Race Across America RAAM

I forgot to mention that they will have a spare bike and a spare rear wheel each. That cuts down on allot of spares and possible tragedy.

sounds fantastic.. v. jealous

+1

Basicly, I'm e-mailling all of the bike shops en-route to let them know that we are coming through, and if we have any problem they will be seeing us. I don't feel comfortable with doing a large amount of repairs in a camper van, and because of the spare bike I hopefully won't need to.

The BB is ceramic, and I would really not like to have to mess with it at all. Ever. So hopefully either a bike shop or the spare bike will be a go.

One of the guys at my lbs, Jam at Fred Williams Cycles, worked as a mechanic on the RAAM a few years back. The shop's number is 01902428407, or can try via http://www.onefgear.co.uk/OneFgear/Welcome.html

Well done. Take the challenge.

torx wrench keys?? not sure if they are used at all on shimano stuff but campy are starting to use these more and more so they might.

I would try and be well prepared so when things go wrong you don't need to work it out or search for the information. So have all the torque values you will need written down beforehand, also measure the chains at the start so when your replacing them you don't need to work out the chain length for the new chains.

Also if your using carbon rims I think the tension in the wheels is more critical so you might want to borrow/buy a spoke tension meter

Nice one Nhatt - this should be lots of fun.

Here are a few things I would bring in addition to what people have already said:

I'm guessing they're using external bearing cranks, so I'd bring a spare set of bearings and the tools and know how to change them. I don't think it's any more difficult than normal BB but you might need some special tools.

If you think you'll be building a wheel then a nipple driver (screwdriver with a nub in the middle) makes the first stage much quicker and more accurate.

A headset expander wedge (instead of a star fangled but) might be useful if they have carbon forks and the expander stops working.

Spare derailleur hangers if they have replaceable ones.

A big dose of patience and sense of humour!

oh my god. I am looking up all the bike shops en route, just as a precaution. You wouldn't believe how many one horse towns in the USA don't have a bike shop....

....come to think of it, I don't think my home town of Tonasket had one either.

"broookan crank aaarms ya say"

Back it up with Garages\mechanics & internet cafes

We have enough stuff with us we should be cool no matter what...it's just the armageddon synario.

I'd not worry about that will you have to, those moments are when something completely out the blue happends and gives you great tales to tell

that and i hate over packing!

The other problem is that I'm discovering all these great bike shops I'll never get to visit...
The one in Durango stocks Republic of Doom clothes.

I want I want I want.

Be careful Nhatt. America is a big place and full of strange people.

Have a really great time.

wow, only just saw this thread. amazing stuff and good luck.

have a great trip Nhatt. i can't wait to see the diary

Ok. We need another crew member. One that can drive. We leave wednesday.

PM me if interested.

If only I could drive.
Fruitbat fail.

Paying for my ticket and expenses? :)

yes. Ticket and expenses paid.

I hate my boss.
Have fun Nhatt. x

I so wish you could come! I think we have a good canidate.

Guess where I am...

and you can follow our team at www.usatoday.com from saturday.

Good luck Nhatt. Enjoy the experience.

Cool stuff, Nhatt. I don't suppose anyone will have time to blog, but we'll be expecting a very full report upon your return! Have fun!