Cycling UK Forum

aflook wrote:My last long tour I decided to dispense with front panniers. The load was lighter and easier to manage if I used a hotel or train, but I suspect that the amount of time I spent trying to fit the day's food etc. into the space available was more than the time saved by cycling slightly faster. For me, it's not just about the cycling, but also about enjoying the stops on the way. Each to their own and who are we to criticize? But I am thinking about cutting the handle off my toothbrush

Along with the fitting the food in thing, which is a real convenience, better weight distribution is a (to me) real noticeable thing.
I love going around corners quickly and having a trusting stable bike at any speed I can get it too, and having front panniers that equals out the weight balance is something that I prefer.

Cunobelin wrote:Must admit I love my Kindle for touring.

It means aI have a large supply of books that have no weight or bulk, con't need a torch to read, and needs little charging

It is also storage for all my documents. Most items can be stored on the Kindle and called easily

Totally agree. We load itineraries, contact details, tickets, insurance documents, passport details etc on both Kindles and both smart 'phones.

I also make guide books of stuff of local interest, history, geography, flora, fauna etc. Usually by taking Wikipedia pages, making Wikibooks and then using the Kindle service to convert them into Kindle books. all free. Preserves chapters etc.

Jonathan

djb wrote:

aflook wrote:My last long tour I decided to dispense with front panniers. The load was lighter and easier to manage if I used a hotel or train, but I suspect that the amount of time I spent trying to fit the day's food etc. into the space available was more than the time saved by cycling slightly faster. For me, it's not just about the cycling, but also about enjoying the stops on the way. Each to their own and who are we to criticize? But I am thinking about cutting the handle off my toothbrush

Along with the fitting the food in thing, which is a real convenience, better weight distribution is a (to me) real noticeable thing.
I love going around corners quickly and having a trusting stable bike at any speed I can get it too, and having front panniers that equals out the weight balance is something that I prefer.

When touring on two solos we don't use front panniers. Two rear panniers, handlebar bag, and one has the tent on the rear rack and the other has the sleeping mats.

I was worried about the balance, and the bikes are unwieldy when walked, carried etc. But they have never been a problem when ridden, including slowly on both tarmac and unmetalled paths.

I like avoiding the unnecessary mass, but the biggest gain is in hotels and on boats and trains, as above.

Jonathan

PS: Yes, toothbrush always lightened. : - )

I can certainly see the advantage of less hands full getting on trains, and if it works, that's all that matters.

Jdsk wrote:

Cunobelin wrote:Must admit I love my Kindle for touring.

It means aI have a large supply of books that have no weight or bulk, con't need a torch to read, and needs little charging

It is also storage for all my documents. Most items can be stored on the Kindle and called easily

Totally agree. We load itineraries, contact details, tickets, insurance documents, passport details etc on both Kindles and both smart 'phones.

I also make guide books of stuff of local interest, history, geography, flora, fauna etc. Usually by taking Wikipedia pages, making Wikibooks and then using the Kindle service to convert them into Kindle books. all free. Preserves chapters etc.

Jonathan

Adobe Scan is useful as well

Bmblbzzz wrote:

jimlews wrote:

djb wrote:
sorry, what is D of E ?

Duke of Edinburgh(s) Award ?

Yep. They seem keen on giving extensive kit lists of must-have items to be carried up and down hills in high summer by skinny teens. I suppose you might more broadly call this the "better safe than sorry" school of packing.

Or a PMA duty of care.

I have found that front panniers give me a problem on a climb. I need to be constantly steering the bike - not a problem on the flat, but it's put me off them.