hmm...lots to look at then! I'll give you all some more details of the journey itself.
I will be cycling down for 6 days, to Burgundy which is about 150 miles south of Paris. I did think cycling from London was a good idea at first but I changed my mind, so Im going to jump on a ferry from Newhaven, on the south coast (of the UK), and cycle from Dieppe. I will be stopping each evening at 6 different towns, where I will have pre-booked a camp site(ooo what fun )
I will be sticking to roads all the time, my friend said we could do some off roading on the way, but I think doing that would just make getting a bike even harder.
Im going to put a pannier bag on either side and one across the top, so I have extra storage. I dont think I will have much of a problem with the extra weight, as Ive got the build to cope!
I have a colleague at work who cycled to Paris last year, and he has set up a 16 week training programme, which, he said, if I stick to I will be perfectly capable of doing the trip.
A few bike dealers have suggested that I look at urban/commuter bikes. As they will enable me to go that bit quicker than a MTB.
Bikes I have looked at:
Saracen Venturer 2
Saracen Venturer 3
Marin Belvadere
Marin Larkspur
Specialized Globe Sport
Specialized Globe Elite
Ridgeback Tempest
Ridgeback Velocity
Ridgeback Cyclone
Out of those above, the Saracen Venturer 3 appeals!
I aint know "rookie"
2006 Ford Mustang 4.6 V8 Premium GT
2008 Chrysler 300C SRT Design
2007 Alfa Romeo Brera 2.2
1972 MG Midget 1275