Some people have questions about choosing a touring bike, so those who are equipped can post a photo here and describe their ride—its strengths and, of course, its flaws.
I’ll go first!
Here’s the beast: a Ridgeback Panorama model, around 10 years old, bought second-hand from a cyclist who’d picked the wrong size.
Steel frame in Reynolds 725 (it’s written on it, but I doubt the whole set is that series).
Gear ranges from XT for the rear derailleur to some cheaper parts.
Three chainrings and sturdy but heavy wheels. Here with 35mm tires—plenty for gravel paths and the occasional rougher trail (as long as you don’t ride like a sausage!).
What I’ve modified:
- Upgraded from 9 to 10 speeds when I changed the cassette
- Installed two Tubus racks—the rear replaced the original aluminum one (which got bent)
- Moved the shifters to the frame instead of the brake/shift combos, which were getting in the way of my handlebar bag
- Swapped the saddle for a Brooks B17 (the original one didn’t suit me at all)
Over time, some wear-and-tear parts have been replaced.
It’s comfy and sturdy but heavy (almost 14kg). Downsides? It’s a bit sluggish when you stand up to pedal—the chainring rubs against the front derailleur cage (the bottom bracket lacks rigidity).
Definitely not a climber’s bike!
The cantilever brakes are a tad weak—you get used to them, but you’ve gotta anticipate.
We’ve had some great rides together, but it’ll soon be on the market since I’m replacing it with a custom Cattin. I won’t sell it for much—it’ll make someone happy...
Hi Matt,
That’s a good point, but it’s a bit dated—since then, there have been new members on this forum, and new trends (like Gravel) have shifted how we do things, not to mention this new (or not-so-new) backpacking craze.
Anyway, travel is still travel, but the way we travel keeps evolving, and I think it’d be great to share our bike choices.
Cheers,
That works for me. :)
By the way, I've made quite a few upgrades to one of the bikes I showed last time. :)
Same here! The world of bike travel is really taking off, so I think it's worth sharing our experiences and perspectives on how our practice is evolving.
Claudio de la Faverges.
Bonjour amis cyclotouristes, claude passionné de voyages à vélo favergien et défenseur du cycliste.
plus la carte bleue est foncée et plus le bagage est léger
en anglais "the more the card is blu the less the luggage is heavy"
Claudio’s current ride—
a bit clunky, sluggish, and Claudio himself, quite heavy, bordering on 100 kg, which makes the pace a bit tricky on hikes...
but still capable of covering 100 km in a day on flat or moderately hilly terrain (1,000 m elevation gain).
Designed for roads and paths like the local 'Bredanne'—what we call greenways around here, though they’re not always smooth!
http://cbandiera.free.fr/matos/mon-coeur/
And then there’s Fanny 2 to miss—a road bike better suited for paved roads, worn out after epic rides like Brest-Menton. She still comes out now and then for local routes.
http://cbandiera.free.fr/monvelo
But the years have passed, and now Claudio rides slower, embracing the motto ‘in praise of slowness.’
Claudio
Claudio de la Faverges.
Bonjour amis cyclotouristes, claude passionné de voyages à vélo favergien et défenseur du cycliste.
plus la carte bleue est foncée et plus le bagage est léger
en anglais "the more the card is blu the less the luggage is heavy"
Gotta keep it as a second bike for local rides.
claudio
Claudio de la Faverges.
Bonjour amis cyclotouristes, claude passionné de voyages à vélo favergien et défenseur du cycliste.
plus la carte bleue est foncée et plus le bagage est léger
en anglais "the more the card is blu the less the luggage is heavy"
Great topic—it really shows the variety of bikes we can use to travel. And it’s especially helpful for beginners to see what kinds of bikes work and how to equip them.
So, I’ll play along with the introductions. Here are the three bikes I’ve traveled with—none of them are technically "touring bikes."
1 - An aluminum semi-suspension MTB with disc brakes, big 26" Marathon tires (2 inches wide), and a 3x9 MTB gear setup. The rear rack is mounted on clamps that grip the seatstays:
2 - A solid, rigid 1990 CroMo steel MTB, refurbished in 2012 or 2013, with slick 26x1.35" tires, a 3x7 drivetrain, and V-brakes (replacing the original cantilevers). This is the only one of the three with eyelets for a proper rear rack:
3 - A carbon road bike with a triple 10-speed setup (26/26 as the lowest gear—it works!) and 25mm tires. The seatpost has threaded mounts, and I use a Tubus rack kit that clamps to the axle:
None of these were ever marketed as "touring bikes," but they’ve all brought me joy on trips, despite being so different. They do share a few things in common: aside from not being designed for travel (I use or used them for other things year-round), they’ve all only ever had two rear panniers and a small (now mini) handlebar bag. And they all have triple chainrings.
I almost forgot the downsides. The first one is suspended and has big tires, so it’s heavier and harder to climb with. The second only has 7 cogs, the seatpost is stuck due to oxidation (at a height that works for me), and the rear hub is 130mm—so finding a replacement wheel in case of a breakdown isn’t easy. The third isn’t built for heavy loads, but with my weight plus luggage, I’m still under the weight of some unloaded cyclists. The real limitation is stability on descents (I don’t go faster than 60 km/h for safety). The first two have flat MTB handlebars—I prefer drop bars now. I’ve been riding drop bars for 3 or 4 years and don’t plan to switch back.
For beginners or anyone thinking about getting into bike travel: it’s totally possible to hit the road with the bike you already have. Adapting it isn’t too complicated or expensive (e.g., two Decathlon panniers). Just make sure it’s in good condition (or restored), well-tuned, and the right size. And pay attention to luggage volume and weight limits.
Happy riding!
Of course, if you have a brand-new bike built specifically for touring, that’s the dream! !
2019 titanium Gravel Genesis Croix de Fer with only 1,200 km on the odometer, Schwalbe Energizer tires (Marathon Pluses coming soon), Tubus Fly Classic rear rack. Just need some good waterproof panniers now.
I hadn't thought about it, but it's true—I didn’t start my bike trip with my Ridgeback. Even though I don’t have a personal photo of it, I’ll still introduce it to you.
A mountain bike, back then I was a fan. With it, I crossed all the French mountain ranges via trails, with just a small backpack on my back. At the rear, I had mounted a pannier rack, on which I attached a waterproof bag with a bungee cord. Up front, I had a handlebar bag.
Even though it was made of Tange Prestige 5/10th steel—thin and light—it accompanied me for 15 years before it was stolen.
By far the best touring bike I’ve ever had: comfortable, lightweight (under 11 kg), responsive, reliable, and simple.
As for drawbacks, I’d mention brakes that were a bit weak for touring and its Mavis 217 rims, which didn’t last very long (but they’re wear parts).
The only modification was the tires, which I changed depending on the route. For a purely road trip, I’d mount Hutchinson Slick 1" tires—very light and flexible (the model hasn’t been made for a long time).
Just goes to show you don’t need to ride a German tank—you *can* (or could) travel with extremely light and completely reliable bikes. I’d add that back then, manufacturers still offered excellent steel frames as standard, which isn’t the case anymore.
Back in the saddle after a year off following surgery
Can't wait to hit the road again :D
BERNARD "Aucun conseil n'est plus loyal que celui qui se donne sur le navire en péril.
Voiture : Invention ingénieuse, permettant de contenir 110 chevaux dans le moteur et un âne au volant.
Mine hasn't left its winter storage spot yet...
Not great... a bit of DIY:
Lapierre Titane frame from before 2000... originally paid in francs—solid base, though.
3x9 (44 to 24 - 12 to 32, from memory...)—friction shifters salvaged from an old MTB (fed up with poorly adjusted indexed ones...)
Shimano hybrid pedals—standard 26" wheels—1.35 tires up front (Schwalbe Kojak T, flexible)—1.60 at the back given my weight (100 kg—20/23 kg of luggage).
With age: front-wheel hub motor / battery in a container on a mini front rack (DIY, but cheap, lightweight, and it works!!!)
Rear aluminum rack on clamps...
Standard V-brakes—battery-powered lights...
In short, not exactly top-notch, but it can still hit the road...
And to try to prove you can go far and high without necessarily needing "high-end" or "specialized" gear... some photos from our past trips:
Up in the heights, "bike-mule" style:
And my wife, her very first mountain pass, her very first trip:
A Tilt 9 [1] from Decathlon that I used as a base to adapt the equipment [2] and get a good city and touring bike. See the photo in my avatar.
A few key features:
- Folding with 20" wheels
- Belt drive
- 8-speed internal gear hub in the rear wheel
- Electric generator in the front hub
I’ve been using it for my tours for 5 seasons now and I still love it.
One downside, though. It’s about as heavy as a regular bike—around 15-16 kg. If anyone knows of a lighter folding touring bike with the same features, closer to 10 kg, I’m all ears.
[1] No longer in production
[2] See https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7027020
Side note: The discussion where I explain how I transformed my bike is also interesting for owners of non-folding bikes, since I share how to find the right documentation and tools (and where to get them).
Attached are a few photos thanks to the time-travel machine.
My humble one...
A big-box-store MTB I bought in the early '90s, still kept, even though I later bought a better MTB.
I wasn’t into traveling back then, but I always wanted to keep it. And when the urge hit, I turned it into a "ride-around" (that’s what I call it...)
Only the frame, fork, and front derailleur are original.
The rest is salvaged or good finds.
Aero rims, 3x7 with 24-34-44 up front and 14-32 in the back, rear rack, suspended stem (a quirk I keep for comfort and originality...)
Anyway, I really like it—I feel good on it.
Now, it’s heavy, the rear dropout is 130mm, limiting upgrades, but I’ve got something that works for me.
Budget-wise, aside from the bike I bought for 990 francs back then, it’s cost me a max of 200 €. Maybe even less.
I’ll switch to thinner tires. In the photo, the new crankset isn’t on yet, and it’s outfitted with a makeshift rack made from cutting up an old frame. Solid, but heavy...
I’ll find something more recent.
Hello,
I’ve been in Thailand since January 15th and will be here until March 3rd.
So you’re seeing my bike live and direct. It’s a Vagabonde No. 020, so it’s pretty old. No issues though—Mavic rims, XT 9-speed drivetrain, V-brakes, Ortlieb waterproof panniers, and Schwalbe 1.35 tires.
I’m really happy with the frame—it’s super responsive. In our family, we have four Vagabondes, and we’re all really satisfied. I know Meg2 had some problems, but personally, I’m happy with mine. It must have nearly 50,000 km on it. I don’t see any flaws—just the rider getting older.
The bike was built 12 or 13 years ago, and there haven’t been any problems. Just regular maintenance on wear-and-tear parts. For example, I change the chain every 5,000 km.
Best regards,
Jacky
Here’s my ride..
Ridgeback Panorama 2019. Shimano XT and Sora drivetrain, TRP disc brakes, Tubus front and rear racks, Crosso and Lone Peak panniers, TiGr titanium lock. No fenders or kickstand, stock Schwalbe Marathon tires.
It's a custom build based on a Surly LHT 26-inch frame with a Shimano XT Deore groupset (10-speed). Mavic rims. Tubus Cargo rear rack. All classic components.
This bike is really easy to handle, but it has the downside of being way too heavy on rough terrain.
Just arrived, about 400 km on the odometer, haven't taken it on a trip yet.
Gravel Origine Trail Road aluminum, just over 9 kg on the scale. GRX groupset with a 46/30 crankset and 11/34 cassette.
It replaces a Trek 520 that, in my opinion, was 4 kg too heavy.
Tires changed to 32mm tubeless road tires since—pure bliss.
Rear rack mounts included, otherwise fully bikepacking-ready. No photos uploaded yet.
It’ll change your life! (in the mountain passes)
Not for heavy bike-camping with a table and chairs, but if you keep your luggage to 10/12 kg, it’s perfect.
How’s that GRX (600?) working out? I chose this groupset for my future bike—crankset and derailleurs—with the rest in 105 because the bleeding is easier and the shifters are more comfortable (in my opinion).
Just two more months to wait....
Yeah, for now I’m not planning to go for more than 15 days, no table or chairs but with a tent and sleeping bag 😉
It’s definitely the 600 (with Ultegra cassette).
Actually, the GRX shifters are a dream (I’ve got 105s on the Wilier). They’re bigger, better grip—especially on rough terrain—and the fact that the pivot is raised by 18mm is a real advantage for me since I’ve got small hands. Braking is more effective (more leverage).
Speaking of braking, hydraulic discs are pure bliss—smooth as velvet but still powerful and progressive.
So far, I’ve only done road rides with it; it’s still really smooth and responsive. I’m heading out for the Velocio at Easter.
What did you go for?
hey denis,
I’m having a custom bike built by Fabien Bonnet (Cycles Cattin) in Grenoble.
Here’s the spec:
- sporty gravel bike vibe
- capable of going far for long trips but not too loaded
- disc brakes
- ability to fit tires up to 45mm on 700c wheels
- carbon fork with inserts so I can add a low rider when needed
- self-sufficient power (I’m sick of juggling recharges and extra batteries)
- powerful lighting—it’s not just for night riding, but tunnels, cities, and that twilight time between dog and wolf make it really useful. Plus, I sometimes set off super early during heatwaves (leave at 4 AM, ride till 10 AM, then another session from 5 PM to 8 PM—this rhythm works great for me)
Tech specs:
- frame is Dedacciai Zero (lightweight 5/10ths with thru-axle)
- Fyxation carbon fork
- GRX600/105 groupset, 30/46 chainrings, and 11/34 cassette
- DT Swiss wheels: DT Swiss hub at the rear, Shuster Precision at the front
- Busch & Müller lighting with USB output on the headlight
I’m treating myself, and yeah, it’s pricier than an off-the-shelf bike, but I also love supporting an artisan who doesn’t count the hours (for example, the measuring and project discussions took nearly 5 hours—that’s fair to pay for).
The bike will have a lifetime warranty, be perfectly fitted to my size, weight, and goals, and made locally—those are things that matter to me.
The downside? I’ve got to wait until the end of April...
You're absolutely right—we should treat ourselves!
We’ve talked about this before: heavy bikes at 14-15 kg or more are a no-go. These days, you can get really great gear under 10 kg, and it makes all the difference!
For lighting, I’m still sticking with removable setups. I got a B&M with rechargeable batteries, and I’ll grab a second set for the velocio where we’ll be riding all night.
Later on, if the need arises, I’ll switch to a dynamo hub, but honestly, there’s not much night riding when traveling.
For the fork, I went with a pair of Topeak VersaCage—haven’t tested them yet, but they seem solid for forks without inserts. They’re guaranteed to be carbon-fork compatible.
Add a front bag, a frame bag, and a large saddle bag, and I should be good to go for a 15-day summer trip. I hate overpacking!
You're absolutely right—we should treat ourselves!
We’ve talked about this before: heavy bikes at 14–15 kg or more are a no-go. These days, you can get really great gear under 10 kg, and it makes all the difference!
With a front pannier, a frame bag, and a large saddle bag, that should do the trick for a 15-day summer trip. I don’t like overpacking.
There are quite a few of us on this forum who "advocate" for lightweight travel. Of course, I’m not saying you can do the TDM with an 18 kg bike (including luggage)—though some people do…—but let’s be honest: the vast majority of cyclists don’t go for more than a month, usually in the summer and mostly in Europe.
Under those conditions, setting off with a bike fitted with Schwalbe Marathons or similar, weighing 16–17 kg, really isn’t the best choice. But what can you do? Clichés, myths, and urban legends die hard...
Just arrived, about 400 km on the odometer, haven't taken it on a trip yet.
Gravel Origine Trail Road aluminum frame, just over 9 kg on the scale. GRX groupset with a 46/30 crankset and 11/34 cassette at the back.
It replaces a Trek 520 that, in my opinion, was about 4 kg too heavy.
Switched the tires to 32mm tubeless road tires—pure bliss.
Rear rack mounts installed, otherwise all bikepacking. No photos uploaded yet.
Besides, with this type of bike, what can you still criticize about road bikes (handlebars, position, lightweight)? The usual complaints just disappear. There’s enough clearance for tires other than 23 or 25 mm, a low gear under 2 meters, mounts for a rack, and even disc brakes for those who can’t do without them. And this type of bike comes in aluminum, steel, and carbon, and can even be custom-built by a framebuilder.
The real question now is why anyone would still buy, for road or trail touring, bikes that offer nothing more for the same price and are much heavier—sometimes available in only 4 or even 3 sizes.
Fun detail: it’s great to see a real photo of the bike because on the 3D render from the manufacturer’s site (if it’s the Trail 36), they just forgot the cassette (and the valves)—it looks like a bike with a magic chain!
On the 3D render from the manufacturer’s site, they just forgot the cassette (and the valves), so it looks like a bike with a magic chain.
Back when I used to browse manufacturer catalogs, I was struck by how the valves were always in the same position in bike photos—aligned right at the bottom of the wheel. The latest trend might be to hide them behind the fork and chainstays.
In our family, we have 4 Vagabondes and are really satisfied. I know Meg2 had some issues, but personally, I'm happy with mine.
Actually, the bike itself wasn't bad, but it wasn't properly adapted to my measurements, which is pretty ironic for a custom bike! The postural study was rushed—what a shame...
On top of that, a few months ago, when I wanted to retrieve the rear Rohloff wheel that originally came with this bike to equip my new touring bike, I found out that Vagabonde had installed a Rohloff hub that wasn't disc brake compatible, even though I had explicitly written in the specifications "disc brake compatible" to allow for future upgrades. When I contacted Vagabonde to ask for some commercial goodwill for this additional issue (since modifying the Rohloff hub to make it disc compatible costs me nearly 140 €), the craftsman replied by email that he had listed the hub reference on the quote, so he had no reason to compensate me—end of story. As if it were my job to know the specifics of every single one of the N variants in the Rohloff catalog just by reading the reference code... That’s pretty bold, if you ask me!
My new touring bike isn’t assembled yet, but the frame is ready, and it’ll look like this:
It’s an Alpentourer from Wolf & Wolf. I test-rode one of their demo bikes at the craftsman’s shop last December—I’m going to love it! It’s both super comfortable and efficient—mind-blowing.
Of course, it’s ridiculously expensive, but I’ve got some savings (no car helps), and I should soon receive compensation from my 2017 accident. I made a strong case for the "vehicle adaptation" line due to my minor disability.
Before that, before and after the failed Vagabonde, I happily rode two custom Cattin bikes. Custom bikes significantly increase the price, and it’s not always necessary, but for my build, I’ve never found an off-the-shelf frame that fits me well—I don’t regret that choice! For more details on my Cattin bike, check here: blog.zamir.fr/pages/Mon_velo_trek
Note: This blog might be temporarily unavailable soon while I move it due to a technical update from my hosting provider. But it’ll be back!
More recently, I’ve also traveled on an AZUB Ti-Fly recumbent trike after an accident left me unable to ride an upright bike for more than 15-20 minutes. The trike is cool, very comfortable, and great for travel, but it’s a tank—hence my switch to a recumbent bike. And before all that, I started with a trusty Peugeot "semi-racer" that only had a rear rack.
Thanks in advance. The Surly LHT remains a great bike for long-distance travel, highly praised by round-the-world cyclists. Maybe that will change over time with the rise of lightweight and versatile bikes... though they still have to prove themselves in the toughest conditions.
I’m sharing the detailed build of the parts I chose for my Surly because before ordering my bike, I spent a long time browsing voyageforum.com. I want to thank you for being such an amazing forum with an extraordinary community and professional-quality answers. Without you, I definitely would’ve made mistakes in choosing my bike. In my daily life, I have a visual impairment and I’m a bit strapped for cash, so for me, a touring bike means adding a little—or a lot—of freedom to my otherwise dreary life.
I wanted a super sturdy bike that could be loaded like a pack mule and repaired anywhere, capable of riding on farm tracks, forest trails, sand, gravel, and branches. After quite a few rides in the woods, the test is positive—I realized I’d built myself a steppes bike. I chose parts for good road comfort and a groupset that could handle changes in gradient and terrain. I love being surprised by the terrain and having to battle the road. I’ll keep saving to move to the south of France, and once I’ve got my camping gear, I’ll go bivouacking in the mountains near a lake—bye-bye civilization!
In terms of weight, the Surly racks and Marathon Mondial tires add 4 kg, bringing the total bike weight to 17.4 kg, but I don’t care—I’ll save weight on my gear and go on a diet. To replace the Long Haul Trucker’s long haul, a manufacturer would have to make the same bike with lighter parts, because I don’t think Shimano, Surly, or Ergotec are chasing weight savings on their components—they’d rather guarantee robust parts.
Thanks in advance. The Surly LHT is still a great bike for long-distance travel, highly praised by round-the-world cyclists. Maybe that’ll change over time with the rise of lightweight, versatile bikes... though they still have to prove themselves in the toughest conditions.
That’s it, it’s weighed! 14 kg (no front rack, no fenders).
The question now is why bikes that don’t offer anything extra for road or trail travel are still being sold at such a high price, are much heavier, and sometimes only come in 4 or even 3 sizes.
Good point.
I just checked the geometries of this bike. Personally, I’m between two sizes—the S (52 cm long) and the M (53.9 cm long). The brand’s pure aluminum road bike actually comes in 6 classic sizes, with an S at 52.5 cm long, which works for me.
But there are other brands offering similar gravel bikes (aluminum-carbon) with more sizes and more standard options.
What about a VSF Randonneur, available in only 3 sizes (52, 57, 62) that are really poorly spaced? I just spent a few minutes looking at the geometry chart, and it’s awful.
The S, meant for the shortest riders, is already 55.48 cm long—typically recommended for someone 180 cm tall. And the longest size (57.62 cm) is only 2.14 cm longer than the shortest! LOL.
How can they even sell this?
This is the kind of bike I was criticizing when I said some bikes only come in 3 or 4 sizes. The Origine Trail does much better in terms of fitting riders of different heights, even if 6 sizes would’ve been ideal.
When I read you, I think I was incredibly lucky to find a size S (I'm 1.72m tall) for my second-hand gravel bike (brand new)^^
Goes to show, bike sizes aren’t universal across manufacturers 😕
Surly LHT 26 in size 54 with all the gear needed for some great rides.
No worries about weight—the Himalayas aren’t on the agenda! 🙂 ...I’m traveling with my partner, keeping it chill and as comfy as possible.
"Made in meh" setup, guided by a few VF members 😉
Hers is still a homemade build too...
Intec M1
reve de longues escapades en moto avec ma moitie , mais depuis le vélo est arrivé ...
The main point of this thread is to show that you can travel with just about any bike.
Of course, if you like traveling in the mountains, you’ll quickly start paying attention to the bike’s weight—and even more to the weight of your luggage—but when you’re traveling calmly on less mountainous terrain, that factor becomes less critical.
The key is to be comfortable on a bike that suits your style.
Hello everyone,
When it comes to biking, you can do a lot with very little.
When traveling as a couple (which isn’t the majority here on the forum), we adapt to our partner’s needs and abilities (I lighten the load as much as possible). My partner, well into her sixties and not at all sporty, follows me on my "crazy" adventures as a young-at-heart fifty-something 😉 and I can honestly say she often impresses me.
If, on the other hand, I were traveling solo, I’d definitely reconsider my gear and share your focus on efficiency.
The important thing is to hit the road just like we used to on motorcycles. The bike is just an excuse (a childhood memory, too), but tomorrow I might just set off on rollerblades... who knows!
Happy travels to all,
Hugs, hugs, hugs
Le Bourdon
On the left, the Surly of a world traveler I met in Portugal (Serpa), and on the right, the bike of the perfect cycling tourist 😛
reve de longues escapades en moto avec ma moitie , mais depuis le vélo est arrivé ...
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.
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’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?
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.
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?
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
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
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
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.
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
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!
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?
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!
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...
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!
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!
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
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
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.
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?
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!
Calling all travelers.
We’ll be landing at Lyon Airport and want to bike to La Verpillière train station (with panniers and camping gear, etc.) to catch a TER to Voreppe.
What’s the safest route for this bike trip?
Thanks in advance
Not great... a bit of DIY:
Lapierre Titane frame from before 2000... originally paid in francs—solid base, though.
3x9 (44 to 24 - 12 to 32, from memory...)—friction shifters salvaged from an old MTB (fed up with poorly adjusted indexed ones...)
Shimano hybrid pedals—standard 26" wheels—1.35 tires up front (Schwalbe Kojak T, flexible)—1.60 at the back given my weight (100 kg—20/23 kg of luggage).
With age: front-wheel hub motor / battery in a container on a mini front rack (DIY, but cheap, lightweight, and it works!!!)
Rear aluminum rack on clamps...
Standard V-brakes—battery-powered lights...
In short, not exactly top-notch, but it can still hit the road...
And to try to prove you can go far and high without necessarily needing "high-end" or "specialized" gear... some photos from our past trips:
Up in the heights, "bike-mule" style:
And my wife, her very first mountain pass, her very first trip:
Here’s my Genesis steel tourer.
Built on the 2018 frame kit.
