I own a MTB, a racing bike and a tandem. I was thinking about the LiteSpeed Blue-Ridge for this trek.Bike: MTB or touring bike, whichever you prefer (or have!)
I have one that we use on the tandem for 2-day credit-card rides. I'll probably reuse that one for this trip.Racks: Blackburn make very nice ones, and Topeak do some too.
Here is where I start to wonder what I need. I use a large waterproof pannier for commuting to keep the laptop dry... I have two front-bags from blackburn that my wife uses for her rear-bags when she commutes. I was thinking about only carrying the two small front bags as rear bags only.Bags: Buy the best quality ones you can afford, they'll pay you back with many years of service
I want to try to stay in hotels as often as possible but I wonder if I need a tent as a backup... Also if I should carry the tent then I would need ground cover stuff: matt, bag and such... What is the best/litest..Tent: Whatever is comfortable and practical for you. Getting the lightest one isn't essential. Unless you're flying around with all of your kit weight is that important.
Originally posted by prestonjb
What kind of bike, rack, bags, tent, ect would you carry to do a coast to coast ride say over 30 days.
Originally posted by prestonjb
Thanks Redbent.
After reading this link and looking at all of the other stuff I'm currently looking at the Airborne Carpe Diem... Here is why...
1) I love titanium. My racing bike is a Litespeed
2) I thought about the Blue Ridge but the design of the rear brake cable boss looks bad. Someone had issues with it and it does look awkward
3) The airborne is different so it will give me someone to compare Ti vs Ti.
4) I'm not looking for a 4-bag tourer. Yes I could add a set of front bags if I want. The Carpe Diem only as 42.5cm chain stays but that should be OK for me. Hey if I want more space I'll add an Expedition rack and it will push everything back...
5) Except for the chainstays not being 45cm, the carpe diem has all of the other stuff... 3 bottle mounts, canti brake bosses, could use disk, fender and rack mounts. There was a comment about higher center of gravety because this frame is listed as a cyclocross-tourer... But the BB drop out is 6.5cm whereas my litespeed racer is 7.1cm. I think I won't notice it being 6mm higher!
Now I'm thinking about gearing and such...
Do I go with a triple and a 12x27 rear or with a double and a 13x32 rear.
Also do I go with a 30x39x53 dura-ace setup or a 30x42x52 standard ultegra/105 chainrings?
I was also thinking about lighting... Internal hub generator (3 watts max) or simply carry an emergency cateye light... I've got a massive blinker light that I use on my mountain-bike/commuter so that should do for the rear (esp with a rack to mount it on).
And tires... 700x30/28/25 or stick with something I'm use to such as 700x23s...
Decisions, decisions...
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.