Great videos!😊👏 I will start doing my own bikepacking trips around Sthlm where I live and one question I have for @Bike Touring Mike, have you done or will you make a video a bike maintenance during a trip? For example: chain cleaning, fixing flat a tire, etc? What tools are necessary to bring, things you need to consider? These questions have came up for me as well, since I do some maintenance on my own. Thanks again for inspiring and very helpful videos!
We invested in an Ortlieb rack pack 31 liters, just for convenience of loading groceries, or access to the Trangia stove and it's very easy to open and close quickly. I use a head lantern which came in use when we showed up at a campsite and setting up the tent in the dark was easy, because my hands were free. There are some that the light changes to red by pressing a button. The red light is used for reading and there is no glare. I also like the Ortlieb 7 handlebar bag but I lost an important allen screw that secures the wire. There are two underneath and I lost one somehow. Been trying to see if I can order just the screw. Not easy 😕. The bag holds but slides a bit. Not dangerous but a little bit annoying because it slides down and rests on the light ( hub dynamo) . You can buy a new cable and pretty much every thing else except the screw which in my opinion can easily fall out. I think Ortlieb 🤔 bag attachment is not meant to be removed too many times. I only have one bike and personally don't like the holder permanently on the bike. And the bag is a bit ugly, but on the other hand the best bag for tourists. Don't forget about the shoulder strap that comes with it. Also nice to have.
fantastic video series .. love how you share all your tips tricks and even where you shop and food choices.. You make it seem so possible. thanks and lookk forward to more videos and following your adventures..cheers
Hi Mike, thanks for this review, and yes we all take things that we don't need, but if really you want to get rid of, you can always send themback home by post. And for the light a little camping light is a comfort at night, you can find nice ones at Decathlon, or at cheap stores like Action, I bought one looking like a light bulb it runs on 2 AAA batteries and it's LED it lights for two weeks without any problem, and there is a hook and so can be hanged in the tent. I really like your videos and I am looking forward to watch the next one.
Love these types of videos. Thank you for sharing what you took with you. A stand out item for me - the wine bottle opener. :) I guess it's very fitting.
Great video Mike. Thank you for sharing. I'm just building up my kit. The one thing I added was the Helinox Chair Zero. It may be an age-related thing, but I find that sitting on a log or a rock at the end of the day just doesn't cut it for me anymore. The extra one pound is well worth it to me.
Thank you Mike, I always over pack when cycling in the UK as the weather is unpredictable. But it is always nice to see your kit. My most bulky items involves cooking, I'm thinking about ways to avoid them. Keep cycling.
Great break down Mike ...like the redesign on pannier ie pocket, corkscrew 👍but the swim cap😄 what next , speedo swim suits only 🙄😄...have been enjoying your tour..excellent doc as usual!
Haha! Funny that you mention it, but a couple of years ago when we were camping in the south of France I was about to take a swim in the campground swimming pool. But was interrupted by the lifeguard who blew frantically in his whistle. He pointed at my swim shorts and waved with his index finger and pointed at a sign by the side of the pool. It turned out the you hade to wear, you guessed it, Speedos to be able to enter the pool. So I had to swing by Decathlon to pick up a pair of Speedos that somehow covered of most of my white cycling thighs. Not a pretty sight ;-)
Hi Mike! I’d just like to say that you are an inspiration to me and I love watching your videos. Partly because you remind me of a special, caring person who I have the pleasure of calling my grandpa, and partly because you are a genuine, nice guy. Thank you for putting so much effort into your videos and I look forward to the many videos I get to enjoy from you. Safe travels and happy riding! (By the way, I absolutely love your accent) :)
Thanks for the video, it helps a lot when putting our bags together. You are carrying a beautiful piece of equipment, I have a question, I saw that you keep in the saddlebag your tent, and according to the internet the measures are 40x13x13, at this moment I am looking to buy those saddlebags and I wanted to ask you if you think that my tent (48x15x15) fits in the saddlebags, they are only 8 centimeters, but maybe those 8 centimeters are too much. thank you very much and keep up the good work with your videos!
Hej Mike, great review. Loving the series so far. Those are enormous panniers, it’ll be a big moose that runs off with one of them. Is the bike a bit back heavy without the front panniers? Much Love to all the family, Ed
I'd better buy me some big and bright panniers, so I'll find them when they fall off my bike, was what I was thinking ;-) No, but seriously they work great for me on these international trip where I don't need to bring as much gear as I would here in Sweden. I'm often torn between taking 2 or 4 panniers, so two of these is just the right amount of storage volume for me. I didn't feel the bike being that back heavy. Off course everything felt a it sluggish going up those crazy hills, but my bike behaved as usual for most of the times. My bike is rather sturdy, so I think it can handle the extra weight. I didn't break any spokes or anything. Review coming up in the coming weeks. Take care Ed!
Hi Mike, thanks for the video and tips. Could you explain better in other video how you do to transport your bike? I did not understand well what you said, that you had some bags in the panniers that you used to transpot the bike? Sure I didnt get it right. Thanks!
Thanks for the video. I'm in the early stages of planning cycling down from England catching the ferry to Santander and then cycling through Spain to our apartment in Torrevieja. I'd agree that somethings you can do without. It doesn't matter if your legs get wet and if you're not too far from civilisation you can always top up with water. I'm fully in agreement with bottle opener and cork screw. It would be interesting to know what bike spares you took with you! Nice choice of panniers, when I was doing the Camino de Santiago almost every bicigrino had Ordlieb panniers!
Don't worry about the swim cap. Wear one all the time.....well not all the time, only when I'm swimming. even in lakes, nice bright hat so boats might see you.
Hi Mike, in your video I see that you have taken an adapter to charge electronics in campsites here in Italy. In our past travels in southern Sweden, we never needed them in hotels, but thinking about a trip to your part, northern Sweden, the power sockets in the bungalows or campsites, are like ours in the hotels, or we have to get some kind of adapter? Congratulations again for the video ... waiting for the next one, Giancarlo
Socket adapter is on my list. I will need this next year touring the EU. I use a rainproof smock or cover - can't remember the name that cover my upper half and the bike.
Before you travel to another part of Europe do a weather forecast check-up on the area(s) you'll be riding through so you'll know what to bring with you on your bike tour.:)
Roligt att se dig i mitt hemland Mike! Jag bor i Helsingfors men jag är från italienska ursprung.. Hoppas du har trivts :) I continue in English since I want to ask something that may interest all the viewers. You mentioned that you checked-in your bike in a simple CTC plastic bag. No fear of damage? How did it go? I'm considering flying abroad with my bike next summer but I don't want the stress to find a bike box or buying a professional bike travel case that would need to be left in someone's custody.
I notice you dont like weight at the front of your bike. Im setting up my tour bike currently and im wondering why. I imagine it makes for better handling?
How do you fly the bike in a plastic bag, does it arrive in one piece? Currently trying to figure out how to fly mine, i think some companies want a cardboard box mandatory.
Hej! Du låter lite svensk. Stämmer det? Jag har precis beställt väskor som du har. Och en duffel man kan lägga på och spänna på. Har inte någon särskild plan eller resa i åtanke men har för avsikt att göra några längre turer till sommaren. Har det fungerat väl för dig?
Oh, I totally forgot to mention that since I was wearing them. They are called Rockrider MTB shorts from Decathlon. They are padded, but look like your ordinary tennis shorts.
@@BikeTouringMike thanks, I actually tried these on but the material felt really nasty, how do you like them so far? I am looking for some pants that are not a tight fit.
@@BikeTouringMike Well said. This is just my opinion but I think it also wise to combine visibility into the style of shirt you will be wearing, say a bright green bike shirt for example, for those rainy warm days. Keeping the quality well made rain/wind breaker is also a smart choice and ALWAYS have it a bright color. Now that I was being like a mum, I will continue by saying never go without your third water bottle. NEVER. That is a backup you should never deny yourself, a truck goes by, kicks up an object that puts a nice hole in one bottle, you will be glad to have that third bottle. With that I look forward to more of your enjoyable videos. Sorry for being the mother hen. 😂Mike, take care and pleasant travels.
Thanks for the tip about the electric adapter, would've never thought of that
Great videos!😊👏 I will start doing my own bikepacking trips around Sthlm where I live and one question I have for @Bike Touring Mike, have you done or will you make a video a bike maintenance during a trip? For example: chain cleaning, fixing flat a tire, etc? What tools are necessary to bring, things you need to consider? These questions have came up for me as well, since I do some maintenance on my own. Thanks again for inspiring and very helpful videos!
We invested in an Ortlieb rack pack 31 liters, just for convenience of loading groceries, or access to the Trangia stove and it's very easy to open and close quickly.
I use a head lantern which came in use when we showed up at a campsite and setting up the tent in the dark was easy, because my hands were free. There are some that the light changes to red by pressing a button. The red light is used for reading and there is no glare.
I also like the Ortlieb 7 handlebar bag but I lost an important allen screw that secures the wire. There are two underneath and I lost one somehow. Been trying to see if I can order just the screw. Not easy 😕. The bag holds but slides a bit. Not dangerous but a little bit annoying because it slides down and rests on the light ( hub dynamo) . You can buy a new cable and pretty much every thing else except the screw which in my opinion can easily fall out. I think Ortlieb 🤔 bag attachment is not meant to be removed too many times.
I only have one bike and personally don't like the holder permanently on the bike. And the bag is a bit ugly, but on the other hand the best bag for tourists.
Don't forget about the shoulder strap that comes with it. Also nice to have.
fantastic video series .. love how you share all your tips tricks and even where you shop and food choices.. You make it seem so possible. thanks and lookk forward to more videos and following your adventures..cheers
Hi Mike, thanks for this review, and yes we all take things that we don't need, but if really you want to get rid of, you can always send themback home by post. And for the light a little camping light is a comfort at night, you can find nice ones at Decathlon, or at cheap stores like Action, I bought one looking like a light bulb it runs on 2 AAA batteries and it's LED it lights for two weeks without any problem, and there is a hook and so can be hanged in the tent. I really like your videos and I am looking forward to watch the next one.
Love these types of videos. Thank you for sharing what you took with you. A stand out item for me - the wine bottle opener. :) I guess it's very fitting.
Great video! Thx for Fahrenheit temps 🤠
Great video Mike. Thank you for sharing. I'm just building up my kit. The one thing I added was the Helinox Chair Zero. It may be an age-related thing, but I find that sitting on a log or a rock at the end of the day just doesn't cut it for me anymore. The extra one pound is well worth it to me.
Another great presentation…thanks
Thank you Mike, I always over pack when cycling in the UK as the weather is unpredictable. But it is always nice to see your kit. My most bulky items involves cooking, I'm thinking about ways to avoid them. Keep cycling.
Thanks Mike, really good info and enjoying your trip
Great break down Mike ...like the redesign on pannier ie pocket, corkscrew 👍but the swim cap😄 what next , speedo swim suits only 🙄😄...have been enjoying your tour..excellent doc as usual!
Haha! Funny that you mention it, but a couple of years ago when we were camping in the south of France I was about to take a swim in the campground swimming pool. But was interrupted by the lifeguard who blew frantically in his whistle. He pointed at my swim shorts and waved with his index finger and pointed at a sign by the side of the pool. It turned out the you hade to wear, you guessed it, Speedos to be able to enter the pool. So I had to swing by Decathlon to pick up a pair of Speedos that somehow covered of most of my white cycling thighs. Not a pretty sight ;-)
@@BikeTouringMike omg that's to funny ...A farmer tan in reverse 🤣 what next French Press ☕ only well camping and bike touring in France🙄🙃😄👋🍻
Hi Mike! I’d just like to say that you are an inspiration to me and I love watching your videos. Partly because you remind me of a special, caring person who I have the pleasure of calling my grandpa, and partly because you are a genuine, nice guy. Thank you for putting so much effort into your videos and I look forward to the many videos I get to enjoy from you. Safe travels and happy riding! (By the way, I absolutely love your accent) :)
thank you so much.
Thanks for the video, it helps a lot when putting our bags together.
You are carrying a beautiful piece of equipment,
I have a question, I saw that you keep in the saddlebag your tent, and according to the internet the measures are 40x13x13,
at this moment I am looking to buy those saddlebags and I wanted to ask you if you think that my tent (48x15x15) fits in the saddlebags, they are only 8 centimeters, but maybe those 8 centimeters are too much.
thank you very much and keep up the good work with your videos!
good video, what size tyres were you using?
Hej Mike, great review. Loving the series so far. Those are enormous panniers, it’ll be a big moose that runs off with one of them. Is the bike a bit back heavy without the front panniers?
Much Love to all the family, Ed
I'd better buy me some big and bright panniers, so I'll find them when they fall off my bike, was what I was thinking ;-) No, but seriously they work great for me on these international trip where I don't need to bring as much gear as I would here in Sweden. I'm often torn between taking 2 or 4 panniers, so two of these is just the right amount of storage volume for me.
I didn't feel the bike being that back heavy. Off course everything felt a it sluggish going up those crazy hills, but my bike behaved as usual for most of the times. My bike is rather sturdy, so I think it can handle the extra weight. I didn't break any spokes or anything. Review coming up in the coming weeks. Take care Ed!
in 2023 I bought a collapsable solar light for camp. works great.
Great, really helpful gear review, especially for gear nerds like me :)
Very interesting! Thanks!
great stuff thanks Mike
thanks for this review
Hi Mike, thanks for the video and tips. Could you explain better in other video how you do to transport your bike? I did not understand well what you said, that you had some bags in the panniers that you used to transpot the bike? Sure I didnt get it right. Thanks!
Thanks for the video. I'm in the early stages of planning cycling down from England catching the ferry to Santander and then cycling through Spain to our apartment in Torrevieja. I'd agree that somethings you can do without. It doesn't matter if your legs get wet and if you're not too far from civilisation you can always top up with water. I'm fully in agreement with bottle opener and cork screw. It would be interesting to know what bike spares you took with you! Nice choice of panniers, when I was doing the Camino de Santiago almost every bicigrino had Ordlieb panniers!
Don't worry about the swim cap. Wear one all the time.....well not all the time, only when I'm swimming. even in lakes, nice bright hat so boats might see you.
Scott, is that what there're for? For boats to see you?
@@MrJx4000 Mostly. For warmth in cold water. I usually use a Floaty ( waterproof inflatable bag) as well.
Great video👍
Thank you Jens!
Hi Mike, in your video I see that you have taken an adapter to charge electronics in campsites here in Italy. In our past travels in southern Sweden, we never needed them in hotels, but thinking about a trip to your part, northern Sweden, the power sockets in the bungalows or campsites, are like ours in the hotels, or we have to get some kind of adapter? Congratulations again for the video ... waiting for the next one, Giancarlo
Hello Mike, thanks for the video.
Please can you remind me the make of the power bank you use?
Socket adapter is on my list. I will need this next year touring the EU. I use a rainproof smock or cover - can't remember the name that cover my upper half and the bike.
I notice you don't carry a camping stove...how can you start your day without a strong, freshly-brewed coffee?
I NEED my coffee in the mornings😜
Hej Mike ! What do you think about Aegismax UL Down Sleeping Bag ? I've found this sleeping bag on aliexpress and I'm thinking to buy it !
Before you travel to another part of Europe do a weather forecast check-up on the area(s) you'll be riding through so you'll know what to bring with you on your bike tour.:)
Roligt att se dig i mitt hemland Mike! Jag bor i Helsingfors men jag är från italienska ursprung.. Hoppas du har trivts :) I continue in English since I want to ask something that may interest all the viewers. You mentioned that you checked-in your bike in a simple CTC plastic bag. No fear of damage? How did it go? I'm considering flying abroad with my bike next summer but I don't want the stress to find a bike box or buying a professional bike travel case that would need to be left in someone's custody.
I notice you dont like weight at the front of your bike. Im setting up my tour bike currently and im wondering why. I imagine it makes for better handling?
You may have this listed somewhere, but what brand do you like for merino? I have some smart woll but wondered what you use. Thx
How do you fly the bike in a plastic bag, does it arrive in one piece? Currently trying to figure out how to fly mine, i think some companies want a cardboard box mandatory.
Hej!
Du låter lite svensk. Stämmer det? Jag har precis beställt väskor som du har. Och en duffel man kan lägga på och spänna på. Har inte någon särskild plan eller resa i åtanke men har för avsikt att göra några längre turer till sommaren. Har det fungerat väl för dig?
ps. We can have the conversation in English to let more people involved. No problems. :) ds.
Which pants do you bike it? Are they padded and/or tight fits or not?
Oh, I totally forgot to mention that since I was wearing them. They are called Rockrider MTB shorts from Decathlon. They are padded, but look like your ordinary tennis shorts.
@@BikeTouringMike thanks, I actually tried these on but the material felt really nasty, how do you like them so far? I am looking for some pants that are not a tight fit.
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Keep the wool jersey. Murphy’s Law states that when you do not bring it, you will wish you had. Stay warm. ☮️
Yeah, that's true. Never admit that you're lucky with the weather.
@@BikeTouringMike Well said. This is just my opinion but I think it also wise to combine visibility into the style of shirt you will be wearing, say a bright green bike shirt for example, for those rainy warm days. Keeping the quality well made rain/wind breaker is also a smart choice and ALWAYS have it a bright color. Now that I was being like a mum, I will continue by saying never go without your third water bottle. NEVER. That is a backup you should never deny yourself, a truck goes by, kicks up an object that puts a nice hole in one bottle, you will be glad to have that third bottle. With that I look forward to more of your enjoyable videos. Sorry for being the mother hen. 😂Mike, take care and pleasant travels.