Generic Touring Thread

Anyone got a NeoAir XLite that they'd like to sell me?

I'm cycling from Toulouse to Barcelona at the end of the month, staying in ho[s]tels along the way. I've previously done some similar length journeys in the UK with a backpack but with the heat I'd prefer to get a saddlebag (something like this -> https://www.condorcycles.com/products/ortlieb-seat-pack?variant=36247279050&msclkid=b9d8d3b1b4df17f7319d89596409bce1 ).

My intention is to ride my Ribble R872. Will a saddle bag damage the bike? If not, would you recommend that saddlebag or are there better available?

Only concern might be if you have a carbon seatpost - saddle bags like that aren't usually recommended for them. I'd consider switching post to alloy if you're currently carbon.

As for what seat bag, there are loads out now - I have a restrap which is great, porcelain rockets are now back in stock too and they're supposed to be amazing

If you're in France anyway consider Helmut equipment. Their stuff looks nice :)

Is there a thread about extrawheel / bob yak other trailers for touring? Utfs only brings up some classifieds.

If not, anyone used one? How about touring with a two wheeled trailer?

@Dammit has a 3rd wheel IIRC

Thanks Andy. I've contacted Restrap, they think the seatpost should be fine so long as the rails aren't carbon, which they aren't. Think I'll go with their saddlebag as it's a little cheaper.

Need to settle on my gearing and i'm good to go.

hello I am lucky enough to be doing a cycle tour of Okinawa in Nov,it's my 1st ever tour we are staying in hotels so no need for camping and stuff. I'm trying to get miles in the legs but any 1st timer tips would be great. doing roughly 80k per day which I know isn't much to some but at present I'm finding 50k hard. on my last bigger ride i suffered badly from cramp calfs and quads and hams wasnt plesent.
newbie tips all welcome....expecting htfu as granted

doing roughly 80k per day which I know isn't much to some but at present I'm finding 50k hard.

Remember it's not a race, it's for your enjoyment. And 80k a day is not little. How many days are you going? :)

pack as light as you can, then remove even more. look at this guy for inspiration.

do gradual training rides at home. don't worry about distance, think about time. 10hrs riding is 10hrs riding, you will gradually get faster.

whilst riding, drink water every half hour and eat something small every hour. do this religiously and you won't run out of energy.

stretch your legs whenever you stop. put one foot up on the top tube whilst standing next to the bike and stretch your hamstrings. do the other hamstring. then do normal quad stretches.

consider a bike fit with scherrit if the cramp persists even after doing these things.

lastly remember to HAVE FUN and keep us posted :)

5 days as work commitments mean i can't extend it, maybe bitten off more than I can chew.....

nice thanks in HK but there is a good bike fit place and going to go see them next week as my plan is to get a new bike but want to get it now so I can get used to the frame and iron out any kinks. really looking forward to it,

also got given a turbo trainer last week so looking to get miles in that way

maybe bitten off more than I can chew.....

You'll be fine. Just start riding (more) frequently till november like you said and you'll have no problems.

Question though, I googled 'Oninowa' and didn't find any results. Do you per chance mean 'Okinawa'?

that's a good idea, a bike fit will really help!

ooopse yep Okinowa

gonna read up on fule suggestions as never used energy gels and stuff will peanut butter sarnies work ?

oh and a few beers, at the end of the day of course

yes. I never used a gel and never had much problem. PB banana tortilla wraps are my favourite.

graeme obree set cycling records whilst eating jam sandwiches only!

😁👍

will keep an update of my progress and expect pics. I'm already excited about it and can't wait. Cycling here in HK is taking off and lots of rodies go out at weekends. but unlike most cites in Europe no one reallyrides to work, it's not very cycle friendly, most go out early when the roads are quiet, last week on a cycle favorite route the roads were scattered with drawing pins. couple of mates got punctured :(.

What flat pedals (not clipless) are people using?

I'm currently using Shimano A530's but never use the mtb cleats so wouldn't mind a dedicated flat pedal. Any suggestions very welcome!

my superstar flats (I bought them second hand, well used, for £20) have been going round smoothly for ever, and are the right level of grippy, I have no complaints

https://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/nano-x-evo-pedals.htm

Funny enough I was just looking at these. Ta!

no worries, the ones I have are these generation