Retrobike Touring.

80mm that is - that should be fine - you just want a rigid fork in the right length, and with the correct brake mount.
Disc or v?

My guess is 440 axle to crown to get the handing about right

bikeworkshop said:

80mm that is - that should be fine - you just want a rigid fork in the right length, and with the correct brake mount.
Disc or v?

My guess is 440 axle to crown to get the handing about right

Click to expand...

2.5" is closer to 65mm but yeah hopefully I should be able to find a fork that works.

Did 600km through the Pyrenees on my modernised 1991 trek 950. We did some big days of climbing and I was glad to have the granny ring. I don’t think I slowed down my pal on his road bike too much. I ran some bar ends on the inside of my grips etc which was a useful spare hand position although still not that comfy. I bodged the fork cages on with some jubilee super clamps over strips of old inner tube which was very effective.

Need some help experienced tourers.

Had a pre-tour 'in the garden' test of my tent/sleeping/set up. Happy with everything but realised I need a more comfortable sleeping pad and pillow.

I've tried my army surplus roll mat, and a basic mountain warehouse inflatable one but need something much better, i generally sleep on my side and have a delicate neck so wonder if a pillow might be the first thing to try then inflatable pads.

What should I shortlist ?

I use a roll of Clothes as a pillow, but Tina has an inflatable one and tells me it's loads better.

2 sleeping mats is better than one.

I don't know whether the more expensive ones are more comfortable (I've got both) - just lighter and more durable, although neither survive mouse attack.

I'd suggest the foam mat on the ground with the inflatable mat on top. Maybe even a short foam mat on top as well.

Keeping comfortable on the ground gets harder with age.

widowmaker said:

Need some help experienced tourers.

Had a pre-tour 'in the garden' test of my tent/sleeping/set up. Happy with everything but realised I need a more comfortable sleeping pad and pillow.

I've tried my army surplus roll mat, and a basic mountain warehouse inflatable one but need something much better, i generally sleep on my side and have a delicate neck so wonder if a pillow might be the first thing to try then inflatable pads.

What should I shortlist ?

Click to expand...

A pillow is always good to have if you have neck problems. I tried bot, rolled up spare clothes and inflatable pillows. I like the clothes more but mostly because of the material of the inflatables. On my first night I inflated it to much and it felt like sleeping on a football.....but that was my own stupidity.

Also just like @bikeworkshop says, 2 mats are better than 1. If it gets cold a rescue blanket underneath helps with stayin warm.

I recently swapped my tent for a hammock and I have never slept better outdoors. No backpain at all. But that also doesn't work for everyone and everywhere.

Thanks for the info

It's the one thing I've yet to get 'dialed in' and the one thing which can spoil the whole trip.

I've ordered a trekology pillow, will see how I get on.

widowmaker said:

Thanks for the info

It's the one thing I've yet to get 'dialed in' and the one thing which can spoil the whole trip.

I've ordered a trekology pillow, will see how I get on.

Click to expand...

Let us know what you think about the pillow!

I second the 'two mat' approach, bottom one firm/dense, top one to give comfort for shoulders and hips. I've got a self inflating mat that does it all in one but it's definitely a trailer/car camping solution rather than lugging it in a bag or on a bike.

Lucidone said:

Let us know what you think about the pillow!

I second the 'two mat' approach, bottom one firm/dense, top one to give comfort for shoulders and hips. I've got a self inflating mat that does it all in one but it's definitely a trailer/car camping solution rather than lugging it in a bag or on a bike.

Click to expand...

Although the mats are light and can be bungeed straight onto front lowriders