On Fri, 2009-06-26 at 16:34 -0700, Mike wrote: > So I'm curious what constitutes light touring. I ask because in August > I'm doing a 7 day bike tour that will take in paved and unpaved roads > in and around Mt St Helens and Mt Adams. My initial plan was to use my > Surly Cross Check which I have no doubt about being able to handle the > load and terrain. But currently it's set-up as a single speed and I > kinda want to leave it as such. So I'm thinking about using my Hilsen. > Can the Hilsen handle a large Berthoud HB bag on a Mark's rack and > rear panniers and rack.
How much are you planning on putting in the panniers? The Hilsen's not different in any material way other than tire size from the Bleriot. I've been on two tours with a friend who has carried around 20 lb in rear panniers on her Bleriot with total satisfaction; and I'm sure you would be able to do the same. Load those panniers with a load twice that and maybe you wouldn't be so happy. I'd definitely call a 20 lb load "light touring", and equally definitely would say a 40 lb load was no longer "light". > I have Ortlieb Back Roller Cassics and a rear > Surly rack. I may even use small Ortlieb panniers as I'm trying to > pack light and only what is absolutely necessary. I really like the > way my Hilsen rides and it's a comfortable position. I imagine going > with the biggest tires possible takes some stress off the frame. > Right > now the Hilsen is sporting Panaracer 700x35 T-Serves (Paselas > basically). I guess I should add that I weigh just under 200lbs. My > Hilsen is a 63cm. > > I also have some concern about the stopping power of the Silver > brakes. > > I imagine that the Hilsen is probably a sturdier bike with better > brakes than many of the bikes marketed in the 70s as loaded touring > bikes. > > What do you think? I think you're worrying too much. You own the Hilsen. Go load it up and take it on some rides and see. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
