I had a recumbent bike, an Optima with a low handlebar. (...) Not practical to push by hand, going down 3 steps in a train station...
That's true, but especially for low-handlebar models. From that point of view, my bike is easy: high handlebar, a really rigid frame, and a good grip at the top of the backrest—it works. I just regret that most SNCF elevators are too short; it forces me to bring my bike in diagonally and lift the front wheel by more than 40 cm.
Position, super comfy... a thrilling gliding sensation... and that's it.
That’s already not so bad 😉 I’d add that you get to enjoy the scenery much more, except when riding along a guardrail that might be at eye level.
You have to stay focused to avoid falling, and if you get distracted even a little, the ditch isn’t far ;-) And the worst is the climbs...
Balancing, especially uphill, is clearly harder than on a regular bike. But some recumbent bikes designed for "touring" are relatively easy to handle, and after a few hundred kilometers (well, to be honest, more like 1000 than 100 now), I ride pretty relaxed—except on switchbacks uphill or steep sections: above 9-10%, I really struggle. But I’ll keep at it. Anyway, I don’t have a choice—my right shoulder and left wrist can’t handle a regular bike for more than a short 15-minute ride...
I ride pretty relaxed, except on hairpin climbs or steep sections: anything over 9-10% is really tough for me.
As a recumbent bike newbie, I think that beyond efficiency (you can’t use your arms, torso, or back to shift your weight onto the pedals on a recumbent like you can on an upright bike), serious climbs require a change in body position. You lean forward, grip the hoods, get out of the saddle a bit, or even stand up to put more weight on the front wheel when climbing. While this feels natural—even unconscious—on an upright bike, it’s impossible on a recumbent. In fact, the opposite happens: the horizontal projection of the recumbent rider’s center of gravity shifts closer to the rear wheel in climbs, when it should be nearer the front wheel for better stability.
I also think (though I could be wrong) that the constant, unconscious lateral shifts in center of gravity that help maintain balance on a bike (and are part of learning to ride) are much easier on an upright bike. You’re supported by your feet, hands, and seat, so your center of gravity can adjust—even imperceptibly—to stay balanced, especially at low speeds. With your back fixed against the seat, it’s much harder, likely more energy-intensive, and less immediate. That’s probably why recumbents take longer to learn and why balancing at low speeds (like climbing) is trickier.
I don’t know if I’m making sense, but if any recumbent riders have tried riding on a classic roller trainer and mastered the balance in under an hour (like you can on an upright), I’d love confirmation—or correction. Same for anyone who can trackstand easily: I suspect it’s harder to master with your back fixed against the seat than on an upright bike. But I could be wrong—I’m speaking from theory, not experience.
These recumbent bikes have a fascinating, iconoclastic side... Why are they still so rare on roads and trails?
Even though it doesn’t directly concern touring cyclists, part of the explanation is certainly that recumbent bikes have been completely banned from all cycling competitions by the UCI since 1934. The first holder of the hour record on a recumbent bike, in 1933, was even stripped of his title. It’s clear that as "technological doping" (the current hour record is 91 km on a recumbent bike, compared to 56 km on an upright bike), it’s less discreet than a small electric motor in the crankset or rear wheel 😛.
The recumbent bike world has therefore remained artisanal, in the noble sense of the term, but with the limitation that this implies in terms of production volumes and notoriety. And as a result, since it’s a niche market, you won’t find any affordable "entry-level" models.
you can't engage the muscles in your arms, torso, and back to shift your weight onto the pedals on a recumbent bike, whereas you can on an upright bike
That's true—the upper body is barely used on a recumbent bike.
(...) the projection of the recumbent rider's center of gravity moves closer to the rear wheel axis on climbs, when it should be nearer the front wheel axis for better stability.
Yes, but some recumbent bikes have a seat that’s adjustable in tilt and/or position. In that case, you can set it specifically for long climbs if you want.
on an upright bike, you’re supported by your feet, hands, and butt—not your back. Your center of gravity can shift easily, even imperceptibly and unconsciously, to adjust balance, especially at low speeds. With your back braced against the seat, it’s much harder, likely more energy-intensive, and far less instantaneous
Hmm, I’m not sure that’s entirely accurate: on a well-designed and properly adjusted recumbent bike, your pelvis is firmly braced against the seat, but you can still move your upper back by leaning on one shoulder to lift the other off the backrest.
if any recumbent rider has already tried riding on a classic roller trainer and mastered that balance exercise in under an hour (as you can with an upright bike), please confirm or refute this.
No idea—I’ve never tried a roller trainer, even during lockdown since I had a leg in a cast for the first month! That said, when I rode an upright bike, I’d sometimes balance in place at a red light, but I don’t think I could do that on a recumbent bike.
Great news about the forum coming back—we’ve been waiting for this for quite a while! Now we can chat with the die-hards like Claudio, Luc Bertrand, and everyone else...
My Decathlon Tilt 9 bike, which I’ve talked about a lot here
https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7027020
These days, as of 2024, it’s retiring at the age of eight. It used to serve as my city bike, travel bike, and touring bike. From now on, it’ll only be my city bike.
In 2023, it got one last upgrade: a re-spoking of the rear wheel with super-strong spokes crossed three times. Because twice I found myself on a tour with a broken spoke.
It’s a victim of its weight—18 kg—and my age, 70 years old. Yep, I’m not as strong as I was back in 2003 at 48, when I got back into biking after a 28-year break.
I found a fully equipped bike that meets all my needs and weighs 14 kg (I was hoping for 12 kg, but still, it makes a nice difference when you’re holding it one-handed on SNCF station stairs). It’s also a folding bike, the Sava Z1.
Interesting, but it seems this project isn't completely finished yet. I'm waiting to see if they'll get the certification—I hope so, because that would be great news!
Then, we'll have to see if the agents who check luggage at airports will be aware if this battery is actually allowed in the hold.
On the other hand, from what I understand from their presentation video, it's not by removing the cells that you can hope to take this on a plane. It would be thanks to the fireproof packaging (to be confirmed, I only watched it quickly). That must make the battery a bit heavier and bulkier for the same mAh capacity, but hey, with electric assistance, a little extra weight isn't that much of a drawback.
Hello,
Here’s my do-it-all bike (or nearly), from day rides on roads and trails to multi-day trips. It’s a titanium bike from the brand Sauvage, equipped with a double chainring (48-31) GRX 810 (11-42 cassette), a carbon fork with inserts, a gravel handlebar with a riser (for my neck), front and rear rack mounts, a Tubus titanium rear rack, a B17 titanium saddle, Duke aluminum wheels, and 40mm Thundero tubed tires (I’ll be switching to René Herse soon).
The rider isn’t made of titanium.
The bike weighs 10 kg stripped down, and between 20 and 25 kg in touring mode.
No problem with the "points," which are rounded at the tip.
A drawstring bag works just fine. Of course, you’ve gotta be reasonable with the size of the luggage you bring. The Tubus Airy philosophy is all about light travel and a somewhat minimalist approach, even though its load capacity is pretty impressive (30 kg, I think).
claudio switched bikes in 2023
A Trek 520; more of a touring bike
It’s not a speed machine, but it’s reliable and has held up well after 9,000 km
Better than my other clunkers
http://cbandiera.free.fr/matos/Renato/
Unfortunately, the frame is made in China
Bought in Haute-Savoie at D-vélo
Here it is at the foot of the wall: it’s climbed plenty
Claudio de la Faverges.
Bonjour amis cyclotouristes, claude passionné de voyages à vélo favergien et défenseur du cycliste.
plus la carte bleue est foncée et plus le bagage est léger
en anglais "the more the card is blu the less the luggage is heavy"
Hi Claudio, nice new ride you’ve got there. You’re still young—we’re about the same age—but doesn’t that position where you can’t sit up straight unless you let go of the handlebars start to cause neck issues? Without a riser, whether it’s an "8"-shaped handlebar or horns, my neck’s already starting to protest. What’s your secret?
Here’s my latest bike. Actually, I’ve had it for a few years now, but I’ve started using it in all kinds of situations. Even on rough, poorly paved paths, it stays comfortable—though not as comfy as my aluminum touring bike (my Trek) or steel one (the Fahrad 400), but the average speed is noticeably better.
Brand: Lapierre. I put on Schwalbe Marathon tires.
Saddle bag: Miss Grape 20 L, handlebar bag: Ortlieb (not on the bike in the pic) 11 L, and fork bags: 3 L each—one for the tent, the other for the sleeping bag.
No no, not bad anywhere except in the legs when I push too hard on the steep climbs.
Otherwise, it's fine.
The bike's a bit big for me, but I'm comfortable on it.
During the last big ride: 3 days at 8 hours in the saddle—no problem.
Just a sore hand from gripping the hoods too much on the climbs.
The secret? N+1 km in the trunk.
Claudio de la Faverges.
Bonjour amis cyclotouristes, claude passionné de voyages à vélo favergien et défenseur du cycliste.
plus la carte bleue est foncée et plus le bagage est léger
en anglais "the more the card is blu the less the luggage is heavy"
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?
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.
😎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.
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
