Cycling UK Forum

Does it matter? Definitely! It's of note the Lakes and Dartmoor national parks at least advocate tents that blend in. I'd far prefer not to be a blot in someone's landscape view.
Then there's the safety aspect - do you want to advertise your presence? I covered up the reflective tapes on our Hilly, as we've camped in places abroad where being spotted may not be good. We use drab coloured clothing and cover the bikes with a camo tarp.
Also the legality aspect - you may be forced to camp somewhere illegal. Do you want to make your presence obvious? A national park ranger friend said he'd feel more obliged to move an illegal camper if in a bright tent. Those more discreet, he'd be inclined to overlook.

I don't know if the OP has been now - big gap in time. As an alternative suggestion, we're just back from our 'Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights' trip. 3 months in the north of Norway, Finland and Sweden. 6 weeks of NO sunset. That might be cool for a 9 year old? So too being north if the arctic circle?
Some main roads can be busy, but endless opportunities on other roads. We went to many islands, too. Most ferries are free. We went on 22. Stunning scenery wherever you look.

Hi Mick. Near Ashburton. Still require a passport tho!
Rob

A bit late to the party but I've changed to 22 on the front, 36 on the back. For touring, seems really good. It's on a Claud Butler Dalesman. Originally 26 front, 32 back. Big improvement.
Just back from 3 months in Norway, Finland and Sweden, where it was given a good test!

Hi Ian and Mick - thank you. Interesting stuff. I'm leaning towards the Explorer 2, in which case I'll try its thermometer, getting the tempe if necessary.

Mick, we're almost neighbours - I'm Devon.

Rob

Psamathe wrote: ↑24 Sep 2022, 7:59pm

pwa wrote: ↑24 Sep 2022, 9:57am I fail to see how a thermometer on the bars could possibly be accurate. It would be exposed to sunlight, wind and rain, all of which could significantly distort the readings.

Temp sensor in my expensive new Garmin is useless. Massively over reads. Same in my previous (also expensive) Garmin. I've no idea as to the cause of the way too high reading (e.g. location close to hot components internally, on the bars, etc.).

My "way over-reads" is based on e.g. nice sunny day and whilst I love heat, a pleasant ride recording an average of 35℃ is not realistic.

Ian

Ian, which Garmin do you have?
Rob

In reply to anyone who questions the value or accuracy of a thermometer: fair enough. Direct sunlight has an effect, but if travelling at a good speed, I think that effect is greatly reduced. I remember a big descent in Norway 4 years ago, watching the temperature increase as we lost height. The readings I got were close/the same as when parked in the shade.

If one stops in the shade, then an accurate reading is possible.

At the critical 'close to freezing' level, which may be when there is no or limited sun, my old Bontrager computer was pretty well spot on, giving a useful warning of possible ice on the road as temperatures drop. Having had a couple of spills on black ice, I'm keen to avoid a repeat!

Thanks again,

Rob

Jonathan, thanks. You mean the Tempe?

Also, can you read temperature directly off the Garmin Tempe?

Hi all. Many thanks for the excellent replies. I'd overlooked the Sigma basic computers - my new Sigma, bought in Norway doesn't have that option.
I'm now re-thinking the issue, looking at a Garmin Edge 2 Explorer. But I'm getting conflicting responses Garmin re thermometer. I spoke to one person, who said they don't have them. Then on a chat, another Garmin person said they definitely do!
Does anyone know for definite?
Thanks again,
Rob

Hi. My old computer, Bontrager Trip 200, died on long trip in northern Norway. It had a very accurate thermometer, which I found very useful, especially when nearing freezing. Its replacement, bought on the trip, does not, and I cannot find any that have one.
So, does anyone know of a simple thermometer to mount on the bars?
Thanks, Rob

Again, many thanks all. Plenty of food for thought. Quite intrigued by the fork bags as they seem to be least bulky for travel. We have mounts/braze ons on the fork legs so it would be nice to be able to use them somehow.
The extra space is for a 3 month trip to N Norway where we hope to do some walking along the way. It's the 'Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights' trip. Russia - or the border as they don't make it easy or cheap - to our friends in Narvik. Via Nordkapp and possibly into Finland and Sweden, but have to check for mozzies.

Rotovator, thanks, and yes, need more capacity and it would help to have it forward. I carry the tent in a drybag on the rack and will also have in that a small rucsac and perhaps a thin fleece. That leaves just enough space for the saddle bag with puncture stuff etc.
I've tried a frame bag but couldn't easily squeeze it in.
Rob

And yes, I do have STI washing lines! Hadn't heard them calked that before.
Rob

Crikey, many thanks for the quick replies! Really useful. Didn't know about the flexi noodle thing, nor the decaleur idea. I have a reasonable sized bar box so wonder if I'd be able to squeeze a bag underneath that. Will investigate.
I'd seen the Podsack idea or similar in a photo somewhere but didn't know what they were. Anyone used them?
Thanks again,
Rob