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Non-Thorn Related / Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Last post by mickeg on Today at 06:17:04 PM »
...
It isn't the way I intend to go myself, but it is possible to have a lightweight electric bike. ...

If you have more money than you know what to do with, buy a titanium e-bike.
https://www.zinn.bike/bikes/zinn-custom-bicycles/e-bikes/

The titanium might only cut the weight by a couple pounds compared to steel, but nobody would ever build a titanium bike unless they used a lot of other light weight components so that it actually is a lightweight bike.
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Non-Thorn Related / Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Last post by martinf on Today at 12:32:59 PM »
Im planning to train,bus,cycle travel around northern Portugal and Spain.

Train, bus and cycle. That is something I would do with a Brompton folder. A Brompton isn't as comfortable as a large-wheel bike, but it saves a lot of hassle on public transport. I put mine in an opaque bag and treat it as any other luggage. That way I can use it combined with high-speed trains that don't have bike provision, coaches that refuse ordinary bikes, and even urban buses.

A Brompton can be electrified. But, for my own use, I prefer reducing the weight as much as possible so that the folded bike is easy to carry (on and off buses, up stairs in hotels). When I can no longer do long bike trips starting from home I plan to use buses and coaches more than I do now and cycle shorter distances, so a lightweight folder should make sense for me. My lightweight Brompton (equivalent P-Line) currently weighs a tad over 10 kg, with a few (rather expensive) modifications I reckon I can get the weight down to about 8.5 kg. Adding an electric kit would add about 3.5 kg, so that could be a possibility for train-assisted tours if I ever change my mind.

I have, however, started a projet to build up an electric bike using a bolt-on kit on an old ladies-style mountain bike. Ladies style in case I have problems getting my leg over a diamond frame, old steel frame for strength and durability. To start with, I plan on using it for towing heavy loads with my trailer, later on I will probably need to use it for other things. But only for trips I can do from home without using trains, because the problem with an electric bike is that a motor and battery suitable for towing a heavily laden trailer will add at least 5 kg. On a sturdy utility bike that means at least 22 kg even before counting luggage. I reckon that will be too much to manhandle onto a train when I am older and weaker.

It isn't the way I intend to go myself, but it is possible to have a lightweight electric bike. The British Cytronex company does kits to convert almost any bike to electric assist. These kits are only front-wheel drive and are relatively lightweight. They even say their battery can go on airline flights, but that would need confirmation, regulations sometimes change and would probably vary between airlines.
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Non-Thorn Related / Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Last post by in4 on Today at 08:45:22 AM »
Suggestion:
Ferry to Santander. Few rail options from there for both Spain & Portugal. ChatGPT is quite useful. Citing Valença (Valença do Minho), & Santander → Oviedo/Gijón → Vigo → Valença (Portugal)

However, Vigo is actually the useful interchange. From Vigo you can take the international train to Valença, which takes about 45–50 minutes.

FWIW I’ve used The Algarve Line and found it great for bicycle touring; separate carriage for bikes although you need to get it on board yourself, which might be an issue with a heavy ebike.
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Non-Thorn Related / Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Last post by tyreon on Today at 07:28:33 AM »
I like all the answers given as all make sense.

I've found no easy answer to my question(s)which is why I asked here.

Ive always been fond of walking and cycling tours,but age and fitness and health brings difficulties.

I like to see others cycling or walking on routes. If-before I get a new knee(s) - Im planning to train,bus,cycle travel around northern Portugal and Spain. Sound easy? Well,not so easy when you do the mathematics to make a sensible plan. Buying a ready made tour seems troublesome to me: investigting costs,touring companies,places seems more tiring than just riding a bike ;). I know others can do it. Im justa peculiar guy :)
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Non-Thorn Related / Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Last post by mickeg on August 24, 2026, 11:10:47 PM »
My bike tours, I predominantly am camping in tent sites in campgrounds that lack electrical hookups.  Where are you going to charge the battery every day?

You might be happiest with a guided tour group that provides bikes.  Thus they would have the logistics all taken care of.

Flying with an e bike, even if you do not have a battery for it, some of those bikes are pretty heavy.
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Non-Thorn Related / Re: Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Last post by Andyb1 on August 24, 2026, 09:41:53 PM »
It is not ebikes that airlines don’t like - it is the battery.   One option is to fly your bike out with you without a battery and then buy / hire one at your destination.

Bike hire ……personally best avoided IMHO….unless you are hiring from someone you know
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Non-Thorn Related / Re: Izabella Murtagh Audax
« Last post by in4 on August 24, 2026, 06:01:08 PM »
Thanks Dan, appreciated. Izabella has just completed an impressive Audax in Italy.
Having just done two day rides of 100km & 78 km I'm now selling my Nomad and taking up golf!  ;D
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Non-Thorn Related / Touring abroad with an electric assisted bike
« Last post by tyreon on August 24, 2026, 12:59:23 PM »
I never thought Id get here but here I am exhausted and limited

I moved across from touring abroad on a full frame,to touring with a folding frame bike. Now I find even this too much. Im wondering is anyone here is touring abroad on an electric assist bike,and howsitdone given that flight carriers refuse(?)to accept battery powered bikes on planes.

Do those who require electrical assist bikes now just hire them abroad when wanting to bicycle?

On a related issue: I was in Adelaide and went to hire two bicycles. When I visited where I went to hire  two bikes,the bikes were....crates...bangers,more like those you would find abandoned at a tip. Their hire worked out more expensive than hiring a car that carried four from a local rental car hire firm.

I wonder if others have different experinece or maybe advice
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Bikes For Sale / 1998 BREVET FOR SALE
« Last post by jtaylor on August 24, 2026, 12:14:56 PM »
1998BREVET FOR SALE FRAME NO64.  LA101197  FULL DETAILS ON EBAY
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