Long distance touring bike

[Sepia]

I bought my Apidura bags form http://www.nevarestshop.co.za/ about 2months ago.

 

I went to Epic cycles, they had some at their shop, but 1.) they are getting them via Nevarest, and 2.) the markup was quite high.

 

Please help me out here with a number?  Website gives a number which does not work and also the mail address comes back as faulty.

I see the price is acceptable so I must get one asap.

 

Your opinion on size?  Large/Regular, then you can roll up to the size you need or get the smaller one?  This is how I am thinking.....

[Sepia]

slight direction change.

 

what wheels would you guys use for your tourers ?

I use a hand built DT rear and a normal front wheel both QR with double tape on the rims.  Hubs are not the end of the world if they are looked after although I have Novatec and Shimano? The tyres  I use and recommend are the On Ones 40's tubeless.  Look no further, in my opinion.

[Troi Sport]

 

 

[Sepia]

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1447928168.918976.jpg

 

 

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1447928185.012928.jpg

Wish I could afford a purpose built tourer.

[Sepia]

Managed to contact Nevarest and they only have 4 compact bags left and will not be getting any more stock.  Damn!

[Fat Boab]

Sepia: you did see my post earlier re cycletouring.co.za? They are in PMB (I think) and now stock Revelate bags....

[CJG]

Will try Cycletouring.co.za, I see they are the Surly agent too, awesome bikes!

[Sepia]

Sepia: you did see my post earlier re cycletouring.co.za? They are in PMB (I think) and now stock Revelate bags....

Yes I saw it.  They are in the EC (Lady Grey I think) and I have dealt with Grant previously.  Unfortunately I am on a Durban salary scale and this does not cover the advertised prices there.

Busy with Apidura and Alpkit in the UK.

[GaryvdM]

Managed to contact Nevarest and they only have 4 compact bags left and will not be getting any more stock.  Damn!

 

I presume that you are talking about the compact sadel bag. This is the one I got. It plus a medium frame bag, and I had more than enough space for my needs.

[Sepia]

I presume that you are talking about the compact sadel bag. This is the one I got. It plus a medium frame bag, and I had more than enough space for my needs.

Thanks Gary.  Need the bigger bag because I cannot use a frame bag.  

Just want one bag and nothing else 'cept for tri bag.  

These things are flipping expensive!

[nonky]

Thanks Gary.  Need the bigger bag because I cannot use a frame bag.  

Just want one bag and nothing else 'cept for tri bag.  

These things are flipping expensive!

 

Bike24.com price + shipping to SA but NO SA Vat for revelate bag (viscacha) is same as that of cycletouring excl delivery...

 

I agree on the price but if the bags are as good as everyone says, it'll be money well spent.

[Sepia]

When last I looked they were R2200!  Seriously, I would rather strap a dry bag onto my bike and be done with it.  Have done it before and it worked but doing serious hard core race touring I think I would go with the seatbag.  But still not at this proce.  I would rather manufacture my own!

But then the Durban dollar may not even cover this cost.  

[Ryanpmb]

When last I looked they were R2200!  Seriously, I would rather strap a dry bag onto my bike and be done with it.  Have done it before and it worked but doing serious hard core race touring I think I would go with the seatbag.  But still not at this proce.  I would rather manufacture my own!

But then the Durban dollar may not even cover this cost.  

 

Drop me a line re dry bags... I'm bringing a few in if you want.

[Sepia]

Drop me a line re dry bags... I'm bringing a few in if you want.

Using dry bags at the moment - front and back,  Thought this system would be better and I could loose the rack.

What are you bringing in exactly?

[eddy]

I presume that you are talking about the compact sadel bag. This is the one I got. It plus a medium frame bag, and I had more than enough space for my needs.

I am thinking that a 3 day self supported ride from Willowmore to Calitzdorp via Klaarstroom, Meiringspoort, De Rust, over the Swartberg pass to Prince Albert and then back over the hill from the other direction to Calitzdorp in December.

 

Taking the dirt road to the north of the mountains between Willowmore and Klaarstroom, and the mountain road from De Rust past the caves. I am considering overnighting in Klaarstroom and PA.

 

This will be my first "expedition" and will ride alone.

 

I have been following this thread but am left with some questions.

 

First, my bike choice can either be a HT Niner MCR or a Ritchey Swiss Cross CX bike. I am leaning towards the Ritchey but am concerned about gearing up the Swartberg Pass two days in a row.

Other than that, is there any convincing reason to rather do it on a MTB ?

 

I will travel as light as I can with a change of clothing and a credit card (ok, probably cash) and will stay in guest houses as it will be my first attempt.

 

Is a frame bag necessary or can a rucksack do the job ? I am hesitant to carry extra weight on my body and think that water will be my biggest challenge. There are few stops between Willowmore and Klaarstroom and it is likely to be very hot.

 

What else should I be concerned about?

[Sepia]

Eddy, you are in for an absolute treat! You will be in awe and forgetto drink due to the wonderment (is that a word)around you! Especially alone, man just do it. The pass is not that bad at all but the right hand turn deviation I took at the top took me to a Pass which proved a real disappointment because I could not cycle out of it.

December, Mmmmmm, might be a little warm, to say the least.

 

Ping Oom Johan Rissik, he knows every water point on and off the road!