros and cons?

skrudumra

I'm just wrapping up my second touring build after wearing out the crank bearing stays in my last one. This latest build is a steel frame Giant. I put aluminum wheels, aluminum seat post with a modern light weight saddle. The bike came with flat bars and those never fit my frame well so I replaced them with some super light weight aluminum bars from Sunlite. I put on some cheap Bell comfort tires and will upgrade those soon as it's tough to make good speed on soft 26" tires. The bike weighs I guess around 30lbs. but you'd never know riding it as it feels very light and stiff. It climbs hills effortlessly but again, not blindingly fast. On my racer I usually keep a 15-17mph average while on my commuter 12-15 average. In the future, I would like to find a 1"stem, carbon fiber fork for cantilever brakes and 26"wheel.

jefnvk

In case you haven't figured it out yet, there is nothing simple about it. Most threads wind up something like this one: https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/10...-bad-news.html

Everyone has their preferences, and everyone has their notions that their way is the only proper way. Pick one that works for YOU and go with it.

mstateglfr 

Cool wife.

skrudumra

As a rule of thumb, always ride the biggest frame that you can comfortably ride.

skrudumra

Weinmann wheels are cheap but they're excellent. Light weight and strong. True them once a year barring incident.

Juan2know

I'm going to put one on my Long Haul Trucker by spring at the latest. I think it will come in handy when no tree or building is around. There are some metal leaning post type stands, maybe 36" or so tall and has a U shape on the end so you can put it in the ground and lean your bike up against it. Most bicycle stores can order for you. Or look for bike stands on ebay or amazon.

rawly old

I have two on my 'version' of a LHT, a two leg that rocks to lift either wheel off the ground for tuning,& a rear mount tilt leg.

cyber.snow

I have tried touring without, with single leg and with double leg kickstands. In my experience, I prefer the double leg kickstand (with adjustable legs) especially while loading or unloading the bike.

morbikes

Before you do that be sure to go to the Surly website and see their advice about attaching a kickstand to the frame of a LHT. They do not recommend it.

Panthadad2

Any recommendation on a double leg kickstand, or tips for installation, that won't scratch the hell out of the paint (like most kickstands)? I'm trying to make my 1993 chromoly Trek 750 last as long as possible and had to do some serious paint touching-up after removing the kickstand installed by the bike shop (bought it used).

vickorano

Hi all, new here. I've never toured before but I am very interested in trying. I am, however, very anxious & kind of scared to do it alone. I'm having a lot of trouble finding groups of people to do it with. I'm just one woman and I'm very nervous about the more nuanced aspects of long-term touring; the execution of the tour, interaction with people, finding safe places, staying safe on the road, preventing theft, avoiding assault or worse. Are there any women on the forum--or do you know any--who have toured alone successfully? I'm very interested in the experiences of people who are experienced tourists; what problems have you faced, how did you solve them? People interactions, road danger concerns, location safety, things like that. I'm very scared of being assaulted, kidnapped, robbed or run over. I do travel alone but I feel like bicycling makes one more vulnerable. Thanks for reading, I hope to hear some stories or advice. I very much want to try touring, very soon.

ksisler

Most consistent breakfast has been a McDonald's Delux Breakfast with a Large Coffee. About $5. Just sayin'

dgodave

Maybe start a whole separate thread for this? Might get buried in this one.

ksisler

I your bike has a mount for one, then go for it. It provides a degree of utility. I like the aluminum ones that can be trimmed to fit. Never liked the ones that bolt to the rear dropout and/chain-stays.

sarahdavignon

HI, I'll be going on my first bike tour in Europe. V casual, lots of down time, no camping (Air b&B, likely). But since I have never gone on a multi-day trip before, and since I will be far away from home, I wonder what tips and tricks you might have for a first-timer.

(I'll be in Italy, if anyone is curious)


Thanks,
S

eric044

i plotted a cool route from long island to bethlehem, pa, but haven't done it yet. in theory, it should be no worries everywhere. im not a huge guy but more worried about getting stuck in a remote location compared to crime. crime can happen anywhere. would pack a bike lock though. where in PA are you?

eaglegamma

I've met a number of female touring cyclists, some solo and some not. Overall it comes across as a positive experience. You are indeed more vulnerable traveling by bicycle, however people are aware of that and act accordingly by offering greater hospitality and assistance. In some regions with more traditional attitudes it can still be dangerous and inadvisable, however in most of the US and many other countries you'd be fine.
Also, you can find people to ride with, for the short or long term, if you prefer greater comfort that way.
Safety understandably affects women as a concern more than men in riding in general (not just touring). I wonder what changes would help make women feel more comfortable touring?

vickorano

I would, if I could, but the forum doesn't allow new threads for new users until they meet a post count. So I just dropped it here. :c

vickorano

I'm in Erie, PA. Doesn't take long to get into the countryside out here. I actually have a very complete hiking gear & biking gear pack. I'm just trying to figure out if I can afford panniers or if I should just strap the whole backpack onto my cargo rack--which is possible.

I can hold my own in remote areas, I've taken long primitive camping trips before. My main fears are being harassed by drivers in cities, (I'm terrified still of driving on the road,) theft, and assault when no one else is around. :/

vickorano

Hey, no shame in that-- it's also the most consistent breakfast you'll get on a road trip. That, and gas station food. I'm used to it (I kinda like it, lol.) Besides packing snacks & water, I totally get it.

Tomodachi

Hi, I plan to tour in Japan in January. It's going to be snow in some parts and I may have to camp out doors for some parts.


Has anyone had any experience in the snow and if so any tips that you would like to share.

shaunp

Where are you planning to go in Japan?

Tomodachi

I hope to go in the Gunma Prefecture, starting in Takasaki -Mount Asama - Kusatsu - Ikaho and finish up back in Takasaki.
There will be some mountainous regions in this tour.

shaunp

Bring a very good sleeping bag…the cold might be a bigger problem than the snow…