BIKE NOTES- Which kind is best for the TDA?

There is no perfect bike for the Tour D'afrique.

Tour organizers can change the route at will, so what works well one year may not be the hot set up the next. Facts are facts, however, and we encountered many areas where road work was ongoing, often aided by the Chinese. In 2008, over 80% of the riding was on tarmac (paved roads). Some of the tarmac was very rough. Some stretches were littered with huge, bike eating potholes for kilometers at a time. Pavement is pavement however, and you need a bike that cruises comfortably on pavement for days and weeks on end...

Expedition Riders;

Bring a bike you know, and are very comfortable with.

If you bring a mountain bike-
Pick one that is not too heavy

Pick one that has a 'lockout' feature for the front suspension fork, if yours has front shocks.
Bring a selection of good quality tires, from big wide knobby off road tires to a mid range durable on/off road tire to free rolling slicks.


Consider bringing a 'Cyclocross' type bike, which incorporates a wide range of gears on a 'road bike' type frame, but accepts a very wide range of tires for the rough off road sections- this makes for a good all-around bike. You won't have as much 'fun' on the off road sections as the mountain bikers, but you will be far more efficient and miles ahead, with less energy expended, on the pavement- faster, more comfortable,and more efficient.

The above bike is critical if you are a racer.
One racer utilized a very light,fast carbon fiber mountain bike, with front suspension on the 2008 tour.
While he was a gifted rider and very successful in the race (second place overall), his frame did break, necessitating the shipment in of a new frame3/4 off the way through the tour.

The prefer ed bike for overall use is the Specialized brand Cyclocross bike. This is the bike that has won first place in the tour 2 years running. It is a proven design. Light and strong.
Consider this bike first and foremost.

Only bring a mountain bike if you are used to that type of bike and more comfortable on it.
Remember, you will be on your bike for 4 to 7 or 8 hours, daily, depending on how fast you ride, and how many coke stops you take. So you bike must be comfortable, and in excellent working condition.

TIRES

Cyclocross bikes; one set of strong, wide off road tires
two sets of 700 x 28 tough, puncture resistant tires for all conditions
one set 700 x 23 schwalbe stelvio plus tires for smooth tarmac roads

bring tubes for each size, as well as a well stocked patch kit

The common consensus among 2008 TDA riders is that the Schwalbe brand of tires stood up best, lasted the longest, with the least amount of punctures.

Be very careful riding in and out of campsites/lunch stops There are loads of thorns and other spiky vegetation that easily attaches to the rubber of bike tires & causes flats galore, and frustrated riders.

Consider carrying your bike in/out of camp sites.
CHECK your tires for thorns once you get your bike to the road, BEFORE you start riding.
KEEP your tires inflated to the proper recommended pressures.

KEEP your chain clean and lubed, clean your bike daily and check for wear/tear and loose components.

BRING a camel back, but rear racks and backpacks are unnecessary, add extra weight, and often break or rattle loose.

HAVE a great ride, and enjoy the experience of a lifetime!