Africa - bike for Africa - please help me!

but it has Disc Brakes instead of V-Brakes... The guy in the bike shops told me he would prefer to use Disc Brakes... He said he would give it to me for $425 instead of $495, whilst the Upland SE is $395...

I am so lost and confused now.

EDIT

The Upland SE is $349 sorry, not $395, my bad.

Caves is then this one better? The Boulder... http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/mountain/169/22611/ except it has suspension? Everyone in bike shops keeps on telling me to get suspension...?

It has a different derailluer?

The parts are better. I'm not sure how Altus / Acera / Alivio derailleurs compare, which is newer or better. They are all at the lower end. I know the Upland's derailleur (with the red plastic jockey wheel) dosen't last very long. Watch out also for plastic brake levers.

I've been looking for a bike for my sister for commuting / light touring and it is hard to find a bike with good components, rather than bells and whistles (low quality disc brakes, low quality suspension forks) at a reasonable price.

I don't have any first-hand knowledge of touring with suspension forks, perhaps someone else has some advice?

Re disc brakes - they often stop you adding (cheap and strong) racks, so I don't like them. They do stop better in wet conditions (not dry conditions).

Caves... when you say it doesn't last very long, what exactly do you mean...? I think it has plastic brake elvers but I don't know...

OK so here's yet another question...

Which of these bikes would you pick: (I know you'd all pick neither, but say you were being forced to pick one...)

http://www.shogunbicycles.com.au/ - The Trail Breaker 1 made by Shogun

http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU...ain/169/22428/ (http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU...ain/169/22428/) - The Upland SE made by Giant

What causes Derailleurs to break? Is it just that they are made with sketchy components to begin with, or does incorrectly changing gears contribute? I know I should know this sort of stuff already but I can't find anyone to ask who has time to answer me.

Of the ones you've mentioned the Giant Boulder SE has the best components. Between the Upland SE and the Shogun Trailbreaker, the Trailbreaker has better components. According to Wikipedia, Alivio is better than Acera which is better than Altus. Most of the posts here agree that Deore (the next level up) is much better than any of these.

I've had no problems with an Alivio derailleur over ~2000km on my previous bike, but you will be travelling much further. Most people would agree that you will wear out parts on any bike over several thousand Km of riding; at least tyres and brake pads and chain. As parts wear (or as cables stretch) things get looser - the brakes become mushy, the gear shifting becomes dodgy and the wheels may wobble. Adjustments need to be made when/before these become a problem.

The better the parts, the longer they last before they need adjusting, and more importantly the longer they last before they have worn so much that the adjustments no longer last. Also, the parts will be less prone to breakage under stressful use.

I've seen some very worn out plastic wheels on derailleurs. I haven;t seen any that have actually broken in normal use. I surmise that the plastic wheels wear faster than metal ones, but I've never tested this myself. Only the very cheapest derailleurs have plastic wheels anywhere.

The Great Vic Bike Ride bikes (made by Learsport) have part plastic brake levers. The actual lever is metal, but the housing that attaches the lever to the handlebars is p;astic and bends when you pull hard on the brakes. This makes me nervous, I worry about it breaking under repeated strain, although again I haven't seen one actually break; but the bolts holding the brake levers to the handle bars come loose as the plastic threads on the brake housing is soft and wears out.

Some less technologically advanced parts are more tolerant of failure, or are easier to find replacements for if they do fail. A rigid fork needs no maintenance, which is why many prefer one when away from home (although plenty of people tour with front suspension). V-brakes on a mountainbike work very well, and the brake pads are easy to replace. If the brakes break, they are easier to find replacements for than disc brakes. Disc brakes make it harder to find a rear rack that works (and a rack adds so much flexibility for so little cost and weight that you should add one even if you plan on using a backpack).

Poor quality wheels start to wobble and are prone to dents in the rims, as the spokes aren't tight and of even tightness. The hubs have bearings which can wear out. Both of these issues can be partly addressed with good maintenance if you have the skills, but good wheels (in Melb. about $120 each and up) go much further before you start getting problems.

So, get the best quality you can afford, or just wear the bike out and continue on a local bike or by bus.

and the Shogun frame is as good as the Giant frame?

Your a legend Cave

Sorry to be a pain Cave... but I was also wondering about this bike:

http://www.bikes.com.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?nav_top_id=56&nav_cat_id=296&art_id=1249 ... Its the 2006 Haro V1... it was originally $489 so I think the components might be better. The rear derailleur is a better one and the shifter is 8 speed instead of 7 speed (though I don't know what that part means)...

Sorry I feel like I keep on and on and on asking questions... but is this one OK?

Flic- You're going to Africa, not Western Europe. Where do you plan to find spares for your disc brakes if they should break? I can tell you that finding replacement parts for my Avid (a major manufacturer) is very difficult here in Riga, and I know where to look.

So enough BS, you've been told enough times by folks on this board with experience; KIS!

Well Ziemas I don't know where I'm going to find spares, and therefore I have actually understood the concept of keeping it simple. I keep asking the people in the bike shops I've been to (like 10 of them) what will happen if various parts of the bike breaks and they keep telling me they won't break. I don't know if finding spares for V-brakes or Disc Brakes is more complicated and harder to fix, or whether one type of brake is more likely to fall appart thats why I'm asking for help. Perhaps you can suggest which of the three bikes is, in your opinion, better: The Shogun Trail Breaker 1, The 2006 Haro VI or The Giant Upland SE?

I know I'm being annoying asking so many questions and I'm sorry for that.

Well Ziemas I don't know where I'm going to find spares, and therefore I have actually understood the concept of keeping it simple. I keep asking the people in the bike shops I've been to (like 10 of them) what will happen if various parts of the bike breaks and they keep telling me they won't break. I don't know if finding spares for V-brakes or Disc Brakes is more complicated and harder to fix, or whether one type of brake is more likely to fall appart thats why I'm asking for help. Perhaps you can suggest which of the three bikes is, in your opinion, better: The Shogun Trail Breaker 1, The 2006 Haro VI or The Giant Upland SE?

I know I'm being annoying asking so many questions and I'm sorry for that.
It's not a matter of being annoying, it's matter of research. Most of these questions have been answered many times on this board.

In short, no disc brakes and no shocks.

Do either of those bikes have rack mounts?

The Shogun Trailbreaker 1 has an integrated style of headset; this is a bad thing for a simple touring bike. A std model is much better for your needs. Why doesnt anyone make a decent, simple, normal MTB any more?

Are any other brands available in your town? Call around every bike shop to see what they offer.

Hi Flic!
I’m not expert in bike mechanic, but that below is my opinion on your future bike.

These bikes are your minimal level:

2007 Merida SUB 40-V $459
http://www.bikes.com.au/html/s13_shopping/view_product.asp?cid=271&id=1528

2007 Haro V1 $479
http://www.bikes.com.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?nav_top_id=56&nav_cat_id=326&art_id=731

2007 Scott Reflex 50 $499
http://www.bikes.com.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?nav_top_id=56&nav_cat_id=351&art_id=1048

TR 3240 $550
http://www.learsport.com.au/view_product.php?product=TR3240

These ones are optimum for you:

2007 Matts Merida TFS 100-V $649
http://www.bikes.com.au/html/s13_shopping/view_product.asp?cid=271&id=1523

2007 Scott Reflex 45 $799
http://www.bikes.com.au/html/s02_article/article_view.asp?nav_top_id=56&nav_cat_id=351&art_id=1047

TR 3270 $750
http://www.learsport.com.au/view_product.php?product=TR3270

There are many analogous bikes with disk brakes, and I have such bike also with mechanical brakes Tektro, but it was a serious technical problem to install the rear rack on it. Sometimes I will share my know-how here, but that is not actual for you right now. My mechanical disk brakes work fine, but disks are vulnerable in bike transportation by plane and I think these brakes are more complicated for you.

You will not see relatively reliable bike without front suspension in a shop (I think that is just marketing policy), except special touring bikes that cost $$$$. So just forget about it especially if you aren’t going to set up a front rack. The bikes from the list above have pretty reliable forks.

As to Hi-ten steel frames, not the frame is the problem (one is good enough for our purposes if is made accurately), but low quality components, that are on it usually, to produce heavy and cheap bike. However, you don't have to think much about it.

Check out correct frame size also. And that's right the outlets for rear rack mounting.

I would set up these tires with Kevlar 3D compound. You will not have punctures and will have easy cycling.

Geax Street Runner $35
http://www.bikes.com.au/html/s13_shopping/view_product.asp?id=490&nav_cat_id=156&nav_top_id=Shop3&dsp=1917

After all this I would replace noname spokes with DT Swiss or something. I assemble wheels myself only not to have broken spokes. So you should bring your new wheels to experienced bike mechanic to reassemble the wheels to avoid broken spokes on the tour. Anyway you must have pair of them spare.

I can carry 3ltr water on the frame in two 1.5ltr plastic bottles from a super-market. In addition, I carried 5ltr plastic bottle of water for two of us on my rear rack in deserted areas in Turkey. Try to carry as less as possible on your back.

If you aren’t going to have stuff to boil water, you should have some medicines to disinfect unboiled water. They aren’t health-giving, but better then the risk to catch an infection.

Maybe it makes sense to paint your precious bike not to attract attention, I don’t know.

Alexey

Good disc brakes (e.g. Avid BB7) are fine. Good suspension (e.g. Marzochi MX Comp ETA) are fine. Cheapos are a definite no-no.

If the guys in the bike shops are telling you things won't brake Flic then they don't know much about a trip like yours. Things are quite likely to brake, but more importantly, things will wear out. Cheapo gear shifters and cheapo shimano front and rear derailers won't last as long as the quality components. You really should be looking for a bike with Shimano Deore level front and rear derailers and hubs as a minimum. You could buy one of those bikes (the best I've seen of your ideas so far has been the Giant) and get someone to replace the derailers - that wouldn't cost much.

You basically have a choice Flic - buy a super-cheap bike, (more than likely) have no end of problems (maybe mostly minor problems, but problems all the same) and more than likely get really pissed off with cycling cos you'll be spending most of your time stopping to find someone to fix things or having annoying squeeks and rattles that'll drive you mad and also find yourself ruling out the more interesting roads (the tracks) because you'll be worrying about the bike falling apart leaving you stranded; or buy something of decent quality that allows you to enjoy the trip without things breaking every week.

Two off-the-shelf bikes that are more or less suitable for your trip are the Marin Muirwoods (met some folks doing London to Cape Town on these, only problem they had were with the wheels - one trashed rim in Ethiopia), which isn't hugely expensive and, a bit cheaper and consequently a bit less suitable, but better than what you've been suggesting, the Kona Smoke (as suggested by someone previously). The Kona would benefit from upgraded derailers, but frame and wheels would suffice.

This has been pointed out before, but you may not have paid much attention to it - GET SCHWALBE MARATHON XR TYRES. That's SCHWALBE MARATHON XR tyres. One set will last the trip and the only thing that's got a chance of puncturing them are thorns. If you set out with cheapo tyres you'll be replacing them probably in Ethiopia - you'll only find crap tyres there.

One major problem I can see with the bikes your looking at are the quality of the seals on the hubs and headset. Sand and dirt will get into them. You definitely don't want that.

Hey Flic,

Why don't you give Learsport a call and see if they can do you a custom package based on the TR3270 that Alex L links to? I have complained about their GVBR bikes, but the faults relate to cheap components (like the ones on some of the bikes you were considering earlier!), not the frames. The head office is in Bayswater, tel. (03) 9738 1633, and their staff on the GVBR were very friendly.

Maybe they can put together a package with a rack, helmet, pump, bar ends, lock etc. and give you a better price, or maybe even swap out the suspension fork for a rigid fork if that is what you want. Can't hurt asking.

If you have any talent with photography or writing you might be able to help them out with publicity to sweeten the deal for them. There are plenty of bike tourers who have gotten sponsorship in return for publicity. Your tour sounds pretty epic!

Good disc brakes (e.g. Avid BB7) are fine. Good suspension (e.g. Marzochi MX Comp ETA) are fine. Cheapos are a definite no-no.
Except that replacement pads would be next to impossible to find and she has said she will carry no spares. With V or canti brakes in a worst case scenario someone will be able to jerry rig a pad to work, after all they're rubber and fairly common. Not so with disc brakes.

Believe Ziemas about spares, Flic. He knows of what he speaks. Low-tech, reliable, replacable parts are what you want. High tech can be reliable, but not in your price range, and not away from a big city in the first world.

One set of disc pads will almost certainly last the trip since it'll be >90% dry weather riding. But given Flic's mechanical knowhow I'd agree that v-brakes would be the better option.

One set of disc pads will almost certainly last the trip since it'll be >90% dry weather riding. But given Flic's mechanical knowhow I'd agree that v-brakes would be the better option.
I was thinking more if they got fouled up by oil. I've ruined a new set of pads that way on my commuter.

this is exactly the problem: One set of disc pads will almost certainly last the trip
the almost certain...
and that goes for a lot of things. almost certainly you will have enough water with you.
almost certainly you will have no trouble with <insert stuff here >.

most people here try to be prepared in case something DOES go wrong.
one of my favorite sayings: survival is what you do when you haven't prepared well enough.

now.. this doesn't mean that things will go wrong, i sincerely hope not.
but... if you're prepared a lot of the things that DO go wrong will be surmountable, like having a folding tire with you in case you get a blowout on a tire, or having a puncture repair kit with you.

i agree with ziemas, cave and amaferanga that v-brakes would be the better choice.

one question, you live in australia? it's fairly hot and dry there isn't it?
how much water/fluids do you drink each day when you're out? even without exercise?
i'd reckon you'd need to take at least two times as much with you each day.
and that's without having to cook, wash yourself.

have a nice day
jurjan

Well, you have your advice both on general topics and on specific bikes! Good luck with your choice. Don't be afraid to ditch the bike for a local bike or the bus if you find it dies, or cycling isn't working. Don't forget a few spares, tools and supplies; get that rack and bar ends, and use a helmet and a lock!

I'm a bit dissapointed that some of you felt I wasn't paying proper attention, I have been reading everything and following up on it too, so please don't think I was disregarding anything. Sorry. Its just that a lot of you are suggesting things which I just can't afford.

Cave... I thought you might like to know this, maybe you do already, but the man in the bike shop told me that all of the shimano derailleurs have that red plastic jockey wheel, so if thats the thing that is going to break it seems like maybe they are all vulnerable? Maybe thats not the thing most likely to break, I dunno, sorry. I dunno what a bar end is, I will find that out.

Mmmm I've also learnt that you can't always upgrade derailleurs because they don't fit with the gears on the bike, if they are different, I don't understand how this works, but thats the way it is apparently, like you can't go from a 7 to an 8 or something.

Don't think I'm not gunna take any spares, I never said that, of course I'll be taking spares...

I've found a shop to sell me Schwarbe Marathon XR tyres, even if they think I'm an idiot because I can't pronounce them properly. I never said I wasn't trying to find those. I've also located a mate who can put them on for me for free and teach me how to do it.

I'm getting V breaks, sorry for asking about Discs, I shouldn't have done that.

Anyway thanks everyone for your replies, I will continue to reference them as I continue to prepare.

See yas...

^^^
If you can't afford the basic minimum of reliable supplies perhaps you should delay your trip until you have enough money.

You say you work at an outdoors store. You wouldn't spend a winter hiking in Tasmania with a backpack, tent, and sleeping bag from Target, would you?

Great, sounds like you've done lots of research and are narrowing down on the best you can get for your money, which is the whole point!

All of the low-end derailleurs have a red plastic wheel; the higher end ones aren't red, and feel like metal, but I could be wrong. It shouldn't snap, but it will wear out quicker.

Bar ends stick out from the handlebars at right angles and let you move your hands into a different grip position - lots of people get sore wrists or numb hands if they keep the same grip for several hours.


I'm a bit dissapointed that some of you felt I wasn't paying proper attention, I have been reading everything and following up on it too, so please don't think I was disregarding anything. Sorry. Its just that a lot of you are suggesting things which I just can't afford.

Cave... I thought you might like to know this, maybe you do already, but the man in the bike shop told me that all of the shimano derailleurs have that red plastic jockey wheel, so if thats the thing that is going to break it seems like maybe they are all vulnerable? Maybe thats not the thing most likely to break, I dunno, sorry. I dunno what a bar end is, I will find that out.

Mmmm I've also learnt that you can't always upgrade derailleurs because they don't fit with the gears on the bike, if they are different, I don't understand how this works, but thats the way it is apparently, like you can't go from a 7 to an 8 or something.

Don't think I'm not gunna take any spares, I never said that, of course I'll be taking spares...

I've found a shop to sell me Schwarbe Marathon XR tyres, even if they think I'm an idiot because I can't pronounce them properly. I never said I wasn't trying to find those. I've also located a mate who can put them on for me for free and teach me how to do it.

I'm getting V breaks, sorry for asking about Discs, I shouldn't have done that.

Anyway thanks everyone for your replies, I will continue to reference them as I continue to prepare.

See yas...

You say you work at an outdoors store. You wouldn't spend a winter hiking in Tasmania with a backpack, tent, and sleeping bag from Target, would you?
Why not?

^^^
If you can't afford the basic minimum of reliable supplies perhaps you should delay your trip until you have enough money.

You say you work at an outdoors store. You wouldn't spend a winter hiking in Tasmania with a backpack, tent, and sleeping bag from Target, would you?
Not to encourage a potentially suicidal venture, but I have camped comfortably in Northern US Winter conditions in a Walmart tent and Sleeping bag.....(Bag is good to -20℉)

Despite my snide swipe about Zeimas' assertions on Tasmania...

I can't be bothered reading all of this, because I am stunned by the content of the first and last two pages.

The best advice the OP could have received is on the first page. That Cave and others have persisted is admirable, but a sheer waste of time. The OP's ambition is way beyond comprehension of what is required. The starting point is the non-existent budget required to adequately equip oneself with a bicycle and required equipment (Target variety or not).

The world is full of loonies, and unfortunately, it looks like Australia has its fair share of them. The problem here is that if something does go wrong with this plan, and she does die, there will be a lot of finger-pointing at the people who continued to encourage her when it became patently obvious that she just doesn't have a clue.

My best advice? If you are going in January, Flic, then I suggest you book a bus from Point A to Point Z, and forget the bicycle touring bit entirely. You just are not up to doing it by bicycle.

geez dude, what happened to Dream, Dare, Do?

this is the same troll from a year or so ago who was planning a similar trip

geez dude, what happened to Dream, Dare, Do?
Yes, dream all you want. You might even have the dare in you, but dare can be borderline stupidity, too. As to the do? No, I don't think so... not because you haven't got the desire, but you just haven't got the wherewithall, on your own admission, to given you an even chance of succeeding. You just don't have a clue about bicycles, let alone cycle touring. You are so confused by all the well-meaning advice here that you've got no hope of sorting it all out by January. And there is that tiny budget you keep referring back to.

The most famous women cycling expenditioners have had some sort of (extensive) previous cycling experience and knowhow to get them through their adventures, as well as financial resources and a decent bike to start with.

Tell me... you have the tyres sorted, but what happened with the bike? Schwalbe Marathons work pretty well, but they do need a bike to be able to do it. When are you going to buy the bike? Have you even thought about the air travel with it?

You definitely need a wake-up call, and real fast.

I'm planing to climb Mt Everest. I heard you need oxygen up there so I thought I'd borrow my uncle's scuba tank, what do you think?

Also do you think my old nike sneakers will do the job, or should I get some new flip flops? They're on sale at the drug store for $1.99.

Oh and also, I've never climbed more then a sand pile, but I figured what the heck! go for it, right?

Flic, have a look for BigDan while you're there! :D We haven't heard from him since he was having passport problems in Damascus in 2005.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=66820

Well for those of you who are interested, which may not be many, I got a bike today (not just tyres). So, given I've very obviously worn out my welcome, I'll boot. I'll let those of you who are interested know the website address for my online travel diary before I leave (I'm leaving January 16th, so it will be before that)... Thanks again for all of the advice I've been given, because I'm not a troll, I'm real, and the time you took to write the advice was very very appreciated.

Well for those of you who are interested, which may not be many, I got a bike today (not just tyres). So, given I've very obviously worn out my welcome, I'll boot. I'll let those of you who are interested know the website address for my online travel diary before I leave (I'm leaving January 16th, so it will be before that)... Thanks again for all of the advice I've been given, because I'm not a troll, I'm real, and the time you took to write the advice was very very appreciated.
Well, at least have the courtesy of telling those who proffered their advice what sort of bike you have acquired.

And don't worry, Flic, we are *all* interested in your travel diary. Just make sure you keep it up to date so either you can give us the one-finger salute when you get to the end (on the bike, of course), or we can do likewise when you throw the bike aside and take the bus. I'm looking forward to a pretty entertaining eight months.

OK, let me get this all straight ...

1) You've never ridden a bicycle before (or at least very little).
2) You don't have any idea what can go wrong with a bicycle, or how to fix it.
3) You've never cycletoured, which involves camping etc., before.
4) You just bought a bicycle now, on December 19th, and you plan to start your tour on January 16th
5) You've got three weeks to learn how to ride a bicycle, learn how to fix a bicycle, learn how to set up a tent and use a campstove.
6) You're planning to do all this alone.
7) Given all that, you are planning to take a bicycle of questionable durability, complete with all the gear you'll need to survive for 8 months to a place like Africa.


WHY???????


Is there something particularly compelling about doing a trip like this through Africa? If you're so compelled, I think you'd be better off going on something like this: http://tourdafrique.com/indextour.htm

I'm all for adventure, but having done a 3 month tour of Australia (as a VERY experienced cyclist and camper), my first word of advice to anyone, most of all someone who has no experience whatsoever, would be to try a local trip of a week or two first.

Good luck Flic! If you don't manage it I for one certainly won't be giving you the one-finger salute, rather I'll say at least you tried (which is more than most advising you here would do it seems).

which is more than most advising you here would do it seems.


I've no problem with the idea of touring Africa by bicycle ... I've had my eye on the Tour d'Afrique for quite a few years ... I just think that the OP could be a bit more prepared for something of the length and challenge that she is planning to attempt.

For example, if she were planning to do this tour in January 2008, and were planning to spend the next YEAR riding her bicycle, taking practice tours, learning how to fix her bicycle, learning how to pack for a cycletour where she won't be staying in any 5 star resorts every night, learning how to pack her bicycle for her flight, and unpack and rebuild it at the other end ........ and all the little details that go into a cycletour of this nature ...... I think she could do the tour quite comfortably and enjoy herself along the way.

However, she has admitted that she is too LAZY to even go for a small practice tour. She hasn't ridden a bicycle, doesn't have the first clue how to fix one, and so much more .... and then is planning an 8 month tour on a continent with a vastly different culture than her own. I suppose if she has an amazing sense of adventure and an extremely positive outlook on everything, she could enjoy the tour .... but here are just a few of the difficulties I see her encountering along the way.

1) Getting the bicycle onto the airplane for the trip over.
2) Putting the bicycle together again once she arrives. There may be no bicycle shops available to help her out.
3) Accommodations, food, etc. Does she have any idea how far she can ride on a bicycle? Does she have any idea how far it is between towns where she can get accommodations or food?
4) Comfort level. If she has never ridden a bicycle (or very little, or a very long time ago), does the bicycle fit? If not, she'll be in agony for the whole tour. Even if it does, she's going to hurt for the first couple weeks till she gets used to riding a bicycle. Riding a bicycle isn't like walking or other sports.
5) Finances. Does she have a large fund available to get her out of trouble if she gets into it along the way? Like greasing the palms of officials at border crossing, bribes, etc.?


If she is bound and determined to do this ... fine ... and I would like to see that website!! But, IMO, I just think she could have a much better time if she put a bit more preparation into the whole thing.

4) You just bought a bicycle now, on December 19th, and you plan to start your tour on January 16th

Actually, in Australia it is December 20th :)

Flic, the odds may be against you, but just try to stay safe and have a great trip. Don't be afraid to catch the bus if things aren't working out - it is about the journey, not the gear.

I'd love to read your travel diary.

I sort of agree with most of what you say Machka, but there's nothing quite like learning from experience. I did. I made mistakes on my first big tour, but I lived to tell the tale. I'm sure it'll be the same for Flic.

A solo tour across Africa has little in common with the Tour d'Afrique other than they're on the same continent!

Good luck Flic! If you don't manage it I for one certainly won't be giving you the one-finger salute, rather I'll say at least you tried (which is more than most advising you here would do it seems).
The trouble with this is... it leads fools to do things on a whim that lead to disaster, at a cost to both their families and the community. The newspapers in Australia are rife with rescues of people who are ill-equipped and ill-experienced to do the things they set out to do. Flic should knows only too well the consequences of that in yachting world. No doubt they have been encouraged by the same "at least you tried" mantra.

And I would strongly suggest that the people who have offered their advice on bicycle touring here have vastly greater experience in bicycle touring through having *tried* and tested every aspect they have discussed.

A few other pointers to the OP, many of which have not been mentioned yet:

1) Here's my packing list: http://www.machka.net/packinglist.htm That will keep me going quite comfortably for any length of tour with Randonneuring events thrown in now and then. You might not need or want everything on there, but I'd recommend looking it over in case there are a few things you might not have thought of.

2) A cyclist needs to consume 250 calories per hour while riding. One energy bar is 250 calories. You might not be able to bring energy bars into the countries you are travelling into. Some countries have restrictions on food products ... that's something you might want to check into before you go. If you can't bring energy bars with you, or if you run out of them, it would be a good idea to have some awareness of the calorie content of foods so you know you're getting enough to eat.

3) After a ride, a cyclist needs a good meal ... preferably with a lot of protein. My cycling partner and I did the first three weeks in Australia with very little meat because we were trying to save money. We discovered that we were almost desperate for the protein and for the rest of the tour consumed massive quantities of it ... without gaining any weight. I'm not normally much of a meat eater. I could go a month or more without it when I'm not cycling heavily, but when I am cycling a lot, I need a lot of meat.

4) Hydration ... a cyclist needs to drink one 750 ml bottle of water every 1 to 1.5 hours depending on weather conditions. Most bottles are 750 mls. If you carry two on your bicycle, count on being able to ride for 3 hours. Yes, you could ride a bit more, but you'll start to be dehydrated ... and that will cause you all sorts of problems. If you think that it could be more than 3 hours between water sources, carry more water!

5) Money ... I hope you've got lots of it!! Whatever you figure you'll spend per day on a tour ... double that amount. I was misinformed that I could tour Australia on $15/day. It was more like $30/day. I don't know what you're counting on for touring Africa, but if it were me, I'd want at least $50/day available to me. For your 8 month tour, that's $12,000. Why? Because there are always unforeseen expenses.

6) Night ... there's a very, very good chance you'll end up riding at night at least once. Here's what happens ... you plan to reach a certain town that is only a mere 60 kms away. Turns out the road is a lot hillier or rougher or whatever than expected. Night falls, and the town is still another 10 kms away. How much night riding have you done? Are you comfortable with the idea of cycling in the dark? Do you have lights?

10US$ p/day is easily enough for Africa, plus a couple hundred US$ set aside for visas and another couple hundred for emergencies.

Some days a couple of US$ will be all its possible to spend.

12000US$ is enough for around 2 years in Africa easily.

Rowan, if you'd read all the previous posts you'd know that if it does go wrong for Flic then all she'll have to do is jump on a bus!

A cyclist needs to consume 250 calories per hour while riding.


Yeah, make sure you eat enough. Can be hard to do, believe it or not, even with good tucker and energy-rich snacks. With hills or headwinds for 6+ hours I need about 4000 calories/day, and still lose weight.

Some very good points mentioned by Machka.

(BTW, did you ever find a suitable camp stove?)

I wasn't going to write anything else because I thought the thread had run its course... but in response:

Rowan: I didn't mention the type of bike because I figured it would just give some people further reason to ridicule me, and whilst I'm pretty easy going and don't mind a bit of that, I didn't see the point of inviting it further. The bike is a Black Diamond 2007 Outlook with Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres, his name is Edward. I got the bike with the best components that I could. So there you go mate, have a laugh. Please note, I intend on taking public transport for some of this trip. To be honest, I'm not sure why you'd be giving me the one finger salute if it doesn't end up working out. I don't know what I have done to warrant that, or how any of this has affected you.

Machka: I wouldn't compare what I'm doing with the Tour D'Afrique. Things aren't quite as bad as you think (yeah sure they're close, but not quite as bad!). Thanks for the practical advice you gave me. Nutrition is one thing I do understand. I've only stayed in a 5-star hotel once. Its not something I'm used to... I've slept in a car for 6 months, a tent will be fine. But I have taken note of what you have said and appreciate the effort you made in your comments.

Amerferanga: I hope you don't hate the bike too much. I hope you like the tyres. Thanks for your support, though I feel bad that you're copping flack from people just for being nice to me. Sorry about that.

Cave: Thanks for your advice. I was talking to the guy in the bikeshop about carrying water, about putting three bottles on the frame like I have seen in pictures. He said in order to do that I would need just a normal cage to put on the upright part and then some sort of cage that carried two bottles to put on the lower cross bar thing, that I couldn't just attach two cages, one either side (I hope that makes sense). He said he didn't know where I could get a cage that took two water bottles, do you know somewhere in melbourne where i can get one? Or is he wrong? Also, I'm not bringing a camp stove, I don't want to cook.

Hi Flic, even though this still doesnt sound like a good idea to me, I wish you luck and I hope everything works out for you. I am excited (and scared) for you. I would love to read your travel diary also. If you dont post the link here, could you send it to me? I will be rooting(is that spelled right?) for you.

If you have gardian angles, they will be very busy for a while! Be safe!

Well, at least have the courtesy of telling those who proffered their advice what sort of bike you have acquired.

And don't worry, Flic, we are *all* interested in your travel diary. Just make sure you keep it up to date so either you can give us the one-finger salute when you get to the end (on the bike, of course), or we can do likewise when you throw the bike aside and take the bus. I'm looking forward to a pretty entertaining eight months.
Matter of fact, Flic, if you pull off this trip, I encourage you to give us the one finger salute and say "Told ya so!"! Good luck and post a link to your travel diary! I suspect that this will either be one of the best AND worstr experiences of your life. Bona Fortuna and safe travels!:D

Flic

Go and enjoy.
I will be rooting for you every inch of the way.

At least you won't be saying for the rest of your life "IF", if only I'd, if it had been, if....

I am surprised that some people get out of bed in the morning they are so paranoid.

I have read this thread while wondering, what if I hadn't gone off to do cycle tours 20 years ago, no maps very few words known in foreign languages, not much money, crap bike etc etc.

We all learn from experience, I hope you have the expereince of your lifetime

1) No, I've not toured Africa, but comparing your safety to that of the western world, including America is absurd. Absurd.
2) I'm not saying one should always be discouraged from touring Africa, but I do think it's irresponsible for one to encourage someone to cycle-tour for 8 months in Africa with zero cycle-touring experience and zero bicycle mechanical knowledge.
3) To equate someone else's success with the probability of success here is a bit of a leap. "Dead men tell no tales." Not to say I personally know of anyone who has died, but just because two tourers here have had success in riskier areas, doesn't mean a total novice is likely to succeed. It's one thing to be prepared and experienced, but that is not the case here.

Go have a great time: it will be a challenge but you seem to be up for challenges. Keep your '6th Sense' about you to anticipate trouble.

Machka's advice is sound: The nutrition & hydration are critical for this kind of ride.

Best of luck & I hope to be able to read your travelogue...

1) No, I've not toured Africa, but comparing your safety to that of the western world, including America is absurd. Absurd.


Don't believe all you read......

If you really think Africa is THAT dangerous for tourists then you clearly know little about the continent.