Show off our bikes! (page 6 of 9)

The photo’s a bit old (2005), but it’s an experience I’m happy to share.

This bike with this setup took me on a Clermont-Ferrand to Montpellier trip, among others.

It’s a Decathlon entry-level bike. The "Vitamin" cost around 90 € back then. I added (all entry-level too): fenders, a rear rack, "Go-Sport" rear panniers, and a handlebar bag. I managed to fit: a two-person dome tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, small stove, cookware, bike-repair kit, and a few other things.

That’s it!

Hi there,

For me, like Andre029, it's a custom build on a Genesis Tour de Fer frame kit. I haven't had the chance to take it on a trip yet—I finished it just before lockdown (the bottle cages were installed the night before). In the meantime, I've been bike-commuting with it and loaded it up just to test how it handles: it's almost more manageable with luggage than without. Anyway, this bike is already over two months old and only has 300 km on the odometer... luckily, that's about to change!

This weekend’s plan: a long day ride. For this summer, it’ll be a family trip—easy route, with all the family gear. My partner will be on her usual steel RR520 with less luggage, kid #1 (8 years old) on their bike with panniers, and kid #2 (4 years old) in a Weehoo that I’ll tow.

Hi, I see in the photo that you’ve installed a Shimano Gravel GRX crankset. Did you install the whole groupset—derailleurs, crankset, and brakes?

Hello, I see in the photo that you installed a Shimano Gravel GRX crankset. Did you install the entire groupset—derailleurs, crankset, and brakes?

Hello,

I installed the crankset, brifters, and derailleurs in GRX 400 (2x10 only, but the widest range for GRX with a 30/36 on the far left). For the brakes, I went with SLX calipers (like the 11-36 cassette) on XT rotors. I initially considered hybrid calipers and cable brifters, but when you see the price of TRP Hy-Rd brakes, the savings on the calipers cover a big part of the extra cost of the brifters. I wanted the bike to be versatile for rides—relaxed Sunday outings (100-150 km), family vacations, or solo multi-day trips.

Oh... and I forgot to say: I love it.

Hello, I see in the photo that you installed a Shimano Gravel GRX crankset. Did you install the entire groupset—derailleurs, crankset, and brakes?

Hello,

I installed the crankset, brifters, and derailleurs in GRX 400 (2x10 only, but the widest range for GRX with a 30/36 on the far left). For the brakes, I went with SLX calipers (like the 11-36 cassette) on XT discs. I initially considered hybrid calipers and cable brifters, but when you see the price of TRP Hy-Rd, the savings on the calipers cover a big part of the extra cost of the brifters. I wanted the bike to be versatile for relaxed Sunday rides (100-150 km), family vacations, or solo multi-day trips.

Oh... and I forgot to say: I love it.

Hey, And what about its weight unloaded?

Hi, And what about its empty weight?

Hi, 14.3 kg in tubefull configuration with lights, racks, bottle cages, and the KlickFix. It's a size L.

What's tubefull?

What’s tubefull?

Sorry, I meant rooms (I was clarifying because rims and tires are tubeless-compatible).

ok thanks. Have you tried traveling with tubeless tires? I use this system for mountain biking and I’m so happy with it that I was wondering if I should do the same for travel! ...

No, since I alternate between Suprêmes for smooth weekend rides and Mondials for slightly less road-focused outings, it wouldn’t be cost-effective. But a well-sealed tubeless setup... why not? Most small punctures are barely noticeable with tubeless (and fixing a flat on a fully loaded bike always takes more time than on a bare one). Otherwise, there are tubes with sealant... a good compromise.

Here’s my trusty steed, which I’ve been riding for about fifteen years:

Cannondale Furio:

Varnished aluminum frame, polished welds—absolutely stunning! Magura hydraulic brakes, and so far, no maintenance done. Super Fatty Ultra fork: my favorite component for its vibration absorption, lockable for climbs, adjustable stiffness, monthly check-ups, and no maintenance done. 26-inch wheels, 36 DT Swiss spokes, XT or Deore hub (replaced or fully serviced every 10,000 km). Tires: currently Marathon + (how many punctures? Fewer than the fingers on one hand). I still have a spare pair of Marathon GT Tour tires. Considering a switch—thanks to this forum—for something lighter and more flexible.

On average, I take a trip every two years, covering around 10,000 km in six months, exclusively in Nordic countries: Iceland, Scotland, Scandinavia, with a major crush on Lapland!

I’m all about wild camping, self-sufficiency for food (at least a week’s worth), and top-notch fishing gear for salmon, sea trout, and mackerel.

And let’s not forget my ultimate charm weapon: the Trangia 25 stove, running on alcohol and gas. I love cooking fresh meals: salmon with pears, goat cheese/honey toasties, rice with mackerel/coconut milk/pineapple, blueberry compote pancakes... in short, nothing too heavy.

Thierry

After a long wait, my custom Cattin has arrived!

I’d been dreaming of a bike made just for me for years. I defined the specifications myself, and we exchanged a lot of ideas with frame builder Fabien Bonnet (he took over Cattin Cycles in Grenoble). I wanted a bike that could travel, be comfortable, handle backroads, and still be sporty. A lightweight, sporty touring bike—a French gravel bike!

It replaced my sluggish touring bike and my zippy carbon one. Steel frame (Columbus Life and Dedaccia Zero), Shimano 105 and GRX components, handmade DT Swiss wheels, 32mm Panaracer GravelKing tubeless tires. The "Fixation" carbon fork is one of the few that can handle heavy luggage.

I haven’t ridden much yet, but the first tests show perfect comfort. The custom fit makes a difference. It’s not much less responsive than my old carbon frame—even though it’s heavier, I feel like it climbs just as well, and the bike is stiff, way more than I expected.

Next weekend, I’ll start a crossing of the Alps that will take me to the Giens peninsula via the limestone Prealps, with a little detour to the Verdon Gorge and the Maures massif. I’ll know more about my new companion then!

Congrats!

First comments: Lightweight, stiff, with 32 mm tires—this is my ideal setup for traveling. Plus, you’re supporting one of our local artisans, hats off to you!

What’s the weight of the bike without accessories? Do you know the type of steel (tubes)?

The stem looks short from the 3/4 front view, but given the endless length of the shifters (GRX?), it makes sense.

What’s the handlebar model?

What’s your drivetrain setup? Probably 30-46 up front, but what about the rear—11-30?

I think you’ve got a Fizik Aliante saddle—be careful with those. They’re very curved and don’t let you change positions easily. I much prefer the Arione from the same brand, which I’ve been using for a few years.

Happy alpine crossing! !

Reading what came before, I was thinking I’d never dare post a photo of my old bike... But screw the technicalities! 😄 I travel with a 1992 Giant old bike. It suits me perfectly, and I have no intention of changing it. Back then, I was so proud of my first 1,000 km trip. The last two summers, Norway and back. In 2019, Greece. No issues. I get my bike serviced once a year, and off we go again... So, to all the non-techies, non-DIYers, and those on a budget—don’t hesitate. Maybe not for a world tour, but as long as you’re in Europe, it’s super easy. All that to say, it doesn’t matter what bike you have, as long as you’ve got the thrill! 😆

Congrats!

First comments: Lightweight, stiff, with 32 mm tires—this is ideal for traveling, in my opinion. Plus, you're supporting one of our local craftsmen, hats off.

What’s the weight of the bike without accessories? Do you know the type of steel (tubes)?

The stem looks short from the 3/4 front view, but given the endless length of the levers (GRX?), it makes sense.

What’s the handlebar model?

What’s your drivetrain setup? Probably 30–46 up front, but what about the rear—11–30?

I see you’ve got a Fizik Aliante saddle—be careful, they’re very curved and don’t allow for much position change. I much prefer the Arione from the same brand, which I’ve been using for a few years.

Safe travels through the Alps! !

I didn’t weigh the bike, but it should be around 9.5–10 kg in this setup. The tubes are a mix of Columbus Life and Dedacciai Zero. The photo is misleading regarding the stem—it’s not that short. The handlebar, seatpost, and stem are all PRO brand. Drivetrain is 46/30 and 11/34. Unloaded, it’s a bit short, but with some weight in tough climbs, I prefer having the range. For the saddle, I find both the Aliante and Arione models fine, and I don’t really have a preference.

This is the first time I’ve ridden a steel frame of this quality, and what’s more, it’s custom-built. I’m truly amazed at how easy it is to accelerate on steep sections compared to my carbon bike, which was less forgiving if I lost momentum. The extra 2 kg of the bike isn’t noticeable at all on the road.

For the tires, I agree with you. After testing quite a few, 32 mm is the sweet spot—big enough for comfort and grip but not so wide that you’re glued to the tarmac.

Reading what came before, I was thinking I’d never dare post a photo of my old bike... But screw the technicalities! 😄 I travel with a 1992 Giant old bike. It suits me perfectly, and I have no intention of changing it. Back then, I was so proud of my first 1,000 km trip. The last two summers: Norway and back. In 2019: Greece. No issues. I get my bike serviced once a year, and off we go again... So, non-techies, non-DIYers, and those on a budget—don’t hesitate. Maybe not for a world tour, but as long as you’re in Europe, it’s super easy. All that to say: it doesn’t matter what bike you have, as long as you’ve got the thrill! 😆

For the budget-conscious but still adventurous, here are two photos of my partner’s bike—a Giant Escape 2, "women’s" frame, aluminum, bought new for 600 €. A few tweaks over time.

On Iceland’s trails:



On the trails along the Mekong (Cambodia). Upright position, city-bike style, with stages up to 145 km:

Hi everyone, Here are a few bike models I’ve used on my trips, with different luggage setups. Happy trails to all! Laurent

Here's my current setup, which will be changing soon.

Recently picked up second-hand, a pristine 2015 Koga World Traveller (the tires still had their knobs...), back when Koga still made rear wheels with 40 spokes. New tires, new Brooks saddle, and we're off... This bike is pretty much the one I'd set off on for three to four years on the world's roads with...

Hi there, For those who aren’t closed off to e-bikes... Here are our touring e-bikes equipped for road trips on pavement, trails, and dirt tracks. Whether in Brittany (Loguivy here in Armor), on cross-country ski trails in Autrans, or on the tracks of the Saghro in Morocco. In short, for us retirees, it’s the perfect way to access the landscapes we love. Thanks!