Cycling UK Forum

I buy connex quick links.
https://www.merlincycles.com/wippermann ... 00750.html

MrsHJ wrote: ↑15 May 2024, 8:23pm I’ve broadly taken the throw money approach at it in the past and whilst you could say I’m a sucker for fancy equipment it does at least free up space for a luxury that you really want. For example take a lightweight tent (I have a big Agnes copper spur) and a helinox chair for a bit of comfort. Personally I’m not sure I’ll ever take cooking stuff again- I’m happy with a picnic set up these days but it’s possible so that’s more space saved. NB I do have a down cover thing and it’s both warm and has saved a lot of space. You do need to consider whether you are too wriggly for one though. In no way have I got value for money out of mine on the basis of number of nights used over the big price tag.

Ortlieb panniers just generally annoy me. How did they decide that the standard back pannier set should be 10 litres smaller than any other Brand?

Today's clothing is made from hi tech materials. Smartwool ,Rohan and others who make light and packable off bike evening/ travel wear., waterproof gear has become much lighter
Just look at the new sleeping mats and lightweight stoves. The volume of packed gear is much smaller today, bigger panniers just encourage more stuff taken.
Weight depends upon your comfort zone and where you go,desert and wilderness means extra food, water( water filter and extra bottles)and spares if to fix bike. Tent do you want a tent to weather out a storm ,or a good weather one and go indoors when it's bad.

Trouble is that in the UK joined up continous cycleways are few , old bridges and viaducts demolished and land bought up.
Spain has had a program running for 30 years government sponsored.
From the web site.
In 2023, 30 years after its launching, the balance of the Programme in Spain has been very positive. More than 260 Million Euros have been invested in converting some 3.300 kilometres of disused railway line into 135 Vías Verdes, and there are in addition 350 new kilometres whose technical project is already finished.
Perhaps the Spanish government only sold the buildings but held onto the land the track was on.
The Ruta de la Plata looked a boring tour if you do the road version done the the off road pilgrim version .Via Verde runs into Bejar.The only hike a bike is a short section , rest is good tracks and a long Roman road in the middle and another over the mountains before dropping down to Gijon.

Does the UK have cycle routes on old branch lines or mining lines outside the cities that run for a good distance (50kms +). Up in Haltwhistle the viaduct is a dead end , someone on here had a moan about it 13 years ago. Has the UK no interest in developing via Verdes ,just look how much is available in Spain. The branch lines were decimated, some have been done in Scotland but not a lot and only little sections .Example Glen Ogle but not all the way to Crainlaroch or Stirling to Balloch ,but the branch to Aberfoyle is done.

For a loaded tandem 10% is not enough we put 30% over the recommendation. How do you know that it's at 10% over, carry a good track pump?
Here is a tyre pressure guide.
https://www.schwalbe.com/en/technology- ... -pressure/

How about some modern cheap bikes you have toured on ,here is one £200 for a Cannondale touring bike. Headshok with 26 wheels ,in 2015 off eBay . Been to 4 continents, best bike yet even considering I have custom touring bikes. When away take gear that you are not emotional attached to.
Someone once said when away take stuff that that you are not worried about loosing or breaking as it's replaceable.

Tubeless ready for a touring tandem?
Most tubeless ready tyres that are suitable for a loaded tandem would be gravel tyres in the biggest size or better still bikepacking 29er ones like Vittoria Mezcals, these are the modern tyres compared to our 26 wheel size tandem that uses the big Marathon XR tyres.( Bought a job lot cheaply when the newer Marathon tyres were introduced)

Tyre looks like its not at a high enough pressure . On our loaded tandem the back wheel was always run at a much higher pressure than recommend. Buy a tyre thats suitable for touring on a tandem.Another tip rear tyre does not last very long when loaded up especially if it's hilly.

Are you not a UK citizen?

ianincallander wrote: ↑3 Apr 2024, 3:41pm Thanks … I got help from Wayne at bike and hike in Ronda … he used silicon and his compressor to adjust , deflate , inflate and adjust . Taking the wheel off so no weight on it and fiddling about has transformed it - no bump / kangaroo down hill . Anyone in andulucia he has a wealth of local knowledge! The tyre issue and getting them balanced properly seems a recent phenomenon?

Fairy liquid is my go to for a new tubeless tyre fit.

On another forum the likes of work visits still count ,can't find any backdoor options.

Better check for any Irish ancestry , that would solve the problem.

They the British and EU should start looking at a system for paying for an upgrade (buying more days) I am sure many would pay.for Extra EU wide days.

That's a pain , looking like Morocco again or South America if the money counter approves

We are at 80 days on the Schengen scheme, is Norway part of the EU 90/180 deal.
Portugal this spring and Spain last autumn into early winter has used up most of our days .
Is the north still a canperwagon highway? Looking for places ,not interested in SE Asia. Iceland is a possibility.