Retrobike Touring.

[Zullo]

Camping can also be a bit sh#t in even mild weather. No contest!

 

[Zullo]

Youth hostel?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

We love our Airbnbs, most important for Jo and I is to be able to shower. We have a complete change of clean clothes everyday. We don't subscribe to the take one pair of shorts and wash in the basin.

 

[Imlach]

We love our Airbnbs, most important for Jo and I is to be able to shower. We have a complete change of clean clothes everyday. We don't subscribe to the take one pair of shorts and wash in the basin.

Surprising requirement really considering the weather in your godforsaken lands

 

[Zullo]

Bad back - definitely no to camping

 

[Zullo]

Last time I went camping I woke up at 4am with a back that would not look out of place in Cathedrale Notre Dame!

 

[Zullo]

Those big yellow NeoAir camping mats are good, but again = 5 nights in an Airbnb...!

 

[KayOs]

Hello, I was hoping that the good people in this thread might be able give me some tips.
Im going to be doing a week ish long cycle from Inverness to Oban in a few weeks (on a 1992 Marin Eldridge grade). Not camping but staying in bnbs etc .
This is the first time I’ve done anything like this so any advice on either the bike or anything at all to be honest would be greatly appreciated, give me your best touring tips! I built the bike in a bit of a hurry last year to do the London to Brighton and I’m not sure it’s set up ideally for something like this. What should I be aiming for drivetrain wise? It’s currently 9spd, hollowtech bb and a deore triple 42,32,24 . I’m also in the process of trying to make the bike as comfortable as possible (bad back) , and I still need to get panniers etc.
I’m slightly worried that the weather is never actually going to improve this summer and we will be cycling through snow in July…

If I ride longer stages, i.e. 70 kilometres or more per day, I like to fit a comfortable saddle and comfortable grips to my bike, regardless of whether they look good or not.
I love the brooks b17 and the Ergon GP1 grips. I can ride all day without any pain. Apart from that, I like to have the handlebars a bit higher, so a riser instead of a flat bar.
Of course a repair kit, tools and enough snacks and water, that has always been enough for me so far.
Oh and I find a very simple rain poncho super practical, you can ride with it and use it as a small roof if it rains more and you are looking for a shelter. And they don't cost much - €5 or so.

 

[Stanflashm4n]

If I ride longer stages, i.e. 70 kilometres or more per day, I like to fit a comfortable saddle and comfortable grips to my bike, regardless of whether they look good or not.
I love the brooks b17 and the Ergon GP1 grips. I can ride all day without any pain. Apart from that, I like to have the handlebars a bit higher, so a riser instead of a flat bar.
Of course a repair kit, tools and enough snacks and water, that has always been enough for me so far.
Oh and I find a very simple rain poncho super practical, you can ride with it and use it as a small roof if it rains more and you are looking for a shelter. And they don't cost much - €5 or so.

I’ve seen this saddle recommended a few times, I’m going to have a look

 

[bikeworkshop]

Hello, I was hoping that the good people in this thread might be able give me some tips.
Im going to be doing a week ish long cycle from Inverness to Oban in a few weeks (on a 1992 Marin Eldridge grade). Not camping but staying in bnbs etc .
This is the first time I’ve done anything like this so any advice on either the bike or anything at all to be honest would be greatly appreciated, give me your best touring tips! I built the bike in a bit of a hurry last year to do the London to Brighton and I’m not sure it’s set up ideally for something like this. What should I be aiming for drivetrain wise? It’s currently 9spd, hollowtech bb and a deore triple 42,32,24 . I’m also in the process of trying to make the bike as comfortable as possible (bad back) , and I still need to get panniers etc.
I’m slightly worried that the weather is never actually going to improve this summer and we will be cycling through snow in July…

Have some weight on your arms, and more than one hand position - bar ends are good so you can rotate your wrists/hands - the arms work better that way.
High cadence - 3 pedals a second
Get out of the saddle every mile or two, if even just for 20 pedal strokes - gives your muscles a chance to stretch and helps avoid saddle soreness.
Watch out for the high bar though, it puts more weight on your backside.
And Brooks saddles usually take some breaking in.

A soft or cheap saddle isn't usually comfortable over distance - but cycling shorts help (hidden under trousers if necessary) over 30 miles plus.

Scotland in July?
You'll be begging for rain, to wash the midges away. Keep moving!!!