Completly new, need advice.

[Pod]

First off, it's great to see such a huge community

I'm planning to go away shortly, travelling alot of UK, and then moving on abroad and across Europe, to wherever the wind will take me. Basically I'm gonna be gone for a long time.

But I don't know where to start looking for good, reliable equipment.
It would be great and much appreciated if I could get some suggestions from you guys.

First is of course a bike. One which is reliable and durable, also able to carry panniers for my equipment. Such as a tent, and camping gear.

Then I need some decent panniers, waterproof etc etc.

I know everyone has their own opinions, but if you were able to give a specific item rather than a range or something...?
If anyone else would like to throw something in too, that would be great

 

[Keith Oates]

A visit or talk with SJS Cycles would be a good starting point both for bike and equipment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[betty swollocks]

Lucky you!
First off: what sort of budget have you set yourself to buy i) the bike and ii) the other equipment?

 

[HJ]

Read this for inspiration. Bikes are very personal things, what is right for one person is not necessarily right for another, so you need to try a few out before you buy. A touring bike would be the obvious choice, but some swear by converted MTBs, or trekking bikes (a form of hybrid). Knowing your budget is important.

 

[Ludwig]

I would go for a mountain bike with front sus and good gear range ie 28 38 48 front crank and an 11 - 32 or similar cassette. A mountain bike will have incredible strenth for load carrying and the fat tyres gives the the option of all the rough dirt and forest routes across Europe. It is worth pointing out the extreme water shortages around places like Barcelona at the moment for anyone touring around the Med.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi, more details required!

A good touring bike would be Dawes Galaxy or as Keith suggests,a trip to SJS cycles in Bridgewater could see you fully sorted as they specialise in touring and expedition bikes. There's a lot of useful info there.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/

I'd only go with an MTB IF I planned to do a lot of rough work. A good touring bike is pretty tough unless you wish to tackle really bumpy terrain. Pre MTB's they'd conquered the 4 corners of the world pretty much. If you plan to ride mostly on tarmac a tourer will be more efficient... it's what they're designed for.

 

[Pod]

I think I'm gonna go for an MTB then.
I've looked at some touring and expedition bikes, but they're way too expensive for my liking (£1,200).
An MTB sounds best as I will be carrying alot (camping stuff), and it sounds right for endurance?

 

[RedBike]

Although MTB frames are often very strong, MTBs generally aren't designed for carrying large loads. You might get some weird effects when you load them with heavy panniers. Also you're going to have fun getting the panniers on the front if you've got suspension forks or disc brakes. (Which most high end MTBs will have)

For example I used to tour with a planet-x uncle john, (ok it's a cx bike not a MTB) It suffered from speed wobbles when fully loaded and I couldn't fit front panniers because of my disc brakes.

Because of this and the fact I struggled to fit all my camping gear, tent, clothes, food, etc for just a weeks touring in just the rear panniers. I ended up having to buy a bob trailer to pull behind it.

 

[ASC1951]

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/

I've been trying to get their website for several days now. Sometimes it tries to divert to a .com version, but in IE and Firefox I just get gonged out or told they have a server problem. Is it just me?

 

[Fab Foodie]

I've been trying to get their website for several days now. Sometimes it tries to divert to a .com version, but in IE and Firefox I just get gonged out or told they have a server problem. Is it just me?

Must be. OK here for me on I.E. never had issues with Firefox either.

 

[Andy in Sig]

If the SJS bikes are too dear, I think Edinburgh bike co-op does a good tourer.

Get Ortlieb panniers (the lighter ones), pedals which clip on one side and are normal on the other and waterproof overshoes for wet days.

 

[Twenty Inch]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2002/aug/22/cyclingholidays.cycling

Al Humphries cycled around the world on mountain bikes. He makes the point that if the choice is between brilliant kit and staying put, or buying ordinary kit and getting going, you should do the latter.