African round trip on a 03XT600E - Wheels & tyres

[rndef]

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

[Jens Eskildsen]

Originally Posted by rndef

- stock rims: yes or no Yes
- HD tubes: yes or no Mount HD tubes, carry ordinary ones as spare
- rim locks: yes or no No, not nescessary
- tyre air valve seals: yes or no Never heard of it, the bike will be fine witout

- 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. Wire brush will do, paint/clear coat if you like

On the road:

- manual air pump or air compressor I use both
- carry spare spokes and nipples yes or no Wouldnt bother, but they won't take up much extra space. Remember the rear uses 2 different kinds
- 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. K60 is a bitch to mount, only advice is to get the tire nice and hot, making it more flexible. Se if you can change tires where a compressor is availible

Hope this helps.

[rndef]

Originally Posted by Mezo

Also you could consider a tubeless conversion (search this forum).

And take a couple of HD tubes (just in case).

Mezo.

Thanks Mezo! Sure will have a look at the tubeless conversion. Might be the way to go!

Originally Posted by Jens Eskildsen

Hope this helps.

Great help Jens! Thanks!
Think I'll leave with regular tubes for the "rolling" tarmac stretch and then when the going gets though mount the HD and keep the regulars as spares!!

The K60 mounting - when in the middle of nowhere - think I'll just have to carry a extra bar of soap - and hope for the best!!!

[steveloomis]

I just discovered this, the Baja No Pinch Tire tool, what a terrific idea.

How to Use the Tool

[rndef]

Originally Posted by steveloomis

I just discovered this, the Baja No Pinch Tire tool, what a terrific idea.

How to Use the Tool

Great piece of gear undoutedly! A bit expensive!
Nevertheless I can mount the Heidenau without pinching the tube, the problem is getting it into the bead!! But like Jens mentions probably just have to leave it in the sun for a while and then pump "the hell" out of it!!!
Will continue to practice.....

Cheers,
RN

[steveloomis]

Yes, it is a bit expensive, but is on my want list. Anymore I can remove an old tire but take the new one and a new tube to a dealer to install and balance. I've done my share over the years, never liked it. I think I can do tires again with that device....

[turboguzzi]

havent done africa but quite a bit of desert riding, so here are my tips, depends quite a bit on terrain you plan riding

road & hard trails = tubeless + good tire sealer treatment

sandy (low pressure needed) = tubes with tire locks or michelin moose

shave from your tires the internal sharp edge

if you go for alu rims you can also do what enduro racers do, shave some 3mm form one rim edge, both make tire mounting easier

check your spokes to begin with, make sure nipples are not rusted/hard to turn, carry spares + some zip ties to tie broken ones...

[xtrock]

STP - Felgbeskytter - Universal [HV10005] - 49,00kr : SpeedOptions, The Mechanical Candyshop

I use this on the edge, never had problems changing tires by hand using the TKC80.

[rndef]

Originally Posted by steveloomis

Yes, it is a bit expensive, but is on my want list. Anymore I can remove an old tire but take the new one and a new tube to a dealer to install and balance. I've done my share over the years, never liked it. I think I can do tires again with that device....

Can relate to that Steve!
In this case I'm on a tight budget and directing all possible funds to staying on the road as much as I can...but wouldn't mind taking that piece of gear along!

Originally Posted by turboguzzi

havent done africa but quite a bit of desert riding, so here are my tips, depends quite a bit on terrain you plan riding

road & hard trails = tubeless + good tire sealer treatment

sandy (low pressure needed) = tubes with tire locks or michelin moose

shave from your tires the internal sharp edge

if you go for alu rims you can also do what enduro racers do, shave some 3mm form one rim edge, both make tire mounting easier

check your spokes to begin with, make sure nipples are not rusted/hard to turn, carry spares + some zip ties to tie broken ones...

Great tips turboguzzi, thanks
That's the thing about doing Africa. With a bit of luck you get to ride it all: road, hard trials, sand and so on and so on - one of the fun parts is getting the right balance in your gear...(be it fitted and/or spares) whilst keeping the weight down!
I'll give it a go at the shaving the sharps edges on the Heidenau's to see if they sit in the bead a bit less effortlessly!

Originally Posted by xtrock

STP - Felgbeskytter - Universal [HV10005] - 49,00kr : SpeedOptions, The Mechanical Candyshop

I use this on the edge, never had problems changing tires by hand using the TKC80.

Thanks for the tip xtrock!

[xtrock]

Remember to stay away from vest africa so you dont catch the EBOLA virus!! Have a nice trip

[rndef]

Originally Posted by xtrock

Remember to stay away from vest africa so you dont catch the EBOLA virus!! Have a nice trip

Thanks xtrock but I'm still in the planning and getting the bike ready stage!
And yes am planning going down West Africa...
Hopefully until I leave - the situation will get better!
(particularly and specially for the grand majority of west africans that really don't need this disease to add to their hardships)

Cheers,
RN