Search found 19 matches

by bluemint
7 Sep 2012, 11:14am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: A question for Atko, TN Laser et al users
Replies: 22
Views: 2860

Re: A question for Atko, TN Laser et al users

TN laser user here. I don't find it cramped at all (I had a gelert solo, that was cramped), there's plenty of room to get changed for my 5'8" and there's oodles of porch space. It's amazingly light and quick and easy to pitch.

I've maybe had a few drops in the inner The only condensation problem I've had is it forming under the fly, but I got into the habit of wiping away as much as I could from the fly and dried it out when I had the opportunity. It's a great tent for me. I've not had it in any gales but I'm sure it's quite sturdy.
by bluemint
28 Jun 2012, 3:36pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Touring shoes
Replies: 16
Views: 11878

Re: Touring shoes

I've used a pair of Shimano MT33 shoes. They take spds but the recesses have screw on covers that basically turn it into a normal sole that's good for walking.
by bluemint
24 Jun 2012, 12:55pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Tent for tall person advice !
Replies: 8
Views: 6380

Re: Tent for tall person advice !

Wild Country Zephyros 1 are around the £100 mark. It looks the same as the terra nova laser comp 1 which I got as an upgrade from the Solo, but made with different materials.

On paper the inner of the Solo is longer but on the WC Z the ends of the inner are supported so they're pretty much verticle and squared off so it makes maximum use of the available space, unlike the Solo.

I'm 5'8" and I get an inch or two of headroom and can get changed easily, the Solo was ok as a budget lightweight tent but had plenty of drawbacks.
by bluemint
16 Jun 2012, 2:59am
Forum: On the road
Topic: Run in with a twerp
Replies: 14
Views: 4487

Re: Run in with a twerp

i don't think you did anything wrong, he sounds just like an impatient prat. You know the road so know what is best practice, I have a section on my regular route where I take the lane from about a similar distance out into slight traffic. It never seems to bother anyone but then I can get a good speed up most days with a slight downhill, going around the speed bumps and a favourable wind.

Most people would take into account that there would most likely be a wait at the junction so there would be little advantage, never mind the danger aspect.
by bluemint
11 Jun 2012, 11:30am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Tarp Recommendations
Replies: 5
Views: 3748

Re: Tarp Recommendations

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/tarp-khaki-s ... 63223.html

I have this on tour. It comes with poles so you don't always need to find any trees. I also have the DD 3x4.5m tarp but I haven't used that yet apart from in the garden (it's more for groups).
by bluemint
2 Jun 2012, 2:26pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: guttersnipe
Replies: 120
Views: 11799

Re: safest cycling.

Is this a lost chapter from Finnegan's Wake?
by bluemint
24 May 2012, 12:47pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Booking campsites ahead on tour - or not
Replies: 8
Views: 1314

Re: Booking campsites ahead on tour - or not

I tend to plan my routes by where I can stay. http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/ I find is very helpful. Not the most user friendly of sites but their database is vast and the map search feature and user reviews are very helpful in finding me a site that suits me.

I tend not to bother booking as I don't think bike campers get turned away very much. We don't turn up in big groups and don't have cars cluttering up the place. Only if it's very busy would I imagine a problem, but I think I'd rather have a crack at wild camping.
by bluemint
22 May 2012, 11:00pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T
Replies: 20
Views: 3729

Re: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T

I've just had 3 nights in derbyshire in the laser and it's a dream compared to the old Gelert solo, which my brother had to save him carrying a 5kg Vango. He wasn't impressed by the lack of space but I managed to get most of his stuff in my porch area.

Easy to pitch and to pack and enough room inside for me, my stuff and for me to do whatever I need to do. I even tested the pole's flexibility by falling on it in the night, forming a worrying S-shape which resulted in a slightly bent section. A little gentle bending got it back to looking a bit more normal.

It's by far the best tent I've ever had, but then all I've ever had is rubbish tents.
by bluemint
16 May 2012, 4:18pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: iPhone apps useful on a bike tour (e.g. good GPS?)
Replies: 34
Views: 15329

Re: iPhone apps useful on a bike tour (e.g. good GPS?)

Backcountry Navigator. You can download map tiles to the phone (OS, OCM, Google etc). I have it as a backup to my handlebar mounted GPS as that can be a little vague and the maps aren't the clearest. Good for walks and checking out the local area as well.
by bluemint
12 May 2012, 12:45am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T
Replies: 20
Views: 3729

Re: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T

Some good mods to consider, I'll refrain from taking sharp implements to it for now though. The lack of a roof loop is a little annoying, I would've taken the hit it terms of weight for that.

I've had it up in the garden a couple of times, today in a bit of a gusty wind and it seems easy to pitch quickly, but for a bit of fiddling with the pole cover. All-in-one pitching is a luxury I've missed from other tents I've had. I can't wait to get it in action.
by bluemint
10 May 2012, 11:11am
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T
Replies: 20
Views: 3729

Re: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T

Got mine the other day an I'm well pleased with it. A grand upgrade from my Gelert solo, light as a feather and bags of room. With free delivery and a free mug it's a quality bargain and I'm glad I held off from buying something else.
by bluemint
5 May 2012, 12:42am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: The Value of cycle tourism
Replies: 25
Views: 6724

Re: The Value of cycle tourism

I've found that bike campers are always welcome and they generally admire you for making your way there under your own steam and are glad of your custom. And I always like to sample the local pubs.

I'd like to echo the points made about trains as well. I've had the privilege of riding with my bike in the guard's van (?) about 10 years ago due to the kindness of the conductor. I've no idea if these still exist or if they still do it but the stupid little spaces they have on long distance services like Virgin are a joke.
by bluemint
4 May 2012, 11:07pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T
Replies: 20
Views: 3729

Re: Very Cheap Terra Nova Laser Comp at F&T

Good spot! I've been looking at that for ages but the roundabout £250 cost has always put me off.
by bluemint
18 Mar 2012, 11:25pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: What makes a good camp site?
Replies: 7
Views: 873

Re: What makes a good camp site?

toilet, tap, pub within 30 min walk.

Showers are a lovely bonus and I don't mind paying if they're clean and warm. I've been in some places who leave the sheep to cut the grass so they get annoying spiky weeds, which makes finding a decent pitch a bit more tricky. Anything else is a bonus, especially if it's a pub garden table.
by bluemint
5 Mar 2012, 8:33pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Lightweight/fold-away sleeping mat
Replies: 36
Views: 6355

Re: Lightweight/fold-away sleeping mat

I use this http://www.amazon.co.uk/HIGHLANDER-ALUM ... 032&sr=1-1

Yeah, you don't get much cushioning but the idea is to reflect heat back at you. It's ultralight and will pack just about anywhere. backpackinglight.co.uk have a range of lightweight inflatable mats but expect to pay £60+