Cycling UK Forum

I have the new bikepacking copper spur from big Agnes, a vesper bag/quilt from thermarest and a tensor Mat from nemo equipment. These are seriously lightweight and not cheap but between them fill about half a pannier. That’s all you actually need except for a light source at night. I also take a sma...

Many thanks all. Last night I decided on the Hilliberg, but by morning I'd changed my mind ... going round in circles. Eventually went for the new MSR Hubba Hubba 2 Shield. All the "justifications" I concocted for spending twice the amount on the Hilliberg were valid but were "concoc...

Can’t UK cycling sort this one out- they have intervened before to clarify things I think to get a more consistent approach.

I’ve had a couple of problems where I needed help- one major mechanical failure in an urban area and I walked for help to a bike shop and then got a taxi to my overnight destination (they then gave me a lift to the bike shop I was getting it fixed at next day)- a train would also have been an option...

Very sorry to hear of this. I flew Ryanair in September fromBeziers to Bristol (only airline that does that route) and they were fine with that bag. I hope you manage to get some récompense for the loss of your holiday. Re the bag if you’ve covered your bike in 10m of bubble wrap inside the bag as I...

Ageeed - damage is more likely than getting anything nicked but of course buyer beware- I take the valuable stuff with me and leave the rest as although I know I have an expensive sleeping bag, tent etc I don’t think people are likely to burrow deeply enough in my panniers to extract it and identify...

I’ve got the thermarest quilt. So pleased to get my bag, tent and mat into about 2/3 of a pannier.
https://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk ... ilt-p11278

I use my iPhone and cycle.travel when on tour with Wi-fi in the evening ready for the next day and occasionally 4g during the day which I can then upload to my Garmin. The Garmin then spends all day irritating me with random switching off and lack of information so I sometimes check my position with...

Just a little update on my USA progress. I’ve had a great cycle up from DC to Pittsburgh and then ambled across Ohio but the weather has really closed in on the mid west at the moment- really wild and wet and this is forecast to continue for a while. It’s also gone very cold as in snowy in the north...

Another company makes (used to make?) underwear with removeable inserts. I don't remember which, but I'm sure they've been discussed on the forum before and will have a look. Well, I didn't find much in my search. It's been mentioned a few times, but no links or specific recommendations. Nalini is ...

I would recommend you give your bike a thorough service a couple of weeks before you come. You carry a couple of spare tubes, some zip ties and a phone. For any mechanical problems other than punctures you are never going to be that far from some form of rescue. Be it limping on to a bike shop, a m...

I’ve now used it and I like- better than the hubba hubba although a similar design. Easier to pitch. Much gear storage especially a large section at the apex of the tent. Best bit is the size of the packed tent goes horizontal at the bottom of a pannier, leaving plenty of space for mat and bag and o...

Not much help- mine is a PITA too but sympathy vote here. I’m on tour in the USA and it’s being iffy about loading maps. I have an edge touring 1000.

I moved from drops to flat bars when I brought my Thorn Raven Tour the flat bars came with GPSL grips and I have never been happier. My last trip was 2,000 miles from the Isle of Wight to Budapest. I never really understood drops as I spent most of my time riding with my hands on the brake hoods. h...

Just to understand you are looking for a largely off road trail suitable for a multi day tour and not too bonkers hills etc?

I’ll be fascinated to see the answers- I’ve only done this sort of thing with my kids in Brittany and the Netherlands.