Post by: Mumbles on May 28, 2014, 10:50:38 PM
Trying to make sure that what I've got will get it done and what to not overlook. Thanks.
Post by: steelnducks on May 29, 2014, 05:41:54 AM
Post by: xXLojackXx on May 29, 2014, 08:18:12 AM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on May 29, 2014, 08:40:10 AM
Post by: klikboom on May 29, 2014, 08:55:48 AM
You don't need rear suspension because you aren't riding fast on a hunting bike, and you will have dramatic weight changes based on your pack and animal weights. Get low gears. You'll be in boots and pants not spandex and cycling shoes. You want to be able to sit and spin and not have to walk at every hill, and there will be a lot of hills. You can get away with a low knobby, kind of hybrid tire. You won't be riding on muddy trails, just gravel logging roads (though they can get muddy sometime). A steel frame is way more compliant than an aluminum frame and makes for a much more comfortable ride on logging roads. Disc brakes are nice, and not cable actuated (they squeak terrible). Front suspension is per your preference, I would go with a rigid fork before a super squishy suspension fork. A suspension fork that locks out would be ideal.
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 29, 2014, 08:57:00 AM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on May 29, 2014, 09:02:34 AM
Post by: JLS on May 29, 2014, 09:12:13 AM
For $300 or so (possibly less), you could reasonably expect to find a 26" bike with:
Front suspension
Disc brakes
Shimano Deore or XT components
These will likely have a 9 speed cassette and 3 gears on the crank, which is perfectly fine. There is no need whatsoever for full suspension.
Get a handlebar light for the bike. NiteRider makes excellent lights and you can find the Minewt 750 on sale for about $150. Lots of burn time and good illumination.
Carry at least one spare inner tube, patch kit, tire lever(s), chain tool and power link, and pump and/or CO2 cartridges. You can convert your tires to tubeless if the wheels will support it. Stan's tubeless conversion kit will run you about $70 and will do both wheels. Slime tubes are okay, but you are adding weight to the wheels which will increase the amount of energy expenditure. Probably not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.
Post by: kentrek on May 29, 2014, 09:23:45 AM
Those are things that are gona make or brake your backcountry ride
Post by: chukar hunter on May 29, 2014, 12:49:37 PM
For trailer, I bought a kid trailer, 2 kid Chariott for $50 off of craigslist. Best investment of my hunting bike setup. I road the first two years in w/o a trailer with frame pack on my back and that is some tough riding. The trailer makes traveling much easier as your pulling the weight instead of carrying it, especially when you hit the hill climbs. The prebuilt trailers, like the chariot come with rated suspension and when stripped down to bare frame offer many tie points for securing gear. Plus, if you have kids, they double as a kid trailer in the offseason, if your kids don't mind the blood stains!
I recommend training on as much gravel as you can as there is a big difference in street riding and logging roads. Good luck, just hope I don't see you in my area ;)
Post by: Mumbles on May 29, 2014, 03:22:44 PM
Post by: Bofire on May 29, 2014, 04:13:23 PM
Carl
Post by: ridgefire on May 30, 2014, 12:31:48 PM
Post by: TwoShot on May 30, 2014, 12:40:34 PM
Post by: fly-by on May 30, 2014, 01:08:42 PM
Post by: HoofsandWings on May 30, 2014, 04:01:07 PM
Post by: GEARHEAD on May 30, 2014, 05:20:32 PM
Post by: PA BEN on May 31, 2014, 09:25:52 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_2404.jpg&hash=dca63feff27efb6aed720204dd76e8c19b56989b) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_2404.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_2403.jpg&hash=278c57a81b6bf2b9075866ae533ba19657d1ed39) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_2403.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_2392.jpg&hash=202c2251ba1ee9d876eeb4055bc15f7b006cdd66) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_2392.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_2393.jpg&hash=9efbd84a9fb07b493fefd03f4146e3e0953f5e02) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_2393.jpg.html)
Post by: PA BEN on May 31, 2014, 09:30:23 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_3510.jpg&hash=a98069ba3e54b0bb742661ecd6d6c4f8fc7d87cd) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_3510.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_3516.jpg&hash=938b04c4219183b3d687b66c4a013ec095ee4a9c) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_3516.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_3498.jpg&hash=0b88a83e2d0fd42ed7eb8e2111986bab9458ff82) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_3498.jpg.html)
Post by: funkster on May 31, 2014, 10:04:07 AM
Mumbles,below is the set up I now use. I've had it for a while and it has lasted me without any headaches. I clean and grease/oil after every ride. With dust and mud from riding the logging roads, that is a step that I really feel keeps your bike working properly. The only really thing I've had done is the disc brake pads. Owning bikes both with and without disc breaks, I would never go back to the old pad to rim style. Yes, the disc breaks can get a little squeaky due to dusk..etc but a small can of contact cleaner cleans it right up with virtually no smell.
I added extra thick tubes, fenders, bow/gun rack to the handle bars, light, extra water bottle holder, and saddle bags. I also bring a all in one tool kit,2 extra tubes and a co2 pump. Let me know if you have anymore questions.
Post by: Mumbles on June 01, 2014, 12:27:53 AM
Thanks for a lively, friendly and informative chat.
Post by: AKBowman on June 01, 2014, 09:54:18 PM
I added a small bag to carry a tool, wd-40 and spare tube in. I also added a rear rack and I have a single kid cart that can do about 75lbs. I can strap a quarter onto the rear rack and with 75lbs max in the cart that's as heavy as I want to be coming out.
The giant seat is the best.
Post by: splashcaster on June 11, 2014, 09:41:17 PM
Post by: cohocrazy on June 14, 2014, 07:06:18 AM
Post by: pd on June 14, 2014, 07:53:50 AM
Post by: splashcaster on June 14, 2014, 10:47:45 AM
I'm worried it'll rattle too much and mess with my sights plus be too noisy. I might just try to attach the bow to my frame pack.
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 14, 2014, 11:06:15 AM
Post by: wooltie on June 26, 2014, 07:05:26 AM
Might buy less knobby tires, however. And yeah carry 3-4 tubes, tubes for the trailer, spare chain and chain remover tool!
Post by: irishevox on June 26, 2014, 07:18:29 AM
Post by: huntinluva on June 26, 2014, 08:53:26 AM
Post by: rittem1 on June 26, 2014, 09:30:01 AM
I will second the extra tubes post. At least two tubes and a patch kit as well, just in case you go thru two tubes. Keep a floor pump in your vehicle.
Post by: wooltie on June 26, 2014, 09:35:18 AM
Saw the idear for the trailer and picked up that one for $30 at a garage sale. Rated to carry 100lbs, which means it can carry much more than that.
The game cart idea is a good one too.
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 26, 2014, 09:42:03 AM
Post by: washelkhunter on June 26, 2014, 09:44:41 AM
Post by: pd on June 26, 2014, 10:08:58 AM
For you bike aficionados, what is the best place to mount your trailer? I have seen some pics with the trailer hitch attached to the seat versus some with the hitch attached to the rear tire. Is it just about personal preference or is one more stable than the other?
Here is an idea for you. I passed this fellow while scouting last year (he was hauling in supplies for bow season). He fabricated his own trailer from various parts. He said he purchased the "trailer hitch" and the replacement axle for the bicycle (you replace the rear axle with another one, which has a quick connect for the trailer). Sorry, I don't know the details on the axle, perhaps somebody could chime in and help. It is a really slick idea, and the trailer was both light and strong.
Post by: whack em on July 02, 2014, 10:45:26 PM
I ride an old school Gary Fisher hard tail with front suspension. I'm still running the old brake system, and am contemplating going disc, but can't stand the squeek they make. I placed a couple of ATV bow/gun mounts on my handlebars recently, but haven't tested them out, I plan on doing that soon.
As far as when I intend on going from here..I plan on getting a rear rack to hold miscellaneous gear (I like the milk crate idea), possible fenders, and a handlebar mounted light. I have been running a modified (added square tube bracing and paint) kids tow behind trailer, which has no problem running 150lbs on gravel roads. Here's the trailer...
Post by: dscubame on July 03, 2014, 09:38:32 AM
I like Pa Ben's set up.
Post by: Mudman on July 03, 2014, 09:50:53 AM
Post by: rsrobins on July 03, 2014, 06:48:09 PM
Post by: rsrobins on July 03, 2014, 08:18:24 PM
Have any of you tried using the atv style handlebar mount for a bow?I use the atv racks on my bike with my bow and I like how they work with my bike with front shocks. My bow rides quite well.
I'm worried it'll rattle too much and mess with my sights plus be too noisy. I might just try to attach the bow to my frame pack.
Post by: kselkhunter on July 03, 2014, 08:23:21 PM
Post by: Elkterd on July 03, 2014, 08:45:56 PM
Post by: raydog on July 04, 2014, 11:38:32 AM
Build yourself a trailer that is big enough to haul all your gear/elk in one trip, I built my bike also carbon fiber frame, shimono components, the only regret is I wish I would have put disc brakes on, can get a little hairy on the long downhills with a load,YAHOOOO!DRAG YOUR FEET!!!!!! Geez, I'll take two trips!
Post by: Elkterd on July 04, 2014, 12:57:30 PM
Post by: HoofsandWings on July 04, 2014, 04:56:30 PM
No need for feet dragging ray dog, just like to get it done in one trip :tup:Looking at the tire diameter and seat height, either you are short in stature or don't stand up on the pedals.
I set up my bike so standing on the bottom of a pedal, I am just above the seat. Otherwise, my knees hit the handlebars.
Post by: Elkterd on July 04, 2014, 05:55:36 PM
Post by: irork on July 04, 2014, 06:47:25 PM
Great looking setups guys!
Post by: Expedition Scout on July 04, 2014, 06:58:15 PM
Post by: HoofsandWings on July 05, 2014, 08:01:34 AM
Most have a 70 pound capacity.
Post by: Expedition Scout on July 05, 2014, 09:43:08 AM
Post by: Carl on July 05, 2014, 09:55:39 AM
Great info.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on July 06, 2014, 03:48:26 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi799.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy275%2Fdeerhunter_98520%2FHunting%2FIMAG0284.jpg&hash=181d701accdf6a75c6c88992d3318f3124ad7817) (http://s799.photobucket.com/user/deerhunter_98520/media/Hunting/IMAG0284.jpg.html)
Post by: Rrich2278 on July 06, 2014, 04:51:40 PM
Post by: irishevox on July 07, 2014, 07:38:29 AM
Post by: Slow-1 on July 07, 2014, 11:12:21 AM
Post by: Damnimissed on July 07, 2014, 12:16:14 PM
Cannondale f500 with game cart converted trailer...got all the material from home depo to build it....the only thing I don't like about it is no disk brakes
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi799.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy275%2Fdeerhunter_98520%2FHunting%2FIMAG0284.jpg&hash=181d701accdf6a75c6c88992d3318f3124ad7817) (http://s799.photobucket.com/user/deerhunter_98520/media/Hunting/IMAG0284.jpg.html)
FYI, I'd replace those handy pins that come with the cart, with bolts and wing nuts. If you get a lot of pressure on it pushing outward, it'll pop those pins open and the side bars will detatch. Last year, once we got the meat from my bull up to the road we got it all (except for two hind quarts, which were on our backs) on the cart and pulled it out of there, but not without those pins popping off about every 200 feet, like I said. Also, get a couple small ratchet straps and throw those cheap buckle straps straight into the garbage. Mine broke when weight shifted on uneven terrain. I also hauled out two bucks with it last year. Nice setup by the way. :tup:
Post by: wooltie on July 07, 2014, 12:40:36 PM
This thread got me to thinking about getting a trailer. They are running about $350 online.
Most have a 70 pound capacity.
I paid $30 for mine at a garage sale, barely used. It's a One Step kiddy trailer rater to 100 lbs, which means it should carry more.
Same trailer as the camo painted trailer on this thread.
I do not intend to haul quarters or bone, just meat, so that I why I bough that blue rubbermaid tub. Fits perfect. Size 40-some odd quarts.
Also will strap my pack to the top of the tub.
People sell used kiddie trailers on craigslist for under $100.
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on July 07, 2014, 02:30:49 PM
Cannondale f500 with game cart converted trailer...got all the material from home depo to build it....the only thing I don't like about it is no disk brakes
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi799.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy275%2Fdeerhunter_98520%2FHunting%2FIMAG0284.jpg&hash=181d701accdf6a75c6c88992d3318f3124ad7817) (http://s799.photobucket.com/user/deerhunter_98520/media/Hunting/IMAG0284.jpg.html)
FYI, I'd replace those handy pins that come with the cart, with bolts and wing nuts. If you get a lot of pressure on it pushing outward, it'll pop those pins open and the side bars will detatch. Last year, once we got the meat from my bull up to the road we got it all (except for two hind quarts, which were on our backs) on the cart and pulled it out of there, but not without those pins popping off about every 200 feet, like I said. Also, get a couple small ratchet straps and throw those cheap buckle straps straight into the garbage. Mine broke when weight shifted on uneven terrain. I also hauled out two bucks with it last year. Nice setup by the way. :tup:
I planned on changing the pins....it rattles too much as it is...and I have some ratchet straps I bring along also those are just extras...thanks for the info :tup: