samkl 

What handlebar tape is that? Is it sort of a muted yellow in real life (or is that just the picture?)?

jsigone

it's rather old now, maybe why it looks muted. But I like it it and last a long time, well padded for off roading on skinnies

Fizik padded performance bar tape
performance classic

samkl 

Thanks!

[QUOTE=jsigone;19966110]it's rather old now, maybe why it looks muted. But I like it it and last a long time, well padded for off roading on skinnies

Fizik padded performance bar tape
performance classic

DGibson

The only picture that I can find of my Franken-Fuji this summer. This is from my around Lake Ontario ride in June.

Consider this picture a PSA: Google maps is not always right....this mud filled rutted utility corridor, according to google maps, is a bike path.....

robow

Touring Arkansas and southern Illinois this past fall on my latest touring bike. I do own a second matching steel fork with a front rack attached which can be swapped out in only a few minutes when I'm in need of additional front panniers.

. by robow 77

linus

My previous setup was fine, but that won't stop me from fixing the issues that I don't have.
Except for the stem, seatpost, saddle, and the frame, everything has been changed.

Quick-Release F and R -> Front 100 x 12mm, Rear 142 x 12mm Thru-Axles.
Salsa Steel Fork -> Fyxation Spartan Carbon Fork.
Dura-Ace 9000 grouset -> Sram Etap HRD Wifli
TRP Hy/Rd Brakes -> Sram HRD
Shimano RT-86 rotors -> Shimano RT-900S rotors
Notubes Grail Wheels -> 3T Discus C35 Pro
Zipp Vuma Quad 50/34 Crankset -> FSA SL-K Modular 386evo 46/30 Crankset
Panaracer Paselas 38mm Tires -> Rivendell Jack Brown 33.5mm
Specialized S-works Carbon Bar -> Zipp SL Carbon 44 Handlebar

Took pictures after just quick test rides. Currently testing out the setup in Oregon in the rain to see if this system can stand the abuse from the rain. I want to make sure the setup is okay for the up coming SE Asia trip in January. So far, brakes are amazing.

djb

no see photos on this here computer you hoser.

hfbill

I travel light, at least as far as packing stuff is concerned, though my 94 Trek 520 does sport a fair amount of electronics, mirrors, lights etc. As I don't camp anymore, I find I can get by very nicely with these small, hard shell panniers. It's strictly credit card touring for me these days. I was surprised by the extent to which at higher speeds, and in stiff headwinds, I could feel the difference in aerodynamics over my old fabric panniers. Also they're totally waterproof & as they lock, they're at least a little more secure than my old ones. They weigh about the same as my old ones, but are smaller and hold only about 70% as much stuff. However, since that forces me to economize on my packing, I actually end up a little lighter than I used to be. The groupset is Deore XT, also LX Hubs, Sun Rhyno Lite rims with 38 mm Schwalbe Marathon tires.

djb

those are pretty neat/cool/goofy ;-)

never seen that before on a bicycle, although looking at it I automatically hear the "potatoe-potatoe-potatoe" sound of an idling Harley.

hfbill

Yeah, I get a lot of comments along the lines of: "wear did you get those panniers"

PaddleFoot

I do enjoy seeing all these rigs! I am currently working out all bugs in my Kona Sutra, and I'll then start assembling my gear and get a picture taken while loaded.

veganbikes

On a recent trip...mine in the green one on the right (Co-Motion Cascadia), the black Cross Check will hopefully be getting some pink hubs and headset from White Industries and the Novara might be going with Crampandgoslo Potenza because I couldn't talk hm off the Campy cliff but honestly I think it will suit him fine and will look rather nice.

linus

Sorry, forgot about Google Photos.

Here is the photo

sdotkling

Wow, nice bike!

str

is that a carbon fork? if so, how did you fix the tubus rack?

linus

Thanks. The frame is old, but still kicking.

Yes it is. It's Fyxation Spartan and it has the triple eyelets on the fork plus the fender eyelets.

You can see better here.

str

thanks, looks interesting, do they give a weight limit, did not find anything on their web. wondering how long the threads in the fork hold up with panniers and off road touring ....

djb

I have a 2010 Spec Tricross that for many years models had a cf fork with mid fork mounting holes. I sort of found various recommendations for weight on racks , but it was never particularly clearcut, I think they were just being coy about it.
The times I used a front rack on it, I used lightly loaded panniers, like I had always done anyway on other bikes, and so this didnt affect my loading, but.....I was certainly more aware of the fork and so was more prudent going over rough stuff.

in the end, that bike model got changed to an alu fork, which when I look at it, using a cf fork doesnt really make sense to me if you are going the front pannier route. Sure, a reasonalbe load or light load on good paved roads is one thing, but Id be very wary of heavier loads and or rougher roads.

not worth it in my opinion, especially when you take into account situations where you are really on rough stuff, and or when rack bolts loosen and person doesnt notice it...

linus

I'll be touring in Hongkong, Vietnam, and South Korea coming January to find out.

djb

using slightly fatter tires with lower pressures will help with shocks going to wheels and fork, but mostly just keep a regular eye on rack bolts tightness, and I would suggest using blue loctite or heavy grease to help stop vibration loosening.

but dont overtighten!

linus

My last trip in Thailand was with 42mm tires and they were great. Just wanna try different tires. All my bikes have carbon forks and two of them have eyelets like Spartans. I haven't had any issues with them for the past 8 years so it will be fine.

FYI, heavy grease won't help with bolts loosening. Might as well use beewax instead.

djb

I have put heavy grease, anti sieze auto stuff, super thick, and I find it rather effective. In hindsight if I had known about the beeswax thing earlier I would have tried it-- The greases main down side is that it is messy, beeswax would be cleaner. I have since then bought some blue loctite but haven't used it on racks yet.

ksisler

I think Panasonic or Continental make a 43 or 45mm touring tire. Also a 35 and 37 or there about.

BigFinner

Ughhh Vietnam. We have cycled a lot of SE asia and loved every minute of it with the exception of Vietnam. We couldn't wait to get out of that country and found many other travelers there with the same feeling. All this said I have heard the Vietnamese people have greatly warmed up to travelers the last few years. I would be very interested in hearing your experience after the trip is over.

linus

I've tried Continental touring tires and those weren't bad but too hard for my taste. I'm a big fan of Panaracer tires, but I wanted to try something different this time. I might try Schwalbe G-One tires for the trip since I might go through some gravel roads.

Really? I've only heard great stories from Vietnam. Oh well I guess I'll find out soon.