A comfortable touring bike
08-20-10 | 06:07 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 12
From: Eugene, Oregon
+1 on Carbonfiberboy's tandem recommendation. My wife and I have been touring on and off road on our tandem since '89 (no, not continuously, but I wish). It is much better for us since I tend to ride quite a bit faster than she does.On the tandem I don't have to take naps at the tops of all the passes. We were definitely able to ride more miles per day on the tandem than we ever would have on half-bikes. Also, people just tend to be friendlier to you when you are on a tandem.
We made sure to purchase a tandem built so that either one of us could captain. I rarely get to ride up front; I'm the designated motor. The one time I remember being captain for an extended period was when our headset totally failed along the yellowhead hwy. We never had any cadence compatibility issues, but did have to work out the bike angle issue. It turns out one of us preferred to have the bike vertical and the other wanted it perpendicular to the road surface. We also found it was better for us to have the stoker control the shifting and drag brake. Others do it differently, but that works for us.
We made sure to purchase a tandem built so that either one of us could captain. I rarely get to ride up front; I'm the designated motor. The one time I remember being captain for an extended period was when our headset totally failed along the yellowhead hwy. We never had any cadence compatibility issues, but did have to work out the bike angle issue. It turns out one of us preferred to have the bike vertical and the other wanted it perpendicular to the road surface. We also found it was better for us to have the stoker control the shifting and drag brake. Others do it differently, but that works for us.
08-20-10 | 06:13 PM
#27
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,563
Likes: 2,673
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
Heh, heh. Yes, new teams do sometimes have different cadence preferences. IME that's not particularly common. Teams manage to sort that out if the desire is there. It's rather interesting, going to a team sport from an individual one. Team members may have different talents, yet each team member has to work just as hard as any other for the team to succeed. It's just like anything else, but with the addition of the personal. Or at another level of abstraction, one might say that it's just like anything else in a relationship, with the addition of a mechanical bond.
08-20-10 | 06:21 PM
#28
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,563
Likes: 2,673
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
+1 on Carbonfiberboy's tandem recommendation. My wife and I have been touring on and off road on our tandem since '89 (no, not continuously, but I wish). It is much better for us since I tend to ride quite a bit faster than she does.On the tandem I don't have to take naps at the tops of all the passes. We were definitely able to ride more miles per day on the tandem than we ever would have on half-bikes. Also, people just tend to be friendlier to you when you are on a tandem.
We made sure to purchase a tandem built so that either one of us could captain. I rarely get to ride up front; I'm the designated motor. The one time I remember being captain for an extended period was when our headset totally failed along the yellowhead hwy. We never had any cadence compatibility issues, but did have to work out the bike angle issue. It turns out one of us preferred to have the bike vertical and the other wanted it perpendicular to the road surface. We also found it was better for us to have the stoker control the shifting and drag brake. Others do it differently, but that works for us.
We made sure to purchase a tandem built so that either one of us could captain. I rarely get to ride up front; I'm the designated motor. The one time I remember being captain for an extended period was when our headset totally failed along the yellowhead hwy. We never had any cadence compatibility issues, but did have to work out the bike angle issue. It turns out one of us preferred to have the bike vertical and the other wanted it perpendicular to the road surface. We also found it was better for us to have the stoker control the shifting and drag brake. Others do it differently, but that works for us.
Cadence preference is perhaps not as big a deal as pedaling style. We both prefer to pedal circles and do it about the same. But when one of us drags during part of the stroke, it's very noticeable to the other. I would have trouble riding with a masher who rocked their shoulders.
08-20-10 | 06:32 PM
#29
Ridin' South Cackalacky
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,918
Likes: 2
Hello forum 
I am new and this is my first forum post. My wife and I are thinking of packing it all in and going on a global tour, first from Florida (where I am) to Alaska. After there, we have a real urge to visit Australia and New Zealand. From there, who knows..
There is a problem.. I guess there always is.
My first concern is that we have a stable income of around $1500 a month to go on. We have retired young, I am 38, she is 39. I'm thinking that is enough to go if we plan on spending some time stealth camping.. which we both absolutely love to do. I'm wondering if anyone had some advice on whether or not that sounds like a good budget for a couple who plan on living a bit frugally? I do want to see the sights, but we aren't the type to want to spend each night in a motel.
The next, and biggest concern I have is I have back trouble. While I am able to deal with 'the stretch' to the handlebars for day trips, I'm pretty sore when I'm done. I would very much like some reccomendations on a bike that is suitable for long distance touring but also provides a more upright position. I don't see myself being able to enjoy the ride if I'm leaned over reaching for the handle bars for days on end. I realize that I'll increase my wind resistance, but that is of little concern to me since we won't be trying to break any land speed records and it'll be all about the scenery, the cultures, and about taking it all in.
So.. I'm looking for a little advice..
I want to go the long distance, but I need to sit upright and comfortable to do it. I don't want to go the recumbent route since it just doesn't suit the 'spirit' of it all to me for some reason. I'm comfortable on a bike, I just want one that leads a little to my needs.
I am new and this is my first forum post. My wife and I are thinking of packing it all in and going on a global tour, first from Florida (where I am) to Alaska. After there, we have a real urge to visit Australia and New Zealand. From there, who knows..
There is a problem.. I guess there always is.
My first concern is that we have a stable income of around $1500 a month to go on. We have retired young, I am 38, she is 39. I'm thinking that is enough to go if we plan on spending some time stealth camping.. which we both absolutely love to do. I'm wondering if anyone had some advice on whether or not that sounds like a good budget for a couple who plan on living a bit frugally? I do want to see the sights, but we aren't the type to want to spend each night in a motel.
The next, and biggest concern I have is I have back trouble. While I am able to deal with 'the stretch' to the handlebars for day trips, I'm pretty sore when I'm done. I would very much like some reccomendations on a bike that is suitable for long distance touring but also provides a more upright position. I don't see myself being able to enjoy the ride if I'm leaned over reaching for the handle bars for days on end. I realize that I'll increase my wind resistance, but that is of little concern to me since we won't be trying to break any land speed records and it'll be all about the scenery, the cultures, and about taking it all in.
So.. I'm looking for a little advice..
I want to go the long distance, but I need to sit upright and comfortable to do it. I don't want to go the recumbent route since it just doesn't suit the 'spirit' of it all to me for some reason. I'm comfortable on a bike, I just want one that leads a little to my needs.
You can ride tour later.
08-21-10 | 02:45 AM
#31
Banned.
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 3
From: Uncertain
Heh, heh. Yes, new teams do sometimes have different cadence preferences. IME that's not particularly common. Teams manage to sort that out if the desire is there. It's rather interesting, going to a team sport from an individual one. Team members may have different talents, yet each team member has to work just as hard as any other for the team to succeed. It's just like anything else, but with the addition of the personal. Or at another level of abstraction, one might say that it's just like anything else in a relationship, with the addition of a mechanical bond.
08-21-10 | 03:04 AM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,206
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
If you've got chronic back pain, I'd suggest meeting with a doctor or chiropractor who understands sports and cycling. He or she can make some recommendations about the preferred fit of the bike. Then, armed with that knowledge, get down to your local bike shop and have a fitting done. The doctor or chiropractor will understand how to work with your body while the bike shop people will be able to make the bike fit work for you.
08-21-10 | 07:56 AM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 2,039
From: Up
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
you have gotten a lot of good advice on the position for the back pain. I am not sure of how much riding you are doing and how new to cycling are you. Maybe the sore neck and back are just getting used to the additional weight of holding up the helmet.
Have you ridden distances similar to your long days in the saddle? I would do some training at multiple days at the max. day distance. There will be some days when the distance between towns is greater than 75 miles (western Nebraska comes to mind). Make sure you are physically fit for the ride is important before you depart.
The $1500 per month is $50/day for two people. You can certainly live on that amount if you eat simply and cook your own meals. You may have extra funds for an occasional night in a hotel for when the weather is really bad or just a treat after many days on the road.
I also bring a small bottle of scotch or brandy, something that I could drink without being chilled. This is as a moral booster for when the life on the road starts getting mundane.
Well thats my $.02 worth.
Have you ridden distances similar to your long days in the saddle? I would do some training at multiple days at the max. day distance. There will be some days when the distance between towns is greater than 75 miles (western Nebraska comes to mind). Make sure you are physically fit for the ride is important before you depart.
The $1500 per month is $50/day for two people. You can certainly live on that amount if you eat simply and cook your own meals. You may have extra funds for an occasional night in a hotel for when the weather is really bad or just a treat after many days on the road.
I also bring a small bottle of scotch or brandy, something that I could drink without being chilled. This is as a moral booster for when the life on the road starts getting mundane.
Well thats my $.02 worth.
08-21-10 | 09:00 AM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,039
Likes: 828
From: Tallahassee, FL
Bikes: Several
Oh and FWIW I have tried a few chiropractors that came highly recommended and found they ranged from useless to mildly harmful. Of course YMMV.
__________________
Pete in Tallahassee
Check out my profile, articles, and trip journals at:
https:/www.crazyguyonabike.com/staehpj1
Pete in Tallahassee
Check out my profile, articles, and trip journals at:
https:/www.crazyguyonabike.com/staehpj1
08-21-10 | 10:19 AM
#35
Banned
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,115
Likes: 4
+1,
I used to fit golf clubs, and it was rare to find anyone who understood golf, it was rare to find anyone who could teach it, it was rare to find anyone who understood clubs. I did pretty well because I knew all three, probably about 20%. I once went to a fitting by Ping, at Canada's only major championship, the Ladies Masters. These guys who invented club fitting in the modern golf market, gave me a tragically off mark recommendation. I just don`t trust that the average person will get good advice where complex maters like this are involved. Ask around, think about it, listen to your body.
I used to fit golf clubs, and it was rare to find anyone who understood golf, it was rare to find anyone who could teach it, it was rare to find anyone who understood clubs. I did pretty well because I knew all three, probably about 20%. I once went to a fitting by Ping, at Canada's only major championship, the Ladies Masters. These guys who invented club fitting in the modern golf market, gave me a tragically off mark recommendation. I just don`t trust that the average person will get good advice where complex maters like this are involved. Ask around, think about it, listen to your body.
08-21-10 | 08:03 PM
#36
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,392
Likes: 2
From: Central Coast, CA
Bikes: Surly LHT, Specialized Rockhopper, Nashbar Touring (old), Specialized Stumpjumper (older), Nishiki Tourer (model unknown)
08-22-10 | 07:17 AM
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Austin
Bikes: Trek ST-120; Jamis Satellite; Miyata Seven Ten
Lycosa...I think if you spent some time reading these peoples journal, it will give you a good idea of what to expect. This link is to the summery page of expenses and overall trip stuff... But basically it boils down to a daily budget. Check it out....it's a great read, Erin is a fantastic writer and Sam certainly has an eye for photographs. IT's an inspiring journal and will fuel your dreams.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p...id=148908&v=2S
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/p...id=148908&v=2S
08-22-10 | 07:39 AM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 43
Bikes: Rivendell Quickbeam, Rivendell Rambouillet, Rivendell Atlantis, Circle A town bike, De Rosa Neo Primato, Cervelo RS, Specialized Diverge
I'd like to get back to the finance question and whether $1500 a mouth is enough. It sounds a lot, but have you done a budget. Health insurance will cost a few hundred depending on coverage. There's your phone/wireless bill, I assume you'll have one of those. You eat a lot on the road too.
08-22-10 | 07:58 AM
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 219
Likes: 2
From: northeast GA, USA
Bikes: Trek 820 Antelope (1992)
If you are going to traveling to"smell the roses" you need to spend a bit more time off the bike doing other things. You say you are avid hikers so stop and hike often. Focus your tour on public lands, especially National Forests where you can camp almost any where for free. Focus on hard bike travel on the stretches between National Forests. I have stopped in heavily wooded areas and walked off out of sight of the road and cabled my bike to a tree and gone hiking all day. Do that often it will be good for your back
08-22-10 | 08:23 AM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,039
Likes: 828
From: Tallahassee, FL
Bikes: Several
I should say that I never tried the BA pads so I can't compare the NeoAir to them.
__________________
Pete in Tallahassee
Check out my profile, articles, and trip journals at:
https:/www.crazyguyonabike.com/staehpj1
Pete in Tallahassee
Check out my profile, articles, and trip journals at:
https:/www.crazyguyonabike.com/staehpj1
01-16-25 | 05:53 PM
#41
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I'd like to get back to the finance question and whether $1500 a mouth is enough. It sounds a lot, but have you done a budget. Health insurance will cost a few hundred depending on coverage. There's your phone/wireless bill, I assume you'll have one of those. You eat a lot on the road too.
02-12-25 | 08:22 PM
#44
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,188
Likes: 5,377
From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
02-13-25 | 10:56 AM
#45
Sunshine
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 18,709
Likes: 10,248
From: Des Moines, IA
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
02-14-25 | 11:19 AM
#46
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 1,861
From: Spain
Where¿? Not in Europe, normal Spanish public health insurance covers all European countries, even countries like Turkey, Georgia or Morocc. One just gets a European Health Insurance Card before traveling.
__________________
https://stefanrohner.exposure.co
https://stefanrohner.exposure.co
02-14-25 | 12:03 PM
#47
aka Timi
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,611
Likes: 325
From: Gothenburg, Sweden
Bikes: Bianchi Lupo & Bianchi Volpe Disc: touring. Bianchi Volpe: commuting
Last edited by imi; 02-14-25 at 12:14 PM.
03-12-25 | 05:02 AM
#48
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 53
Likes: 8
The first days of the trip are going to be harder than the rest of the trip anyways while the body adjusts to the riding, however do not concentrate on distance alone and do regular stops and stretches/walks - this will help you tremendously and you will not feel so worn out at the end of the day.
03-19-25 | 12:40 AM
#49
Full Member
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 266
Likes: 242
From: Portland OR
Bikes: '80 Trek 515, 2010 Trek 7.3 FX
I can contribute a couple of points. I work with two brothers. They pedaled across the US together and spent $.80 on food and about $5.00 on coffee for the whole trip. After that, they rode from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego with similar expenditures. And took the Continental Divide trail to get off the roads and make it more interesting. They did stop to work a couple times in South America on that trip. So, uh, not an issue, but you have to be flexible in your habits and expectations at that level.
I have a bad back, too - spinal stenosis and two or three other degenerative issues. You are far better off bent over a traditional road bike than in a more upright position. I can ride with my bars below my saddle a lot better than I can walk. The reason is that when you are upright, your back is in column, and all the jarring travels right up your spine like a pile driver. When you are bent over, your butt goes up and down but all that does is flex your spine a little, which is a good thing. It needs the exercise.
The other good thing about being bent over is that it opens up the sides and back of your vertebrae which relieves the pressure on the discs and nerves. There are very good reasons for the standard road bike position, and wind resistance is not all that great a part of it, really. The modern MTB position is about the same, but MTB bars have way fewer hand positions than drop bars and are tiring on long rides.
In other countries, and out of the way places, 26" parts are much more available than 700c. South of the US border outside of large cities, no one knows what 700c is. And 26" wheels are stronger because they are smaller and have better spoke angles. My wife has a randonee bike with 26" wheels, MTB gearing, road bike bars and shifters, and full touring eyelets and braze-ons. It's pretty neat.
All that said, you may feel that I have it all wrong because it's uncomfortable for you now. But I can pretty much guarantee you that you'll feel very different about it in a few thousand miles. Which you should start accumulating now. Work up to riding 150 miles/week to begin with. Go to the gym. Lift some weights. Squats, seated rows, benches, dumbbell presses, lat pulls, crunches, leg lifts, lunges, all that stuff. Strengthen your core and your upper body. Stretch after.
When you're touring on a really long tour like that, you'll enjoy putting in about 60 miles/day. That's 420 miles/week, loaded. So you'd like to be able to do close to that, unloaded, first. Now, I don't do that. I have many 5000 mile years in my legs and have ridden 400k in the mountains in 18 hours, so I don't get particularly tired at a touring pace. I know I'm good to go. But you should know that about yourselves, too. I find it interesting to see what I'm capable of. I'm 65.
I have a bad back, too - spinal stenosis and two or three other degenerative issues. You are far better off bent over a traditional road bike than in a more upright position. I can ride with my bars below my saddle a lot better than I can walk. The reason is that when you are upright, your back is in column, and all the jarring travels right up your spine like a pile driver. When you are bent over, your butt goes up and down but all that does is flex your spine a little, which is a good thing. It needs the exercise.
The other good thing about being bent over is that it opens up the sides and back of your vertebrae which relieves the pressure on the discs and nerves. There are very good reasons for the standard road bike position, and wind resistance is not all that great a part of it, really. The modern MTB position is about the same, but MTB bars have way fewer hand positions than drop bars and are tiring on long rides.
In other countries, and out of the way places, 26" parts are much more available than 700c. South of the US border outside of large cities, no one knows what 700c is. And 26" wheels are stronger because they are smaller and have better spoke angles. My wife has a randonee bike with 26" wheels, MTB gearing, road bike bars and shifters, and full touring eyelets and braze-ons. It's pretty neat.
All that said, you may feel that I have it all wrong because it's uncomfortable for you now. But I can pretty much guarantee you that you'll feel very different about it in a few thousand miles. Which you should start accumulating now. Work up to riding 150 miles/week to begin with. Go to the gym. Lift some weights. Squats, seated rows, benches, dumbbell presses, lat pulls, crunches, leg lifts, lunges, all that stuff. Strengthen your core and your upper body. Stretch after.
When you're touring on a really long tour like that, you'll enjoy putting in about 60 miles/day. That's 420 miles/week, loaded. So you'd like to be able to do close to that, unloaded, first. Now, I don't do that. I have many 5000 mile years in my legs and have ridden 400k in the mountains in 18 hours, so I don't get particularly tired at a touring pace. I know I'm good to go. But you should know that about yourselves, too. I find it interesting to see what I'm capable of. I'm 65.
03-19-25 | 11:23 AM
#50
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,563
Likes: 2,673
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
One of the brothers (actually twins) I mentioned above, on the altiplano somewhere in South America. It's good to be flexible about what one eats. The one in the photo met a Chilean woman and got married. Touring can be life changing.
__________________
Results matter
Results matter
