around the world trip/ride

[heliski]

my husband and I are planning a 6 month trip "around the world" starting in the S. Pacific and heading West that would include some touring.  We are avid,experienced road cyclists, but we have tons of questions and would appreciate talking to anyone who could help.  Our first ride will be New Zealand for about 3 weeks.  We're wondering first about bikes:  should we buy in the U.S. and ship, or buy (or rent) in N.Z? Any suggestions on routes?  Any advice on a long trip like this in which we will be riding part of the time, but not necessarily in every country we visit?    thanks to all who can offer advice.  Kate

[wonderkid]

My experience is limited, however, I have travelled with my bike and can offer a few suggestions; unless you travel to a very theft prone country, I would recommend a decent S&S coupled bike.  Custom built, you'ld have to invest some money, but you can also take your favorite cromoly bike (as long as it has round tubing) and put couplings on it.  Couplings and suitcase will cost about $800. You'll be a lot more comfortable in the saddle than renting something overseas - unless theft is an issue.  Most countries in Europe are OK with travel bikes (theft is relatively low).  I would suggest a street cuff lock (looks like a set of handcuffs) with pitlock skewer on the front wheel.  Maybe take a cable lock too, just in case you have to lock up to a tree.  If you are flying in and out of the same airport, you can store your case at the airport or at your hotel, or with a friend.  I would also suggest two suitcases and a carry-on.  One suitacse for the bike, the other for the handlebars & pieces (plus clothes/shoes) and the carry-on for clothes and other.  The only particular bike stuff I would recommend is 1) Ortlieb panniers 2) Marathon XR tires 3) leather saddle.  Take a map, a few credit cards, and have fun.

[RussellSeaton]

1.  There are various books on bicycle touring.  Many sold by Adventure Cycling in its store.  Buy them and read them.  You can pick out the good advice from the bad easy enough.
2.  Also read the books of people who rode around the world.  There are many.  There are also many touring books on specific countries like New Zealand.
3.  Get a touring bike.  Panniers, racks, trailer, etc. as suggested in all of the books.
4.  Ride a week or two or three loaded here in the USA.  You will learn lots.
5.  Research specific questions about the specific countries you are going to visit.

There are some things in life where experience is the only way to learn.  Riding a bike is one of those.

[adventurepete]

If you like the idea of a folding bike you may want to check out Bike Friday bikes. These bikes fold up into a suitcase. The suitcase can be used as a trailer eliminating the need for racks and panniers. I have ridden one and it rode like a normal bike for the most part and I have heard a lot of good things about the bikes. You can check out www.bikefriday.com

Travel Safe.  Peter Campbell

[tailwind]

if your looking at doing a "round the world" trip i would say bring bikes with you if you want to ride to get from place to place. It will allow you a freedom that bus/car/train cant give you. However it will restrict you as your bikes become part of your adventure. they will call to you. its weird and i cant explain. if you only want to cycle a bit then rent where you are and when you want. if you are starting in NZ maybe rent the gear there and if you like touring then buy your bikes and gear down there....

ive been on many travels in my young life from being a surf bum sleeping in parks eating cheap noodles  to 4star hotels and island hoppin in the MED. it wasnt until 2 years ago that i found bike touring, and i dont think there is a better way to travel... with any 6 month adventure, commitment and plans can be more of a pain then a pleasure, even when they work out. once you bring a bike you may find theres no going back.

i like the folding bike idea, not my style but neat idea
whatever you chose you will have a great adventure

This message was edited by tailwind on 10-28-06 @ 7:38 PM