> > Thanks, Charlie and Andrew. I understand the
> iPad is a tablet and not a net book, although it is a lot
> lighter than my iBook, and it will allow me to go on the
> Internet a lot longer, as well as read books. I can't do
> that with a Kindle or the new Barnes and Noble nook.
> > I don't think I will be able to leave on my bike tour
> of the South Island in time for this summer, so something
> better will come along..I still haven't decided what kind of
> road bike to get.
> If you're going on an upright (rather than braving the
> recumbent world) then as you're in North America: no
> question, get a Surly frame, probably the Long Haul Trucker
> frame. Beautiful traditional steel frame, and they're really
> popular Down Under so if something does go awry with it
> you'll be able to get it sorted. What you do from there is
> up to you - flat bar or drops, what sort of wheels, pannier
> rack or Xtracycle, battery lights or a dynamo hub (and
> dynamo can charge phone etc in the day, or you can get a
> little solar charger).
> But Surly are the way to go for touring if you're not in
> the UK (and if you are, Roberts Cycles in south London - I
> wish I'd been able to get one while I was there...).
> Feel free to gab about bike touring with me... :-D
> Charlie.
I thought about a recumbent, but my back is much better since my surgery. When
I did the North Island 20 years ago I decided at the last minute to bring a
bike, so I went to REI and bought a 21 speed Novara; one of the first hybrids.
I had it assembled at the Penny Farthing bike shop in Auckland and was on my
way.
This time I don't want to deal with a derailleur and all those gears so I will
go with an internal hub system with only enough gears so the lowest ratio will
get me up those mountains. I will probably order a bike from bikesdirect.com
and have it shipped ahead. Right now I have a Motobecane fixed wheel with
bullhorn bars and one rear brake.
I want to be REALLY light with two panniers, Goretex sleeping bag, Bivysac with
Thermorest, a really good helmet torch and of course iPod and iPad. Last time I
was weighed down with books, tape player and cassettes and a one man tent that
was a pain to erect. I like your suggestion for either a dynamo or little solar
charger.
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