raybo

This year marks that 10th year that I've owned my S&S coupled Waterford Adventure Cycle. A fabulous bike.

I wrote an article summarizing my experiences touring with a coupled bicycle.

Highlights:

Likes - Savings on flying with bike, being able to put in any vehicle, rides likes a regular bike.

Dislikes - Learning to put it in its box, having to travel with a 45 pound suitcase, dealing with the box once at the destination, having to carry a special wrench.

I realize other people find traveling with a regular bike fine and others swear by folding bicycles. I'm not proselytizing here. Only reporting on my experience.

xyzzy834

Thanks for the summary article. That's a nice bike. I've always admired the Waterford Adventure Cycle.

Your article didn't show or mention racks and panniers. Do you box those separately or tour without them?

raybo

I tour with both a front and rear rack. There is no way to get the racks in the bike box without bending something. Instead, I take all the gear I carry in a separate case. I used to carry a large suitcase but when I realized one case didn't fit inside the other, I switched to a cheap ($10) but large nylon athletic gear bag that I line with cardboard.

In the bag goes racks, panniers, cooking gear, clothes, tools, repair supplies, etc. I haven't taken the tent and sleeping bag on a tour lately, though will on the next one. For that trip, I will likely stuff my rear panniers with my camping gear and whatever else I can put in them and carry them on the plane.

On occasion, I have shipped gear to my starting point via UPS or USPS when I didn't think I could get everything in my bags.

The bottom line is that an S&S coupled bike is only half the gear you have to carry if you are flying off to start a tour.

cplager

Nice, well balanced write-up. Your description confirms what I thought would be the pluses and minuses.

cheers,
Charles