More Bike Business
Dear Editor:
I would like to add to the “How to Buy a Bicycle You’ll Love” article in the April 2014 issue (page 46). While I agree with the information presented about the types of bikes and purchasing guidance, the article did not mention folding bikes. Folders are particularly suited for RV travel, as their compact folded size may fit better in RV storage lockers and avoid the need for a rack.
I owned folding bikes long before purchasing our RV, mainly for use for local downtown business errands, vacation trips by car, and business trips where I shipped the bike ahead to my hotel. (I do concede that my folder did not fit in the lockers of my Type B RV, necessitating the rack for a conventional bike. I now have a new folding bike and RV that are compatible.)
The guidance in the FMC article applies to buying a folder in terms of quality of the frame and components. Size/fit is less of an issue, as the nature of the folder determines the size, and fit is limited to seat adjustment. There are many configurations, and wheel size is typically 16 inches or 20 inches. Conventional-size bikes with 24-inch-to-26-inch wheels also are available as folders.
As for brands, Camping World carries some low-end bikes for around $200. (I bought my first folder from Camping World in 1992.) Dahon is the largest manufacturer of folding bikes in sales and range of models. High-end folding bikes include Bike Friday and Brompton, which start at more than $1,000. The Brompton is the most compact folding bike of these, folding to 23 inches by 22 inches by 11 inches. Most have a wheelbase similar to conventional bikes.
The Internet is the best source for researching the makes and types of folding bikes. It has become harder to find local dealers with folding bikes, although Web sites usually list dealers. One feature I would recommend is hub gearing rather than derailleur gears, as the derailleur shifters are susceptible to damage.
I hope this information opens other options for RV travelers to take a bike along for campground mobility and area exploration.
Don Burrell, F408677
Cincinnati, Ohio
Inverter Notes
Dear Editor:
Chris Dougherty’s inverter article (“Power Expansion,” May 2014, page 42) was good advice, and we use that same inverter product he showed in the article to run the DVD, TV, vacuum cleaner, power tools, and microwave without a hookup. We also charge electric bikes and a motorcycle carried on the RV by inverter when parked in the desert.
But I want to advise boondockers that inverters do use battery power more rapidly than direct 12-volt DC. To conserve your battery power, it is important to turn off the inverter (manually or with its automatic setting) when not actually using the microwave, TV, or other AC appliance. Long-term use, such as for a residential refrigerator, or even a CPAP machine with the inverter on all night, will consume a great amount of your battery power. The best way to save power is to use 12-volt directly when possible, without using the inverter. For example, my wife’s CPAP unit is a Phillips Respironics, which has an optional 12-volt power cord that runs it all night on very little power.
RVers who wish to replace LP-gas/electric refrigerators with all-electric compressor models can find 12-volt all-electrics at www.novakool.com; these units use drastically less power than typical AC-powered refrigerators or LP-gas/electrics running on AC or DC.
Steve Willey, F417294
Sandpoint, Idaho
Name That Plane
Dear Editor:
The aircraft at the top left of page 54 in “The Pima Air & Space Museum” article (May 2014, page 52) was incorrectly identified as a C-47. The C-47 was the best-known cargo plane of World War II, but the aircraft pictured is a Curtiss C-46 Commando. The C-47 was built by Douglas and was the military version of the venerable DC-3.
Glenn Peterson, F263507
Paulden, Arizona
Help In An Emergency
Dear Editor:
While my wife and I were at the Monaco pre-rally in Albany, Georgia, prior to the FMCA Family Reunion in Perry this past March, I had to have major surgery. My wife called FMCAssist to make arrangements to move our motorhome from Albany back to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This matter was handled very professionally, and the driver showed up exactly on time. FMCAssist is the best $105 we have spent this year.
Also, kudos to the FMCA staff for the ease of cancelling our Perry registration.
Dean Davis, F205937
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Perry Truck Repair
Dear Editor:
On March 17, 2014, we arrived in Perry, Georgia, to exhibit at the FMCA Family Reunion, and we knew our truck had a serious problem — either a wheel bearing or transfer case issue.
After checking with two garages, we were directed to Bishop’s at 300 Hampton Court Ext. in Perry. We explained that we needed someone to fix our problem as soon as possible. They took us right in; analyzed the issue, which happened to be a wheel bearing; ordered the parts; and installed them. They stayed late to complete the job and get us on the road, and they charged what we considered a more than reasonable rate.
We highly recommend Bishop’s to anyone in the Perry area who needs a professional approach and a fair repair price. See Roger and Robbie at Bishop’s Automotive & Performance (478-987-6645, www.bishopsautomotiveandperformance.com).
Ed Annechino
Joe Muscarella
Diamond Shield, C8873
Rochester, New York
Ohio Repair Shop Recommendation
Dear Editor:
Almost 20 years ago, my wife and I were on the way home from a trip with our two young grandsons when our RV experienced a problem. We were able to pull into the Sparks Goodyear garage parking lot in Findlay, Ohio. Mr. Sparks happened to have stopped by the garage with one of his young sons. He started working on our coach and was able to fix it so we could get home. He refused to charge us for his services.
Mr. Sparks now has an RV service business. Recently we needed a new electronic display board for our 11-year-old Thor motorhome. The part is no longer made. We had contacted Thor, driven to RV salvage places in Indiana and Michigan, and searched online, all to no avail. Once again, Sparks Inc. came to our aid. Matt Tesnow, the RV service manager, spent many hours contacting various supply sources and was able to find the board.
We highly recommend Sparks Auto & RV at 16764 State Route 12 E. in Findlay (419-423-8322).
Dick and Marie Packert, F264079
Port Clinton, Ohio
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