My first bike tour was on a road bike that I found in the garbage and fixed up. I rode 350 mi across the state of Wisconsin on it It's still the best bike tour I've ever been on. I was 16.
This is the first video in a long series of videos that I will be doing this fall. The theme of the series is to simplify and explain the basics of bike ouring to get more people out there on the road. Future episodes will go through subjects such as how and what to pack, how to plan your bike tour, how to keep you electronics charged and so on. Hope you'll follow along for the ride!
A good substitute for a touring bike is a modern Mtb. It has a strong frame made for the occasional jump, it has very low gears for loaded climbing, disk breaks, you can use either thin or wide tires, you can lock the suspension for going uphill and it costs 3X less than a good touring bike but often has the same components. As for a saddle no one even dares to try what has worked wonderfully for me so that I don't even need padded shorts anymore and that is a wide saddle, 20cm. It is NOT too soft, just wide at the back but with a regular thin nose and made of any material. What your bum needs is more surface so as not to exert too much pressure in a small area. A suspension post also adds to the comfort. I have done many thousands of kms with my loaded Mtb often offroad with either Schwalbe Mondial or lightweight gravel tires and because of my saddle after a full day of biking and after setting camp at a campground I can still bike into town without feeling like I am sitting on a bed of nails.
Great video Mike. This is so relevant to me at this moment in time. I am also converting my old mountain bike into a touring machine. Got the racks, tyres, even the old brooks saddle :)
Hi Mike ..I enjoyed your gentle presentation and genuine smile . I've been riding 50 plus years both for exploration and mental health . Take care and thanks, Bill in UK
I got interested in bike touring recently, and was already worrying about having to buy a fancy touring bike, and while i might at some point in my life, this video really helped me see the positives in my current one. It already has a rack, for one! I'll propably focus on getting a better helmet, and other items that are cheaper and easier to find. Thank you so much for this video!
My first bike was a Merida Crossway hybrid with a 3 x 7 drive chain and cantilever brakes. A cheap rack and handlebar bag, and a set of panniers off Wiggle. All my camping gear was scrounged from home. Then I fell in love with touring and bought the Kona Sutra.
I really think that is the way to go. Get your feet wet first. I see so many people buying expensive bikes without doing the reasearch first and usually that bike just ends up in the back of the garage.
@@BikeTouringMike yep, that is why I started my channel in a way, to promote cheaper alternatives to get people started. When it come to buying my Kona it was what I wanted. It was also going to cost a lot to upgrade components on my then Merida, which I still have hanging in the back of the shed...lol
Good advice and I can recommend the Schwalbe tyres as well - I've recently put them on my Kona Sutra (2009 model), Brooks saddles are brilliant - I've had mine for over 30 years and it's still comfortable.
@@BikeTouringMike I've not ridden very much since 2016, due to a serious injury to my right leg. I've probably only ridden 10k kilometres on my Sutra in total - but it still feels really nice to ride. No problems to report with it, so I hope yours will give you many years of good cycling. Phil
Zactly where I'm at Mike...dressed out the Trek DS hybrid, and it works perfectly. I've toyed with the idea of going the tour bike route, but can't seem to muster enough reasons to leave my old freind. For me, while performing the modifications myself, i got that up close and personal connection with my bike....and a bit rewarding knowing I had something to do with it. Initially it was for economics as my bike was an anniversary award (45yr) from the company I worked for, but now I just enjoy riding it. Thanks Mike, your videos and narrations are always enjoyable and inspiring....hope your family is well..stay safe!
Hey there! We are Matt and Ann and we just recently came across your channel. Your videos are very nice to watch! They are very interesting and the scenes are really pretty! Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great work! :)
Hi, great video, that's exactly what I did 4 tears ago. Though I'm picking up my new custom build Touring bike in the next fortnight. I had intended to get a disc trucker and then they turned it into a gravel bike, hiking the cost and then considered a Kona Sutra after watching you, but I couldn't find one for sale anywhere in the UK at the time. For me the biggest downsides of my old mountain bike was its was a size too big for me and its so heavy.
Hey Mike, your opening shot shows a flat bar bike converted into a drop bar bike so I thought I would offer a word of warning - Most flat bar bicycles are designed with a longer top tube than a drop bar bicycle of the same size. Converting the flat bar bike to drop bar will move the hands in a more forward position, usually equaling a full frame size larger, which is often too long of reach for comfort. In addition, the added expense of changing shifters and (probably) derailleurs makes a flat bar to drop bar conversion a poor financial decision. It’s almost always better to simply start out with a drop bar bike one can afford. Otherwise, there’s no reason one can’t tour with a flat bar bike. Most of the popular European touring bikes are of flat bar configuration.
I'm buying a new bicycle because my old one was stolen. I mostly use my bike for daily getting around town, but I want to get in to touring and I keep hearing that drop bars are better because you can change hand positions. However I feel more comfortable with flats and the drops look scary. Do you think I would regret it if I stick with flats and do a long tour?
Not a bad idea all round; I bought an old Koga Miyata Traveler from Blocket and am happy to do some simple upgrades like you describe; hardly any touring bikes available just now anyway
@@albertcoolav9134 Hello Albert, I installed this rack Topeak bike rack MTX Super Tourist Tubular. Fits fine, no problems. Only required some minor adjustments.
Are you happy with a flat bar touring bike ? I have not ridden a drop bar bike only my Trek FX 7.5 hybrid and I am looking at getting a drop bar gravel bike for touring but I am used to my flat bar style of riding . I am 63 and it might be too late to make the change. I guess you have more hand positions on a drop bar which is all I can think of for an advantage.
Always Good information. It takes a while to break in a new Brooks saddle and well worth it. They form to your butt and not anyone else's. If you get on someone else's bike your butt will be very uncomfortable. I'm on my second Brooks saddle in 52 years. My thought on which is the best bike to tour on is the one you have. I toured on a racing bike for years and loved it. You don't need to buy special clothing I wear the same clothes for biking that I wear around town at the pub or shopping. Today I was walking in the woods in the snow with the same clothing I wear winter biking, even the same shoes.
Great video! I am actually in the process of turning my 20 year old Gitane hybrid into a touring bike. Initially, I thought about buying a new bike altogether, but then I decided to give the Gitane a chance. I have already ordered a suspension post and will buy a Brooks saddle later. The tyres I will change to puncture-proof ones also later.
@@BikeTouringMike Thanks Mike. As I live in the German Mosel wine region, I thought that it is long overdue to get to know the area on a bike. Anyway, the 170km from my town to Koblenz, where Mosel meets the Rhine river, it is basically all downhill. This should not be too challenging as a first tour.
@@BikeTouringMike Usually the trip is from Perl to Koblenz. This is about 250km. Here is a link for more information. www.outdooractive.com/en/route/bicycle-touring/moseltal/the-moselle-river-cycle-route-in-full-from-perl-to-koblenz/3371404/#dmdtab=oax-tab1
This will be a good series Mike to help everyone who wants to try a bikepacking trip and not sure exactly how to start. You would laugh but I just put out a video on converting my fatbike from bikepacking to bike touring and I'll be starting a 1,100 mile trip (1770km) next week with it. I hope everyone enjoys your information. Cheer, Tony
I bought an expensive Italian steel frame touring bike at some point, and have to say that it was supremely comfortable for long distances. I'm a big fan of steel - it's very slight springy-ness I find very comfortable and forgiving in an organic sort of way for long days in the saddle. As I got older however I found the drop handlebars harder on my back and neck, and my last major trip was on my 'daily-driver' city hybrid, with very upright handlebars. You probably do less distance each day, but on most trips that doesn't matter. Plus you experience more of the countryside with your head up, rather than staring at the pavement hour after hour.😂 The other adjustment as I got older was the saddle. I transitioned to one with two separate supports, one under each sit bone, so there is no pressure at all in the middle. It took very little getting used to and I've used it now for many years, including a 3000 km trip. The one I use is called 'Spongy Wonder', but there are others with a similar design. They can be a great option if normal saddles are causing problems. I also share your endorsement of Schwalbe Marathons - I haven't had a puncture through the tire in 10 years of use.
I agree with most of your points. I'm reconsidering start using a flat bar more frequently in the future after starting to get some neck problems during my last trip with drip bars.
Playing catch up with your vids Mike , need to go back a few videos and finish your trip off 😂. Yep those schwallbe marathons are brilliant , hope you are all well atb Dave
All is well here, except for that the days are getting shorter and shorter and the touring season has (probably) come to an end for me. The weather we've been having lately doesn't provide a lot of inspiration to go out and ride. It's been misty every day for the last week. This last video I had to go back and reshoot the whole thing, since realizing when I got back home after the first try that about 70% was unusable. Everything was out of focus.
I've had a Brooks saddle years ago and I'm not sure if the saddle took shape around my anatomy or my butt around the saddle. It surely looks nice, but I found it no better than other mid rage saddles price-wise. I'm looking in the future for other options if any.
I use a Topeak rack front and back, Schwalbe tyres and a Brooks saddle. This stuff needs to be strong and reliable. Not entirely convinced about the Brooks but it's no worse than gel.
I have a 2009 Trek 7.5 FX bicycle. The issues(s) that I would be concerned about is the number of spokes on each wheel. The Front wheel has only 20 spokes with only 24 on the rear tire. I have a rack (topeak) on the back which can also hold a trunk bag. I believe that, with this particular set up, it would be good for a one or perhaps two day tour. I have seen in other videos indicating that it is best to have wheels with at least 43- 36 spokes to handle the load. I enjoy your videos and thank you for all of your suggestions.
I own a 2015 specialized Deverge, Aluminum frame w/carbon fork, I'm thinking of installing a set of Jones H Bars?.and not sure on front rack.maybe if I add some soft material at upper clamp to fork?,.these forks one have lower eyelets for fenders. Any suggestions 🤔 would be greatly appreciated 🙂
Hi I have a bicycle 26 size frame with 26 x 2 size Tyre but there are no any mount brazing to fix rack to frame only there is a thread for fenders and rack near to rear Axel. I want to convert in to touring bicycle
Try a wide saddle, the widest you can find but not necessarily too soft. What your bum needs is more surface area so as not to exert too pressure in a small area.
what about wheels and spokes carrying all that weight? Ive watched enough touring videos to see numerous broken spokes and wheels that went out of alignment, sometimes in the middle of nowhere
Good advice as always. Brooks saddles are great but you have to break them in first. I have a Tailfin rack and panniers, they're expensive but so easy to swap between my gravel bike and full suspension. Did you ride the Vatternrundan on that hybrid bike? Take it easy Ed
I've seen a few reviews of the Tailfin system. Looks rather good if you have limited ways of mounting a rack to you frame. Yes, and I did it under 10 hours! I've actually done the Vätternrundan twice, the first time on that hybrid and the second time on my road bike. And the funny thing is that I was 20 minutes faster with the hybrid bike than the road bike. 9:13 vs 9:35. Now, what need to be said though is that the weather was fair the first time around while we had rain (and about 6C during the night) for about 7 of those 9 and a half the second time around.
Still fantastic times though. I saw the sticker on one of your Spain videos. I’m really happy with the Tailfin, I have the alloy one, hopefully it will stand up better to any travel abuse
So what if I wanted to install a second seat on the back of my bike, say for giving someone a ride to their destination, could I simply weld a seat onto a high capacity rack or is there more to it?
Usually the weight limit of the rack is imprinted in the rack itself. For instance my rack allows weight up to 25 kg/55 lbs. So if you're giving a ride to a small child yes, otherwise probably no.
Hi, Mike! I've just subscribed to your channel. Love your unpretentious and easy going videos. I have one question, please, if you have the time. I am in the doubt of buying a decent tourer, jamis aurora, new at the good price of 650 €. It has steel frame, front and back rack, fenders, barend shifters, good gear range, even a spare spokes. Since I have a problem with the space in my flat, so owning two bikes could be a challenge, don't know weather to buy a touring bike or just to adapt my mtb, which I like to ride. I it is slow on the road, but it's quite comfortable for me and it has eyelets for the back rack and for three bottles. It's an aluminium hardtail bike, decent entry level, but quite nice to ride. Since I've just got into cycling this year, after lots of motorcycle journies, don't know how much will I tour, but I have wish to put some serious kilometers and to have a at least 1000 km yourney next year and some more weekend rides. I know it's not a strait question and it's up to me in the end, but maybe your have some wisdom to share. Thank you a lot. Best wishes! Dario
Hello Dario! Well it's really not up to me, but if you want my input I would probably use that mtb for a year or so, also taking in to consideration your limited space. Then see how you really feel about bike touring. As I mentioned in the video I went with my hybrid bike for the first four years, and by that time I had figured out what I really was looking for when I decidied to but my first touring bike. Now, you can probably call me a hypocrite here since I currently own 5 bikes ;-) But I've done that mistake a coule of years earlier when I really got into road biking. I bought a somewhat expensive road bike and nowadays it's just standing around in my storage. The thing that I've learned over time is that my love for bicycles keeps evolving over time, but it changes from one type of biking to the next. Just last summer I bought a new hardtail and really got into mountain biking for a while (which I still really enjoy). So it's easy to pick up a bike right away. N+1 ;-) Anyway I'm sure you'll be happy with your decison which ever way you go.
Dear Mike, thank you for your answer. You're probably right. If the bike (jamis) wasn't so nice (at the nice price), I probably wouldn't have these kind of problems. :) I can ride just one bike at the time and I would probably ride touring bike 95% of the time, 'cause I'm mainly on the road. So it would be best to have one versatile bike, and which one is that; you're right again - the time will tell me. Maybe it is a touring bike, but maybe mtb is also just fine for now. Thank you for sharing your thougts, I appreciate it. Best wishes from Croatia! :)
im looking for a 700c bike i can do some short touring on , im to old and unfit to embark on anything major but who knows ..i may get younger and fitter riding .lol . one thing i do not understand is why touring bikes have drop bars . this make absolutely no sense to me. i have a steel ridged mountain bike at the moment .but its a bit of a tortoise id like a bit more of a Hare ...any recommendations ? im thinking maybe Not a steel bike though i realise why touring bikes are steel . a sutra or a fourcorners tick a lot of boxes but id like to share some weight off it .
Hi Colin! I will go through that in the next video. But in short, a touring bike often has a longer chainstay and the bike is a bit longer in general. This gives it more stability and the long chainstay means that you're able to mount panniers in the back without having to worry about your heel hitting the pannier all the time. Touring bikes are often made of steel which allows for a smoother ride (but just a little bit). Touring bikes also often comes with planty of eyelets to mount racks, fenders, bottle cages and so on. And the last thing is that a lot of them (not all though) some with drop bars, which means you can switch hand positions during the day. Which can be rather nice when you're out cycling for 5-8. Having your hands in the same position (as you would on a flat bar) often leads to pains in your wrists.
@@BikeTouringMike Thanks for your answer. I use a converted MTB to do my short tours on and I have to ensure the panniers are at the far end of the rack or my heels do hit them. Lack of eyelets on the frame is also a problem but I've gotten around that using 'P' clips. I've seen others like you that start with a MTB then move to a touring bike and wondered if, apart from the above mentioned, they were nicer to ride? I don't get on with dropped bars so I'd have to stick with straights. I'm considering buying a bike from The Oxford Bike Works but want to take a look at one first which is difficult with quarantine in the UK. Hopefully things may be better next year, if not my old bike will have to do a few thousand more miles. Please keep the videos coming!
I'm trying to make my mtb to a bikepacking bike but I want to take my dog on the back... Can't find a rack for a full suspension mtb... Any suggestions?
Tja! Jag skickade dig ett email på detta tema för nån vecka sen men jag tror att denna video svarade på det mesta ;-). Däremot undrar jag om det är bäst att välja däck med lite mer volym? Jag har en hybrid cykel idag med 29/700c storlek med plats för "normala" däck. Har funderingar på om en 27.5 med plus däck skulle vara ett bättre alternativ med packning på en cykel? Isf skulle jag behöva hitta ett par nya hjul i 27.5 storlek.
Ursäkta om jag missade ditt mail. Vet inte hur breda däck du har, men jag skulle satsa på ca 37-40 mm. Sen är det rätt viktigt att fälgen är stark också, speciellt bak om du har mycket packing där.
@@BikeTouringMike ingen fara! Tack för ditt svar.. kan jag behålla befintliga hjul på om de bredderna du föreslår funkar alltså? Dvs inte köra på 27.5 hjul?🙏
Well, it kind of depends. I wouldn't recommend it but it is doable. Just as long as you don't have a carbon bike. Putting more pressure and weight on a carbon bike is just begging for trouble. But if you have an aluminum road bike you could check out a rack system called Tailfin. That is supposed to work with virtually any bike.
Some racks can be mounted onto the axles which are safe for any frame. Thus you *could* use a carbon racing bike. It might not be a bike that I would choose, but it means you could get rolling with the bike you own. Old Man Mountain racks allow this.
My brother and I rode around Lake Michigan when we were in our 20's and he rode a racing bike with the narrowest tires I have ever seen. If you use a racing bike, put the widest tires on it that you can.
I once fitted a pannier to a road bike with quick release using the Tubus skewer. www.amazon.de/-/en/quick-release-adapter-pannier-spares/dp/B0010AP6E4 It was fine, just used clips on the seat stays. Road 1000km across France on it. I did fit Scwalbe Marathon 700x25 to prevent punctures.
It's true. This weekend, I did 200 miles in two days on my Specialized Sirrus Disk--a "city bike." With 700c wheels, relaxed ergs, and my old Brooks saddle, the whole ride was pure pleasure. I stuffed everything I needed into the Topeak tail trunk and stayed overnight in a hotel. Fun! obtw: of course I run Schwalbe Marathons--wouldn't roll with anything else. Thanks for a great channel! i.imgur.com/diOoNtx.jpg
