rannochraider wrote:If you are going to replace the contents of your panniers with similar in Titanium you will save the weight of what was in your wallet for sure! Cycling and camping Light generally means expensive. Having said that I'll be watching this thread as I'm not at all experienced either. I'd love to see an inventory of what the experienced guys call a list of ' essentials' (items and brands)for a 2 week plus tour ?
The padlock I was on about is called "Titalium". Rather than being made out of titanium it's made from some sort of aircraft alloy: http://www.abus.com/uk/Security-at-Home ... s/TITALIUM
They're £8 for a pair (one for the bike and one for hostel lockers). Granted, this won't provide the level of security as the D-lock but there's no point in using an ultra secure lock on a wire whip because the thief would destroy the weakest link: The wire whip.
al_yrpal wrote:Weigh your clothes one by one and choose the lightest stuff its surprising with things like tee shirts and trousers what a massive overall saving can be made. Your shoe plan is spot on.
Al
You're right about that Al; I bought what I thought was a light pair of slim stretch jeans for evening wear but they weigh in at a whopping 534g! Now looking for some lightweight "slacks"
Thanks for posting the lightweight touring link nmnm it's very interesting.
Whoof you're spot on about cotton; it's heavy and desn;t perform well (I took loads of cotton last time). Man made fibres this time such as coolmax etc.
Tangled Metal thanks for sharing your practical experiences around carrying weight.
PH wrote:I think your idea with the shoes and whoof's suggestion that you go for clothes suitable on and off the bike is probably the biggest saving you'll make without compromising comfort too much. Though I like a change of footwear and take a 350g pair of sandals.
A friend gave me a great idea: Hotel slippers! He gave me a pair, advising they're widely available in pound shops (wonder how much they are ) and would be great for mooching around hostels after a long day in the saddle. They don't look like they'll last long but at 65g per pair I'll buy a couple more pairs to make the total 3 and chuck away a pair per week when they're knackered.
foxyrider thanks for your tips, you're spot on about the weight of some luggage being an important factor to consider. My old Agu panniers are very light (but admittedly not completely waterproof) but the Altura Dryline rackpack is considerably heavier (for what it can carry), however it's so easy to unclip it, extend the shoulder strap and carry as a manbag containing valuables that it's worth it's weight. Plus it is waterproof.
axel_knutt wrote:My problem is preventing the panniers getting heavier, because I have kit which is getting tatty and needs throwing out, but can't find replacements. .
I know what you mean, my old panniers are really light, roomy with pockets, easy to get at stuff and easy to quickly do up but most of the ones I see now have sacrificed much of this in the quest to be completely waterproof.
jgurney wrote:If your budget will stand it, look at lightweight clothing from firms like Rohan.
I have some of their t-shirts with weight and volume less than half than of typical cotton ones, and a 'spark' insulated top which weighs very little but is very snug and water-resistant (and reversible between yellow or dark blue).
Thanks I'll look at getting some Rohan stuff, still need a few more bits.
nmnm wrote:Foxy mentioned pool sandals. I made probably my best ever gram per £ saving by replacing a pair of pool sandals with another pair of the same. The old ones were 200g, the new were 120g or something, and £3 at tesco, because the soles were sort of blown foam rather than molded rubber. You can spend a lot to get 80g out of a cassette or a crankset!
That's a great idea. Maybe a pair of foamy flip flops is a viable alternative to hotel slippers? They'll last and weigh very little.
Thanks for your tips, any more will be much appreciated and if I find out any more I'll post them here too.