Touring Equipment

Alternative source of the Crane cousins adventure here in pdf form.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=RrzKj&doc_id=6213&v=1Z

Yes I couldn't get the archives so the picture were all I got, their racing background explain why they're commuted to a lightweight tour, why don't you copy it and put it I. A blog for safekeeping? Easier than using a Photo gallery.

They sound similar to a bloke who did similar thing (carbon bike), i'm on a mobile phone so I couldn't pull the link out.

Just saw the link - the photos are epic.

Edit - ooh kindle format's possible.

re-the cranes tour

Fascinating read, loved the fact it was a stripped down/bare essentials tour. But keep in mind throughout the tour they heavily relied on the kindness of strangers for shelter and food, so it wasn't quite as self-sufficient as other types of touring. But that's the beauty of it - There's so many different ways of touring, and they don't all require a thorn sherpa and the kitchen sink.

Alpkit wee aeric (I thin it's called) is excellent and light for not a lot of dosh.....

for sleeping mats, alpkit do one for £40 which ain't bad atall, a bit thicker than this mountain equipment mat, but its a bit lardy @ a real weight of 1100g. the helium says it weights 750, and in its bag after being used a dozen times, actually comes up as 788g on my scales (no I am not a weight weeny, but I do have a physicist for a brother).

it inflates REALLY quickly, packs into its small stuff sack equally quickly; and yes, some inflatable mats are a right PITA to get back down small enough, believe me this one is good. Also must be pretty hard wearing as I use it to sleep out rough on scaffolding and in old buildings, also use it down mines and hasn't punctured yet. Also two people can spoon up on it pretty good if your in the same bag, as its a decent width.

http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/83120064
in store they were £40 for months, if you ask nice they'll prob do it for £40 again ;)

Just realised this post reads like a bad night out, I AM RECOMMENDING THE MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT HELIUM 3.8

Just ride a bit, and concur that they're simply fucking mad - 1 litre of water for each person.

They are mad but a good read. Nicolas Crane has done some pretty cool adventures in his life. Bumped into him in Camden once, I swooned.

But keep in mind throughout the tour they heavily relied on the kindness of strangers for shelter and food, so it wasn't quite as self-sufficient as other types of touring.

"*I have always depended on the kindness** of strangers."

YouTube - A Streetcare Named Desire - Kindness of Strangers

*

What are people opinions on Bar Bags, whats the best? Carridice? Ideally including a map sleeve

i figure this is the best place for this...does anyone want to buy an ORTLIEB Ultimate 5 Classic 7 litre Bar Bag?
all black.
all fixing bits and bobs and the strap.

you can get a snap on map case for it.

Used on one 3 day tour, good as new, but i have turned my back on bar bags!!!

cheapest i can find £52
yours for £40.

but i have turned my back on bar bags!!!

Why?

Probably the weight affecting the steering.

Not a problem on mine though, but then it was designed to cope with a front load.

So, touring then, will there be a big difference between an 80's/early 90's steel road bike and a modern steel tourer? I want a roadbike I can tour on, so steel with rack mounts. Can i just get a 90's motobecane and be OK?

Why?

don't know really, no affect on the bike of having the bag on there. mainly because i couldn't find a way to raise my lights above it.
and with front panniers, there was too much space!!

stiffness, lots of stiffness.

it depend really, like what the Cranes did, it's doable, old skinny tubing will flex like a noodle with a big load.

So, touring then, will there be a big difference between an 80's/early 90's steel road bike and a modern steel tourer? I want a roadbike I can tour on, so steel with rack mounts. Can i just get a 90's motobecane and be OK?

90's steel road bike will be much faster than a modern touring bike, the trend for modern touring bikes is 26". Personally I'd go for somthing designed for lightweight touring like a steel audax frame or a low end cyclocross frame

Depends what you're doing, round the world, Modern touring 26er. LEJOG, audux or 'cross bike

Or a Moulton.

Looking forward to mine.

Something like this would be ideal

Or a Moulton.

Looking forward to mine.

I just can't get used to the handling of the Moutons and can't imagine it would improve under heavy load.

Bob Jackson Audax?

a tad unstable when carrying everything (tent, sleeping bag, food, stove, etc.) but a decent lightweight bike (my dad have one).

Yeah that BJ looks the ticket.

goes off to find out what audaxing entails

Don't forget to search for Randonneur too (different name);

unlike many round here I find 650b randonneur and rivendell light-touring kit to be just as porn-worthy as SS stuff.

You and me both, especially French one.

Bob Jackson Audax?

a tad unstable when carrying everything (tent, sleeping bag, food, stove, etc.) but a decent lightweight bike (my dad have one).

Really? I've not actually riden one. However my I can comment on the handling of a loaded 'cross bike (thats what I use for touring duties) and the Moulton as my Dad commutes on his

Probably the weight affecting the steering.

Not a problem on mine though, but then it was designed to cope with a front load.

It there a really noticeable difference to the handling? I'm going to LeJog this summer and was going to ride fairly light - a carradice nelson on the back and a bar bag on the front. I've brought the carradice, but haven't brought a bar bag yet.

Don't forget to search for Randonneur too (different name);

Yeah, good call. From what I know of Randonneur bikes is they tend to be similar to audax frames but designed to carry more load. [/couldwellbechattingshit]