MTB for a soldier

**SouthernBelle** · 10-19-2007, 06:25 AM

There is a soldier in Iraq who is looking for a mountain bike to ride around "in the walls" He is 5'6". He used to race back in the 90s.

Anybody have anything?

**mimitabby** · 10-19-2007, 06:29 AM

what does "in the walls" mean?

**SouthernBelle** · 10-19-2007, 06:50 AM

On post. Within the protection of the walls.

Not too safe to ride through downtown Bagdad.

**mimitabby** · 10-19-2007, 06:51 AM

sounds to me like there are lots of bikes he could get on Craig's list; when I put a "want" ad in a while back for a coworker, cheaper MTB's were available. I imagine the cost would be shipping!

good luck

**SouthernBelle** · 10-19-2007, 06:54 AM

I'm planning on covering shipping. I suspect he is trying to buy one. But I don't see any reason to let that happen if I can avoid it.

**Trek420** · 10-19-2007, 09:43 AM

Do you have his military adress? Shipping it to Iraq does not save him time or money and costs you much more. It's plopped onto the same plane or rowboat over, gets there the same time. So troops have a "local" stateside address, with zip code and all. Ship it there and notify him it's on the way.

I bet you could post to local Craigs and get a bike donated

And tell him I wish him safe rides and hope he rides home soon

**SouthernBelle** · 10-19-2007, 05:25 PM

His APO address is the same as domestic shipping. I am checking around to see what I can find.

**Trek420** · 10-19-2007, 07:06 PM

Does he need power bars, jerseys, GU?

I bet we could get something going here.

Trek-hates this &*^% war but loooooooooves our troops-420

**KnottedYet** · 10-19-2007, 07:56 PM

My brother is in the military. He has a bike over there with him. I think the bike keeps him sane, even though he can't ride much.

What else does your friend need? Lets fill the bike-box with goodies! (hey, they'll help protect the bike during shipping, right?)

**SouthernBelle** · 10-20-2007, 05:27 AM

Probably spare tubes, a good lube (sand you know), any other maintenance type stuff.

**SouthernBelle** · 10-20-2007, 09:36 AM

It looks like we've found a bike. It will be heading out of North Carolina. When I have more info I will let you know. I think I will end up being the collection point for a separate package of stuff.

**Trek420** · 10-20-2007, 10:36 AM

I think I can put together a few things and get them to you in the mail this week.

My people will pm your people for an address.

JK, I don't have people.

Thank you for doing this. And thank our soldier for serving.

**onimity** · 10-21-2007, 08:08 AM

I am in touch with a solider in Iraq who posted to a MTB forum about his bike commute there. He helps the other soldiers with bikes maintain them, but they have a shortage of tools and (especially) tubes:

We can always use tubes! 26X1.75-2.35 or equivalent will fit
everything >we have, and we prefer presta valves. Some wax-based chain
lube or some >grease would also come in handy, although I can get
generic grease from >work and I still have some chain lube left. What we
really need are >some bike-specific tools (BB tool, chain whip,
shimano-type cog >lockring tool, ect.), just general bike shop stuff. I
have a multi-tool >with about every hex wrench I need, and any other
wrenches/sockets I >can get from work. But I can't get into bottom
brackets or freehubs to >service them without those special tools.
Cabling would also come in >handy, both brake and derailleur. A floor
pump that does presta and >schrader valves would help, as we're
currently using my hand pump. And >if you're really feeling generous, we
could use a good bike work stand, >but I understand they are pretty pricey.
>
>Thanks a lot for your support. It's nice to know people are thinking
>about us over here. And it's great that cycling has this kind of
>community; it makes the sport so much more enjoyable!

If anyone has anything to send, I'm sure they'd be willing recipients as well. Please PM me if so. I am planning to get a work stand. (anyone have a recommendation for what to buy?)

I am trying to collect things from a local group but the bureaucratic process is driving me bonkers. People want to discuss whether it is a pro-war or anti-war stance, and I just don't think it matters. We are all cyclists.

Anne

**KnottedYet** · 10-21-2007, 08:29 AM

SB - the more efficient thing for me to do might be to send you a little money so you can buy stuff you know he needs and fill the gaps. Do you have an LBS that might give you a discount if you go in with a shopping list for him?

**SouthernBelle** · 10-21-2007, 08:57 AM

I plan on going by my LBS tomorrow to see what I can scrounge anyway. I'll see.

Thread: MTB for a soldier

Thread Tools

Display

MTB for a soldier

Posting Permissions