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| *Vultures Knob>>>Road Bike |
What should I expect from long distance cycling? |
Looking to cycle from England to the Middle East in a few months time. The route looks like it will be about 3000 miles. Has anybody ever done rides of over a few hundred miles? What is it like, what should I expect, and what kind of bike would be able to last the distance? I am a fan of road bikes, but will they be strong enough to have the extra weight of my stuff on them? I've never been a fan of long distance cycling, but I have several friends that are. One of them is our cross-state record holder, and another one has done RaAM three times. The main thing is comfort. One of my friends has a titanium MTB with slick tires and aero handlebars. The Ti is a great choice for long distances because of it's inherent shock absorbing characteristics. The MTB version is a good choice because the wheels are more durable and the gearing is lower so long climbs are an easier task, and the geometry is more relaxed. If you put slick tires on an MTB it will roll near enough to a road bike to make it worthwhile. All of these factors will combine to give you a comfortable and durable bike. Although the bike will be heavier, it will become insignificant to the weight of your gear. I would recommend against carbon or aluminum. Carbon can break, and aluminum is a much harsher ride. Steel would be a good choice if your budget does not allow Ti, but a mid level Ti hard-tail MTB from moots, dean, or lightspeed isn't much more than a good quality steel frame and can handle things like getting hit by a car without breaking. Trust me, you don't want a cheap steel frame. Lastly, whatever you ride, make it ugly. Paint it with black primer, and make sure no one knows what it is. They'll be much less likely to mug you for your bike if they think it's a piece of crap. Go here: http://www.ultracycling.com/ and look for riders in your area. They will be able to help you out with planning, training, supplies, etc. a sore ****. that sounds like an incredible ride- best wishes! Good Luck ! On the bike question , yes they make plenty of touring specific bikes with places to mount luggage racks , panniers [front and rear] , and so on . A ride of that magnitude would require a good amount of prep and training . Check the source listed below for endurance riding tips on anything from how to select a bike you will still want to be on after 200 miles , to diet and nutrition necessary to maintain energy . And again good luck ! http://www.ultracycling.com/training/cen... You should expect to have an incredible story to tell if you make it. P |
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