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How to build the perfect expedition bike - Part 3
March 21, 2018
Wheel choice for expedition biking is a personal one. I used Sunn Rhynolyte rims because they lasted well and are still going strong. I’ve recently head about other rims. For example, Emily Chappell is riding Rigida Sputnik 26″ rims. My first set of touring wheels used Mavic XM721 rims, which cracked after a few months. They don’t have a good reputation for touring therefore avoid. On rough ground then the Sunn rims I sued are one of the best options because they are so strong.
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Is there such a thing as a cyclist philosophy?
March 6, 2018
Cycle journeys, mountain biking, city cycling - cycling shapes my life, my mind and my body. Cycling is a varied experience including many different reasons to ride, such as commuting, fitness, or racing. Experience is further shaped by the type of bike and environment. Some people cycle purely for functional purposes but for some there is a real philosophy and culture behind cycling that unites a sub-culture. Even though there’s no uniform bike culture, many individual people have their own philosophy.
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How to Choose a Saddle
March 6, 2018
A saddle can make or break riding a bike The convention view that a big gel saddle is the most comfortable is wrong. There are many different types of saddles in many materials, shapes and sizes. Here are some tips for choosing the right saddle: Its largely down to taste You need to buy the saddle before you can give it a decent test Narrower saddles generally lend themselves to more forward-leaning aggressive riding styles Wider cushier “tractor seats” are better for upright riding Harder saddles are okay if you’ll be wearing cycling shorts or bibs which provide their own padding, but you’ll want a little cushion if you’re riding in jeans Softer saddles for shorter rides, harder ones for longer rides Get your sit bones measured at your bike shop and ask which saddles will suit you.
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How to build the perfect expedition bike Part 2
March 6, 2018
In the first installation of the series I wrote the frame and suspension. In this one I will talk about the drivetrain: Bicycle drivetrain systems are used to transmit power (Wikipedia). If you are choosing components or checking out a bike for touring you need to have a reliably functioning drivetrain because it is what propels the bike. Shimano components are widely available and reliable. The mountain bike component range of Deore, XT and XTR are built to withstand abuse whereas road components may compromise strength to reduce weight.
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How to build the perfect expedition bike part 1
March 5, 2018
So you want to go on an expedition by bike. You might be asking yourself “What kit do I need?” You’ll find plenty of information out there. Cycle touring is something you can do without expensive or complicated kit but it can help to invest in equipment that has been well road tested. For most of the cycle touring I have done, I’ve ridden a mountain bike frame because I wanted something which would take plenty of abuse.
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Encouraging Quotes 7
February 27, 2018
From The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Be Present I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living now. Self-purification The alchemists spent years in their laboratories, observing the fire that purified the metals.
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Project item
February 19, 2018
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How to Lace Up a Misshaped Brooks Champion Flyer Saddle
February 19, 2018
I use a Brooks Champion Flyer saddle for my cycle touring. It had the reputation of being the most comfortable saddle. After the initial break-in period of about three months the saddle moulds to your backside and it is very comfortable indeed. Problems with the Saddle Early on in the journey the bracket which supports the nose of the saddle widened and became dislodged. This caused the saddle to tilt slightly to one side and over time the problem got worse.
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Audience Questions about Weave of the Ride - Cycling Across Europe
February 14, 2018
The following are common questions I was asked when I did talks about my cycle travels. how much you spent in each country and how long you were there for? It depended on where I was travelling. I lived very much on a shoestring. In European countries it could be 5 euros per day, but in India 5 Euros would be a very expensive day and I spent more like 2/3 Euros.
Tags: Weave of the rideEuropeBookCyclingBookProductCycle touring
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Cateye EL-300 light Review
February 13, 2018
This bike light was given to me by Emily Chappell. On receiving it, I thought it looked awesome because it was large and had multiple LEDS. Company spiel Step into the light with Cat Eye’s innovative five LED Opticube headlight! Combining five powerful white LEDs with Opticube lens technology, this portable wonder produces an amazingly clear, focused and efficient beam. The 400 candlepower beacon offers plenty of visibility for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to see you coming, and runs for about 30 hours on 4 AA batteries (included).
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Useful links when preparing to go on a bicycle tour
February 11, 2018
Health tips Staying Healthy On A Bike Tour Tour Tips & tricks: Health 10 ways to stay healthy on a bike tour Boots Vaccination Advice NHS Scotland Travel Health Advice General Travel Information Sites Foreign office travel advice Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum Travel Stack Exchange Visa information A Comprehensive Guide to Visa Requirements the World Over Border-crossings Land border crossings checklist Border crossings tips from many sources Routes [European Bike Routes](http://travellingtwo.
Tags: Bike tourInformation
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Bike sizing and how to fit your bike
February 11, 2018
Sizing is a really important aspect of choosing a bike that will provide a good cycling experience. A poorly sized bike can cause health problems and can make cycling an unpleasant drag. There does not seem to be a universal standard for bike sizing due to the variety of designs and geometry. Size varies between manufacturers and intended use; touring, racing and commuting bikes and needs are all slightly different.