-
I still disagree, but there we go, guess it depends how much you are carrying. I was hostelling so had to carry pretty much nothing. Certainly a friend who has done trips with both panniers and a pack thought that a pack was the way to go. It might not be more comfortable but I certainly think it is more efficient. Something to do with having to exert force on the bike (way out of my depth).
Besides, my bike does not have rack mounts :|
-
What stop at Spain? Why not just keep going and cycle all the way home again via China? Why not make it even more laborious and let your tyres down, and fit your saddle backwards for ultimate discomfort? I'm sure you plan on selecting the least appropriate handlebars, but why not go the extra mile and bolt on a steering wheel? Oh and don't forget the all important 'porteur rack' (basket).
-
You only save the weigh of a rack and panniers by using a backpack but you sweat more under it, you can't carry as much, you use more energy to keep it stable on your back, especially if you need to climb out of the saddle. Unless you are credit card touring I would use panniers.. and I HATE panniers.
-
The Ribble bikes are fairly cheap on their site. If you can get a new one with 10spd for £580 (with rack mount eyelets), second hand prices should be decent.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialedition.asp?action=showframes⊂=conf_SERW&type=RIBMOCheck out the back of cycling weekly, they usually have a few 2nd hand bikes at decent prices
-
Hippy, whats credit card touring?
Scraggie, both times I have done trips, we have had a goal in mind and not much time to do it in. I would love to go 'touring' in the true sense of the word one day, when I would most definitely use panniers! Back packs are uncomfortable, you do sweat more, I dont buy into the instability thing because I was carrying next to nothing, but I still think it was the best choice for my trip.
Like I said, one day I will tour, perhaps through Sweden or somewhere else in Scandinavia where the days are very long, the scenery is beautiful and by law you can camp anywhere. I'm sure it will be a very different trip to when I did London-Rome and London-Verona!
-
Something else to consider, I dont know how many hills you are planning to go over, but me and my mates rode with back packs rather than panniers. Why spend money on a light bike just to weigh it down. Get the weight off the bike, up the hills it makes a huge difference.
I think this is mental.
The amount of weight your taking up the hill doesn't decrease once it's on your (sweaty & aching) back.
-
Hippy, whats credit card touring?
Scraggie, both times I have done trips, we have had a goal in mind and not much time to do it in. I would love to go 'touring' in the true sense of the word one day, when I would most definitely use panniers! Back packs are uncomfortable, you do sweat more, I dont buy into the instability thing because I was carrying next to nothing, but I still think it was the best choice for my trip.
Like I said, one day I will tour, perhaps through Sweden or somewhere else in Scandinavia where the days are very long, the scenery is beautiful and by law you can camp anywhere. I'm sure it will be a very different trip to when I did London-Rome and London-Verona!
ORLY... so you've done 2 rides carrying 'next to nothing'? Tell me more, tell me more.
Something worth mentioning... I've packed super-light in the past (and been very proud of it). But because I had absolutely zero spare space I couldn't carry lunch leftovers or snacks.
I got hungry.
-
Dont be a fuck, two is better than none, just offering my advice, which is more than can be said for you just sitting there being a prick. Getting the weight off the bike makes a difference, weather or not you believe that is up to you. It's pretty clear that what I did is very different to what this guy is after, thats not a bad thing, like I said I'm just chipping in.
2 rides, 2800 miles and 6 peaks over 2000m is far, far less than some other people here, but at least it's something and I'm just trying to help. You are just trying to be a know it all cunt.
-
Is this aimed at the fact he's talking about doing the ride fixed?
I just don't know to be honest Scott. I was having a moment. Probably, yes, although I'm quite aware that it's well within the realms of possibility.
-
Which post?
-
Dont be a fuck, two is better than none, just offering my advice, which is more than can be said for you just sitting there being a prick. Getting the weight off the bike makes a difference, weather or not you believe that is up to you. It's pretty clear that what I did is very different to what this guy is after, thats not a bad thing, like I said I'm just chipping in.
2 rides, 2800 miles and 6 peaks over 2000m is far, far less than some other people here, but at least it's something and I'm just trying to help. You are just trying to be a know it all cunt.
It wasn't a personal attack, but ^that^ sure as hell is.
-
SlimJim, are you talking to me? Which post did I change? I don't recall editing owt...
-
This sounds fun if you are used to your bike then there shouldn't be any problems. A proper touring bike makes more sense but I rode from Munich to Belgrade last year on a fix with a small tent but no cooking gear. Also when I switched to freewheel I found it a real drag.
I would suggest keeping it ultra light - bungeed kit on a rear and front rack and a small saddle bag - 1 maybe 2 tshirts - merino is well worth it as you can wear it in the evening without feeling scummy. Apart from that 1 pair of shorts to wash at night and prepare to get both soaked and baked. Some light flip-flops. A thin fleece. A small thermarest is essential if you are camping. And stay in a hotel every so often if you feel like it.
Milage on a trip like this is not as hard as you would imagine - what else are you going to do all day? After day 3 you will have found your pace. 100 miles sounds a little bit of a chore though. 60 is about right.
-
ok, I'll shut up now!
-
Ok, here's the plan so far peeps.
I'm ordering some tubing from ceeway on monday and should have a jig set up in the next couple of weeks.
Pretty basic frame really (apart from the fillet brazing) 73deg seat, 74deg head blah blah. Pretty much standard road geometry and wheelbase but with rack eyelets.
Going to go with a campag veloce groupset, easton ec70 fork, ea70 aero road bar, stem, seatpost and open pros.I'm going to take the advice from earlier and stick the front ortliebs on the back, as they are nice and small. That was a fucking ace suggestion.
in the meantime, its just work, train hard and finish this degree.
The Ride is looking like it will happen in late may / early june.
I'll post pics of the Columbus goodies when it all arrives, for all you non-believers ;)
@Superprecice - we all have moments, you never came across as rude. This is the internet after all...
-
SPD sandals!
-
Ok, here's the plan so far peeps.
Pretty basic frame really (apart from the fillet brazing) 73deg seat, 74deg head blah blah. Pretty much standard road geometry and wheelbase but with rack eyelets.
Going to go with a campag veloce groupset, easton ec70 fork, ea70 aero road bar, stem, seatpost and open pros.Your building your own frame? Ace.
It must feel doubly fantastic finishing an epic ride on a bike of your own creation.
sLimJim
StandardPractice
hippy
td3000
wools
miro_o
london_plonker
Dannoleeed
Platini
pugwash-
Post a reply
About
Riding to Spain on a track bike. Yay or Nay?
Posted by
Why tire your entire body out lugging a rucksack, when you can add the load to the legs and let them cope with it, i.e. use panniers.
There's a good reason why long distance cycle tourists use panniers.