Posts by Smopy44

For the bike, I agree with Nomade.

VSF Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 Crankset with double chainring 46/32 teeth. Cassette 11-34 teeth

Cyclo-touring XLE bike Triple chainring crankset 40/30/22 teeth Cassette 11-36 teeth

Honestly, I’m afraid that once loaded, you won’t even use the 46-tooth ring. So for 100 € less, you get a super sturdy, fully equipped bike with puncture-proof Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires and good stability in 26 x 2.00, double-wall rims, and gearing that lets you climb 5- to 12-degree slopes while loaded.

Good evening Michel,

Based on my research, once you arrive at North Cape, you're 31 km from Honningsvåg Airport in Norway. Widerøe operates small planes (Dash 8) from there to Tromsø. From Tromsø, regular flights to Oslo or France are available. Widerøe accepts touring bikes in the hold, but with strict conditions due to the small size of their Dash 8 aircraft. Mandatory packaging: The bike must be packed in a suitable transport bag, a hard case, or a bike box. The handlebars must be turned parallel to the frame, pedals removed, and tires slightly deflated. Essential prior booking: Since the Dash 8's hold is narrow, the number of bike spots per flight is very limited. You must declare and add the bike (Special Baggage / Bicycle) when booking or in advance on their website. Weight and fees: The standard weight limit for the packed bike is usually 23 kg (specific sports equipment fees start at around ~350-400 NOK / about 30-35 € per leg). Since Honningsvåg Airport is tiny, get a lightweight soft bag or try to find a bike box at a sports shop in Honningsvåg before your flight.

Hi Nath

Your request is quite specific, so I asked an AI for help—here’s what it came up with:

It’s actually a fantastic project idea! The EuroVelo 19 (Meuse by Bike) is stunning, and doing the route from Maastricht → Rotterdam with the wind at your back (the prevailing wind in the Netherlands often comes from the southwest) is a smart strategy. Finding a rental in Rotterdam for this kind of trip can be frustrating because most shops offer classic Dutch bikes (single-speed or 3-speed), perfect for city riding but not ideal for covering long distances with luggage all the way to Maastricht. Here are the best addresses and practical solutions for renting a real touring bike in Rotterdam.

1. Specialized rental shops in Rotterdam (Touring/Gravel bikes) For around 250 km over several days, you’ll need a trekking/hybrid bike (with at least 21 or 24 gears) or a gravel bike.

Cycle Classic Tours (CCT Bike Rental - Pickup point in Rotterdam): This is probably your best option. They specialize in long-term rentals for EuroVelo routes (especially EV15 and EV19). They offer real gravel bikes (Canyon Grizl, Ridley) or electric touring bikes, fully equipped for travel (with the option to rent waterproof Ortlieb panniers and repair kits included). You can book online and pick up the bike at their Rotterdam contact point.

Wiel-Rent (Rotterdam): Located in the south of Rotterdam (easily accessible by tram 25 from Central Station), this rental shop specializes in road bikes but also offers hybrid/sporty bikes with gears suited for touring and luggage mounts. Their multi-day rates are very competitive.

See Rotterdam (Baan 175, City Center): Though they mostly focus on city bikes, they have a fleet of quality "Made in Holland" bikes with 7 gears and suspension. If you’re traveling light and at a relaxed pace, this could work, and they offer panniers as an option. Make sure to specify your project so they can prepare the bike accordingly.

2. The alternative: Rent in Maastricht and drop off in Rotterdam? If the logistics in Rotterdam prove too complicated, know that there are Dutch "one-way rental" networks. Specialized tour operators like Dutch Bike Tours offer touring bike rentals (24 or 27 gears) with panniers included. Even if you don’t book their full package, some local bike shops in Maastricht have agreements allowing you to drop off the bike at a depot in Rotterdam or have it returned. This would save you from having to transport the bike on the train for the outbound trip.⚠️ Crucial tips for taking the train with a bike in the Netherlands Since you plan to take the train from Rotterdam to Maastricht with the rental bike, here are the strict rules from the Dutch rail company (NS):

The Bike Ticket ("Fietskaart Dal"): You must purchase a bike supplement (around 7.50 €) in addition to your own train ticket.

Off-peak hours only: You are not allowed to board with a non-folding bike during peak hours (Monday to Friday from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM). In summer (July/August), this restriction is often lifted, but double-check before you leave.

Designated spots: Look for the bike pictograms on the train doors. Spaces are limited and cannot be reserved in advance.

A tip for your search: If you’re looking on Dutch websites, use the terms "Trekkingfiets huren Rotterdam" (rent a trekking bike) or "Vakantiefiets" (vacation/touring bike)—you’ll get much better results than with "bike rental," which targets urban tourists.

Really nice bike, great choice of components. With the Rohloff hub (automatic), you don’t have to shift gears anymore, and you can stay on the aero bars as long as you want. I’m almost a little jealous.

Hello,

I don’t know if you’re still active on the forum, but I have a quick question. If it’s not too personal, what size do you think would be best for a Koga Worldtraveller for someone who’s 1.75 m tall?

Recommended size

For someone who’s 1.75 m tall, the most suitable size is usually:

Classic frame (in cm): 54 cm New S-Series system (S/M/L): Size M

The total height isn’t everything. It’s the length of your legs that will confirm the best fit. Inseam length. Suggested size: 78 cm - 83 cm: 54 (M) - Ideal for you 84 cm - 87 cm: 57 (L) - Only if you have very long legs

If needed, you can cut the seat post and adjust the stem.