Hello! I’m visiting a friend in Paris this september and I’m thinking of either hitchhiking or biking there. I’m from Finland myself but would be taking the ferry over to Stockholm from where I’d start my trip. The route would go through Copenhagen where I’d stay for a few days to visit some friends, and then continue onwards to Paris. The trip would be about 1900 km according to maps. Do you guys think this bike would work? It’s an old Tunturi from the 80s which I’ve fixed up and it works perfectly for everyday use. I’m thinking of sewing my own frame and bags and adapting them to the gear-change on the lower frame. I also have a carrier I could attach above the back-wheel, which could then fit some kind of bag. I would also switch out the handlebars to accomodate a sleeping bag. Give me a verdict and general tips. My dad told me ”just hop on the bike and start pedaling, you’ll get there eventually”, but he’s known for having a wing-it attitude towards shit like this.
by LeMonkeDistribution
9 Comments
Of course the answer is yes. You know this, right? It “could” work. I wouldn’t consider it a smart move, and personally you would have to pay me a ton of money for me to even consider it. But yes, it could work. Show off photos of the bags you made and the trip itself too!
It depends on your tolerance for discomfort. It would probably be less expensive to buy a better suited used bike than to modify that one into something reliable and comfortable enough for such a long journey. That said, plenty of people have done crazier rides on worse bikes. You won’t ever be far from civilization so you could give it a go and if it sucks just hop on a train or something.
Did you try long day rides with the bike? If that works you’ll probably be fine. There are bags for every kind of bike but I would try not to load it too heavy. Also check your rims and spokes they need to be in good condition and fit the widest tires the bike can handle.
Edit: get better/thicker bartape, this tape does nothing for demping.
Is there any reason you don’t use a hardtail or a bike with much wider tires for comfort? I get you like your old bike but comfort on a long trip like yours is a priority for most experienced riders. Have you done any long rides on this bike? im guessing by the drop bars adjustment you haven’t? Will the decades old frame (and fork!) stand up to the extra load including water and food? I would hate to see you build a cool frame bag kit then realize you’re on the wrong machine. Perhaps you can borrow some gear and do a couple of weekends first? If it passes the tests , and your butt agrees, then you’re good. I would suggest you find an experienced bike fitter or LBS to help out with the fit well before the ride
Please do update us with whatever you do! Whether it’s a shorter test-trip on the weekend or the full trip to Paris, I for one would be interested in seeing how it goes.
For a little stylish five day trip through Provence, stopping every other hour for a glass of wine, just for the vintage vibes? Sure. Copenhagen to Paris though? God, why?!
Bro. If you are comfortable riding this bike, and know how to repair it, go do it and have fun. Most of the time people on here are like “the best bike is the one you have”. Just use good discretion on parts you might want to walk your bike through.
Looks doable if you’re sticking to asphalt.
I totally get what you mean when you explain that you love your bike and want to make the most out of it. As said by other redditors, you will be less comfortable on this one than on an hardtail (for example), but you can make it work for sure! People have been doing it forever, why not us?
I am in the same process of using an old bike I love for bikepacking. I am also a beginner and I am still training by doing day long rides (but my trips will be shorter distance than what you have in mind).
What I did on my bike to make it more comfortable/fit for travel:
– Changed brake pads (very easy, for security)
– Changed brake cables (very easy, security)
– Changed saddle (very easy too, comfort)
– Changed tires (The schwalbe marathon plus tires are a common choice, comfort)
– Added ergonomic bar ends (comfort)
And of course, cleaned the bike and checked that everything works well! But you probably know that already. Just wanted to share my view 😀