Vancouver to San Diego

[Proto]

Not me, but two of my daughters. Nothing too strenuous, 60/80 miles/day, camping or https://www.warmshowers.org/ and all on tarmac.

I know very little about touring bikes and they are seeking advice. They are intending on travelling light, thinking panniers (or saddlebag) and a handlebar bag only. I'm pointing them at something like a Dawes Super Galaxy, but would appreciate others opinions on things like :

• flat or drop bars
• regular shifters or bar end shifters or down tube shifters (never really understood the advantage of bar end shifters, tbh)
• Cantis (Galaxy seem to have cantis) or discs or v brakes or calipers. (discs good but potential damage when in transit? Everyone can fix a cable operated brake)
• Older bikes are 7 or 8 speed. Avoid and get something 10sp? (for spares/support in local bike shops)
• Anything else?

Help!!​

 

[slowmotion]

You may find the Cycletourer website useful....

http://cycletourer.co.uk/

It should be a great trip.

 

[Dayvo]

It's an idea that's been on my mind for a while, too: Vancouver to San Diego.

I would suggest that maybe they bought their bikes in Vancouver, saving on transportation (at least one way) and buying a bike there would probably be cheaper than the UK.

A lot is down to personal preference: drops v flats, cantis v discs v v-brakes, steel v aluminium etc.

Having two (rear) panniers and a bar bag each should be adequate for their needs.

What time of year are they thinking on going? Whenever it is, they'll be heading to a warmer climate, so might not need 'cold weather' clothing.

Sounds like a great trip to do.

Wish them luck.

 

[jonny jeez]

It's an idea that's been on my mind for a while, too: Vancouver to San Diego.

I would suggest that maybe they bought their bikes in Vancouver, saving on transportation (at least one way) and buying a bike there would probably be cheaper than the UK.

A lot is down to personal preference: drops v flats, cantis v discs v v-brakes, steel v aluminium etc.

Having two (rear) panniers and a bar bag each should be adequate for their needs.

What time of year are they thinking on going? Whenever it is, they'll be heading to a warmer climate, so might not need 'cold weather' clothing.

Sounds like a great trip to do.

Wish them luck.

Buying a bike out there is a genius idea.

You could spec it and order it beforehand, then just pay and collect.

Nice lateral thinking.

 

[Spiderweb]

A Surly Long Haul Trucker is well regarded and worth looking at. Two friends of mine have them with drop bars, canti brakes and bar end shifters, Surly are an American company I believe so should be available to spec and order.

Edit - Salsa Vaya & Kona Sutra are also respected touring bikes and may be available in Vancouver.

 

[r04DiE]

What a fantastic trip - I'd sooooo love to do this. Good luck to your girls

 

[Proto]

Opening salvo, I've bought ths:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dawes-Sup...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Needs a bit of sorting oy maybe. Might want to change the shifters to lose the 'washing lines' but should be okay. Happy with the price too.

 

[rich p]

Looks good

 

[HelenD123]

It's an idea that's been on my mind for a while, too: Vancouver to San Diego.

I would suggest that maybe they bought their bikes in Vancouver, saving on transportation (at least one way) and buying a bike there would probably be cheaper than the UK.

I met someone who did just that. She'd flown in from Australia, went to MEC or REI (can't remember whether she started in Vancouver or Seattle) and completely kitted herself out.

Make sure the bikes have plenty of gears. The route is a constant rollercoaster. I'd also suggest your daughters are reasonably fit beforehand so that they can enjoy the ride, particularly if they want to do 60-80 miles a day. It's a beautiful ride and I loved the $5 hiker/biker campsites.

 

[doog]

I met someone who did just that. She'd flown in from Australia, went to MEC or REI (can't remember whether she started in Vancouver or Seattle) and completely kitted herself out.

Make sure the bikes have plenty of gears. The route is a constant rollercoaster. I'd also suggest your daughters are reasonably fit beforehand so that they can enjoy the ride, particularly if they want to do 60-80 miles a day. It's a beautiful ride and I loved the $5 hiker/biker campsites.

Nice to see you back Helen ...always found you an inspiration on the touring forum. It's quiet on here of late.

 

[Proto]

I met someone who did just that. She'd flown in from Australia, went to MEC or REI (can't remember whether she started in Vancouver or Seattle) and completely kitted herself out.

Make sure the bikes have plenty of gears. The route is a constant rollercoaster. I'd also suggest your daughters are reasonably fit beforehand so that they can enjoy the ride, particularly if they want to do 60-80 miles a day. It's a beautiful ride and I loved the $5 hiker/biker campsites.

Thanks for reply. Rollercoaster but no major climbs? They were hoping to get away with gearing something like 50/34 rings and 12/32 cassette. Will be travelling fairly light and taking it fairly leisurely. Thoughts?

Fitness won't be an issue, one is a seasoned London commuter and fitness fanatic, and the other rides for a women's UCI race team (she's off to the Giro della Toscana on Wednesday!)

 

[Gravity Aided]

https://www.adventurecycling.org Should give you all the information you need. Used to be Bikecentennial, back in 1976, but they needed a newer name that was more relevant to what they do.

 

[Proto]

Well, it's happening. Flew out from Heathrow last Tuesday, day in Vancouver sorting themselves out and off the went. Astonishingly friendly and hospitable people on the way.

Currently heading for Elma, WA, about halfway across the state.

They have started a bit of a ride blog, have a read:

https://pedallingforward.wordpress.com/

 

[Proto]

Somewhere along the Oregon coast. Sunshine, ocean, wilderness and daughter Robyn expressing her joy at feeling so alive .......

Edit: Correction, it's northern California.

 

[slowmotion]

Oregon is wonderful. Beautiful countryside and friendly locals. Low taxes too. Have a lot of fun.