BikeE FX for Sale

Update – 05/02/08 – Bike is no longer available – on loan

I’ve added the Slipstream to my stable and need to free up some space in the Garage for Jeanne’s Car this winter. So the BikE FX is the logical candidate. It has above seat steering that is preferred by most riders but all of my other bikes have USS.

It is a very rugged bike and a great starter recumbent with not many miles on it.

The Centenial Trail

The Centennial Trail is another Western Bicycling Trail that I had heard much about and made sure I included on my Western Tour in July.

There are two section of the Centennial Trail.

The Spokane section of the Centennial Trail is about 37 miles long, you can find detailed maps and information at Spokane Centenial Trail.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail runs approximately 24 miles from a few miles east of Coeur d’Alene to connect with the Spokane Centennial Trail. Information and a map of the North Idaho Centennial Trail can be found at North Idaho Centenial Trail.

Hot Buy – Even Better Price on Eggbeaters SL

I just found this incredible price on Eggbeater SL Pedals. It is good enough that I’m buying a second set. Old post has been updated.

Bike Smart Sierra Trading Post is selling the 2005 version of the Crank Brothers Eggbeater SL Pedal for $79(at Bike Smart) $47.96 (new price found 8/25/2006) $59.95 at Sierra Trading Post (updated 9/16/2006).

Apparently the Eggbeaters were popular enough that Sierra Trading Post decided to call them a Clearance Item and raise the price, but $60 is still a great price.

These pedals usually sell for well over $100 ($120 List). Yes, they are the 2005 version not the 2006 version with blue high lights, but they otherwise look the same to me. I bought a pair for my Sat-R Day ( I wish I’d seen the $48 price before I ordered), that’s how good that price is. You can find them at Sierra Trading Post.

Bike Pump Update – Air Revolution Mini Foot Pump

9/19/2006 Update – Unaceptable Rating
In May I posted a review of my latest bike pump, see the update  Mini Foot Pump Air Revolution Early Failure and promised an update after my July Tour. This pump worked very well but not for very long, see the update. I have to remove my recommendation of this pump..

Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Bike Path

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Bike Path may be the longest bike path in the US, over 72 miles and is located in the Panhandle on Idaho.

Hot Buy-Crank Brothers Eggbeater SL Pedal-Updated 9/16/2006

Bike Smart Sierra Trading Post is selling the 2005 version of the Crank Brothers Eggbeater SL Pedal for $79 47.96 (new price found 8/25/2006) $60 (new price 9/16/2006). These pedals usually sell for well over $100 ($120 List). Yes, they are the 2005 version not the 2006 version with blue high lights, but they otherwise look the same to me. I bought a pair for my Sat-R Day ( I wish I’d seen the $48 price before I ordered), that’s how good that price is. You can find them at Sierra Trading Post.

The Bennett Test – Testing Tires & Tubes

Conti Touring 2000 and Primo Comet

The Bennett Test is for new tires and tubes. It is also used every time you change a tire or tube if possible. Obviously, this does not apply to road repairs.

The Test

An inflated tire must sit in the garage over night and not lose pressure before you ride on it.

Help on the Road

What do you do on a self contained tour with 2 broken spokes and a wheel that looks like a potato chip? Find a bike shop and get a new wheel is my answer.

But you never know what will happen and how you will be treated. Well, if you are near Hood River, Oregon, I have great news for you, Discover Bicycles.

250 miles into my July tour in the Northwest, I was worried about my rear wheel. I had repaired the broken spokes but the wheel was not very straight and it was wearing on me, so I decided to replace the wheel at the next town with a bike shop. Luckily for me it was Hood River, a town with several bike shops.

Bike Food

I hate to talk about bonking but it is a fact of life for self contained tourists. If you don’t stay topped off you will bonk and suffer, there is no way around that. The only preventative is eating while you ride. The problem is finding food that tastes good, is easy to digest, and can take the beating of being in a bike bag.

Every bike ride seems to have bananas but they are very hard to carry. My favorites have always been fig bars. Two Fig Newtons has the same energy content as a PowerBar and tastes a lot better plus they are easier to eat.

Hobobikers Update

Nancy and Randy continue on their trip from North of the Arctic Circle. They are now in Ketchikan, AK. Here’s there latest update.