Am I a fool for touring with road/race bike?
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Am I a fool for touring with road/race bike?
Proud owner of a Specialized Allez, this bike has been excellent to me over the years in casual riding of all distances up to 115 + miles. Planning a cross continent tour next year, Considering using the Allez. I'm highly UL when it comes to backpacking recently completed AT and PCT, so I know how to pack light. Assuming my gear wasn't more than 30 pounds, would this be a foolish idea? Anyone know of others that have used a bike like the Allez to tour with?
#2
Senior Member
Proud owner of a Specialized Allez, this bike has been excellent to me over the years in casual riding of all distances up to 115 + miles. Planning a cross continent tour next year, Considering using the Allez. I'm highly UL when it comes to backpacking recently completed AT and PCT, so I know how to pack light. Assuming my gear wasn't more than 30 pounds, would this be a foolish idea? Anyone know of others that have used a bike like the Allez to tour with?
Bikepacking type bags work well for light loads on a road bike. I improvised stuff sacks strapped on a light rack on one tour.
On the Trans America I met quite a few who took another approach with road bikes. They packed fairly heavy and used a trailer. Some had put lower gearing on and some managed to somehow get by with road bike gearing (at least one destroyed a knee only about 750 miles into the trip).
I did the ST on an older (1990) Canondale Crit bike, but base gear weight was 14 pounds and I used lower gearing by using an improvised ultra compact double (actually a triple with the outer ring removed). Gearing was a 39/26 with a 12-28. It worked out well. Some of my gear wasn't especially high end and I actually could pack lighter now (10# base?) and still camp and cook in comfort.
Edit:
If your 30# gear weight included the bike ignore everything I said
Last edited by staehpj1; 09-11-19 at 08:54 AM.
#3
Easily Led Astray
I did the ST on my Trek 5200 carbon fiber bike with a triple. It was older and had metal drop-outs with threaded holes that allowed me to mount a rack. My gear weight was under 20# not counting food or water. Take care in how you mount a rack to your bike, make certain that the screw holes are strong enough for mounting a rack.
I would advise you to make certain your wheels are robust enough to handle crappy road surfaces with a loaded rear rack. My wife just rode her Trek Madone across France with a similar load and I'm really glad I changed her stock rear rim for a much stronger one as we encountered lots of cobblestone streets and she would have certainly broken spokes on her stock rear wheel.
Also, I would really work at halving your load, 30# is a big load for touring.
Have fun, ride safe.
Dan
I would advise you to make certain your wheels are robust enough to handle crappy road surfaces with a loaded rear rack. My wife just rode her Trek Madone across France with a similar load and I'm really glad I changed her stock rear rim for a much stronger one as we encountered lots of cobblestone streets and she would have certainly broken spokes on her stock rear wheel.
Also, I would really work at halving your load, 30# is a big load for touring.
Have fun, ride safe.
Dan
__________________
Opinions are like noses, everybody has one.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,197
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3458 Post(s)
Liked 1,465 Times
in
1,143 Posts
I pack heavier than you, but I have seen several bike tourists on road bikes, either with bikepacking setups or with trailers. And they appeared to be having a great time.
But, if you really want to use a road bike, since a lot of road bikes lack the really low gears that are commonly desired for touring, have you thought about your gears and whether or not your gears are low enough for the route?
I attached two photos below of a couple I met in Iceland that were using their Ritchey Breakaway bikes for a tour. I cropped out the faces since I did not ask permission to post photos.
Although they were packed for only a two week tour, not as long as you would be riding, I find that once I have a week worth of stuff, a longer trip does not need much more stuff.
If you wanted to go with rear panniers on the bike, I would suggest you try to move some of the weight further forward, either supported from the handlebars or with a frame bag or both.
If you can't fit fenders due to tight tire clearance, you might consider race blade fenders. I have toured without fenders and it can be quite a mess. The Pro XL version fit nicely on my 28mm wide tires on my road bike.
For a cross continent trip, there may be times you need to carry a lot more food and water, so that would be a consideration.
If I recall correctly, you posted on Crazy Guy on how you did your light weight touring, if so the OP might benefit from the link.
But, if you really want to use a road bike, since a lot of road bikes lack the really low gears that are commonly desired for touring, have you thought about your gears and whether or not your gears are low enough for the route?
I attached two photos below of a couple I met in Iceland that were using their Ritchey Breakaway bikes for a tour. I cropped out the faces since I did not ask permission to post photos.
Although they were packed for only a two week tour, not as long as you would be riding, I find that once I have a week worth of stuff, a longer trip does not need much more stuff.
If you wanted to go with rear panniers on the bike, I would suggest you try to move some of the weight further forward, either supported from the handlebars or with a frame bag or both.
If you can't fit fenders due to tight tire clearance, you might consider race blade fenders. I have toured without fenders and it can be quite a mess. The Pro XL version fit nicely on my 28mm wide tires on my road bike.
For a cross continent trip, there may be times you need to carry a lot more food and water, so that would be a consideration.
If I recall correctly, you posted on Crazy Guy on how you did your light weight touring, if so the OP might benefit from the link.
#5
Member
I have toured on a road bike but with nowhere near 30 lbs, probably less than half that. For comparison, my longest tour on a heavy-duty touring bike lasted 8 weeks, I had 40 lbs of gear including tent and cooking stuff, and I could have got by with 5-10lbs less. So like @schoolboy2 I'd suggest cutting your planned load in half, sticking it a frame bag and a saddlebag, and you're good to go.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,247
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 138 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
16 Posts
I rode the seperate(2700, 1700, 5000+) miles long trip on my Allez Comp using the same backpack I used on the AT in 1997 with 40 pounds of gear. Go for it. Explore and have fun.
#7
Easily Led Astray
He's way more extreme than I will ever be, but I like his basic ideas: weigh everything!
The gear list for my first tour is here: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/..._id=318550&v=i
The gear list for my coast to coast retirement tour is here: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/...id=543530&v=1Q
As you can see I started cooking a bit and I also got a bigger tent. The weight went from 20# to 30# but I was planning to be gone for months and simply needed more stuff.
__________________
Opinions are like noses, everybody has one.
#8
Senior Member
There is a link to my stuff on the CrazyGuyOnABike site in my signature line in these posts. The stuff there probably isn't all the way up to date with my current gear, but there is some useful stuff there. I have a couple articles and some trip journals there. There is also stuff from my heavy touring days.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,836
Bikes: 2016 Fuji Tread, 1983 Trek 520
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 675 Post(s)
Liked 741 Times
in
430 Posts
With a light enough load, you certainly don't need a touring bike. A hiker friend of mine tours on his road bike wearing a small backpack. Not for me, but he makes it work.
My first 2000+ mile tour was on a road bike with a traditional heavy load in five packs. It was stiff and uncomfortable but I made it.
My last XC tour (4500 miles) I got smarter and lightened the load to less than 15 pounds base weight in two rear panniers only (this was after hiking the Triple Crown). I had an old steel touring bike with a granny gear, but virtually never used the granny. I learned that with that small a load, I no longer needed a heavy touring bike, so I sold it. (I replaced with a sort of compromise, a gravel bike with rear rack attachments (and disk brakes, which I love).)
My first 2000+ mile tour was on a road bike with a traditional heavy load in five packs. It was stiff and uncomfortable but I made it.
My last XC tour (4500 miles) I got smarter and lightened the load to less than 15 pounds base weight in two rear panniers only (this was after hiking the Triple Crown). I had an old steel touring bike with a granny gear, but virtually never used the granny. I learned that with that small a load, I no longer needed a heavy touring bike, so I sold it. (I replaced with a sort of compromise, a gravel bike with rear rack attachments (and disk brakes, which I love).)
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oregon
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1182 Post(s)
Liked 833 Times
in
435 Posts
Proud owner of a Specialized Allez, this bike has been excellent to me over the years in casual riding of all distances up to 115 + miles. Planning a cross continent tour next year, Considering using the Allez. I'm highly UL when it comes to backpacking recently completed AT and PCT, so I know how to pack light. Assuming my gear wasn't more than 30 pounds, would this be a foolish idea? Anyone know of others that have used a bike like the Allez to tour with?
This was her first Allez, and you can see the taper on both of our rear panniers. If you have small feet, rear panniers may work for you.
This is her second Allez set up for self supported trips. I put a mtn bike rear derailleur and a 11-34 cassette on when she used it for touring.
This picture shows the shape of the panniers a little better. I was using a Trek road bike
Last edited by Doug64; 09-12-19 at 09:48 AM.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5,200
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 137 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 81 Times
in
64 Posts
Proud owner of a Specialized Allez, this bike has been excellent to me over the years in casual riding of all distances up to 115 + miles. Planning a cross continent tour next year, Considering using the Allez. I'm highly UL when it comes to backpacking recently completed AT and PCT, so I know how to pack light. Assuming my gear wasn't more than 30 pounds, would this be a foolish idea? Anyone know of others that have used a bike like the Allez to tour with?
#12
Senior Member
Proud owner of a Specialized Allez, this bike has been excellent to me over the years in casual riding of all distances up to 115 + miles. Planning a cross continent tour next year, Considering using the Allez. I'm highly UL when it comes to backpacking recently completed AT and PCT, so I know how to pack light. Assuming my gear wasn't more than 30 pounds, would this be a foolish idea? Anyone know of others that have used a bike like the Allez to tour with?
A road bike has lighter wheels and tires, so certain road surfaces can leave you on foot. Even though you've done long day trips on the bike, doing it for weeks may be more painful. Not saying for sure, but just something to keep in mind.
I agree with the other posters; 30lbs is not UL, but forget the labels. If you want it, bring it.
#13
Senior Member
We haven't heard back from Swiss Footbikes. I would be curious to hear back on what they carried as a base weight on the AT and PCT. It might give a better idea of what might make sense for them on a coast to coast bike tour. Of course some folks look at the bike as a tool that allows them to carry more since the load isn't on their back. This approach is even possible with a race oriented road bike, but the gearing is more likely to become an issue.
If we knew a bit more about what the OP would be doing we might be able to give better advice. Barring that after choosing the general route I normally suggest the following general approach:
If we knew a bit more about what the OP would be doing we might be able to give better advice. Barring that after choosing the general route I normally suggest the following general approach:
- Decide what gear you want to use.
- Go over the list and trim, refine, and generally get it just the way you want it. Repeat ad nauseum...
- Choose baggage that will handle the baggage that will carry the gear (panniers, bikepacking bags, improvised stuffsacks and racks, trailer, whatever).
- Decide on the bike that suits the gear and baggage.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,197
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3458 Post(s)
Liked 1,465 Times
in
1,143 Posts
I would add one more criteria, estimate how far you might have to go between food resupply and water resupply. If resupply distances are short, not much volume or weight capacity is needed.
When I rode the Pacific Coast, we saw a Safeway about every other day, other food sources (restaurants, convenience stores) much more frequently than that. Thus, did not need a lot of capacity for such expendables. I have no clue how often you can resupply crossing the USA prairie or if taking a southern route how often you can find water, as I have not ridden there.
When I went into the interior in Iceland I brought over two and a half weeks worth of food along, my 31 liter Ortlieb duffle could not hold all the food, I needed another drybag for overflow.
When I rode the Pacific Coast, we saw a Safeway about every other day, other food sources (restaurants, convenience stores) much more frequently than that. Thus, did not need a lot of capacity for such expendables. I have no clue how often you can resupply crossing the USA prairie or if taking a southern route how often you can find water, as I have not ridden there.
When I went into the interior in Iceland I brought over two and a half weeks worth of food along, my 31 liter Ortlieb duffle could not hold all the food, I needed another drybag for overflow.
#15
Senior Member
I would add one more criteria, estimate how far you might have to go between food resupply and water resupply. If resupply distances are short, not much volume or weight capacity is needed.
When I rode the Pacific Coast, we saw a Safeway about every other day, other food sources (restaurants, convenience stores) much more frequently than that. Thus, did not need a lot of capacity for such expendables. I have no clue how often you can resupply crossing the USA prairie or if taking a southern route how often you can find water, as I have not ridden there.
When I went into the interior in Iceland I brought over two and a half weeks worth of food along, my 31 liter Ortlieb duffle could not hold all the food, I needed another drybag for overflow.
When I rode the Pacific Coast, we saw a Safeway about every other day, other food sources (restaurants, convenience stores) much more frequently than that. Thus, did not need a lot of capacity for such expendables. I have no clue how often you can resupply crossing the USA prairie or if taking a southern route how often you can find water, as I have not ridden there.
When I went into the interior in Iceland I brought over two and a half weeks worth of food along, my 31 liter Ortlieb duffle could not hold all the food, I needed another drybag for overflow.
I really don't mind having a pound or two in a backpack on a regular basis and once in a while where I need to haul water for a long stretch I will load up with a heavy load for a stretch between two widely spaced restock points. I only do the latter once in a great while as needed in places like west Texas. The good news is that water gets used quickly and the load lightens fast. I have never gone too much more than 24 hours between resupply on a road tour and don't do that very often (never overnight on the TA, and overnight a couple times on the ST, but some long days in both cases). I only started using the backpacks fairly on my last few tours, but really find them useful.
Last edited by staehpj1; 09-12-19 at 09:38 AM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,197
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3458 Post(s)
Liked 1,465 Times
in
1,143 Posts
When I read your post, I had forgotten that he planned to tour on a road bike, so probably most of the time re-supply is probably not an issue. The far from re-supply situations are probably not on road bikes. My error.
A few months ago when I was on the north end of the Cabot Trail, that is somewhat of a food desert, but you still could find a grocery store or restaurant at least every other day. The only stretch where I went for four days between grocery stores, I had a great fish and chips meal at a nice restaurant half way between the grocery stores.
A few months ago when I was on the north end of the Cabot Trail, that is somewhat of a food desert, but you still could find a grocery store or restaurant at least every other day. The only stretch where I went for four days between grocery stores, I had a great fish and chips meal at a nice restaurant half way between the grocery stores.
#17
Senior Member
Proud owner of a Specialized Allez, this bike has been excellent to me over the years in casual riding of all distances up to 115 + miles. Planning a cross continent tour next year, Considering using the Allez. I'm highly UL when it comes to backpacking recently completed AT and PCT, so I know how to pack light. Assuming my gear wasn't more than 30 pounds, would this be a foolish idea? Anyone know of others that have used a bike like the Allez to tour with?
in other words, get back with some more info, folks have taken the time to put down experiences, but not knowing what you have in mind, its a bit hard to give recommendations other than the standard common sense stuff about wheel strength and gearing.
hopefully you return with more details.
#18
Senior Member
are you crossing Asia or Australia?
in other words, get back with some more info, folks have taken the time to put down experiences, but not knowing what you have in mind, its a bit hard to give recommendations other than the standard common sense stuff about wheel strength and gearing.
hopefully you return with more details.
in other words, get back with some more info, folks have taken the time to put down experiences, but not knowing what you have in mind, its a bit hard to give recommendations other than the standard common sense stuff about wheel strength and gearing.
hopefully you return with more details.
As far as locale. I had assumed coast to coast US, since they mentioned the AT and PCT, but if a different continent the advice might well be different (and outside my area of experience).
Sadly we often hear from folks once and never again with no follow up. Sometimes we get some conversation and even feed back after a trip, but that is the exception. We never know if it was a whim and they lost interest or whether they moved ahead to other sources and followed through.
#19
Senior Member
Yeah, I hope we hear back with more details. Even the common sense stuff isn't really a slam dunk since we really don't know what the OP will be carrying. They did say under 30 pounds, but is that base gear weight? Total including consumables? Total gear including the bike? Any of those are actually possible.
As far as locale. I had assumed coast to coast US, since they mentioned the AT and PCT, but if a different continent the advice might well be different (and outside my area of experience).
Sadly we often hear from folks once and never again with no follow up. Sometimes we get some conversation and even feed back after a trip, but that is the exception. We never know if it was a whim and they lost interest or whether they moved ahead to other sources and followed through.
As far as locale. I had assumed coast to coast US, since they mentioned the AT and PCT, but if a different continent the advice might well be different (and outside my area of experience).
Sadly we often hear from folks once and never again with no follow up. Sometimes we get some conversation and even feed back after a trip, but that is the exception. We never know if it was a whim and they lost interest or whether they moved ahead to other sources and followed through.
You have a budding career in Diplomacy.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Yeah, I hope we hear back with more details. Even the common sense stuff isn't really a slam dunk since we really don't know what the OP will be carrying. They did say under 30 pounds, but is that base gear weight? Total including consumables? Total gear including the bike? Any of those are actually possible.
As far as locale. I had assumed coast to coast US, since they mentioned the AT and PCT, but if a different continent the advice might well be different (and outside my area of experience).
Sadly we often hear from folks once and never again with no follow up. Sometimes we get some conversation and even feed back after a trip, but that is the exception. We never know if it was a whim and they lost interest or whether they moved ahead to other sources and followed through.
As far as locale. I had assumed coast to coast US, since they mentioned the AT and PCT, but if a different continent the advice might well be different (and outside my area of experience).
Sadly we often hear from folks once and never again with no follow up. Sometimes we get some conversation and even feed back after a trip, but that is the exception. We never know if it was a whim and they lost interest or whether they moved ahead to other sources and followed through.
Cheers
#21
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Lisle, IL
Posts: 407
Bikes: 2003 Litespeed Vortex, 2017 All-City Mr. Pink, ~1997 Trek Multitrack 700
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 139 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
57 Posts
Well, even though the OP hasn't come back, I found this discussion very helpful as I'm plotting out doing some credit card touring with my road bike in 2020 and 2021. It was good to get some feedback on how my stuff should weigh (or not weigh I should say!). I'm awaiting delivery of a Dill Pickle front bag and then I will lay out all that I imagine that I need and see if it will fit into the combination of the front bag, top tube bag (eoGear), and my expanding seat bag. I typically wear a waistpack on brevets so can stash a few small items there as well. I don't do backpacks.
My plans are to try out 1-2 nights away from home next summer, then a much longer trip of about 7-8 nights away from home in 2021 to celebrate entering a new decade of my life. All rides will start/end from my house in the western suburbs of Chicago. I'll make a big loop up into Wisconsin. Some of the route will include roads that I'm already familiar with from brevets as well as from the two permanents that I have up there.
My plans are to try out 1-2 nights away from home next summer, then a much longer trip of about 7-8 nights away from home in 2021 to celebrate entering a new decade of my life. All rides will start/end from my house in the western suburbs of Chicago. I'll make a big loop up into Wisconsin. Some of the route will include roads that I'm already familiar with from brevets as well as from the two permanents that I have up there.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,197
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3458 Post(s)
Liked 1,465 Times
in
1,143 Posts
You probably do not recall, but I had a Carradice bag on my bike on the 200k this past May. Since your saddle is a Brooks and has saddle bag loops that can take that type of bag, that could be a good option for credit card touring too. I think the one I have is the Pendle and is rated at 11 liters. It is more of a classic design, in that it is wider than it is long. But I find it a very convenient type of bag.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,624
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1324 Post(s)
Liked 927 Times
in
640 Posts
Well, even though the OP hasn't come back, I found this discussion very helpful as I'm plotting out doing some credit card touring with my road bike in 2020 and 2021. It was good to get some feedback on how my stuff should weigh (or not weigh I should say!). I'm awaiting delivery of a Dill Pickle front bag and then I will lay out all that I imagine that I need and see if it will fit into the combination of the front bag, top tube bag (eoGear), and my expanding seat bag. I typically wear a waistpack on brevets so can stash a few small items there as well. I don't do backpacks.
My plans are to try out 1-2 nights away from home next summer, then a much longer trip of about 7-8 nights away from home in 2021 to celebrate entering a new decade of my life. All rides will start/end from my house in the western suburbs of Chicago. I'll make a big loop up into Wisconsin. Some of the route will include roads that I'm already familiar with from brevets as well as from the two permanents that I have up there.
My plans are to try out 1-2 nights away from home next summer, then a much longer trip of about 7-8 nights away from home in 2021 to celebrate entering a new decade of my life. All rides will start/end from my house in the western suburbs of Chicago. I'll make a big loop up into Wisconsin. Some of the route will include roads that I'm already familiar with from brevets as well as from the two permanents that I have up there.
Cheers
#24
Full Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Lisle, IL
Posts: 407
Bikes: 2003 Litespeed Vortex, 2017 All-City Mr. Pink, ~1997 Trek Multitrack 700
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 139 Post(s)
Liked 94 Times
in
57 Posts
You probably do not recall, but I had a Carradice bag on my bike on the 200k this past May. Since your saddle is a Brooks and has saddle bag loops that can take that type of bag, that could be a good option for credit card touring too. I think the one I have is the Pendle and is rated at 11 liters. It is more of a classic design, in that it is wider than it is long. But I find it a very convenient type of bag.
I found out about the Timbuk2 bag on some other forum here in 2018. The red version was only $25 on Amazon so I figured I try it out. Best $25 I've spent!
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 11,197
Bikes: 1961 Ideor, 1966 Perfekt 3 Speed AB Hub, 1994 Bridgestone MB-6, 2006 Airnimal Joey, 2009 Thorn Sherpa, 2013 Thorn Nomad MkII, 2015 VO Pass Hunter, 2017 Lynskey Backroad, 2017 Raleigh Gran Prix, 1980s Bianchi Mixte on a trainer. Others are now gone.
Mentioned: 48 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3458 Post(s)
Liked 1,465 Times
in
1,143 Posts
I took a look at your bag. I've been using a Timbuk2 Sonoma bag which is rated at 11-25 liters. It has worked out really well for me especially on spring rides where it starts off really cold and then heats up later in the day. While my bag isn't waterproof, I do stash clothing in Ziploc bags if there is any chance of rain.
I found out about the Timbuk2 bag on some other forum here in 2018. The red version was only $25 on Amazon so I figured I try it out. Best $25 I've spent!
I found out about the Timbuk2 bag on some other forum here in 2018. The red version was only $25 on Amazon so I figured I try it out. Best $25 I've spent!