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!
Hi there,
No recent discussion here on the topic (2025).
Anyone else interested?
Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum!
I’d like to buy some panniers for bike travel made of Cordura. I initially went for the Ortlieb Back Roller Plus, but while browsing the cylo-randonnée website, I came across the Extrawheel Wayfarer Premium panniers. They’re also made of Cordura, manufactured in Poland with German materials, and each has a 25-liter capacity—10 liters more than the Ortliebs.
Has anyone here tried them or knows this brand? I know Ortlieb is super reputable, but I figured there might be other brands that are just as good.
🙂 Gabriele
hi there
After covering thousands of kilometers over the years with front and rear panniers, I’m now facing a problem: broken spokes on the rear wheel.
Once, twice—imagine the hassle of fixing it when you're in the middle of nowhere in the Cévennes!
So, drastic times call for drastic measures! I switched to a reinforced wheel and, following my bike mechanic’s advice, fitted a tire that’s a "tad" wider than the front one.
We set off on our summer adventure feeling confident, and guess what—"BAM"—a broken spoke after just 200 km. Seriously?! Not even that heavily loaded—just around 30 kg, plus my 80 kg. Even with the sturdier wheel, I still ended up with a broken spoke after 300 km! Back to the bike mechanic, and the only explanation: "It’s your pedaling style..." Not convinced at all! So here’s the idea: a Bob trailer! I’m done with this sword of Damocles hanging over my head—it’s a real buzzkill. Has anyone here tried a Bob trailer? Could you share your experiences—pros, cons, etc.? Thanks!!!
We set off on our summer adventure feeling confident, and guess what—"BAM"—a broken spoke after just 200 km. Seriously?! Not even that heavily loaded—just around 30 kg, plus my 80 kg. Even with the sturdier wheel, I still ended up with a broken spoke after 300 km! Back to the bike mechanic, and the only explanation: "It’s your pedaling style..." Not convinced at all! So here’s the idea: a Bob trailer! I’m done with this sword of Damocles hanging over my head—it’s a real buzzkill. Has anyone here tried a Bob trailer? Could you share your experiences—pros, cons, etc.? Thanks!!!
Hello, I have a TX400. We're heading to the Andes this spring, and I wanted to see about changing my cassette to switch from an 11-35 to an 11-42 so I can tackle the big climbs more easily. So far, I've only found discussions from cyclists who switched from a 48-36-26 chainring to a 44-32-22. Has anyone kept the original chainring and just changed to a larger sprocket?
Hey fellow cyclists,
Cyclists on trails, paths, or greenways—why do so few (if any) of you use your bells to warn walkers, runners, and other pedestrians when they’re moving in the same direction as you?
I exercise every day (brisk walking) among you in France and abroad, and it’s something I’ve noticed—often with a few scares (and I’m guessing some accidents between cyclists or with pedestrians).
Personally, I always stick to the rules, walking on the left (facing traffic) so I can see you coming, but not everyone does that—neither pedestrians nor cyclists, and let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a free-for-all. 🤪
Your bikes make little to no noise, so why take risks and put others at risk too?
A quick, light *ding-ding* would be enough to warn people—what do you think? 😅
Hello young cycling enthusiasts,
I’m starting a thread about the bike route known as venaissia.
Claudio took advantage of this February 2026’s mild weather to check out what it looks like.
Here we go—story and photos coming soon: http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/
The plan was to go from Faverges to Cavaillon and explore the Via Venaissia a bit. A crazy idea? Maybe, but don’t forget that the month of February—"februare" in Latin—means "to purify," so it’s the Month of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that was a purification rite. So, to purify himself after the feasts of the Saturnalia, Claudio set off (from an oak tree, no less) to pedal south.
He returned a little soaked but alive: The stages were as follows: (to be continued)
overall impression:
good signage, but Claudio still managed to get lost in cities like Orange and Carpentras...
Cavaillon... got lost several times, but thanks to the map and GPS, he got back on track...
Nice route, sometimes a bit boring, quiet, deserted (normal given the weather), threatening skies, but he escaped the rain.
Claudio took advantage of this February 2026’s mild weather to check out what it looks like.
Here we go—story and photos coming soon: http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2026-venaissia/
The plan was to go from Faverges to Cavaillon and explore the Via Venaissia a bit. A crazy idea? Maybe, but don’t forget that the month of February—"februare" in Latin—means "to purify," so it’s the Month of the Lupercalia, a Roman festival that was a purification rite. So, to purify himself after the feasts of the Saturnalia, Claudio set off (from an oak tree, no less) to pedal south.
He returned a little soaked but alive: The stages were as follows: (to be continued)
overall impression:
good signage, but Claudio still managed to get lost in cities like Orange and Carpentras...
Cavaillon... got lost several times, but thanks to the map and GPS, he got back on track...
Nice route, sometimes a bit boring, quiet, deserted (normal given the weather), threatening skies, but he escaped the rain.Hi everyone,
We’re organizing a week-long bike trip for a group of scouts.
I’ve already mapped out a route using Géovélo (travel option).
The teens will take the train to Nemours (or a bit beyond) and then follow the Loire à Vélo route for a good stretch (until Nevers, which they’ll bypass to the west).
After Nevers, things get a bit trickier.
I also wanted to avoid Moulins, so I planned for them to follow the Allier’s west bank and cross near Châtel-de-Neuvre.
I’m having some doubts about the route and really want to steer clear of busy main roads as much as possible.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the route I’ve chosen, plus any tips you might have.
I saw there’s the V70 veloroute, but I decided against it after hearing it has some *very* road-heavy sections.
Hi there,
We’re heading to three islands in March (Paros, Milos, and Sifnos). Given their small size and lack of major elevation, we’d love to explore them by bike. However, I can’t find any bike rental shops on any of these islands. Has anyone done this before and have any recommendations or addresses?
Thanks so much in advance!
Assalamu 'alaykum,
Hi everyone,
This thread is to echo some posts I’ve read on this forum while researching a potential bike trip from Annecy to Mecca. I came across several discussions where members mentioned being very interested in cycling to the holy city.
So, God willing, I plan to attempt this journey from January to June next year. The idea is to head to Turkey first, then assess the most reasonable routes based on the geopolitical situation around Palestine and as far as Iraq. Since the Turkish-Syrian border is closed, the only remaining (and I mean *only* remaining) overland option would be to go through Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, then Jordan, and finally Saudi Arabia.
That’s the first major challenge of this project. The second is timing. Due to the schedule, I’ll be starting in the middle of winter across Europe and finishing in the peak of summer in Saudi Arabia. If I’d had a choice, I’d have waited a good dozen years—but well, twelve years...
I won’t go into too much detail about the planned route in this post, but here are the broad strokes already set: Annecy to Istanbul. The rest is a bit too far ahead to map out properly. Crossing the Italian border via the Montgenèvre Pass. Straight through northern Italy as quickly as possible (not necessarily very pleasant) to reach Ljubljana. The fastest route through Croatia to spend as much time as possible in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Serbia via the Sandžak region. It crosses the Pešter plateau, which intimidates me at this time of year—its nickname, the "Siberia of the Balkans," says it all... Then Kosovo, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.
I’m open to any advice on this itinerary. The choice was made to pass through as many Muslim-majority regions as possible. In the middle of winter in the Balkans, I don’t feel mentally up to bivouacking alone in that climate. So, I’ll try to find accommodations in mosques or even with locals as much as possible.
That’s the project in a nutshell. The big catch—some of you may have already noticed—is that I’m doing this solo. Yet, this is strongly discouraged by our Prophet—peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. So, I invite anyone interested in joining this project, whether closely or from afar, to reach out and contact me. Any contribution is welcome, whether it’s company for the whole journey (one can always hope!) or just part of it. Advice, contact suggestions, places to stay, and information about Hajj or Umrah are also appreciated.
Thanks for reading this far. I’ll try to check my VoyageForum account from time to time to see if anyone has responded to this thread and will happily reply to your messages and questions.
Take care, Assalamu'alaykum.
Sam
This thread is to echo some posts I’ve read on this forum while researching a potential bike trip from Annecy to Mecca. I came across several discussions where members mentioned being very interested in cycling to the holy city.
So, God willing, I plan to attempt this journey from January to June next year. The idea is to head to Turkey first, then assess the most reasonable routes based on the geopolitical situation around Palestine and as far as Iraq. Since the Turkish-Syrian border is closed, the only remaining (and I mean *only* remaining) overland option would be to go through Iraqi Kurdistan, Iraq, then Jordan, and finally Saudi Arabia.
That’s the first major challenge of this project. The second is timing. Due to the schedule, I’ll be starting in the middle of winter across Europe and finishing in the peak of summer in Saudi Arabia. If I’d had a choice, I’d have waited a good dozen years—but well, twelve years...
I won’t go into too much detail about the planned route in this post, but here are the broad strokes already set: Annecy to Istanbul. The rest is a bit too far ahead to map out properly. Crossing the Italian border via the Montgenèvre Pass. Straight through northern Italy as quickly as possible (not necessarily very pleasant) to reach Ljubljana. The fastest route through Croatia to spend as much time as possible in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Serbia via the Sandžak region. It crosses the Pešter plateau, which intimidates me at this time of year—its nickname, the "Siberia of the Balkans," says it all... Then Kosovo, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey.
I’m open to any advice on this itinerary. The choice was made to pass through as many Muslim-majority regions as possible. In the middle of winter in the Balkans, I don’t feel mentally up to bivouacking alone in that climate. So, I’ll try to find accommodations in mosques or even with locals as much as possible.
That’s the project in a nutshell. The big catch—some of you may have already noticed—is that I’m doing this solo. Yet, this is strongly discouraged by our Prophet—peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. So, I invite anyone interested in joining this project, whether closely or from afar, to reach out and contact me. Any contribution is welcome, whether it’s company for the whole journey (one can always hope!) or just part of it. Advice, contact suggestions, places to stay, and information about Hajj or Umrah are also appreciated.
Thanks for reading this far. I’ll try to check my VoyageForum account from time to time to see if anyone has responded to this thread and will happily reply to your messages and questions.
Take care, Assalamu'alaykum.
Sam
Je n'ai pas dit que l'amortisseur de selle était là pour contrer les douleurs aux fesses.
c'est avant tout pour absorber un choc arrière et protéger la colonne vertébrale. Car un choc dans le postérieur se propage le long de la colonne vertébrale jusqu'à la tête. Avec un amortisseur vous vous préparez une vieillesse tranquille.
Sinon tout à fait d'accord pour les douleurs aux fesses, il faut trouver la selle qui va bien à son postérieur, c'est à dire qui est à la bonne taille comme une chaussure. ça n'est pas une tâche aisée. J'en ai testé plusieurs avant de tomber sur la bonne.
D'autre part comme je l'ai dit souvent dit dans mes interventions, la première saison voir la deuxième saison on a mal à différents endroits du corps. C'est normal. Ce qu'on demande à notre corps n'est pas normal. L'être humain n'a pas été sélectionné par la nature pour son aptitude à faire du vélo. Donc ne pas se précipiter pour chercher le matériel miracle. Ce que vous pouvez faire tout de suite c'est régler votre posture.
Sinon attendre la disparition des douleurs. Si une douleur persiste au-delà de la première saison alors oui cherchez un matériel différent.
Perso à la deuxième saison tout avait disparu (mal au cou, mal aux omoplates, pouce ankylosé) sauf le mal de fesses qui revenait régulièrement. J'ai fini par tester en désespoir de cause la seule selle que je n'avais pas testé, une selle de course sans aucun rembourrage, sans fente au milieu, bien rigide. Miracle c'était la bonne. Il restait une toute petite douleur de temps en temps. C'est alors que je suis tombé sur une promo Brooks, la B17 à 80 €. On en entend tellement parlé. Pour le fun j'en ai acheté une et là dès que je suis monté dessus, j'ai su que c'était LA selle alors qu'une selle neuve en cuir est bien rigide, bien dure. Est-ce parce que c'est une Brooks, parce que c'est du cuir ? Je n'y crois pas une seconde. C'était tout simplement la bonne taille.
Sinon tout à fait d'accord pour les douleurs aux fesses, il faut trouver la selle qui va bien à son postérieur, c'est à dire qui est à la bonne taille comme une chaussure. ça n'est pas une tâche aisée. J'en ai testé plusieurs avant de tomber sur la bonne.
D'autre part comme je l'ai dit souvent dit dans mes interventions, la première saison voir la deuxième saison on a mal à différents endroits du corps. C'est normal. Ce qu'on demande à notre corps n'est pas normal. L'être humain n'a pas été sélectionné par la nature pour son aptitude à faire du vélo. Donc ne pas se précipiter pour chercher le matériel miracle. Ce que vous pouvez faire tout de suite c'est régler votre posture.
Sinon attendre la disparition des douleurs. Si une douleur persiste au-delà de la première saison alors oui cherchez un matériel différent.
Perso à la deuxième saison tout avait disparu (mal au cou, mal aux omoplates, pouce ankylosé) sauf le mal de fesses qui revenait régulièrement. J'ai fini par tester en désespoir de cause la seule selle que je n'avais pas testé, une selle de course sans aucun rembourrage, sans fente au milieu, bien rigide. Miracle c'était la bonne. Il restait une toute petite douleur de temps en temps. C'est alors que je suis tombé sur une promo Brooks, la B17 à 80 €. On en entend tellement parlé. Pour le fun j'en ai acheté une et là dès que je suis monté dessus, j'ai su que c'était LA selle alors qu'une selle neuve en cuir est bien rigide, bien dure. Est-ce parce que c'est une Brooks, parce que c'est du cuir ? Je n'y crois pas une seconde. C'était tout simplement la bonne taille.
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, 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! !
I'm planning a 3-day weekend with my wife on this cycle path. The articles about this route are old, so if anyone has traveled it recently and can give me an update on its condition, that'd be great. We're riding 1994 ROCKRIDER 340 mountain bikes but with 1.5-inch tires suited for road touring—will that work, or should I switch back to MTB tires? Thanks for your replies!
A bit disappointed with the forum's revival—there isn’t much activity or shared travel stories anymore.
A bit disappointed with the forum's revival—there isn’t much activity or shared travel stories anymore.
Hi there,
I’m planning to cycle the Vélodyssée from Hendaye to Saint-Brevin in July 2026. My issue: how do I get to Hendaye with my bike? FlixBus doesn’t take bikes, and SNCF is complicated. Any ideas? Has anyone got a solution to suggest? Thanks in advance! Cheers, Patrig
I’m planning to cycle the Vélodyssée from Hendaye to Saint-Brevin in July 2026. My issue: how do I get to Hendaye with my bike? FlixBus doesn’t take bikes, and SNCF is complicated. Any ideas? Has anyone got a solution to suggest? Thanks in advance! Cheers, Patrig
I have 5 months left to prepare for the most ambitious project of my life...
In 5 months, I’ll hit the road, heading to Nepal. Not by plane. Not by train. But by bike.
13,000 km, 18 countries crossed. Powered only by my legs, my will, and a dream.
This journey isn’t just a physical challenge. It’s:
🌍 A human and cultural adventure, meeting locals, landscapes, and traditions. 🌱 A meaningful project: discussing climate change and, above all, listening to those who experience it daily. 🔥 An inner quest, to push my limits and inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. A message of hope for self-discovery.
I have 20 weeks left to: ✅ Finalize my route ✅ Gather the budget and equipment ✅ Sort out the logistics ✅ And most importantly… find committed sponsors to bring this adventure to life.
Any help is welcome!
In 5 months, I’ll hit the road, heading to Nepal. Not by plane. Not by train. But by bike.
13,000 km, 18 countries crossed. Powered only by my legs, my will, and a dream.
This journey isn’t just a physical challenge. It’s:
🌍 A human and cultural adventure, meeting locals, landscapes, and traditions. 🌱 A meaningful project: discussing climate change and, above all, listening to those who experience it daily. 🔥 An inner quest, to push my limits and inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. A message of hope for self-discovery.
I have 20 weeks left to: ✅ Finalize my route ✅ Gather the budget and equipment ✅ Sort out the logistics ✅ And most importantly… find committed sponsors to bring this adventure to life.
Any help is welcome!
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.
When you're trying to travel with your bike, SNCF sometimes tells you there's no solution, even though you could combine TGVs, TETs, and TERs.
- We used to check the Swiss CFF website https://www.sbb.ch/fr,
but it’s become useless since the "bike" option for France was removed.
- Next, we go to the Deutsche Bahn website https://www.bahn.com/fr, which has a "bike" option that combines TGVs, TETs (IC), and TERs. Then, you can either: - Buy the ticket directly on the Deutsche Bahn site, or - Note all the trains in the itinerary and, to use your discount cards, go to the SNCF website to purchase all the necessary tickets. The Deutsche Bahn site lets you adjust connection times in the "details" of an itinerary if the suggested one seems too short. I’ve found that 10 minutes is really risky—delays, crowds on the platform making it hard to move quickly, not to mention the line for the elevator and navigating an unfamiliar station. Still, it’s best to double-check that each train allows bikes.
- Now, thanks to the site "Biclous et bidouilles," check it out here:
https://biclousetbidouilles.com/un-site-en-or-pour-voyager-en-ter/
I discovered this site, which helps calculate bike-friendly routes in France:
https://www.horaires-de-trains.fr/horaires-ter.html
I gave it a quick test, but it seems limited to TERs—too bad, since the ideal is to combine all available train options.
One pitfall to avoid: always make sure you’re still on https://www.horaires-de-trains.fr/horaires-ter.html and haven’t accidentally switched to https://www.horaires-de-trains.fr/.
These days, SNCF is gradually converting all its TGVs to INOUI. Normally, they all have bike spaces, so these workarounds might not be needed much longer.
- We used to check the Swiss CFF website https://www.sbb.ch/fr,
but it’s become useless since the "bike" option for France was removed.
- Next, we go to the Deutsche Bahn website https://www.bahn.com/fr, which has a "bike" option that combines TGVs, TETs (IC), and TERs. Then, you can either: - Buy the ticket directly on the Deutsche Bahn site, or - Note all the trains in the itinerary and, to use your discount cards, go to the SNCF website to purchase all the necessary tickets. The Deutsche Bahn site lets you adjust connection times in the "details" of an itinerary if the suggested one seems too short. I’ve found that 10 minutes is really risky—delays, crowds on the platform making it hard to move quickly, not to mention the line for the elevator and navigating an unfamiliar station. Still, it’s best to double-check that each train allows bikes.
- Now, thanks to the site "Biclous et bidouilles," check it out here:
https://biclousetbidouilles.com/un-site-en-or-pour-voyager-en-ter/
I discovered this site, which helps calculate bike-friendly routes in France:
https://www.horaires-de-trains.fr/horaires-ter.html
I gave it a quick test, but it seems limited to TERs—too bad, since the ideal is to combine all available train options.
One pitfall to avoid: always make sure you’re still on https://www.horaires-de-trains.fr/horaires-ter.html and haven’t accidentally switched to https://www.horaires-de-trains.fr/.
These days, SNCF is gradually converting all its TGVs to INOUI. Normally, they all have bike spaces, so these workarounds might not be needed much longer.
France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria via Claudia Augusta and Italy via the Padana (AIDA) Alta Italia...
http://cbandiera.free.fr/recits/2025-via-augusta/
2024 already done, 2025 in sight
About 2,460 km with the Alps to cross, of course.
Faverges, Annecy, Geneva, Yverdon, Bienne, Bodensee, Danube sources, Ulm, Donauwörth, Augsburg, via Claudia Augusta, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Trento, Nervesa, Treviso, Mestre, Venice; Via AIDA (Alta Italia da attraversare / Padana) Padova, Vicenza, Verona, Brescia, Milan, Novara, Vercelli, Chivasso, Turin, Susa, Mont Cenis Pass, Maurienne, Albertville, Faverges. A fantasy of Glaude’s for n+1 years For 2025? The story is already formatted
To be seen
About 2,460 km with the Alps to cross, of course.
Faverges, Annecy, Geneva, Yverdon, Bienne, Bodensee, Danube sources, Ulm, Donauwörth, Augsburg, via Claudia Augusta, Innsbruck, Bolzano, Trento, Nervesa, Treviso, Mestre, Venice; Via AIDA (Alta Italia da attraversare / Padana) Padova, Vicenza, Verona, Brescia, Milan, Novara, Vercelli, Chivasso, Turin, Susa, Mont Cenis Pass, Maurienne, Albertville, Faverges. A fantasy of Glaude’s for n+1 years For 2025? The story is already formatted
To be seen
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 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 everyone,
After a break of a few years, I’m heading back to Madagascar this October. I’d like to travel from Diego to Maroantsetra via Cap Masoala as much as possible by bike—it’s my favorite way to travel. My questions: for the return trip to Diego once I’m in Maroantsetra, is there a possibility to take a flight, since the road option only starts much further south than Tamatave? Or where can I rent or buy a decent bike between Diego and Cap Masoala? For this bike trip, I’m open to any info—I love traveling rough. Someone might even want to join me on this adventure.
After that, I’d also like info on the northeast part (Mozambique Channel side) of Diego, which I’d like to explore by bike as well.
Thanks, and feel free to share any tips—just skip the paternalistic safety advice. Laurent
After that, I’d also like info on the northeast part (Mozambique Channel side) of Diego, which I’d like to explore by bike as well.
Thanks, and feel free to share any tips—just skip the paternalistic safety advice. Laurent
Hello fellow cycling friends,
I’m heading out very soon for a few weeks in France and elsewhere on my trusty two-wheeled steel steed, with a total of me + luggage = around 120 kg gross weight, and I’ve never really tackled mountain passes before—something I’ll definitely be facing this time...
Currently, I’m running 700c wheels and a Deore XT 10-speed drivetrain (long-cage derailleur) with a 26/36/48 chainring setup and an 11-36 cassette. I’m considering two options (and possible modifications) to get a lower gear ratio (currently 0.72) and spin more easily on steep and mountainous climbs...
1 – Install an 11-42 cassette This would give me a gear ratio of 0.61. Would this be feasible with my current rear derailleur, please?
I have several new chains with 116 links—would these work for this cassette, which would have 6 more teeth on the largest cog, or would I need a longer chain?
2 – Swap the 26-tooth small chainring for a 24-tooth one This would give me a gear ratio of 0.66. Would this be feasible, please?
When switching to a 24T, will the gap be accepted by the 36-tooth middle chainring, and will shifting remain as smooth as it is now? Will this setup (24/36/48 + 11-36 cassette) still work well together, in your opinion?
Which of these two options do you think would be more feasible and preferable?
What drivetrain and gearing do you use on your bikes for loaded touring that sometimes involves climbing mountain passes and other steep ascents?
So many questions... Thanks for your answers and advice! Have a great day,
Spady
I’m heading out very soon for a few weeks in France and elsewhere on my trusty two-wheeled steel steed, with a total of me + luggage = around 120 kg gross weight, and I’ve never really tackled mountain passes before—something I’ll definitely be facing this time...
Currently, I’m running 700c wheels and a Deore XT 10-speed drivetrain (long-cage derailleur) with a 26/36/48 chainring setup and an 11-36 cassette. I’m considering two options (and possible modifications) to get a lower gear ratio (currently 0.72) and spin more easily on steep and mountainous climbs...
1 – Install an 11-42 cassette This would give me a gear ratio of 0.61. Would this be feasible with my current rear derailleur, please?
I have several new chains with 116 links—would these work for this cassette, which would have 6 more teeth on the largest cog, or would I need a longer chain?
2 – Swap the 26-tooth small chainring for a 24-tooth one This would give me a gear ratio of 0.66. Would this be feasible, please?
When switching to a 24T, will the gap be accepted by the 36-tooth middle chainring, and will shifting remain as smooth as it is now? Will this setup (24/36/48 + 11-36 cassette) still work well together, in your opinion?
Which of these two options do you think would be more feasible and preferable?
What drivetrain and gearing do you use on your bikes for loaded touring that sometimes involves climbing mountain passes and other steep ascents?
So many questions... Thanks for your answers and advice! Have a great day,
Spady
Hello,
I’m planning to cycle from Paris to Prague in three weeks. It’s the worst time of year temperature-wise, especially since I’m pretty sensitive to the cold. But I don’t have a choice about either the timing or the destination (it’s a break between two jobs that just happens to fall during this period, and I’m heading to Prague to meet friends for a specific event in mid-February).
So it’s going to be *very* cold. And while I’ve done a few relaxed one- to two-week bike trips before, I’ve never cycled in winter. That’s why I’d love your advice on two things! :)
1- Accommodation along the route On my previous trips, the weather was more forgiving, so I always brought my tent and didn’t have to worry about accommodation logistics. But this time, it’s a whole different story—I won’t be able to sleep outside (too cold + it gets dark too early). So I need to plan all my lodging in advance.
I’ve looked at a few existing threads about cycling from Paris to Prague, but they all focus on campsites/tents since the timing allowed for outdoor sleeping. Does anyone know: 1- If those campsites, which seem to be fairly evenly spaced along the route, have winter facilities (I assume most close in winter, but you never know)? This is especially important for the German and Czech sections (I’ll be fine in France). 2- How easy it is to find affordable youth hostels everywhere, and if so, whether I should book them in advance?
2- Winter cycling gear Since I’ve never cycled in winter before, I don’t have the right gear. I’m particularly concerned about gloves and shoes, since my extremities will take a beating. What shoes would you recommend for temperatures around 0°C? I don’t plan to cycle in winter again after this, and all my other trips have been in regular running shoes, which worked just fine for me. So I’d prefer not to spend a fortune on super technical gear that I’ll only use once. But I also don’t want to skimp on cold protection—being freezing could ruin the whole trip. So if the only solution is "super technical" shoes, I’ll go for it.
> What shoes do you wear or recommend for simple bike trips that keep your feet warm and dry? > Does the overshoe option (over a pair of regular sneakers, for example) seem like a good solution? (I just discovered overshoes—I have no idea how effective they are.) If so, are Decathlon’s overshoes good enough, or should I go to a specialty bike shop?
Thanks so much!
(Oops, sorry for the novel...)
I’m planning to cycle from Paris to Prague in three weeks. It’s the worst time of year temperature-wise, especially since I’m pretty sensitive to the cold. But I don’t have a choice about either the timing or the destination (it’s a break between two jobs that just happens to fall during this period, and I’m heading to Prague to meet friends for a specific event in mid-February).
So it’s going to be *very* cold. And while I’ve done a few relaxed one- to two-week bike trips before, I’ve never cycled in winter. That’s why I’d love your advice on two things! :)
1- Accommodation along the route On my previous trips, the weather was more forgiving, so I always brought my tent and didn’t have to worry about accommodation logistics. But this time, it’s a whole different story—I won’t be able to sleep outside (too cold + it gets dark too early). So I need to plan all my lodging in advance.
I’ve looked at a few existing threads about cycling from Paris to Prague, but they all focus on campsites/tents since the timing allowed for outdoor sleeping. Does anyone know: 1- If those campsites, which seem to be fairly evenly spaced along the route, have winter facilities (I assume most close in winter, but you never know)? This is especially important for the German and Czech sections (I’ll be fine in France). 2- How easy it is to find affordable youth hostels everywhere, and if so, whether I should book them in advance?
2- Winter cycling gear Since I’ve never cycled in winter before, I don’t have the right gear. I’m particularly concerned about gloves and shoes, since my extremities will take a beating. What shoes would you recommend for temperatures around 0°C? I don’t plan to cycle in winter again after this, and all my other trips have been in regular running shoes, which worked just fine for me. So I’d prefer not to spend a fortune on super technical gear that I’ll only use once. But I also don’t want to skimp on cold protection—being freezing could ruin the whole trip. So if the only solution is "super technical" shoes, I’ll go for it.
> What shoes do you wear or recommend for simple bike trips that keep your feet warm and dry? > Does the overshoe option (over a pair of regular sneakers, for example) seem like a good solution? (I just discovered overshoes—I have no idea how effective they are.) If so, are Decathlon’s overshoes good enough, or should I go to a specialty bike shop?
Thanks so much!
(Oops, sorry for the novel...)
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
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a cycling trip in Algeria and looking for concrete firsthand accounts from cyclists who’ve recently traveled there (or residents who know the terrain well). My goal is to map out a realistic 2–4 week itinerary that prioritizes discovery, safety, and solid water/bivouac management.
My profile and gear
Semi-bivouac autonomous cyclist (light tent + sleeping bag + stove), with the option of simple accommodations in towns.
All-road/gravel bike with a rear rack, 40–45 mm tires (I can go up to 47–50 mm if needed).
Compact drivetrain with a small gear range for climbing while loaded.
Modular water capacity of 4–7 liters (soft flasks + bottles), plus a filter and purification tablets as backup.
Navigation via offline maps + GPS, GPX tracks if available.
Planned period
Late winter/early spring (timing to be refined based on your feedback about weather, wind, and day/night temperature swings). I’d love a seasonal breakdown: which areas are more pleasant/rideable during this time? Are there zones to avoid while others become ideal?
Preferred itinerary style
High plateaus and accessible Saharan fringes for a loaded bike, alternating between secondary roads and rideable tracks.
Moderate pace (60–90 km/day depending on terrain and wind), with stops in resource towns to restock, shower, and rest.
Safety and logistics (water/supplies) take priority over pure athletic performance.
My specific questions for those who’ve cycled in Algeria 1) Routes and areas
Which roads/tracks did you enjoy for their scenery and interest without being too rough for a loaded gravel bike?
If you’ve ridden the high plateaus: which connections do you recommend to avoid traffic and stick to small roads?
Saharan fringes: which sections are realistic for partial autonomy (reasonably spaced water points, rideable tracks, not too much soft sand)?
Areas to avoid by bike (recently) due to security, road conditions, katabatic winds, construction, etc.?
2) Water and supplies
How frequent were water points on your routes: reliable wells? taps? sources in towns/villages?
In “desert” sections, how many liters did you carry between secure points? Does a 6–7 L capacity seem comfortable, or should I aim for more on certain stretches?
Food: small shops, markets, availability of basics (semolina, sardines, dates, biscuits, powdered milk, etc.) — how often can you reasonably restock?
Filtration: did a filter + tablets suffice? Are there areas where you’d advise against filtering from unprotected wells?
3) Bivouacking and accommodations
Tolerance for discreet bivouacking (far from dwellings, leave-no-trace): recent experiences?
Simple alternatives: guesthouses, small hotels/hostels, campgrounds (if any), municipal lodgings?
Practical stopover towns for restocking, resting, and securing your bike overnight: reliable spots or neighborhoods to prioritize/avoid?
4) Roads, tracks, and weather
Road surface quality on secondary routes: generally decent or highly variable?
Tracks: rideable (compact gravel, laterite) or sometimes sand/washboard? At what tire width would you recommend switching (45 vs. 50 mm)?
Prevailing winds this season: direction, strength, most exposed hours; do you adjust your departures to ride “before the wind” in the morning?
Temperatures: day/night range; sun protection (long gloves, buff, sunscreen, sunglasses), managing nighttime cold at altitude or in the open desert.
5) Safety, formalities, and connectivity
Recently discouraged zones (please note the date if possible).
Roadside checks: which documents to keep handy; are there specific registrations or declarations required upon arrival or when moving between wilayas?
Local SIM/data: which operators work well on the routes you took; tips for recharging/buying credit.
Useful apps/maps on the ground (and reliable offline maps) for locating water, grocery stores, garages, accommodations, rideable segments, etc.
Bike security: how did you handle anti-theft and parking during errands/overnight stays?
6) Gear and adjustments
Recommended minimum gearing for loaded climbs on local roads/tracks.
Ideal tire width and casing (puncture resistance on gravel and rocks).
“Sweet spot” water capacity based on your experience (and tips: frame bags, extra bottles on the fork, bladders in frame bags, etc.).
Maintenance: dust/sand — greases/seals, drivetrain cleaning frequency, breathable filters, protective socks for zipped panniers.
Sample itinerary outline (to validate with your feedback)
Week 1: Arrival, adjustments, high plateaus, linking resource towns to get into the rhythm, test supplies and water.
Week 2: Accessible Saharan fringes, alternating road/track, nights in discreet bivouac when possible + simple accommodations every 3–4 days.
Week 3–4 (optional): Extend toward a second Saharan area or head back to a more temperate zone depending on weather/wind, prioritizing routes known to cyclists.
If you have GPX tracks (even partial), waypoints (water, grocery stores, accommodations), or a travel journal with dates, I’d love to see them. Dated info (year/month) will help me weigh what may have changed recently.
What I can share in return
After the trip, I’ll publish a detailed report with:
Final itinerary + cleaned GPX tracks,
List of confirmed water points and open supply spots,
Gear review (tires, gearing, water capacity),
Notes on bivouacking/accommodations and safety,
Budget and daily distances, to help future travelers.
Thanks in advance for your tips, warnings, good addresses, and updated feedback. Your experience is invaluable for planning a safe, smooth, and enjoyable cycling route in Algeria. Happy trails! 🚴
I’m planning a cycling trip in Algeria and looking for concrete firsthand accounts from cyclists who’ve recently traveled there (or residents who know the terrain well). My goal is to map out a realistic 2–4 week itinerary that prioritizes discovery, safety, and solid water/bivouac management.
My profile and gear
Semi-bivouac autonomous cyclist (light tent + sleeping bag + stove), with the option of simple accommodations in towns.
All-road/gravel bike with a rear rack, 40–45 mm tires (I can go up to 47–50 mm if needed).
Compact drivetrain with a small gear range for climbing while loaded.
Modular water capacity of 4–7 liters (soft flasks + bottles), plus a filter and purification tablets as backup.
Navigation via offline maps + GPS, GPX tracks if available.
Planned period
Late winter/early spring (timing to be refined based on your feedback about weather, wind, and day/night temperature swings). I’d love a seasonal breakdown: which areas are more pleasant/rideable during this time? Are there zones to avoid while others become ideal?
Preferred itinerary style
High plateaus and accessible Saharan fringes for a loaded bike, alternating between secondary roads and rideable tracks.
Moderate pace (60–90 km/day depending on terrain and wind), with stops in resource towns to restock, shower, and rest.
Safety and logistics (water/supplies) take priority over pure athletic performance.
My specific questions for those who’ve cycled in Algeria 1) Routes and areas
Which roads/tracks did you enjoy for their scenery and interest without being too rough for a loaded gravel bike?
If you’ve ridden the high plateaus: which connections do you recommend to avoid traffic and stick to small roads?
Saharan fringes: which sections are realistic for partial autonomy (reasonably spaced water points, rideable tracks, not too much soft sand)?
Areas to avoid by bike (recently) due to security, road conditions, katabatic winds, construction, etc.?
2) Water and supplies
How frequent were water points on your routes: reliable wells? taps? sources in towns/villages?
In “desert” sections, how many liters did you carry between secure points? Does a 6–7 L capacity seem comfortable, or should I aim for more on certain stretches?
Food: small shops, markets, availability of basics (semolina, sardines, dates, biscuits, powdered milk, etc.) — how often can you reasonably restock?
Filtration: did a filter + tablets suffice? Are there areas where you’d advise against filtering from unprotected wells?
3) Bivouacking and accommodations
Tolerance for discreet bivouacking (far from dwellings, leave-no-trace): recent experiences?
Simple alternatives: guesthouses, small hotels/hostels, campgrounds (if any), municipal lodgings?
Practical stopover towns for restocking, resting, and securing your bike overnight: reliable spots or neighborhoods to prioritize/avoid?
4) Roads, tracks, and weather
Road surface quality on secondary routes: generally decent or highly variable?
Tracks: rideable (compact gravel, laterite) or sometimes sand/washboard? At what tire width would you recommend switching (45 vs. 50 mm)?
Prevailing winds this season: direction, strength, most exposed hours; do you adjust your departures to ride “before the wind” in the morning?
Temperatures: day/night range; sun protection (long gloves, buff, sunscreen, sunglasses), managing nighttime cold at altitude or in the open desert.
5) Safety, formalities, and connectivity
Recently discouraged zones (please note the date if possible).
Roadside checks: which documents to keep handy; are there specific registrations or declarations required upon arrival or when moving between wilayas?
Local SIM/data: which operators work well on the routes you took; tips for recharging/buying credit.
Useful apps/maps on the ground (and reliable offline maps) for locating water, grocery stores, garages, accommodations, rideable segments, etc.
Bike security: how did you handle anti-theft and parking during errands/overnight stays?
6) Gear and adjustments
Recommended minimum gearing for loaded climbs on local roads/tracks.
Ideal tire width and casing (puncture resistance on gravel and rocks).
“Sweet spot” water capacity based on your experience (and tips: frame bags, extra bottles on the fork, bladders in frame bags, etc.).
Maintenance: dust/sand — greases/seals, drivetrain cleaning frequency, breathable filters, protective socks for zipped panniers.
Sample itinerary outline (to validate with your feedback)
Week 1: Arrival, adjustments, high plateaus, linking resource towns to get into the rhythm, test supplies and water.
Week 2: Accessible Saharan fringes, alternating road/track, nights in discreet bivouac when possible + simple accommodations every 3–4 days.
Week 3–4 (optional): Extend toward a second Saharan area or head back to a more temperate zone depending on weather/wind, prioritizing routes known to cyclists.
If you have GPX tracks (even partial), waypoints (water, grocery stores, accommodations), or a travel journal with dates, I’d love to see them. Dated info (year/month) will help me weigh what may have changed recently.
What I can share in return
After the trip, I’ll publish a detailed report with:
Final itinerary + cleaned GPX tracks,
List of confirmed water points and open supply spots,
Gear review (tires, gearing, water capacity),
Notes on bivouacking/accommodations and safety,
Budget and daily distances, to help future travelers.
Thanks in advance for your tips, warnings, good addresses, and updated feedback. Your experience is invaluable for planning a safe, smooth, and enjoyable cycling route in Algeria. Happy trails! 🚴
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,
We’re leaving from Montreal and planning to bike the Petit Train du Nord route.
Any ideas for loops so we don’t have to return the same way?
We’re thinking of a one-week trip.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Rachel
Hi everyone,
I’m trying to figure out how to get from Paris to Marseille or Montpellier with non-disassembled bikes by train in early July 2025... and it’s a total flop!!! Can’t find any trains that offer the bike-on-board option! It’s so complicated between SNCF-CONNECT, OUIGO, and TER INTERCITÉS!!! Nothing’s simple! I want to take my teens and their cousins on a bike trip to the Camargue, but I’ll have to start planning way ahead to sort out bike transport!!! So glad I found VoyageForum for tips! !
I’m trying to figure out how to get from Paris to Marseille or Montpellier with non-disassembled bikes by train in early July 2025... and it’s a total flop!!! Can’t find any trains that offer the bike-on-board option! It’s so complicated between SNCF-CONNECT, OUIGO, and TER INTERCITÉS!!! Nothing’s simple! I want to take my teens and their cousins on a bike trip to the Camargue, but I’ll have to start planning way ahead to sort out bike transport!!! So glad I found VoyageForum for tips! !
