Messages

31

General Discussion / Re: Front Suspension

« on: August 01, 2017, 02:36:14 pm »

Bigger tyres are, in my opinion, a better bet and I have recently become a big fan of suspension seat posts.   The comfort benefit of these is substantial and well worth the expense.   

32

International / Re: Touring in The Netherlands

« on: July 24, 2017, 02:08:47 pm »

I've ridden the route from Ijmuiden to The Hague.   It was a very pleasant ride, it passes through the dunes around Zandvoort and follows the coast most of the way.   You're right to be wary of headwinds, the prevailing winds tend to be Westerly or South Westerly which could leave you riding into a headwind, but if the weather is kind, it will be a very enjoyable day.

33

International / Re: Touring in The Netherlands

« on: July 23, 2017, 01:57:01 pm »

I've been to Apeldoorn and can confirm that the area to the west is very pleasant, lots of sandy tracks, all the ones I rode are easily tackled on a touring bike.   It's best visited in August as it's heather heathland and the heather in bloom is lovely.

You can also visit Het Loo, a Dutch royal palace.   The heathland was once the park of the palace.

34

Gear Talk / Re: Need help with European bike

« on: July 22, 2017, 01:45:31 pm »

I think you would be better buying a bike locally on arrival.   There are plenty of bike stores in Switzerland, have a look at the following

https://www.athleticum.ch/de/home/velo/velos/citybikes

Most of those bikes will be more than adequate for the Rhine Cycle Route and you can probably find a bike shop to buy them at the end of your trip.

35

International / Re: Touring in The Netherlands

« on: July 11, 2017, 02:01:46 pm »

The North Sea Coastal Route is a pleasant ride with lots of places to visit and stay.   The area around Middleburg on the Island of Walcheren is well worth a visit and Friesland, in the north is also worth a trip.   You can link these nicely on the NSCR.   Lots of places to hire bikes, either short or long term, probably worth bringing your own panniers.

STAYOK is the Dutch Hostel association and good value for money.   The hostel in Domburg is spectacular!   Hotels are plentiful and Booking .com will help.  Dutch equivalent of Warm Showers below.

https://www.vriendenopdefiets.nl/en

Enjoy your holiday.

36

International / Re: Western Europe-Gatorade

« on: June 21, 2017, 02:52:25 pm »

Sorry, not a product you'l find in Europe, there are plenty of local alternatives, have a look in most supermarkets or service stations and you'll find something.   There are quite a lot of readily available pre-mix powders which are commonly used by cyclists and can be found in the bigger supermarkets, sport stores and bike shops.   In the UK, Torq and SIS, among others are well regarded.

37

International / Re: Bike rental in Germany

« on: June 21, 2017, 02:48:09 pm »

If you google bike rental Munich, you'll get a number of suggestions.   80 Euros for a week seems about average.   

38

Gear Talk / Re: Trekking bars vs Jones H bar

« on: February 19, 2017, 02:04:20 pm »

I have used trekking bars on a Surly lht for several years and they work very well, they're comfortable and offer a variety of hand positions.   You can also vary the angle which allows you to choose either a more upright or more angled riding position.

I also use Jones loop bars which are, of course, similar to the H bars.   I also find these comfortable and again, they offer a variety of hand positions.   It's a difficult choice but I think for touring use, the trekking bars are better.   For rougher roads and trails, I prefer the Jones.

So, road touring - Trekking.   Bike packing and rough roads - Jones.

39

International / Re: Loire Cycling

« on: July 17, 2015, 08:21:22 am »

The Loire is one of my favourite cycling destinations,   The main cycle route is: http://www.cycling-loire.com/

There are lots of local cycle routes which are generally well signposted.    If you go to any of the local Tourist Information Offices they will be able to provide maps and advice.   I'm sure an internet search will provide information on tour companies but can't comment on any of them as I prefer to make my own tours up as I go along.

Amboise is a very nice town to use as a base, plenty of nice shops and cafes and some really nice cycle routes.   The Chateau Chambord is spectacular and, again, lots of really nice local cycle routes.

Have fun!

40

International / Re: Biking New Zealand

« on: October 20, 2014, 09:16:09 am »

May I suggest you get hold of a copy of "Long Cloud Ride" by Josie Dew, it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

41

General Discussion / Re: Toe clips? Clipless? None of the above?

« on: October 20, 2014, 09:13:34 am »

I like Shimano A 530 SPD pedals.   These have a clip on one side and a flat on the other which makes them more versatile that a standard clipless.   

42

General Discussion / Re: Handlebar Grips

« on: September 25, 2014, 08:42:59 am »

I also have a Trek 7200 but am a little confused, mine came with combined Shimano brake and trigger shifter modules.   It also has an adjustable stem.   When I bought it, the stem was in a horizontal position which left me leaning a bit to far forward for comfort so I rotated it to a more upright and comfortable position.   If your bike has the same stem, you might try that.   I also replaced the original grips with a pair of Specialized comfort grips, very like the Ergon and about a third of the price.   I use these on several bikes and find them very good.   I also added a pair of bar ends which I then fitted with slide on foam grips.   The end result is a very comfortable bike usable in pretty much any environment.

43

General Discussion / Re: brooks saddle break-in how long

« on: August 03, 2014, 08:34:04 am »

I have several B17s and each one broke in differently.  One was comfy from the outset, one took about 400 miles and another about a 1000.   As to care, I have never used the Brooks dressing, any good leather care product from your local ag store will do just as well.   Probably the best is Connolly Hide food if you can get it.   If it's good enough for Rolls Royce...

44

General Discussion / Re: Fighting off boredom?

« on: July 04, 2014, 09:50:35 am »

I love, love, love my ebook reader.   It means that I can carry in a light and small package, enough books to keep me happy for months.   

45

General Discussion / Re: ~4,000 mi cross country tour on mountain bike?

« on: May 21, 2014, 08:41:45 am »

I did a couple of weeks touring last October on my BMC hardtail and thought it made a very good tourer.   Interestingly, it weighs about the same as my Dawes Karakum and the larger tyres and suspension fork make for a comfortable ride.   I was quite surprised at how harsh my LHT felt when I got back on it some weeks later.