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Long distance touring bike


_freak_

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Heat or otherwise?

One too many beers - actually that is not possible with my Irish genes.

 

My official response will therefore be :"The rest of the crew needs to rest"

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Hey guys

 

Some pics from my 3-day trip around Parys. Next time I definitely won't do this in December :-0

 

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The before pic

 

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Lunch break

 

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Umfula campsite

 

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Waterpoint at the Old Imperial Inn

 

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Schooemansdrift

 

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Bushcamp at Riverrun resort

 

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Heaven

 

 

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Hey guys

 

Some pics from my 3-day trip around Parys. Next time I definitely won't do this in December :-0

 

attachicon.gif1.jpg

The before pic

 

attachicon.gif2.jpg

Lunch break

 

attachicon.gif3.jpg

Umfula campsite

 

attachicon.gif6.jpg

Waterpoint at the Old Imperial Inn

 

attachicon.gif8.jpg

Schooemansdrift

 

attachicon.gif9.jpg

Bushcamp at Riverrun resort

 

attachicon.gif10.jpg

Heaven

Very nice!

 

What is so big on your handlebar bag?

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Very nice!

 

What is so big on your handlebar bag?

Must be a biggish tent.  Those 360's weigh a ton.

What size Apidura is that?

Lekker trip and great pics.

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For a trip across France (over the Alps and Pyrenees), I used the attached set up. An old school Giant XTC 26er with carrier and home-made panniers on the back.

 

 I used slick Conti's, which were fast and tough, but hard and rigid, transferring every bump up through your bottom and hands. In future, I would go with a fast rolling tire, but one that is chunky and at slightly lower pressures to save hands and bum.

 

After having commercial panniers fall apart on trips across Africa, I built these out of raft material (bought from ARC inflatables in Kommetjie). Essentially two small dry bags linked together like saddle bags - the little clips on commercial bags always break after a good few 100km of corrugations. The raft material is easy to work with and you can make up the bags in an evening by simply gluing and ironing joins.

 

In future, I would probably choose a decent hardtail 29er (e.g. second hand Silverback Sola 1/2), and replace the tires with chunky yet quick cyclo-cross tires. It presents a robust, strong platform that is still comfortable and has the required gearing and disk brakes. A light front shock does wonders for your hands and handling too.

 

In addition to the rear panniers (that carry all your bulky, light weight kit -tent, sleeping bag, clothes), I would recommend a handle bar bag for small heavy items such as tools. This helps to balance out the bike.

 

Then, just keep it all as light as possible. Even these bags were too big after Day 3, by which stage you have given away half of your stuff. One really want 10-12kgs of luggage max.

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Nice Cuda!

It just shows what can be done.

(It seems there are many people who enjoy this touring thingy)

 

Keep the posts coming.

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Very nice!

 

What is so big on your handlebar bag?

 The handlebar bag contained my tent (2-person), First Ascent hiking mattress and some of my clothes.

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Must be a biggish tent.  Those 360's weigh a ton.

What size Apidura is that?

Lekker trip and great pics.

Compact saddle bag & Regular handlebar bag. Frame bag is a DIY job.

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Sepia

 

How is that saddlebag planns coming along?

Just received the bag back from Eddy.  I am leaving on Sunday for a little bike trip.  As soon as I return I will get onto it.  Have had many inquiries from individuals and also from a bike shop.

It is on my list of things "to do".

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Just received the bag back from Eddy.  I am leaving on Sunday for a little bike trip.  As soon as I return I will get onto it.  Have had many inquiries from individuals and also from a bike shop.

It is on my list of things "to do".

Lekker...

 

Busy putting together a little trip next month, would like if i can get a bag done for that...

 

 

If boredom strikes ill give a bash either way...

 

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Lekker...

 

Busy putting together a little trip next month, would like if i can get a bag done for that...

 

 

If boredom strikes ill give a bash either way...

 

Might be a bit too soon?

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