London to Paris

[oracleslave]

I see you got your bike sorted OS - keep your average speed up now the fuzz are chasing
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8035603.stm

[threaded]

Geometry.

The classic touring bike is the Dawes Galaxy but they cost an f'in fortune and are built like the proverbial tuliphouse (my uncle has a 1998 vintage that is still brilliant).

My main tourer has the basic geometry of the Dawes copied to a titanium frame I had built.

Dawes has noticed that a good few folks have been doing this over the last few years so you can get one direct from them now.

For your first trip out though I wouldn't go for drops, they take a goodly while to get used to, even though it is so much better a position.

[sasguru]

My main tourer has the basic geometry of the Dawes copied to a titanium frame I had built.

Dawes has noticed that a good few folks have been doing this over the last few years so you can get one direct from them now.

For your first trip out though I wouldn't go for drops, they take a goodly while to get used to, even though it is so much better a position.

You can't compensate for pie and cake consumption by spending more on bikes.

Try spending less on both if you want to stop being a porker - Halfords special will do you*

* Perhaps not, it may break, if you sat on one

[Mich the Tester]

My main tourer has the basic geometry of the Dawes copied to a titanium frame I had built.

Dawes has noticed that a good few folks have been doing this over the last few years so you can get one direct from them now.

For your first trip out though I wouldn't go for drops, they take a goodly while to get used to, even though it is so much better a position.

£2,999.99 is quite an investment for a beginner.

[TheRefactornator]

You can't compensate for pie and cake consumption by spending more on bikes.

Try spending less on both if you want to stop being a porker - Halfords special will do you*

* Perhaps not, it may break, if you sat on one

£2,999.99 is quite an investment for a beginner.

Indeeds..Halfords actually do have some decent bikes around the £400-£500 mark. Not for the "experts" but more than good enough for mere mortals.

[threaded]

You can't compensate for pie and cake consumption by spending more on bikes.

Try spending less on both if you want to stop being a porker - Halfords special will do you*

* Perhaps not, it may break, if you sat on one

Actually Halfords do/did a really nice bike that might suit him well. It has an Alfine hub. What stopped me was the torque it can take is less than I normally develop, but for a beginner it'd be a good start.

[Moscow Mule]

Indeeds..Halfords actually do have some decent bikes around the £400-£500 mark. Not for the "experts" but more than good enough for mere mortals.

Please please please don't buy from Halfords. They are ***** of the highest order.

Please support your local bike shop. Especially if you are spending £4-500. If they are anything like mine they will get you a "last years model" bike at a substantial discount.

[threaded]

Please please please don't buy from Halfords. They are ***** of the highest order.

Please support your local bike shop. Especially if you are spending £4-500. If they are anything like mine they will get you a "last years model" bike at a substantial discount.

WHS You are by far better off at a proper bike shop (and they might well throw in the deal some Dutch Perfect tires, you'll need them)

[Mich the Tester]

WHS You are by far better off at a proper bike shop (and they might well throw in the deal some Dutch Perfect tires, you'll need them)

Yes, even if my knowledge of bicycles is limited to my own hybrid I'd always agree to that; given the choice, always buy from a local craftsman or shopowner; that applies to food, wines, bikes, furniture etc.

[oracleslave]

Please support your local bike shop.

That's the plan. There looks to be a decent one in wimbledon village.