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Alain Lapierre (Freewheels.ca)
Приєднався 16 лис 2022
Pour les francophones, choisir la Playlist 'en français'. Bon voyage !
For english speaking users, please select the Playlist 'in english'. Have a nice trip !
For english speaking users, please select the Playlist 'in english'. Have a nice trip !
PUGLIA by ultralight cyclotouring
We literally fell in love with Puglia (also called Apulia): quiet roads with a superb and exotic panorama, welcoming people and delicious food. For this trip, we have developed a route of almost 500km (altitude gain of 3,140m.) largely inspired by the 'Italy Cycling Guide' site which we have adapted to facilitate our access by train and adjust it to the duration of our trip e.g. 2 weeks, at the beginning of May 2024.
Ciao !
To see the equipment used or other trips, go to freewheels.ca
To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html
00:00 What is Puglia by bike in one minute?
01:12 Choice of our route
02:17 How to get there
03:03 Description of the 3 regions of this cycle route
03:45 Start in Taranto on the west coast to Santa Maria di Leuca
06:51 Scenic and steep section up to Otranto
08:19 Third region in the countryside among the Trulli up to Bari
10:54 Conclusion of the trip
11:19 End credits
#cyclotourism #cycling #Taranto #Gallipoli #Otranto #Lecce #Ostuni #Alberobello #Bari #Puglia #Apulia #Italy #biketrip #biketrips #biketour #bikelife #bikeride #travel #adventure #bikepacking #cyclotips #bicycle #bicyclelight #fahrrad #bike #bikes #cycle #foldingbike #ultralight #ultralightgear #documentary #innovation #sibit #gps #garmin
Ciao !
To see the equipment used or other trips, go to freewheels.ca
To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html
00:00 What is Puglia by bike in one minute?
01:12 Choice of our route
02:17 How to get there
03:03 Description of the 3 regions of this cycle route
03:45 Start in Taranto on the west coast to Santa Maria di Leuca
06:51 Scenic and steep section up to Otranto
08:19 Third region in the countryside among the Trulli up to Bari
10:54 Conclusion of the trip
11:19 End credits
#cyclotourism #cycling #Taranto #Gallipoli #Otranto #Lecce #Ostuni #Alberobello #Bari #Puglia #Apulia #Italy #biketrip #biketrips #biketour #bikelife #bikeride #travel #adventure #bikepacking #cyclotips #bicycle #bicyclelight #fahrrad #bike #bikes #cycle #foldingbike #ultralight #ultralightgear #documentary #innovation #sibit #gps #garmin
Переглядів: 464
Відео
Les POUILLES en cyclotourisme ultraléger.
Переглядів 369Місяць тому
Nous avons littéralement eu un coup de coeur pour les Pouilles, des routes tranquilles avec un panorama superbe et dépaysant, des gens accueillants et une bouffe délicieuse. Pour ce voyage, nous avons élaboré un trajet de près de 500km (dénivelé positif de 3,140m.) largement inspiré du site ‘Italy Cycling Guide’ que nous avons adapté pour faciliter nos accès en train et l'ajuster à la durée de ...
La SICILE en cyclotourisme ultraléger
Переглядів 4132 місяці тому
Alors que la Sicile n’est pas très fréquentée par les cyclotouristes, nous y avons découvert d’agréables routes tranquilles, des paysages impressionnants et une histoire tellement riche. Nous vous invitons à vous plonger dans notre voyage effectué en avril 2024. Pour voir l'équipement utilisé ou d'autres voyages, allez à freewheels.ca Pour s'abonner à notre UA-cam 'channel': ua-cam.com/channels...
SICILY by ultralight cyclotouring
Переглядів 5312 місяці тому
While Sicily is not very popular with cyclotourists, we found pleasant quiet roads, impressive landscapes and a rich history. We invite you to immerse yourself in our trip in April 2024. To see the equipment used or other trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 What is Sicily by bike in one minute ? 01:17 Choosing ou...
The DANUBE by ultralight cyclotourism on eurovelo 6
Переглядів 7 тис.7 місяців тому
This trip on Eurovelo 6 along the Danube was one of the most beautiful journeys in our history of cyclotourism. You absolutely must put this easy and unforgettable trip on your bucket list. To see the equipment used or other trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 Cycling the Danube with Strauss 00:57 Choosing our ro...
Le DANUBE en cyclotourisme ultraléger sur l'eurovélo 6
Переглядів 1,6 тис.7 місяців тому
Ce voyage sur l’eurovélo 6 le long du Danube fut l’un des plus beaux parcours de notre histoire de cyclotourisme. Il vous faut absolument mettre ce voyage, facile et inoubliable, dans votre ‘bucket list’. Pour voir l'équipement utilisé ou d'autres voyages, allez à freewheels.ca Pour s'abonner à notre UA-cam 'channel': Https://ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 Pédaler le Danu...
GREECE by ultralight cyclotouring
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
Are you considering bicycle touring in Greece? This is what we did in April/May 2023 on a grand cycling tour around Greece. You are invited to watch our story on this video. To see the equipment used or other trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 Dreaming about Greece 01:14 Greece by ultralight cyclotouring 01:25 S...
La GRÈCE en cyclotourisme ultraléger
Переглядів 402Рік тому
Envie de faire la Grèce en cyclotourisme ? Nous avons fait un merveilleux grand tour de la Grèce avec nos vélos en avril/mai 2023 et nous vous invitons à voir notre histoire sur ce vidéo. Pour voir l'équipement utilisé ou d'autres voyages, allez à freewheels.ca Pour s'abonner à notre UA-cam 'channel': Https://ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 Rêver d’aller en Grèce 01:10 La ...
PLANNING a cyclotouring trip
Переглядів 664Рік тому
This video is for those who want to plan their own cyclotouring or bikepacking trip. To see the equipment used or our trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html INDEX 00:00 Introduction to PLANNING a cyclotouring trip 01:07 Where to go ? 03:47 When to leave ? 05:19 What to do and see ? 07:38 How to build an itinerary ? 08:35 ...
PRÉPARER un voyage de cyclotourisme.
Переглядів 1,1 тис.Рік тому
Ce vidéo s’adresse à ceux qui ont envie de planifier eux-mêmes leur voyage de cyclotourisme ou de bikepacking. Pour voir l'équipement utilisé ou d'autres voyages, allez à freewheels.ca Pour s'abonner à notre UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html INDEX 00:00 Introduction à PLANIFIER un voyage de cyclotourisme. 01:07 Où aller ? 03:45 Quand partir ? 05:16 Quoi faire et ...
About us...
Переглядів 685Рік тому
We, Lucie Côté and Alain Lapierre, have been cycling tourism enthusiasts for decades. To get to know us better and understand why we started freewheels.ca, we invite you to watch this video. To see gear used or our trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam 'channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 Who are we? 00:33 Why the magic of ultralight cyclotouring? 01:...
MALLORCA by ultralight cyclotouring
Переглядів 887Рік тому
Do you want to tour Mallorca by bike? This is what we did in October 2022 and we invite you to see our story on this video. To see the equipment used or our trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam channel: ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 Cycling Mallorca 00:16 Mallorca by ultralight cyclotouring 00:57 Itinerary for the tour of the island 01:09 The topography ...
The LUGGAGE in ultralight cyclotouring
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
This video allows you to discover how to put the bike, camping equipment and clothes in the suitcases of the ultralight cyclotourist. To see gear used or our trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam 'channel': Https://ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 All the cyclotourist luggage in 2 suitcases each 00:25 The Samsonite EVOA Spinner Large suitcase 00:55 How to pa...
PORTUGAL by ultralight cyclotouring
Переглядів 8 тис.Рік тому
Are you considering bicycle touring in Portugal? This is what we did in May 2022 while experimenting with a new way of traveling in 'Ultralight', meaning with a folding bike and minimalist luggage. To see the equipment used or other trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html 00:00 Considering cyclotouring in Portugal ? 00:20 ...
The MAGIC of ultralight cyclotouring
Переглядів 15 тис.Рік тому
Over the years, we have refined our way of traveling as cyclotourers so that it is simple and flexible. Here is the story and the choice of bike and ultralight luggage. To see the equipment used or our trips, go to freewheels.ca To subscribe to our UA-cam ‘channel': ua-cam.com/channels/MwfR5nTaoIcfKoWeDYmqaQ.html INDEX 00:00 What is magic about ultralight cyclotouring ? 00:52 Mounting the bike ...
Le PORTUGAL en cyclotourisme ultraléger
Переглядів 6 тис.Рік тому
Le PORTUGAL en cyclotourisme ultraléger
Les VALISES en cyclotourisme ultraléger
Переглядів 754Рік тому
Les VALISES en cyclotourisme ultraléger
In our trips up to now with the Helix folding bike, we have been using some prototypes made by Helix. The commercial version of the carrier is supposed to be available in the coming months, as you can read at the bottom of this page: helix.ca/store/?categoryID=3
may I ask where you bought your bicycle carrier,tq
Hello Alain, congratulations on the cycling tour and thank you for taking the time to share your experiences. I am planning to do the cycling tour along the Danube River in May 2025. In order to be flexible, my plan is to find accommodations (not camping) at the time of arrival in the towns or villages, the same way I did in my cycling tour in Spain and Portugal in April/May this year. Do you think would be doable to plan the trip this way at this time of the year (May), without booking ahead, and be able to store the bikes in the hotels? Can we travel with our bikes in the trains without bike luggage? Any tips about this trip are very welcome!!!
Hello Rogerio ! So nice to read about your planned trip on the Danube, this is a so wonderful trip. Although we have not traveled in May in that area, it is off season and I am pretty sure that you will find accommodations easily. There are so many of them that they could not be all full. Typically, when we look for a room or apartment before or at arrival in a city, we use an application like booking.com for searching. We prefer places with a reception open all day so that we can go directly and book onsite or reserve through booking.com and expect an answer within the hour. We have observed that apartments like airbnb are not always responsive within an hour and in those cases, it is preferable to plan 24 hours in advance. With our foldable bikes, we do not ask for a bicycle storage but I would advise to ask when you plan to book. For the trains, many of them have a carriage wagon for bikes but we did not need those with our small bikes. You will need to check with the train reservation site, I think they normally offer the option to specify that you have a bike. Enjoy !!!!
Hi from Ottawa! Thanks for the video - I'm going to try this route on my Brompton this October. Cheers!
@@robgilbert3395 Enjoy, this is so beautiful in October. Just include long sleeves for early mornings.
We will also try this in October with our bike Friday pakits. Even more ultralight, one single backpack each for clothes, and the bike even fits as a carryon backpack ;)
@@Lyferemixed Wow, a bike as a carryon, this is ultra-super-light ;)
The Pakit is light, but a little bit over the 8kg limit It helps to have frequent flyer status and they look the other way for a kg or two;)
Hello from Vancouver. I was wondering which leg of your trip you would recommend. The Faro-Lisbon route, or the Porto-Lisbon route? We will be cycling Portugal this fall for two weeks. Cool bikes!!!
Hello ! Both legs are very nice, quite different and worth doing. I have preferred the Porto-Lisbon leg because: 1) Porto is an awesome city, 2) there are numerous cycling paths along the sea or inland and 3) there are some areas with nice cliffs. The Faro-Lisbon leg has a lot of spectacular cliffs but we rarely cycle along them during the day and see them in the morning/evening when sleeping in a coast village. We also cycle more often on busy roads or gravel/sand segments. Don't hesitate if you have more questions.
J'adore les magnifiques recits de vos voyages et le debut de celui ci en musique est extraordinaire avec le Pavarotti ! Merci pour tout vos conseils aussi! Je vous conseille la Sardaigne et Corse mais je voyage désormais en électrique ! Bon pedalage
Grand merci d'avoir pris le temps de nous faire ces bons commentaires. Nous souhaitons effectivement faire la Sardaigne à vélo, avez vous un parcours à suggérer? Pas certain toutefois pour la Corse, les virages en épingle aveugle nous font un peu peur. Peut-être en randonnée pédestre par contre?
@@Freewheels_caje vous conseille la Corse en vélo électrique il y a beaucoup de dénivelé je vous suggère le Cap Corse ! La sardaigne, je n'ai pas d'itinéraire mais très beau! Je n'arrive pas à voir la liste de votre matériel de camping, quel tente avez vous? Et combien coûte vos vélos ?
@@juliep.9636 pour voir tout l’équipement, utilisez ce lien: drive.google.com/file/d/1q_oZLUDCzP3gD_svHlf1SxBduoYnfDT8/view. La tente est une Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2. Les vélos varient de 4000 à 6000 Cad$, voir Helix.ca
Thank you for this great video in English, I love French version also.
You did Portugal south-> north? 💪💪💪. Did you like the “Nortada” that really strong wind from the North (to the south) that shows almost everyday in this wonderful country ?
In fact, we did half of it (from Faro to Lisboa) from south to north, and the wind was irregular, sometimes with us, and for the last 2 days against us. That is the latter that made us decide to take the train from Lisboa to Porto and cycle back south to Lisboa with the tail winds, a very strong Nortada that made our ride a pure delight. And yes, it is a wonderful country to ride.
I wrote the message before seeing you getting to Porto by train 😁. But yeah, the French got the Mistral and we have the Nortada, almost everyday that strong wind shows up, mostly in the afternoon, sometimes all day, except in the night. Usually North or NorthWest (rarely NorthEast). And you feel it especially pedalling.
May I ask how your experience without mudguards on the bike is? Did it bother you?
Hello ! I would prefer to have mudguards and as soon as they are made available from Helix, I will get some. With a folding bike, it is important to have some mudguards that do not intervene in the folding process. Hopefully, the mudguards should be available this year. In the last 3 years that we have adopted folding bikes, we made several trips and we have been very lucky to have only an average of one day of rain per 2 weeks and it was tolerable. So, crossing our fingers while waiting...
@@Freewheels_ca thank you for the reply. I am in the same boat. My Helix arrived in june and I am commuting by train and bike now. Had a few downpours so far so bought some "musguards" to clip on while waiting for the Helix mudguards. Fingers crossed here too...
Superb film and narration - well done both of you, I enjoyed this joourney and your planning. Obrigado
Thank you so much for taking the time to mention! Enjoy cyclotouring!
Outstanding :) Beautiful adventure and the quality of your video is Awesome too Thank you for sharing :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great videos, very enjoyable. Greeting, Martin, Brisbane, Australia
Thank you so much, it is a pleasure to have a nice comment from the other side of the planet. One day, we'll cycle in Australia. Enjoy cycling....
Another lovely video. Timely too as we are planning a cycle trip in Puglia next year.
Thanks much ! Feel free to ask questions about your upcoming trip, I am sure that it will be a wonderful journey...
@@alainlapierre9850 thanks 😊
What exactly do you carry for bike/other clothing? [the pf link does not work] Merci!
Hello ! I do have a document describing what equipment we carry on our website: freewheels.ca in the Equipment menu. Here is the link: drive.google.com/file/d/1eNfnkw0dDjFAGxOCNY_GpvGX181Pppso/view?usp=drive_link.... In terms of clothing, we keep it to the minimum, one set of cycling clothes one set of evening clothes. We wash some clothes almost every day, and they dry quickly since they are lightweight pieces. Hope this helps ! By the way, what is the pf link not working ? I tested all links and did not see any issue.
Ah c est super ça , on a fait la Sardaigne deux fois et la Corse 3 fois, on voulait faire la Sicile cette année, mais finalement on repart en Corse, votre petit film sera pleins (rempli) d enseignements j en suis sur ! Merci et bonne route !
Merci beaucoup pour vos commentaires. On rêve de faire la Sardaigne, auriez vous un parcours à suggérer.
@@Freewheels_ca j ai simplement fait le tour de l ile par les bords , j aime voir la mer j ai un profil komoot , je pense que les tracé sont accessible a tous, si non refaites un petit message ici et on trouvera une autre solution
While it sounds beautiful, this trip is for ultra serious athletes. The fact that they just "threw on" a half marathon for the heck of it is way beyond my capability. Are there any cycle tours along that Austrian Danube for amateur cyclists?
I guarantee that there are many ways to do the Danube from a « transported luggage » manner to a self-camping scenario. The relief is flat, it is mostly on cycling path and one can select short or long distances as there are accommodations regularly. Most tour organisation quote it 1-2 on 5. So don’t be afraid of any difficulties.
Hi - great trip! Any chance you share the gpx of the route? Kind regards SuSu
Of course ! As I explained in the textual description of the video, our route was a bit different from the one proposed by Italy cycling guide. Here are the 2 sets of GPX... 1. Our route: drive.google.com/drive/folders/10i44G9HLpAfkbE_WNwjoxVB2UJoRDVp-?usp=drive_link 2. The route of Italy Cycling Guide: dgenk2ebcidb9.cloudfront.net/Southern-Sicilian-coast-gps-files.zip Questions are welcome. Enjoy !
Super récit Monsieur, j'espère pouvoir faire à peu près ce parcours d'ici quelques mois en partant de Stuttgart :) En tout cas ça donne vraiment envie ! Bravo à vous. Ps: Vos vélos sont incroyables !!
Merci mille fois pour vos commentaires. J'aimerais bien faire la section avant Ingoldstadt un de ces jours. Au plaisir !
Like your videos! I'm still at the bike bag stage. Live in the mountains, train by loading bike and bags on my back, and walk around my yard.
The important is to enjoy every moment whatever how we do it. Enjoy !
We toured Sicily by bike in 2013 for about 3 weeks from late April to mid May. It was a marvellous place to travel. Lots of good quiet roads, mostly very respectful drivers and very affordable. We camped a bit, but eventually found the cheap 2 or 3-star hotels right in the town centro to be better value. We followed a route somewhat similar to your SIBIT route, but beforehand spent 4 nights in the Aeolian Islands, rode from Milazzo via Novara di Sicilia to Giardini Naxos, visited Ragusa, and rode from Sciacca to Calefitimi and Palermo at the end. All part of our longer 3 month tour - ua-cam.com/play/PLEX2xbENINSsKkxLgg9HXyDAFFWIcjlGy.html&si=0AiPkHE_FnzKp6o2
Great video. Well presented, informative, and good camera work. Thanks for sharing!
Bonjour. J'ai regardé vos vidéos. Très intéressants et bien fait. Merci ! J'ai des petites questions si vous le permettez : quel est le modèle de votre rack arrière sur le vélo ? Celui qui tient les sacoches en arrière. Rst-ce que le vélo Hélux a des encrages ? Aussi : comment le transportez-vous en avion (le rack) ? Vous n'en faite pas mention dans la vidéo démontrant votre équipement. Il entre dans votre grande valise ? Merci beaucoup et bon voyage.
Nos rack arrières sont des prototypes faits par Helix et sont différents de la version commerciale qui devrait sortir cet été. Le nouveau rack sera fixé au vélo par des encrages appropriés et il reste sur le vélo pour le rangement dans la valise. Une partie du rack se contracte afin de prendre le minimum de place et se range tel quel avec le vélo dans la valise. Helix sortira aussi une valise cet été qui accepte le vélo avec son rack dessus.
Très intéressante vidéo ! :-) Question hébergement : avez-vous déjà testé le site Warmshowers? Si ce n'est pas le cas, je vous invite à essayer. Bons voyages.
@@Cyclalex oui nous sommes membres warmshowers et l’avons essayés quelque fois dans le sud de l’Italie mais n’avons pas eu aucune réponse. Nous sommes pas mal déçu du manque de réponse même s’ils sont dans l’impossibilité de nous recevoir.
Ah, That's so awesome traveling. I hope someday I can take on my bicycle in the europe
Of course you can, just make it happen :)
Great video, I enjoyed every bit of it.
Thanks much for your appreciation, this encourage me to continue. Stay tuned, 2 more videos are coming this summer: Sicilia and Apulia.
@@alainlapierre9850 Your choice of using Helix as your touring bikes is perfect in terms of how easy you can fly with the bikes, durability(titanium), handling and ride comfort(24 inches wheels).
This video is actually super helpfull and informative! Thanks for sharing! I can see the amount of preparation and Editing this took.
Thank you so much for your comment. Stay tuned, 2 more videos are coming about South Italy.
Is the Helix rear bike rack available yet?
Unfortunately, not yet. I was told that the sample for production is being tested, so it should be very soon.
This is wonderful! Thank you for all of this good information! After we spoke, I purchased a Helix. You really helped make my decision. What rear rack do you prefer?
This is so exciting, I am sure that you’ll love it. We just came back from Sicily and Apulia and the bikes were awesome and so practical in the multiple public transportations that we took. I recommend the new Helix rear rack which should be available very soon. I talked to the Helix team yesterday and they were assembling the sample before going in production. Also, the production of the suitcase has started. Enjoy!
Alain/Lucie - fellow Helix owner here. Thanks for the videos and beta testing the equipment. Looks like such fun. Look forward to doing some cyclotouring on the Helix once the accessories are released.
Saw you and your bikes in Bari Centrale on the weekend I think. Bon voyage!
No kidding, we were effectively taking the Bari-Rome train on Saturday morning. Let’s say Hello next time 😊
Can you tell me more about the train cover bag you are using?
We are simply using reinforced garbage bags used on construction sites. We found those in our hardware store (rona.ca) in Quebec city.
Oh, I really like this bike. I'd prefer front panniers and a backpack on the rear rack, but I can see why this doesn't have that option lol. So looking between this and a New World Tourist, I think. This folding mechanism is way more manageable than Bike Friday's, but I also don't need to fold it up that much. Tradeoffs are the name of the game in folding bikes I guess.
Thanks for your comment. Another Helix cyclist have found a rack that goes on the left fork with a pannier. I found it unbalanced but it works. During this trip in southernItaly, we have taken several public transport to get to the starting point of our itinerary, and the speed of folding was really appreciated, when they announce your train gate 5 min in advance. We really love those bikes, confortable, stable and versatile.
Very informative!
Greetings from Northern California USA, This was a really nice video to watch. I've biked the Donau 2 times since 2021 and will be biking it again in 2025. Two new villages I want to stop and visit is Ybbs and Durnstein after watching this video. Thanks for putting this together . Cheers
Great, thanks for your nice comments and we might also go back one day since we liked it so much.
Thanks for the info. Does the Samsonite EVO you are using meet the 62 inch (158 cm) overall dimensions? Reason for asking is a 24 inch wheel is 61 cm and searching I cannot find any Samsonite luggage that is that wide that is not oversized and subject to $200 USD surcharge. A
On paper, Samsonite was claiming 62 inches, but In fact, the linear addition gives 65 inches without the wheels and 67 inches with the wheels. However, our experience is that they check the weight at check-in (max 23 kg) but they never measured the length. So, it is a risk but after 4 trips, they never measured and we are pretty confident that they won't. In any case, be aware that Helix is coming with a suitcase in the coming months and I have been told that it will be compliant to the 62 inches limit. See here: helix.ca/store/product/?productID=12
Where did he leave the luggage bags?
We reserve a room in an hotel in the city where we land and we leave our suitcases in their luggage room for the duration of our trip. We take them back the day before returning home. They normally keep our suitcases for free.
Thank you for sharing your adventure! I have a question about your bikes. I have been deciding between the Helix, with its 24 inch wheels, and the Brompton T line, with its 16 inch wheels . Would you say that with that rear rack, your Helix was able to fold properly? How did it handle in a variety of terrain?
This is a very interesting question (comparing the Helix and Brompton T line) because the idea of making movies about our setup came from an encounter of an Italian cyclotourist who already had a Brompton Titanium and he was in love with our bikes for different improvements over what he had: larger wheels, standard components like the Shimano Dura-Ace derailleur, 11 gears (9-34), disc brakes,... and still fold in a suitcase compliant with airline regulations. About the rear rack, Helix will release a rear rack in the coming months for which I gave my list of wishes. I confirm that the rack will fold seamlessly with the rear wheel and will not really increase the outer limits of the folded bike (it is not prototype rack seen in my first movies, it was improved with a completely new design). About the terrains, we have tried gravel, sand, cobblestone, asphalt with the luggages and it works really great. We have gravel tires and regular tires, which we change based on the trip we are doing (ex: gravel in Portugal but regular along the Danube). Keep in mind however that I weight 165 pounds with in addition 30 pounds of luggage. I welcome other questions.
Thank you so much - your perspective is just what I needed in my decision! I think the helix makes the most sense for longer tours, even with the larger tires and standard components. I’m looking forward to the rear rack as well. My concern has been, since I haven’t been able to get on one of the bikes for test ride, is that the clamp and folding mechanisms are not as robust as the Brompton. Would you say that they hold up for the long-term, hard-core use of an every day cycle tour? Thank you so much for doing these videos! They are so helpful and very inspiring!
I had similar concerns before buying, that's why I went directly to the factory in Toronto. We did 5 trips in 2 years and regular commuting, more than 5000 kms so far and the joint are still like new. To reassure you, you could ask questions in the 2 Helix Facebook group that I know about: the Hong Kong Helix bike club (facebook.com/groups/529965727638324) and the Helix Bike Backers (facebook.com/groups/232673718420071). Although I am a big fan of Helix, I understand that this is not Brompton with their distributor network, popularity and the number of accessories. For smaller rides and daily commute, Brompton is an excellent choice. Remember also that lots of people travel with Brompton, even the greatest cyclotourer of all time, Heinz Stücke, who did the last 100,000 km of his life with a Brompton. However, for us, touring with luggages days after days is our main usage, and I am a technical gee with concerns about stability and security, so I am ok to take the risk of working with a small company that offers a better suited bike for our needs. Hope this helps in your decision :) @@ggregory2031
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Hey Alain, enjoying your nice and instructive videos from Seville/Spain! Just ordered a Helix bike. Could you please tell me the size of your panniers? There are 12.5L, 17.5L and 22.5L
That is so cool. You will also need a rear rack and the Helix rack should be commercially available next month. For the panniers, I have the 22.5L and Lucie has the 17.5L. By the way, I have listed all our equipment in this document, available on our site (freewheels.ca), here it is: drive.google.com/file/d/1VnqMrcmr1dveCTzN0_VGDw_dU8Qq1AYt/view?usp=share_link
Wow, thank you so much Alain for the detailed info. You definately have created a whole new modality of foldable lightweight cyclotouring!!! @@Freewheels_ca
I also found those which you can convert into a backpack. What you recommend them (especially the lower inside part facing the wheel) for cyclotouring?@@Freewheels_ca
Hi, could you let me know more about the details of your panier rack? I am getting a Helix as well.
We have been using prototypes of the upcoming rear rack. The commercial availability is scheduled for this march-april timeframe.
This is really exciting, I am sure you’ll love it. A suitcase is also coming tios spring
Thank you for all the really great information in this video. I'm fascinated the possibilities of this kind of folding bike ultralight bike packing.
Very informative, thank you.
Can you share your itinerary from Vienna to Budapest?
Sure ! Be aware that in this section, we did not follow Eurovelo 6 entirely because we wanted to visit some Hungarian cities. Here is the link to the GPX: drive.google.com/file/d/1XR-TyijEfsyuMiP42xgRrVaS0DAypplv/view?usp=sharing
Hello, what would you do with the suitcase containing the bike after the flight?
We take one night in an hotel on arrival and leave our suitcases in their luggage room during our trip.
@@Freewheels_ca thanks!
@@Freewheels_ca cool thanks! Have you ever tried as carry-on?
Our suitcase containing the folding bike and our camping gear is way too big for a carry-on, it is in fact the maximum size and weight of the checked-in luggage. See our videos at freewheels.ca in the menu 'Equipment' to see the details. @@TheHuxely
Super astuces, merci beaucoup du partage !
Bonjour, Vous méritez bien plus de vues 🙂Une question m'intrigue : si je comprends bien, vous laissez vos bagages sur votre lieu d'hébergement le temps de visiter les alentours ? J'en conclue que vous vous déplacez en transports en commun pour changer de région ? J'ai beaucoup apprécié votre tour du Portugal car vivant en France, je suis de l'Algarve. J'aimerais justement faire un tour du Portugal mais les routes sont dangereuses à vélo d'après plusieurs témoignages. Ce qui me fait réfléchir à prendre un vélo pliable pour faire les connexions en train et bus. J'avais pensé à prendre un Brompton mais il n'a que 6 vitesses. Merci à vous.
Merci beaucoup pour le compliment, j'espère aussi que le plus de cyclotoureurs possible découvrirons comment cette façon ultra-légère de voyager rend le voyage tellement plus facile. Pour nos valises, nous les laissons effectivement à la consigne de l'hôtel que nous choisissons pour l'arrivée (ex: 2-3 nuits) et le retour du voyage (une nuit). Avant de réserver l'hôtel, on s'assure qu'ils peuvent prendre nos valises en consigne. C'est la seule réservation que nous faisons, les autres nuits seront décidées à chaque jour et surtout en camping. Souvent, le choix de notre itinéraire implique de prendre un transport en commun pour se rendre au départ du trajet de vélo, voir par exemple sur notre site freewheels.ca notre voyage au Portugal, en Grèce et sur le Danube. Pour le Portugal où les chauffeurs sont effectivement chauffards, l'eurovélo 1 est en majorité sur chemin tranquille mais avec quelques portions sur route qui peuvent être évitées (route alternative ou taxi), voir notre vidéo sur le Portugal. Je conseille de choisir un pneu pour 'gravelle' puisqu'il y a passablement de portion sur gravier. Finalement, j'ai étudié des dizaines de vélo pliable avant de porter monter notre choix sur helix.ca, qui livre d'ailleurs ses vélos partout dans le monde . D'après moi, c'est le meilleur choix dans le monde aujourd'hui et je l'affirme sans être sponsorisé par Helix. Il est vrai que le Brompton est le vélo pliable le plus vendu au monde, et plusieurs personnes l'utilisent pour voyager, mais je trouve les roues trop petites et le nombre/amplitude de vitesses trop limité. Si vous avez d'autres questions, n'hésitez pas. Pour aider votre choix de vélo pliable, voici deux liens intéressants: www.cyclingabout.com/best-folding-bike-bicycle-touring/. et www.youtube.com/@2Bikes4Adventure
@@Freewheels_ca Bonsoir, merci beaucoup pour votre réponse. Je vais checker pour l'Helix. Pour le Portugal, il n'est pas toujours possible malheureusement de prendre des routes alternatives. Beaucoup trop de circulation. Exemple : Portimao/Monchique. Quand je pense que j'allais en charrette à la plage avant qu'on entre dans l'UE ! 🙂 Je vais regarder vos autres vidéos, car j'ai beaucoup apprécié votre façon de filmer et narrer votre aventure. Bonne soirée.
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience!
Question technique il me semble avoir vu le Helix avec le carbon belt sur le web? Pas de chaîne, une courroie en carbon qui peut être en plus combinée au dérailleur Alfine. Entendu parlé/Capiche? Bon voyage!😊
Je rêve d'une 'belt' sur mon Helix mais je n'ai jamais entendu parlé d'une telle possibilité. En fait, une belt demande un cadre différent afin de tendre cette courroie et je n'ai jamais vu cette possibilité non plus. Peux-tu retrouver l'article, ma recherche sur Google ne me révèle rien. Je vais aussi demander au concepteur...
Salut Luc ! J'ai vérifié avec Helix et ils n'ont aucune intention d'offrir une courroie pour différentes raisons. Ils estiment que la technologie des dérailleurs/chaine est mature, légère et facile d'entretien n'importe où dans le monde.
Bravo à vous 2 et merci! Je crois avoir le souvenir de rouler à vos cotés Alain lors du dernier GDPL 1000 km avant la Grèceje rappel du Hélix et du site freewheel… Vous êtes inspirants par vos idée et choix astucieux 😊. À bientôt sur cette chaîne ou à Québec pour la nouvelle version 1000k.🎉
C'est donc ben l'fun d'avoir de tes nouvelles, bien sûr que je me souviens de toi. Je ferai la boucle cette année, je n'ai pas de chance pour le 1000km, je remplaçais quelqu'un l'an passé. Nous irons en Italie ce printemps, à suivre !!
Vos vidéos me font vraiment rêver. Le vélo Helix ne semble pas se trouver en France. Question : connaissez-vous de bonnes marques de vélos pliants de qualité semblable qu'on puisse trouver en France ?
Merci du compliment. En fait, il n'y a aucune boutique du vélo Helix, ils vendent directement de l'usine (helix.ca) dans tous les pays du monde. Vous pouvez donc l'obtenir sans problème en France. Pour les ajustements annuels, ils utilisent des pièces standard, donc ça peut se faire dans n'importe quelle boutique. Si il y a un problème avec le cadre ou des pièces non standard, il faut contacter helix.ca et soit qu'ils envoient les pièces ou vous envoyez le vélo à Toronto (ce que j'ai fait une fois d'ailleurs). Pour d'autres marques de vélo pliable, il y a de bons articles sur cette page: www.cyclingabout.com/category/folding/ Bonne chance!
Hello friends. You are amazing...I admire you!!! Have nice trips!!!😃🚲🥇
Kalimera ! You are so kind ! We really wish to meet again, that was a lot of fun!