2000 mile unsupported tour next year - equipment stuffs

incurab1e

hey,

I just did Lejog & the 3 peaks on my road bike with a support car. 995 miles on a Bianchi via Nirone aluminium frame with American Classic Victory 30 wheels. Here it is:



I officailly have the bug for cycle adventure now and am keen to do something unsupported next year.

I'm thinking European and have a vague idea of where i might go. It will involve some Alps, Romania, Hungary and Ukraine which may be sugnificant due to road surfaces?

SO, i am wondering if it is feasible for me to put some Panniers on my current bike and get on with it. I'd imagine a few other tweaks like saddle and some bigger back cogs might be neccessary.

What do you think? Would those wheels hold up to the exra weight? Am i best buying a touring bike?

amaferanga

Do you plan on carrying camping stuff or travelling very light and staying in B&Bs?

Either way, if it was me, I'd probably be looking at a different bike or at least some stronger wheels.

Btw did you actually have your aero bars set-up like that when you did your LEJOG?

incurab1e

no, they were titled up a bit from there and mainly used as a different place to rest my hands. Sitting up with hands on the elbow rests gives the back a nice break!

I'm planning on camping for next years trip

trickeyja

I did a 1600 mile tour this year and here is a list of everything I brought:
http://jtcycling.wordpress.com/2010/08/ ... king-list/

I used my road bike, but fitted touring wheels (definitely recommended) and used a large saddlebag with tent strapped to the back, and a large 10l handlebar bag.

The luggage was OK on my road bike; ideally a touring bike would have been better and I think I will get one in the future but can't affort it right now. Unfortunately about 2 days from the end of my tour the Carradice SQR system broke (the mechanism which holds the bag clear of the saddle). This meant I had to strap the bag directly to my saddle rather than the SQR frame, and raise the saddle for clearance. It got me home at least.

crankycrank

I wouldn't trust those wheels for loaded touring mixed with bad roads and in countries where it will be difficult to get replacement spokes. I've seen too many broken spokes with lightweight wheels from heavier (14 stone +) riders who stay on good roads with unloaded bikes. Personally I'd get some good 32 spoke min. handbuilts.

CJ Bill

Yep, at the very least change the wheels, although I'd go for a new bike based round a steel frame but that's just me. I cycled through Eastern Europe on the Danube cycleway last year and the bike needed to be rugged! Lot of people building a bike up from the Surly Long Haul Trucker frame. Oh, and if you do go for the new bike option I'd recommend 26" wheels... not so important for Europe but if you *really* develop a taste for it much easier to get in Asia and Africa.

b1ke

I came back from a 4500 mile tour of Europe last week. Of the places you mentioned, we only did Hungary and the Alps. I understand Romania is very beautiful but the stray dogs can be a hassle, though mainly in the mountains.

We took a tandem which had plenty of rear wheel issues (see http://farewellburt.wordpress.com/the-bike/) , so predictably I'd say get a stronger rear wheel at very least. Looking through the other responses you've had, I'd say the rest is personal choice. 2000 miles isn't so far, so I wouldn't have thought a steel frame would be essential - our aluminium tandem frame coped fine.

Another option is to aim to travel light - some interesting ideas on http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.com/.

Cheers
Chris

andymiller

You could put panniers onto that frame using p-clips but it looks like the chainstay length is pretty short so you might have trouble making enough clearance for your feet (depending on how big they are of course).

If you were planning on travelling 2000 miles full-loaded on potentially rough roads I think it might well pay to look at a touring bike.

incurab1e

awesome - thanks a lot guys.

I'm only in the 'seems like a good idea now' stage of planning and obviously am going ot have to start saving to pay for everything. WIth the cycle to work scheme beaing as awesome as it is though, i may just go for a touring bike.

Any recomendations or things i should look out for in a tourer?

The blogs i've read from this thread have been excellent!!

iPete

If you still go down the road bike route, here is my bike and kit that got me through 1400 miles in 18 days. Standard except Plant X Model C wheels.

The biggest issue was my gearing, riding a fully loaded double over the Alps was not ideal.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12702169

incurab1e

Cheerz iPete, That was my other issue - Either swapping to a triple on the front or put something else on the back. I'm not sure how easy swappign things over are yet but i guess its a possibility which will remain cheaper than buying a new bike.

New Gears & New Wheels & Panniers & Dry Bags.

HOWEVER, Look at this bad boy I picked up for £20



Its a British Eagle 'Le Tour' -

Suntour SVX friction gearing, Solida crank - 700 x 28, 36 spoke Malliard rear wheel/hub and a standard size Pelissier front wheel. I've never heard of this stuff but I hear french components n the 80's were generally pretty good.



Double on the front, 7 on the back. Some big cogs on the back (haven't counted yet) but i reckon they might do the job!

I am going to get it off the turbo and on the road tomorrow, use it for winter and see how we get along.

KevinSherm

Have you considered a trailer instead of panniers? I haven't really seen any since moving to Europe but they are a relatively common option in the States.

On my 1800 mile tour I used panniers (on a dedicated touring bike) and the friend I rode with had a trailer (http://www.bobgear.com/trailers/trailer ... duct_id=10). Both had major benefits and downfalls, and honestly don't know which I'd favour. A couple thoughts on each option:

Panniers:
- Easy to separate things in the bags and organise based on usage (clothing one bag, tools one bag, etc.)
- Easy to remove and take with you when leaving your bike
- Can be made waterproof with plastic bags

Trailer:
- One large bag (waterproof and included with the BOB) which makes packing and finding things much easier
- Less weight and strain on the rear wheel
- Provides an axis point for the bike which can act as a pretty useful stand (I often resorted to just throwing mine down since it seemed to always fall over anyway)

Anyway, just thought I'd throw that idea out there. Best of luck and enjoy!

incurab1e

Thanks for all your replies - i think i'm going to try and take the Bianchi with some new wheels, and maybe a triple.

I'm now starting to look at the route and am in need of some advice about crossing the Alps. ie. where to do it.

I would like it to be a bit challenging and as scenic as possible - i see it as having 2 options so I don't spend too much time crossing them - cross from Switzerland to Italy or Germany - Austria to Slovenia.

here's a VERY rough idea of the route - any advice would be much appreciated:

CLICK FOR MAP

incurab1e

I've done a rough route - can anyone who has travelled these areas see any problems?


http://tinyurl.com/5stjy2w

deal

Have you considered forgetting the panniers and taking inspiration from the offroad guys? I kitting out my mtb for an offroad tour and was so pleased with the result that I sold my racks and panniers. The benefits are less weight, better weight distribution, better aerodynamics and less space (this is good because it keeps me light!)

diy solutions are fairly easy, frame bag guide here http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=596676

Handlebar and saddlebags can be as simple as a couple of dry bags with some straps attached or for something a bit fancier (not cheap) see here - http://www.revelatedesigns.com/ or http://carouseldesignworks.com/

incurab1e

Thanks Deal, they are a great idea! Do you have any problems with your legs rubbing?

I think though, that i will need rear panniers to take enough stuff for 3 weeks, including tents and sleeping/cooking stuff.

Just about to buy some hand built wheels and some big cogs

ITS ON!

MichaelW

Had a look at your route and you are skirting Slovenia which is a shame. Its an ace country for touring with fantastic climbs, countryside, food and people. V bike friendly.

incurab1e

UPDATE:

So, I have my Rack, Panniers, Sleeping bag and am borrowing a Garmin.

Route is pretty much done in 4 Legs:

Leg 1: Through France

http://tinyurl.com/492gon6

Leg 2: Over The Alps

http://tinyurl.com/465denj

Leg 3: Italy To Mid Romania

http://tinyurl.com/6gpc9lb

Leg 4: Romania to Ukraine (via the Transfargarasan Highway!)

http://tinyurl.com/4qbz7pp


There are still a few things I need to get and so am wondering if anyone can answer some questions.

WHEELS - i am looking at Planet X model B or Model C. Do I need BOTH front and back wheels since I will only be loaded at the back? Obviously it will save me money to only have to buy 1 and keep my American Classic on the front

SADDLE - Anything other than Brookes?

CASSETTE - I only have a double on the front and currently a compact on the back - to get over the alps loaded I am going to need some bigger gears. A rear cassette is the cheapest option

TENT - Any recommendations? Around 2Kg, something with a little room to live in, ie not a coffin!

Thanks, getting excited now!

iPete

First bit of advice, do NOT try and camp in or near Novara, there is one site and its like a scene from a horror movie.

Tent: Have a look at a Quechua T2 ultralight, 2kg and should have some room if your alone.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/t2-ultral ... o-3244110/

incurab1e

I have been looking for that iPete, on your previouys recommendation - it was not on sale anymore on amazon so I assumed it was discontinued or something.

Looks like the best for the bucks!

iPete

You can only buy Quechua stuff from Decathlon directly, if you see it for sale elsewhere, eBay etc. they are often being sold on with a mark up.

andrew_s

incurab1e wrote:

I've done a rough route - can anyone who has travelled these areas see any problems?


a very long link

(sorry for the huge link)

Could you edit your post to textify the long link, please?
It's what's making everyone have to scroll left and right to read the posts.

Instead of putting the link in as
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?...
you put
some text

When posting the link the first time, type the text, select/highlight it, click the URL button, then type = and paste the URL between the initial [url and the ][/url]

incurab1e

done and done

huuregeil

Some tips:

Route. Personally I'd spend more time going through switzerland e..g Pontalier, Neuchatel, Bern, Lugano, but your route via Aosta is also lovely. Much of a muchness. However, Milan to venice across the flats is really boring, busy, and hot! Much better to skirt into the mountains. E.g Como, Morbegno, Bolzano, and into Slovenia via Kranskja Gora because this is simply the most beautiful mountainous area in europe! Clearly more legs required, but absolutely worth it.

Wheels, I personally wouldn't compromise and fit solid wheels front and back - bear in mind that going downhill in the alps loaded puts quite a bit of load on the front wheel too. The planet x aren't really that great for touring, i'd personally like a beefier rim and you'd probably appreciate better hubs in the long run. A solid-ish rim, 32 or 36 spokes, and decent hubs: Ambrosio Evolution/Excursions (or even something heavier e.g. Exal LX17) on Tiagra/105 hubs should come in under £150 and be spot on for this kind of tour without breaking the bank. The thing you've got to bear in mind is that a heavy pothole hit with a loaded bike has the potential to completely take out a lesser wheel; with a 36 spoke heavier rim, you might lose a spoke or two but you're bike will still be rideable and quickly repaired.

Saddle - no need for a special saddle, just one your comfortable in. Personally Selle SMP make very nice saddles!

Gearing - get a triple if you can, or a compact with a big cassette, particularly if you spend more time in the mountains.

oysterkite

Sounds like a great trip, I cycled down to the Pyrenese a couple of years ago with a trailer which worked out well, def worth considering if not using a touring orientated bike as it places far less stress on the frame and wheels. I am doing a 2000 mile trip this year using panniers on a hub gear equipped bike though.

The largest cassette you will prob be able to fit is a 28 (at a push) you mighe need to adjust the B screw though, combined with a compact double you should be ok, dependent on gradient, level of fitness and most importantly how much weight you are carrying

I looked around for a tent to fit the following criteria

Reasonably light, good headroom, quick to pitch, reasonably 'short' when packed to fit on pannier and not too expensive and bought a wild country aspect 2

Make sure you do a few dummy runs fully loaded as it makes a big difference to your mileage esp the climbs (even if you are used to 100+ miles unloaded)

28c tires make a big difference if you can fit them

owenlars

crankycrank wrote:

I wouldn't trust those wheels for loaded touring mixed with bad roads and in countries where it will be difficult to get replacement spokes. I've seen too many broken spokes with lightweight wheels from heavier (14 stone +) riders who stay on good roads with unloaded bikes. Personally I'd get some good 32 spoke min. handbuilts.

+1

Hoopdriver

Totally agree as well. I'd be looking at 36 spokes for sure.