Category: No Stupid Questions
A rolling series of answers to real rider questions, usually long, meandering and unfiltered. Want your burning question answered? Drop me a line here.
-
No Stupid Questions: What Traffic-Free Cycle Touring Routes Exist Beyond Europe & the USA?
A reader writes: My question is (having done two longer bike trips on really nice bike trails in Europe, the Danube and Loire) – is this kind of easy, road-free, relatively level trip available OUTSIDE of Europe? I’m not so interested in the US, I know there’s a couple (the canal trails, etc). But in […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: What Are Your Top Wet Weather Cycle Touring Tips & Tricks?
A reader writes: Tom, I always enjoy your updates and reports. No big questions here, but one that does come to mind is what are your tips and tricks for riding in the rain. Most of us just do it, and have learned some ways to make it less than miserable like using a visor to keep […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: What’s The Most Likely Thing To Go Wrong On A Bike Tour?
A reader writes: Planning a long tour next year*. Europe mainly right now. What are the most common bicycle parts to repair on such a tour? Not flats, but other problems. * when the question was asked, “next year” referred to 2024. Thanks for the question! It sounded vague at first, but on second reading I […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Can I Emulate Cycle Touring But Without The Bike?
A reader writes: Quick intro: [I] finished school in 2021, cycled around South Africa for a few months in 2022, and currently in Livingstone, Zambia about to start travelling solo around Southern Africa for a few months. Originally I wanted to cycle back home but for various reasons I have decided to hitch-hike instead. And basically […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Will I Be Able To Fix My Broken Touring Bike?
A reader writes: Will I be able to repair all what could happen to the bike? Thank you for this wonderfully simple question! It encapsulates one of the biggest fears for newcomers to long-distance cycle touring and bikepacking: roadside mechanical catastrophe! Fortunately, I have an equally simple answer for you: No. You will not be able to […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Tyre Pumps, Wheel Size, Tubed Vs Tubeless, & More
A reader writes: Thanks for the questions! Let’s take them one at a time. Forgive me if I simplify each question into a neater, easier-to-read heading! How To Choose A Portable Tyre Pump For A Cycle Tour? It sounds like you’ve already noticed that portable, hand-operated tyre pumps for bicycles come in an assortment of shapes […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Which Tent Should I Take On Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way?
A reader writes: I am 63 and next year I’m planning to ride the complete Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, which you probably know is about 2,100km. I will do it on my six speed Brompton, using the rack and a waterproof backpack on the back and the Brompton 30 litre waterproof bag on the […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Should You Ask Permission To Wild Camp In Britain?
A reader writes: Hi Tom, Having cycled LEJOG and stayed at Airbnb and a couple of youth hostels, I’m planning on bikepacking/ wildcamping. Cycling until I’m either too tired to continue or where a convenient place appears. Questions are, do you ever get or attempt to get permission to camp or bivvy, and do you […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: Backpacks, Frame Luggage Or Trailers For Off-Road Bike Tours?
A reader writes: Hey Tom It’s not an upcoming trip, rather it’s a failed bike trip experience that concerns me. Some detail: Hardtail steel frame 29er MTB (Cotic Solaris Max). The route – King Alfred’s Way (UK), in four days. Off road route, easy not technical. Gear – backpack only. Day 1 OK. Day 2 sore bum.Day 3 […] Continue reading →
-
No Stupid Questions: What’s The Best Winter Bike Helmet For Cycle Touring?
A reader writes: No current manufacturer seems to make a purpose built winter season bicycle helmet. I am looking for one without all the air vents typical of warm weather helmets and with fuller coverage of the head and ears, more like a motorcycle helmet but lighter as bicycle get-offs are typically at lower speeds. […] Continue reading →