Some people have questions about choosing a touring bike, so those who are equipped can post a photo here and describe their ride—its strengths and, of course, its flaws.
I’ll go first!
Here’s the beast: a Ridgeback Panorama model, around 10 years old, bought second-hand from a cyclist who’d picked the wrong size.
Steel frame in Reynolds 725 (it’s written on it, but I doubt the whole set is that series).
Gear ranges from XT for the rear derailleur to some cheaper parts.
Three chainrings and sturdy but heavy wheels. Here with 35mm tires—plenty for gravel paths and the occasional rougher trail (as long as you don’t ride like a sausage!).
What I’ve modified:
- Upgraded from 9 to 10 speeds when I changed the cassette
- Installed two Tubus racks—the rear replaced the original aluminum one (which got bent)
- Moved the shifters to the frame instead of the brake/shift combos, which were getting in the way of my handlebar bag
- Swapped the saddle for a Brooks B17 (the original one didn’t suit me at all)
Over time, some wear-and-tear parts have been replaced.
It’s comfy and sturdy but heavy (almost 14kg). Downsides? It’s a bit sluggish when you stand up to pedal—the chainring rubs against the front derailleur cage (the bottom bracket lacks rigidity).
Definitely not a climber’s bike!
The cantilever brakes are a tad weak—you get used to them, but you’ve gotta anticipate.
We’ve had some great rides together, but it’ll soon be on the market since I’m replacing it with a custom Cattin. I won’t sell it for much—it’ll make someone happy...
Hi Matt,
That’s a good point, but it’s a bit dated—since then, there have been new members on this forum, and new trends (like Gravel) have shifted how we do things, not to mention this new (or not-so-new) backpacking craze.
Anyway, travel is still travel, but the way we travel keeps evolving, and I think it’d be great to share our bike choices.
Cheers,
That works for me. :)
By the way, I've made quite a few upgrades to one of the bikes I showed last time. :)
Same here! The world of bike travel is really taking off, so I think it's worth sharing our experiences and perspectives on how our practice is evolving.
Claudio’s current ride—
a bit clunky, sluggish, and Claudio himself, quite heavy, bordering on 100 kg, which makes the pace a bit tricky on hikes...
but still capable of covering 100 km in a day on flat or moderately hilly terrain (1,000 m elevation gain).
Designed for roads and paths like the local 'Bredanne'—what we call greenways around here, though they’re not always smooth!
http://cbandiera.free.fr/matos/mon-coeur/
And then there’s Fanny 2 to miss—a road bike better suited for paved roads, worn out after epic rides like Brest-Menton. She still comes out now and then for local routes.
http://cbandiera.free.fr/monvelo
But the years have passed, and now Claudio rides slower, embracing the motto ‘in praise of slowness.’
Great topic—it really shows the variety of bikes we can use to travel. And it’s especially helpful for beginners to see what kinds of bikes work and how to equip them.
So, I’ll play along with the introductions. Here are the three bikes I’ve traveled with—none of them are technically "touring bikes."
1 - An aluminum semi-suspension MTB with disc brakes, big 26" Marathon tires (2 inches wide), and a 3x9 MTB gear setup. The rear rack is mounted on clamps that grip the seatstays:
2 - A solid, rigid 1990 CroMo steel MTB, refurbished in 2012 or 2013, with slick 26x1.35" tires, a 3x7 drivetrain, and V-brakes (replacing the original cantilevers). This is the only one of the three with eyelets for a proper rear rack:
3 - A carbon road bike with a triple 10-speed setup (26/26 as the lowest gear—it works!) and 25mm tires. The seatpost has threaded mounts, and I use a Tubus rack kit that clamps to the axle:
None of these were ever marketed as "touring bikes," but they’ve all brought me joy on trips, despite being so different. They do share a few things in common: aside from not being designed for travel (I use or used them for other things year-round), they’ve all only ever had two rear panniers and a small (now mini) handlebar bag. And they all have triple chainrings.
I almost forgot the downsides. The first one is suspended and has big tires, so it’s heavier and harder to climb with. The second only has 7 cogs, the seatpost is stuck due to oxidation (at a height that works for me), and the rear hub is 130mm—so finding a replacement wheel in case of a breakdown isn’t easy. The third isn’t built for heavy loads, but with my weight plus luggage, I’m still under the weight of some unloaded cyclists. The real limitation is stability on descents (I don’t go faster than 60 km/h for safety). The first two have flat MTB handlebars—I prefer drop bars now. I’ve been riding drop bars for 3 or 4 years and don’t plan to switch back.
For beginners or anyone thinking about getting into bike travel: it’s totally possible to hit the road with the bike you already have. Adapting it isn’t too complicated or expensive (e.g., two Decathlon panniers). Just make sure it’s in good condition (or restored), well-tuned, and the right size. And pay attention to luggage volume and weight limits.
Happy riding!
Of course, if you have a brand-new bike built specifically for touring, that’s the dream! !
2019 titanium Gravel Genesis Croix de Fer with only 1,200 km on the odometer, Schwalbe Energizer tires (Marathon Pluses coming soon), Tubus Fly Classic rear rack. Just need some good waterproof panniers now.
I hadn't thought about it, but it's true—I didn’t start my bike trip with my Ridgeback. Even though I don’t have a personal photo of it, I’ll still introduce it to you.
A mountain bike, back then I was a fan. With it, I crossed all the French mountain ranges via trails, with just a small backpack on my back. At the rear, I had mounted a pannier rack, on which I attached a waterproof bag with a bungee cord. Up front, I had a handlebar bag.
Even though it was made of Tange Prestige 5/10th steel—thin and light—it accompanied me for 15 years before it was stolen.
By far the best touring bike I’ve ever had: comfortable, lightweight (under 11 kg), responsive, reliable, and simple.
As for drawbacks, I’d mention brakes that were a bit weak for touring and its Mavis 217 rims, which didn’t last very long (but they’re wear parts).
The only modification was the tires, which I changed depending on the route. For a purely road trip, I’d mount Hutchinson Slick 1" tires—very light and flexible (the model hasn’t been made for a long time).
Just goes to show you don’t need to ride a German tank—you *can* (or could) travel with extremely light and completely reliable bikes. I’d add that back then, manufacturers still offered excellent steel frames as standard, which isn’t the case anymore.
Mine hasn't left its winter storage spot yet...
Not great... a bit of DIY:
Lapierre Titane frame from before 2000... originally paid in francs—solid base, though.
3x9 (44 to 24 - 12 to 32, from memory...)—friction shifters salvaged from an old MTB (fed up with poorly adjusted indexed ones...)
Shimano hybrid pedals—standard 26" wheels—1.35 tires up front (Schwalbe Kojak T, flexible)—1.60 at the back given my weight (100 kg—20/23 kg of luggage).
With age: front-wheel hub motor / battery in a container on a mini front rack (DIY, but cheap, lightweight, and it works!!!)
Rear aluminum rack on clamps...
Standard V-brakes—battery-powered lights...
In short, not exactly top-notch, but it can still hit the road...
And to try to prove you can go far and high without necessarily needing "high-end" or "specialized" gear... some photos from our past trips:
Up in the heights, "bike-mule" style:
And my wife, her very first mountain pass, her very first trip:
A Tilt 9 [1] from Decathlon that I used as a base to adapt the equipment [2] and get a good city and touring bike. See the photo in my avatar.
A few key features:
- Folding with 20" wheels
- Belt drive
- 8-speed internal gear hub in the rear wheel
- Electric generator in the front hub
I’ve been using it for my tours for 5 seasons now and I still love it.
One downside, though. It’s about as heavy as a regular bike—around 15-16 kg. If anyone knows of a lighter folding touring bike with the same features, closer to 10 kg, I’m all ears.
[1] No longer in production
[2] See https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=7027020
Side note: The discussion where I explain how I transformed my bike is also interesting for owners of non-folding bikes, since I share how to find the right documentation and tools (and where to get them).
Attached are a few photos thanks to the time-travel machine.
My humble one...
A big-box-store MTB I bought in the early '90s, still kept, even though I later bought a better MTB.
I wasn’t into traveling back then, but I always wanted to keep it. And when the urge hit, I turned it into a "ride-around" (that’s what I call it...)
Only the frame, fork, and front derailleur are original.
The rest is salvaged or good finds.
Aero rims, 3x7 with 24-34-44 up front and 14-32 in the back, rear rack, suspended stem (a quirk I keep for comfort and originality...)
Anyway, I really like it—I feel good on it.
Now, it’s heavy, the rear dropout is 130mm, limiting upgrades, but I’ve got something that works for me.
Budget-wise, aside from the bike I bought for 990 francs back then, it’s cost me a max of 200 €. Maybe even less.
I’ll switch to thinner tires. In the photo, the new crankset isn’t on yet, and it’s outfitted with a makeshift rack made from cutting up an old frame. Solid, but heavy...
I’ll find something more recent.
Hello,
I’ve been in Thailand since January 15th and will be here until March 3rd.
So you’re seeing my bike live and direct. It’s a Vagabonde No. 020, so it’s pretty old. No issues though—Mavic rims, XT 9-speed drivetrain, V-brakes, Ortlieb waterproof panniers, and Schwalbe 1.35 tires.
I’m really happy with the frame—it’s super responsive. In our family, we have four Vagabondes, and we’re all really satisfied. I know Meg2 had some problems, but personally, I’m happy with mine. It must have nearly 50,000 km on it. I don’t see any flaws—just the rider getting older.
The bike was built 12 or 13 years ago, and there haven’t been any problems. Just regular maintenance on wear-and-tear parts. For example, I change the chain every 5,000 km.
Best regards,
Jacky
Here’s my ride..
Ridgeback Panorama 2019. Shimano XT and Sora drivetrain, TRP disc brakes, Tubus front and rear racks, Crosso and Lone Peak panniers, TiGr titanium lock. No fenders or kickstand, stock Schwalbe Marathon tires.
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?
Hi there,
who has already done the EURO VELO 1 in Norway from the south to the North Cape, and what are the main difficulties:
elevation gain, etc.......
Otherwise, who has already done the EURO VELO 7 from south to north, crossing Sweden up to the North Cape? If so, what are the difficulties, elevation gain, and does it pass through villages for supplies, etc.......
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Madagascar in early October to cycle from Tana to Diego along the east coast.
I really want to visit the Masoala Peninsula and its primary forest. If anyone’s interested, I’m open to company.
Maybe see you soon!
I’d been watching this ultra-light travel movement or trend for a while.
So I gave it a try—goodbye to the 5 panniers and rear racks.
A 15L saddle bag for clothes and a stove cookset.
Two cages on the fork blades: 2x5L—mattress on one side, tent on the other.
A 5L frame bag for miscellaneous items: battery, camera, small bits and pieces.
And one on the handlebar for the sleeping bag.
I tested it this summer on a crossing from Valence to Perpignan via the Massif Central.
My conclusions:
The obvious advantage is the reduced weight. In total, I had 12 kg on the bike, which makes climbing in the mountains much easier.
Another benefit I hadn’t considered is the significantly lower wind resistance compared to a traditional setup—you really feel it when the wind’s against you.
Of course, it’s not all perfect...
For example, it’s impossible to carry a food stock. You buy just enough before each meal or go to a restaurant!
You also have to accept a more spartan comfort level at stops.
In conclusion, I think for summer trips in regions where resupplying is easy, it’s an interesting option—especially if there’s significant elevation gain.
On the other hand, it doesn’t allow for enough autonomy, so some trips are off the table.
On the bike side, I swapped my Shimano 11/34 cassette for an 11/40. Even though Shimano doesn’t recommend it with a 105 derailleur and a 46/30 double chainring, it works really well.
The only limit is avoiding the 46/40 gear ratio.
Hi,
what are the easiest ways to get back from Nordkapp without pedaling—
train, boat, or plane?
Has anyone already done this?
Thanks for sharing your tips!
Hi, does anyone have recent info on the Shikoku pilgrimage? We’re traveling as a pair by bike, and I plan to camp whenever possible because from what I’ve seen, accommodations are pretty expensive, especially for long trips. I’d love any info or tips—thanks in advance! Aichatou
I’m planning to leave Nice for Toulouse around 10/15 and I’m looking for tips / great deals regarding:
- The route: I was thinking of taking Nice - Grasse - Draguignan - Salernes - Cadarache - Cavaillon - Arles, then the Camargue, Sète, and the Canal du Midi to Toulouse. The idea is to avoid high-traffic roads and too many steep climbs. Are there any spots to avoid or must-see stops? Since it’s been a while since I’ve been on the road, I was thinking that sleeping indoors might be preferable. If you have any budget-friendly accommodation suggestions along part of the route, don’t hesitate!
Thanks in advance, and if you’re in the area around that time, we could ride together... Ciao.
Hi,
I need to arrive in Thessaloniki by bike at the end of September and I plan to head to Istanbul along the coast.
Could anyone help me pick the best route? Safety, difficulty.
Thanks in advance.
Marc
Hi everyone! Thanks for welcoming me to the forum :)
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!
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!
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
🇷🇼 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
😎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?😏
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.
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
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.
Not great... a bit of DIY:
Lapierre Titane frame from before 2000... originally paid in francs—solid base, though.
3x9 (44 to 24 - 12 to 32, from memory...)—friction shifters salvaged from an old MTB (fed up with poorly adjusted indexed ones...)
Shimano hybrid pedals—standard 26" wheels—1.35 tires up front (Schwalbe Kojak T, flexible)—1.60 at the back given my weight (100 kg—20/23 kg of luggage).
With age: front-wheel hub motor / battery in a container on a mini front rack (DIY, but cheap, lightweight, and it works!!!)
Rear aluminum rack on clamps...
Standard V-brakes—battery-powered lights...
In short, not exactly top-notch, but it can still hit the road...
And to try to prove you can go far and high without necessarily needing "high-end" or "specialized" gear... some photos from our past trips:
Up in the heights, "bike-mule" style:
And my wife, her very first mountain pass, her very first trip:
