Carrera tdf and touring

[Matt-g]

Hi,

Can this bike be used for a 2 week jaunt? I bought the bike as a cheap means to get fit, but I'm thinking of extending its use.

I've already got a cheap set of panniers that I got from lidl and a seat post mounted rack, with a lower frame that I can bolt on.

Is there anything else that I should consider before embarking on a spring tour? I'm thinking South Wales to Central Brittany camping en route.

Is there a particular inexpensive tent for one person that anyone can recommend?

Thanks

 

[L14M]

If its like the zelos, some carbon forks wouldn't be missed

But add http://www.crudproducts.com/roadracer-mk2/. As you really will want it

 

[Stephen Piper]

Don't see why not. I'm not a cycle camper (yet) but I've done over a thousand miles on mine and it seems like a pretty reliable bike, I changed the tyres (which were awful), seat post (to raise the saddle) and pedals (to clipless). I'd probably add mudguards and some suitable touring tyres too.

 

[midliferider]

Interesting.
I am planning a tour on B Twin Triban.
I have bought a seat post mounted rack as I will be carrying less than 5Kg. I am a credit card tourer.
I am not sure whether seat post mounted rack can carry more than 5 Kg. If you want to carry a tect etc, you would be better off with a proper rack.
How about wheels/ tyres? Are you still using 23c?

 

[TheDoctor]

You can go touring on any bike. The tdf isn't the best tool for the job, but if you've got it and like it, then why not?
I'd try and pack as light as you can though, as you're not going to get wide touring tyres on there. I'd try and get some lower gears too. But you need to have a decent rack - one that mounts onto the mudguard eyes. A seat post rack won't take camping gear.

 

[midliferider]

Don't see why not. I'm not a cycle camper (yet) but I've done over a thousand miles on mine and it seems like a pretty reliable bike, I changed the tyres (which were awful), seat post (to raise the saddle) and pedals (to clipless). I'd probably add mudguards and some suitable touring tyres too.

What tyres would you suggest Stephen?

 

[Cycleops]

Just do it! If you are not carrying too much the gearing shouldn't bother you too much. Wild Country do a Zephyros 2 (or 1) in a lite version which I think is less than 1 1/2 k. About 150 notes. Have fun !

 

[Matt-g]

Hi all,

I'm running the tyres it left halfords with at the moment, no plans to change as I'm cost conscious.

I've already fitted a set of sks mudguards.

Can anyone recommend a particular rack? or will,anything do (other than the seat post mounted one I already have)

Thanks

 

[TheDoctor]

Something like this?

 

[Stephen Piper]

Can't answer with any authority as I am not a tourer and I don't know exactly what will fit. I'd try 28mm wide tyres, ones with a good puncture resistance ie gator skins, the total available space in the chain stays is about 45 mm. The tyres that came with my bike punctured almost evey ride so had to go, maybe yours are different. I would not want to to be fixing punctures too often when away from home.

 

[young Ed]

how far o you plan to be riding per day? have you ridden this distance in one day on the bike in mention? make sure the bike is set up right (i go by the rule of thumb that there should be a very slight bend in the knee when the pedal is a bottom dead center and you are sitting on the saddle)
Cheers Ed

 

[Banjo]

You can tour on any bike. Go for it and enjoy the adventure. I have used a Halfords rack on my Trek for 5 years including camping touring plus daily commuting to work. You dont need to spend a fortune.

 

[steveindenmark]

With regards to tyres. I dont know what you are on now, possibly 23mm? 25mm are better, 28mm, better still. It depends what your wheel rims will take and what will fit on the bike. Probably 25mm if you want to have mud guards on.

You can Tour on anything. I Tour on my Kickbike with camping gear. Just pack as light as possible and ride a few miles with the gear you are taking before you actually go. We all take too much rubbish that we dont need.





Steve

 

[young Ed]

i love this bloke!
http://ultralightcycling.blogspot.co.uk/
you don't need to go that extreme if you are in a relationship and want to stay that way but some great stuff on his blog worth a visit!

 

[steveindenmark]

That has been posted lots of times Ed.

I cannot even think why you would go to such extremes. I tour with a TREK Lexa SL with a bar bag and rear rack. One of the important things to me after a day in the saddle is a good nights sleep. My sleeping bag, silk liner and insulated sleeping pad weigh less than 1.5kg and will keep me warm and comfy in any weather. I have never slept on bubble wrap but can you just imagine rolling on that all night?

I am now in the process of making a huge tarp which will weigh less than 1kg. It is for fun because I have no problem having my gear on my bike. The guy you are talking about does it for the very least amount of weight but very little comfort. I do it with slightly more weight but far more comfort.

there is no contest in my view.

Steve