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  1. reachdean

    Forester: ExPo Subaru Project

    Despite not having real wings, Subarus like to fly.
  2. reachdean

    Subaru owners: Let's see your expedition rigs!

    My 2006 Forester. All stock, but with Geolander A/T-S, a skidplate and some extra lights. Good for hustling over dirt, which is handy as I work covering the Canadian Rally Championship and sometimes have to move quick to get into stages via junction roads and trails. These were taken stageside...
  3. reachdean

    So many standards means no standards

    Christophe, that's one way to look at it. The idea of diminishing returns has applied - as you've said - for a long time. I've often heard it expressed as a ratio of dollars to weight lost. For example, after a certain point, it costs about $1000 to shave a pound off a bike. Where we all fit in...
  4. reachdean

    So many standards means no standards

    First, I should say that I can still get everything I need for my bikes. All of my bikes use parts that were developed for standards that have been around for a while. That said, tire choice for 26" wheels seems to be diminished. There's still some good tires available, but fewer choice at any...
  5. reachdean

    So many standards means no standards

    This post is meant to provoke conversation, so feel free to pile on if you think I (or the links I post) don't line up with your viewpoint. I have to say, as someone who worked in shops as a mechanic, as the mechanic on a 12,000km across-Africa bike tour, and now as a bike journalist/writer...
  6. reachdean

    Cape Town to Cairo - Route Suggestions

    For what it's worth, I got both Ethiopian and Sudanese visas ahead of time from the embassies in Ottawa (as I'm Canadian). All told, got them both in about 5 weeks.
  7. reachdean

    Adventure Ride checklist

    Good point! I don't use cooking spray except on my bikes as needed so I generally don't have it on hand. WD-40, I do have on hand...
  8. reachdean

    Adventure Ride checklist

    Regarding mud, I stole a trick from MX racers... Use cooking spray (like PAM) on your downtube, and other locations where mud can accumulate. DO NOT spray anywhere near the brakes, or where it could drip into the brakes, and don't spray so much that it gets runny or drippy. Much less mud will...
  9. reachdean

    Miyata 1000 touring bike

    Post sizing and photos. I don't need another bike, but I know a lot of people who ride and might help be able to find it a home in Canada, to save dealing with cross border shipping. It's sad to hear you aren't able to ride much more, but I agree that finding someone who will put this bike to...
  10. reachdean

    Bike Frame design

    With respect, I'm not looking to go out and just start buying and welding tubesets. I appreciate welds are but one part of the whole process. I have contacts with a number of local framebuilders. Of the ones I have contacted, most are willing to impart SOME info. Plus, I am certain I can find...
  11. reachdean

    Ragbrai anyone?

    Was hoping to this year, but I'll be working at the Pan Am Games, so no RAGBRAI for me. 2016 I hope.
  12. reachdean

    Bike Frame design

    Yes, there are frame building courses certainly in the USA, and probably here in Canada too. That said, I don't really see a lot of appeal in a frame building school. All the ones I've seen cost as much or more than a custom ti frame, or enough tubing for 10 cro-mo frames. If I am going to...
  13. reachdean

    Bike Frame design

    I'm a "retired" bike mechanic with 8 years in a shop environment who now looks after the fleet at home (6 bikes) plus the bikes of a few good riding buddies in exchange for an occasional steak dinner. I've built everything there is to build on a bike, except for the frame. At present, I am...
  14. reachdean

    Should I get a Subaru

    For all your Subaru spec questions... http://www.cars101.com/subaru_archives.html AS a point of reference, my 2006 Forester 2.5x (base model) had 140,000kms on it when I bought it 20 months ago, for $8500 plus Tax, in Ontario. It's been a great car, and perhaps that's just the price...
  15. reachdean

    Should I get a Subaru

    FWIW, I've found Subarus are generally cheapest in the spring, as no one is thinking about AWD cars. They all want convertible sports cars, so if you're in a position to hold on, you will probably find more selection, less demand.
  16. reachdean

    Should I get a Subaru

    I've got a 2006 2.5l NA Forester, with a 5 spd with just under 190,000km on the clock. It's my second Subaru (Had a 1997 Impreza before that). I bought the Forester used a couple of years ago, complete with the HG oil leak. Being aware of the leak made it easy to bargain for a lower price. I...
  17. reachdean

    Diamondback Haanjo Flatbar?

    This looks like an interesting bike. Nice to see such big tires - those will help in taking this bike most anywhere. What led you to this particular bike? There are a few concerns that may or may not matter to you. 1. The posture as the bike is set up in the photos on the DB site is really...
  18. reachdean

    Surly Pugsley Build for Cape Town to Cairo

    Also, the first service interval on those hubs is something like 7500 mi, isn't it? That's a long way across Africa. I'd suggest two spares. I went through way more spares than I anticipated, and at the time 26x2.10 was easily the main standard, and tires had to be shipped to meet us as no...
  19. reachdean

    Surly Pugsley Build for Cape Town to Cairo

    That looks like a solid build! I was the mechanic on the 2007 Tour d'Afrique (Cairo to Cape Town, 12,000kms). A couple of our clients had Rolhoff hubs, and they were bombproof. I've wanted one ever since. Equally smart to go with cable brakes (just bring lots of pads, as I don't expect you'll...
  20. reachdean

    Warmest Fabric/Insulator?

    I work as a journalist and cover rallies in Canada. the season opener is north of Ottawa, and often is -30c in the daytime, plus windchill. I wear a wicking baselayer (Merino), a sweater (Merino), a down sweater (thinner, meant for layering 500 fill down), goretex shell. I stay dry, warm...
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