Touring on a road bike?

richy

Sorry about the ambiguity. I meant tire width, in mm. Unless you're really light yourself, a 23mm in back is really too small.

That's quite an interesting response from Specialized - not what I would have expected!

leebm

I second the vote for using a Carradice saddle bag if you are planning to travel light. I have a Barley and am thinking about getting a Nelson Long Flap. I use the Bagman Quick Release Rack as my saddle does not have saddlebag loops on it.

It's a great way to travel light and the Nelson Long Flap can carry a substantial amount of gear. One nice thing about using the Bagman rack is that you don't have to worry about the SQR on your carbon seatpost. Of course, I'm assuming you don't have carbon rails on your saddle. . .

BL

balaclavas

I am currently planing a cycle tour, Calais to Paris in time for the Tour de France. I am using an old (1970's) Carlton racing bike. I have thought about both the trailer and saddlebag solution, especially as atatching a rack will envolve using the mudguard eyelets and a seatclamp adapter of some kind. After some deliberation I have decided to attempt to use a pannier set. This decision was mostly based on prior experience (touring on a mountain bike) where the majority of the pannier space was full of lightweight tent. I'm hoping that I can keep the weight low enough and that the nearly 40yr old steel frame is built of sterner stuff than I give it credit for. Otherwise I will hace to use my 700c mountainbike conversion, which is currently in pieces.

As far as handling goes, the front will be very light especially uphill, so a handlebar bag will be a great idea, it carries extra weight, forces some front end traction, and you can read a map as you go, nothing but win if you ask me!
Hope to hear how all your endevours go and goodluck.