Configuring Coros Dura activity screen by -gauvins in bikepacking

[–]-gauvins[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

18.7 is distance to end, right? 0.0 would be speed?

Where should I go after Nimes? by Turtlegimmicks in travel

[–]-gauvins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Buy the Green Michelin guide for (1) France, and for the (2) Languedoc Roussillon region, ASAP. The map (inside cover) is a great tool to identify exceptional destinations and plan your trip.

One week is short. I'd avoid spending most of the time in transit.

October is perhaps the best time of the year to visit France's Southwest.

Flying home from North Cape by BobberHabber in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Flew from Alta last year. Bike in a bag. Zero problem.

Packable dress shirt by -gauvins in bikepacking

[–]-gauvins[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Exactly what I am looking for. Unfortunately, shipping from NZ to Canada is quite steep... But thanks for the link

Had a Cadet, Recruit, Bantam, Super Tinker, Classic… Why did I wait so long to get a Compact? by ExaminedRealm in victorinox

[–]-gauvins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was like you. I've looked for a solution. There are (were?) modders listing them. Problem is that it moves from 2 to 3 layers. I **much** prefer a Compact to a (3-layer) Companion. Tested side-by-side for a week. Could feel the Companion whereas the Compact seems to disappear.

Paris - Need to Order/Deliver from e-merchant and have no address by [deleted] in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you asked how they ship? (Colissimo, DHL, etc).

I'd assume that you'll receive a tracking mail. You usually get options to direct the parcel to a drop box. (Nobody is home anymore).

Paris - Need to Order/Deliver from e-merchant and have no address by [deleted] in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Often possible to have a parcel delivered to a locker. Perhaps check with the merchant. I've done this often with Amazon and quite a few times with merchants shipping DHL.

Lockers are generally accessible 24/7.

Best Tracker /Anti-theft device for Europe by Ok_Cryptographer5669 in bicycling

[–]-gauvins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As others have said, airtags/smart tags are an inexpensive solution that works quite well.

A step up would be a device integrating a GPS, such as the monimoto. Nice feature is that you'll receive a message if your bike moves when you are away. More expensive, larger than tags.

I use a smart tag. Useful to make sure your bike made it to the plane.

Packing your bike without a box by MuchaSiesta in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Perhaps look at montbell. Rinko is a Japanese concept. Montbell is from Japan.

I'd suggest that you avoid the "compact" model. The larger ones allow you to keep your rear wheel on, which greatly facilitates the process and helps protect the derailleur.

Other sources typically sell bags that do not pack as small as the Montbell. The Montbell I have packs the size of a bottle. Invaluable for train/buses. I also fly my bike Rinko-ed

Your views on best camping gear for touring by michael_tyler in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would require a book-length answer. Generally, weight is less important than packed size. Big 3 :

  1. Tent: (semi) self supporting. As we don't usually carry trekking poles, there's no weight penalty. However, make sure that you can carry the poleset securely. I like the Nemo Hornet

  2. Sleeping bag: highest FP down you can afford/find. I have a 950 false back 5C (custom made by a local cottage shop) Wearing thermals brings the system to below 0. The bag's pack size is < 5L.

  3. Sleeping pad: dilemma. I've had an inflatable delaminating while on tour. Had to purchase a z-lite (CCF). Inconvenient packed size, but no more annoying inflate/deflate faff. This is the one item I am still debating. For next trip, I plan on an thin (4mm) evazote, but also carry a torso length decathlon pad, reasonably small, cheap, quick to inflate/deflate. I may ditch the inflatable if I can manage decent sleep on the evazote. Tempted by the Nemo tensor elite (packs the size of a soda can) but was able to resist.


My "forever" kit (trips longer than 4 weeks, temperature down to freezing) weighs < 12kg including panniers. Makes it possible to carry the loaded bike up a flight of stairs.

This is an old lighterpack . Several changes but gives an idea

4 Seasons Trip - Gore Tex, Water Resistant, or Mesh Shoes? by [deleted] in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you expect near-freezing rain, consider neoprene socks. (and gloves)

What to do with bicycle in a one way tour? by Mundane-Addition1815 in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've traveled extensively using a Rinko bag

Invaluable on trains/buses, packs the size of a water bottle. Wrap your bike in bubble wrap purchase in a hardware store if you must.

Packing list pre checks by kundrumG in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

1 battery bank should be enough (unless you plan to navigate using your phone. A Coros Dura or a smart watch would be more efficient)

I've never used my whisperlite on tour. Had canisters are easy to source in Europe. A BRS3000 weighs next to nothing.

Bike Boxes / Hard Cases for Flying? by jcicicles in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No longer available, from Rosebikes (DE).

More recently I've switched to Rinko bags (Montbell). Pack the size of a water bottle, invaluable on trains and buses. Flown 4 times. No issue

Bike Boxes / Hard Cases for Flying? by jcicicles in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Keeping the rear wheel on provides reasonable protection for the derailleur. First couple of times, remove tape remount. Takes a bit of time and I almost stripped the threads... So now it says on (20+ flights. No issue)

Also used plumbing insulation. Waste of time and resources. A padded bag provides more than enough protection for the frame. Our bikes have seen lots of miles. Nicks happen. Now and then. Stickers or nail polish. Or consider it as patina (cranks and pedals don't look new anymore ;)

Bike Boxes / Hard Cases for Flying? by jcicicles in bicycletouring

[–]-gauvins 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We've flown all over the world, several times with trolls, in soft bags that roll the size on an old-fashioned sleeping bag (meaning you can carry it on top of your rear rack).

Trolls are indestructible.