Single-speed touring, what do I need?

I sold my single-speed bike (not very great bicycle - got it for 80 quid on ebay, and then changed wheels, brakes, tires because they were a bit crap, but it served me well for about a year in London and for small touring around Finland), and I am thinking of getting a new one.

Thing is, I am going to start taking touring quite seriously from now on: I am planning on going from London to Venice by bike this easter (and do some smaller tours within the UK before that), and then from London to Athens in the summer.

SO

The question is: what am I looking for in a new bike? I am planning on using it mostly in the city, but I also want it to be suitable for touring (ultra-light touring, so nothing heavier than 20kg including the bicycle). I was thinking a flip-flop hub: fixed for the city, freewheel (and smaller ratio) for touring, and 700c wheels (my old bike had 27") for the sake of compatibility and finding parts more easily etc. Anything else?

Get a mother fucking Grifter, they won't let you down.

Come on, seriously.. I'm looking for a road bike, and preferably a light one too. My previous bike weighed 8-9kg, but I'm sure I can find lighter ones..

Get a mother fucking Grifter, they won't let you down.

too much, too soon

you gotta ease into these things gently.

I'd suggest you start with a budgie, a grifter is just too much bike at this stage…

too much, too soon

you gotta ease into these things gently.

I'd suggest you start with a budgie, a grifter is just too much bike at this stage…

Good fucking point.

Come on, seriously.. I'm looking for a road bike, and preferably a light one too. My previous bike weighed 8-9kg, but I'm sure I can find lighter ones..

I would recommend a light weight road bike.

Or a Grifter.

Only after you have mastered the Budgie.

I see. I guess I'll have to renew my license for my Budgie and take it for a service.. :P

what's the obsession with lightness? if you're touring and carrying weight then durability is more of a priority = Tommy[thebrick] on here does a fair bit of touring and would be a good person to ask

or buy a budgie…

https://www.londonfgss.com/thread31811.html
https://www.londonfgss.com/thread17964.html
https://www.londonfgss.com/thread27581.html
https://www.londonfgss.com/thread27581.html
https://www.londonfgss.com/thread13882.html
https://www.londonfgss.com/thread8947.html

My brothers and I toured the local golf course on these in our youth.

what's the obsession with lightness? if you're touring and carrying weight then durability is more of a priority = Tommy[thebrick] on here does a fair bit of touring and would be a good person to ask

or buy a budgie…

Ha! Not really, I've started doing a few trips over the past two years but still relatively green.

Personally if I you're set on single speed it would either be the on one pompino or even better the Surly cross check. Cross check would be better IMO because if you want you could through gears on it. Frame set for sale here

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread34354.html#post1097530

go for strength and ability to attach panniers.

on my fixed tours that i've done i would've given my left nut for a pannier or rack of any description or variety.

i've done loads on my fuji track skidder with risers/some shitty blb fly saddle.

also, weight isn't really an issue as wayne mentions. you won't mind dragging extra weight around as long as it's tough.

it might be worth having a look at this blog as theres lots of useful information in there for you
http://pompinos.blogspot.com/
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test test test

Yes Errol, your test has worked. But as a first post, it has to be said, it's piss poor.

You don't wanna upset Errol!

Perhaps I do