Bonjour,
SVP, votre avis sur l'achat d'un vélo Cobra Decathlon 540, d'occasion, peu roulé, un très bon état.
Année de fabrication?
Prix possible en occasion?
Merci à tous,
DJ
Original post
Vélo Cobra 540 Decathlon
by Rouleàdroite
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Salut
Je vois que personne n'a eu le temps de te répondre, je le fais, le message sera assez long, il y a beaucoup à dire sur l’achat de vélo d'occasion quand on le destine au voyage à vélo, avec 25 ou 30 kg de chargement. Mon message suscitera sans doute des précisions d'autres membres du forum, surtout ceux qui ont adapté un vélo de route au voyage.
Les cobra sont des anciennes séries de vélos route/course de chez Décathlon.
Ils n'ont aucune partie en carbone, et sont en acier ou en alu (selon les années ou les niveaux dans la gamme). Ce sont de bons vélos pour s'entraîner sur la route à moindre coût, entre 40 et 100 € en bon état, voir ici.
Mais pour un usage en cyclo-camping, à mon avis ils ne sont pas adaptés, puisqu'étant développés pour être (relativement) légers, ils ne supporteront sans doute pas 15 ou 20 kg de charge. Le cadre et les roues sont sans doute les points faibles en cas de chargement. Il faudrait peut-être se cantonner à une remorque en changeant au moins les roues pour des plus résistantes. Sans compter que les développements ne seront pas adaptés à la montée de cols avec un chargement et un cycliste. Et la position de conduite est sans doute adaptée à la vitesse mais pas au confort.
En bref, il faudrait acheter une remorque, changer les roues, la transmission, les pneus et sans doute la selle voire la potence et le cintre pour se retrouver avec un cadre sans doute léger mais pas assez costaud pour supporter des dizaines de kg en plus du cycliste. 😕
Un meilleur choix dans le même style (décathlon ou autre) serait des vtt des années 80 ou 90, avec un cadre acier, cro-mo ou alu, sans suspension, avec dans ce cas un cadre et des roues adaptés au tout terrain donc plus solides et des développements qui correspondent bien à ce qu'on demande à un vélo de randonnée.
Cherche donc des vtt cadre rigide en bon état, de grandes marques. C'est encore moins cher et plus adapté. Exemple 1 ; exemple 2 ; Exemple 3 ; exemple 4 ; etc.
Pour ces vélos qui n'ont plus la cote, tu pourras sans doute négocier selon l'état. Il te faudra faire très attention à l'état de différents composants, la bonne affaire pouvant se révéler catastrophique dans certains cas. Fais attention (dans l'ordre) à ces éléments :Le cadre, qui doit être à ta taille et en état parfait, pas de rouille pour un acier (regarde dans le tube sous la selle, autour de l'axe de pédalier, du tube de direction, des soudures) et pas de bosse pour un alu. Un petit aimant t'aidera à savoir si tu as affaire à un acier ou à un alu. Des œillets de fixations pour porte bagage est un plus, ils sont toujours absents sur les cadres de vtt modernes, leur présence rend la fixation des porte-bagages (avant ou arrière) bien plus simple et efficace. Les roues, moyeux, rayons, jantes. Une jante très légèrement voilée se redresse, un rayon se change, mais si la jante a des coups, si la majorité des rayons sont détendus ou abîmés, si le moyeu a du jeu, tu devras changer les 2 roues. La transmission, pédalier (attention au jeu, au bruit) plateaux, chaîne, pignons (cassette = compter les dents du dernier pignon, il te faudra un 30 à 34 dents pour être à l'aise en montée) et dérailleur, même si un simple tournevis permet de régler les dérailleurs non tordus mais déréglés.La direction, attention au jeu, l'ancien système à plongeur (non ahead set) est plus difficile à régler et à monter pour un non bricoleur.Les freins, câbles, gaines, commandes, rien n'est cher mais si tu dois tout changer, ça a un coût. Les éléments en acier exposés aux intempéries, la visserie (sur la potence, le serrage de la tige de selle, etc.), les axes du dérailleur, du pédalier, ressorts des freins, etc.les éléments non métalliques qui vieillissent mal, patins de freins, poignées, selles. Tout ceci t'indiquera (ou indiquera à un ami connaisseur qui peut t'accompagner) à la fois si l'ancien proprio était attentionné à son vélo, et te permettra d'éliminer les vélos qui te demanderont de changer trop d'éléments. Bien sûr, il faut pouvoir inspecter et essayer le vélo avant tout achat, notamment pour le confort, la taille, les bruits suspects.
Pense que tu devras sans doute changer les pneus, acheter un porte-bagage et des sacoches, et qu'il ne sera donc pas rentable d'acheter un vélo sur lequel tout serait à changer, même si la marque ou la couleur te plaisent.
Pour les éléments que tu devras tout de même changer, regarde aussi les occasions, on trouve de bonnes roues de vtt en seconde main. Ceux qui s'achètent des tubeless ou des roues haut de gamme vendent généralement pour pas cher des bonnes roues adaptées au voyage à vélo. Les éléments de transmission par contre doivent plutôt être changés pour du neuf, et on change la chaîne si on change la cassette.
Bonne recherche et bonne remise en état !
P.S. : si ce qui te plaît est la position des "course" et les roues de 700 plus fines que celles de vtt, excuse pour le long message, et essaie alors de chercher parmi les "demi-courses", qui étaient plus robustes et déjà équipés de porte bagage, d'éclairage et à la transmission parfois plus adaptée (moins de grands développements). Exemple de vieux truc pas cher dans ce style ici.
Je vois que personne n'a eu le temps de te répondre, je le fais, le message sera assez long, il y a beaucoup à dire sur l’achat de vélo d'occasion quand on le destine au voyage à vélo, avec 25 ou 30 kg de chargement. Mon message suscitera sans doute des précisions d'autres membres du forum, surtout ceux qui ont adapté un vélo de route au voyage.
Les cobra sont des anciennes séries de vélos route/course de chez Décathlon.
Ils n'ont aucune partie en carbone, et sont en acier ou en alu (selon les années ou les niveaux dans la gamme). Ce sont de bons vélos pour s'entraîner sur la route à moindre coût, entre 40 et 100 € en bon état, voir ici.
Mais pour un usage en cyclo-camping, à mon avis ils ne sont pas adaptés, puisqu'étant développés pour être (relativement) légers, ils ne supporteront sans doute pas 15 ou 20 kg de charge. Le cadre et les roues sont sans doute les points faibles en cas de chargement. Il faudrait peut-être se cantonner à une remorque en changeant au moins les roues pour des plus résistantes. Sans compter que les développements ne seront pas adaptés à la montée de cols avec un chargement et un cycliste. Et la position de conduite est sans doute adaptée à la vitesse mais pas au confort.
En bref, il faudrait acheter une remorque, changer les roues, la transmission, les pneus et sans doute la selle voire la potence et le cintre pour se retrouver avec un cadre sans doute léger mais pas assez costaud pour supporter des dizaines de kg en plus du cycliste. 😕
Un meilleur choix dans le même style (décathlon ou autre) serait des vtt des années 80 ou 90, avec un cadre acier, cro-mo ou alu, sans suspension, avec dans ce cas un cadre et des roues adaptés au tout terrain donc plus solides et des développements qui correspondent bien à ce qu'on demande à un vélo de randonnée.
Cherche donc des vtt cadre rigide en bon état, de grandes marques. C'est encore moins cher et plus adapté. Exemple 1 ; exemple 2 ; Exemple 3 ; exemple 4 ; etc.
Pour ces vélos qui n'ont plus la cote, tu pourras sans doute négocier selon l'état. Il te faudra faire très attention à l'état de différents composants, la bonne affaire pouvant se révéler catastrophique dans certains cas. Fais attention (dans l'ordre) à ces éléments :Le cadre, qui doit être à ta taille et en état parfait, pas de rouille pour un acier (regarde dans le tube sous la selle, autour de l'axe de pédalier, du tube de direction, des soudures) et pas de bosse pour un alu. Un petit aimant t'aidera à savoir si tu as affaire à un acier ou à un alu. Des œillets de fixations pour porte bagage est un plus, ils sont toujours absents sur les cadres de vtt modernes, leur présence rend la fixation des porte-bagages (avant ou arrière) bien plus simple et efficace. Les roues, moyeux, rayons, jantes. Une jante très légèrement voilée se redresse, un rayon se change, mais si la jante a des coups, si la majorité des rayons sont détendus ou abîmés, si le moyeu a du jeu, tu devras changer les 2 roues. La transmission, pédalier (attention au jeu, au bruit) plateaux, chaîne, pignons (cassette = compter les dents du dernier pignon, il te faudra un 30 à 34 dents pour être à l'aise en montée) et dérailleur, même si un simple tournevis permet de régler les dérailleurs non tordus mais déréglés.La direction, attention au jeu, l'ancien système à plongeur (non ahead set) est plus difficile à régler et à monter pour un non bricoleur.Les freins, câbles, gaines, commandes, rien n'est cher mais si tu dois tout changer, ça a un coût. Les éléments en acier exposés aux intempéries, la visserie (sur la potence, le serrage de la tige de selle, etc.), les axes du dérailleur, du pédalier, ressorts des freins, etc.les éléments non métalliques qui vieillissent mal, patins de freins, poignées, selles. Tout ceci t'indiquera (ou indiquera à un ami connaisseur qui peut t'accompagner) à la fois si l'ancien proprio était attentionné à son vélo, et te permettra d'éliminer les vélos qui te demanderont de changer trop d'éléments. Bien sûr, il faut pouvoir inspecter et essayer le vélo avant tout achat, notamment pour le confort, la taille, les bruits suspects.
Pense que tu devras sans doute changer les pneus, acheter un porte-bagage et des sacoches, et qu'il ne sera donc pas rentable d'acheter un vélo sur lequel tout serait à changer, même si la marque ou la couleur te plaisent.
Pour les éléments que tu devras tout de même changer, regarde aussi les occasions, on trouve de bonnes roues de vtt en seconde main. Ceux qui s'achètent des tubeless ou des roues haut de gamme vendent généralement pour pas cher des bonnes roues adaptées au voyage à vélo. Les éléments de transmission par contre doivent plutôt être changés pour du neuf, et on change la chaîne si on change la cassette.
Bonne recherche et bonne remise en état !
P.S. : si ce qui te plaît est la position des "course" et les roues de 700 plus fines que celles de vtt, excuse pour le long message, et essaie alors de chercher parmi les "demi-courses", qui étaient plus robustes et déjà équipés de porte bagage, d'éclairage et à la transmission parfois plus adaptée (moins de grands développements). Exemple de vieux truc pas cher dans ce style ici.
Tout dépend bien entendu de l'usage envisagé, ce que nous dit pas "Rouleàdroite"; mais il est possible d'atteler à ce genre de vélo une extraweel par exemple: pour emmener de quoi camper, effort minime sur la roue AR du vélo etc... et on conserve un vélo léger, qui roule super pour les randos à la journée par ex.
Perso je n'arrive pas à concevoir un vélo sans chargement qui pése déjà 15 kg ou plus ...
Bonjour,
Merci de votre avis clair et rapide. Je viens de tester ce vélo sur un voyage de 1900 kms, deux sacoches et un sac le tout 15kg, à l'arrière. Tout s'est bien passé, aucun souci; maintenant, finies les vacances, j'utiliserai ce vélo en petites sorties dominicales, (30 à 40kms). On m'avait prêté ce vélo, ancien mais n'ayant pas parcouru 1500 kms, entretenu par un propriétaire soigneux. Vos observations sont judicieuses. Le Cobra lui-même approche 14 kgs. 80 euros?
Amitiés de Rouleàdroite, à vous lire,
DJ
Merci de votre avis clair et rapide. Je viens de tester ce vélo sur un voyage de 1900 kms, deux sacoches et un sac le tout 15kg, à l'arrière. Tout s'est bien passé, aucun souci; maintenant, finies les vacances, j'utiliserai ce vélo en petites sorties dominicales, (30 à 40kms). On m'avait prêté ce vélo, ancien mais n'ayant pas parcouru 1500 kms, entretenu par un propriétaire soigneux. Vos observations sont judicieuses. Le Cobra lui-même approche 14 kgs. 80 euros?
Amitiés de Rouleàdroite, à vous lire,
DJ
Perso je n'arrive pas à concevoir un vélo sans chargement qui pése déjà 15 kg ou plus ...
Je pense aussi que la chasse aux kg superflus doit être prise en compte. De la part de quelqu'un qui vient de faire 3 fois le Ventoux en 3 semaines, sur un vtt, crois moi, je te suis sur cette remarque.
Néanmoins, sache qu'un vtt correct pèse moins que 15 kg. Le mien fait dans les 13 kg. Sans porte bagage et avec des jantes et des pneus de route (pour aller au boulot et faire de la route), il est à environ 12 kg. Un ancien non suspendu, en cro mo ou en alu, doit tourner autour de 14 kg ... et c'est ce que pèse celui dont parle Rouleàdroite.
Donc, pour celui qui tient à avoir un course, pourquoi pas, j'ai moi-même des envies de m'acheter un vieux Bianchi, mais je pense que ça revient moins cher d'opter pour un VTT d'occase dont on a vérifié les éléments essentiels. Et c'est plus solide pour 1 à 2 kg de plus. Reste l’esthétique, les fins coursiers en tubes colombus sont bien plus beaux que les vtt d'ancienne génération, on n'est pas dans la même catégorie.
Les goûts et les couleurs, dont on ne discute pas, vont orienter les choix de chacun !
80 euros?
S'il te plaît, et qu'il est en bon état, prends-le ! C'est le prix d'une paire de pneus marathon.
Je pense aussi que la chasse aux kg superflus doit être prise en compte. De la part de quelqu'un qui vient de faire 3 fois le Ventoux en 3 semaines, sur un vtt, crois moi, je te suis sur cette remarque.
Néanmoins, sache qu'un vtt correct pèse moins que 15 kg. Le mien fait dans les 13 kg. Sans porte bagage et avec des jantes et des pneus de route (pour aller au boulot et faire de la route), il est à environ 12 kg. Un ancien non suspendu, en cro mo ou en alu, doit tourner autour de 14 kg ... et c'est ce que pèse celui dont parle Rouleàdroite.
Donc, pour celui qui tient à avoir un course, pourquoi pas, j'ai moi-même des envies de m'acheter un vieux Bianchi, mais je pense que ça revient moins cher d'opter pour un VTT d'occase dont on a vérifié les éléments essentiels. Et c'est plus solide pour 1 à 2 kg de plus. Reste l’esthétique, les fins coursiers en tubes colombus sont bien plus beaux que les vtt d'ancienne génération, on n'est pas dans la même catégorie.
Les goûts et les couleurs, dont on ne discute pas, vont orienter les choix de chacun !
80 euros?
S'il te plaît, et qu'il est en bon état, prends-le ! C'est le prix d'une paire de pneus marathon.
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2/ Do you recommend a steel frame and fork over aluminum? I’m guessing a high-quality aluminum frame and fork would be better than a low-quality steel one, right?
3/ Regarding the smallest gear ratio, is 0.71 a good number for a loaded bike in the mountains?
4/ Finally, what do you think of these four models for my project? My heart leans toward the TX-400—it seems to combine the versatility and robustness I’m looking for. But the price difference with the T-700 LTD is making me think twice!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I’m preparing for a long trip heading to Nepal, with stops along the way depending on my mood, work needs, and the season. I cycle a lot, but this will be my first big touring adventure. I’d like to camp regularly to keep costs down, so I’ll be riding on all kinds of surfaces: smooth and rough roads, main highways and rocky paths to find my camping spots, flat terrain and the occasional steep slopes.
For my bike model, I’m prioritizing durability, versatility, and repairability. From that perspective, I prefer a steel frame and fork with rim brakes since I’m used to them. I’ve narrowed my choices down to four models:
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur T-700 LTD (1400 €): steel frame, aluminum fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 28" wheels, 40mm tires, 36 spokes (2 mm), lightweight rear rack (max 20 kg), no front rack included, smallest gear ratio of 0.72, weight of 13.9 kg.
- The VSF Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 (2200 €): steel frame and fork, hydraulic rim brakes, 26" wheels, 50mm tires, 36 spokes (2.34 mm), front and rear racks included (40+18 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Genesis Tour de Fer 30 (2150 €): steel frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, 28" wheels, 36 spokes, 40mm tires, front and rear racks included (27+10 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.77, weight of 15.9 kg.
- The Rockrider ADTV 900 from Decathlon (1700 €): aluminum frame and fork, mechanical disc brakes, USB port, 28" wheels, 47mm tires, 28 spokes, front and rear racks included (40+20 kg), smallest gear ratio of 0.71, weight of 17.1 kg. This is the successor to the Riverside Touring 900, which was a hit.
I’ve got a few questions:
1/ Should I go for 26" or 28" wheels for my trip? 26" wheels seem better for rough terrain, but 28" wheels feel more comfortable on roads. I’ve also read that 26" tires/tubes are easier to find.
2/ Do you recommend a steel frame and fork over aluminum? I’m guessing a high-quality aluminum frame and fork would be better than a low-quality steel one, right?
3/ Regarding the smallest gear ratio, is 0.71 a good number for a loaded bike in the mountains?
4/ Finally, what do you think of these four models for my project? My heart leans toward the TX-400—it seems to combine the versatility and robustness I’m looking for. But the price difference with the T-700 LTD is making me think twice!
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
17 days, 1,400 km, and 17,500 m of elevation gain cycling in northern Vietnam! 🇻🇳 🚴🇻🇳
From the misty Fansipan to the breathtaking landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, from remote villages to vibrant markets...
I cycled through the north of the country, getting up close with its people—through mud, heat, endless mountain passes, and unforgettable encounters.
Most importantly, I discovered a Vietnam far different from the usual tourist circuits.
Join me on this adventure through a video that captures these 17 days of travel. :)
If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!
Tôi fan Việt Nam!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vX18zebe0
Period: March–April 2025
If Vietnam calls to you, come ride a stretch with me!
Tôi fan Việt Nam!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2vX18zebe0
Period: March–April 2025
Hi,
can anyone give us some tips on how to get to North Cape from Lyon Gerland?
What’s the best route to join the EuroVelo 7?
How many kilometers is it from Lyon to North Cape via EuroVelo 7?
The best month to leave—we’re thinking early May.
Thanks for any advice!
Looking for a female travel companion for a cycling trip (arriving by plane in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and cycling toward Montevideo, Uruguay, returning by plane to France from Buenos Aires, Argentina) – 1,500 km
Hello everyone! I’m planning a cycling trip across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, with a departure set for late October, November, or December. I’m looking for a travel companion to share this long-distance adventure with.
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).
The trip & the pace:
Daily pace: Between 50 and 80 km per day, to make steady progress while taking time to explore. Accommodation: Flexible and authentic. We’ll alternate between wild camping, campsites, Warmshowers, small guesthouses, and budget hotels depending on opportunities and the weather.
Looking forward to reading your message and planning this amazing journey together!
Hello everyone! I’m planning a cycling trip across Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, with a departure set for late October, November, or December. I’m looking for a travel companion to share this long-distance adventure with.
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).
The trip & the pace:
Daily pace: Between 50 and 80 km per day, to make steady progress while taking time to explore. Accommodation: Flexible and authentic. We’ll alternate between wild camping, campsites, Warmshowers, small guesthouses, and budget hotels depending on opportunities and the weather.
Looking forward to reading your message and planning this amazing journey together!
Another long-time dream of Claudio’s: the Petit Mont Cenis pass and the dam at the eponymous lake.
A place where many Italians, including my father, worked in the 1950s–60s.
Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne → Lanslebourg → Petit Mont Cenis → return. 315 km, 3 days. Bivouac at St-Michel-de-M.
Brouter link
Leg One: Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne Leg Two: St-Michel → Lanslebourg → Mont Cenis Lake → St-Michel Leg Three: St-Michel → Faverges
And it finally happened in August 2026: in the Maurienne Valley about the famous cycle route known as the V67
Leg One: Faverges → St-Michel-de-Maurienne Leg Two: St-Michel → Lanslebourg → Mont Cenis Lake → St-Michel Leg Three: St-Michel → Faverges
And it finally happened in August 2026: in the Maurienne Valley about the famous cycle route known as the V67
Hi there,
Is there a bike route that crosses Italy to catch the boat to Sicily?
If so, where does it start and where does it end?
🇷🇼 Cycling in Rwanda: 4 episodes, an off-the-beaten-path adventure
After 3 weeks and nearly 1,200 km by bike across Rwanda, I made 4 videos to share this adventure in a different way: the landscapes, the encounters, the villages… but above all, all those incredible scenes of everyday life.
The 4 episodes are available here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGnfbxjccWAg
The 4th episode focuses on rural Rwandan life: simple, authentic, and sometimes surprising scenes that you only truly discover when you take the time to travel by bike.
If you have a few minutes, let yourself be transported to Rwanda…
Hi,
We bought the MSR bike tent model (2-person + large awning that can fit 2 bikes) back in 2005. It’s served us really well, especially during a year-long trip in Africa. Now, one of the poles is broken, and we’d love to replace it since that’s the only issue with the tent—we still love it! The poles are 9.35 mm in diameter, with 8 sections of 49 cm and 2 sections of 28 cm. Total length when assembled: 416 cm. Actually, two large sections are broken: one straight and one curved. It’s a pain to find replacements since this model is no longer sold anywhere.
Would anyone have this model lying around unused and be willing to sell me a pole?
Hi everyone,
In early April, I’m redoing the Vélo Francette (La Rochelle to Ouistreham), and then I’d like to cycle along the Cotentin Peninsula (which I don’t know at all), follow the coast up to Cherbourg, and then head back down to at least Saint-Malo. I’d love to know if it’s pleasant for cycling—are the roads nice? Not too windy? What are the must-see spots? Any great campsites? All your tips and advice are more than welcome, and I thank you in advance.
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.
I just took a trip in Tunisia from Tozeur to Douz, skirting Chott el Jerid to the south. I’m back with the urge to keep going further south via the 4x4 tracks to connect Douz to Ksar Ghilane. Has anyone driven this route recently or explored southern Tunisia?
Thanks for your tips!
fix
Hi, who can recommend a bike route from Vienne, Isère to Sicily, and what’s the best time of year to go?
Thanks
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
https://curieuxcyclos.eklablog.fr/
😎Fellow traveling cyclists or not, all of you who love travel, the pleasure of physical effort, nature, beautiful machines, people with true passions they seek to fulfill, and who also enjoy reading great literature about all this—the *200* magazine is for you just as it is for me. I should mention I have no financial or other interest in this (in an era where we accuse our politicians of all sorts of vile interests, I prefer to take precautions). I’ve been subscribed since the beginning, and every three months, I get my 130 pages of dreams (the magazine just went from 110 to 130 pages).
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!
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.