well hello

[jacklad]

hi there,

i've been a keen cyclist most of my life. but, have recently started to look at long distance rides. and will attempt the dragon ride this year for the first time. i cycle daily and regulaly do 80 miles on the weekend. however i've also been talked into following the tour for four days next july with a bit of camping thrown in. does any one know of somewhere where i can rent a touring bike, i'm a litte reluctant to buy one in case things dont work out,

my first post here as i'm a new member to this forum.

thanks in advance..cheers

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Hiya..& welcome here...dunno about renting a touring bike but try posting in the touring section here, somebody may know.

 

[TVC]

Hi Jack.

If you want to hire a bike in France for le Tour there are plenty of places, such as:

http://www.veloloco.com/bike-rental/delivery.php

In this country you are stuffed, so go for a second hand job (someone may correct me, but I think Cycling Weekly has a good classified section for that king of stuff).

 

[Aperitif]

This is a thread 'Hi Jack...'

 

[Arch]

Welcome!

I don't know about hiring a tourer, as VC said, you might pick up something suitable second hand.

I'm assuming your current bike is a road bike? Is it very fragile beast, or could you adapt it for a light tour - the camping stuff is bulky, but for as little as 4 days, you don't need lots of clothes etc. I camped over the summer, a weekend away, on my Giant FCR, which I set up for light touring, just by adding a rack and mudguards. Easily handles tent, sleeping bag, mat and other kit, although I wouldn't use it for long tours, in case the narrow wheels gave out.

You can see my set up in the bottom pic in this post:

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showpost.php?p=821020&postcount=105

Or consider a trailer, take the weight off the bike altogether. You might even be able to borrow something like a BoB yak from someone...