#bicycling touring

I'm a touring cyclist and I feel like I get way more enjoyment out of taking the back roads and scenic routes, even if they add a few extra miles to my day I love the views, the quiet roads, and the chance to explore new areas. But sometimes I feel like I'm taking too long or being lazy. Am I the only one who prioritizes scenery over speed?

tbh i spent months trying to shave off weight and i finally hit 12kg total swapped out the old steel frame for a 7005 aluminum, ditched the heavy panniers for the new 20l rolltop, and moved the spare tube to the seatpost the biggest surprise was the cheap titanium fork—saved a kilo and feels solid on the last 200km of the coast loop the bike felt like it wasn't even there if you're still lugging 15+kg, consider these three swaps also, make sure your bike fit stays decent after the changes, otherwise you'll end up with a sore back

i was listenin to this podcast about bike maintenance and they were talkin about how to properly clean your chain and i realize i've been doin it wrong lol i mean i just use soap and water but apparently thats not enough im gonna try the method they suggested next time tbh its pretty silly that i didnt know this already

I feel like we've all been suckered into thinking panniers are the ultimate solution for bicycling touring. Maybe it's just me, but I've found that a good backpack can be way more convenient. I mean, have you ever tried to navigate a crowded train station with a bike loaded down with panniers? It's a nightmare! And don't even get me started on how annoying it is to have to remove them every time you want to lock up your bike. I've been using a backpack on my last few tours and it's been a game changer. I can just throw my gear in the backpack and go, without having to worry about cumbersome panniers. Plus, it's way easier to walk around with my bike when I'm not loaded down with all that extra weight on the bike itself. I know some people swear by panniers, but I'm just not convinced. Am I the only one who feels this way? 🤔