Que pensez-vous du moyeu Nexus ou Alfine 8v? (vélo)
by Dulobike
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
bonjour à tous ,
que pensez vous des vélos équipés d'un moyeu shimano nexus ou alfine 8 v couplé à un plateau de 42 ou 46 avec chaine ou courroie.
pensez vous que l'on puisse monter partout avec du poids à tiré ( actuellement j'ai 27 v 11-34 et plateau 44-32-22 ?
niveau fiabilité ?
qui a un retour d’expérience de voyage avec ce genre de matos?
merci par avance pour vos réponses
Ludovic
j'ai eu pendant quelques années un "vélo de ville" (en fait, un VTC auquel j'ai ajouté éclairage fixe + panier) équipé Nexus 8. C'est pratique et assez fiable. Je changeais la poignée indexée environ tous les 10'000 km, et le changement de vitesses se grippait parfois en hiver quand la température descendait en-dessous de -5 à -10°C. Mais je ne partirais pas en voyage avec ça. L'amplitude de développements est significativement plus réduite qu'avec une transmission comme celle que vous avez actuellement.
Je n'ai pas expérimenté l'Alfine 11. Il est à mon avis un peu juste pour voyager chargé en région montagneuse, mais ça peut être un compromis acceptable
Je n'ai pas expérimenté l'Alfine 11. Il est à mon avis un peu juste pour voyager chargé en région montagneuse, mais ça peut être un compromis acceptable
Hello,
Je roule en Alfine 11 vitesses: Rose Activa Pro 2 en Alfine avec chaîne. C'est faisable sans trop de dénivelé mais chargé et avec de bonnes côtes, il va falloir pousser... Je roule en famille le long du Rhin et c'est pas mal. Increvable et je mets pas mal de poids avec une charrette pour ma petite fille en plus.
Ma femme roule un Specialized Source eleven disc avec une courroie. J'ai beaucoup rouler ce vélo pour sa souplesse et son rendement. Il a de très bon phares avec la dynamo dans le moyeu couplée à des Supernova E3. Ce vélo est remarquable mais avec de si grandes roues, il faut de très bonnes cuisses pour rouler chargé.
Si j'avais le budget, je prendrais tout de même un Rohloff. Question fiabilité, rien à redire après quatre ans. La courroie demande moins de maintenance (graissage) mais, le jour où elle cassera, je ne pourrai pas réparer aussi rapidement...
Je roule en Alfine 11 vitesses: Rose Activa Pro 2 en Alfine avec chaîne. C'est faisable sans trop de dénivelé mais chargé et avec de bonnes côtes, il va falloir pousser... Je roule en famille le long du Rhin et c'est pas mal. Increvable et je mets pas mal de poids avec une charrette pour ma petite fille en plus.
Ma femme roule un Specialized Source eleven disc avec une courroie. J'ai beaucoup rouler ce vélo pour sa souplesse et son rendement. Il a de très bon phares avec la dynamo dans le moyeu couplée à des Supernova E3. Ce vélo est remarquable mais avec de si grandes roues, il faut de très bonnes cuisses pour rouler chargé.
Si j'avais le budget, je prendrais tout de même un Rohloff. Question fiabilité, rien à redire après quatre ans. La courroie demande moins de maintenance (graissage) mais, le jour où elle cassera, je ne pourrai pas réparer aussi rapidement...
J'ai les 3 moyeux : alfine 11,8 et rolhoff .
Le 8 pour le velotaf hiver , je n'ai pas respecté les préconisations et mis un 38 x 23 . Avec ça , je pense qu'on pourrait tracter du lourd . Mais à la fréquence max de pédalage je ne dépasse pas les 30 km/h.
On dit que le 8 serait plus solide que le 11 c'est pour ça que j'ai tenté ce ratio . Après 2 hivers et environ 3000 km dans cette config pas de prb.
L'alfine 11 sur le velotaf été. En 39x19 . Dans les côtes et chargé ça ne passerai pas .
Rolhoff sur la randonneuse . Ça passe partout , y en a même trop .
Sinon il y deja eu des voyageurs en alfine . Voir le site pignonsvoyageur
Sinon il y deja eu des voyageurs en alfine . Voir le site pignonsvoyageur
On dit que le 8 serait plus solide que le 11
Faux.
La technologie utilisée pour l'alfine 11 est plus robuste et différente de l'alfine 8.
Shimano pour l'alfine 11 utilise des rouages hélicoïdaux qui supporte des contraintes plus grandes et le tout dans un bain d'huile. l'alfine 8 se contente de graisse.
Pour une discussion sur l'alfine 11: https://voyageforum.com/discussion/nouveau-moyeu-vitesses-integrees-shimano-alfine-11-vitesses-d3421027/
Faux.
La technologie utilisée pour l'alfine 11 est plus robuste et différente de l'alfine 8.
Shimano pour l'alfine 11 utilise des rouages hélicoïdaux qui supporte des contraintes plus grandes et le tout dans un bain d'huile. l'alfine 8 se contente de graisse.
Pour une discussion sur l'alfine 11: https://voyageforum.com/discussion/nouveau-moyeu-vitesses-integrees-shimano-alfine-11-vitesses-d3421027/
de toute facon pour les 2 moyeux, le ratio preconisé par shimano ( ne pas dépasser un facteur X 2 entre plateau et pignon ) sera insuffisant pour le voyage chargé .
Après je ne sais plus ou j'ai lu sur la solidité des 2 moyeux ( 8 et 11 ) mais mon bouclard a eu au moins 2 cas de fatbike monté sur alfine 11 avec un ratio complétement décalé qui ont lâchés . Les cyclistes étaient aussi jeunes et puissants . Vélo utilisé en montagne .
J'ai tendance aussi a croire que la complexité du 11 le rend peut etre plus fragile que le 8 .
Mais je reconnait aussi que c'est surtout le fait que le 8 est bcp moins cher que le 11 qui m'a fait tenté cette configuration un peu hors norme . si il y a casse ca sera moins dure pour le porte monnaie . ...😉
Autre petit défaut sur alfine que je viens de constater , avec le froid , difficulté a passer les vitesses en ce moment . ( rappel des vitesses sans doute lié au câble ou encrassement du ressort de rappel ) pas sur que le rolhoff soit impacté avec ses 2 câbles .
Attention je parle ici d'une utilisation des moyeux dans des conditions non recommandées . Je suis un fan de ces moyeux et le bénéfice comparé a des transmissions classiques n'est même pas discutable pour mon utilisation .
Après je ne sais plus ou j'ai lu sur la solidité des 2 moyeux ( 8 et 11 ) mais mon bouclard a eu au moins 2 cas de fatbike monté sur alfine 11 avec un ratio complétement décalé qui ont lâchés . Les cyclistes étaient aussi jeunes et puissants . Vélo utilisé en montagne .
J'ai tendance aussi a croire que la complexité du 11 le rend peut etre plus fragile que le 8 .
Mais je reconnait aussi que c'est surtout le fait que le 8 est bcp moins cher que le 11 qui m'a fait tenté cette configuration un peu hors norme . si il y a casse ca sera moins dure pour le porte monnaie . ...😉
Autre petit défaut sur alfine que je viens de constater , avec le froid , difficulté a passer les vitesses en ce moment . ( rappel des vitesses sans doute lié au câble ou encrassement du ressort de rappel ) pas sur que le rolhoff soit impacté avec ses 2 câbles .
Attention je parle ici d'une utilisation des moyeux dans des conditions non recommandées . Je suis un fan de ces moyeux et le bénéfice comparé a des transmissions classiques n'est même pas discutable pour mon utilisation .
C'est vrai que les forts en cuisses ont souvent eu des problèmes de casse aussi bien en 8 qu'en 11V. 🙂
La conception des pattes et la fixation sur les bases a aussi beaucoup d'importance pour la fiabilité du système.
J'ai fait plus de 15000km avec mon vélotaf (Nexus premium 8V) sans problèmes, pour l'instant même pas un seul graissage, d'après mon vélociste
pas le faire avant 20000 bornes.
Ceci étant je pense que c'est très bien pour du vélotaf ou pour faire des distances raisonnables et pas trop vallonnées,
pour le reste (hors mis le Rolhoff) les dérailleurs classiques me semblent plus appropriés.
bonsoir ,
merci pour toutes vos reponses , vous confirmez les doutes que j'avais .
bonne soirée
ludovic
Bonjour à tous,
Je suis avec intérêt votre discutions au sujet des moyeux Alfine et Nexus,
Je me permet donc de poser une question: je possède un tandem de marque Lapierre avec des freins à disques hydrauliques, des roues de 26 pouces.
Serait-il possible de monter un moyen Alfine 8V sur ce genre de machine ? et quels serait les développements ? Est-il compatible avec les pattes de mon tandem ?
A toutes ces questions, je vous remercie d'avance.
M
MSC
Autre petit défaut sur alfine que je viens de constater, avec le froid, difficulté a passer les vitesses en ce moment. (rappel des vitesses sans doute lié au câble ou encrassement du ressort de rappel)
idem avec mon Shimano Nexus 8 v qui couche sous abri mais dehors. Il arrive que je ne puisse plus passer les vitesses au petit matin pendant les plus froides journées d'hiver (quand ça descend vers -10).
pas sur que le rolhoff soit impacté avec ses 2 câbles.
le Rohloff fonctionne sans problème jusqu'à -40 °C, en le vidangeant avant, avec sa poignée d'origine (certaines autres poignées tournantes compatibles Rohloff, comme celle fabriquée par Berthoud, se coincent à basse température).
idem avec mon Shimano Nexus 8 v qui couche sous abri mais dehors. Il arrive que je ne puisse plus passer les vitesses au petit matin pendant les plus froides journées d'hiver (quand ça descend vers -10).
pas sur que le rolhoff soit impacté avec ses 2 câbles.
le Rohloff fonctionne sans problème jusqu'à -40 °C, en le vidangeant avant, avec sa poignée d'origine (certaines autres poignées tournantes compatibles Rohloff, comme celle fabriquée par Berthoud, se coincent à basse température).
Bonjour à tous,
Serait-il possible de monter un moyen Alfine 8V sur ce genre de machine ? et quels serait les développements ? Est-il compatible avec les pattes de mon tandem ?
A toutes ces questions, je vous remercie d'avance.
M
La seule contrainte pour l'alfine est d'avoir un écartement des bases arrière de 135 mm, le standard vtt. Après c'est mieux d'avoir des pattes horizontale ou un boitier de pédalier excentrique mais on peut s'en passer en rajoutant un tendeur de chaine . Shimano en fait dans la gamme alfine .
La seule contrainte pour l'alfine est d'avoir un écartement des bases arrière de 135 mm, le standard vtt. Après c'est mieux d'avoir des pattes horizontale ou un boitier de pédalier excentrique mais on peut s'en passer en rajoutant un tendeur de chaine . Shimano en fait dans la gamme alfine .
j'ai oublié de signaler le toujours excellent site de Sheldon Brown
vous y apprendrez que l'alfine 8 est plus résistant que le nexus 8 qu'il y a plusieurs familles de nexus 8 avec des technologies différentes. vous y apprendrez l'entretien et comment passer à une roue équipée avec un nexus 8 etc.
sheldonbrown.com/nexus8.shtml
ici la page génrale à propos des moyeux-boite de vitesse
sheldonbrown.com/nexus-mech.html
bonne lecture
vous y apprendrez que l'alfine 8 est plus résistant que le nexus 8 qu'il y a plusieurs familles de nexus 8 avec des technologies différentes. vous y apprendrez l'entretien et comment passer à une roue équipée avec un nexus 8 etc.
sheldonbrown.com/nexus8.shtml
ici la page génrale à propos des moyeux-boite de vitesse
sheldonbrown.com/nexus-mech.html
bonne lecture
Bonjour,
Je viens d'acquérir également un "Specialized eleven Source" équipé d'une transmission à courroie, d'un Alfine 11 et d'un moyeu-dynamo avec éclairage Supernova.
Avantages: vélo léger, nerveux, transmission à courroie fantastique ( fini la chaîne qui s 'encrasse et salit les pantalons), éclairage impeccable
Inconvénients: fragilité des gardes-boues, très près des pneus et vite déréglés par le moindre caillou ou corps étranger se glissant entre pneu et garde-boue; développements un peu longs: je me trouve vite dans le plus petit rapport dès que la pente arrive à 6-7% ou plus. (J'en tiendrai compte lorsque je changerai de courroie) Après un réglage de tension du câble au début, l' Alfine 11 donne entière satisfaction mais n'a pas l'étendue du Rolhoff!
A mon avis, après 500 à 600 km d'utilisation, un vélo fait pour le vélotaf et les randonnées courtes, du type "une journée" ou week-end avec bagage minimum.
Je viens d'acquérir également un "Specialized eleven Source" équipé d'une transmission à courroie, d'un Alfine 11 et d'un moyeu-dynamo avec éclairage Supernova.
Avantages: vélo léger, nerveux, transmission à courroie fantastique ( fini la chaîne qui s 'encrasse et salit les pantalons), éclairage impeccable
Inconvénients: fragilité des gardes-boues, très près des pneus et vite déréglés par le moindre caillou ou corps étranger se glissant entre pneu et garde-boue; développements un peu longs: je me trouve vite dans le plus petit rapport dès que la pente arrive à 6-7% ou plus. (J'en tiendrai compte lorsque je changerai de courroie) Après un réglage de tension du câble au début, l' Alfine 11 donne entière satisfaction mais n'a pas l'étendue du Rolhoff!
A mon avis, après 500 à 600 km d'utilisation, un vélo fait pour le vélotaf et les randonnées courtes, du type "une journée" ou week-end avec bagage minimum.
A moins de modifier poulie et donc sans doute aussi la courroie, les développements me paraissent trop longs, mais c'est évidemment aussi une question de puissance musculaire et de ce qu'on peut "pousser "
attention si vous modifiez la couronne crantée (plateau ou pignon) : il faut que la tension de la courroie reste bien ajustée, sinon cela fragilise rapidement la courroie. J'avais eu un problème avec un vélo pliant Batavus à courroie (montée sur un Shimano Nexus 4) il y a quelques années : pour je ne sais quelle raison, la courroie n'était pas tout-à-fait assez tendue. Ele a cassé brutalement lors d'un démarrage alors que ce vélo avait roulé guère plus de 1000 km. OK, j'avais démarré "en danseuse" à un feu rouge, mais ce n'était quand même pas un effort violent (je suis un petit gabarit), et je me suis cassée la figure devant la file de voitures. Et en plus j'avais eu 3 semaines de délai pour l'achat d'une courroie neuve. Depuis, j'ai finalement revendu ce vélo pliant, et j'en ai un plus confortable (suspension), avec moyeu Shimano Nexus 8, mais à chaîne. Pourtant, une courroie sans cambouis, surtout sur un vélo pliant, c'est bien !
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It covers everything from the trans-America route to the TCR (Trans Continental Race) from Belgium to a small town in Turkey, with mind-blowing averages—4,000 km and 80,000 m of elevation gain in 8 days and 15 hours for the winner. Let that sink in, and all of it without assistance—accepting a patch could penalize you. There’s also a story about crossing Iran, encountering one of the world’s most welcoming populations, following in the footsteps of Nicolas Bouvier, as well as retirees leisurely traversing France. The common thread in all these stories? Beautiful writing. Take, for example, a stunning article: *"Passengers of the Cold: From Edinburgh to Thurso, at the very north of Scotland, 550 km of moors, coasts, and icy wind. In Thurso, the road ends at a quay, facing the Orkney Islands. We wanted a November trip, off-season. We wanted to surprise winter. Just before the snow."* A sublime piece on the experience of facing adversity and the chance encounters along the road and in the elements.
Before I embarked on my own bike trips, I dreamed a lot about them—from the Atacama to the Gobi, along the Mekong, and not forgetting France. And now, these 130 pages every quarter keep those dreamy vibes alive through stories written in the most beautiful prose.
I’ll stop here because it might sound like I’m advertising, but if you don’t know *200*, I invite you to discover it. It’ll give you wings for the most incredible challenges or simply reinforce your desire for slow rides with your eyes open to others and nature.
A little news to wrap up: Axel Carion and a friend just broke the record for crossing South America from Colombia to Ushuaia in 59 days. On its own, that doesn’t mean much, but I can’t help it—it makes me dream. You should see how he talks about it, the flashes of that wild nature he’s stored away: a snowstorm at Paso Jama and the surreal sight of the suddenly snow-covered Licancabur!
Luc PS: The magazine is called *200* because a day’s ride starts at 200 km—well, I’ve never done a ride like that since my longest was 167 km (with 18 kg of luggage, mind you), but why not one day? The magazine will explain how to tackle your first 200, and then the question in conclusion: when will you do your first 300?😏
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
I'm developing a free and open-source web app for planning walking and cycling trips (and even car trips). You can create a route by clicking directly on the map to add waypoints, and it can consist of multiple stages. The app provides tools to edit the stages and the overall route, and to display useful information (distances, altitudes, and elevation changes). A relief profile can be shown as a graph for a specific stage or the entire route.
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Once the route is ready, it can be exported as a GPX file, which can then be used with a GPS or a mobile navigation app.
The app is built in JavaScript and runs entirely in the web browser. It uses the Leaflet library and several OpenStreetMap-based services. Initially developed for my personal needs (I enjoy hiking and cycle touring), I’d be happy to share it with anyone who might find it useful. It’s free to use, doesn’t require an account, and the source code is available.
Source code: https://github.com/patricklmarie/GPX-Route-Planner Online demo: https://patricklmarie.github.io/GPX-Route-Planner/
Heinz Stucke has passed away.
He never stopped traveling the world since 1962.
So sad.
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
https://www.facebook.com/heinzstucke
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

Hello,
We’d like to go on a 3- to 4-month bike trip starting in December, crossing from Assam (northeast India) to New Delhi via Nepal.
Are there routes with light traffic along the Brahmaputra and through Nepal?
We’re also looking for any info on accommodations, wild camping, local interactions, etc.
Thanks,
Michel
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
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 a cross-Canada bike trip, and I’ve got a question that might seem silly, but could someone tell me how to pack a bike (in a box, with a fragile sticker... I don’t know) for a flight? Thanks in advance!
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
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 ride the Dutch section of the EuroVelo 19, from Maastricht to Rotterdam.
Since it’s too complicated to bring my bike on the train, I’m looking to rent one locally.
I’d love any tips or bike rental shop recommendations—I’m struggling to find options even in Rotterdam.
The plan is to rent in Rotterdam, take the train to Maastricht with the bike, then cycle back to Rotterdam.
Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!
Nath
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’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 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.








