Budget wise, I'm open. I've got two years before I'm heading on the big trip, and while I'd like to start training tomorrow it's not necessary. I'm in the process of buying a new home at the moment, so the money situation is... variable. In that it wouldn't normally be a problem, but due to approval processes I have to be somewhat frugal.
I certainly only want to buy one bike, and don't have a problem spending more if it'll provide serious short and long term advantages. But I may have to wait to make the actual purchase.
I checked crazyguyonabike, and while quite interesting and would seem to be useful when practically planning the actual route and supplies and whatnot, not particularly newb friendly. Most of what they say about their bikes goes right over my head and none of them I've read explain their choices; they're written for people who already know their stuff by people who already know their stuff. So interesting, but I'm too far behind for it to be useful.
Kalgrm wrote:
I bought a Bacchetta Giro 26 because I needed a commuting bike which could punch into the Freo Doctor each afternoon: good aerodynamics were paramount! I wanted disc brakes (all weather commuting), wheels of the same diameter (only one spare tube to carry) and the capacity to carry a decent load (ie panniers). I wanted a high racer (a genre within recumbents) for good visibility in traffic with above seat steering for aerodynamics. Weight was not too important, since Perth has few hills to worry about. The Bacchetta Giro 26 filled all my criteria, and allowed me to use the larger diameter 700c wheel specification, should I choose to do so (and I did, for aerodynamic tyres only 23mm wide). Had the Giro TT frame (an alloy one) been available at the time of my purchase, I probably would have chosen it over the steel frame I have now to reduce the weight a little.
As you can see, my criteria were very different to yours, so my choice of bike does not help you in the slightest.
Au contrere! I found that very useful. Helps me know what questions to ask, and that same tyre size tip is great.
Is there somewhere I can learn more about brakes, frame materials, genres (presumably there are ones other than high racer), above/below seat steering and aerodynamics in general? A book, maybe? I'm guessing you guys learned these things over time and experience... I'm trying to jump the queue and find a cheat sheet
Considering the Europe riding I'd guess light weight would be best - der Nederland is flat but when I go anywhere else it'll be up and down all the way. What different materials option are there, and what are their advantage and disadvantages?
I just plain like the idea of a trike, I'm not sure why. I'm not looking to set any speed records; but on the other hand when you're going long distances it could add up to take days off big journeys. Hmm. How much of a difference is there, speed wise, between similarly priced trike/bikes?
I'd rather go without a trailer if possible, so I guess something that can take panniers is on the cards (which is tougher on trikes, right?).
So, my attempt at summarising my needs/wants:
- Long distance Europe riding, starting out Perth and Southwest riding (wet and cold weather friendly)
- Ability to carry luggage and equipment suitable for such a journey, preferably without a trailer
- Decent aerodynamics, but not essential
- Preferably a trike, unless a bike would make a massive difference to the above
- Comfy seat for my poor tuchus
- Same wheel sizes
- Brakes? Open to suggestions based on the first two points
- Value for money. While I don't mind spending a few grand, I'd like it to be able to know the practical reasons for the extra costs.
- I'm 5'8.5" and 85kg right now, but will likely be around 70kg by the time I head out in Europe, if that's any help.
So... what else should I be telling you?
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