CC Tour on a road bike advice needed.

[Duende]

Dream of a lifetime coming true for me. Gonna take a week off and do ride in France this summer. Planning it now.

But, I only have a road bike. Waterford SR-33 (S3 steel tubing)

As I'm not doing any camping and my Waterford is super comfy I think I'll be fine. However I could use some suggestions on a frame bag or something.

Anyone have any advise to share? Thanks bigtime!

[Ken Robb]

I can carry A LOT of stuff in my Rivendell Hoss saddlebag. It is discontinued but Riv and Carradice have other big bags you can buy now. I hang mine from the loop on the back of my Books B-17 but it could be strapped under the rails on most saddles.

You might also check for rentals of touring bikes in France for an easy solution.

[jr59]

Caradice Nelson long flap with a bagman rack seems to be the ticket here. It holds a lot of stuff.

[paredown]

I did light touring (luggage was schlepped, so just had to carry daily necessities) with a small handlebar bag and a Topeak beamrack that attaches to the seatpost, with their matching bag. I wouldn't want to carry a lot of weight, but you could definitely carry a change of clothes a few toiletries, light jacket etc...

Here's a link that shows the matching trunk bag--it is a good system since the trunk back actually slides and locks on, and can be easily removed to carry inside:
http://www.topeak.com/products/TrunkBags%20MTX

It clamps on surprisingly well--I never had a problem with it moving on me.

[weisan]

Duende-pal, he's your MAN!

http://forums.thepaceline.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1697882966&stc=1&d=1403639860

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=150914

[christian]

For trips like this - Spain, Dolomites, France - I have used a Carradice Nelson (non-Longflap) with a set of lightweight street clothes, leg warmers, a rain jacket, a toothbrush, and some tools which, naturally, I've never had to use. Basically, just something to provide civilized clothes for dinner (while the cycling garb is in the sink). Weighs about 6 kg packed and ready, so not nothing, but not a major penalty, either.

I have used it both with a Bagman rack and without. Which is better depends on your bike/saddle combination. I'm sure I've posted my exact packing list; I'll search for it.

[AngryScientist]

i've done a few overnights with my carridice barley and handlebar bag, and could easily extend that through a week with the same supplies. Christian basically covered the strategy I have used; lightweight packable street clothes and shoes, super stuffable cycling windbreaker/rain jacket (mine is black and looks like fine off the bike too). Spare pair of wool socks. toothbrush with the handle cut in half, of course.

doing the trip in the summer greatly simplifies your life, much less bulk you need to carry.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WHF0GrMtbC0/UFHBdMfiPrI/AAAAAAAAAyA/K1uno0gpalE/s640/IMG_0160.JPG

[Duende]

You guys are amazing. Thank you! My saddle is a carbon railed prologo


I'm digging the Caradice solution as it seems highly simple and not intrusive. Given my carbon rails, which rack do you all recommend?

Or should I swap out my saddle for this trip?

Also, I typically run veloflex Corsa tires 25c. Should I throw on some beefier touring tires for this... Like gatorskin or something?

[oldpotatoe]

Dream of a lifetime coming true for me. Gonna take a week off and do ride in France this summer. Planning it now.

But, I only have a road bike. Waterford SR-33 (S3 steel tubing)

As I'm not doing any camping and my Waterford is super comfy I think I'll be fine. However I could use some suggestions on a frame bag or something.

Anyone have any advise to share? Thanks bigtime!

Moots tailgator or something similar.

[christian]

Change your saddle to a steel railed one for this trip.

[Bradford]

I've been thrilled with my Revelate. I have the Pika and it fits a ton, but there are other sizes and options available.

He is a really good guy to work with and makes a great product.

[p nut]

Got nothing much to add, but I think other than adding saddle and handlebar bags, you're good to go as-is. Preferably ones that detach quickly. (Like my Acorn bag I just got). And I am super excited for you. One of my bucket list dream trips, for sure.

[Duende]

I will swap my saddle then. Thx Christian!

Now all I need is decent travel bag to fly my bike across the pond. :)

[jbay]

I'll second the suggestion of a steel-railed saddle. Don't bring other fancy parts either. If you can find a bike shop, the chances are that they will not have spares/replacement for said fancy part. You shouldn't need special tyres.

I think Emily is on the forum too, so let me mention her bags as being very suitable for a trip like this too: Dill Pickle Gear (http://www.dillpicklegear.com/). They're similar to Carradice in concept but with some very thoughtful additional features. And, if you like colour, the world is your oyster.

If you're bringing electronics, think ahead with regard to how you're going to charge 'em. We did survive pre-electronics, of course, but it's worth mentioning. Gadgets like this (http://www.amazon.com/Xcessor-Compact-European-Wall-Charger/dp/B00DVLHZOE/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1403811691&sr=1-9&keywords=european+power+adapter+usb) can be handy.

In relation to washing clothes in the hand-basin, it's amazing how many times the plug can leak or be completely broken. I have a rubber thingummy (http://www.amazon.com/Do-it-Rubber-Sink-Stopper/dp/B000DZD3QA) (TM) that can sit of top of the plug and seal it up. That said, has anyone used a Scrubba Washbag (http://thescrubba.com/)? I like the idea but it looks a little on the bulky side for minimalist travel.

-- John

[kevinvc]

I'm working on planning my first credit card tour ever this fall (although it would be in Oregon, not France). A very experienced friend of mine recommended a Revelate Viscacha seat bag and a Ortlieb Ultimate 6 handlebar bag. In his opinion, a rack is unnecessarily cumbersome.

I have no experience, so I'm just passing on information that was given to me by someone who's done a lot of this.

[sg8357]

Carradice Camper w/Bagman Expedition

or

SQR Tour

http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=type&product_id=56


and for France you'll need a jacket.

http://www.rohan.co.uk/mens-travel-and-outdoor-jackets-Envoy-Jacket?ocode=03561051

[cnighbor1]

I would add a Nitto rack and panniers. You can always use the rack to carry stuff around town Rivendell has some strong rack clips if no eyelets on frame
2nd choice would be the large bag plus a small frame bag that fits inside frame for misc. items you want to get fast.
for some hills to consider try http://www.aukadia.net/alps/index.htm
http://francetourism.com/
and routes to take
http://about-france.com/tourism/cycling-holidays.htm

[cnighbor1]

Highway code for cyclists in France.
NB. The lines below are given solely for information, and are valid at the time of writing. They do not constitute an exhaustive list of all laws and rules governing riding a bicycle in France, and may in time be changed..
•To be roadworthy, bicycles must be equipped with a bell, fully functioning brakes, and after dark with reflectors and front and rear lights.
•The wearing of cyclists' crash helmets is not compulsory in France, but is strongly advised. Cyclists must also wear a high-visibility waistcoat if cycling after dark outside urban areas.
•In urban streets, cyclists must use the marked cycle lanes where these exist.
•Cyclists must obey traffic signs and signals in the same way as other road users; this includes respecting "no entry", "one way" and "stop" signs.
•Like cars, cyclists riding behind each other on a roadway are obliged to keep a safe distance between them. Cyclists may ride two-abreast, but only during hours of daylight. At night, single file cycling is obligatory.
•Drinking and cycling: cyclists are subject to the same alcohol limits as other road users. Cycling while under the influence of alcohol can lead to a hefty fine, the impounding of the cycle, and/or the withdrawal of the cyclist's vehicle licence if he/she has one.

[rain dogs]

1. For super-ultra-light-weight CC road touring use this:

http://media.chainreactioncycles.com//is/image/ChainReactionCycles/prod46312_IMGSET?wid=500&hei=500

That will fit your tools, tubes and lightweight black "going out" shorts. Ride in a wool jersey with deep pockets you can load up, cause it won't stink. For footwear you can use Espadrilles, they can store in your jersey pockets. You can do thousands of KM like this, which I say from experience.

2. OR For just ultralight CC road touring use the above AND add something like this:

http://chavezcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/saddle-bag.jpg

Preferably, find one with a hard plastic bottom, to which you can drill through and hang another bottle cage. Then, you can store a second of the above bottle storage canister to pack a merino base layer and another lightweight piece of wool clothing.

Merino is your friend for CC touring. Less washing, no stink and generally nicer looking than spandex like options. All that means less clothing needed.

3. OR For Super lux lightweight touring, (or less developed counteries like when we did Cuba) use this in place of option 2... but still use 1:

http://hikinglady.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/REI-Compression-Stuff-Sack.jpg

You tie it to your seatpost and saddle rails with lightweight cord and just let it hang there. You'll have so much room for stuff it'll be nuts (well by ultralightweight standards) You probably will be wondering why you took that redundant third merino baselayer with that set-up.

Do one of those and it'll be just like your weekend 50-200km ride.... where you only bring your tools and you stop and buy lunch and such. Which is exactly what this will be, only you can stop on European terraces, and buy stuff from the boulangerie. You rarely have more than 10km to go from town to town.

Have fun!

PS.... I recommend only based on you being a resourceful individual looking to have a really fun time on his bike, and if bad stuff happens to you because you find yourself in a jam (which I can't imagine having done nearly 10000km like above) ... don't sue me. :banana:

[jr59]

I'll second the suggestion of a steel-railed saddle. Don't bring other fancy parts either. If you can find a bike shop, the chances are that they will not have spares/replacement for said fancy part. You shouldn't need special tyres.

I think Emily is on the forum too, so let me mention her bags as being very suitable for a trip like this too: Dill Pickle Gear (http://www.dillpicklegear.com/). They're similar to Carradice in concept but with some very thoughtful additional features. And, if you like colour, the world is your oyster.



-- John


I sure do like the way the Dill pickle stuff looks. A LOT of add ons make this bag appealing to me.

[JAGI410]

Last year a guy rolled into the shop on a carbon Cannondale Synapse, and he was touring coast to coast using only Relevate Designs bags (Saddlebag, Tangle bag, handlebar bag, feed bags). Great setup, and he had zero troubles. Doing a CC tour with just a saddlebag like the Dill Pickle or Swift Industries (with a lean towards Dill Pickle for the forum participation and sharing of patterns!!!) would be perfect.

[Duende]

Update---


France is off the table. Going to Apulia Italy in a week!

Swapped out my carbon railed saddle for steel (titanium) as suggested. Got the Nelson Carradice and Bagman (Awesome quality!).

Talked to Enve, they said no worries about the weight limit as their post doesn't have one. In all honesty it does feel stronger than my old Thomson Elite.

Got the Pikapackworks travelbag. Been using that alot taking my bike on work trips!

Now just need a decent pair of waterbottle cages.. and I think I'm ready to go.

In the bag is going some evening clothes, rain jacket, sneakers, pump, xtra tire, tubes, tools etc...

Beyond stoked! Thank you everyone for all your help!

[christian]

Nothing to add other than, "Have a wonderful time!"

[RFC]

Great choice! BTW, where did you get the Bagman 1? Are they still being made by Carradice?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0187r_zps6879ea17.jpg.html)

[Duende]

Thanks for all your help Christian big time!


RFC,

It's the quick release expedition bagman. Got it at portapedal.com.

[guido]

I've owned and and still use a Caradice Nelson (long flap) supported by a Bagman for a few years now. Other than some fading of the fabric color it has held up well. For my new San Marcos I am using the Swift Zeitgeist (on a newer Bagman) which is made of Cordura and has some nice upgrades (clips instead of the straps with the jingly clasps, daisy chain straps to attach stuff on the top...) but lacks the long flap. Both would be excellent choices...