Hello everyone,
When traveling as a couple (which isn't the majority here on the forum), we adapt to our partner's needs/capabilities (I lighten the load as much as possible).
I do exactly the same. She carries her own stuff and rides a (fairly) lightweight bike, and I take care of everything that's shared. Obviously, I don’t have the same bike. But in the end, we make it to the top at the same time. 😉
Hello everyone,
When traveling as a couple (which isn't the majority here on the forum), we adapt to our partner's needs and abilities (I keep it as light as possible for her).
I do exactly the same. She carries her own things and rides a (fairly) lightweight bike, and I take care of everything we share. Obviously, I don’t have the same bike. But in the end, we reach the top at the same time. 😉
Hello,
I have a similar approach when we travel as a couple—we also adjust our routes so it’s enjoyable for both of us.
Actually, it’s just like hiking: you walk at the pace of the slowest person, and everything goes smoothly.
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.
Not so much bags before clothes (her and him) for the outer part of the tent, rear bags for sleeping gear, the top bag for the inner part of the tent, kitchen stuff.
The handlebar bag for camera, money, passport. On the frame: tools and pump, tube.
More bulky than heavy...
By the way, the photo was taken in Agen, very close to Café Vélo where we slept.
I’ll take the opportunity to give them a little shout-out—it’s a great spot to sleep along the Canal de Garonne.
It’s noted for the overnight stay since I’ve got BORDEAUX–SÈTE on the agenda as soon as our microbial invasion is gone.
Safe travels!
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.
Here’s my bike. Bought in 2016 at Cycloptitssoins in the Loire department (42).
It’s a second-hand steel frame (early 2000s MTB/hybrid style). Repainted and guaranteed.
26'' wheels
Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires
Shimano Acera 3x7 drivetrain
CENTRAL KICKSTAND
Original aluminum rear rack, replaced with steel Tubus racks
Butterfly handlebars—super practical for long trips
Front hub dynamo
The water bottles are wrapped in wet socks to cool the water (evaporation principle)
Vaude panniers + frame bag
The bike weighs 18 kg in this setup.
I don’t remember the frame size, but I’m 1.87 m tall.
Over 20,000 km on the odometer—super sturdy and comfortable bike.
Cyclo touristes en couple. Tour d'EUrope en 2016, Route de la Soie en 2017, Afrique australe en 2018.
Notre blog https://ensellemarcel.wordpress.com/
Let me introduce you to the MBK Greenfield T204DF—it's not a bike, it's a tank! A real war machine! 21 speeds! Actually, it's my partner's bike that I just pulled out of the basement while I wait to take my Giant TCR to the repair shop.
I paid 50 quid at Mondovélo, raised the saddle a bit, added a few panniers, pumped up the tires, and it even has a kickstand—it's awesome!
My bike ready to go ... after lockdown!
It's a Decathlon mountain bike from 1989!! with front and rear racks added, plus two MSX panniers from a German brand.
Mine’s a Histoire bike, the big touring model. I got it for Christmas and so far I’ve just been using it as my commuter bike.
I’ve decked it out with Brooks and Berthoud leather accessories, a platform rack, and a few other bits that give it a vintage look! Starting in August, the plan is a four-month tour de France... though given the circumstances, I might end up sticking to my region for now. ^^
Where did you find your front rack with a platform?
Thanks and have a great weekend
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.
For platform racks, you need to be careful because I realized something: they significantly reduce the fork's flexibility, and you feel the vibrations much more.
This is due to the rack's attachment, which is fixed to the fork legs but also has a brace secured at the top of those same legs, locking the fork's flexibility. It's something to consider, in my opinion
I suggest you attach your rear rack to the fork arms rather than the top mount (JDD), as shown in your edited photo below.
If there are no eyelets, you can improvise with zip ties, like I did to install the front rack (Blackburn Outpost Front) on my wife’s bike with a suspension fork (next 3 photos).
Anyway, you’ve got a great bike, and I hope you enjoy many long and beautiful rides with it.
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.
For telescopic forks, since they're structurally designed to be very rigid (stanchion inside the fork leg), attaching a mudguard to a low point plus a high point or attaching it elsewhere won't make any difference.
For non-telescopic forks, the fork's flexion is less than the compression of soft tires. To achieve flexibility or softness, it's better to fit soft tires inflated to the correct pressure rather than fitting super-rigid, highly inflated tires and looking for deformation in the fork or frame. This was actually measured here.
Anyway, comfort and the absence of pain on a long ride have little to do with the bike's flexibility or softness. What matters are the bike's geometry and adjustments based on the cyclist to ensure a good fit. Some people complain about back, arm, or hand pain, yet tick all the boxes usually associated with comfort—steel frame, leather saddle, wide tires—but have a bike that's too big or a poorly adjusted position.
Comfort and the absence of pain on a long journey have little to do with the flexibility or softness of the bike—it's the bike's geometry and adjustments based on the cyclist that matter
yes, with one small caveat: stiffness *can* still become an issue on unpaved roads. That said, I can confirm that personally, I’m more comfortable on my non-suspended bike with a custom frame than I was on my old hybrid and full-suspension MTBs with frames that were just a bit too long for me. That’s the whole point of custom frames for cyclists—especially for those of us with body types that don’t fit the average mold—who are planning long-distance trips.
Rando-Cycles, designed and assembled in 2012.
Over 70,000 km in travel mode.
A tank that goes anywhere, no serious breakdowns.
18 kg empty. Steel frame. Hand-built wheels, replaced 3 times.
Rear rack: Tubus, front rack: Surly. Rigid fork.
Brooks or Berthoud saddle.
Ortlieb panniers—not the best model, but chosen for their low-key color.
Classic Shimano drivetrain. Indestructible Campagnolo pedals.
The ultimate luxury for our bikes: custom frame and Rohloff hub.
Downside—they’re heavy: 15 to 16 kg. On the plus side, I swapped the V-brakes for hydraulic disc brakes—absolute bliss on descents with a loaded bike.
Some people criticize it for being expensive, but I only see advantages: a chain that wears out slowly because it's single-speed front and back, the rear sprocket is even reversible; gear shifting while stationary with the twist grip, 14 continuous gears, and you can shift up or down multiple gears at once. The only small drawback (if you can call it that) is that you need to change the oil like a gearbox roughly every 5,000 km. It's easy to do; I've done it on the side of the road once—the equipment needed is lightweight: a syringe and two small 20 ml bottles, one for flushing and one for new oil. My partner found it amazing compared to derailleur shifting. On our bikes, it's installed as standard with special rear dropouts, but you can fit it on a bike with a standard rear dropout. With 26-inch wheels, it's best to use rims designed for it to avoid issues with the angle of the spoke heads, which could otherwise cause spoke breakage. Another advantage is that the rear stays are symmetrical on our custom-made bikes, and all the spokes are identical.
There must be a post on the forum about Rohloff hubs or others comparing them to derailleur gear shifting.
Here’s "MAVAEL", our tandem and its trusty trailer! Aluminum frame, Hope 200 mm disc brakes; with both of us on the scale, it’s 180 kg including all our luggage. For the rear, we’ve got a "Halo SAS" downhill wheel—pretty sturdy, but a bit heavy! It’s got Marathon tires. For our rides the rest of the year, we’ve got another tandem, a "LOOK A2", with 700c wheels—don’t worry, it’s much lighter!!
Hi there,
farrhad tx 400
ready to go 😛 well, we'll see
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.
Comfort and the absence of pain on a long journey have little to do with the flexibility or softness of the bike—it's the bike's geometry and adjustments based on the cyclist that matter
yes, with one small caveat: stiffness can still become an issue on unpaved roads. With that said, I can confirm that personally, I’m more comfortable on my non-suspended bike with a custom frame than I was on my former hybrid and full-suspension MTBs, which had frames that were a bit too long for me. That’s the whole advantage of custom frames for cyclists—especially for women cyclists—who have body types that don’t fit the average mold and are planning long-distance trips.
I have the same problem as you, Monique—my legs are too long, or my torso’s too short, take your pick!
That means on most off-the-shelf frames, I end up with either the right seat tube size but a top tube that’s too long, or the opposite.
I can tweak the stem and saddle setback, but it’s never perfect.
So in the end, I contacted Fabien Bonnet in Grenoble to make me a custom frame. It was supposed to be ready by mid-April, but with this pandemic, the tubes and parts are taking forever to arrive.
That said, since I can’t ride anyway...
Since the fork arms have some thickness, why not drill them and attach the rack with two screws (especially if the frame is steel)? All you need is a good metal drill bit and two screws of the same diameter, about 2 cm long. In my opinion, a 0.5 cm drill bit does the job for adding two eyelets to this fork. On my Surly racks, I did a mix—Allen screws and regular screws—so anyone trying to steal my racks would need the right tools. 😄
For me, it's a Trek 7.3 aluminum frame with a rigid fork, 11.6 kg empty. Here's a photo after a long week of rain—you can even see a pair of cycling shorts and socks drying off. 😎
I’ve only tested this bike on a 565 km trip, so it’s a bit early to judge. I’m planning a longer trip for this summer, hopefully. I also had a mountain bike for a long time, a Scrapper 5.1, which I used for quite a few adventures.
I suggest that your rear rack be attached to the fork arms rather than the top mount (JDD), as shown in your edited photo below.
If there are no eyelets, you can improvise with zip ties, like what I used to install the front rack (Blackburn Outpost Front) on my wife’s bike with a suspension fork (next 3 photos).
Anyway, you’ve got a great bike, and I hope you enjoy many long and beautiful rides with it.
This issue is fixed to the fork crown and each of the fork legs. You can see it very clearly in the photo provided by Scouty.
I’ll add that the mounting points aren’t the reason for the discomfort you’re feeling—you should really question those Schwalbe Marathons instead.
These tires are extremely stiff, and that rigidity prevents them from deforming and filtering out vibrations.
Several of us on this forum have explained that these tires are uncomfortable, don’t grip well, and have terrible efficiency. The only possible use for them is for round-the-world tourers who are afraid they won’t find replacement tires in the middle of Balochistan!
For any other use, you should choose something more flexible and accept that the tires won’t last as long.
At the opposite end of the spectrum from the Marathons, you have ultra-light tires like the Compass (René Herse), which still last around 5000 km!
That’s a bit short. Criticisms of the Rohloff go far beyond the price:
no control over gear spacing—you’re stuck with MTB gearing even if you ride on the road;
if any part of the wheel (hub, rim, or several spokes) breaks, you can’t replace it with a wheel bought locally;
oil change requirement;
risk of losing lubricant on a flight;
can’t fix issues yourself if something goes wrong;
manufacturer’s limitation on the minimum gear ratio to avoid excessive torque.
All this needs to be weighed against the positives.
Price is just one factor in everyone’s choice. I don’t know the cost of a Rohloff, but I’m sure it’s much less than a high-end derailleur groupset for a road bike (Super Record EPS).
That’s a bit simplistic. Criticisms of the Rohloff go far beyond the price:
No control over gear spacing—you’re stuck with MTB gearing even if you ride on the road;
If any part of the wheel (hub, rim, or several spokes) breaks, you can’t replace it with a wheel bought locally;
Oil change requirement;
Risk of losing lubricant on a flight;
Can’t fix issues yourself if something goes wrong;
Manufacturer’s limitation on the minimum gear ratio to avoid excessive torque.
All of this needs to be weighed against the positives.
Price is just one factor in everyone’s decision. I don’t know the cost of a Rohloff, but I’m sure it’s much lower than a high-end road bike derailleur system (like Super Record EPS).
Regarding the prices I’ve seen for bikes, the same models sold with derailleurs or Rohloff have a difference of about 800 € more for the Rohloff version.
That’s equivalent to:
- 5 rear and front derailleurs
- 5 cassettes
- 10 chains
- 5 sets of pulleys
Enough to last a while!
So the economic argument doesn’t hold up.
Maybe the "peace of mind" argument put forward by its fans is the most valid one?
Without wanting to dive into the Rohloff discussion (there are posts for that), the Rohloff is guaranteed for 100,000 km. How many times would you have changed a conventional drivetrain over that distance? Don’t think it’s impossible—at a campsite, I met a German guy whose Rohloff had 95,000 km on it with no issues at all! There have been problems, but they’re very rare (the Solicycle world tourers, if I remember correctly, and Rohloff fixed the issue far from Europe, I think). For MTB gear range, that’s not an argument—who hasn’t found themselves on a dirt trail or similar with a steep gradient while traveling, where the MTB gearing comes in handy? As for the highest gear, I don’t ride at 40 km/h (except rarely on descents, and even then), I’m just cruising and enjoying the scenery. I’ll leave it at that on this topic.
Without wanting to dive into this Rohloff discussion (there are posts for that). The Rohloff is guaranteed for 100,000 km. How many times would you have changed a conventional drivetrain over that distance? Don’t think it’s impossible—I met a German at a campsite whose Rohloff had 95,000 km and had no issues! There have been problems, but they’re very rare (the Solicycle world tourers if I remember correctly, and Rohloff fixed the issue far from Europe, I think). For MTB gear range, that’s not an argument—who hasn’t found themselves on a dirt trail or similar with a steep gradient while traveling, where MTB gearing comes in handy? As for the highest gear, I don’t ride at 40 km/h (except rarely on descents, and even then), I just cruise around admiring the scenery. I won’t go further on the topic.
Hi Claude,
I’m not debating the quality of the Rohloff—its reputation is well-earned, and there are plenty of testimonials to back it up.
What I’m pointing out is that the lifespan of such a system costs 800 €, and with that amount, you could easily replace the wear parts of a conventional drivetrain to match the same mileage as a Rohloff.
The financial benefit is therefore highly debatable. That’s the only point I’m questioning—otherwise, it’s a matter of taste and usage, so it remains a very personal choice.
Best regards,
Regarding the vibration issue, I completely agree with you. My Marathon Plus tires in 26/2 are still quite heavy and stiff! I almost regret my Victoria Randonneurs tires from my old bike—they might have been less durable, but they were much more comfortable and had better efficiency.
Still, I got the bike without the front rack, which I added myself two months later. I really noticed a difference before and after the rack.
I’ll definitely try removing the top fork mount to see! :)
No control over gear spacing—you have to put up with MTB gearing even when riding on the road;
Impossible to replace a broken wheel component (hub, rim, or several spokes) with one bought locally;
Maintenance constraint of oil changes;
Risk of losing lubricant during air travel;
Inability to fix issues yourself in case of problems;
Manufacturer’s limitation on the smallest usable gear ratio to avoid excessive torque.
All of this should be weighed against the positive points.
Price is just one factor in the choice everyone makes. I don’t know the cost of a Rohloff, but I suspect it’s much lower than that of a high-end derailleur system for a road bike (like Super Record EPS).
Hi,
Regarding the risks of rim or spoke breakage, it’s worth noting that a wheel built with a Rohloff hub is actually stronger than its equivalent with a traditional derailleur: the spoke pattern is symmetrical, and the flange is larger in diameter. This means stress is better distributed, with better balance than on a wheel with a cassette. Rigidity and durability are improved as a result.
Another point: Spokes can be easily replaced (without having to remove the cassette), and you don’t need to carry two different spoke sizes.
On the other hand, if you break a rim in the middle of the African savanna, whether you have a Rohloff or a traditional derailleur doesn’t make much difference in my opinion... In either case, you’ll have to figure out how to reach a town where you can get a new wheel or order one from a supplier or Rohloff (their customer service is very efficient and doesn’t hesitate to ship a complete wheel). Getting a wheel sent from Germany isn’t a deal-breaker for long-term travel, in my view. Small detail: some current Rohloff-equipped bikes have a derailleur hanger, which simplifies potential repairs.
To wrap this up, you can find plenty of testimonials from travelers who’ve covered tens (or even hundreds) of thousands of kilometers with a Rohloff without major issues.
As for gear spacing, you can adjust the sprocket and chainring to suit your riding style—it doesn’t seem like a deal-breaker to me.
When it comes to cost, saving money isn’t the main reason for buying a Rohloff. That said, it’s still worth considering the long-term return on investment.
Thanks for the details.
The Rohloff system does seem really reliable—all the cyclists I’ve met seemed happy with it.
But on really long trips, doesn’t that rim with its unique spoke pattern wear out just like regular ones?
For mountain biking range, that’s not really an argument—who hasn’t found themselves on a dirt trail or similar with a steep gradient while traveling, where the mountain bike gearing comes in handy?
This part is probably in response to my post. I was talking about the Rohloff’s gear range, which is similar to a mountain bike’s and, more importantly, fixed by design. Not the smallest gear ratio. End of my Rohloff tangent. There are actually dedicated threads about this system.
hi there,
some old photos of a bike still going strong after 24 years and 80,000 km on the clock.
it was made by a bike manufacturer in Rive-de-Gier (Notar).
For maintenance and simplicity reasons, we wanted:
gear shifting on the frame, a 7-speed cassette, triple chainring.
The rear racks were custom-made, Ortlieb panniers... still going strong 24 years later!!
la vie est comme un livre, celui qui n'a pas voyagé n'en connais que la 1ere page.
Got it—my bike had been retired from big trips for 11 years (3,000 km in Madagascar). After 2 months at home, I decided to hit the road again for a big journey (Mexico to Ushuaia). The bike’s actually on its last legs (there are even holes in the frame), but personally, as long as it doesn’t split in two, I’ll keep going with it. Not many bikes have seen the Andaman Islands, Sikkim, Bora Bora, Easter Island, or crossed the Wadi Rum desert…
So, I’ll try to patch up the hole and off we go!
la vie est comme un livre, celui qui n'a pas voyagé n'en connais que la 1ere page.
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?
😎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?😏
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
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
Hello,
Has anyone here had experience using a gas stove in Sardinia and Sicily? I’m wondering if screw-on gas canisters (not the blue Campingaz ones, but brands like Coleman, Primus, etc.) are easy to find.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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?
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.
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
third time's the charm... l😛
Downside—they’re heavy: 15 to 16 kg. On the plus side, I swapped the V-brakes for hydraulic disc brakes—absolute bliss on descents with a loaded bike.
