Original post
Bonjour , je souhaite faire un voyage à vélo et je souhaiterais obtenir votre avis sur ce vélo.
Avis sur vélo Gravel Genesis CDA 20
by Nadaloi
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Salut
Et pourquoi ne conviendrait-il pas ?
Tout vélo convient à condition que son équipement corresponde au voyage prévu, que le vélo soit à la bonne taille et en état correct. C'est juste que certains vélos correspondent plus à certains voyages que d'autres.
Il faudrait donc que tu en dises plus sur le voyage (sur route, sur sentier, dans le désert, en été, en hiver, 500 km ou 50 000 km, 60 ou 250 km par jour, etc.) et sur le vélo (bike packing, sacoches ou remorque, transmission mono, double ou triple, cassette route ou vtt, pneus de 25 ou de 50 mm, etc.) sans quoi il sera rigoureusement impossible de te répondre.
Pour parler complètement au pif, vu le vélo, on peut penser que ton voyage sera sans doute sur route ou chemin, que tu auras 2 sacoches, que ce sera en été, et que tu auras une transmission en 2*9 vitesses avec une grosse cassette de vtt en 34, et que donc ça devrait aller. Ou que je me plante complètement.
Et pourquoi ne conviendrait-il pas ?
Tout vélo convient à condition que son équipement corresponde au voyage prévu, que le vélo soit à la bonne taille et en état correct. C'est juste que certains vélos correspondent plus à certains voyages que d'autres.
Il faudrait donc que tu en dises plus sur le voyage (sur route, sur sentier, dans le désert, en été, en hiver, 500 km ou 50 000 km, 60 ou 250 km par jour, etc.) et sur le vélo (bike packing, sacoches ou remorque, transmission mono, double ou triple, cassette route ou vtt, pneus de 25 ou de 50 mm, etc.) sans quoi il sera rigoureusement impossible de te répondre.
Pour parler complètement au pif, vu le vélo, on peut penser que ton voyage sera sans doute sur route ou chemin, que tu auras 2 sacoches, que ce sera en été, et que tu auras une transmission en 2*9 vitesses avec une grosse cassette de vtt en 34, et que donc ça devrait aller. Ou que je me plante complètement.
Pas de deuxième vague en Europe : https://tinyurl.com/y5ytqzej
C'est exactement ça. En ce qui concerne les sacoches , vous me conseillez quoi
C'est exactement ça. En ce qui concerne les sacoches , vous me conseillez quoi
Ça n'est pas évident de te conseiller, on n'apprécie pas tous les mêmes choses. Personnellement je me contente d'un porte bagage léger, avec 2 sacoches arrière de 20 litres chacune et d'une mini sacoche de cintre, mais d'autres remplissent 4 sacoches, et certains partent sans porte-bagage, en bike packing ultra léger, donc pas facile de te donner une solution qui soit une prescription à suivre dans tous les cas.
Commence par choisir ce que tu juges nécessaire d'emporter, on te dira si tu auras besoin de 2 ou de 4 sacoches. Ou si ça tiendrait en bike packing. La durée, la saison, et le lieu comptent beaucoup aussi dans ce qu'on emporte (duvet et tentes différents, habits en plus, matériel de secours, etc.) d'où l'importance d'en savoir un peu plus sur le style de voyage que tu prévois.
Sachant qu'au plus ton itinéraire comportera de montées, au plus la question du poids total se posera comme importante, et qu'en débutant on ne prend pas forcément la même chose qu'après avoir rodé son propre système.
Ça n'est pas évident de te conseiller, on n'apprécie pas tous les mêmes choses. Personnellement je me contente d'un porte bagage léger, avec 2 sacoches arrière de 20 litres chacune et d'une mini sacoche de cintre, mais d'autres remplissent 4 sacoches, et certains partent sans porte-bagage, en bike packing ultra léger, donc pas facile de te donner une solution qui soit une prescription à suivre dans tous les cas.
Commence par choisir ce que tu juges nécessaire d'emporter, on te dira si tu auras besoin de 2 ou de 4 sacoches. Ou si ça tiendrait en bike packing. La durée, la saison, et le lieu comptent beaucoup aussi dans ce qu'on emporte (duvet et tentes différents, habits en plus, matériel de secours, etc.) d'où l'importance d'en savoir un peu plus sur le style de voyage que tu prévois.
Sachant qu'au plus ton itinéraire comportera de montées, au plus la question du poids total se posera comme importante, et qu'en débutant on ne prend pas forcément la même chose qu'après avoir rodé son propre système.
Pas de deuxième vague en Europe : https://tinyurl.com/y5ytqzej
C'est exactement ça. En ce qui concerne les sacoches , vous me conseillez quoi
Ça n'est pas évident de te conseiller, on n'apprécie pas tous les mêmes choses. Personnellement je me contente d'un porte bagage léger, avec 2 sacoches arrière de 20 litres chacune et d'une mini sacoche de cintre, mais d'autres remplissent 4 sacoches, et certains partent sans porte-bagage, en bike packing ultra léger, donc pas facile de te donner une solution qui soit une prescription à suivre dans tous les cas.
Commence par choisir ce que tu juges nécessaire d'emporter, on te dira si tu auras besoin de 2 ou de 4 sacoches. Ou si ça tiendrait en bike packing. La durée, la saison, et le lieu comptent beaucoup aussi dans ce qu'on emporte (duvet et tentes différents, habits en plus, matériel de secours, etc.) d'où l'importance d'en savoir un peu plus sur le style de voyage que tu prévois.
Sachant qu'au plus ton itinéraire comportera de montées, au plus la question du poids total se posera comme importante, et qu'en débutant on ne prend pas forcément la même chose qu'après avoir rodé son propre système.
Personnellement je compte voyager léger: un cycliste , 2-3 t-shirt de rechange , 2-3 caleçons, 2-3 paires de chaussettes, une popotte et peut être une tente et sac de couchage
Ça n'est pas évident de te conseiller, on n'apprécie pas tous les mêmes choses. Personnellement je me contente d'un porte bagage léger, avec 2 sacoches arrière de 20 litres chacune et d'une mini sacoche de cintre, mais d'autres remplissent 4 sacoches, et certains partent sans porte-bagage, en bike packing ultra léger, donc pas facile de te donner une solution qui soit une prescription à suivre dans tous les cas.
Commence par choisir ce que tu juges nécessaire d'emporter, on te dira si tu auras besoin de 2 ou de 4 sacoches. Ou si ça tiendrait en bike packing. La durée, la saison, et le lieu comptent beaucoup aussi dans ce qu'on emporte (duvet et tentes différents, habits en plus, matériel de secours, etc.) d'où l'importance d'en savoir un peu plus sur le style de voyage que tu prévois.
Sachant qu'au plus ton itinéraire comportera de montées, au plus la question du poids total se posera comme importante, et qu'en débutant on ne prend pas forcément la même chose qu'après avoir rodé son propre système.
Personnellement je compte voyager léger: un cycliste , 2-3 t-shirt de rechange , 2-3 caleçons, 2-3 paires de chaussettes, une popotte et peut être une tente et sac de couchage
C'est un vélo correct proposé à un prix attractif qui montrera ses limites si tu envisages une utilisation intensive dans la durée. Pour proposer un produit d'entrée de gamme, Genesis a remplacé le cadre en acier du Croix de Fer par un cadre en aluminium basique avec de vilaines soudures et un peu rogné sur la qualité de certains composants, ce qui est la manière de faire de la plupart des marques.
Le gravel est devenu la tendance du moment et on en vient à se demander comment on faisait avant. Il semble toutefois que beaucoup d'utilisateurs ne soient pas enthousiasmés par le concept ; cf. le nombre de gravel à vendre d'occasion.
[...] rien n'étant jamais parfait, rien n'est jamais parfaitement désespéré [...]
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
C'est un vélo correct proposé à un prix attractif qui montrera ses limites si tu envisages une utilisation intensive dans la durée. Pour proposer un produit d'entrée de gamme, Genesis a remplacé le cadre en acier du Croix de Fer par un cadre en aluminium basique avec de vilaines soudures et un peu rogné sur la qualité de certains composants, ce qui est la manière de faire de la plupart des marques.
Le gravel est devenu la tendance du moment et on en vient à se demander comment on faisait avant. Il semble toutefois que beaucoup d'utilisateurs ne soient pas enthousiasmés par le concept ; cf. le nombre de gravel à vendre d'occasion.
Quelles seront les limites ?
Quelles seront les limites ?
D'une manière générale, le problème du bas de gamme c'est sa fiabilité, c'est-à-dire sa capacité à fonctionner parfaitement pendant une durée prolongé d'usage intensif. Du jeu apparaît progressivement dans les moyeux, le boîtier de pédalier, le jeu de direction, la course des leviers de frein devient floue de même que le passage des vitesses, le freinage est moins précis et moins efficace. Tout cela nécessite des réglages et des resserrages fréquents. C'est la conséquence d'une qualité très moyenne des roulements, d'une étanchéité imparfaite des joints, de gaines sans téflon ... C'est potentiellement ce qui peut arriver avec ce vélo si tu entreprends un long voyage avec des bagages en empruntant des chemins. Tout dépendra du poids du vélo chargé, du poids du pilote, des conditions météorologiques, des kilomètres parcourus ...
Il ne faut pas non plus dramatiser : cela reste un vélo correct à un prix attractif qui te permettra de faire plusieurs centaines voire milliers de kilomètres.
Il ne faut pas non plus dramatiser : cela reste un vélo correct à un prix attractif qui te permettra de faire plusieurs centaines voire milliers de kilomètres.
[...] rien n'étant jamais parfait, rien n'est jamais parfaitement désespéré [...]
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
Je pèse 53kg et je compte prendre environ 10kg de bagage et je compte faire 2000km (100km par jour). Est ce un usage intensif du vélo
Je pèse 53kg et je compte prendre environ 10kg de bagage et je compte faire 2000km (100km par jour). Est ce un usage intensif du vélo
ça n'est pas un usage intensif surtout si c'est pour voyage par an Par contre dans le meme genre et 100€ moins cher tu as ça : https://www.decathlon.fr/p/velo-route-cyclotouriste-triban-rc500-noir-frein-disque/_/R-p-301728 A mon avis c'est un meilleur plan avec en plus une fourche carbone
ça n'est pas un usage intensif surtout si c'est pour voyage par an Par contre dans le meme genre et 100€ moins cher tu as ça : https://www.decathlon.fr/p/velo-route-cyclotouriste-triban-rc500-noir-frein-disque/_/R-p-301728 A mon avis c'est un meilleur plan avec en plus une fourche carbone
Pour proposer un produit d'entrée de gamme, Genesis a remplacé le cadre en acier du Croix de Fer par un cadre en aluminium basique avec de vilaines soudures et un peu rogné sur la qualité de certains composants, ce qui est la manière de faire de la plupart des marques.
L'alu n'est pas basique, il est indiqué par Genesis que c'est un 6061, qualité aéronautique donc, qui n'a pas la qualité de la série 7, mais c'est très bon pour un cadre vélo. Le groupe est à base de Sora, qualité très correcte aussi. L'inconnu, ce sont les roues, j'ai cherché des infos sur les moyeux, notés K-68F et K-68R, je n'ai rien trouvé. Mais tous les vélos neufs sont vendus avec des roues basiques.
Le gravel est devenu la tendance du moment et on en vient à se demander comment on faisait avant. Il semble toutefois que beaucoup d'utilisateurs ne soient pas enthousiasmés par le concept ; cf. le nombre de gravel à vendre d'occasion.
Le marketing a fait croire que ce genre de vélo pouvait remplacer tout autre vélo, passer sur sentier comme un VTT et sur route comme un vélo de route, un discours commercial. Faire une sortie purement gravel est impossible en France, il n'y a pas de longues liaisons intercités sur chemins non goudronnés, comme on en trouve en Amérique ou d'autres continents. Donc quand l'amateur a fait 10 fois chaque chemin de campagne ou piste DFCI autour de chez lui, il revient au VTT ou au vélo de route. Mais en changeant les pneus pour des lisses plus fins, ça fait de bons vélos type randonneuses, que les anglo-saxons nomment "touring bikes". Je pense que c'est là le but de Nadoila.
D'une manière générale, le problème du bas de gamme c'est sa fiabilité, c'est-à-dire sa capacité à fonctionner parfaitement pendant une durée prolongé d'usage intensif.
Le matériel de gamme moyenne est souvent simplement plus lourd et moins technologique que le haut de gamme, ce qui n'est pas un désavantage en voyage.
Bref, je préfère mon route, mais j'aimerais 100 fois avoir ce vélo-là (ou le triban rc 520 du lien de Nomade) qu'un vélo de 16 kg avec selle plus basse que le cintre papillon, n'existant qu'en 3 tailles et équipés de pneus hyper rigides pesant chacun son bon kg.
L'alu n'est pas basique, il est indiqué par Genesis que c'est un 6061, qualité aéronautique donc, qui n'a pas la qualité de la série 7, mais c'est très bon pour un cadre vélo. Le groupe est à base de Sora, qualité très correcte aussi. L'inconnu, ce sont les roues, j'ai cherché des infos sur les moyeux, notés K-68F et K-68R, je n'ai rien trouvé. Mais tous les vélos neufs sont vendus avec des roues basiques.
Le gravel est devenu la tendance du moment et on en vient à se demander comment on faisait avant. Il semble toutefois que beaucoup d'utilisateurs ne soient pas enthousiasmés par le concept ; cf. le nombre de gravel à vendre d'occasion.
Le marketing a fait croire que ce genre de vélo pouvait remplacer tout autre vélo, passer sur sentier comme un VTT et sur route comme un vélo de route, un discours commercial. Faire une sortie purement gravel est impossible en France, il n'y a pas de longues liaisons intercités sur chemins non goudronnés, comme on en trouve en Amérique ou d'autres continents. Donc quand l'amateur a fait 10 fois chaque chemin de campagne ou piste DFCI autour de chez lui, il revient au VTT ou au vélo de route. Mais en changeant les pneus pour des lisses plus fins, ça fait de bons vélos type randonneuses, que les anglo-saxons nomment "touring bikes". Je pense que c'est là le but de Nadoila.
D'une manière générale, le problème du bas de gamme c'est sa fiabilité, c'est-à-dire sa capacité à fonctionner parfaitement pendant une durée prolongé d'usage intensif.
Le matériel de gamme moyenne est souvent simplement plus lourd et moins technologique que le haut de gamme, ce qui n'est pas un désavantage en voyage.
Bref, je préfère mon route, mais j'aimerais 100 fois avoir ce vélo-là (ou le triban rc 520 du lien de Nomade) qu'un vélo de 16 kg avec selle plus basse que le cintre papillon, n'existant qu'en 3 tailles et équipés de pneus hyper rigides pesant chacun son bon kg.
Pas de deuxième vague en Europe : https://tinyurl.com/y5ytqzej
Je me suis mal exprimé car ce n'est pas le matériau qui est basique, c'est le cadre.
Mais ne connaissant pas ce vélo, j'ai regardé sur le premier lien de la liste de mon moteur de recherche : https://www.cyclable.com/16213-velo-gravel-genesis-cda-20.html
Or je m'aperçois que sur ce lien https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/cda-20 le cadre est différent mais le prix aussi : 799 euros pour le premier £ 949.99 pour le second.
Il semble exister 2 CDA 20 différents : https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/cda-20-2020 avec deux cadres différents.
Cela devient vraiment compliqué de s'y retrouver.😐
Mais ne connaissant pas ce vélo, j'ai regardé sur le premier lien de la liste de mon moteur de recherche : https://www.cyclable.com/16213-velo-gravel-genesis-cda-20.html
Or je m'aperçois que sur ce lien https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/cda-20 le cadre est différent mais le prix aussi : 799 euros pour le premier £ 949.99 pour le second.
Il semble exister 2 CDA 20 différents : https://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bike/cda-20-2020 avec deux cadres différents.
Cela devient vraiment compliqué de s'y retrouver.😐
[...] rien n'étant jamais parfait, rien n'est jamais parfaitement désespéré [...]
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
les differences sont la fourche (celui à 1000 balles a une fourche carbone tandis que l'autre a une fourche acier, ), les pneus et les pédales
Il y a également les jantes et le jeu de direction mais sur la photo en plus de la fourche carbone, le cadre semble différent avec des tubes hydroformés et un jeu de direction intégré.
Vu ton poids même avec 10 kg de bagages, les contraintes exercées sur les roues seront minimes. A condition de faire une première révision (en principe gratuite chez le vélociste où l'on a acheté le vélo) après avoir roulé quelques centaines de kilomètres pour retendre les rayons, les câbles si besoin, tu ne devrais pas rencontrer de problèmes.
Vu ton poids même avec 10 kg de bagages, les contraintes exercées sur les roues seront minimes. A condition de faire une première révision (en principe gratuite chez le vélociste où l'on a acheté le vélo) après avoir roulé quelques centaines de kilomètres pour retendre les rayons, les câbles si besoin, tu ne devrais pas rencontrer de problèmes.
[...] rien n'étant jamais parfait, rien n'est jamais parfaitement désespéré [...]
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
Nulle part, mais en Irlande. Franz Bartelt
En gros je fais une révision à la fin de chaque voyage
Log in first, then come back to this page.
You might also like
Densha Otaku - Lesser-Known Regions
Two weeks under the Puglia sun
Return to Swedish Lapland: Trekking the Kungsleden and Crossing Sarek
Off on a winter adventure in the American West!
3 weeks in Laos, at a relaxed pace
Draw Me Your Japan...
South Africa in safari mode: February/March 2026
Back in Tunisia (live account)
More discussions
Bonjour,
Je prévois de faire la partie hollandaise de l'Eurovélo 19, de Maastricht à Rotterdam.
Comme c'est trop compliqué d'amener mon vélo en train, je cherche à louer un vélo sur place.
Je suis preneuse de conseils ou d'adresses de loueurs de vélos, j'ai du mal à en trouver même à Rotterdam.
L'idée serait de le louer à Rotterdam, de partir avec en train jusqu'à Maastricht, pour faire Maastricht/Rotterdam à vélo
Merci d'avance pour vos conseils ou suggestions.
Nath
I’ve gotten used to crossing Europe by bus to return by bike.
It was really convenient to take the bike without having to disassemble it.
But FlixBus no longer accepts bikes...
What alternatives do you know about?
Thanks.
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
I’m planning to cycle from Morlaix to Brest (via Roscoff and the V45 coastal route). We’ll start riding on August 16th for 13 days (with stops for island visits, surfing, etc.). Is there a lot of traffic at this time of year? I’ve got two kids, 11 and 13, and we don’t like riding in the middle of cars (we’ve already done the Vélomaritime—Caen to Cherbourg—the Loire route from Orléans to Saumur, the Vélodyssée from Nantes to Royans, and the canals like the Nivernais and Bourgogne, where there were plenty of bike-only lanes, which isn’t the case on this route).
Thanks for your help if you’ve already done this route in late August! Virginie
Coming soon:
https://www.Biclou.com/parcours/durance/
Starting from Faverges: 900 km over 9 days
Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon
Here’s the detailed Durance route starting from Briançon
Hi there,
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
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?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
I’ve got my flight ticket sorted—departing in mid-November and returning in mid-March. I’ll arrive in Santiago and leave from Buenos Aires. I’ve already been to southern Argentina, specifically Torres del Paine National Park, and I’d love to go back to do the full W trek (I only did the shorter version last time). I also want to do some hiking and maybe even tackle a summit. I climb and occasionally do some mountaineering, so I’ll definitely be going with a guide.
I plan to start around Temuco in Chile, with the idea of heading toward the lakes, then taking the Carretera Austral. I’m not sure if I’ll go all the way to Ushuaia—it’s supposed to not be *that* worth it, except for the bragging rights of saying you’ve been to the end of the world.
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?
What kind of sleeping bag did you take? Is a 0°C (32°F) one enough? And one last question: white gas stove or can I get by with my gas stove?
Nath
Hi everyone,
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
This summer, we’re planning to cycle along the EV 19 that follows the Meuse River from Langres all the way to Rotterdam. My question is about getting back to Nantes. Do any of you know what the best return option might be? I’d love to hear about your experiences. I saw that FlixBus doesn’t take bikes. By train, I think it’s possible but would involve multiple local trains. We were also wondering if there’s a boat from Rotterdam to Saint-Nazaire that could take passengers with bikes.
Any tips or experiences you can share would be really helpful—thanks in advance! Have a great evening
Hi there,
I’ve been road cycling for several years, and I’m about to switch to gravel in the next few days—I’m waiting for my bike, which should arrive this week.
I’m planning a bikepacking trip in a few weeks along the Véloroute V81, also known as the Vélosud, from Biarritz to Le Barcarès.
Has anyone here already done this route? Any info is welcome, whether it’s about the route itself, gear, or accommodation. I’ll prioritize staying with locals as much as possible. On that note, I just signed up for the brand-new site *Guidon et Couette* ((www.guidon-et-couette.fr)), which offers free accommodation between cyclists across the country, but there’s almost no one listed along my route!
Thanks in advance.
Laurent.
Hi there,
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
I’m planning to build a new touring bike. I want to prioritize lightness. That said, I’m tempted by a suspension fork that could offer some comfort on rougher roads. The recent appearance of gravel suspension forks on the market might meet my needs—at least on paper. I’m particularly considering the RockShox Rudy Ultimate XPLR fork. Unlike MTB forks, its travel is short: either 30 mm or 40 mm. It weighs 1400 g, which is 400/500 g more than a steel fork.
Any thoughts or real-world feedback on this?
I’m also wondering about the durability of magnesium (lower leg) for long-distance bike touring. And what’s the impact of skipping the manufacturer-recommended maintenance every 50 and 200 hours? That’s bound to happen on a long trip unless you carry extra gear. More generally, how reliable are these kinds of forks?
Thanks in advance
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share with you the incredible feat my friend José, who’s 72 years old, is currently undertaking. He left Auterive near Toulouse on Monday, May 18, 2026, on his non-electric bike, heading for the North Cape in Norway!
You can follow his route on the link below—he’s currently in Sweden:
https://thierry-thomas.travelmap.net/jose-de-toulouse-a-nord-cap-2026
You can zoom in on the map and click on each stopover town to see the photos
Hi there!
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.
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!
Hello there, pedal-powered Young Boys!
Claudio (still from Faverges)
dreaming about a cycling getaway in Italy from Faverges (train all the way to Turin)
from Turin down to Venice along the Po River and back via the Padana (Alta Italia da attraversare – Northern Italy to cross)
The tricky part is getting from Chioggia to Venice.
I read it’s possible by hopping on a boat from island to island,
but it sounds a bit stressful.
Has anyone already tackled this route?
Thanks, and cheers to all! http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/Padania/
Claudio
Thanks, and cheers to all! http://cbandiera.free.fr/parcours/Padania/
Claudio
Hi there,
I’m currently looking for a bike to do my first bike trip across France, with the ultimate goal of cycling through Latin America. I’ve got a lot of questions and I’d love to hear if you have any answers or advice to share. First off, I’ve been through this before with hiking. I want to get top-quality gear right away. When I started hiking, I ended up buying everything three times—first beginner gear, then intermediate, then expert, etc. For biking, I’d prefer to skip that process and invest right now in a bike that could ideally handle Latin America. I’ve set a total max budget of around 5000 € (roughly 4000–4500 € for the bike and the rest for accessories: panniers, helmet, cycling shorts, etc.).
So, I’ve got quite a few questions:
* I’ve read in several places that some people recommend buying the bike directly in Latin America. Since I need a first bike to train in Europe, would it be better to buy an entry-level bike in France (and sell it before the big departure)? Or is it preferable to start right away with my final bike to get used to it? Is buying it there just to save a bit of money?
* For a long-term trip (around six months) in Latin America, is it better to go for a gravel bike or a mountain bike?
* Should I buy a new bike or a refurbished one? Even more so given that I’m planning a long trip—could a refurbished bike end up causing more breakdowns?
If you have any advice on models, technical features to prioritize, or recommended sellers or resellers, I’d love to hear it. I’m a total beginner—I’ve only just started watching videos and reading up on the subject, and all the technical specs are new to me!
Thanks in advance for your help!
I’m currently looking for a bike to do my first bike trip across France, with the ultimate goal of cycling through Latin America. I’ve got a lot of questions and I’d love to hear if you have any answers or advice to share. First off, I’ve been through this before with hiking. I want to get top-quality gear right away. When I started hiking, I ended up buying everything three times—first beginner gear, then intermediate, then expert, etc. For biking, I’d prefer to skip that process and invest right now in a bike that could ideally handle Latin America. I’ve set a total max budget of around 5000 € (roughly 4000–4500 € for the bike and the rest for accessories: panniers, helmet, cycling shorts, etc.).
So, I’ve got quite a few questions:
* I’ve read in several places that some people recommend buying the bike directly in Latin America. Since I need a first bike to train in Europe, would it be better to buy an entry-level bike in France (and sell it before the big departure)? Or is it preferable to start right away with my final bike to get used to it? Is buying it there just to save a bit of money?
* For a long-term trip (around six months) in Latin America, is it better to go for a gravel bike or a mountain bike?
* Should I buy a new bike or a refurbished one? Even more so given that I’m planning a long trip—could a refurbished bike end up causing more breakdowns?
If you have any advice on models, technical features to prioritize, or recommended sellers or resellers, I’d love to hear it. I’m a total beginner—I’ve only just started watching videos and reading up on the subject, and all the technical specs are new to me!
Thanks in advance for your help!