Getting a bike for the burn...recommendations?

The Phreak · Post by **The Phreak** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:13 am

So I have an 18 speed huffy and a BMX bike I got for free , but i get told by everyone im going with that beach cruiser is the way to go. I have that option readily available.

How much grief would a beach cruiser save me? This is the first time going.

Post by **Sham** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 3:33 am

The Phreak wrote:So I have an 18 speed huffy and a BMX bike I got for free , but i get told by everyone im going with that beach cruiser is the way to go. I have that option readily available.

How much grief would a beach cruiser save me? This is the first time going.

This year the surface is reported to be very hard. I have used 18 speed bikes with skinny tires in the past and have not had problems. I tend to fly on the surface almost as easy as a smooth, level, paved parking lot. If there are a few soft areas, you could just walk the bike over it and ride once you pass it.

2008 I had my art car there and it was the perfect year for it becasue of the loose and "beach like" surface. That is better this year.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 8:55 am

Any mechanically sound wide tired bike will do. The ability to select gears is nice at times but not that necessary. If both bikes work well I would bring them both so you can give one away if you want or to see what works best for you.

The Phreak · Post by **The Phreak** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 4:39 pm

So I guess I wouldnt need a beach cruiser?

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 5:04 pm

Bring what you want.
I would bring the free bmx if its in working order. If it gets fucked up, you won't care.
Any bike exposed to the alkali may be damaged if not cared for.
If you don't want to damage a new bike, then don't bring it.
Or bring both and fuck them both up if you want.
You might want to bring an extra tube and/or repair kit, beats walking.

jgold16 · Post by **jgold16** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:21 pm

So I am taking it is a bad idea to bring a nice Trek bike I want to use again at home? Too much alkali (or possibly yankers..) to bring it back in good condition?

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 10:29 pm

Just keep in mind when you bring it back for a tune-up covered in clay, your local bike shoppe will either laugh at you or kick your ass out.

motskyroonmatick · Post by **motskyroonmatick** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:51 pm

Really the most important thing is a comfortable seat.

If you have never been to the playa you will have no idea what playa dust does to a bike. It will destroy it if you do not clean it properly after you return to the default world.
That being said make your own judgment about what bike you want to bring and the level of attachment you want to continue having with it after the burn.

Hoolie · Post by **Hoolie** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:34 am

The Phreak wrote:So I have an 18 speed huffy and a BMX bike I got for free , but i get told by everyone im going with that beach cruiser is the way to go. I have that option readily available.

How much grief would a beach cruiser save me? This is the first time going.

Need a little more info:

Is the "18-speed" a road bike or a mountain bike?
What kind of tires does it have?
Is it mechanically sound (gears shift well, brakes work well)?

How well does the BMX bike fit you?
Would you be comfortable on it for long periods of time?

Boijoy · Post by **Boijoy** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:44 am

Hey, Please elaborate on cleaning after getting your bike back home please?

Is a soapy wash, dry & re-applied chain oil good enough?

justfred · Post by **justfred** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:58 am

Which bike:
The one you're most comfortable SITTING on. This is why people lean towards beach cruisers. The one that looks the coolest, or you can decorate (if you're into that). What the heck, you've got a week, learn to weld and build yourself a bike! But bottom line, bring one that you won't be sad if it gets lost or destroyed.

Seat:
You may want to consider swapping the seat of whatever bike for a springy padded "tractor" seat. Your butt will thank you.

Washing:
Somehow, no matter how you wash your bike (as well as anything else you bring), the playa dust comes back. Some say that vinegar helps loosen the alkalai, but to me it seems to just make everything smell like vinegar.

Bike shop:
I've had luck taking mine in for a "tuneup" after the playa. They don't kick me out or laugh at me, but they do make that "ka-ching" noise...

jgold16 · Post by **jgold16** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:55 am

Hmm seems i should probably dish out the cash for playa bike and leave the Trek at home if I want to see/use it again...

Oldguy · Post by **Oldguy** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:46 pm

Wash/ wax and lube/ oil the bike before you bring it. Ride it around the block to make sure everything works.

Use a vinegar water spray bottle to wash dust off gears and chain on playa. Fresh oil picks up dust. Piss is acidic but your not supposed to piss on your bike on the playa.

When you get home, do another vinegar spray before the soap and water. Lube and re-oil the gears, chain, hubs and wheels. Put those BRC stickers on your burner bike. Drink a beverage. Done.

The Phreak · Post by **The Phreak** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:50 pm

The BMX bike needs new tires but its ok for the most part. The 18 speed huffy looks more like a Mountain bike. I haven't taken a ride in the huffy in like 10 years but afaik it feels ok to ride, the bmx bike i havent ridden at all.

Palesun · Post by **Palesun** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 8:26 pm

Newbie... :shock:
I'm thinking wax or another dry lube as wets will probably pick up and gunk up...then again it doesn't sound like anything will really help?

vootman · Post by **vootman** » Tue Aug 25, 2009 10:39 pm

My first year I took an old mountain bike, stuck a basket and EL wire on it and it worked ok. However, from that experience I learned that next time I wanted:

1) a cushier seat
2) a kickstand
3) higher handlebars
4) a drinkholder.

yizzah · Post by **yizzah** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 12:27 am

I took my specialized last year in the madness of the dust storms and it was fine. I just hit the chain with some wd-40 in a rag every few days and relubed with my regular lube. After the burn, I just powerwashed it at the carwash when I washed my other gear. I never even got it cleaned at the bike shop and I've been riding it all year.

Palesun · Post by **Palesun** » Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:58 pm

Thanks Yizzah! Good ole WD40 it is....have a great burn!

yizzah · Post by **yizzah** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:09 pm

That being said, I wouldn't bring a $2000 bike out there. You might want to bring a toothbrush or soft wire brush just to get the gunk off in case you ride through some water and it cakes up.

The Phreak · Post by **The Phreak** » Fri Aug 28, 2009 8:08 pm

I ended up getting a huffy beach cruiser, looks a bit old school, kinda silvery. I'm leaving tomorrow. See you guys sunday.

Getting a bike for the burn...recommendations?

Getting a bike for the burn...recommendations?

Re: Getting a bike for the burn...recommendations?

Re: Getting a bike for the burn...recommendations?

Re: Getting a bike for the burn...recommendations?

Recommendation on chain lube?

Chain Lube