Elk hunting from a bike

[funkster]

I will second the headlamp over a headlight.

[JPhelps]

One more thing that is a must, the largest softest seat you can find.

I have to disagree (at least for me).  While the larger gel seats may feel more comfortable they quickly lose their appeal in the hills.

The bigger seat rubs on my legs and changes how I pedal (me knees feel like they are pointed outward).  When riding on logging roads I find the narrower seats allow me to input more power to the pedals and I avoid the leg chaffage.  With a few training rides you can get the "tweener" in shape or used to the riding and it won't be an issue.

[Hillbilly270]

be careful going downhill with an elk in a cart.  too steep a hill and that elk will want to pass you; or you can't stop it if you need to.

[funkster]

One more thing that is a must, the largest softest seat you can find.

I have to disagree (at least for me).  While the larger gel seats may feel more comfortable they quickly lose their appeal in the hills.

The bigger seat rubs on my legs and changes how I pedal (me knees feel like they are pointed outward).  When riding on logging roads I find the narrower seats allow me to input more power to the pedals and I avoid the leg chaffage.  With a few training rides you can get the "tweener" in shape or used to the riding and it won't be an issue.

I will also second this.

[6.8mmARHunter]

Were you ever able to get a bike? I have a Cannondale F400 from more than 10 years ago. I've recently replaced derailleurs, shifters, brakes levers, brake mechanisms, seat and tires. It's got a front shock and hard tail. Back then disk brakes were only a dream. I'd be willing to let it go for $200. Not making any $$$ here, just trying to make room in my garage.

Sam

[GregE]

I've used a Giant 760 ATX for many years- wish it had a lower frame to ease hopping off.  Pack Rat bow holder and front and rear cargo racks help..  bungee to secure bow in the rack.  Battery pack light on front rack along with head lamp.

We met 'Larry" and his kid cart in '09.  The cart brakes had failed and he was semi lost after 2 days.

[6.8mmARHunter]

Were you ever able to get a bike? I have a Cannondale F400 from more than 10 years ago. I've recently replaced derailleurs, shifters, brakes levers, brake mechanisms, seat and tires. It's got a front shock and hard tail. Back then disk brakes were only a dream. I'd be willing to let it go for $200. Not making any $$$ here, just trying to make room in my garage.

Sam

Here's a pic of the bike.

[trophyhunt]

I got this bike for 300 about 5 months ago from a bike shop in Des Moines. Not the color I wanted but its a heck of an upgrade for me.

[funkster]

From my experience, I would not trailer around a bike trailer all day long. They are cumbersome, hard to maneuver and throw your bike around weighted or not. I like to have one in the rig waiting, you can strap an animal leg to your pack, ride out and grab the trailer to get the rest. I have found this to be the easier route than lugging a trailer around all day

[6.8mmARHunter]

I got this bike for 300 about 5 months ago from a bike shop in Des Moines. Not the color I wanted but its a heck of an upgrade for me.

That's a helluva deal right there!

[TheHunt]

be careful going downhill with an elk in a cart.  too steep a hill and that elk will want to pass you; or you can't stop it if you need to.

LOL... Words of wisdom there!!!   

[dscubame]

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mountain_bikes.htm

Here is your ticket to the best bang for the buck. 

[Old Man Yager]

Definitely go with a hard tail, but get a front shock. I've rode both, and the bike without the front shock did a number on my hands. Get a fat seat too, those skinny seats can give you  a bad case of Monkey butt.

[Bullkllr]

be careful going downhill with an elk in a cart.  too steep a hill and that elk will want to pass you; or you can't stop it if you need to.

LOL... Words of wisdom there!!!   

Trailers with brakes are a  great idea.
 Not having the ingenuity to rig trailer brakes, I once was coming down a grade too fast and ended up uphill from the trailer, flat on my back on the road, with my bike (and bow/arrows) square on top of me, still hitched to the trailer with a whole elk. How I didn't get totally messed up I'll never know.

Bike and/or trailer mishaps could be a fun thread of its own.

[bowjunkie]

Craigslist is a good place to find an affordable bike
disk brake a must no rear shock unless it locks
Also buy a kid hauler and modify a trailer I made one total cost 50$
Don't forget to bring a first aid kit for the bike ie extra chain and tube or patch kit