Drive Belt vs Chain, Rohloff Hub vs Derailler, and other questions.

[simonhill]

You seem pretty set on getting the Oxford Bike Works one. Two of my friends bought Oxford touring bikes and were very pleased with them. Not sure exactly what they have done with them, but I know their first trip was to southern S America, with one pulling a trailer with child.

I'm not really into bikes that much, travelling (on a bike) is my thing, so may I ask. How much have you planned the trip, what is your route, what countries are you thinking of going through and which to work in? Have you looked into visas, etc. It is very difficult to work legally in many foreign countries due to laws and Visa restrictions. Even the EU is down to a 90 day stay post Brexit.

Another factor I would be worried about is having my three and half grand bike hanging around farms while I WOOF'd.

Sorry to be a bit practical, but these are the things that come to my mind when people talk about working their way round the world.

[doodah]

But please, get yourself a decent second hand one first, and go on holiday with it in Europe for one or two years.

Wise words indeed

[
That sounds wonderful.... I am 50, and running short of time..... and am thinking of just working my way around the world, working on wwoofing and work away...

You have plenty of time on your side. Do not be too hasty to buy. Do your research diligently. Covid has / will put blockers in everyone's way for a few years until a new 'norm' has been settled upon and accepted. This is being excellently discussed in a separate thread on this forum.

I live just north of York and if you have been prepared to travel to OBW and are prepared to travel to my house, I can accommodate you for a few nights to make it worthwhile - all free of charge and no hidden agenda or extras.

Mark Beaumont and Alan Denham have both used Rohloffs on their RTW travels. Here is a link to what Alan Denham has to say about Gates carbon drive.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SKeQ6B2UTk. I hope you find it informative.

I would recommend you to look at the Nomads sold at SJS Cycles. That firm know their onions, have time and patience to listen for a custom build and also have superb service to back it up - no matter where in the world you are. That is worth a lot for peace of mind. By now, you will see where my bias leans, but that is based on experience dealing with them.

£3600 should buy you a STONKING bike - no, that is not a manufacturer. I know what I would spec for that money and have great fun doing it. Seriously though, Willem is right and time is absolutely on your side given the pandemic - do not rush. There is a very good chance that you could buy that you want 2nd hand at half the price, albeit with some compromises. I would not hesitate to take my steed on a RTW tour and have total confidence in it. Enough said.

Enjoy your research and keep us all informed. I believe we are all intrigued on what the outcome will and thence will disagree between us why you bought it.

Doodah

[willem jongman]

To be sure, I am not suggesting that you should not buy a nice expensive bike, on the contrary. I am only suggesting not just now, until you know more. Spend a few hundred pounds, and go. After a year or two when you know what suits you, sell that second hand bike and spend big.

[Bonefishblues]

To be sure, I am not suggesting that you should not buy a nice expensive bike, on the contrary. I am only suggesting not just now, until you know more. Spend a few hundred pounds, and go. After a year or two when you know what suits you, sell that second hand bike and spend big.

What are the lessons that the OP should focus on during the intervening years?

[doodah]

Hi Bike Buddha,

This is a good example of what can be bought 2nd hand - forget that its a Thorn frame and look at all the components.
it sold today at £1500 and I would expect you would get a healthy return if you sold it on again in a couple of years time.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thorn-Raven- ... 7675.l2557

Cheers

Doodah

[Bonefishblues]

Listing not found

[PH]

Listing not found

Works for me

[matt2matt2002]

Someone mentioned Oxford bikes?
That rang a bell with me.
I bumped into a Swedish guy on a fat bike he had bought from that company.
I was half way between Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar.
He was hall way between his home country and South Africa..
Amazing guy, amazing bike.
He gave me a banana before we said our goodbyes.

[Bonefishblues]

Listing not found

Works for me

Ah, at the top it says listing has ended, but it still seems to be live if you scroll down!

[doodah]

Does this link work
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265098593996

[doodah]

Bike Buddha,

Just purely as a comparison exercise, here is a current listing for an identical bike (minus some very important components) but costing £100 more.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thorn-Raven- ... SwIStgL8Tm

This is the point that Willem is /was making re 2nd hand.

£1500 for that red bike would have left £2100 to buy the panniers, tent, garmin and cooking equipment etc.

Hell, there would even have been enough money left over for a couple of nights in a brothel unless wellies are your penchant.

Doodah

[willem jongman]

To be sure, I am not suggesting that you should not buy a nice expensive bike, on the contrary. I am only suggesting not just now, until you know more. Spend a few hundred pounds, and go. After a year or two when you know what suits you, sell that second hand bike and spend big.

What are the lessons that the OP should focus on during the intervening years?

1 Does he actually like cycle touring?
2 What kind of roads? Mostly tarmac or off road?
3 How much luggage?
4 Frame style, aluminium vs steel?
5 Geometry
6 Wheel/tyre size
7 Drop bar or straight
8 Lights and hub generator
9 Prefered style of pedals
And this is just the beginning

[Bullseye]

What an interesting thread this is, I've been on the lookout for a touring bike for some time and have been drawn to threads like this for inspiration and knowledge. I've been riding a hybrid bike for the past 3 years and recently treated myself to a new Dynamo hub wheel and light set from spa. What can I say but what an addition to any bike, fantastic bit of kit.
I looked at the Oxford bike works type 1 bike as that was in my budget. Then I came across a second hand Spa tourer recently which I bought for £500 and I'm more than happy with the bike, it rides like a dream and feels very stable. I'm going to swap my Dynamo hub wheel over and I've already fitted some GP5 grips for multiple hand positions.
Like others have already said is don't overlook the opportunity of picking up a second hand bargain it may well fit the bill and get you out testing touring before you commit to that dream bike.
Whatever you do good luck with the bike, and let us know what you decide on.

[Tiberius]

Mark Beaumont and Alan Denham have both used Rohloffs on their RTW travels. Here is a link to what Alan Denham has to say about Gates carbon drive.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SKeQ6B2UTk. I hope you find it informative.
Doodah

That's a really interesting little video. I was particularly interested in his observations re belt tension. Everyone and his dog says that you have to run Gate's belts at high tension (and I guess that includes Gates themselves) but he claims this is not the case and he's done the mileage to prove it.

I want one.

[matt2matt2002]

Mark Beaumont and Alan Denham have both used Rohloffs on their RTW travels. Here is a link to what Alan Denham has to say about Gates carbon drive.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SKeQ6B2UTk. I hope you find it informative.
Doodah

I wasn't aware that Mark Beaumont used a Rohloff.
He didn't use one on his African trip.
Where can I find out about his use of one on his RTW trip?
Thanks