Search found 423 matches

by yutkoxpo
30 Jun 2020, 1:57am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Route planning
Replies: 8
Views: 627

Re: Route planning

For ease of use I'd suggest looking at Wahoo.
Your mobile phone acts as a controller for the unit, and links seamlessly with the main route planning sites such as Strava, RideWithGps, Komoot although I prefer cycle.travel.

GPS units can be quite complicated at the start to figure out and they are not all the same. They are not really like car satnavs because they do not have the same processing power or memory. In other words, people typically use a website or app to plan their trip and then follow it on a specific device.

Using a smartphone is an option too, although power hungry and weather and road surfaces can cause issues.

I'm assuming you won't be going on tour for a while so you have lots of time to figure it all out.

The best advice, I think, is to try to make contact with someone local who can actually demonstrate a unit or two to let you see what's involved. A local cycling club, perhaps?

Also, depending on where you are going touring you may not even need maps. Many routes are well signposted and easy to follow without a GPS.
You could also do what I did a lot of - following rivers or the coast - very easy navigating :D
by yutkoxpo
30 Jun 2020, 1:48am
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Saracen Tange MTB for touring - keep or ditch for touring and rough stuff
Replies: 46
Views: 3215

Re: Saracen Tange MTB for touring - keep or ditch for touring and rough stuff

If it's comfortable enough to whistle on while you pedal it's comfortable enough for touring! :D

As said above, maybe stronger wheels. Front racks are available for fork with no braze-ons.

I ride a 90's MTB as a router - a great go anywhere kind of bike. Expedition standard wheels, good racks, Dynohub, USB charger all for much less than an off the shelf tourer.

Good Luck!
by yutkoxpo
30 Jun 2020, 1:44am
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Dynamo to usb advice
Replies: 15
Views: 1043

Re: Dynamo to usb advice

I've used the Cycle2Charge for 4 years now with no issues.
As I understand it, there's a newer version than my model out.
I liked the simplicity of it it really is plug and play. I'm not technically minded and installation is easy.
Mine is attached to my handlebars and could be mistaken for a bell.
I contacted the owner for a spare cable, paid with PayPal and had it in 2 days.
It generates power once I'm above 13kph (26 inch wheels).
Is it the most efficient? I've no idea. On a typical day I can generate enough power to keep me going.

If you search around these parts you'll find discussions on different options and best practice - for example I never charge any sensitive electronics directly - only a powerbank.

From long term use, a couple of thoughts;
The weak points on the charger and your devices are the ports. Be careful with those.
Not all cables are equal!
Have a think about using it in wet weather. I've an outsize bag cover that covers my handlebar bag, C2C unit and any cabling.
Mine has worked from a Shimano hub and a Son 28.
When I bought mine it was one of the cheapest units that didn't look like a mess.
Good Luck!
by yutkoxpo
24 May 2020, 4:26pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Post-Covid-19: Could some ferry operators ban cyclists?
Replies: 68
Views: 5048

Re: Post-Covid-19: Could some ferry operators ban cyclists?

TrevA wrote:Unless they are requiring drivers and passengers to stay with their vehicles, then it makes no sense to ban cyclists. Once everyone has left their vehicle, be it a car or a bike, they are all just passengers.


On two ferries that I have brought a bike (Holyhead to Dublin & Belfast to Scotland) my bike was stored in someone's office on the car deck. I can fully understand that ferry company's reluctance to do so again.

Could they come up with an alternative? I'm sure they could, but I think it excessive for them to expend their energy on that right now. I'm sure they have bigger priorities.
by yutkoxpo
14 May 2020, 2:09pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Longer term cycle touring in Europe after 2020
Replies: 52
Views: 4347

Re: Longer term cycle touring in Europe after 2020

I think it's smart to be thinking about this now.
As with all things Brexit related I don't think we'll know what is going to happen until it has happened.

In the worst case scenario it's probably optimal to have two routes in mind - one with unlimited travel and one without. For the non-Schengen countries now is the time to be researching the ins and outs of visas.

However, I think the biggest potential hurdle to your plans will be Covid 19 and the implications on our hobby.
I wrote this on another thread viewtopic.php?f=16&t=137423

Other than stealth camping (and I'd expect a stronger reaction where it's actually illegal than before) I can forsee limitations in campsites for tents if not outright discrimination in the form of much higher prices and limits on the numbers of pitches.

The cycling will be fine, but everything else will be a major issue. Limited capacity in pubs & restaurants, public transport and in the future, possibly swiftly imposed mini lockdowns.

Unfortunately, I don't see a brighter picture until a vaccine is widely available.



Good luck and please keep us informed on any progress you may be making!
by yutkoxpo
10 May 2020, 4:16pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Are we going to become a country of cycle tourists?
Replies: 39
Views: 2970

Re: Are we going to become a country of cycle tourists?

Other than stealth camping (and I'd expect a stronger reaction where it's actually illegal than before) I can forsee limitations in campsites for tents if not outright discrimination in the form of much higher prices and limits on the numbers of pitches.

The cycling will be fine, but everything else will be a major issue. Limited capacity in pubs & restaurants, public transport and in the future, possibly swiftly imposed mini lockdowns.

Unfortunately, I don't see a brighter picture until a vaccine is widely available.
by yutkoxpo
10 May 2020, 4:02pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Cycle Travel Question
Replies: 1596
Views: 209588

Re: Cycle Travel Question

Vantage wrote:There's a bit of weirdness going on with my etrex 30x and cycle.travel that I hope someone else has had and fixed.
I'll give a detailed list of what I do so my issue is clear below.

Plot cycle.travel route on pc/chromebook.
Download to pc/chromebook as a gpx route.
Upload gpx route to the gpx file directory in the etrex.
Turn on the etrex and choose the "cycle.travel" route from the 'track manager' .
Click on it and then click 'View Map' which sometimes causes it to freeze.
When the freeze ends, I'll get a 'Loading track with elevation data from the map' message. This message sits on the screen a very long time, I times it the other day and it lasted 4.30 mins!
After that it'll play nice and I can get on with riding my route.

It only does this with a cycle.travel file as I've tried others like GPSies, bike hike etc.
If I load the cycle.travel gpx file into a gpsies/bike hike site, save it and then download, it works OK.

Any help here would be very much appreciated.

Perhaps I'm stating the obvious, but there are two gpx formats to download. Have you tried both?
by yutkoxpo
29 Apr 2020, 8:46pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Velo USB charger - basic version ok with hub gen?
Replies: 2
Views: 342

Re: Velo USB charger - basic version ok with hub gen?

Tompsk wrote:
From https://www.bags.bike/phone-charging:

Note you must buy the correct version for the type of dynamo you use - either bottle or hub.
Output of 500mA supplied from approx. 10mph with most bottle dynamos.
Output of 1.5A using the Hub version.


Forgive me if this is too blunt but the seller themselves states that the hub and bottle versions are different and the clear implication is that they are not compatible.

Of more importance is that there is no information about how the thing works. On that basis alone I'd stay well away from it. There are many different chargers out there (none that I recall using a bottle dynamo). A search of these fora will throw up lots of info.

I can't imagine a scenario where capacity would be "wasted" on one of these devices.

Good luck
by yutkoxpo
17 Apr 2020, 7:30pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Eurovelo 15 Along the Rhine to Rotterdam
Replies: 10
Views: 913

Re: Eurovelo 15 Along the Rhine to Rotterdam

It's easily done. Originating in NL I caught the train to Arnhem, switched in Dusseldorf for a train to Bern. However, due to poor weather I got off in Basle and did a lap of the Bodensee / Lake Konstanz rather than go to the source.

I organised my tickets through the international arm of the Dutch railway service (NS International). Amazing service, although the bike had to be booked by speaking to an operator - I think online chat will work for outside the country.

There was one hiccup when a couple got on well after me with bike reservations, one of which was for my space - sorted out by the conductor, but that was compensated for by being allowed to bring my bike on Dutch trains during the (normally prohibited) rush hour due to me having an international ticket.

On a side note, not all areas along the Rhine are as pleasant for cycling as others. There have been previous threads about that.

Good luck!

IMG_20170426_103020750.jpg
by yutkoxpo
13 Apr 2020, 5:32pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Google maps
Replies: 43
Views: 2135

Re: Google maps

I'd never recommend Google maps for route planning on a bike, although it seems you are more into off-road routes.

I would suggest having a look on RWGPS for routes created by others - no subscription needed. I've often used it for ideas when I'm far from home.

Alternatively, try to connect with local riders similar to yourself.

FWIW https://cycle.travel/ is a great route planner, although like most, probably less reliable the more off the beaten track you go.

Good luck!
by yutkoxpo
8 Apr 2020, 5:00pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Corona virus - impact on European tours in next 3 months?
Replies: 252
Views: 16106

Re: Corona virus - impact on European tours in next 3 months?

nirakaro wrote:
robing wrote:i would love to be able to travel by boat rather than fly across oceans on a rtw trip.

It is possible, I believe, to book one of the few cabins on a container ship. Interesting way to travel I'm sure, but far from cheap.

I have done this and can provide a contact (agent) to anyone interested.
It is not cheap, but a fantastic experience if you're interested in ships.
by yutkoxpo
3 Apr 2020, 1:33pm
Forum: Cycle Camping sub-forum
Topic: Slight tear in fly sheet
Replies: 18
Views: 1188

Re: Slight year in fly sheet

If small enough use whatever seam sealer is suitable for the fly, using some tape as backing.

If larger, I'd suggest belt and braces - suitable patches plus seam sealer.

After some cat damage I repaired with tenacious tape & patches but these failed, albeit with heavy use in extreme weather.
by yutkoxpo
30 Mar 2020, 5:00pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Son 28 dynamo hub not producing electricity after crash
Replies: 13
Views: 1022

Re: Son 28 dynamo hub not producing electricity after crash

Carlton green wrote:
HobbesOnTour wrote:Hi folks,

After an encounter with a drain my 4 year old Son 28 hub seems to be not producing any power.

After having the front wheel straightened there was no power to either the front light nor my USB charger.

I connected another light using a new connector & wires with a similar result.

Hub seems to be rolling as normal, just no power.

Anyone have any suggestions on anything to try before sending it back for repairs?

Many thanks


It looks like you’re stuck with a Hub who’s repair isn’t locally available to you. Personally I’d expect a good unit to not be damaged in your accident (should withstand such things). Anyway your only way forward is replacement or repair by the manufacturer so best send it off when you can. In the meantime, as a temporary measure, bottle Dynamo’s are both cheap and readily available, and if all you need is some occasional night time light then they work well enough to get one by. That’s not as nice a solution as a working hub Dynamo but it’s a lot simpler than buying a cheap replacement hub Dynamo, maybe a set of spokes too, and rebuilding your wheel ... or some similar variation.

That's a good idea, thank you!

I mainly rely on my hub to charge my electronics - I rarely travel in the dark and always have my head torch for emergencies but it does remove the lighting anxiety.

Thanks!
by yutkoxpo
28 Mar 2020, 3:19pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Son 28 dynamo hub not producing electricity after crash
Replies: 13
Views: 1022

Re: Son 28 dynamo hub not producing electricity after crash

ConRAD wrote:Well, in a lockdown situation with no multimeter but plenty of trime, you stiil can check you dynamo in the following way:


I remember doing similar with batteries in my youth! :D
Thanks!
by yutkoxpo
27 Mar 2020, 3:52pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Son 28 dynamo hub not producing electricity after crash
Replies: 13
Views: 1022

Re: Son 28 dynamo hub not producing electricity after crash

backnotes wrote:Sorry - didn't realise you were on tour, and had since checked the windings continuity, making both my suggestions less than relevant!

I had a SON that was ruined by a puddle that turned into a lake. In normal times the turnaround if you send a hub back to Schmidt for repair / refurb is really impressive - mine came back like new via the UK agent (SJS) in less than a week. I was lucky on timing, as they sent things off in batches once a week.

Good luck with your interrupted tour!


I'm grateful for your input, thank you.

If I was at home I'd have no qualms about sending it back to Germany, but on a (stalled) trip it opens a huge number of variables, mainly to do with timing - what do I do if I'm ready to move on (or have to move on) and my hub is somewhere in transit?

In the big scheme of things a non generating hub is a small problem.

I was holding out for "Something similar happened to me and after a few weeks the dynamo kicked back in!" type answer! :D

Thanks again