(Ultra) light camping, bike ?
10-22-13, 11:01 AM
#1
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(Ultra) light camping, bike ?
Hello,
I need adviceon buying a (race)bike that is suitable for long distance self supported rides (just daily rides till like 1month rides).
Mostly the Tour Divide inspired me. I am a mountainbiker, so for this kind of riding I wanted to buy the Salsa Fargo. But after some thinking I don't think it's the right bike for me. Why? I live in The Netherlands, so almost no difference in height and more important a lot of asphalt and pavement. It's not the right place for a Fargo. If I would buy one the first thing I would probably change it to less mountainbike-a like-tires.
So now I'm looking for a race-bike for (ultra)light-touring. But I don't know where to start or where I should pay attention to.
Another question; what are the disadvantages touring on a race-bike?
Thanks in advance.
Jvb
I need adviceon buying a (race)bike that is suitable for long distance self supported rides (just daily rides till like 1month rides).
Mostly the Tour Divide inspired me. I am a mountainbiker, so for this kind of riding I wanted to buy the Salsa Fargo. But after some thinking I don't think it's the right bike for me. Why? I live in The Netherlands, so almost no difference in height and more important a lot of asphalt and pavement. It's not the right place for a Fargo. If I would buy one the first thing I would probably change it to less mountainbike-a like-tires.
So now I'm looking for a race-bike for (ultra)light-touring. But I don't know where to start or where I should pay attention to.
Another question; what are the disadvantages touring on a race-bike?
Thanks in advance.
Jvb
10-22-13, 11:21 AM
#2
Banned
People tour the coast on all sorts of bikes .. If the bike doesnt seem suitable for a rack and pannier kit,
get a Bike Trailer and put all your gear in it that makes things simpler..
+ the trailer is darned handy between tours.. I like 2 wheel trailers , others prefer 1 wheel types
eXtrawheel, BoB, of that sort..
disadvantage ? you may wish for lower low gears when you have a bunch of rolling hills to climb for a couple days..
or mountains like the Rockies , Cascades or Alps to cross ..
theres dozens of brands all making a 'race bike'
now others will do name dropping of the popular brands , that they buy.
It's like asking 'what kind of soup is Good. ?'
in order to be ultra light , leave 90% of the Kit at Home.
get a Bike Trailer and put all your gear in it that makes things simpler..
+ the trailer is darned handy between tours.. I like 2 wheel trailers , others prefer 1 wheel types
eXtrawheel, BoB, of that sort..
disadvantage ? you may wish for lower low gears when you have a bunch of rolling hills to climb for a couple days..
or mountains like the Rockies , Cascades or Alps to cross ..
theres dozens of brands all making a 'race bike'
now others will do name dropping of the popular brands , that they buy.
It's like asking 'what kind of soup is Good. ?'
in order to be ultra light , leave 90% of the Kit at Home.
Last edited by fietsbob; 10-29-13 at 12:00 PM.
10-22-13, 11:35 AM
#3
Senior Member
Sounds like an endurance bike is what you might be looking for. Road style bike that is setup for long hours in the saddle. An example of this bike would the Raleigh Revenio.
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes-road-endurance-revenio
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes-road-endurance-revenio
10-22-13, 11:56 AM
#4
Senior Member
You need to figure out how you are going to carry your gear before you settle on a bike. If you can get away from panniers and racks you can use almost any bike. My personal preference is for the modern "endurance" bikes like the Specialized Roubaix, Bianchi Infinito and the now discontinued Cervelo RS. They have slightly longer wheelbases and higher headtubes than true race bikes and many wil take 28mm tires. But your choice is going to be highly dependent on your gear, bags and planned route.
Last edited by nun; 10-22-13 at 12:00 PM.
10-22-13, 12:26 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thorn Audax or Club Tour both great bike 700c wheels or Terry Dolan bikes are excellent all uk based.if like nun said you get your load sorted then basically road bike will do fine.
good hunting.
good hunting.
10-22-13, 12:51 PM
#7
Sore saddle cyclist
Maybe a Giant Anyroad https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...1/14819/66151/
Giant has several other bikes in this category, look around their website.
Giant has several other bikes in this category, look around their website.
10-22-13, 01:55 PM
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Longer wheelbase touring bikes are more comfortable, absorbing more shock, but loose some efficiency. Touring bikes accept fenders more readily, and have braze-ons for racks and extra bottle cages. All those nice thing come at a cost in weight.
I rode over 2000 miles one trip on a racing bike and it was kind of uncomfortable on the back and neck, but the jury's out whether it was worth it or not. Some enjoy the quicker response and sportier ride even when touring. Try it and see.
I rode over 2000 miles one trip on a racing bike and it was kind of uncomfortable on the back and neck, but the jury's out whether it was worth it or not. Some enjoy the quicker response and sportier ride even when touring. Try it and see.
10-22-13, 02:39 PM
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Thanks all for your answers!
A trailer.. Meh I don't think that is something what I want. I want to travel light.
I'm more interested in like a framebag/saddlebag/handlebarbag/etc. (like the Revelate Designs bags)
Yes, an endurance bike is the exact name, that's what I want.
I'm going to carry my gear in framebag/saddlebag/handlebarbag/etc. (like the Revelate Designs bags)
28mm sound fine, I nice to not have the smallest tires... especially for longer rides I think.
Steel, sounds... reliable I already had found the Salsa I'll look into these.
UK based?
Every roadbike will do fine? What about carbon bikes? A bike specially for this kind of riding is always better isn't it?
Those x-road adventure bikes are ugly :/ On the other hand the endurance bikes look a lot better.
I will find out
My budget is max. €2000,- for a bike. (cheaper is allowed
)
What about the reliability of a race bike? Are flat tires a more common thing? And other defects?
Oh btw looking at the picture "nun" posts; it doesn't like he's is carrying camp gear besides al the other stuff is he..?
People tour the coast on all sorts of bikes .. If the bike doesnt seem suitable for a rack and pannier kit,
get a Bike Trailer and put all your gear in it that makes things simpler..
+ the trailer is darned handy between tours.. I like 2 wheel trailers , others prefer 1 wheel types
eXtrawheel, BoB, of that sort..
disadvantage ? you may wish for lower low gears when you have a bunch of rolling hills to climb for a couple days..
or mountains like the Rockies , Cascades or Alps to cross ..
theres dozens of brands all making a 'race bike'
now others will do name dropping of the popular brands , that they buy.
It's like asking 'what kind of soup is Good. ?'
get a Bike Trailer and put all your gear in it that makes things simpler..
+ the trailer is darned handy between tours.. I like 2 wheel trailers , others prefer 1 wheel types
eXtrawheel, BoB, of that sort..
disadvantage ? you may wish for lower low gears when you have a bunch of rolling hills to climb for a couple days..
or mountains like the Rockies , Cascades or Alps to cross ..
theres dozens of brands all making a 'race bike'
now others will do name dropping of the popular brands , that they buy.
It's like asking 'what kind of soup is Good. ?'
I'm more interested in like a framebag/saddlebag/handlebarbag/etc. (like the Revelate Designs bags)
Sounds like an endurance bike is what you might be looking for. Road style bike that is setup for long hours in the saddle. An example of this bike would the Raleigh Revenio.
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes-road-endurance-revenio
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes-road-endurance-revenio
You need to figure out how you are going to carry your gear before you settle on a bike. If you can get away from panniers and racks you can use almost any bike. My personal preference is for the modern "endurance" bikes like the Specialized Roubaix, Bianchi Infinito and the now discontinued Cervelo RS. They have slightly longer wheelbases and higher headtubes than true race bikes and many wil take 28mm tires. But your choice is going to be highly dependent on your gear, bags and planned route.
28mm sound fine, I nice to not have the smallest tires... especially for longer rides I think.
I already had found the Salsa I'll look into these.Every roadbike will do fine? What about carbon bikes? A bike specially for this kind of riding is always better isn't it?
Maybe a Giant Anyroad https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...1/14819/66151/
Giant has several other bikes in this category, look around their website.
Giant has several other bikes in this category, look around their website.
Longer wheelbase touring bikes are more comfortable, absorbing more shock, but loose some efficiency. Touring bikes accept fenders more readily, and have braze-ons for racks and extra bottle cages. All those nice thing come at a cost in weight.
I rode over 2000 miles one trip on a racing bike and it was kind of uncomfortable on the back and neck, but the jury's out whether it was worth it or not. Some enjoy the quicker response and sportier ride even when touring. Try it and see.
I rode over 2000 miles one trip on a racing bike and it was kind of uncomfortable on the back and neck, but the jury's out whether it was worth it or not. Some enjoy the quicker response and sportier ride even when touring. Try it and see.
My budget is max. €2000,- for a bike. (cheaper is allowed
)What about the reliability of a race bike? Are flat tires a more common thing? And other defects?
Oh btw looking at the picture "nun" posts; it doesn't like he's is carrying camp gear besides al the other stuff is he..?
10-22-13, 02:46 PM
#10
The Drive Side is Within
Recommend a long wheelbase low bottom bracket steel touring bike. Just don't carry a lot of gear. You'll be fast and comfortable. The stability and shock absorption is worth it.
Pic is from a 1.5 day 180 mile CT-MA-CT fast tour.
The real weight savings comes from how you pack. I learned much here: backpackinglight.com They have an excellent forum-- there are a lot of ways to pack light without going insanely ultralight.
Pic is from a 1.5 day 180 mile CT-MA-CT fast tour.
The real weight savings comes from how you pack. I learned much here: backpackinglight.com They have an excellent forum-- there are a lot of ways to pack light without going insanely ultralight.
__________________
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
10-22-13, 02:52 PM
#11
Senior Member
https://wheelsofchance.wordpress.com/.../25/gear-list/
I used the set up this summer on a 9 day, 550mile ride from Boston to Buffalo. I camped a couple of nights and spend the other nights in motels.
10-22-13, 05:21 PM
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10-22-13, 10:15 PM
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"Almost no difference in height" = almost no reason to worry about weight. Pushing the air out of your way will be a much bigger factor in speed/efficiency. To that end, I bet frame bags would be very helpful.
10-23-13, 12:02 AM
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Yes I'm carrying tent, sleeping bag, pad, cooking gear etc. Here is a very pedantic and complete list.
https://wheelsofchance.wordpress.com/.../25/gear-list/
I used the set up this summer on a 9 day, 550mile ride from Boston to Buffalo. I camped a couple of nights and spend the other nights in motels.
https://wheelsofchance.wordpress.com/.../25/gear-list/
I used the set up this summer on a 9 day, 550mile ride from Boston to Buffalo. I camped a couple of nights and spend the other nights in motels.
Yes, wind is a much bigger factor here. But I'm thinking about riding to Santiago de Compostela, and I will encounter mountains on the way there.
10-23-13, 02:20 AM
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In the UK we have "winter training" style roadbikes. These have greater tyre clearance, often using Shimano long-srop caliper brakes, to fit 28mm tyres + fenders. They have fender fittings and usually, upper seatstay rack eyelets. Most of them are made from butted aluminium but a few come in carbon fibre. Components are usually quality training grade for extended use over wet winters.
The other UK style of interest is Audax, a form of non-competative endurance riding where fenders (mudguards) are compulsory. The pattern is similar to "winter training" but the frame is usually steel and the components higher grade.
Many of the brands bring in similar quality taiwanese frames and brand them with stickers but the results are quite OK.
Look for Thorn, Kinesis, Ribble, Hewitt, Pearson, Tifosi, Planet X.
Having rack eyelets opens up a lot of extra possibilities but you can use rack-less luggage such as Carradice saddlebags. The same with tyre clearance, you can chose 25mm if you like but have the option of 28 if you should need it.
The other UK style of interest is Audax, a form of non-competative endurance riding where fenders (mudguards) are compulsory. The pattern is similar to "winter training" but the frame is usually steel and the components higher grade.
Many of the brands bring in similar quality taiwanese frames and brand them with stickers but the results are quite OK.
Look for Thorn, Kinesis, Ribble, Hewitt, Pearson, Tifosi, Planet X.
Having rack eyelets opens up a lot of extra possibilities but you can use rack-less luggage such as Carradice saddlebags. The same with tyre clearance, you can chose 25mm if you like but have the option of 28 if you should need it.
Last edited by MichaelW; 10-24-13 at 05:46 PM.
10-23-13, 05:16 PM
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I personally think steel is the way to go. BUT, last summer I did a long tour on a super light high end CF climber (04 Trek 5900 Superlight). I swapped out the wheels for 650B so I could get some comfortable 32 Grand Bois tires. With Chris King hubs those wheels were actually lighter than the race wheels that came with the bike. Seat bag and handlebar bag and a small frame bag. Loved it. I have other experiments planned but I still think lightweight steel is the way to go "light" on a tour.
10-24-13, 10:01 AM
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A Fargo seems like it would be a good on and off-road touring bike. If you're doing an all-pavement tour, just put some slick touring tires on there instead of the knobbies.
10-24-13, 12:42 PM
#20
Senior Member
I personally think steel is the way to go. BUT, last summer I did a long tour on a super light high end CF climber (04 Trek 5900 Superlight). I swapped out the wheels for 650B so I could get some comfortable 32 Grand Bois tires. With Chris King hubs those wheels were actually lighter than the race wheels that came with the bike. Seat bag and handlebar bag and a small frame bag. Loved it. I have other experiments planned but I still think lightweight steel is the way to go "light" on a tour.
10-25-13, 07:09 AM
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10-25-13, 07:36 AM
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I just found this since I've got a Cannondale dealer in my area, can this be the right bike for what I want?
Again, I'm a mountainbiker I almost don't know anything about race bikes..
Again, I'm a mountainbiker I almost don't know anything about race bikes..
10-25-13, 07:37 AM
#24
Senior Member
Jvb, I day trip, which is considerably lighter than fully loaded, and I use my touring bike. That said I recently built a distance roadie that when configured like nun's RS can also do the chore. The largest tire that'll fit is 25 mm, but on pavement that's all that's needed.
The touring bike weighs a little over 26 lbs. (11.8 kg+), the roadie weighs 20 lbs. (9.1 kg). Not a significant difference when factoring in rider's weight, two full water bottles and tools for road side repair. While both bicycles can be made lighter, in particular the touring bike, I'm at a comfortable weight for each when factoring in reliability.
I use triple crank sets on each which work well in the coastal plains I live in and the Texas hill country with that region's short, but sometimes very steep climbs.
Brad
PS For a visual comparison of the two:
The touring bike weighs a little over 26 lbs. (11.8 kg+), the roadie weighs 20 lbs. (9.1 kg). Not a significant difference when factoring in rider's weight, two full water bottles and tools for road side repair. While both bicycles can be made lighter, in particular the touring bike, I'm at a comfortable weight for each when factoring in reliability.
I use triple crank sets on each which work well in the coastal plains I live in and the Texas hill country with that region's short, but sometimes very steep climbs.
Brad
PS For a visual comparison of the two: