EQUIPMENT

People are flabbergasted when we tell them a new bicycle can easily cost $6000 to $8000. But sadly they do.  Could this trip be made on a Wal-Mart purchased 10-speed Huffy?  Not likely.  Would I want even to try…Not even a chance!

When doing any task having the right tool for the job is important. Sure you can beat a nail into a 2x4 with a stone but a hammer does a better job, and with less effort.  It is the same is true with cycling. You want to use the right tool for the job at hand. 

We will be crossing the country using custom hand-made bicycles that are specifically designed for cyclo-touring.  This type of bicycle looks almost identical to a road-racing bike but has some distinct differences. 

A touring bike has a longer wheelbase than a racing bicycle.  The longer wheelbase makes for a more stable ride when loaded.  It also gives the rider’s foot more clearance to the rear panniers (saddlebags). Most touring bicycles have a wheelbase 1 to 3 inches longer than a racing bike of the same frame size.

Another difference is the brakes.  A touring bike has cantilever brakes while a road racer would have caliper brakes.  This type of brake offers the touring bike more clearance to the tire and rim.  This also allows the use of a wider tire and fenders to keep the rain and grit off the cyclist and equipment.

The frame on a touring bike is built stronger than a racing bike.   A racing bike needs only to carry the weight of the rider.  A touring bike must be able to carry the rider and all his gear.  For and example a carbon fiber racing bike weighs 16 or 17 pounds.  A fully loaded touring bike could weigh 75 pounds!!

These bikes are also equipped with threaded eyelets in key places on the frame and fork.  These are the mounting points for the racks that will hold the panniers and fenders.

Here are the bicycles our team will be riding during the 2008 Wild West Tour.

(pictures of bikes here)

Joe Gaudio rides a custom made bike from Independent Fabrication of Somerville, Massachusetts.  The bike is fitted with hand built wheels from Peter White and Campagnolo equipment.  This bike will have Jandd front and rear racks, fenders and also be carrying a Garmin GPS navigation system.

Tim Picard is also riding a custom American Made touring machine. This titanium beauty is the Rapid Tour made by Serotta of New York.  Campagnolo equipped with hand made touring wheels. The bike is fully loaded with racks and fenders.

Ken Silvestri rides a titanium framed Litespeed. This custom bicycle is also proudly made in the USA.   Another Garmin GPS system will be mounted to this bike. And of course it is equipped with Campagnolo equipment and hand built wheels. Topeak racks Planet Bike fenders complete the package.

What We Carry

The Eliminator Cycling Team is not new to touring.  We have gone on many long distance excursions over the years.

Normally we ride “fully loaded”.  That means we have everything we need to survive comfortably rain or shine, day or night.

Even if you planned a “motel only” trip each rider brings a tent and sleeping bag. That way should you not be able to secure a room after long days ride you always have a tent.

Because of our aggressive mileage goal we have decided not to bring a tent or any camping gear.  This will save a few pounds and also lower our wind profile. We are hoping not to regret this decision not to carry a tent for the first time.

Our plan is to sleep in a motel every night.  We will each carry a sleeping bag though. They come in handy if the motel is not up to our standards. Just toss your sleeping bag on the bed and climb in.

The list below is what we will have on board during the trip.  Equipment with an asterisk will be split up among the riders. These are items we do not need to duplicate so we will split up the weight.