Show off our bikes! (page 3 of 9)

Thanks in advance. The Surly LHT is still a great bike for long-distance travel, highly praised by round-the-world cyclists. Maybe that’ll change over time with the rise of lightweight, versatile bikes... though they still have to prove themselves in the toughest conditions.

That’s it, it’s weighed! 14 kg (no front rack, no fenders).

The question now is why bikes that don’t offer anything extra for road or trail travel are still being sold at such a high price, are much heavier, and sometimes only come in 4 or even 3 sizes.

The Origine Gravel also only comes in 4 sizes...

The Gravel Origine also only comes in 4 sizes...

Good point. I just checked the geometries of this bike. Personally, I’m between two sizes—the S (52 cm long) and the M (53.9 cm long). The brand’s pure aluminum road bike actually comes in 6 classic sizes, with an S at 52.5 cm long, which works for me. But there are other brands offering similar gravel bikes (aluminum-carbon) with more sizes and more standard options.

What about a VSF Randonneur, available in only 3 sizes (52, 57, 62) that are really poorly spaced? I just spent a few minutes looking at the geometry chart, and it’s awful. The S, meant for the shortest riders, is already 55.48 cm long—typically recommended for someone 180 cm tall. And the longest size (57.62 cm) is only 2.14 cm longer than the shortest! LOL. How can they even sell this? This is the kind of bike I was criticizing when I said some bikes only come in 3 or 4 sizes. The Origine Trail does much better in terms of fitting riders of different heights, even if 6 sizes would’ve been ideal.

When I read you, I think I was incredibly lucky to find a size S (I'm 1.72m tall) for my second-hand gravel bike (brand new)^^ Goes to show, bike sizes aren’t universal across manufacturers 😕

Here’s my Genesis steel tourer. Built on the 2018 frame kit.

hey everyone,

How do you guys add a photo to a topic (without using upload photo)?

Below the writing area, there’s a box that says “choose a file.” Once you’ve done that, click “upload the photo.”

Surly LHT 26 in size 54 with all the gear needed for some great rides. No worries about weight—the Himalayas aren’t on the agenda! 🙂 ...I’m traveling with my partner, keeping it chill and as comfy as possible. "Made in meh" setup, guided by a few VF members 😉



Hers is still a homemade build too... Intec M1

Hi Pascal,

The main point of this thread is to show that you can travel with just about any bike. Of course, if you like traveling in the mountains, you’ll quickly start paying attention to the bike’s weight—and even more to the weight of your luggage—but when you’re traveling calmly on less mountainous terrain, that factor becomes less critical.

The key is to be comfortable on a bike that suits your style.

Hello everyone, When it comes to biking, you can do a lot with very little. When traveling as a couple (which isn’t the majority here on the forum), we adapt to our partner’s needs and abilities (I lighten the load as much as possible). My partner, well into her sixties and not at all sporty, follows me on my "crazy" adventures as a young-at-heart fifty-something 😉 and I can honestly say she often impresses me. If, on the other hand, I were traveling solo, I’d definitely reconsider my gear and share your focus on efficiency. The important thing is to hit the road just like we used to on motorcycles. The bike is just an excuse (a childhood memory, too), but tomorrow I might just set off on rollerblades... who knows! Happy travels to all, Hugs, hugs, hugs Le Bourdon

On the left, the Surly of a world traveler I met in Portugal (Serpa), and on the right, the bike of the perfect cycling tourist 😛

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. 😉

third time's the charm... l😛

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.

Hi

Super loaded!

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.

https://cafe-velo.net/

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!

well, after 2 months, I finally got my stainless steel fenders, so now we're talking some serious durability.

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.

My touring bike

Mine ready for the 11th! !