So... I have been through a few bikes since this first post, and found my ideal.

first up, forget 'ideal travel bike' nonsense. what a daft question 'what is the ideal/perfect travel bike?' I mean, come on, don't you see why it's daft? I guess if you don't see why it's a silly question, you never will.

so, my perfect travel bike is a Surly Long Haul Trucker, 58 cm in olive green. It's steel, it's heavy, it's long. It's not gonna fall apart, bend or crack. it doesn't pretend to be in the dakar, it's not loud, it's not a bike for wannabes. You don't have to wear matching clothing...

what's good? the ride, ooohhhh the ride. think of the best ride you've had, and then think how it would feel to just keep on riding. the LHT understands that your last ride was (maybe) good, and doesn't put it down. but it fills all the gaps and more.

I tried the whole MTB thing. short chain stays (bad for panniers), and you need to upgrade the chainset to make it more long road friendly (£££). and the position is just not 'long haul'.

I also tried another Surly (a Cross-Check), which was sold as 58 cm (you tyke CS!) but was actually a 60 cm. but it sold me on Surly's.

I tried a Raleigh R100, but it was way too racer like.

I tried a Kona Dew, nice enough but aluminium and disc braked. and not as comfortable as the LHT.

I tried (and own) a Thorn (the geeks travel bike), but found it spindly and a bit of a cliché.

I've tried an Orange P7, Marin Muirwoods, etc, etc..

I guess to the 'what is the perfect bike' silly question. try lots, and find what's right for you.

the baggage. oh, man. Carradice. the only option. these bags are fantastic, and made in the UK by some old dears who sign the bags with a biro. they really are the business. waterproof, and superb functionality (especially the courier bag).

I also worked out that I can do my 'work' on the road, while on the bike. I've just done a week of testing up the Highlands, and with laptop in tow I can work from anywhere. cool. trip across the US, and then heading south is on the agenda now.

I picked up a power monkey (adventurer, *puke*) solar charger for the phone. It works great, 40 hours of charge stored in the battery, and it charges of internal lights too.

this is the bike, loaded for non-stop touring. yep, everything is there that I need. and I also have my laptop so I can work. so, light touring we go...

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Nice report DougieB and a pleasant change to get some considered opinion based on facts in the HUBB - I don't spend nearly so much time on here nowadays: as others have commented, the input has been "suspect".

Cheers!

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Dave

That's a little harsh, Mr Walker-about
There are many people from all over the world who contribute valuable information, research, time and effort foc to help others.
- it is up to the individual to check/do his/her own research to verify whatever is offered.
Who knows? you might need a hand on your travels one day and post up...

this is the bike, loaded for non-stop touring

Mate, you're never gonna get on The Fully Loaded Touring Bike Photo Gallery with a skimpy rig like that!

You flogging the Thorn?

Ch

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

ha ha, very true. thankfully.

been very interesting spending the last year or so in the bicycle touring world. and realising just how much of the world you miss by whizzing by on a motorbike, all encased in the protective gear and visor/goggles. also realising how that old line 'in a car you are watching tv, on a motorcycle you are part of the scene' (or whatever it is) is just nonsense, when compared to being on a bicycle. everything really is relative.

anyway, roll on the extended tours.

yeah, the thorn audax mk 1 must go. clearing my stuff out. but it's a 58 cm, so too small for your good self. know anyone who'd be interested?

managed to get a decent price for the Cross Check frame and fork. paid for a Big Agnes Horsethief and sleeping mat. Have you seen those back-less sleeping bags? excellent for skimpy touring.

cheers,
Doug

What is ideal for one is not for another...

I'm considering the Great Divide Route... so I would like

26"wheels - easiest tyre to get anywhere
S&S couplers - for easy of transport around the place
Front forks - say 100mm coil sprung
Disk brakes - less hastle with mud, more stopping power
Steel frame - less likely to be damaged..
chain stay lengths around 450mm ... pannier clearance
Orlieb panniers - water proof + reliable...

At the moment I have for consideration
Thorn Ripio Thorn Ripio Frame & Mt Tura Fork Review - BikeRadar
Gunnar Rock Tour Wilber Force: Gunnar Rock Tour and a rant. What is the cost of a coat of paint?
Salsa Fargo2 Salsa Cycles | Bikes | Fargo 2 Frameset (yes it is for 29".. but fitting 26" to it would not be difficult.
Surly ...

maybe better building one myself?

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I have an old 1990's MTB - chain stay length 430mm, no suspension. I find that with luggage a bit flexable. It has been around Tasmania, south island of New Zealand and unnumbered MTB trips ... looking for the next bicycle. The other bicycle is a carbon framed roadie, nice for a days ride.