Touring with a road bike

[srj10]

Hoping to do some light touring this year, 2-3 days max, and was wondering what sort of weight is safe/sensible to carry on a road bike. I have bolted on a rack and panniers with a capacity of 20 litres, the tyres are 23c but may change to 25c if a better option. Thanks

 

[tbtb]

I'm doing same thing, trying to minimise weight to limit rear stay flex. I figure if my gear plus (average guy) body weight is within norms for big fellow body weight, all should be fine.

 

[Garz]

You can attach a bar bag at the front to distribute some weight there, but I guess the definition of 'light touring' would indicate your meant to take bare minimum (unless your like 8 stone and almost blow away in the wind).

 

[willem]

It does rather depend on the bike. A traditional steel road bike with 36 spoke wheels should be quite ok. A carbon monster with fancy wheels is another story. In all circumstances, fit the widest tyres possible, raise the handlebar a bit, and don't take much. Finally, have a realistic look at the grearing: you will be grateful for lighter gears, and the more so, the more luggage you carry. Beyond that, enjoy.
Willem

 

[bigjim]

If you are a normal body weight you should have no problem carrying a few extra kilos. I can't think anything up to 8kilo ish will cause any problems. It's only the rear wheel that I would look at beefing up with maybe a 36 spoke and a 28 tyre. As much for comfort rather than anything else. I would leave the front alone unless you are thinking of putting a lot of weight on the front end. all MHO of course. People regularly tour fully loaded on sports bikes.

 

[Ajay]

In agreement with all above.
Take the time to get used to how the loaded bike handles / brakes before you throw it down a big hill or round a sharp corner!

 

[aberal]

You might also want to think about your gearing. If you don't already have one - a compact chainset at the very least with maybe a 28 cog at the rear, if you can fit one, would be the absolute minimum if your route takes in any big hills.

 

[srj10]

Lots to ponder about there ! its an alu frame, 32 spoke and 34 rear cog i think. Did 30miles with them today, less than half full and think i will stick with that as i was conscious of the weight and felt i was riding over cautiously,also every bump resulted it me checking the rear wheel.May swap the bags for a rack pack and see if that is more secure. Thanks for the advice

 

[tbtb]

Here's an interesting blog full of tips from a guy who's pedalled all the continents on a road bike, should you wish to veer towards the superlight.

 

[aberal]

Here's an interesting blog full of tips from a guy who's pedalled all the continents on a road bike, should you wish to veer towards the superlight.

Interesting article, thanks for that. I wasn't surprised that he mentioned the Cranes - I read their book about their Tour of the Silk Road years ago and it does seem that they inspired others to go the same weight obsessive route. Not just saving weight by removing the front dérailleur and changing gear with their feet as described in the blog, but they also cut the labels off their clothes and the cardboard covers off their maps.