carerra TDF Touring

[Scotty1991]

Is it possible to convert the Carerra TDF into a touring bike. If so what will it need as im planning on doing some tours next year and the bike is just sitting there since i have got my new one.
Thanks!

 

[MikeW-71]

If it has rack mounts on the rear and the seatstays, then yes, you could use if for light touring. It's not going to carry 25Kg loads, but an extra 6Kg on the back would be no problem at all on 23mm or 25mm tyres.

The only other thing I can think of is that lower gearing could be very welcome.

 

[Scotty1991]

Yeah the gearing aint pretty on the carerra

 

[MikeW-71]

Indeed, I have no idea why they gear it so high when it's sold as a beginner bike.

 

[Scotty1991]

Suppose it improves fitness quicker, like being thrown into the deep end if you cant swim lol

 

[Scotty1991]

Whats best to do with your bike at night if you camp it , say if there is no fence or anything to lock it to?

 

[MikeW-71]

Good question... I've never done that, We used YHA's with bike sheds on my only tour so far.

 

[Cycleops]

You could always buy a Topeak Bikamper, your bike will then be an integral part of your tent.

About £150, only one person though.
https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/topeak_bikamper_bike_tent-ID_8849

 

[Scotty1991]

Thats a good idea!

 

[Cycleops]

Thats a good idea!

Be ideal for touring on your TDF, only 1.63kg.

 

[Scotty1991]

I believe i did read somewhere a few people use those screw in dog anchors where you attach your dogs lead to it but instead your bike obviously lol

 

[MarkF]

Toured the Dales this summer on a Triban 3, rack and 2 panniers (5kg). Bike gets laid down outside the tent, the chances of a bike thief and my bike meeting in the early hours, in the Dales, is not worth worrying about.

 

[KneesUp]

I read somewhere that if you're worried tie your bike to your tent and leave it in bottom gear - it's unlikely someone will untie it without waking you in a touring-sized tent, and it's very hard to ride off on a touring bike in bottom gear because you have to pedal quite fast to get to speed where you can balance - although from what you say bottom gear on your bike isn't that low, it will still slow someone down.

 

[Ticktockmy]

Regarding Cycle Security, I lay mine down outside of the tent, and have a steel cable that is locked to it that comes into the tent porch and is attached to the Panniers, which in turn is pegged to the ground with a doggy screw. May not stop a thief trying to steal the bike, but make it dammed inconvenient to make a quick get-away.

 

[Scotty1991]

Some great ideas, cheers guys. Yeah i suppose bike theft ain't a problem out in the country. Most bike theft happens to make a quick buck for drugs etc not much of that in the country. Unless the farmer has something suspicious going on
I will invest in one of the dog screw things as they are cheap and useful