African round trip on a 03XT600E - Wheels & tyres
Hi everyone,
i'm planning an African round trip (Cape Town and back – down west – up east coast) on a 2003 XT600E.
It seems (to me at least) that this bike has gradually fallen into desuse as an overland budget alternative, so if you don't mind, I would like to bring "the old gal” back into the spotlight!
Have a few questions, general or bike related regarding wheels and tyres and would like to hear your opinion, bearing in mind that my set-up and prep. is aiming at keeping it simple, light and affordable.
I've searched in the HUBB some of these questions, but the answers, if existant, go far, far back...so here it goes:
Bike prep:
- stock rims: yes or no
- HD tubes: yes or no
- rim locks: yes or no
- tyre air valve seals: yes or no
one of these cheap things
- I have a little rust on the inside of the rims. Would a DIY paint job (you know a couple of cans) suffice or should I go for a professional paint/power coating job.
On the road:
- manual air pump or air compressor
- carry spare spokes and nipples yes or no
- I'll be runing Heidenau K60 front and rear. I've changed the rear tyre a few times and breaking the bead (even in the confort of my garage) can be a pain. But so can re-beading it! Particularly getting the Heidenau back flush with the rim (I 've had to use the garage compressor). Any tips ideia how this works on the road with lets say a manual air pump.
All for now (but I'll be back)!!!
Cheers,
RN
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