Wales to Devon

[cc1085]

Next year at the end of May and early June I intend to do a bike tour from Pembroke Dock in Wales to Mulchelney/Langport in Somerset and then on to Devon. No camping, B&B/Hostels. So can anyone suggest a suitable reasonably priced bike/bags for the trip. Will follow NCN as much as possible.
Thanks
Thom

[Jamesh]

Panniers or bike packing?

Cheers James

[whoof]

Can you say what your budget is, one persons reasonable can be a long way off from another's?

[brooksby]

Panniers or bike packing?

Cheers James

Or if they're staying in B&B/hostels, they could go even lighter and just pack a credit card?

[honesty]

If you are NCNing the whole way the routes there dont have many areas that are not tarmac (theres a bit around Avonmouth bridge area, but thats about it) so any road bike would do. My personal preference would always be a british style tourer, so would go for the Spa version of this, but it really depends on your budget.

[cc1085]

I intend staying in b&b,hostels/bunkhouses as I don't want to carry camping equipment on this tour. I have seatpost panniers and a bar bag for the trip.
I have a good Giant hybrid with hydr. discs so I should have said this in my post and wondered if this would be suitable or should I get a faster roadbike.
Thanks
Thom

[fausto copy]

If you want to go head down/a*se up then by all means buy a roadie.
However, as you are doing NCN, I suggest you will be wanting to enjoy the scenery and feel your hybrid bike will be fine.
Some waterproofs and a change of clothing is all you'll require, so your seat post pannier(s) and bar bag should suffice, but think about getting a good old-fashioned saddlebag instead.

[cc1085]

Thanks everyone for replies and advice and I think I'll just go for it with the bike I have as it is the toughest and most reliable bicycle ever. My daughter and husband live on the Sth. coast of Devon and if I get stuck I have a get out of jail card.

[Icsunonove]

As you've got plenty of time before the trip, it might worth considering fitting a pannier rack to your bike. (Assuming it has the necessary attachment points).

[cc1085]

As you've got plenty of time before the trip, it might worth considering fitting a pannier rack to your bike. (Assuming it has the necessary attachment points).

Yes thank you for your suggestion. I have a set on the way.

[Jamesh]

If almost always on tarmac get some wiggle commuter tyres at 32mm fast, light and durable.

I've been using them on the canal and they are great but not slow on the road either.

Cheers James

[cc1085]

If almost always on tarmac get some wiggle commuter tyres at 32mm fast, light and durable.

I've been using them on the canal and they are great but not slow on the road either.

Cheers James

Thanks you James for your suggestion.
I have a new set of Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 26" already purchased to replace the current Schwalbe tyres.

[Jamesh]

Perfect.

Cheers James

[SimonCelsa]

That's only 200 miles. Wait for a stiff NW'ly wind and you could do that in a day if you get a wriggle on. No need any gear, just pack a couple of sarnies and a mars bar!!

[cc1085]

That's only 200 miles. Wait for a stiff NW'ly wind and you could do that in a day if you get a wriggle on. No need any gear, just pack a couple of sarnies and a mars bar!!

Pembroke Dock to my destination address in Devon is 250 miles plus another 100 to ferry on Irish side and like Ginger Rogers I then have to do it backwards and in high heels. Of course if I were a Bjorn Lenhard or a Fiona Kolbringer instead of a creaky cranky near 70 yr old then I prob.would do it before lunch and have the afternoon off but 5 days each way might be a more achievable target