 Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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on: February 16, 2015, 08:57:08 AM
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sdr
Posts: 47
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« on: February 16, 2015, 08:57:08 AM » |
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My name is Scott and I've been lurking here for quite some time... After adding the GDMBR to my bucket list. The extremely short version of my story is that I just relocated to Tucson from Michigan. I did so for a lot of reasons, with one being in climate that will allow me to train for a 2015 GDMBR start.
The frist help I'm looking for is that I need a bike. My old mountain bike is in storage in Michigan. Even though it was good for hitting the trails, it just wasn't conducive for bikepacking. Hoping somebody can point me to a shop that caters to and knows bikepacking. (looking to get a Salsa) I'm willing travel to Phoenix for exceptional service.
For my second request I'm hoping to also connect with some local bikepackers willing to mentor me as I'm brand new to bikepacking. Looking participate in some weekend rides as well.
Scott
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #1 on: February 16, 2015, 02:50:31 PM
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gouacats
Posts: 9
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« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2015, 02:50:31 PM » |
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For bikepacking needs (and Salsas), I would suggest Arizona Bicycle Experts on Speedway. Nice, small shop.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #2 on: February 16, 2015, 09:52:48 PM
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AZTtripper
Moderator
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1732
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« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2015, 09:52:48 PM » |
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Yeah A.B.E. is a great shop, Micheal been in business a fairly long time and has a strong following.
They don't cater to bikepackers or they wouldn't be in business, as there are so few of us, but they do know xc racing, and touring.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #3 on: February 17, 2015, 09:42:34 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2015, 09:42:34 AM » |
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For a true bikepacking shop, you'd have to drive to Durango and see Joey at Velorution -- highly recommended! There is also the "bike shop hub" (with various other names for it online) that is here in Tucson. They have a large selection of bikepacking and touring bags, including Revelate. https://www.bikeshophub.com/ |
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #4 on: February 17, 2015, 01:59:38 PM
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gouacats
Posts: 9
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« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2015, 01:59:38 PM » |
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I have never heard of the Bike Shop Hub, but I see they have a Tucson address. Do you know if they have an actual brick and mortar store, or is it online only?
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #5 on: February 17, 2015, 06:48:47 PM
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sdr
Posts: 47
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« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2015, 06:48:47 PM » |
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Thanks for all the info. Stopped by A.B.E. today, Michael wasn't in so the guys asked if I could come back when he is, since I'm bike shopping. Would like to know too if the Bike Shop Hub has a brick and mortar store.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #6 on: February 18, 2015, 08:26:50 AM
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ScottM
bikepacking.net admin
Location: Wherever the GeoPro is parked.
Posts: 2863
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« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2015, 08:26:50 AM » |
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Yep, AFAIK you can go visit bike shop hub off Ft. Lowell. I haven't been there yet myself, but met and talked to one of the employees out at an AES event.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #7 on: February 18, 2015, 07:16:22 PM
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sdr
Posts: 47
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« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2015, 07:16:22 PM » |
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Bought a bike today from ABE. A Salsa Fargo. Should be in this time next week. Mike is a great guy and knows his stuff. I'm also impressed by how much of a bike city Tucson is. Can't wait to get riding.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #8 on: February 19, 2015, 03:52:20 AM
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AZTtripper
Moderator
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 1732
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« Reply #8 on: February 19, 2015, 03:52:20 AM » |
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Just be aware that there are plenty of tucsonans who hate cyclist. I don't road ride that much but I hear about cyclist hate out on the street, I sometimes hear it at work. They built a new segment of "The Loop" along Harrison and one of my coworkers said "why do they bother no one will use it and besides we hate those guys". People of course do use the new segment. The riders that piss everyone off are the few who don't bother to get over and allow traffic to pass.
Beyond the ignorance there's at least 3 mtb clubs, and couple of facebook/meetup sites that I know of no doubt there are several more. GABA has been around for ever.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #9 on: February 19, 2015, 06:01:10 AM
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sdr
Posts: 47
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« Reply #9 on: February 19, 2015, 06:01:10 AM » |
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Thanks for the heads up. Cyclist hate or just a general lack of concern about how close motorist get to you is the reason I gave up road biking a couple decades ago... Too many people hell bent on ruining your day.
I plan to use "The Loop" a lot while I'm here. Where I'm staying is adjacent to Rillito River Park.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #10 on: February 19, 2015, 09:15:51 PM
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sdr
Posts: 47
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« Reply #10 on: February 19, 2015, 09:15:51 PM » |
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Was in the neighborhood of Bike Shop Hub this morning and went to see what's what. Not really a "shop" but they do take walk in business, even though they are an ecommerce store. Very friendly and willing to help with equipment needs right there.
The building is on Flowing Wells about a block south of Miracle Mile.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #11 on: February 20, 2015, 04:37:11 AM
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gouacats
Posts: 9
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« Reply #11 on: February 20, 2015, 04:37:11 AM » |
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Thanks for checking it out...I'll have to stop in one of these days.
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Topic Name: Looking for help in Tucson
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Reply #12 on: March 13, 2015, 06:07:24 PM
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Bug Shield
Posts: 11
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« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2015, 06:07:24 PM » |
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I visited Bikeshophub because I was worried about tire/rack clearance on my ECR and they were super helpful and friendly.
If you haven't already figured this out, keep an eye on the AZ section on MTBR, check out the Arizona Endurance Series, and make a couple connections of Facebook to get plugged into the AZ bikepacking scene.
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