Pneus Marathon XR 26 en 1.6 ou 2.0?
by Breizhoo
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Bonjour,
actuellement en asie avec un VTT je souhaite acquerir des pneus marathon XR pour la suite de mon periple. J ai vu que les Marathon XR 26'' existent non seulement en 2.0 mais aussi en 1.6.
Les 1.6 sont surement plus roulant sur du bitume que les 2.0, mais se pretent ils bien a de l'off-road?
Que me conseillez vous, sachant que je compte aller du cote de la campagne nepalaise, tibetaine et chinoise ou les routes ne sont peut etre dans dans un si bon etat qu en asie du sud-est ?
Merci.....un 26'' x 1.75'' ca aurait ete parfait mais evidemment ca existe pas!!!!!🏴☠️
"Allons-y, puisque le jour se leve encore...!"
Surly LHT Deluxe...je l'aurai un jour, je l'aurai!!!
non seulement en 2.0 mais aussi en 1.6.
Les 1.6 sont surement plus roulant sur du bitume que les 2.0, mais se pretent ils bien a de l'off-road?
J'ai fait avant hier plus de 100km de piste avec un slick, lisse de 1, 4 devant et un pneu de route pas slick de 1, 5 a l'arriere. Dans le sable, le 1.4 slick a l'avant c'etait un peu delicat (mais le sable 😕😕 un 2, 3, 4 ou 5 😛???) je pense que le 1.5 avec un peu stucture de l'arriere aurait ete preferable et suffisant.
Personellement je prendrais le 1.6 ...
Luc
J'ai fait avant hier plus de 100km de piste avec un slick, lisse de 1, 4 devant et un pneu de route pas slick de 1, 5 a l'arriere. Dans le sable, le 1.4 slick a l'avant c'etait un peu delicat (mais le sable 😕😕 un 2, 3, 4 ou 5 😛???) je pense que le 1.5 avec un peu stucture de l'arriere aurait ete preferable et suffisant.
Personellement je prendrais le 1.6 ...
Luc
......un 26'' x 1.75'' ca aurait ete parfait mais evidemment ca existe pas!!!!!🏴☠️
oui c est bien dommage surtout qu ils existait avant et ils les ont retiré de la vente, allez savoir pourquoi.
moi je prendrai plutot des 2.0.
oui c est bien dommage surtout qu ils existait avant et ils les ont retiré de la vente, allez savoir pourquoi.
moi je prendrai plutot des 2.0.
Karl et Mary
http://www.enfant-a-bord.com
https://www.facebook.com/EnfantABord
Ne demande pas le chemin à celui qui le connaît, tu risques de ne pas t'égarer."
Bonjour,
Ca dépend de la quantité de mauvaises pistes que tu vas faire et du poids de ton vélo. Pour moi les 1, 6" suffisent pour l'accroche sur piste, mais n'amortissent pas assez.
Au Lesotho avec des Marathon XR 1, 6" j'ai cassé un rayon sur des mauvaises pistes (cailloux style VTT). Il faut dire que j'avais de grosses sacoches.
J'ai fini en 2" à l'arrière et 1, 6" à l'avant, c'est un bon compromis.
je crois que pour mes marathons ca va etre mort...j avais trouve une connaissance qui venait en vacances en Thailande et a qui j avais demande si ca ne la genait pas de m apporter ca a Bangkok simplement jusqu a l aeroport....ben si, il semblerait qu il n y ait pas assez de place entre les maillots de bains....🤪
Je vais donc devoir trouver autre chose sur Bangkok.....
Pour ce qui concerne les pneus, sachant que je n ai pas de sacoches mais une Extrawheel, mes pneus n ont pas a supporter de charge, donc je vais m orienter vers du 1.75 si je trouve.
"Allons-y, puisque le jour se leve encore...!"
Surly LHT Deluxe...je l'aurai un jour, je l'aurai!!!
J'aimerais partir en voyage à vélo (26"); je voudrais aller sur des pistes, mais avant d'atteindre ces pistes, je devrais rouler un bon bout de temps sur du goudron.
Je pensais donc partir avec des pneus bien roulants et mettre dans mes sacoches deux pneus orientés "piste".
L'idéal serait d'avoir des pneus à tringle souple pour le rangement.
Pour les routes, j'ai pensé à des Marathon ordinaire 1.5 ou peut-être à des Marathon Racer ou à des Vittoria Randonneur 1.5 (je les trouve bien roulant -très lisses - et pas très chers, mais je ne les utilise pas avec un vélo très chargé)... par contre, ils sont tous à tringles rigides.
Pour les pistes, je ne sais pas vraiment quoi prendre. Il y a les XR, de plus en plus dur à trouver. J'ai vu dans une boutique un XR 2.0, mais !!!! c'est tout de même bien encombrant !!!!; peut-être qu'en 1.6, c'est moins encombrant?
Sinon un Marathon 1.5 peut peut-être suffire pour les pistes (je ne compte pas faire du "pur vtt", mais peut-être aller sur des pistes 4x4 avec un vélo chargé pesant dans les 40-45 kgs (+ mes 60 kgs), sur des pistes comme Parpaillon ou Emparis pour ceux qui connaissent)?
Sinon, il y a beaucoup d'éloges à l'égard de Schwalbe... je ne peux pas me prononcer, je ne les ai pas vraiment essayé... mais je me demande si des pneus moins chers (et moins lourds) ne seraient pas aussi bien? Certains s'étonnent de voir des pneus qui font 5000 kms sans crever, mais sur mon vélo de route, ce n'est pas rare pour moi de faire 5000 kms sans crever avec des pneus pesant tantôt 200g tantôt 250g (contre 700 - 800 - 900 g pour des XR... d'ailleurs sur certains Grand Tour (Tour de France, d'Italie...), certaines équipes ne comptabilise aucune crevaison après 3 semaines de course - soit 0 crevaison en 3500kmsx9 coureurs=31500kms... et les pneus que ces équipes utilisent valent dans les 35 euros... et les modèles des mêmes marques moins chers sont souvent un peu plus lourds, mais encore plus résistants (à mon avis). Je roule en ville avec pneus Vittoria 1.5 acheté à 15 euros... 0 crevaison... Lumpini du forum m'a même dit qu'il roulait sur des pistes avec pneus Décathlon achetés 12 euros, et qu'il n'avait jamais crevé... Bref, dire que les pneus Schwalbe ne crèvent jamais et que les autres crèvent tout le temps me parait inexacte.
Sinon, il y a beaucoup d'éloges à l'égard de Schwalbe... je ne peux pas me prononcer, je ne les ai pas vraiment essayé... mais je me demande si des pneus moins chers (et moins lourds) ne seraient pas aussi bien? Certains s'étonnent de voir des pneus qui font 5000 kms sans crever, mais sur mon vélo de route, ce n'est pas rare pour moi de faire 5000 kms sans crever avec des pneus pesant tantôt 200g tantôt 250g (contre 700 - 800 - 900 g pour des XR... d'ailleurs sur certains Grand Tour (Tour de France, d'Italie...), certaines équipes ne comptabilise aucune crevaison après 3 semaines de course - soit 0 crevaison en 3500kmsx9 coureurs=31500kms... et les pneus que ces équipes utilisent valent dans les 35 euros... et les modèles des mêmes marques moins chers sont souvent un peu plus lourds, mais encore plus résistants (à mon avis). Je roule en ville avec pneus Vittoria 1.5 acheté à 15 euros... 0 crevaison... Lumpini du forum m'a même dit qu'il roulait sur des pistes avec pneus Décathlon achetés 12 euros, et qu'il n'avait jamais crevé... Bref, dire que les pneus Schwalbe ne crèvent jamais et que les autres crèvent tout le temps me parait inexacte.
Pour les routes, j'ai pensé à des Marathon ordinaire 1.5 ou peut-être à des Marathon Racer ou à des Vittoria Randonneur 1.5 (je les trouve bien roulant -très lisses - et pas très chers, mais je ne les utilise pas avec un vélo très chargé)... par contre, ils sont tous à tringles rigides.
J'avais des Marathon Supreme 2.0 (en tringle souple). Je les ai trouvés très roulants et surtout, extrêmement sécurisants sur le mouillé. De plus, on peut faire du "Off Road" avec sans crainte de les abimer sur terrain sec (hors sable).
Pour les pistes, je ne sais pas vraiment quoi prendre. Il y a les XR, de plus en plus dur à trouver. J'ai vu dans une boutique un XR 2.0, mais !!!! c'est tout de même bien encombrant !!!!; peut-être qu'en 1.6, c'est moins encombrant? Sinon un Marathon 1.5 peut peut-être suffire pour les pistes (je ne compte pas faire du "pur vtt", mais peut-être aller sur des pistes 4x4 avec un vélo chargé pesant dans les 40-45 kgs (+ mes 60 kgs), sur des pistes comme Parpaillon ou Emparis pour ceux qui connaissent)?
Le XR devient de plus en plus dur à trouver. Il est "à peu près" remplacé par le Marathon Extreme qui est plus léger mais pour lequel on n'a pas trop de recul quant à la longévité. J'en utilise actuellement une paire et, malgré un profil "cramponné", c'est un pneu relativement roulant, quoiqu'un peu bruyant sur bitume. Par contre, on peut pratiquement faire du VTT avec, il a une très bonne accroche. Je les ai également en tringles souples.
Enfin, il peut y avoir une alternative pour toi avec le Marathon Dureme qui est un pneu pour piste mais qui sait également "rouler". Pour la taille, je prendrai plus du 2.0 que du 1.6 (tu as pas mal de poids à trimballer) d'autant plus que je trouve que Schwalbe "taille petit". Il y a aussi le Maxxis Wormdrive qui est un pneu purement VTT mais qui doit convenir, de par son profil, à un usage sur piste et qui est très roulant pour un pneu VTT. En plus, il est en 1.9.
Sinon, il y a beaucoup d'éloges à l'égard de Schwalbe... je ne peux pas me prononcer, je ne les ai pas vraiment essayé... mais je me demande si des pneus moins chers (et moins lourds) ne seraient pas aussi bien? Certains s'étonnent de voir des pneus qui font 5000 kms sans crever, mais sur mon vélo de route, ce n'est pas rare pour moi de faire 5000 kms sans crever avec des pneus pesant tantôt 200g tantôt 250g (contre 700 - 800 - 900 g pour des XR... d'ailleurs sur certains Grand Tour (Tour de France, d'Italie...), certaines équipes ne comptabilise aucune crevaison après 3 semaines de course - soit 0 crevaison en 3500kmsx9 coureurs=31500kms... et les pneus que ces équipes utilisent valent dans les 35 euros... et les modèles des mêmes marques moins chers sont souvent un peu plus lourds, mais encore plus résistants (à mon avis). Je roule en ville avec pneus Vittoria 1.5 acheté à 15 euros... 0 crevaison... Lumpini du forum m'a même dit qu'il roulait sur des pistes avec pneus Décathlon achetés 12 euros, et qu'il n'avait jamais crevé... Bref, dire que les pneus Schwalbe ne crèvent jamais et que les autres crèvent tout le temps me parait inexacte.
Généralement, il y a très peu de problèmes avec Schwalbe qui, de plus, possède une gamme très vaste. Mais il y a beaucoup d'autres marques qui font de bons pneus. J'aime bien Continental par exemple. Le problème en France, c'est que tu n'as trop de choix dans les boutiques pour les pneus de randonnée. C'est soit Schwalbe à prix exhorbitant chez un vélociste, soit un décathlon "de base". Et là, le pneu décathlon ne fait pas du tout mauvaise figure en matière de rapport solidité-prix. Par contre, si tu passes par des webshops, tu peux avoir des Schwalbe Marathon (de base) pour a peine plus cher que des pneus Décathlon. Et il n'est pas mal du tout, le Marathon de base : pas si lourd que cela, solide, polyvalent, sécurisant...
J'avais des Marathon Supreme 2.0 (en tringle souple). Je les ai trouvés très roulants et surtout, extrêmement sécurisants sur le mouillé. De plus, on peut faire du "Off Road" avec sans crainte de les abimer sur terrain sec (hors sable).
Pour les pistes, je ne sais pas vraiment quoi prendre. Il y a les XR, de plus en plus dur à trouver. J'ai vu dans une boutique un XR 2.0, mais !!!! c'est tout de même bien encombrant !!!!; peut-être qu'en 1.6, c'est moins encombrant? Sinon un Marathon 1.5 peut peut-être suffire pour les pistes (je ne compte pas faire du "pur vtt", mais peut-être aller sur des pistes 4x4 avec un vélo chargé pesant dans les 40-45 kgs (+ mes 60 kgs), sur des pistes comme Parpaillon ou Emparis pour ceux qui connaissent)?
Le XR devient de plus en plus dur à trouver. Il est "à peu près" remplacé par le Marathon Extreme qui est plus léger mais pour lequel on n'a pas trop de recul quant à la longévité. J'en utilise actuellement une paire et, malgré un profil "cramponné", c'est un pneu relativement roulant, quoiqu'un peu bruyant sur bitume. Par contre, on peut pratiquement faire du VTT avec, il a une très bonne accroche. Je les ai également en tringles souples.
Enfin, il peut y avoir une alternative pour toi avec le Marathon Dureme qui est un pneu pour piste mais qui sait également "rouler". Pour la taille, je prendrai plus du 2.0 que du 1.6 (tu as pas mal de poids à trimballer) d'autant plus que je trouve que Schwalbe "taille petit". Il y a aussi le Maxxis Wormdrive qui est un pneu purement VTT mais qui doit convenir, de par son profil, à un usage sur piste et qui est très roulant pour un pneu VTT. En plus, il est en 1.9.
Sinon, il y a beaucoup d'éloges à l'égard de Schwalbe... je ne peux pas me prononcer, je ne les ai pas vraiment essayé... mais je me demande si des pneus moins chers (et moins lourds) ne seraient pas aussi bien? Certains s'étonnent de voir des pneus qui font 5000 kms sans crever, mais sur mon vélo de route, ce n'est pas rare pour moi de faire 5000 kms sans crever avec des pneus pesant tantôt 200g tantôt 250g (contre 700 - 800 - 900 g pour des XR... d'ailleurs sur certains Grand Tour (Tour de France, d'Italie...), certaines équipes ne comptabilise aucune crevaison après 3 semaines de course - soit 0 crevaison en 3500kmsx9 coureurs=31500kms... et les pneus que ces équipes utilisent valent dans les 35 euros... et les modèles des mêmes marques moins chers sont souvent un peu plus lourds, mais encore plus résistants (à mon avis). Je roule en ville avec pneus Vittoria 1.5 acheté à 15 euros... 0 crevaison... Lumpini du forum m'a même dit qu'il roulait sur des pistes avec pneus Décathlon achetés 12 euros, et qu'il n'avait jamais crevé... Bref, dire que les pneus Schwalbe ne crèvent jamais et que les autres crèvent tout le temps me parait inexacte.
Généralement, il y a très peu de problèmes avec Schwalbe qui, de plus, possède une gamme très vaste. Mais il y a beaucoup d'autres marques qui font de bons pneus. J'aime bien Continental par exemple. Le problème en France, c'est que tu n'as trop de choix dans les boutiques pour les pneus de randonnée. C'est soit Schwalbe à prix exhorbitant chez un vélociste, soit un décathlon "de base". Et là, le pneu décathlon ne fait pas du tout mauvaise figure en matière de rapport solidité-prix. Par contre, si tu passes par des webshops, tu peux avoir des Schwalbe Marathon (de base) pour a peine plus cher que des pneus Décathlon. Et il n'est pas mal du tout, le Marathon de base : pas si lourd que cela, solide, polyvalent, sécurisant...
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Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
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I saw there are lakes in Argentina too.
I don’t have a precise itinerary, but what I’d love is, once I reach the southernmost point of my trip, to take a mini-cruise to see some wildlife. Any tips for that?
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Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
I’m making an exception and creating a separate post this time, since it’s all about France. In May, we spent a week in Provence, specifically in the Luberon, exploring the cycling routes *Autour du Luberon à Vélo*, the *Véloroute du Calavon* (part of EuroVelo 8), and the shorter *Les Ocres à Vélo* route. Together, they gave us an amazing journey through rolling hills, vineyards, lavender fields still green in spring, and some of the most stunning landscapes in southern France.

It was, of course, the perched villages that impressed us the most. We visited Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède-le-Vieux, Cucuron, and Lauris. Many of them are among the most beautiful villages in Provence, and it’s hard not to agree with that reputation.




One interesting point is the route of EuroVelo 8 in this part of the region. The official path mainly follows the old railway line of the *Véloroute du Calavon*, which is very comfortable and safe. But in our opinion, cyclists traveling EuroVelo 8 around the Mediterranean would discover even more treasures if the route passed through villages like Bonnieux, Lacoste, or Oppède-le-Vieux.


We were also pleasantly surprised by how safe cycling felt. Most of the route takes small local roads, but traffic is light, drivers are respectful, and road design really takes cyclists into account. It’s one of those places where you can ride peacefully even without separated bike lanes.



Our full story:
Around Luberon by bicycle - the most beautiful villages of Provence
You can also find all our cycling travel stories on the forum:
Cycling Thread - Europe’s most beautiful bike routes
S.
Hi there, we’re a group of 4 cyclists looking to get from Treviso in Italy to Munich with our 4 non-folding bikes. It seems complicated! Are there any solutions? Thanks so much.
hello fellow cycling enthusiasts
here’s a travel journal of the cycling tour through the Rhône-Alpes Auvergne region by Claudio
zouli
it was the plan
http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/auvergne-Ralpes/
the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

the trip was completed story being posted online soon 1100 km in 11 days beautiful and varied regions
claudio

Hi, I'm looking for a Pino tandem bike for sale in Quebec and I can't find any. Does anyone have any info, please? Thanks a bunch!
Hi there, we’re planning a Munich to Venice bike trip at the end of June 2026. Getting back from Venice to Toulouse by train with 4 bikes isn’t straightforward. What return options have others who’ve done this trip chosen? Any tips or great deals would be much appreciated. Thanks a bunch! !
Hi everyone,
Happy owner of a Pegasus Estremo bike with a Rohloff hub, which is giving me trouble with the SF11-NCX-FT-E-LITE 700C TS 300/0 fork (serial number TD01329060). It’s starting to show its age, and I’d like to repair it to extend the life of my beloved bike.
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
The suspension is gone, and there’s an oil leak from the seals.
Does anyone know how to repair it? Where can I find parts that are about fifteen years old? Or where to find an identical replacement fork? Just to clarify, the Magura HS11 brakes are mounted using Firm Tech, meaning they’re on pivots behind the fork, facing the frame.
Thanks for your help! Have a great day, Alexandre
Hi, I'd like to know if anyone has done this route recently or has reliable info.
Does the track exist, and most importantly, is there sand (for biking)?
Any info is welcome.
Cheers,
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
diego ambilobe: mangaoka, manondro, ramena vohemar sambava: masondrono, tanambao
Hi there,
New to bike touring,
I’d love to start with a section of the Via Rhona to explore and share (route to be decided).
Looking forward to exchanging tips!
hey everyone,
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
I’m landing in Madagascar with a buddy before the end of April 2026. We’re planning to bike around for about twenty days or so. We don’t have a specific goal other than exploring the country and meeting the locals.
Ideally, we’d prefer a loop route starting from Antananarivo with a good chunk of it along the coast. On the bike side, we’re used to riding 6 to 8 hours a day, depending on the needs, encounters, and mood 😉 Any feedback or tips from trips around this length?
Thanks in advance, Jérôme
A big thank you to Lazarou for all the info you share in this forum!
I'm passionate about Morocco, which I cycled through back in 2009.
Last year, my wife and I explored the High Atlas by tandem. Completely smitten, we're heading back in April (Anti Atlas) and May (High and Middle Atlas), still on our tandem.
Do you have any info on the track between Amezri and Ali Ait Nito? Are the river crossings in the Tessaout still there? It's not easy to navigate with a loaded tandem... especially if the river level is high due to this year's heavy snowmelt!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
Thanks in advance for any tips you might have, and best wishes for health in this new year!
A shout-out to a cycling colleague from Savoie
Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php

The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

Claudio specializes in the route of the Savoie lakes Here are his travels Between Bornes, Chartreuse, the Savoie foothills, and Dauphiné Five lakes: Léman, Annecy, Paladru, Aiguebelette, Bourget, not to mention a few ponds along the way Plenty of accommodation options: camping, hotels, and more...
A lovely route not far from his place Rural and quite peaceful A road cycling route created by Serge B...
N+1 reconnaissance trips on a loop of about 400 km This way, he avoids the SNCF and its troubles http://cbandiera.free.fr/vv/lacs-savoie/recos.php


The latest reconnaissance trip from April to May 2026 http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-grenoble-H/index.php

First of all... happy New Year! Wishing you great roads in 2017!
I’ve been traveling for a few years now with a high-quality mountain bike, but it’s equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. I live (pedal) with the constant worry of a breakdown (leak, air bubble, heat causing the fluid to...). My bike mechanic tells me it’s impossible to switch them out for V-brakes.
What do you all think? Am I taking a big risk continuing (alone) with these brakes? Thanks in advance for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
First post here to share a quick recap of our west-to-east bike trip along Algeria’s coast in January 2025. It was just the two of us—my partner and I—with French passports and not a word of Arabic. No friends or welcoming hosts in the country.
Under those conditions, we’d strongly advise against going.
Our original plan was to follow the coast from Algiers to Tunis. We ended up cycling from Algiers to Béjaia, then took the train from Béjaia to Annaba (with a stop in Constantine), and finally biked to the border. We were tailed by police the whole way—whether on our bikes, on the train, or even on foot while exploring towns. On top of that, we couldn’t wild camp and were limited to the few state-approved hotels that accept foreigners. Under those circumstances, connecting with locals was especially tough.
With such an omnipresent and intrusive police presence, we’d definitely recommend against this destination for bike touring. A really sad situation that completely cuts you off from the local population...
We’d been warned, we went to check it out, and we weren’t disappointed!
You’ve been warned.
Hi there,
I’m planning the route to cycle from Lille to Nordkapp with my partner.
Duration: 3 months, from May 1st to July 31st, 2026.
In the attached details below, I need to add some "non-riding" days (rest days, basically).
So I’m looking to "shorten" the trip by taking ferries or trains for some stretches. Which areas could I skip?
Thanks in advance for your great tips.
Have a good evening.
https://www.komoot.com/fr-fr/collection/4023980/-lille-cap-nord-1er-mai-au-31-juillet-2026?ref=collection
Hi there,
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
I’m planning to bike back from Poland this summer. Does anyone know a way to ship it there without having to take it apart? Otherwise, it’s a real hassle to fine-tune all the settings before departure! Thanks in advance.
Hi, has anyone recently bought Primus or Butagaz gas, possibly puncture-style, in Dubrovnik or the surrounding area? Same question for Albania... thanks. aichatou
Hi there,
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)
Coming from Laos (*), I’m planning to enter Thailand by bike via the Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Before this bridge was built, I’d already cycled the road from Louang Namtha to Houei Sai and crossed the river by boat to reach Thailand.
At the time, the condition of that road was impeccable, and most importantly, traffic was light.
So I’m wondering if anyone who’s taken it recently can tell me whether traffic has increased since the bridge opened.
Thanks in advance!
(*) I’m currently cycling in China (Yunnan)
Hi there,
Just a few words about the loop I did by bike in Yunnan.
Entry and exit
I entered China through the Sino-Vietnamese border crossing at Lào Cai / Hekou under the 30-day visa exemption currently available to French nationals and others.
The process was simple and quick. A Chinese police officer even helped me complete my electronic pre-registration at a computer kiosk. I wasn’t aware this formality was required—it’s similar to Thailand’s TM6.
No issues with the bike.
I left the country via the Sino-Laotian border crossing at Mohan / Boten.
The atmosphere was a bit chaotic there, but again, no problems with the bike.
The timing
I visited Yunnan in February 2026.
Weather-wise, at higher altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it was around ten degrees at night and in the mornings, and around twenty degrees at the hottest part of the day.
I had two days of rain, so I took the bus to keep moving. Otherwise, clear blue skies.
Culturally, Chinese New Year fell on February 17th (and the 15 days following), right in the middle of my trip. Because of this, my take on the traffic might be off.
Accommodation and food I always found a hotel to stay in for prices ranging from 8 to 15 €. Except in Kunming (the capital), where many hotels were fully booked (Chinese New Year). I ended up at a 100 € hotel with great value for money.
A bowl of noodles costs about 1.5 € on average.
Onboard electronics Since my smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, I subscribed to a China plan with my carrier. Otherwise, for much cheaper, Alipay offers eSIMs for foreigners that allow access to services usually blocked for Chinese users (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
An internet connection is essential for paying with Alipay or WeChat, as this payment method is widespread.
I only managed to use Alipay.
Either way, always carry cash because sometimes there’s no signal, or the merchant only accepts WeChat.
Also, it’s best to bring a power adapter when you arrive rather than struggling to find one.
Traffic and roads The Chinese aren’t reckless drivers. They follow traffic rules and watch out for cyclists. This is slightly less true in Xishuangbanna (the region bordering Myanmar and Laos).
In urban areas, there are almost always wide bike lanes, separated from other roads, where bikes, electric mini-scooters, and scooters share the space pretty harmoniously.
The roads are in great condition, and traffic is generally manageable—even light—except for one stretch (Eshan -> Yangwu).
Most traffic is absorbed by expressways, China’s equivalent of highways: toll roads that are off-limits to slow vehicles.
You’re never far from these expressways; sometimes you even ride alongside them, which can be noisy at times.
The climbs are usually reasonable, around 5% to 6%. From what I remember, the steepest section was between Menglun and Mengla, with gradients of 8% to 10%, sometimes more.
Riding at these altitudes—though modest—took a bit of getting used to.
The route I didn’t plan anything in advance. My only goal was to reach Kunming. I don’t know why, but just hearing the name of that city, like Yunnan, always felt dreamy to me.
Here’s the breakdown: Hekou -> Man Hao (94 km); Man Hao -> Yuanyang (64 km); Yuanyang -> Jianshui (bus); Jianshui -> Tong Hai (78 km); Tong Hai -> Chenjiang (85 km); Chenjiang -> Kunming (60 km); Kunming -> Kunyang (60 km); Kunyang -> Eshan (67 km); Eshan -> Yangwu (58 km); Yangwu -> Yuanjiang (59 km); Yuanjiang -> Pu'er (bus); Pu'er -> Dadugang (75 km); Dadugang -> Jinghong (80 km); Jinghong -> Menglun (67 km); Menglun -> Mengyuancun (51 km); Mengyuancun -> Mengla (43 km); Mengla -> Boten (67 km).
Otherwise, I’m currently in Thailand and just hoping my return flight with Qatar won’t get canceled.
Oh well... 😉
Just a few words about the loop I did by bike in Yunnan.
Entry and exit
I entered China through the Sino-Vietnamese border crossing at Lào Cai / Hekou under the 30-day visa exemption currently available to French nationals and others.
The process was simple and quick. A Chinese police officer even helped me complete my electronic pre-registration at a computer kiosk. I wasn’t aware this formality was required—it’s similar to Thailand’s TM6.
No issues with the bike.
I left the country via the Sino-Laotian border crossing at Mohan / Boten.
The atmosphere was a bit chaotic there, but again, no problems with the bike.
The timing
I visited Yunnan in February 2026.
Weather-wise, at higher altitudes (between 1,500 and 2,000 meters), it was around ten degrees at night and in the mornings, and around twenty degrees at the hottest part of the day.
I had two days of rain, so I took the bus to keep moving. Otherwise, clear blue skies.
Culturally, Chinese New Year fell on February 17th (and the 15 days following), right in the middle of my trip. Because of this, my take on the traffic might be off.
Accommodation and food I always found a hotel to stay in for prices ranging from 8 to 15 €. Except in Kunming (the capital), where many hotels were fully booked (Chinese New Year). I ended up at a 100 € hotel with great value for money.
A bowl of noodles costs about 1.5 € on average.
Onboard electronics Since my smartphone doesn’t support eSIMs, I subscribed to a China plan with my carrier. Otherwise, for much cheaper, Alipay offers eSIMs for foreigners that allow access to services usually blocked for Chinese users (WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.).
An internet connection is essential for paying with Alipay or WeChat, as this payment method is widespread.
I only managed to use Alipay.
Either way, always carry cash because sometimes there’s no signal, or the merchant only accepts WeChat.
Also, it’s best to bring a power adapter when you arrive rather than struggling to find one.
Traffic and roads The Chinese aren’t reckless drivers. They follow traffic rules and watch out for cyclists. This is slightly less true in Xishuangbanna (the region bordering Myanmar and Laos).
In urban areas, there are almost always wide bike lanes, separated from other roads, where bikes, electric mini-scooters, and scooters share the space pretty harmoniously.
The roads are in great condition, and traffic is generally manageable—even light—except for one stretch (Eshan -> Yangwu).
Most traffic is absorbed by expressways, China’s equivalent of highways: toll roads that are off-limits to slow vehicles.
You’re never far from these expressways; sometimes you even ride alongside them, which can be noisy at times.
The climbs are usually reasonable, around 5% to 6%. From what I remember, the steepest section was between Menglun and Mengla, with gradients of 8% to 10%, sometimes more.
Riding at these altitudes—though modest—took a bit of getting used to.
The route I didn’t plan anything in advance. My only goal was to reach Kunming. I don’t know why, but just hearing the name of that city, like Yunnan, always felt dreamy to me.
Here’s the breakdown: Hekou -> Man Hao (94 km); Man Hao -> Yuanyang (64 km); Yuanyang -> Jianshui (bus); Jianshui -> Tong Hai (78 km); Tong Hai -> Chenjiang (85 km); Chenjiang -> Kunming (60 km); Kunming -> Kunyang (60 km); Kunyang -> Eshan (67 km); Eshan -> Yangwu (58 km); Yangwu -> Yuanjiang (59 km); Yuanjiang -> Pu'er (bus); Pu'er -> Dadugang (75 km); Dadugang -> Jinghong (80 km); Jinghong -> Menglun (67 km); Menglun -> Mengyuancun (51 km); Mengyuancun -> Mengla (43 km); Mengla -> Boten (67 km).
Otherwise, I’m currently in Thailand and just hoping my return flight with Qatar won’t get canceled.
Oh well... 😉
Hi! I’m planning to visit the Stockholm Archipelago by bike in early April.
Do you know if the boats will be running between the different islands at that time of year? For those who’ve already been, all your tips and recommendations are welcome—accommodation, etc. Also, do you know where I can rent a bike in Stockholm? Thanks so much in advance for your help!