Finished my Tour
06-20-17, 08:20 PM
#1
Rouleur
Thread Starter
Finished my Tour
I was asking questions here last month or so in preparation for my tour on my Nashbar Touring Bike. Well I'm back and I've learned alot.
The B-17 held out great for the first 4 days but was murder the last day.
The original idea was 100 miles a day, but I was recommended as low as 30 in the hills. We averaged around 80 and that was too much.
I went with a 34/50 crank and 32/11 cassette. Needed lower gears quite often. I never had to walk, and didn't have knee pain, but was spinning about 30 rpm up a few hills. Will probably switch back to the triple for the next one.
I went back and forth on a higher rise stem several times and decided to go with the 7 degree. Really regretted that.
Anywhere here's my story if you're interested in.
https://barndoorcycling.wordpress.co...arks-part-one/
The B-17 held out great for the first 4 days but was murder the last day.
The original idea was 100 miles a day, but I was recommended as low as 30 in the hills. We averaged around 80 and that was too much.
I went with a 34/50 crank and 32/11 cassette. Needed lower gears quite often. I never had to walk, and didn't have knee pain, but was spinning about 30 rpm up a few hills. Will probably switch back to the triple for the next one.
I went back and forth on a higher rise stem several times and decided to go with the 7 degree. Really regretted that.
Anywhere here's my story if you're interested in.
https://barndoorcycling.wordpress.co...arks-part-one/
06-20-17, 08:35 PM
#2
Sunshine
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Sounds like you got some valuable experience in and have further clarified what will make you most comfortable.
Good news as its an ongoing process thats further refined each time out.
Good news as its an ongoing process thats further refined each time out.
06-20-17, 09:34 PM
#3
Bikes are okay, I guess.
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Interesting that the saddle got worse with miles. They (or you) usually become more comfy as the miles and days accumulate.
The big question is, did you enjoy it?
The big question is, did you enjoy it?
06-22-17, 05:51 AM
#4
Rouleur
Thread Starter
The first day on the B17 was awesome, the second as well. I had some very minor discomfort on the 3rd day but not bad. On the 4th day it felt as if my left sitbone was bruised. The saddle has some damage around the rivets and I don't think it sits quite right so I think that might have been why. Also the roads on the Route 66 were kind of rough.
I did have alot of fun, I think if we'd kept it closer to 60 miles a day it would have been more fun.
I also have second thoughts about touring with another person now. We rarely rode together and when we did I didn't really enjoy riding with him because he would always pull up beside me. Our schedules were off, I like to get going early, beat the heat, and keep moving. He liked to start late and spend the best part of the day hanging out in cafes eating breakfast for 2 hours. I was the one with the map but eventually I just started giving him directions and leaving. Of course it was also nice to have someone to talk to,
I did have alot of fun, I think if we'd kept it closer to 60 miles a day it would have been more fun.
I also have second thoughts about touring with another person now. We rarely rode together and when we did I didn't really enjoy riding with him because he would always pull up beside me. Our schedules were off, I like to get going early, beat the heat, and keep moving. He liked to start late and spend the best part of the day hanging out in cafes eating breakfast for 2 hours. I was the one with the map but eventually I just started giving him directions and leaving. Of course it was also nice to have someone to talk to,
06-22-17, 07:22 AM
#5
ambulatory senior
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The first day on the B17 was awesome, the second as well. I had some very minor discomfort on the 3rd day but not bad. On the 4th day it felt as if my left sitbone was bruised. The saddle has some damage around the rivets and I don't think it sits quite right so I think that might have been why. Also the roads on the Route 66 were kind of rough.
I did have alot of fun, I think if we'd kept it closer to 60 miles a day it would have been more fun.
I also have second thoughts about touring with another person now. We rarely rode together and when we did I didn't really enjoy riding with him because he would always pull up beside me. Our schedules were off, I like to get going early, beat the heat, and keep moving. He liked to start late and spend the best part of the day hanging out in cafes eating breakfast for 2 hours. I was the one with the map but eventually I just started giving him directions and leaving. Of course it was also nice to have someone to talk to,
I did have alot of fun, I think if we'd kept it closer to 60 miles a day it would have been more fun.
I also have second thoughts about touring with another person now. We rarely rode together and when we did I didn't really enjoy riding with him because he would always pull up beside me. Our schedules were off, I like to get going early, beat the heat, and keep moving. He liked to start late and spend the best part of the day hanging out in cafes eating breakfast for 2 hours. I was the one with the map but eventually I just started giving him directions and leaving. Of course it was also nice to have someone to talk to,
06-23-17, 08:16 AM
#7
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06-23-17, 08:50 AM
#8
Senior Member
gattm99, I just jumped on the forum for a quick break and will read your blog later. Congrats on your tour and, as mentioned already, every one under the belt allows insight for improvment in one or more aspects.
Brad
Brad
Last edited by bradtx; 06-23-17 at 08:51 AM. Reason: sp
06-23-17, 08:51 PM
#9
Clark W. Griswold
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You are now officially a bike tourist! I feel like you have to do one tour kind of wrong but live to tell about it and have a good time before you really get in. That was my experience though less with gearing and more with gear and such.
