Barcelona to Venice touring - advice needed!
03-19-11 | 02:04 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2
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Barcelona to Venice touring - advice needed!
Hi,
This summer I am considering doing a tour from Barcelona to Venice via the South coast of France with two friends. We intend to put aside around 3 weeks for the trip, including travel to and from the route by train. Does this sound like enough time for the trip? Also do people have any experience of a similar route? What would the cycling be like along the south coast of France as we preferibly intend to avoid traffic where possible.
I also need advice on what bike to purchase. We will be camping along the way so will probably be carrying lots of gear, does this mean I will definitely need a touring bike? I am a student and so do not have a huge budget to spend, especially as I will need to buy panniers etc. as well. Do people have any recommendations for cheap bikes that would do the job? I would definitely consider second hand bikes but not really sure what to look for.
A friend pointed out to me these cheap road bikes but I'm not sure they would be suitable?
https://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType...&pt=14&pg=7034
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwP...c003155c018341
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Apologies for the long post, as you can probably tell I'm a complete beginner! Any kind of help or advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
This summer I am considering doing a tour from Barcelona to Venice via the South coast of France with two friends. We intend to put aside around 3 weeks for the trip, including travel to and from the route by train. Does this sound like enough time for the trip? Also do people have any experience of a similar route? What would the cycling be like along the south coast of France as we preferibly intend to avoid traffic where possible.
I also need advice on what bike to purchase. We will be camping along the way so will probably be carrying lots of gear, does this mean I will definitely need a touring bike? I am a student and so do not have a huge budget to spend, especially as I will need to buy panniers etc. as well. Do people have any recommendations for cheap bikes that would do the job? I would definitely consider second hand bikes but not really sure what to look for.
A friend pointed out to me these cheap road bikes but I'm not sure they would be suitable?
https://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType...&pt=14&pg=7034
https://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwP...c003155c018341
https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Apologies for the long post, as you can probably tell I'm a complete beginner! Any kind of help or advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
03-20-11 | 12:33 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 0
From: Maastricht, NL
Bikes: Gazelle Playa
Hi,
you can get by with a hybrid bike like the ones we use (mine 300 euros used my wifes 300 new details, pics and tips on our page). For a second hand bike make sure it fits, has low enough gears, the wheels are double walled with 36 spokes (let your local bike shop check them out), wide enough tyres and a comfortable saddle.
I would not go for a road bike.
Southern France will be busy in summer, read some journals from www.crazyguyonabike.com. To avoid traffic try going inland a bit but that will mean hills.
Finally go to google maps and plan your route averaging 100kms per day with a rest day every 6/7 days.
cheers
you can get by with a hybrid bike like the ones we use (mine 300 euros used my wifes 300 new details, pics and tips on our page). For a second hand bike make sure it fits, has low enough gears, the wheels are double walled with 36 spokes (let your local bike shop check them out), wide enough tyres and a comfortable saddle.
I would not go for a road bike.
Southern France will be busy in summer, read some journals from www.crazyguyonabike.com. To avoid traffic try going inland a bit but that will mean hills.
Finally go to google maps and plan your route averaging 100kms per day with a rest day every 6/7 days.
cheers
03-20-11 | 05:06 AM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
There are logistical issues when travelling with bike and luggage on French trains. Local ones are OK but TGV and express routes may require you to box up your kit. Spain seems to be OK for bike/rail travel.
Its probably quicker and easier to fly budget airlines.
The camping load for a summer Euro trip need not be too heavy. You can buy lots of good food along the way everywhere and you are in bike-shop country. I managed with 2 rear panniers only, for a solo tour. Sharing your tent and stuff between several should make it even easier. You will have to stay at commercial or municipal campsites, there is no wild camping except at altitude.
A basic hybrid style bike from a reputable brand will be sufficient (about £350 starting price). Road bikes, like in your links do not handle loads well and are geared too highly. If you get a used bike, get something that was good when new and not worn out.
How are you crossing the Pyrenees. You could skirt them along the coast but most cyclist enjoy the big mountains. The Eastern Pyrenees are a bit of a hidden jewel, dry on the S slopes but green and Alpine on the N slopes and up high.
The S Coast of France is a major touristy location and in August, may be busy as well as hot.
Its probably quicker and easier to fly budget airlines.
The camping load for a summer Euro trip need not be too heavy. You can buy lots of good food along the way everywhere and you are in bike-shop country. I managed with 2 rear panniers only, for a solo tour. Sharing your tent and stuff between several should make it even easier. You will have to stay at commercial or municipal campsites, there is no wild camping except at altitude.
A basic hybrid style bike from a reputable brand will be sufficient (about £350 starting price). Road bikes, like in your links do not handle loads well and are geared too highly. If you get a used bike, get something that was good when new and not worn out.
How are you crossing the Pyrenees. You could skirt them along the coast but most cyclist enjoy the big mountains. The Eastern Pyrenees are a bit of a hidden jewel, dry on the S slopes but green and Alpine on the N slopes and up high.
The S Coast of France is a major touristy location and in August, may be busy as well as hot.
03-20-11 | 06:14 AM
#4
Heretic
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 563
From: Dublin, Ireland
Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Giant OCR3, Giant CRS3
A "cheap road bike" or even an expensive one isn't suitable.
Something like a trekking, hybrid bike will do the job. If you live in Europe check out Decathlon. They're a french company but have stores in Spain and the UK as well. Something like the Riverside 5 trekking bike for €400 comes with a rear rack so all you'll need is pannier bags, a handlebar bag, and a couple of straps to tie on your camping gear.
Three weeks should be enough time to do this trip. In France keep to the secondary 'D' roads.
I've never used trains, always planes, so can't really advise.
Check out Crazyguy and Lonelyplanet do a 'cycling france' guide.
I've been to Venice (not on a bike)but at Easter. Believe it's very hot and crowded in summer. Definitely worth a visit but not sure it's really a summer bike trip destination.
Something like a trekking, hybrid bike will do the job. If you live in Europe check out Decathlon. They're a french company but have stores in Spain and the UK as well. Something like the Riverside 5 trekking bike for €400 comes with a rear rack so all you'll need is pannier bags, a handlebar bag, and a couple of straps to tie on your camping gear.
Three weeks should be enough time to do this trip. In France keep to the secondary 'D' roads.
I've never used trains, always planes, so can't really advise.
Check out Crazyguy and Lonelyplanet do a 'cycling france' guide.
I've been to Venice (not on a bike)but at Easter. Believe it's very hot and crowded in summer. Definitely worth a visit but not sure it's really a summer bike trip destination.
03-20-11 | 10:20 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Hi guys, thanks for the replies, definitely going to avoid a road bike now! Keeping my eyes peeled for a decent hybrid or second hand tourer over the coming weeks. A couple of you have mentioned that France/Venice will be busy and very hot but I think we're planning on going in June so hopefully we will avoid the summer holiday tourists? I'm sure I'll be back for more advice soon! Thanks
