Hi all - this is my debut thread. I have been browsing for a few weeks and have found the board really useful, particularly those threads which are helping first time users like me to select the best option. The various recent threads which have drawn out discussion about Agattu vs "the rest" have helped to shape this thread.
So, at the risk of getting people frustrated at having to repeat things that are in other threads, I am asking for your advice as I think my needs are different to some of the other new starter threads.
My wife and I have ordered a motorhome. We are planning to spend upwards of 50 nights touring Europe this year. We will get a bike rack fitted to the rear, although it might be quite high up, so weight might be an issue. I am 55 this year, 6'2 and over weight!! Neither of us are fit and we don't currently cycle!!
When we are on a site for a few days, we will want to cycle to local village, sites, shops etc. I don't think that we envisage these being long journeys - lets say up to 5 miles (10 miles round trip) maximum. Whilst there is a need to be able to carry things, it won't be large quantitites. We want to be able to get around the local area without packing up and driving.
If we drive to a town, we would probably park on the outskirts and cycle in. This is likely to be a series of short stop/start journeys as we move around the sights etc.
I can't think of any circumstances where "speed" will be important, as we will be aiming to be relaxed. Similarly, I can't envisage journeys which challenge battery life.
Obviously, we can not predict the terrain, but the first trip we are doing is to Northern Spain and the sites we are likely to stay at are often at the top of hills close to seaside villages, so there could be some steep return trips!! I think that assistance to get up hills is the prime requirement.
Hopefully, as we cycle more and get fitter, we will get more adventurous, but we need to select bikes that will enable us to enjoy this part of our holiday without getting stranded (nearly) half way up a hill.
Mostly, we will be staying on sites with electric hook-up so recharging should be ok. I envisage charging the batteries inside the van so need to check whether there is any safety guidance on recharging.
So, given that we can sacrifice speed and endurance, which cycles will give us the most assistance with hills?
Your views would be welcome.
So, at the risk of getting people frustrated at having to repeat things that are in other threads, I am asking for your advice as I think my needs are different to some of the other new starter threads.
My wife and I have ordered a motorhome. We are planning to spend upwards of 50 nights touring Europe this year. We will get a bike rack fitted to the rear, although it might be quite high up, so weight might be an issue. I am 55 this year, 6'2 and over weight!! Neither of us are fit and we don't currently cycle!!
When we are on a site for a few days, we will want to cycle to local village, sites, shops etc. I don't think that we envisage these being long journeys - lets say up to 5 miles (10 miles round trip) maximum. Whilst there is a need to be able to carry things, it won't be large quantitites. We want to be able to get around the local area without packing up and driving.
If we drive to a town, we would probably park on the outskirts and cycle in. This is likely to be a series of short stop/start journeys as we move around the sights etc.
I can't think of any circumstances where "speed" will be important, as we will be aiming to be relaxed. Similarly, I can't envisage journeys which challenge battery life.
Obviously, we can not predict the terrain, but the first trip we are doing is to Northern Spain and the sites we are likely to stay at are often at the top of hills close to seaside villages, so there could be some steep return trips!! I think that assistance to get up hills is the prime requirement.
Hopefully, as we cycle more and get fitter, we will get more adventurous, but we need to select bikes that will enable us to enjoy this part of our holiday without getting stranded (nearly) half way up a hill.
Mostly, we will be staying on sites with electric hook-up so recharging should be ok. I envisage charging the batteries inside the van so need to check whether there is any safety guidance on recharging.
So, given that we can sacrifice speed and endurance, which cycles will give us the most assistance with hills?
Your views would be welcome.
hn
