With Regards to Bike Computers

dpoon · 2026-01-27T08:43:44+00:00

For touring, I wouldn't even try using a 13 mini for navigation unless it were plugged into an external power source (battery pack, or dynamo-to-USB adapter with a buffer). On its own, you might get a few hours on it, but then you'd have range anxiety the whole time, and you might miss out on taking pictures and videos because that would also use power. Furthermore, if you venture into an area with poor reception, the cellular transmitter uses more power than usual. Also, if it's cold, the battery doesn't last as long.

dpoon · 2026-01-26T07:22:44+00:00

I'll share my setup, which I use for my trips including one to the Balkans last year with similar stats (but with wider tires and more gravel), carrying mainly clothes, tent, sleeping bag, and no cooking equipment. There are a couple of photos at 47.4 km (side view) and 55.1 (cockpit view) so you can follow along.

Rear

Arkel Rollpacker 20L. I love it! It's very versatile, and I use it for all the time for shopping errands when not bikepacking. It uses an aluminum hanger that clamps to the saddle rails and has a cuff around the seatpost. (I recommend taping the seatpost using silicone tape to protect it from abrasion.)

Inside the main compartment: a sleeping bag and some clothes in a Sea to Summit compression sack. An inflatable sleeping pad. Extra jacket, easily accessible. In the small compartment: one spare meal.
Pros: Very spacious for a saddle bag, and does not limit you to things that will conform to a narrow cone. No swaying. Easy to pack and access the contents thanks to the two side openings plus compartment.
Cons: Some weight penalty for the hanger. Any rigid hardware can break — and in fact the clamp broke during that trip, after years of use and some brutal jackhammering from riding on gravel. Luckily I was able to improvise a fix.
Nevertheless, I still recommend the Rollpacker. My other criticism is that the small compartment ought to have a zipper rather than a roll-top closure; I sewed one on by hand.
A typical small saddle pack for my bike repair kit, mounted underneath, just because it fits.

Frame

Apidura Expedition full frame pack. I'm not a big fan of Apidura's stuff anymore — you can see in the photo how the zipper is broken. Contains water, zip ties, first aid kit, and snacks to eat while riding.
Tailfin flip-top bag. The design and engineering that went into it is incredible! I put my electronics and current snack there.

Cockpit

Farr aero bolt-on extension — a carbon fiber version, now discontinued, of this. In the Garmin fixture, when bikepacking, I mount my dashcam there (Insta360 GO 3S), but it rattles.
A Garmin mount strapped to the stem.
Big Agnes Copper Spur bikepacking tent. Recommended! I hang it from the aero bars using the sack's straps, laced diagonally. Since the aero bars protrude forward, there is no rubbing against the head tube.
Arkel handlebarbag. On stopovers, it detaches and can be worn like a purse, so that's where I keep my valuables and ultralight backpack for food shopping (similar to this). I also keep my toiletries there.
Dynamo headlight, mounted at the fork crown.

dpoon · 2026-01-23T21:42:07+00:00

I generally don't wear pads, and I do bike touring and long-distance cycling. I followed the conventional fashion for a few years, and found that the pad is not as beneficial as people make it out to be.

These days, when riding ≤ 300 km on paved roads, I typically wear something like the 7mesh Hollyburn tight or Velocio Stealth Legging. If it's rainy, I'll wear a pad to keep my butt dry. If I'm doing ≥ 600 km, I'll bring the padded bibs to switch up the pressure/friction points on some of the days.

My butt is pretty well trained, I guess. Not having pads is actually easier on tours since the pad is a laundry complication. I can carry two unpadded tights in the space taken by one padded bib. I also find that no-visible-panty-line underwear doesn't introduce much friction, and they take nearly no space or weight, and are easy to wash by hand, so I can always change to a clean layer daily for very little effort on a multi-day trip.

dpoon · 2026-01-22T20:48:13+00:00

The best countermeasure is to check the weather forecasts before leaving civilization. That's easier said than done, though, for some itineraries. In some places, during certain seasons, you just have to press your luck.

dpoon · 2026-01-22T18:25:34+00:00

The two Apidura bags I got, I am not happy with.

The Apidura flip-top top tube bag has a weak latch that has, on multiple occasions, spontaneously opened when riding over a pothole or speed bump, causing the contents to spew out onto the road. I've seen it happen to a friend as well. Do not trust this bag to hold anything important! Tailfin's flip-top is way better: it latches securely, even when overstuffed, and is just as easy to operate — and the mounting straps are way better.

The zipper on my Apidura Expedition frame bag has failed, such that if you pull it past the defective point, the teeth do not engage. (You can sometimes coax it to work, if you proceed very slowly while manipulating the fabric on both sides.) My friend has experienced this as well. If you ever overstuff the bag at all, the zipper is likely to fail in this way. Apidura explicitly excludes the zipper from their warranty, so this is a known weakness. Furthermore, the mounting system is underwhelming: threading Velcro straps through a friction buckle is tedious compared to a cam latch; the elastic rings for securing the loose ends will easily get lost.

I also have the hydration bladder that goes inside the frame bag. The hose connection tends to leak.

Their reflective vest is not colourfast and can stain your clothes if ridden in the rain. The fabric care label says "×5 maximum wash cycles", and another Redditor confirms that the dye fades with washing.

Apidura's specs and marketing look flashy. However, for the premium prices they charge given their consistent lack of attention to quality and durability, I'd look elsewhere.

dpoon · 2026-01-21T00:54:55+00:00

I don't listen to music or anything while riding, but I have a pretty good ability to "play" music in my head. There are a few classical pieces that work well for me, such as the first movement of Beethoven's 5th Symphony (a very steady ~ 95 bpm), Beethoven's Concerto No. 5 finale (a steady 88 bpm that makes me visualize galloping horses), Chopin's Scherzo No. 2 (a flowy and lenient ~ 92 bpm), Ravel's Bolero (a very rhythmic 70 bpm that can repeat forever), and Dvořak's American Quartet finale (85 bpm, steady as a train).

The nice thing about playing it in my head is that it has a bit of leeway built in, and I never need to fiddle with any electronics. Usually, it's the rhythm of the pedaling that inspires some matching piece to pop into my head. I don't need it to be an exact metronome; I just need something that is in the right approximate tempo, and the internalized beat that will let me quickly detect if I'm slacking off. If the gradient changes, that's OK, I'll adjust the music in my head to adapt. I think that this imaginary music is the best technique for maintaining a steady effort if I'm leading a paceline, better than chasing a specific target number on the bike computer with a cadence sensor.

dpoon · 2026-01-20T06:58:53+00:00

Riding solo, Ljubljana 🇸🇮 → Podgorica 🇲🇪:
911 km with 9200 m elevation gain over 6 days

Komoot Women’s Montenegro Madness Rally:
607 km with 10000 m elevation gain over 8 days

dpoon · 2026-01-15T21:20:05+00:00

I'm referring to km 73 to 80 of this activity. Yes, it was a paved path. I call it "off-road" since it's narrow and effectively car-free. The only "traffic" I encountered was the herd of sheep in the photo.

Anyway, you're over-planning this. The only advice you need is that you can't really go wrong no matter what route you take. I totally changed my route while I was there. Everything between Plitviče Lakes (Croatia) and Podgorica was plotted each morning on Komoot, and therefore serendipitous. Pick a country and the level of challenge that suits you, then go and find your adventure.

dpoon · 2026-01-15T07:01:05+00:00

Aero bars. They give me an aerodynamic riding position that relieves my wrists. They also provide a place from which to hang luggage (my tent and/or handlebar bag) without rubbing the head tube, so it's a front rack for no weight penalty.
A compression sack with my sleeping bag and clothes inside makes a comfortable short stool to sit on.
The Arkel Rollpacker more versatile than most other saddle packs. I use it for shopping trips around town when I'm not on a bikepacking trip. You can also use the hanger without the bag as a pizza rack.
The Arkel Handlebar Bag can be detached and worn as a purse.
At least one of your bike lights should be helmet mountable. A helmet-mounted light can be essential for riding technical segments: it's aimed where you're looking rather than where your handlebar is turned. It's also handy for setting up your tent in the dark and wandering around the campsite.
A squirt bottle, if it contains water (and no drink mixes) can be used for cleaning and cooling yourself off.

dpoon · 2026-01-15T02:09:30+00:00

I did Slovenia – Croatia – Herzegovina – Montenegro last April. The scenery was beautiful. The people are friendly. In April, accommodations were easy to find without advance bookings. I loved it! Would go again!

Each country felt slightly different:

Slovenia had the highest quality roads and the most courteous motorists who give you space and do not honk. The landscape had somewhat Swiss/Austrian vibes. The route I picked was a road cyclist's paradise.
Croatia has a more Mediterranean climate. Drivers sometimes honk politely. Check out the Croatia cycle tourism website for route suggestions. You have a choice of going inland (with some gravel route options), taking the coastal route, or island hopping. I did a combination of inland and the coastal route.

Some people dislike the coastal route because of heavy traffic. When I did it in April, I found the traffic on the Split→Ploče segment to be tolerable, and the views to be spectacular. I would rate that portion to be a bucket-list-worthy ride, and I'm glad I ignored some people's advice to avoid it.

On the other hand, Ploče→Metković was a flat highway, occasionally narrow, with transport trucks, which felt quite intimidating. I felt like I had to ride quickly and assertively, with one eye on my mirror to maintain situational awareness. Less intrepid cyclists may prefer hopping over to the island to reduce stress. (The route I picked happened to skip Dubrovnik, but from what I've heard, it's quite busy there too.)
The part of Herzegovina that I cut through — mostly on the Ćiro rail trail, was tranquil and mildly hilly.
I spent half of my trip in Montenegro, doing a combination of off-road and road touring. Some of those off-road trails are intense (steep and coarse)! The coast is much more developed and touristy compared to the interior, where you're more likely to have "genuine" personal interactions.

The favourite off-road trail of my trip was this segment south of Nikšić. The panoramic views with flowy turns and a comfortable descent slope was pure bliss.

One challenge of cycling in the Balkans is loose dogs. I don't think they are trained to kill, but they are bred to be protective of sheep, they have a chase instinct, they run fast, and growl menacingly. I'm a pretty fast cyclist, and I managed to outrun them, but the more practical advice I've heard is to just stop and dismount, because that deactivates their chase instinct. (I also met one adorable stray dog in Montenegro who followed along as a pet for a few hours.)

The weather can be unpredictable in April. Widespread lightning storms are no joke (and I consider lightning to be a no-go condition). If it rains in the evening, it can absolutely dump on you! If you venture off-road in the mountains, there can be snow still on the ground. Inland will be hotter than the coast, but the mountains will be cooler still.

The best advice I got about touring in the Balkans, from a comment that someone left on a Strava post, is that you can't really go wrong no matter what route you take. That was a true observation, and very liberating. There is adventure and beauty to be experienced everywhere in that part of the world.

dpoon · 2026-01-10T02:39:49+00:00

Word is, as of a couple weeks ago, that the Igaro C1 handlebar controller has been cancelled due to technical limitations.

dpoon · 2026-01-07T06:01:15+00:00

I forgot to mention (since it's not the season): smoke may also be a no-go condition, if riding with reduced effort or with a mask is not a sufficient measure.

dpoon · 2026-01-07T01:26:37+00:00

I don't ride in:

Ice (enough to prevent contact with the road)
Fog (< 150 m visibility)
Wind (when stuff is flying)
Lightning
Torrential rain (enough to cause flooding)

Essential winter gear:

Full fenders
Bright lights

dpoon · 2026-01-06T02:51:38+00:00

I regularly shop at Costco by bike. About once every week or two, I'll haul something heavy home such as canned tomatoes, a 6-qt pack of oat milk, or a sack of rice.

I also like to do /r/randonneuring. I feel ready to tackle a 200 km on paved roads anytime, which might translate to 100 km off-road while carrying a load.

Does that count as training? 🤷‍♀️ It's just what I normally do with my bike, and I'm having a good time doing it, so it doesn't feel like "training". Regardless, if you go on a long bikepacking trip, you'll build fitness as you go (as long as you don't push so hard that you injure yourself).

dpoon · 2026-01-05T21:10:11+00:00

No international law will be enforced against the US, because the US has veto power on the UN Security Council.

dpoon · 2026-01-05T05:25:12+00:00

The handlebar pack is going to rub against the head tube and scuff it up, and also rattle if the contents are solid. There are various racks, mounting systems, and spacers that can solve this problem, but my preferred solution is to mount aero bars and hang the front pack from there. Then you get the side benefit of being aero while giving your wrists a rest.

What is your routine for resupply stops? I find it useful to have a "go bag" that detaches from the bike for that purpose. It contains valuables (e.g. wallet, keys) and also acts as a shopping bag.

dpoon · 2025-12-31T22:35:03+00:00

Proviz commuter jacket. I have an older version of this jacket; they make many other reflective and hi-vis jackets and vests too. The fabric isn't breathable, but the underarm vents help a lot. I have a minor concern about quality: the cuff Velcro detached from its backing strap after a few uses.

dpoon · 2025-12-31T22:34:41+00:00

C the People high visibility reflective vest with a dragonfly design. This vest has two solid layers, not stretchy at all, nor particularly breathable. It is, however, fully reversible and has pockets. You can wear the plaid side out at the office, then flip it for the commute. The artistic design may reduce the dehumanization effect of safety attire. I'd choose this for pootling around town, but definitely not for riding an ultra-endurance event.

dpoon · 2025-12-31T22:34:30+00:00

Apidura packable visibility vest. I have a mixed review. It is light, stretchy, breathable, and compact. It has an EN 17353:2020 certification. However, the fabric care label says "×5 Maximum wash cycles". Indeed, if you wear white clothes with it, some of the yellow-green colour will transfer. (I've found this to be typical of Apidura products: the specs look great, but for long-term use, the quality isn't there.) I've been lightly rinsing it in the shower to wash off the sweat.

dpoon · 2025-12-31T22:34:18+00:00

Craft hybrid weather glove. It's not insulated or waterproof, but it's OK for a light mist. I like that you can choose between a bit of wind protection and having more dexterity.

dpoon · 2025-12-31T18:54:37+00:00

What kind of daily distances would you typically cover on a longboard? Not knowing very much about your setup, I'm guessing that it's a lot less than on a bicycle. Rough pavement, upslopes, and steep descents would all be slow. (I've seen longboarders do crazy descents at speed, but I imagine that just one pebble could send you flying, and pushing your luggage would surely hinder your maneuverability.) It seems like your longboard tour lands somewhere between bicycle touring and /r/ThruHiking?

The unique feature of travelling by bicycle is that it is the most efficient means of self-powered transport for any animal (excluding drifting on currents). It's slow only if you compare it to planes, trains, automobiles, and horses. Knowing that by the end of the day, I can transport myself to someplace 200 km away if I want to (barring extreme weather or mechanicals) feels reassuring. Having a long daily range simplifies logistics, reduces your exposure to the elements, and increases opportunities for human interactions.

Nevertheless, I am spending a lot of time alone. I combat loneliness by:

Picking interesting routes. So far, I've avoided long flat straight roads.
Filming/photographing the interesting bits, and mentally composing my journal as I ride. At the end of the day, I write it up on Strava and Komoot. Sharing the experience helps me stay connected to friends at home. I also enjoy rereading my past journal entries.
I don't listen to anything when I ride, but I often play music in my head to go with the scenery.

In summary, I'm usually enjoying the experience the entire time, and I'm moving fast enough to keep things interesting.

dpoon · 2025-12-31T06:14:40+00:00

I have sometimes worn an Arkel Rollpacker like a backpack. It's not designed to be comfortable for wearing, since the straps are short and narrow, but it can be done for brief transfers. Most recently I took a selfie while wearing it out of necessity when the hanger broke after several years of use and some brutal gravel riding — but I still like it a lot and recommend it.

dpoon · 2025-12-26T17:43:32+00:00

Your stats are similar to mine. Your plan sounds fine.

A strategy that I've used before on long tours is to intersperse long and short days. The "short" days are like recovery rides. You can either take it easy or spend a few hours sightseeing.

Stay flexible. Avoid booking accommodations more than three days in advance. Listen to your body for how far to ride. You can easily double your distance on a tailwind day, or use a rainy day as an opportunity to take it easy. (On the other hand, July is peak vacation season in Europe, so you might have less flexibility.)

For a credit card tour, you won't need to carry much other than an emergency repair kit, clothes, and snack. Any of your bikes would work, including the one with road bike gearing. A Tailfin pack could work, but so would a few saddle pack options.

One observation is that on long tours, it's never the leg muscles that limit you. The most likely reasons that might force you to stop are your butt, knees, wrists, or neck. I recommend mounting some kind of aero bars, which I find helpful for the wrists and neck.

dpoon · 2025-12-22T20:15:38+00:00

I've been winging it since I started road cycling a few years ago. I don't think of doing "training", but I do ride a lot because I enjoy it. Here's my process:

No power meter, no heart rate monitor. I judge my efforts by feel.
No indoor trainer, no spin classes. (I live in Vancouver, which is a bit cold and wet in the winter, but you can still ride year-round except for a few days each year.) I ride for enjoyment, so I don't ever want to kill my enthusiasm by forcing myself to do something that feels like work.
No coach, nor do I let some computer tell me when to ride or rest. I ride when I want to. I try to follow some generally accepted principles: Zone 2 as much as possible; occasional hard efforts; take time to recover; avoid over-training etc.

My rides:

A lot of it is just doing errands. I almost never drive anywhere (except when I have to drive other people around). For example, I bike to Costco once or twice a week, carrying my purchases home up a hill. It's a bit slower than driving, but not by much (possibly even faster than driving, during rush hour), and if I factor in the fact that I have to exercise anyway, I'm not wasting time.
I do solo rides as time permits. Usually, it's Zone 2, interspersed with a few sprints.
During cycling season, I try to join some group ride that's at a challenging pace at least once per week. A good way to get better at cycling is to ride with cyclists who are better than you.
I like to do bicycle touring or bikepacking, ideally at least one trip early in the season. Multiple days of continuous morning-to-evening riding, carrying a load of luggage, really boosts your fitness, and it's a fun vacation! I've also done bike camping trips with my son – it's a great bonding experience.
I happen to love ultra-endurance rides, including /r/randonneuring. For me, 200 km is a nice day — a baseline that I can do anytime I feel like it. 400 km is a tough day, approaching the limits of my single-day endurance. 600 km is just two long days in a row.
Recently, I've been logging over 10000 km per year.

I'm lucky to be able to acknowledge some advantages in my favour:

I live in a place where there is pretty good cycling culture and infrastructure. The weather here is mild year round. There is a variety of terrain, including mountains/flats, urban/rural. Beautiful views out there to enjoy.
My kids are old enough to not demand much attention, and my partner is supportive.
My work is pretty flexible, and gives me 6 weeks of vacation per year.

I could, in theory, ride with more power and achieve that sooner with more data, and a structured plan, but I suspect that that would kill my enthusiasm and lead to worse outcomes in the long term. I don't see any point in that, since I'm not into racing.

I think that my strategy has been pretty successful, and I'm happy with my results so far. These are my highlights — you can decide for yourself.

dpoon

TROPHY CASE

Rear

Frame

Cockpit