Touring Equipment

So is anyone thinking about touring next year already? I can't be the only one?

I've always wanted to do the UK to Italy ever since talking about Mrs. Spenceeys dad doing it when he was younger and feel like a challenge. It'll probably be about 1300 miles (rough route distance) and I'll probably fly out to Italy and cycle back.

Don't suppose anyone wants a cycle buddy next year? I'll aim for at least 80 miles a day and be bivi or hostel sleeping to keep the weight down.

^ I've had exactly that Bontrager rack on my bike for about two years, I'm surprised at how stiff it is seeing as one arm is held on with a P-clip to clear the brake (frame was designed for centrepulls but I'm using sidepulls, so the rack eyelet on that side isn't usable). Carried about 20kg on it for a day before and it was fine even with one P-clip, no word on long-term durability though, as most days I only use it to carry my lock!

spencey, will let you know about my plan for 2012, got quite a bit to do.

Old CTC member comment coming up.....

There was a time when all racks were 3 point fixing and steel. My first racks in the 80s were and I camped and toured on them... So yes they are ok

^ I've had exactly that Bontrager rack on my bike for about two years, I'm surprised at how stiff it is seeing as one arm is held on with a P-clip to clear the brake (frame was designed for centrepulls but I'm using sidepulls, so the rack eyelet on that side isn't usable). Carried about 20kg on it for a day before and it was fine even with one P-clip, no word on long-term durability though, as most days I only use it to carry my lock!

Heh yeah my old 1950s Dawes club bike did come with the original 3-point steel rack which was relegated to my girlfriend's bike after it flexed so much when carrying shopping that it rubbed on the tyre.

Still, they're tough - it's 60 years old and still in everyday service. I doubt the Bonty one will last that long.

does anyone know what vintage this is?

'89 - that's the only year they used that shade of black.

so it's a limited edition?

Highly doubt it, Carradice design are never linear throughout the years, here's a similar one;

I was highly kidding.
Well nigh impossible to nail down since they rarely change their designs.

Actually they do change their design a lots, only some of their product received little changes (like their saddlebag).

They also introduced and discontinued model every now and then, i.e. this rackless panniers for roadie;

Found it;

In the grand scheme of things, I'd consider 50 years 'rarely'.

their latest offering. Seems quite different to the one i was asking about which has i think a canvas? material

They still make the canvas bags; the pic you posted is canvas.
Their Carradura and Carradry lines have been around since at least the 90s? Maybe even 80s.

Here's some history.
http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/components/carradice-components.html

Is there a thread anywhere on 'budget' touring?

I'm saving money this year but still keen to travel if I can. I'd like to have a thread where I can compile (along with the help of others) a thread which will have all the information myself and others would need, cheap flights, accommodation, routes.

Get this;

Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook, 2nd: Worldwide Cycling Route & Planning Guide (Adventure Cycle Touring Handbook: A Worldwide Cycling): Amazon.co.uk: Stephen Lord: 9781905864256: Books

Brilliant little book that answered everything you have in mind, especially flying, budget, etc.

Saw this;

They're Timberland Radler Trail Camp shoes, not out yet in the UK (grr) but great for those who want to carry a shoes for general use off the bike.

Doesn't the zipper just add unnecessary complication and weight?

Size 12 is 455g for a pair, twice the weight of a crocs, but pack a lots smaller, IMO, is a worthy trade-off.

It's a little heavier than my Teva Mush Frio (my current off-bike shoes), but possibly a lots more durable.

Get this;

Adventure Cycle-Touring Handbook, 2nd: Worldwide Cycling Route & Planning Guide (Adventure Cycle Touring Handbook: A Worldwide Cycling): Amazon.co.uk: Stephen Lord: 9781905864256: Books

Brilliant little book that answered everything you have in mind, especially flying, budget, etc.

I don't really fancy full on touring, more of just very light weight stuff. Thinking of cycling across to Germany/ parts of Europe on the cheap this summer and want to pack light (maybe even without a tent).

That book cover everything from fully laden to ultralight, from a couple days tour to a 2 years tour, it cover everything.

Is there a kindle version? Or is it worth buying the print for all the pretty pictures?

It's worth getting, it's a revamp of the original book, i.e. more content and up to date.

Check out some of the review in Google.

http://www.woollypigs.com/2011/09/adventure-cycle-touring-handbook/

http://travellingtwo.com/5697