Sunday 18 July 2010

Travelling light

Cycle (CTC's magazine) carried an interesting article on this subject in its August/September 2008 edition. Some of the ideas are way over the top, but amusing nevertheless. Others are good ideas or thought-provoking. I list a selection here,and there's also a website at http://www2.arnes.si/~ikovse/weight.htm

  • A 20 litre saddlebag should be enough for any accommodated tour. Carradice recommended.
  • Use a handlebar bag for camera and valuables
  • Two small bags are less efficient than one large (but keep loads balanced)
  • To travel light you have to do laundry often (though there won't be much!)
  • Some hotels will wash and dry clothes for you overnight - £!
  • Strip and "tread the grapes" in the shower - ie wash your clothes with yourself in the shower. You'll need a block of strong soap. Use the hand towel to dry yourself.
  • Lay wet clothes on the bath towel and roll it up long ways. Put a foot on one end and twist hard
  • Only take clothes that can be worn in >1 situation.
  • Shorts with zip on legs are most versatile.
  • Cycling tops must pass as casual shirts.
  • Cycling shoes must be good for walking (cleats recessed). Exustar Stelvio recommended.
  • Clothes are one sytem. Layering is the watchword.
  • Take arm warmers and knee warmers.
  • Bad weather clothing (worn): Thermal vest, short sleeved shirt, arm warmers, fleece, rain jacket, waterproof hat; Lycra shorts, knee warmers, shorts with legs zipped on (to make longs), rainlegs, waterproof socks, shoes, shoe covers.
  • Bad weather clothing (spare, carried): Short sleeved top, lycra shorts, two pairs sports socks, underpants, flip flops
  • Clothes not next to skin won't need much washing
  • Wash such clothes when the forecast is sunny and dry them on your bike
  • All items shoukd be quik drying --> man made fabrics or perhaps merino wool
  • Third pair of lycra shorts if camping
  • Sometimes you might have to wear something a bit smelly!
  • Local clothing such as a Sarong or lunghi can be useful
  • With care, specialist cycle clothing can be avoided
  • Reduce tool requirements by careful choice of components
  • Fit self-extractor bolts on cranks (example - http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CR408Z24-Truvativ+Self+Extractor+Crank+Bolt.aspx) - no need for crank tool
  • Relevant Allen keys may weigh less than a multi-tool and...
  • Swiss Army knives have screwdrivers
  • Threadless headset avoids the need for two spanners
  • Consider borrowing an adjustable on tour if needed (spanner flats rare on modern bikes)
  • Make sure pedals have a hex socket (avoid pedal spanner)
  • Mend bike before trip (!)
  • Get a charger that's compatible with all your gadgets / batteries
  • Get a PDA or smartphone (several gadgets in one)

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