Generic Touring Thread

thanks
in reply to some posts upthread, a tandem is the answer to couples with significantly different abilities, not saying that hippy or whoever's partner is different, but for what it is worth.

Also, I have those tektro hangers on my cantis similar to the ones in the gcn video and found out recently that tektro themselves say that doing up the little grommet nuts that fix the straddle cable in place are optional. I immediately took mine out because I hate them.

I think the Avid Ultimate Shorty is by far the best cantilever brake I've used, and I've tried many. They are expensive and learning how to set them up takes a bit of time, but once you've got them dialled in they are superb.

Thanks Andyp, I moved some stuff onto ebay so depending on what I sell then for will determine if I change the calipers and to which make.

Anyone got a recommendation on a fastish tourer? For day / long weekend trips that don't require all the panniers.

Disc brakes, mounts, fenders of some degree. I was looking at the Grizyls, but they're mostly out of stock except the ltd edition one.

Fairlight possibly in a similar category of all road adventure bikes. I always liked the look of Shand for similar but £££. Most brands probably do something similar now under their “allroad” branding if you have a brand you already like/fit. Genesis equilibrium used to be a reasonable option but pretty pricy now new!

Anyone got a recommendation on a fastish tourer? For day / long weekend trips that don't require all the panniers.

Disc brakes, mounts, fenders of some degree. I was looking at the Grizyls, but they're mostly out of stock except the ltd edition one

trek 520 grando
soma grand randonneur (you'd have to spec it)

there are a lot.

frankly searching through modern randonneur bikes is the way to go, hipster as it may seem.

Winspace G2 / LightBicycle Journey ?

Looking for a larger bar bag that rests on a front rack as well as securing as the bars...

Would need to be somewhat adjustable to conform to my bar to front rack distance.

Any suggestions?

This is my rack: https://www.jandd.com/ProdImages/RacksRackTrunks/ExtremeFrontRack/REXT_Thumb.jpg

Drop bar or flat bars? Something like a Carradice saddle bag would work nicely if you have the width. easy to open, rests on the rack and can have the straps however long you need to reach the bars.

Or a rando bag that fits to the rack. Restrap do one that attached with magnets

Drops. Here's a completely unflattering photo. The panniers come up below the platform. The hood width is 15 inches.

I saw the restrap one. I get the impression it really needs a pizza rack to work properly. Am I wrong?

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I get the impression it really needs a pizza rack to work properly. Am I wrong?

Yes. It fits to nearly any rack, as it comes with a mounting thing with lots of holes in for different sized racks. It will however look weird when the bags not on as it could stick out the sides of a thinner rack like a nitto.

When I had one, I actually ended up buying some of thin persex, cut it to size, drilled holes for the magents (they screw on) and mounted that as a 'nicer' look.

I got one of those restrap bags hoping to use it on a narrow Nitto rack but the bag support was a bit floppy where it stuck over the sides so I didn't use it. Also the bag is a bit basic, just a box with a flap over the top. It could use something like the drawstring bit like on a Carradice, to keep rain out and pastries in.

im ashamed to admit that in 35 years of riding, i never really looked into decaleurs. i figured that maybe one day i'd come around to figuring it out. today is that day.

https://velo-orange.com/products/vo-decaleur-kits

I'm just going to get a rando bag that is inherently rigid like this and install a decaleur.

https://builtbyswift.com/shop/peregrine-randonneur-bag/

I got one of those restrap bags hoping to use it on a narrow Nitto rack but the bag support was a bit floppy where it stuck over the sides so I didn't use it. Also the bag is a bit basic, just a box with a flap over the top. It could use something like the drawstring bit like on a Carradice, to keep rain out and pastries in.

figured as much, honestly.

On the other hand it did inspire me to bodge a Fidlock connector onto the bottom of the bag I used instead, so it stays attached to the rack.

thinking of a little tour in june - I need to get to Porto so thinking ferry to Sanander from Plymouth and cycling from there.

Just planning a route now - any things to see / do the in Basque? I like the look of the mountains and not too many cars is appealing.

Mixed surfaces preferable.

https://transeuskalherria.wordpress.com/mendi-bizikletabicicleta-montana/gps-arrastoaktracks-gps/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQKuZ2HUn8c

Ride the Camino Portugues backwards from Santiago to Porto, having got to Santiago avoiding/being quite selective about which bits of the Camino Frances to use?

Yep, go to San Sebastian. Hangout on the beach have a swim then walk up the winding streets of the old town stopping for pinxos at various bars. Dreamy.

ferry to Sanander from Plymouth

I'm thinking about getting the 10th May ferry. Let me know if you fancy going a whole month early to save some cabin money

May the 10th be with you. Sadly dates are fixed otherwise I would love that

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Has given me some nice ideas 💡 looking forward to this now

When I toured near there years ago people asked if I was doing the camino. I guess there are lots of things set up for single travellers like albergues you might be able to take some advantage of if you need? Beautiful area too.

Checked the ferry cost recently!?

...also there is a train from Santiago to Porto so you could just follow the pilgrims and then hop on a train.

I am thinking of driving to San Sebastian in late June and riding home. There is room in the car for another person, anyone fancy it?