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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