Loading up the Bianci

[chris-s]

Pretty much got all my kit sorted for my 10 day French trip next month so thought I'd go for a trial load-up to check it all actually works without breaking in half!

How does it look? All in the fully loaded saddlebag weighs 6.5 kilos with tent, mat, sleeping bag, clothes etc. I've also got a small handlebar bag for little bits and pieces.

Hopefully it'll be ok weight wise, I've lost 5 kilos since January so comparing my 73kg to my workmates 80kg who has the same bike things should be ok,

I still can't decide on tyres. I've got the original 700x23 vittoria zaffiro's which wee fine if a little heavy ot whether I should spend still more money on some 700x25 , then I keep thinking that the current ultremo's have been faultless so far.

Chris

 

[chris-s]

Tyres, that should say 700x25 pasela's.

 

[J-Lo]

That is a beauty of a bike!!!

 

[YahudaMoon]

What is it like controlling the bike as it looks top heavy ? Nice bike btw and youve done well getting all that kit in one bag ! Is it a Carradice Camper ?

 

[jags]

how is that rear rack fixes .tires try panaracer ribmo 700x25

 

[chris-s]

YahudaMoon, handling, I've only tried it around the village and it felt fine, it didn't seem to affect balance at all. The reasoning I was given for using a saddle bag was because of where it places the weight it is little different to having a heavy rider sat on the saddle where as panniers would put the wieght further back on a short-wheelbase frame and be more 'noticeable'. Yes, it's a Carradice Camper, when it arrived I thought I would never get all my kit into it, but bar the few bits I haven't sorted yet it's all fitted so far.

Jags, I attached the rack with some p-clips, solid as a rock and thanks for the tyre suggestion, I'll take a look.

Chris

 

[jags]

great looking set up Chris-s. i sold my beautiful Bianchi couple years back great bike.(ah well)
also the caradice camper you sure can pack some gear into that baby and fully waterproof super bag.
it will be good to see a packing list and more pic's when you do get to go touring.

 

[Herzog]

I'd go with the 25 tyres. What's the wheelset by the way?

 

[aberal]

Take a spoke key and some spare spokes.

 

[chris-s]

The wheelset is just the standard factory issue. It was a concern since om aware of several bianchi owners who have had to replace them, including a workmate.

Touch-wood, I seem to have a good set, nonetheless, spoke key, spokes and lock ring tool are in the bag. The question is how many spokes to take!

I'll post a kit list nearer the time of departure, I've found similar postings by other folk really useful.

Chris

 

[Herzog]

One more question: are you using a carbon seat post or a saddle with carbon rails?

 

[chris-s]

One more question: are you using a carbon seat post or a saddle with carbon rails?

It is a carbon post, metal rails of some sort, but with the bag sat on the rack, the rack takes virtually all the weight.

Chris

 

[bigjim]

I bet that saddlebag weighs 1Kg on it's own. I recently completed a 2 week tour using a rack and a 300g nylon carradice rackbag that swallowed more than the camper and saved a lot of weight. easily fastened/unfastened to the rack using a bunjy. I can never work out why one would use a rack and a saddlebag? I thought a saddlebag should be supported by the saddle? I used a new cheap £6 michelin 25c rear tyre [standard 32 spoke wheel] with no problems. I kept the 23c on the front as there was little touring weight difference there. Gaffer tape your spokes to the rack. easier to get at if you need them and don't damage stuff in the bag. Stick an inner tube under the saddle is a good idea also.
Nice bike. What gears are you running with all that weight?

 

[VamP]

I'd stick witht the Ultremos. They are pretty comfy, you can modulate extra comfort with tyre pressure, and they are much faster than the Zaffiros.

I really like them (also on a Via Nirone).

Looks like a nice neat set up - have a great trip!

 

[Herzog]

It is a carbon post, metal rails of some sort, but with the bag sat on the rack, the rack takes virtually all the weight.

Chris

Thanks Chris. I was asking because I'm thinking about touring (credit-card) with my Bianchi. I've a carbon seatpost and carbon rail saddle, but I've been advised against using a large saddle bag - I suppose you've bypassed this by using a rack.