I rode my 65cm Hilsen through last year's brevet circuit. While I never carried a rear rack or panniers, I often carried a large handlebar bag (similar to the Ostrich bags) on a marks rack up front. The bike and baggage performed flawlessly. However, I've always had a bit of front wheel shake with this bike if I try to no-hand it doing anything over about 17mph. Put one hand on the bars and the wobble stops.
I am slightly over 200lb, so I had my Hilsen put together with slightly heavier tubing, not sure if that matters but I imagine yours will do just fine with the task at hand. The silver brakes will do just fine. I've used them on screaming descents, after hours and hours of rain. Anyone should be cautious anytime you're headed downhill at high speeds carrying a load. Have fun with it! Bob H. Knoxville TN On Jun 26, 7:34 pm, Mike <mjawn...@gmail.com> 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. 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? > > --Mike --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
