Type de vélo pour un voyage de trois mois?
by Tamata67
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Salut à tous et toutes, je prepare un voyage de 3 mois (depart au printemps 2009) en velo. Novice en la matiere mais tres determiné, je recherche tous les bons conseils sur le type de velo à choisir, les équipements mini (je ne suis pas vraiement regardant sur le confort), les expériences des uns et des autres, la sécurité (je me suis fait volé mon vieux decath la semaine derniere 😠), le budget (camping). Je prevois de partir de Nantes, traverser la France, puis l'Italie du Nord vers le Sud, prendre le bateau à Brindisi pour la Gréce, ensuite la Turquie et apres si j'ai encore qqs sous je continue à rouler 😏. Merci d'avance de vos bons conseils... si des Nantais me Lisent, je serais ravi de pouvoir echanger de vive voix, si vous connaissez dans la region un magasin spécialisé autre qu'une Enseigne ? chez qui je pourrai faire un jour de formation que la mecanique "velo"...
Je pense que toutes tes interrogations trouveront leurs réponses dans ce forum. As-tu fait une recherche ?
Oui, j'ai commencé à fouiller...j'ai deja qqs infos de base - velo cadre acier plutot qu'alu (reparation + facile), freins à cable plutot qu'hydro (tjrs pour la meme raison) - Pneus Marathon XR - apres je nage encore... pour tu t'avouer je n'ai aucune base de mecanique velo et je m'aperçois que le choix entre les pignons, casette, diam.des roues, etc, etc, etc...Etant Nantais, je vais chercher dans le coin un revendeur chez qui j'aimerai pouvoir passer un peu de temps pour apprendre les bases de la mécanique. Histoire de choisir en comprenant ce que je fais (c'est quand meme pas plus mal). Sinon le forun est vraiment tres enrichissant, je suis sur le cul de voir toutes les expériences...ha vivement que j'attaque les premiers kilos...
Salut,
En fait les questions que tu dois te poser sont les suivantes pour le choix de ton vélo, tu pars quelque mois mais est ce que après tu compte remettre ca ou plus du tout je pense que il te faut un vélo fiable mais sans forcement éclater le budget, apparament tu n'a plus de vélo du tout.
Perso je te conseille sois de voir dans de l'occasion il y a souvent de bonne affaire, parfois chez les vélociste il reste un vélo ancienne gamme aussi qu'ils n'arrivent pas a vendre, après si tu est sur de repartir plus tard tu peux penser a investir dans du long terme, et vu que tu reste en europe pour l'instant un cadre alu suffit amplement.
Quel est ton budget pour le vélo + le matos ?
En fait les questions que tu dois te poser sont les suivantes pour le choix de ton vélo, tu pars quelque mois mais est ce que après tu compte remettre ca ou plus du tout je pense que il te faut un vélo fiable mais sans forcement éclater le budget, apparament tu n'a plus de vélo du tout.
Perso je te conseille sois de voir dans de l'occasion il y a souvent de bonne affaire, parfois chez les vélociste il reste un vélo ancienne gamme aussi qu'ils n'arrivent pas a vendre, après si tu est sur de repartir plus tard tu peux penser a investir dans du long terme, et vu que tu reste en europe pour l'instant un cadre alu suffit amplement.
Quel est ton budget pour le vélo + le matos ?
salut tatoi... bon, difficile à dire encore...je prevois de partir 3 mois pour commencer, et en EUROPE (donc considerons se 1er voyage comme un test). Ensuite si l'envie et le besoin (et les finances) sont toujours là je repartirai, un peu plus longtemps, un peu plus loin... Je dispose d'un budget de 2500€, pour le velo et l'équipement (sacoches/tentes/textiles, etc.etc.). Ensuite, je n'ai pas d'idée sur le budget à prevoir sur la route, je pense qu'avec 15 à 20€ par jour je dois pouvoir m'en sortir tranquillement. Mon but n'est pas de rouler vite, mais de decrocher, de prendre le temps de voir les choses, de faire des rencontres, de ne plus subir tous les jours les assauts de cette société de qui commence à me courrir sur le haricot (au beurre, bien sur je suis breton...).
Un p'tit tour chez un vélociste près de chez toi pourrait te donner une idée de ce que tu peux avoir comme vélo. Demande bien un vélo de rando, pas un vélo de course.
Pour le budget sur la route, c'est plutôt - de 5€/jour.
Pour le budget sur la route, c'est plutôt - de 5€/jour.
Ok je vois deja un peu mieux ton projet car il correspond un peu au mien je compte partir pour fin février si mes calcul financier sont bon et un peu pour les meme raison que toi, surtout fait le vide dans ma tète et ne pas réfléchir enfin pas trop ^^.
En effet si tu pars en autonomie cyclo camping cela te coutera pas 20 euros par jour, après n'ayant pas effectué de long trajet pour l'instant je ne peux t'aider que pour le choix du vélo pour avoir fait pas mal de recherche de mon coté.
Comme je te l'ai dit essaye de voir du coté de l'occasion meme sur le net, le plus dur sur le net c'est de trvouer un vélo a la bonne taille, sinn pour ce qui est de léquipement camping voila un post qui est devenu ma bible en terme d'équipement, ce n'est pas une liste mais si tu lis bien tt les page tu pourra t'en faire une sur mesure en regroupant toute les informations de se post.
http://velorizontal.bbfr.net/forum-du-voyage-f5/petites-reflexions-pour-cyclocampeur-debutant-t4675.htm
2500 euros c'est assez important comme budget pour le vélo et l'équipement, tu a l'option d'achetez un vélo de bonne marquer type giant CR2 OU 3 ou encore de chez MBK greenfield comp, ct mon idée avant de tomber sur une bonne occaz.
Ce sont des vélo type vtc dont j'ai lu beaucoup de bonne critique sur se forum, des personne les ayant équiper pour le cyclo tourisme, en comptant de bon porte bagage + des sacoche haut de gamme tu ne dois pas etres loin des 1000 euros avec un peu d'équipement.
Sinon tu a l'option de taper dans le vélo de cyclo randonnée de fabrication artisanal en acier, la vrai bète de rando, un très très bon magasin a paris
http://www.rando-cycles.fr/
Ton vélo sera tout équiper et meme sur mesure mais il faut y mettre le prix, par contre entretenu c'est un vélo a vie que du très bon équipement, peut etre peut tu trouver se type de vélo près de chez toi ou prendre contact avec eux pour voir les modalité de livraison.
Tu a aussi l'option recyclage acheter du matos d'occaz, ca marche bien aussi perso je suis en train de me faire des sacoches pour mon vélo a partir de grand sac a dos pareil pour le matos tu peux toujours glaner des truc a gauche a droite dans les brocante ou quoi.
http://michel-en-velo.over-blog.com/
Voila la préparation prends beaucoup de temps, j'y suis en plein dedans, j'espère t'avoir apporter de nouvelle idéemais c'est a toi qu'appartient ton projet alors au boulot.
Amicalement.
En effet si tu pars en autonomie cyclo camping cela te coutera pas 20 euros par jour, après n'ayant pas effectué de long trajet pour l'instant je ne peux t'aider que pour le choix du vélo pour avoir fait pas mal de recherche de mon coté.
Comme je te l'ai dit essaye de voir du coté de l'occasion meme sur le net, le plus dur sur le net c'est de trvouer un vélo a la bonne taille, sinn pour ce qui est de léquipement camping voila un post qui est devenu ma bible en terme d'équipement, ce n'est pas une liste mais si tu lis bien tt les page tu pourra t'en faire une sur mesure en regroupant toute les informations de se post.
http://velorizontal.bbfr.net/forum-du-voyage-f5/petites-reflexions-pour-cyclocampeur-debutant-t4675.htm
2500 euros c'est assez important comme budget pour le vélo et l'équipement, tu a l'option d'achetez un vélo de bonne marquer type giant CR2 OU 3 ou encore de chez MBK greenfield comp, ct mon idée avant de tomber sur une bonne occaz.
Ce sont des vélo type vtc dont j'ai lu beaucoup de bonne critique sur se forum, des personne les ayant équiper pour le cyclo tourisme, en comptant de bon porte bagage + des sacoche haut de gamme tu ne dois pas etres loin des 1000 euros avec un peu d'équipement.
Sinon tu a l'option de taper dans le vélo de cyclo randonnée de fabrication artisanal en acier, la vrai bète de rando, un très très bon magasin a paris
http://www.rando-cycles.fr/
Ton vélo sera tout équiper et meme sur mesure mais il faut y mettre le prix, par contre entretenu c'est un vélo a vie que du très bon équipement, peut etre peut tu trouver se type de vélo près de chez toi ou prendre contact avec eux pour voir les modalité de livraison.
Tu a aussi l'option recyclage acheter du matos d'occaz, ca marche bien aussi perso je suis en train de me faire des sacoches pour mon vélo a partir de grand sac a dos pareil pour le matos tu peux toujours glaner des truc a gauche a droite dans les brocante ou quoi.
http://michel-en-velo.over-blog.com/
Voila la préparation prends beaucoup de temps, j'y suis en plein dedans, j'espère t'avoir apporter de nouvelle idéemais c'est a toi qu'appartient ton projet alors au boulot.
Amicalement.
Merci de tes conseils, je vais aller jeter mon oeil sur les liens. J'ai chopé sur qqs sites de TDM à velo, des listes de matos à ne surtout pas oublier. Dingue de voir des voyageurs qui roulent pour certains depuis plusieurs années en total autonomie... Grace au site j'ai pris contact avec un Nantais qui m'a déjà donné qqs tuyaux. La preparation de ce voyage me donne des fourmies, et les cartes routieres n'ont plus la meme odeur. En surfant je suis tombé sur le site http://www.cyclo-randonnee.fr/index.php ou tu trouves pas mal d"équipement, ou encore (pour rever) un Tourdumondiste de la region (que j'ai trouvé ce soir par hasard 😎) http://hleduc.tdmvelo.free.fr/v2/. Je te souhaite une bonne preparation, sans trop reflechir, enfin juste à l'essentiel...enfin voyager.
Bien amicalement
Martial
Bien amicalement
Martial
Salut,
Si tu veux des infos exhaustives sur le voyage à vélo, va sur le site de C.C.I. (cyclo camping international). L'association a édité un bouquin pas mal sur le voyage à vélo : Le manuel du voyageur à vélo.
www.cci.asso.fr
Gérard
Si tu veux des infos exhaustives sur le voyage à vélo, va sur le site de C.C.I. (cyclo camping international). L'association a édité un bouquin pas mal sur le voyage à vélo : Le manuel du voyageur à vélo.
www.cci.asso.fr
Gérard
Des kilomètres pour voir plus loin !
Salut Gérard
Merci pour cette publicité pour le site de CCI et pour le bouquin, , , , Nous avons dû faire une réédition et serons bientôt en rupture....Nous envisageons une nouvelle impression sous peu.... Sur Nantes CCI est bien représenté, se renseigner à partir du site par courriel..
Bon vent à tous...
Nux
Merci pour cette publicité pour le site de CCI et pour le bouquin, , , , Nous avons dû faire une réédition et serons bientôt en rupture....Nous envisageons une nouvelle impression sous peu.... Sur Nantes CCI est bien représenté, se renseigner à partir du site par courriel..
Bon vent à tous...
Nux
Salut 😎
Je suis nantais et de retour d'un voyage de deux mois en France et Italie. Je peux te filer quelques tuyaux sur Nantes et ma maigre expérience si tu veux, je peux aussi te montrer un peu de matos. Je suis sur Nantes en ce moment, avec des fourmis dans les jambes, mais je vais me resoudre quand meme a attendre les beaux jours pour repartir... N'hésite pas à me méler 🙂
Je suis nantais et de retour d'un voyage de deux mois en France et Italie. Je peux te filer quelques tuyaux sur Nantes et ma maigre expérience si tu veux, je peux aussi te montrer un peu de matos. Je suis sur Nantes en ce moment, avec des fourmis dans les jambes, mais je vais me resoudre quand meme a attendre les beaux jours pour repartir... N'hésite pas à me méler 🙂
Oh, et pour ma part, pour ce voyage, j'ai opté pour un KTM countryside de 2007, aucun problème après 6000 km à part les pièces d'usure que j'ai du changer (chaine, pignons et patins de frein bien mis à l'épreuve par les montagnes corses...). Il est toutefois un peu lourd, c'est le modèle VTT mastoc increvable, très fiable. Accompagné d'une remorque Bob Yak, quand même dans les 25 kg l'ensemble velo + remorque. Sinon, j'en suis très satisfait.
Pour le budget, j'ai fait entre 15-20 euros par jour en France et 5-10 en Sicile et Italie du Sud, ça depend vraiment des endroits. En tous cas, pas plus de 25 euros dans les pays les plus chers, je crois.
Pour le budget, j'ai fait entre 15-20 euros par jour en France et 5-10 en Sicile et Italie du Sud, ça depend vraiment des endroits. En tous cas, pas plus de 25 euros dans les pays les plus chers, je crois.
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Experience: I already have solid experience in bicycle touring in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Currently, I maintain excellent physical condition by cycling an average of 250 km over 3 days per week (4 hours a day at 20 km/h).
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After testing it for three years across various modes of transport, I’m sharing this video of a bike packing case. It’s made from recycled cardboard and shrink-wrapped, with adjustable thickness and added bubble wrap depending on the level of protection you want.
Installing spacers at the fork and chainstays makes the packaging compact. With the fifteen-odd euros for shrink-wrapping at the airport, this case travels really well.
https://youtu.be/_GDJi-GqmkM
- Low bulk (1.10m x 0.70m x 0.25m for a large frame), it fits vertically in train luggage compartments and the total dimensions (x+y+z) don’t exceed 2.40m.
- Two carrying solutions for public transport and easy handling by airport staff (no more tears in the cardboard from openings).
- Discreet packaging when dealing with bus drivers and train conductors, as it looks like an ordinary parcel.
- No need to return to the starting point to retrieve the case from your outbound trip, which you’d otherwise have to store somewhere, or deal with a bulky cover to pack in your panniers.
- You can still check tire pressure through the plastic film without damaging the packaging too much.
Drawbacks: Around 3 hours for this lengthy and meticulous process—removing the wheels, pedals, handlebars, and derailleur without misaligning them, then securing all components to the frame.
If you get a chance to test it, send me your feedback for future improvements.


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https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
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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?😏
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!
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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?
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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

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

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

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


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