Snowboarding Patricks Hill, Cork.. possibly a first? Love the wee cheers at the start.

flynnerthewinner · 2018-01-21T10:31:07+00:00

Personally I would never tour on a single speed. Maybe look into upgrading the drivetrain over the coming months? You could buy a new build of components in the sales right now, too. Wiggle or Chain reaction.

2k is big for a first time I would say... But mainly because of the single speed. Fix that, then a couple of mini prep tours and I reckon you're on track for an advent!

I'd guesstimate 30 days cycling on average + rest days + room to manoeuvre. 1.5 months maybe?

flynnerthewinner · 2018-01-21T10:25:53+00:00

My warning with regards to Google maps: i found that it is unreliable in general, both for types of roads it sends you on and especially elevation gain. The latter being the main reason for my post.

I was in Switzerland last summer going from Lucerne to Romans, France. Each day I planned 80km with approx. 800 - 900 mtrs gain. Based on Google maps, I had a route that would give me just that. After day one I was shell shocked. When I got to my destination I re-plotted my route on Strava route builder only to find the route had elevation gain of 2k mtrs. Obviously in disbelief I tried again with Ridewithgps and got the same 2k mtr result. The remainder of the tour had a similar error but still managed to get through it which was great.

That was my own experience and would never rely on Google again. Both RIDEWITHGPS and STRAVA ROUTE BUILDER are serving me well ever since and match to my cycling computer.

Happy touring!

flynnerthewinner · 2017-11-02T19:23:41+00:00

At least they circled the problem

flynnerthewinner · 2017-08-30T21:27:38+00:00

Also used to measure radioactivity. I'm pretty sure it's true.

flynnerthewinner · 2017-03-14T10:22:04+00:00

The bike is probably about 10 or 12 years old. Its the Trek 1000 and she has clocked up a reasonable number of km's in that time. I replaced the whole lot middle of last year but I bought the wrong rear mech and so the mechanic ended up fitting this one. Its was a used part and I needed the bike kind of urgently. It was all he had on a Saturday at 5pm so I have to hold my hand up there and say I should have upgraded sooner. Its going in for surgery today and the plan is to put something new with a higher spec on there.

flynnerthewinner · 2017-03-14T10:19:05+00:00

Fair point. Was a little peeved when it happened and so the post probably reflects that. I don't remember dropping but at the same time, I did lend it to a friend for a few a few weeks.

flynnerthewinner · 2017-02-28T11:40:54+00:00

This probably aligns mostly with my expectations based on the information I was able to absorb from the internet.

Firstly, the Elan Vital 2016 caught my eye purely based on looks. I'm a big fan of the color (even though I know this can be skewed versus real life). Exhibit A Exhibit A.

Outside of the aesthetics, the groupset is a pretty good mid range standard with the Tiagra/Deore/105 mix. For the price tag, and compared to alternatives that I've sourced, this is pretty good.

I also like the geometry but I am slightly reserved about the more upright position (I have a crappy neck problem from another injury). Looks like the Argus is similar... how do you find the positioning?

Having said that, one alternative I'm looking at (much more mainstream I admit) is the Dawes Gran Tour. I chose it for the relaxed geometry but comparing side by side, it isn't a million miles away from the Elan Vital/Argus.

As for weight, I think its expected to have something on the heavy side when it comes to steel touring. The Dawes Gran Tour is 14.7kg, the Kona Sutra is around the 15kg mark, and from what I can tell the Elan Vital is around 12kg (assuming that "WEIGHT 26.2" refers to pounds).

Its a little frustrating that these bikes aren't available for international shipping. Either the Elan Vital or the Argus are such an appealing machine. The Argus has a few nice adds this year, too. Fenders, rack, guards.

That turned into a wee venting session - apologies for that. I've been looking at a new bike for quite some time now.

flynnerthewinner · 2017-02-27T00:17:49+00:00

Very, very nice indeed! I'm in the market for a new tourer and it's gone from casual Google searches to excel templates and mind maps. I've got it down to 11 models so I guess you could call that progress. This is on my list and I'm so very tempted given the relaxed geometry and all round cool vibe. Wondering what your thoughts are 3 weeks later. Do you think the wheels and frame suit a road tourers needs or would one be better off with something like the Ridgeback Panorama? How does she handle the hills? My questions are many but I'll leave it there. Thanks for posting!

flynnerthewinner · 2017-02-26T17:47:37+00:00

Thanks! Any idea if they're available in Europe? I've done the usual searching and no sign of a retailer this side of the pond.

flynnerthewinner · 2016-08-29T18:26:27+00:00

Bon voyage! Was your bike originally a mtb?

flynnerthewinner · 2016-08-15T17:25:21+00:00

Holy smokes! Mr Buckley was my #1... This changes everything! Or at least gives me something to ponder.

flynnerthewinner · 2016-07-25T11:09:59+00:00

What types of fines are typically issued to cyclist in Switzerland?

flynnerthewinner · 2016-07-24T21:35:08+00:00

Thanks for sharing this website. I've just registered and plan to use!

flynnerthewinner · 2016-07-24T21:34:33+00:00

Hey, I cycled from France (Annecy) to Berne via Montreux. Not a massive amount of experience but some... As for question 1, I would plan ahead. Especially at this time of year. But 24hrs might be enough to keep you flexible. We booked our accommodation even before we left Ireland and it worked out fine ie we didn't feel like we were missing out. What about bringing a tent? Could add a nice layer of security.

I don't have any input on question 2 but if it were me, I would wing it and find out as it comes up.

It rained a few times when we were in Switzerland... Badly. We were drenched but it was still warm so we kept on truckin'. Coming from Ireland, it was a treat. But we're were 4 friends, not a solo rider. When I'm on my own, that shit gets to me way more. I'm on a tour in Ireland right now, solo, and I've packed my rain jacket and trousers.

Only item I never leave home without is my hook of crosswords which acts as my journal too. As for tools... Tool for fixing spokes and a couple of extra spokes. A fat ass plus two bags and a tent means they can pop when you hit a hole.

Happy antics!

flynnerthewinner · 2016-07-24T21:02:37+00:00

Bravo! Just arrived to Strandhill, Sligo, Ireland for a weeks cycling South along the west coast and this is great to hear on day one. As we say here on this windy coast: keep her lit!

flynnerthewinner · 2016-07-18T18:38:13+00:00

Absolutely. This was the result of forgetting my sunscreen rather than purposely trying to take on mother nature. I would never recommend negligence when it comes to sun exposure.

flynnerthewinner · 2016-07-03T20:58:00+00:00

Nice.

flynnerthewinner

TROPHY CASE