BikeBuddha wrote:Hello
My second post. I read Tom Allen's book, have sold my car, and plan on going around the world. OK, I am a bit crazy. But I intend to set off in two years time.
Hello, welcome and what a great idea!
BikeBuddha wrote:But, as for a bike.... for expedition travel you kind of need an expedition bike? There's the Koga world traveller s2.0? The Oxford Works Expedition. Both pricey and with options.
The Koga has lost some of its appeal, I believe in recent years because it now has an aluminium frame.
Have a read of this guy;
https://www.stephenpeel.co.uk/ set off on a world trip on a Koga. Like Tim, stopped after a while...
BikeBuddha wrote:Do you think it best to invest straight in an expensive tourer, or pick up another bike that is cheaper first, then invest nearer the time.
Personally, I think it's best to start off basic and learn. Then when you know more, invest. It's quite possible to transfer components from your first bike to your second, if clever with purchases.
BikeBuddha wrote:Trouble is, not sure what bike I want. I am an experienced hillwalker in Scotland, but due to damaged tendons, have to take up biking to stay sane.
You have half the knowledge from your hillwalking. The other half you have to learn. If I came to you and said I want to do hillwalking, never having done it before what advice would you give me regarding my gear - go top of the range or start with the basics? Or should I be focused - concentrate on really good basics then pick and choose the rest?
BikeBuddha wrote:Can you tour world on bikepacking bike? What's the best model? Does open up avenues? I live in Scotland.
Not sure what you mean by a backpacking bike. It will mean different things to different people. People have toured the world on Penny Farthings and unicycles. Where there's a will.....
BikeBuddha wrote:Should I be investing in a cheaper bike first (like those listed above), before buying a Koga or Oxford's Expediiton, or some other bike?
Or should I just jump straight in, head first!
Again, what advice would you give me starting out in hillwalking? Given I may start in the summer in the lake district, move on to the Highlands in Autumn and finish in the Andes?
BikeBuddha wrote:What is a good first bike?
Any bike that gets you out practising for what you want to do! Sorry, it's boring, but it's the truth.
BikeBuddha wrote:Now, I have trouble with decisions... at moment. I am physically fit but head needs some work.
For now, just fancy touring outer hebrideas and Scotland and learn all about bikes (only ever ridden mountain bikes).
If the head needs work I'd focus on getting out there on whatever I had. I'm sure you know yourself from the hillwalking that once out there, in the open, our heads lighten and things become clearer. Or, at least, that's my experience.
I'm of the opinion that the bike is less important than the person. What I like/enjoy/am prepared to endure may well be different to you, therefore we'll favour different bikes.
As mentioned above, CrazyGuy is the goto place for inspiration for such adventures.
Good luck!