Cycling UK Forum

pal wrote:I can't answer all your questions, but a couple of thoughts (based on my experiences of touring in Norway):

GPS: generally I think you don't need it for Norway -- there aren't that many roads to choose from! (And the signposting is generally good.) A useful feature of Norwegian roads is that they have regularly-spaced signs (usually at 1km intervals) giving the number of the road and the distance to (or from) the next major junction (or sometimes to the nearest county boundary): useful for reassurance that you're on the right road, and for keeping track of how far you've gone. The one exception could be getting through and out of Bergen (though you could avoid having to do this if you head south/east from the airport, I suppose): threading a route around the main roads and tunnels can be fiddly. The same will apply for getting into Oslo. I use the OMaps app on my phone for city navigation: you can pre-load maps (so avoid data charges), and then just use it like google maps. The only other navigational foible to be aware of is that Norwegians are very keen on building new tunnels (and, to a lesser extent, bridges) -- it's worth checking the latest maps before you set off, or you might find that the road suddenly starts doing unexpected things...

Waterproofs: Norwegian rain is Proper Rain. I suppose that might be an argument for not bothering with waterproofs (on the grounds that even with waterproofs, you'll still end up getting wet...), but I'd say it's worth trying to stay dry for as long as possible (especially if you're camping). It can get pretty cold, too, so I'd say it's worth having some sort of leg covering which you'd be happy cycling in in the rain -- leg warmers, perhaps, if you don't like cycling in waterproof trousers.

Power meter: definitely not an essential for touring, imho. Some sort of cycle computer can be useful for navigation (and for the satisfaction of knowing how much ground you've covered), but a very basic one will do the job perfectly well (and in many ways is preferable for touring, because the battery will last pretty much indefinitely: one less thing to charge).

Charging stuff: I take a solar charger, which usually provides just enough juice for a phone (and can be topped up at power-sockets too, and then just used as a spare battery pack). You're right that it's important to have lights for the tunnels (and worth considering taking a high-viz vest too).

Norway's a great place to cycle: I hope you have a great time!

(ps re train to Stockholm: it's very easy to take a bike on Norwegian trains, but pretty much impossible to put one on Swedish trains. So Olso-Gothenburg would be ok with a bike, because that route's run by NSB [Norwegian Railways], but getting beyond that would be trickier. Mind you, Gothenburg to Stockholm is quite a nice ride too!)

531colin wrote:

Doormat wrote:Thanks everyone!
yeah if I'm spending £700+ i's definitely going to test a few bikes. I'm on a 53 frame atm.. doesn't seam to have any faults but then again I cant compare it to anything.

Pardon me if I appear nosey, but I have a couple of thoughts that are more about you than your prospective new bike......
Might it be worthwhile doing a couple of local trips using your existing bike to see how you get on touring, before you buy a new bike and jet off to foreign parts?
If you spend time and money now to get a bike that is right for you, it can be a joy for the next 20 years or more. If you end up with something less than suitable, it could spoil what sounds like a fairly expensive trip.

fluffybunnyuk wrote:I ride a dawes galaxy. wouldnt trade it for anything! Its very sturdy,reliable, and the handling is great under load(a bit fast unloaded). Only real complaint is front rings are too big 44/32/22 would probably be better for the hills. Very comfortable to ride over distances.
Whatever you pick, take the time to protect it with helicopter tape on the frame,and a nice dose of oil on the bolts,screw threads before using it, and it'll repay you for years.
Good additions would be a dynamo hub, and suitable tyres for norway.