kyledr

OK, so the trip is from Norway to Istanbul. I forgot the total mileage, but it's 60-70 a day if I take every fourth day off over 90 days.

My first question is: is it reasonable to expect to be able to find a hostel every night? I don't think I would be OK with paying for hotels/motels. If it matters, my route goes from Norway through the Netherlands, down the Middle of France, hop over to Switzerland very shortly to see Geneva, back into France to go along the Mediterranean, into Italy criss crossin south, ferry to Greece, bike up Greece and into Turkey

Hoping that I will be able to find hostels everywhere, here's an idea of what I hope to pack:

On me:

helmet, sunglasses, short finger gloves, cycling jersey, cycling shorts, cycling socks, cycling shoes(?).

Not on me:

• boxers, shorts, t-shirt, normal socks, normal shoes(?)
• soap, small shampoo, deoderant, small ibuprofen, razor, small thing of shaving cream, toothbrush/paste, sunscreen
• wallet, passport, small digital camera, small cell phone, small journal/pen, maps
• bike lock; spare spoke (in handlebars); mini tool with chain tool, spoke wrench, and other common stuff; 2x spare tube; 1x spare tire (maybe); frame mount pump; 1x tire lever; extra link or two of chain

Snacks for riding will be acquired as needed and carried in the jersey mostly.

Now the question is what to pack it in. I originally wanted to use a Carradice Nelson SQR tour bag (16 liters), but I'm not so sure that'd work. I have just about exactly the minimum amount of exposed seatpost, and I think the cable for my cantilever brakes would be in the way of the bag. Another option is the Carradice Nelson longflap saddlebag (18 liters). I think that may work because it seems to have some sort of support that holds it over the rear wheel. I'd prefer to ride with just a pack and fenders without a rack if possible because I'm trying to keep the load light. This list here: https://www.briandesousa.com/bicyclin...cklistlite.htm is what I used to help make my list, and he said his load was closer to 23 liters unfortunately.

On the subject of shoes, it would be lightest and most compact to use a cycling shoe that doubles as a normal shoe, but I feel that'd be kind of lame for 60-70 miles a day to use a less than ideal shoe. Also, walking around in any kind of cycling shoe might be a bother. What do you all do for shoes if you're going for minimalism? I was thinking either sandals or something light like chuck taylors. I want whatever shoes I wear to be cool enough that if I wanted to go to a club or concert I wouldn't look like a goof.

MichaelW

Consider a saddlebag/barbag combo.
MTB style shoes can be quite stiff and efficient.
For alt footwear, lightweight sandals or athletics road racing shoes are good.
Carry more warm clothing. If you dont take a waterproof, consider a featherweight windproof such as Montaine.
Use shaving oil not cream. Mountain suds combins shampoo, soap and clothes washing in one bottle.
Carry a spare SRAM powerlink rather than just links and dont forget a std puncture repair kit. A tyre boot should be sufficient backup for ultralight packing..

kyledr

I don't carry a tire boot because I like to play MacGuyver and make my own from whatever I have or can find. I'm riding on a candy bar wrapper at the moment. Oh I suppose it might get cold if I go up high in the air... darned mountains. So for footwear, do you suggest I try for one pair of mtb shoes for all purposes or a pair of road shoes with a pair of sandals for normal wear? My road shoes have a partial carbon sole, so they're quite light and fit me wonderfully. That's why I'd prefer to ride them if I can.

I actually was considering the saddlebag/barbag combo, but I forgot to mention it. The carradice nelson ones don't actually look that impressive, but I'm sure they're fine. Do you think I have enough to need two bags? If so, do you have any recommendations?

Also, do cell phones work in europe? I'm using verizon, but I might be using something new like sprint.

MichaelW

Are you from the USA? They use a different cell phone technology but some units are compatable. You also need to switch on the roaming function before you leave; you CANNOT switch on roaming once you leave your home country.
People use all kinds of footwear combos from race shoes , MTB shoes, SPD sandals to trail and running shoes. The less walkable your cycling shoes, the more you need a walkable extra pr.
Check the climate range and long range weather forcast, esp in the Northern part of your route.

tacomee

I like the Cannondale MTB shoes for the best on/off the bike combo-- but I totally understand about your road shoes. it's nice to have a perfect fit.

Having 2 bags, handlebar and saddle bag, is really the way to go. Your bike will handle almost the same way loaded as unloaded using 2 bags. It's the classic light touring set up that's been popular for over 50 years. And you will love anything Carradice makes....very good stuff!

kyledr

OK, well can anyone say if the carradice nelson longflap will work on my bike? My bike has cantilever brakes and will have fenders, but no rack if I can help it. The bike's like this one:

https://www.sheldonbrown.com/centurio...10pro-tour.jpg