Gee that looks good. I’m thinking of getting a Vaya as a good all round bike. The tall head tube and odd angled stem on a lot of photos make it look a bit manky but that does look really fine. What size frame is that? How much clearance for fat tyres do you have – enough for 1.75 with a little room for mud?

Cheers, K

Thanks guys – will have a little time thinking about it. The CdF with white bits looks really nice – but going to stick all the bits off my current bike onto a new frame where possible – none of which are white. Nevertheless, the CdF does look good. With some 40c Shwalbe Marathon Extremes on it will be just what I need off road and with 35c road tyres plus guards on road good for everything this part of Lincolnshire can offer.

Cheers, Windy

Sideways Tim – be really happy to see some photos of the CdF with guards if at all possible?

Cheers, Windy

It would be 35c road tyres (Kojak or something like that) with the guards. For a bit of bridleway action I’d change the tyres and remove guards. If 35c road tyres will fit with guards then the CdF becomes top dog perhaps.

Cheers, Windy

I’m really wanting 35c and guards – currently running 25c and the roads are hell. Just like many others I guess, I’m fed up of rattling about in pot holes and crap tarmac repairs on relatively narrow tyres. Before being accused of being a some form of lightweight, I’m getting on a bit in years and I’m not bothered about losing a few minutes over the 20 miles to work. Conform all the way for me I’m afraid.

Looks like the CdF is out. The Vaya is still top of the list. The Peregrine looks like ti would be ideal, but I’m not sure about the looks.

Thanks for assisatance so far.

Cheers, Windy

Hagloffs LIM jacket – Goretex paclite.

I’m in a similar position looking for a ‘do it all’ bike. Currently contemplating a Salsa Fargo or Vaya. Both can take guards and racks and have plenty of room for chunky rubber so will cope with a bit of mud chucking. I think I’ll head to the bikemongers place for a test or two.

I had to chuckle – the bloke said if it happened to an older person there may have been consequences – he was 64!

Thanks folks – will have to look at what to get. Shame to waste the Dura Ace cassette – may have to put it up for sale.

Cheers, Windy

Lights – a Lumicycle Halide thingy. It’s a bit bright and car drivers don’t like it but it means I can actually see where I’m going on country lanes – really useful downhill. It’s bar mounted. Rear light is some sort of quite bright model – the brand of which I can’t remember. I guess the brighter the better. I think I’m going to get one of the Exposure rear lights to compliment my current one just to be on the safe side.

A Thorn Ripio – according to Thorn it’s the only MTB suitable for touring.

Just about to head out. I’ve no option really with work and kids to sort out before even thinking about a ride. Good lights make it much better – and there are fewer cars out there. I just wish i could get bigger tyres in my frame – those potholes seem to suprise me everytime I’m out at night.

Cheers, Windy

The ‘crazyguyonabike’ site is worth a look for inspiration. Also worth a look is this book:

http://www.adventurecycle-touringhandbook.com/

I bought a copy even though I’ll not being able to get anything like this in for a few years. It’s a good read and has a section on South East Asia.

Cheers, Windy