Tuesday, September 23, 2014

How to plan your bicycle tour through Europe: Benelux, France and Spain tour (from Amsterdam to Santiago de Compostela)

Important note: for the combined use of GPS tracks, you will need software. You can find the software here.
Another important note: this route is the Saint Jacobs Cycling Route. Scroll all the way down and you will be able to find a link to a Belgium site that has the full route from Haarlem to Santiago de Compostela. You can download the GPS track and you do not have to alter anything at all!

Cycling the LF route from Amsterdam to the Belgian border

If you want to get more information on how to cycle through the Netherlands, please take a look at this link. You will see 2 different methods on how to plan a route within the Netherlands. Because I have already dedicated a page to this, I will keep it short and I will assume that you want to start your tour from Amsterdam and go to Belgium (Antwerpen).

Please open: http://www.nederlandfietsland.nl/landelijke-fietsroutes/overzicht-lf-routes/lf2-stedenroute
Take a look at the map on the right side. You can zoom in and look at the cities you will pass. Starting from Amsterdam, you will have to look for the signpost "LF 2". Just keep following this sign and you will be able to reach the Belgian border. Important note: there is the possibility of downloading a GPS track for this route and I recommend you to do so.

Cycling the LF 2 from the Belgian border to Antwerp

All right. So you've cycled all the way through the Netherlands and you have reached the Belgian border. Very nice. Now you will have to follow the LF 2 route until you reach Antwerp. Afterwards, you will have to switch your cycling route. Here I really recommend you use a GPS, as this bicycle route is not an 'official route'. This cycling route is designed by Clemens Sweerman and this route is perfect to reach Paris.

Please take a look at this site: http://www.groteroutepaden.be/route.php?itemno=259
You will have to use Google translate to understand this site, as the content of the English version of this site is very limited (as always). I do not understand why these sites have more content in the native language. It seems like a good idea to make the content equally available in all languages because of tourism and such. Oh well...

You can download the GPS track for the "Van Gogh Route" by Clemens Sweerman, so you can reach France (Paris).

I would've used the EuroVelo route 3 from Paris to Santiago de Compostela but it is not realised yet...

I really cannot express the disappointment regarding EV more than I have already. Not 1 single route is fully realised and I just cannot understand why. Anyway, look at this picture. The route would have been ideal but as long as it isn't realised, I cannot use this at all.
Not realised Not planned lazy bureacrats
Isn't this just bollocks? 5/6 is not realised. I would not even call this a route. It is nothing pretending to be something.
So... because Europe isn't really making an effort to realise the so-called routes, I will - once more - use national cycling association websites to reach Pamplona (Spain). The real problem is that even the national sites are incomplete and useless. I searched really, really hard and found nothing. Then I went back to the Belgian website and found a route to Santiago de Compostela. Really awesome. Here is the link: http://www.groteroutepaden.be/nl/route/232/st-jacobsroute---europafietsers.html

This is a Pilgrims route as well as a cycling route. You will pass hostels and will find lots of places to camp. Really awesome. I guess the Belgian sites trump the French sites. All my respect goes out to Belgium!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Buying Spare Parts: Wheel [part 2]

Click here to see the previous post that shows you how to repair or change the tubes and tires.

Repairing a bike is quite easy as long as you know how to do it and what to look out for when you buy spare parts. A good example of ignorance is when I tried to buy a tube for my back wheel. I bought the wrong size of air valve (too short) and the wrong size of tube itself (wrong diameter). The durability of the tube was extremely low as it only held out 100 km before bursting. Hence it is crucial to buy the highest quality of spare parts and it is of the utmost importance to know which spare parts are needed for your bicycle in particular. The quality and durability is especially important while trekking or traveling long distances. In this post, I will try to explain the steps one ought to take to ensure safe, long lasting and qualitative cycling. I will also share the spare parts that I can recommend based on personal experience and feedback from the cycling community online. If you do care about getting the best prices, you ought to buy your parts from the internet instead of a store, as it is mostly a lot cheaper AND because you can choose between a broader assortment of products.

I'll give you a list of products that you might need first. You will have to read through the tutorials before buying the parts, as you are probably not aware of what is needed and what isn't. Throughout the article I will use the abbreviation [opt.]. It means that it is not a necessity, but it might save you time and nerves if you use it. It won't ensure better quality though. The quality solely depends on your handiness and you using your brain.

A list of spare parts for your bicycle that you might or will need throughout this guide


Click the link or picture to be redirected to the product.

Adjustable wrench repairing a bicycle
Different sizes of adjustable wrenches
An adjustable wrench is needed for all repairments on your bicycle. Most handy (wo)men already have this tool and I presume - as you are reading this - that you have one as well. Dislocating a wheel will be impossible without a wrench unless your thumbs are made out of iron.

Metalspokes for bicycle
10 Replacement spokes: Silver tone metal spokes (11" = 27,94 cm)
Before buying, I have to urge you to measure the size of your spokes. It is very important to have the correct size. It might also be best if you read through the tutorial BEFORE buying these tools.
Metalspokes 10 inch bicycle
10 Silver Tone Metal Bike Twisted Spokes (10.4" = 26,42 cm)
Again, measure before you buy it. These spokes are of good quality and should be easy to implement as long as you read the tutorial beforehand. Good luck!
Spokewrench for trueing and alligning your wheels
Avenir Spoke Wrench Set
In my opinion, it is always good to have spoke wrenches. You can true / allign your wheel at any time and before the damage is so severe that a spoke wrench can't fix it. An alternative would be to use a wrench even though this is a lot better.

Replacing your spokes and repairing a bent wheel (also called "wheel allignment" or "trueing your wheels")

Replacing a spoke

I have to be honest here. I never came as far as to repair my spokes. On the other hand, I have fixed my bent wheel using the spokes. I will first teach you how to replace a spoke, based on what I have read on the internet, before I move on to repairing a bent wheel. Be wary: it is a rather difficult process and you will have to develop skills and intuition in order to fix the problem.
  1. What do you need to know about your wheels in order to change the spokes?

    There are different sizes of spokes out there. Because of this, it is important to measure one of the spokes or - if possible - to look up the specifications of the bicycle in order to know the correct size. If you cannot find the correct size by looking at the specs, you will have to start deconstructing your bike in order to find the measurements. That is basically all you need to know for now.
  2. How to change the spoke(s)?

    What do we need: an adjustable wrench (to dislocate the wheel), pliers (to bend the spoke close to the hub), a spoke wrench, a pump, 2 sturdy table spoons and of course the replacement spoke.
    How to replace a broken spoke:
    you'll need to remove the tube and tire in order to decrease the chances of getting a pinch flat. It is possible that the spoke - when inserting it in the rim - will reach the tube and puncture it. Hence it is detrimental to not remove the tire/tube first. To know how you detach these parts, you'll have to read through the previous steps (how to repair/change a tube).

    Let's start:
    • First you place your bike upside down and put it in a firm position. It is a good idea to clamp the bike or to have a friend help you with keeping the bike stable. 
    • The next step is to detach the tire and tube from the wheel. If you have done that, you either need to remove a good spoke in order to know its size or - should you already know the size - skip to the next step. You can remove a spoke by using the spoke wrench to loosen the screw where the spoke meets the rim. Use your pliers to bend the spoke-end at the hub of the wheel 90°, enabling you to slide the spoke out of the hole located at the hub. If you have done so, you'll have to measure the spoke in order to know its dimension. Be sure to calculate a bit of wiggle room. If your spoke is too big in the end, you'll need to shorten it with a wire cutter.
    • Take the new spoke and put the part without the screw end through the hole of the hub. FYI: the screw end is the part that you will have to attach to the rim by putting the nipple in the whole of the rim and screwing the spoke in the nipple (repairing a bike sounds somewhat sexy or perverted). Bend the spoke that went through the hub slightly so it stays in position. If the nipple is attached to the spoke when you bought it (that is the case most of the time), unscrew it and put the nipple through the hole on the rim. Take the screw end and carefully insert it in the nipple. Tighten it a bit by hand and make sure that the nipple doesn't stick out through the rim. If it does stick out, you can fix this by putting more spoke through the hub, thus shortening it.
    • You will have to 'true' your wheel, as it will probably be bent. Please move on to the next tutorial in order to get your bike fixed up and ready to go.

Trueing your wheels / Fixing a bent wheel / Straightening a wheel / Wheel Allignment

  1. How to fix a bent wheel?

    In theory, it seems like quite an easy thing to do. In practice, however, this will require you to develop a skill. With my instructions, you will at least be able to do this in theory. Be wary though, taking things too fast and doing it without caution will result in an even more bent wheel. Don't get scared though. You'll get the hang of it in no time. I haven't damaged my wheel beyond repair and neither will you (if you are careful).
    What do we need: a spoke wrench, a pencil or chalk to mark the bent, patience and a good eye for detail.
    How to straighten your wheel: put your bike upside down and put it in firm position (as always). Rotate your wheel and watch the brake pads. It is important to really take your time here. While spinning the wheel, you will notice that the distance from the brake pad and the rim will decrease and increase while you are spinning it. If not, your wheel is not bent and you do not need to straighten it. If the wheels rubs the right brake, it is bend to the right and vice versa. Take a look at the hub. You will see that the spokes come from the left and from the right. Should your wheel be bent to the right, you will have to tighten the spoke coming from the left side. When it is bent to the right, loosen the right side and tighten the left side (SLIGHTLY! never ever overdo it, as it will decrease durability). Try to tighten not just 1 spoke but also the 2 (or more) spokes next to it. Every small adjustment you make should be evaluated by spinning the wheel. Here it is important to have a keen eye for detail. If you do not have it, try put an object between the brake pad and the rim in order to determine the space between brake pad and rim. Should the object fit on one place, it has to fit the whole 360°. If not, you'll have to do some more straigthening on the spot it does not fit. Just repeat the process over and over again and you will have a straightened wheel.

Buying Spare Parts: Wheel [part 1]


Click here to see the next post that shows you how to fix a bent wheel and change a broken spoke.
Repairing a bike is quite easy as long as you know how to do it and what to look out for when you buy spare parts. A good example of ignorance is when I tried to buy a tube for my back wheel. I bought the wrong size of air valve (too short) and the wrong size of tube itself (wrong diameter). The durability of the tube was extremely low as it only held out 100 km before bursting. Hence it is crucial to buy the highest quality of spare parts and to know which spare parts are needed for your bicycle in particular. The quality and durability is especially important while trekking or traveling long distances. In this post, I will try to explain the steps one ought to take to ensure safe, long lasting and qualitative cycling. I will also share the spare parts that I can recommend based on personal experience and feedback from the cycling community online. If you do care about getting the best prices, you ought to buy your parts from the internet instead of a store, as it is mostly a lot cheaper AND because you can choose between a broader assortment of products.

First I'll give you a list of products that you might need. You will have to read through the tutorials before buying the parts, as you are probably not aware of what is needed and what isn't. Throughout the article I will use the abbreviation [opt.]. It means that it is not a necessity, but it might save you time and nerves if you use it. It won't ensure better quality though. The quality solely depends on your handiness and you using your brain.

A list of spare parts for your bicycle that you might or will need throughout this guide


Click the link or picture to be redirected to the product.

Adjustable wrench repairing a bicycle
Different sizes of adjustable wrenches
An adjustable wrench is needed for all repairments on your bicycle. Most handy (wo)men already have this tool and I presume - as you are reading this - that you have one as well. Dislocating a wheel will be impossible without a wrench unless your thumbs are made out of iron.


Contitube with presta valve replacement
For the Presta valve bicycle tube, you can click the picture or the hyperlink above. This is mostly for racing bikes. Be sure to select the correct size on the website.

bicycletube schrader valve thornresistant
If you need a Schrader air valve (also called 'auto' or 'car' valve), you can buy it here by clicking the blue hyperlink or the picture.
repairkit for fixing your bike
Compact Design 16 in 1 Multi Function Purpose Bike Bicycle Cycling Tyre Repair Tool Kits Complete Set + Mini Portable Pump
I am really, really fond of this neat little product. It has everything you need. You can dislocate the chain, pump, dislocate the wheel and patch your tube. All in one. Another advantage is that you can take it everywhere with you due to the small and compact bag (which you can attach to your bicycle). A must have for a trekker; a nice gadget for the sporadic bicyclist.
bike floor pump to repair or mend
Serfas TCPG Bicycle Floor Pump with pressure meter [opt.]
I have taken a similar floor pump on a trip through Europe. Here is the thing: if you have a pinch flat, it is perfectly possible to travel an estimated 10 km. That is basically my own estimation based on experience. I've had 2 pinch flats in the middle of nowhere and one time I traveled about 20 km, the other time it was only 5. Anyway, if you have to pump your bike every few km, you'll be so happy that you've bought this product. It is a nice item to have at home, as it is just a lot faster and you can really see what the pressure on the tube is. An alternative is to have a hand pump, as seen in the previous repair kit. That is a must-have if you do not have a floor pump with you! You need at least 1 pump.
Continental 28" Road Bike Tyre Sprinter Gatorskin
Continental 28" Road Bike Tyre Sprinter Gatorskin 
This is a tubular tire. It is meant for racing and sprinting and is of very high quality. Not many people need such a tire, but if you need it, this is probably the best you can get and afford.
Biking through europe: biketire high quality

Continental Gatorskin Wire Bead Road Bike Tire [opt.]
A very good high quality tire. You might need it in case your old tire is worn out. That is why I labeled the tire as optional. The on-page description states that it is highly suited for high mileage during the winter.

Now we will start out with parts that have to be replaced quite often.

How to repair or change parts of your wheels

Let's say that the wheel consists of the spokes, air-valve, rim, tire, tube inside the tire, brake and the brake pad (also called the 'shoe'). Every single part can easily be replaced by a spare part, as long as you know where to buy it and how to change parts. Like most things in life, it is easy if you know how to do it.

Replacing your tube/tire and patching your tubes

  1. What do you need to know about your wheels in order to change the tube?

Look up the specifications of the wheel/bike you have. Most of the time, the size is mentioned on the rim in case you have lost/can't find the specifications (700c with 20-50mm width, 26", 27", 28", 29", etc.). You will also have to consider that there are various sorts of tires, albeit that most are of the type 'clincher'.

A clincher tire is a U-shaped tire where the tire and tube are 2 separated from each other, meaning that you can easily change both parts independent of each other.

A tubular tire, also known as a sew-up, sprint or tub, is a type of tire where the tube is attached/sown/glued to the tire. If you have this type, you are probably a fanatic high-performance cyclist and you probably would not need this guidance.

A wired tire is nowadays the same as a clincher type. The wire refers to the the steel wiring in the bead (the outer edge of a tire that clinches to the rim). There used to be a time where clincher types relied only on air pressure to clinch itself to the rim. Nowadays, it also relies on the steel wiring in the bead to attach itself to the rim. All clinchers are wired.

A tubeless tire holds air without having a tube. They are mostly used on mountain bikes, as the chances of the pinch flat are decreased tremendously. A pinch flat is when your inner tube gets punctured, so it is actually impossible to get a pinch flat. However, due to the too much lateral force, it is possible that air escapes the tire.

A solid tire is, as the name might indicate, works without air. I would not recommend this tire for many reasons, one of them being the loss of suspension quality which results in many complaints. In the long term, due to the loss of suspension quality this might be terrible for your spine.
  1. How to change the different types of tubes and tires?

The process of changing tubes and tires does not vary much between the various types. I will start with the conventional type.
    1. How to patch the clincher type:

I have changed many clinchers in my life. In fact, my mother first thought me how to do it. For that reason, I will use her method even though better methods are available.

What do we need: 2 sturdy table spoons [opt.], a wrench, soapy water
[opt.], a spare tube (duh), a repair-kit, a small tub/bucket of water and a pump.
How to change/repair the tube:  Look for a place where you can stabilize your bike and turn it upside down. For your convenience, the bike should be very stable. There is no need to dislocate the wheel. Fact is that dislocating the wheel makes everything a lot easier to handle, but my mother never dislocated it (as she was afraid that she would mess up the gear shift). Dislocate the tire from the rim by hand. If that is not possible, use the table spoons to separate it (with caution, as you might damage the tire). Take out the tube and fill it with air to locate the hole. If the air escapes so fast that it is impossible to inflate it, your tube is beyond repair and you will need to change the tube. If not, you can mend it using your repair kit.

Let's assume that you can actually patch the tube. Locate the whole using the tub/bucket of water. You do this by inflating your tube and holding it under water. If you see bubbles coming to the top, you have found the hole. To ensure that you have only 1 hole, rotate the wheel 360° and hold it under water. Deflate and patch it using glue and a rubber patch. Just follow the instructions of your repair kit and you should be fine. After your patch has dried up, you can put the tube back. I always put the air valve through the hole first and then I pump a little bit of air in the tube. This makes it easier to stuff the tube in the tire. Make sure that the bead is attached to the rim. If you managed to do this, you can fully pump it up and it should be repaired. Wooohoo, you managed to save yourself money and you can even get a flat tire in the middle of nowhere without being totally helpless.

Another scenario might be that your tube is beyond repair. Things might get a bit more complicated, as you will have to dislocate the wheel. If it is your back-wheel and you have a gear-change, you will have to be extremely careful that you know exactly how to put it back.

Dislocate the wheel, remove the tube using the previous steps from the first scenario and take your spare part. Insert it and put everything back in its place. It isn't hard as long as you know how to do it. If it is your first time, make sure to read through the steps a few times. If you need personal assistance, you can contact me per mail and I can give you support through skype. Biking.thru.europe*-at-*gmail.com

The tire itself can also be dislocated by using force. It is important to know the dimension of the wheel. If you do not know what the dimension is, you can easily buy the wrong product. Diameter and width are mentioned in various ways. Try to Google the dimension mentioned on the rim of the wheel and you can be sure that you buy the correct product.
    1. How to change or patch a tubeless type

What do we need: a wrench, soapy water [opt.], a spare tire and a pump.How to change the tire: For this type, you really should not use the spoons, as the bead should never ever be damaged. The sealing of the tire is what holds the air inside. Use soapy water to help you dislocate and relocate the tubeless type. Everything else is basically the same as the clincher type. However, if you still need a tutorial for this type, you can have a look at the PDF file provided by the brand Shimano (click here).
    1. How to patch the tubular type

How to change/repair the tube: Don't. Seriously, don't do it. It is not worth your nerves and time. It is close to impossible and it does not make sense to be honest. You probably use this type to compete in races or in another competitive way and you will greatly decrease the quality of your tire by mending it.
    1. How to patch the solid type

There is no need to patch this. In fact, there is no need to have this type of tire at all, unless you are planning to cycle on shards of glass.