Messages

1

General Discussion / Bristol bespoke bicycle show review

« on: April 15, 2013, 11:08:12 pm »

Yesterday I visited the third Bristol bespoke bicycle show and was treated to some of the finest examples of the cycle builders craft I have seen.
http://www.bespokedbristol.co.uk/
There were cycles to suit all tastes, if not all pockets with frames made of not just steel, aluminium and carbon fibre but titanium, stainless steel and wood.
Along with frame makers there were a number of parts manufactures such as Brooks, Middleburn and Royce.
I did take some photos, until my camera battery ran out and you can see them here.

http://tiffanystravels.smugmug.com/O...4268&k=sF8zHpN

Here are a few to whet your appetite, enjoy.

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General Discussion / Around the world cyclists killed in Thailand

« on: February 22, 2013, 12:13:43 am »

I have seen this tragic incident reported on a couple of forums but not here yet. Having cycled in Thailand and other Asian countries I can say that the standard of driving and respect for cyclist is not what it is in Europe and North America, no matter how bad we think that is here. A dreadful end to a dream trip.

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/british-cycling-couple-die-thailand-crash-092211536.html

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Cycling Events / The UK handmade bicycle show 2013

« on: January 06, 2013, 01:26:04 pm »

I have just noticed that there is a bespoke bicycle show in Bristol in the southwest of England next April.
Full details here with a list of exhibitors, I knew that a lot of high end bicycle parts were made in the UK with several bespoke frame makers but never realised there were so many, I can feel my wallet trembling already.

http://www.bespokedbristol.co.uk/index.html

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Gear Talk / Re: Durability of Dry Bags?

« on: December 27, 2012, 12:53:10 am »

I have toured some fairly rough roads with an Ortleib dry bag strapped to my rack with no problem, just make sure it is held down tightly. If they are not too long I prefer to strap my tent poles under the top tube with velcro straps.

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Cycling Events / Cycling related adventure travel event in the UK

« on: October 03, 2012, 04:32:56 am »

The previously motorcycle orientated horizonsunlimited travellers meeting in the UK has been moved and broadened to include cyclist and drivers of 4WDs. It is at a new venue, Donnington park farm which is next to Donnington park racetrack in the midlands.
I have been to a few of these events and have found the presentations by other travellers interesting, informative and inspirational. Apart from talks about individual trips there have also been talks on trip preparation and other travel related subjects.
There was one talk by an overland cyclist last year which was well received but next years should include more talks specifically aimed at adventure cyclists so if you are in the area or want something to aim for if touring in the UK this could be for you.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/overland-bicycle-travel/new-event-uk-adventure-cyclists-65759#post394783

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/hubbuk/

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Gear Talk / Re: Panniers and Racks

« on: August 05, 2012, 10:13:40 am »

I have Altura Orkney panniers which are universal, left or right, front or rear, they are cheaper than the nearest Ortleib equivalent and I think just as good quality, the are also made in Germany.
For racks I would recommend Tubus, again German quality.

7

General Discussion / Re: Transporting a bicycle

« on: August 05, 2012, 10:03:43 am »

Beware of some bought bike cases as they are too big for oversized luggage on some airlines, as has been suggested a cardboard box from a shop is the best bet, if the shop you bought the bike from is local it could be a good place to start.

8

Gear Talk / Re: Best touring tires

« on: July 17, 2012, 03:30:36 am »

For long life and durability I would recommend something from the Schwalbe marathon range, not sure exactly what they do in your size. I would also recommend slime filled tubes which I have found work very well and swopping front and rear tyres every 1,000 miles or so to even out wear.

9

General Discussion / Re: Essential Kit for Trans AM

« on: July 17, 2012, 03:21:47 am »

Whilst the replies given include the absolute minimum you will require you really need to give us a little more information about how you intend to travel, camping or motels, cooking yourself or using restaurants whenever possible.

10

Routes / Re: Trans Canada trail or Trans Canada highway?

« on: July 16, 2012, 03:01:56 pm »

Thanks for that Geegee, this is just what I was after, I hope next year to do at least some of this.

The next question has to be what are the best months? I would estimate the whole trip would take about three but which ones?

11

Routes / Re: Trans Canada trail or Trans Canada highway?

« on: July 15, 2012, 04:02:40 pm »

Have you seen these?:

http://www.bikingacrosscanada.ca/routes/trans_canada_trail.php

http://tctrail.ca/

Yes I have been looking here but was wondering if anybody on this forum had some first hand experience of either or both.

12

Routes / Trans Canada trail or Trans Canada highway?

« on: July 14, 2012, 07:48:57 am »

I have just been looking at the bikingacrosscanada website and am considering the possibility of doing some or all of it next year. The routes listed include the trans Canada trail and trans Canada highway, does anybody have experience of either or both? The names suggest one is road and the other trail but I cannot find out much about how open the trail is to cyclists as opposed to walkers or degree of difficulty on two wheels.
I would be taking a hybred bike which has taken me on some fairly rough tracks fully loaded with camping gear, but would not want to end up having to carry the bike up or down some sections if they were only really suitable for hiking.
Your personal experiences and information gratefully received.

13

Gear Talk / Re: Buying a Bicycle from Europe

« on: July 14, 2012, 05:30:25 am »

In fact, my wife and I are planning an entire 3 month UK and Europe trip next year around picking up our Nomads in Somerset! I can't wait to get on to a Rohloff rig!

Totally off topic I know but if you are this close to Bristol, about 20 minutes on the train or a few hours to ride, you can take the cycle path to Bath and Bradford-upon-Avon, a fantastic ride. If you are feeling adventurous you can actually carry on along the Kennet and Avon canal most of the way to London but the towpath gets a bit rough in places.

Back to topic, another thumbs up for SJS cycles, they do some excellent bikes with specifications to suit everyone.

14

General Discussion / Re: 6 montha into Shane Cycles Africa

« on: June 11, 2012, 02:58:09 pm »

Great video Shane, I did a trans-Africa trip a few years ago on a motorcycle up the east route and visited some of the same places. I admired the cyclist I met and it inspired me to do some long distance trips on one, I hope this does the same for others.
Mark

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Gear Talk / Re: Do I need a water filter

« on: June 11, 2012, 02:44:59 pm »

I have an aquamira water bottle with a removable filter in the top, it is the same size as a bicycle water bottle and I use it like a normal bottle putting the filter in when needed, the filter takes up little room when not in use. It is the one pictured on their homepage.

http://www.aquamira.com/