[RBW] Re: Riding the Atlantis
Khalid: I've been touring with my Atlantis since 03 have loaded it many different ways. The front v rear question comes up in discussions with tourists on all kinds of bikes. It's common for two people with the same bike to each prefer a different loading scheme. In other words, there's no best way to load a bike. Consider that the rider is the majority of the weight and the rider is a live load, ie., moving around, climbing out of the saddle, etc. So individual riding style has a strong influence on how the bike handles with a load. Probably like a lot of other people, I started with just a rear rack pair of panniers, and a bunch of stuff strapped to the top of the rack. For me, the handling was terrible. Adding front low riders and splitting the load into 4 bags was a huge improvement. At one point on a tour I was getting some noticeabale rear wobbling, so I just swapped front rear bags. Problem solved. I did some experiments at home with my typical loads and concluded that for me the optimal handling was about 60% on the front and 40% on the rear. My loading for lodging tours is front bags only. For camping tours, I add rear bags for the extra gear. Front low riders on the Atlantis don't seem to affect handling in any negative way. Steering gets a bit heavy but the bike remains stable. I always have an Acorn Boxy Rando bag on a small Nitto front rack on the bike, and don't hesitate to load the bag full with all kinds of junk. The rack, bag contents proably top 5-6 lbs frequently. My suggestion is for you to experiment with load placement on your own bike at home. Your riding style, where you like the load (high or low), how much weight, etc., are all individual variables. It's actually a fun exercise if done at home on a known route, instead of trying to sort it out while on tour. One bit if advice: spend the bucks for good racks; they are worth it. Nitto, Tubus, Bruce Gordon, etc. I will promise a cheap, flimsy rack, regardless of placement, will make your life miserable with 20 lbs of panniers attached to it. dougP On Apr 5, 8:05 am, Khalid Mateen krm2...@gmail.com wrote: Morning Everyone: I know that the Atlantis is design for rear loading more than front loading but do any of you guys fight with the instability of front loading on a Atlantis? Thanks K. -- 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.
Re: [RBW] Re: Riding the Atlantis
Do you notice instability issues at certain speeds above 20mph when front loaded? K. On Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 7:31 PM, doug peterson dougpn...@cox.net wrote: Khalid: I've been touring with my Atlantis since 03 have loaded it in a variety of ways. For me, weight in the front is helpful. All the weight in the back didn't work. Splitting the load into 4 bags using front low riders is stable. After trying different things over the years, I prefer about 60% in the front, 40% rear for the maxxed out camping load. For a lodging tour, I just use front low riders. I always have an Acorn Boxy Rando bag on it holds a lot of stuff by itself. Get good stiff racks, Nitto, Tubus, Bruce Gordon, etc. Cheap racks will drive you crazy with 20 lbs of weight on them. Experiment with your own load on your bike to see what works for you. IMHO it's as much about your riding style as where the load is placed. Among my touring buds, some prefer front, some prefer rear, some don't care. It's quite individual. dougP On Apr 5, 8:05 am, Khalid Mateen krm2...@gmail.com wrote: Morning Everyone: I know that the Atlantis is design for rear loading more than front loading but do any of you guys fight with the instability of front loading on a Atlantis? Thanks K. -- 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. -- 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.
[RBW] Re: Riding the Atlantis
No, no instability has been experienced by me at any speed. I've been riding an Atlantis (64cm) for 2 years, loaded and unloaded. I typically tour with front and rear panniers, a handlebar bag, and a tent on the top of the rear rack. This totals about 42 pounds of gear and bags. I live in the Rocky Mountain west, and ride hills all the time. I've been as slow as 2 mph grinding up a hill, and as fast as 45 mph going down a hill, and the Atlantis rides as though it were on rails. Anything faster than about 45, and I lose what little nerve I have, and slow down. Balancing your load from side to side is critical, and as others have mentioned, almost all bikes benefit from having the heavy stuff packed low and up front. As another poster has mentioned, riding with just front panniers works well if you aren't carrying full camping gear. This configuration is very stable in my experience. I had another bike that did shimmy at about 30 mph (I eventually tracked this down to wheels that were out of true), and putting my knee against the top tube was enough to stop the shakes. Wally -- 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.
[RBW] Re: Riding the Atlantis
I have no experience with the Atlantis, but it's certainly on my bucket list. If anyone has a used 62-4 frame in any condition; I'm interested. That said, I agree with Jim, that it is easy to overstate this front vs rear loading thing. In 30+ years of riding I haven't found all that much difference. I have tried to add weight to the front end of too quick bikes, but it did not help or hurt handling. I have a strong preference for carrying as much stuff as possible above my fenders so prefer HB bags and even large (Nelson LF) saddle bags. I know I can get enough weight - like computers and stuff - into a saddle bag to noticeably affect handling, but I tend to prefer that to arriving home with muddy panniers. Michael On Apr 5, 11:05 am, Khalid Mateen krm2...@gmail.com wrote: Morning Everyone: I know that the Atlantis is design for rear loading more than front loading but do any of you guys fight with the instability of front loading on a Atlantis? Thanks K. -- 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.
[RBW] Re: Riding the Atlantis
Khalid: I've been touring with my Atlantis since 03 have loaded it in a variety of ways. For me, weight in the front is helpful. All the weight in the back didn't work. Splitting the load into 4 bags using front low riders is stable. After trying different things over the years, I prefer about 60% in the front, 40% rear for the maxxed out camping load. For a lodging tour, I just use front low riders. I always have an Acorn Boxy Rando bag on it holds a lot of stuff by itself. Get good stiff racks, Nitto, Tubus, Bruce Gordon, etc. Cheap racks will drive you crazy with 20 lbs of weight on them. Experiment with your own load on your bike to see what works for you. IMHO it's as much about your riding style as where the load is placed. Among my touring buds, some prefer front, some prefer rear, some don't care. It's quite individual. dougP On Apr 5, 8:05 am, Khalid Mateen krm2...@gmail.com wrote: Morning Everyone: I know that the Atlantis is design for rear loading more than front loading but do any of you guys fight with the instability of front loading on a Atlantis? Thanks K. -- 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.
[RBW] Re: Riding my Atlantis fom SF to Long Beach
What a great trip. For those who don't know, Mark runs a local (San Francisco) messenger bag company, which makes a very cool Zero Waste bag --- all the little pieces that are cut from the fabric are used in its design. He also doesn't use pvc and other eco-unfriendly products. Most of all, the fabric designs are super-cool. It's called Rickshaw Bagworks. Check it out. Greg (no affiliation with Rickshaw; just an enthusiastic customer) On Feb 7, 8:58 am, mmdwight mmdwi...@gmail.com wrote: Just thought I'd shout out to the RBW enthusiasts. I'm on my second annual 500-mile trek down Highway 1 from SF to Long Beach to attend the TED conference and raise some money for a homeless youth project in SF. I'm also celebrating my 50th birthday in three weeks, so I decided this was a good way to start my new decade. Cycling helps keep you young! My Atlantis is a great ride. I've got 338 miles on the odometer so far this trip, with 180 more to reach Long Beach. It's been soggy for the past two days, but looks like clear weather today. If you're interested, I'm sending updates via Twitter (markdwight). Cheers! -Mark -- 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-bu...@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.
[RBW] Re: Riding my Atlantis fom SF to Long Beach
Mark sounds like a fun trip I know for a fact that along the Oregon coast there are lots of Microbrews to sample not to mention the incredible scenery. My 50 is still 5 ish years off but you are giving me ideas. Hope you have fair weather and tailwinds the rest of the way. Ryan On Feb 7, 8:58 am, mmdwight mmdwi...@gmail.com wrote: Just thought I'd shout out to the RBW enthusiasts. I'm on my second annual 500-mile trek down Highway 1 from SF to Long Beach to attend the TED conference and raise some money for a homeless youth project in SF. I'm also celebrating my 50th birthday in three weeks, so I decided this was a good way to start my new decade. Cycling helps keep you young! My Atlantis is a great ride. I've got 338 miles on the odometer so far this trip, with 180 more to reach Long Beach. It's been soggy for the past two days, but looks like clear weather today. If you're interested, I'm sending updates via Twitter (markdwight). Cheers! -Mark -- 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-bu...@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.
[RBW] Re: Riding my Atlantis fom SF to Long Beach
Congrads on your ride! I did the first AIDS ride in the 90's and had a great ride. Put the word out and we can get a Rivy riders group to participate in the future. On Feb 7, 8:58 am, mmdwight mmdwi...@gmail.com wrote: Just thought I'd shout out to the RBW enthusiasts. I'm on my second annual 500-mile trek down Highway 1 from SF to Long Beach to attend the TED conference and raise some money for a homeless youth project in SF. I'm also celebrating my 50th birthday in three weeks, so I decided this was a good way to start my new decade. Cycling helps keep you young! My Atlantis is a great ride. I've got 338 miles on the odometer so far this trip, with 180 more to reach Long Beach. It's been soggy for the past two days, but looks like clear weather today. If you're interested, I'm sending updates via Twitter (markdwight). Cheers! -Mark -- 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-bu...@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.
[RBW] Re: Riding my Atlantis fom SF to Long Beach
Mark, I wish you all the best on your tour. I did SF to LA (Cerritos) (in 2005?) after a Rivendell Weekend. It was one of my most memorable bicycle trips As I rode through Long Beach I had my only mechanical event of the trip...a rack bolt came loose. Angus On Feb 7, 10:58 am, mmdwight mmdwi...@gmail.com wrote: Just thought I'd shout out to the RBW enthusiasts. I'm on my second annual 500-mile trek down Highway 1 from SF to Long Beach to attend the TED conference and raise some money for a homeless youth project in SF. I'm also celebrating my 50th birthday in three weeks, so I decided this was a good way to start my new decade. Cycling helps keep you young! My Atlantis is a great ride. I've got 338 miles on the odometer so far this trip, with 180 more to reach Long Beach. It's been soggy for the past two days, but looks like clear weather today. If you're interested, I'm sending updates via Twitter (markdwight). Cheers! -Mark -- 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-bu...@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.
