The MAGIC of ultralight cyclotouring

Over the years, we have refined our way of traveling as cyclotourers so that it is simple and flexible. Here is the story and the choice of bike and ultralight luggage.
To see the equipment used or our trips, go to freewheels.ca
To subscribe to our KZbin ‘channel': / @freewheels_ca
INDEX
00:00 What is magic about ultralight cyclotouring ?
00:52 Mounting the bike and luggages
01:15 In no time, we start pedalling
02:04 Who are we ?
02:37 What problem to solve ?
03:27 Discovery of the ideal folding bike
04:31 How to reduce luggage to the minimum
05:08 Description of what's in the panniers
07:57 Equipment on the handlebar
08:43 How we tested the equipment
09:03 Conclusion
#cyclotourisme #voyager #voyagerautrement #biketrip #biketrips #biketour #bikelife #bikeride #cycling #travel #adventure #bikepacking #cyclotips #vélo #bicycle #bicyclelight #fahrrad #bike #bikes #cycle #foldingbike #ultralight #ultralightgear #documentary #innovation #eurovelo #gps #garmin

[@catasaciova2722]

This is my dream bike with all my dream accessories.. You have shown me the way forwards.. Many thanks

[@pepibon28]

I will start saving money for a bike like yours! 😃

[@play150]

Amazing amazing set up, so efficient!!

[@pyrkol]

Thank you for sharing, quite the solution!

[@Freewheels_ca]

Definitely ! We always say that the best equipment is the one we forget about while we travel so that we can focus 100% on the activity.

[@JamesCorbett]

Very informative, thank you.

[@joshhhab]

Thank you Sir!🥰👍

[@JohnMFlores]

Very good video! Subscribed. Interested in hearing more about your Helix experience, as I am aware that the gestation period for the bike was much longer than expected. It does look great though!

[@Freewheels_ca]

The Helix bike is really great: comfortable like a full size bike, reliable, light and it fits in a suitcase. To know more about our equipment and trips, you are welcome to visit freewheels.ca. I will also be happy to answer any questions you have.

[@KokoroKompass]

Very well shot video! I’m travelling with a brompton right now, not quite biketouring, but just enjoying biking around my local area wherever I travel. I will try bike touring in the future! I’m surprised you were able to fit the helix in a suitcase, even my brompton doesn’t fit into one! I wish the helix could turn into a shopping cart too, that’s my favourite feature on the brompton haha.

[@Freewheels_ca]

Thanks for the nice comment. And yes, the Helix can fit in a suitcase, here is the demo how it is done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4O2dpuGgcd1psU. Enjoy !

[@longlivetheclash]

I have the suitcase that the Brompton fits.

[@sitoudien9816]

I'm surprised you didn't discover folding bikes much earlier. Dahon and Brompton have been around nearly 50 years.

[@Freewheels_ca]

I effectively knew about them for many years but I never considered them satisfactory for our touring needs. We needed bigger wheels and more gears for climbing.

[@mwohlgemuth]

Saw you and your bikes in Bari Centrale on the weekend I think. Bon voyage!

[@Freewheels_ca]

No kidding, we were effectively taking the Bari-Rome train on Saturday morning. Let’s say Hello next time 😊

[@ggregory2031]

This is wonderful! Thank you for all of this good information! After we spoke, I purchased a Helix. You really helped make my decision. What rear rack do you prefer?

[@Freewheels_ca]

This is so exciting, I am sure that you’ll love it. We just came back from Sicily and Apulia and the bikes were awesome and so practical in the multiple public transportations that we took. I recommend the new Helix rear rack which should be available very soon. I talked to the Helix team yesterday and they were assembling the sample before going in production. Also, the production of the suitcase has started. Enjoy!

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

Oh, I really like this bike. I'd prefer front panniers and a backpack on the rear rack, but I can see why this doesn't have that option lol. So looking between this and a New World Tourist, I think. This folding mechanism is way more manageable than Bike Friday's, but I also don't need to fold it up that much. Tradeoffs are the name of the game in folding bikes I guess.

[@Freewheels_ca]

Thanks for your comment. Another Helix cyclist have found a rack that goes on the left fork with a pannier. I found it unbalanced but it works. During this trip in southernItaly, we have taken several public transport to get to the starting point of our itinerary, and the speed of folding was really appreciated, when they announce your train gate 5 min in advance. We really love those bikes, confortable, stable and versatile.

[@kamluun]

Thanks for sharing Alan! Please tell me the model of handle bar bag, luggage rack and travel case.

[@Freewheels_ca]

Sure, you can get all the equipment list in this PDF: drive.google.com/file/d/1VnqMrcmr1dveCTzN0_VGDw_dU8Qq1AYt/view?usp=share_link The rear rack is an Helix prototype, a new one should be made available in this winter according to the Helix team. Enjoy !

[@davidhunternyc1]

Hello. How are you liking your Helixes? I'm sure you're aware of the new Brompton T-Line. I'm in the market for a folding bike. I'd either like to get a Helix or Brompton T-Line but I'm very confused. The Helix is newer, faster, stealthy, and ingenious. The Brompton is proven with a store here in NYC for tune-ups and repairs. Your expertise is appreciated. Thank you.

[@Freewheels_ca]

We are doing our 3rd long trip with the Helix and I confirm that they are amazing for riding with luggages on any surfaces and for long days. The 24” wheels is in my opinion a must for cyclotouring. Be aware however that the ‘production’ rear rack will only be available in the very near future, we have been using prototypes. Currently, you can only buy the Helix online but I think they consider adding a distribution channel. Also, customization of accessories is easier on Helix, see their website if interested. We had one required adjustment in 2 years, we sent it to Toronto at no cost for us. If you are mostly commuting, the Brompton T-line would also be a great option, proven bikes with a huge network.

[@vigorousera]

@@Freewheels_ca Really glad to hear this. I've done several tours with a Brompton & trailer but find their small wheels to be a significant disadvantage whenever I encounter a hill or a headwind; there's nothing quite as demoralizing as having to ride in your lowest gear on flat ground, and I've had to get off and push on steeper hills. I've been looking at the Helix as a new option for touring as I think its wheel size could help tremendously with climbing, but there's so few "real world" reviews of it out there. I appreciate reading all your comments here!

[@alainlapierre9850]

It is true that the 24'' wheels make our ride very confortables and we feel totally safe even when speeding downhill at 50km/h with luggages. The gear ration is also excellent with the 9 to 34 cassette at the back. We can climb hills up to 17% without problems even with the load. When I reviewed the folding bikes, I never found a 24'' wheel bike that could pack so small in a luggage, just at the limit of the airlines regulations (62'' for the 3 axis of the luggage). You are not the first one who ask for an Helix review, I am considering doing it but not before next year, I still need to finish our last trip video on the Danube. @@vigorousera

[@igorvydmysh2947]

It would be nice if you could just rent a touring bike with normal 28-29 wheels in any country. They don't have to be as expensive as yours, but due to bigger wheels would ride better.

[@Wolfloid]

The one thing you do not show us is the folding rear rack. This interests me, since it does not seem to viewable on the Helix site, and I have hesitated about the bike because of that. Is it from Helix, or did you find your own solution? A short, close up video featuring the rear rack would very much interest me.

[@Freewheels_ca]

Hello Robert ! I have been testing 2 rear racks prototypes with the Helix team and we are now settling on the final rack to be in production this summer. So stay tuned, the rear rack and integrated fender should soon come available.

[@TapioBlue]

Helix caught my eye when I first stumbled across it's development. It would be the ultimate bike rafting adventure unit. I would love to make a promo video for them about this.

[@randyholloway920]

Helix has a lot if issues, mainly because of the folding mechanism. It’s proprietary and strange so you’ll need to ship back to Helix for any repairs. Your local bike shop will likely not touch it. That mechanism is internal and overly complicated. If you try an dismantle it yourself, you’ll likely screw it up since there are no drawings available and you probably don’t have X-Ray vision. Another problem is that the frame geometry shown in their website has a lot of measurement errors. Caution, if you are on the lowere or higher end of the height range they claim the bike will fit, well , it actually probably won’t. For example, their bottom bracket height measurement is aff by almost 1.5”, which is quite significant for shorter riders. This make the bike really uncomfortable every time you need to stop and put your foot down. There are other Ti folders to look at.

[@nikondgo]

Nicely organized and executed! I came to similar conclusions during my touring in Europe a few years back with a folding bike - it's not easy getting on a train with too many pieces of luggage... so the max would be two panniers in one hand, the bike in the other and a third piece through the shoulder or a backpack. As mine is a 20" folder, I am considering a large saddle bag and a large front pack, possibly backpack which will make things even easier. I have a question though: Do you have any additional luggage insurance? If you claim there's a bike in the suitcase they charge additional fee for sports equipment. If you don't and it gets lost you get only limited standard amount which would cover, say a third of the value of a bike like this. And last year if you only saw the piles upon piles of luggage in Toronto Pearson thrown from the belts... Just about anybody I know had lost luggage, some of which was never recovered.

[@Freewheels_ca]

Happy to hear about your folding bike experience. We check-in our bike as regular luggage to avoid additional fees pn each flight and we have an insurance extension to our house insurance specifically for the full cost of our bikes, it is much cheaper this way. For more details about luggages, you can look at our other videos in the Equipment menu of freewheels.ca. Enjoy !

[@MrBelongings]

I ride with my gf all the time. We have done two centuries in the states so far, pmus many shorter trips. Always nice t see an inspirational couple. What is the back rack that you use for your bike?

[@Freewheels_ca]

The backrack is a prototype made the Helix team and the commercial version will be available this quarter on helix.ca Thanks for the nice comments.

[@denysleclaire5186]

Bravo les québécois. Super vidéo à partager. très intéressante façon de voyager avec minimum de bagages. Une question: rien pour cuisiner en chemin?

[@Freewheels_ca]

Pendant des années, on transportait réchaud et gamelle mais plus maintenant. Les réchauds ne passe plus la sécurité des aéroports, ça fait 2 fois qu'on les perds. On a seulement des bols, ustensiles et tasses. On prend un petit dej sans cuisson (banane, céréales), on arrête pour un café en route, on va à l'épicerie pour un repas froid et on prend un repas au restaurant. S'il n'y a pas de services, on transporte de la nourriture pour 1 ou 2 journées, mais sans cuisson. Et ça nous plait beaucoup...

[@winpetty4093]

Et comment avez vous reussi a porter un couteau suisse?@@Freewheels_ca

[@Freewheels_ca]

@@winpetty4093 dans le bagage enregistré.

[@cowrevenge]

Can you tell me more about the train cover bag you are using?

[@Freewheels_ca]

We are simply using reinforced garbage bags used on construction sites. We found those in our hardware store (rona.ca) in Quebec city.

[@CC-wh1bv]

Thanks for sharing such a wonderful video. You have inspired me. I like your bike rack solutions, especially the foldable rear rack. Can share where you get them?

[@Freewheels_ca]

Sincere thanks for your nice comments. This rack was made by Helix as the 1st prototype. A different design has been done for the second prototype which is easier to use, we have tested in Greece and now on the Danube. It should be commercially available by Helix very soon. Check the site regularly.

[@Freewheels_ca]

Oh! The site is helix.ca

[@CC-wh1bv]

Sure, I will keep a look out for it. I would love to test it out for Helix if they need more reviewers :) ... thanks

[@alainlapierre9850]

Then I suggest you share your proposal with the Helix team.

[@andrewcrabb1786]

Nice! I have a Helix, the rack will really expand its capabilities.

[@funguy2627]

Do you have the direct link for the folding bike list. I couldn't find it on google

[@Freewheels_ca]

I just realized that thefoldingcyclist.com site has been merged into a new site last month. Here is the new site and the explanation: www.foldingbikeguy.com/press-release-foldingcyclist-merge-foldingbikeguy/

[@filogullariemek1291]

Hey Alain, enjoying your nice and instructive videos from Seville/Spain! Just ordered a Helix bike. Could you please tell me the size of your panniers? There are 12.5L, 17.5L and 22.5L

[@Freewheels_ca]

That is so cool. You will also need a rear rack and the Helix rack should be commercially available next month. For the panniers, I have the 22.5L and Lucie has the 17.5L. By the way, I have listed all our equipment in this document, available on our site (freewheels.ca), here it is: drive.google.com/file/d/1VnqMrcmr1dveCTzN0_VGDw_dU8Qq1AYt/view?usp=share_link

[@filogullariemek1291]

Wow, thank you so much Alain for the detailed info. You definately have created a whole new modality of foldable lightweight cyclotouring!!! @@Freewheels_ca

[@filogullariemek1291]

I also found those which you can convert into a backpack. What you recommend them (especially the lower inside part facing the wheel) for cyclotouring?@@Freewheels_ca

[@rodneyau4884]

Hi, could you let me know more about the details of your panier rack? I am getting a Helix as well.

[@Freewheels_ca]

We have been using prototypes of the upcoming rear rack. The commercial availability is scheduled for this march-april timeframe.

[@Freewheels_ca]

This is really exciting, I am sure you’ll love it. A suitcase is also coming tios spring

[@gdwlaw5549]

Hi, I cannot find the folding bike index website? Thanks

[@DiskTuna]

I had same problem, use wayback machine, site still existed 2023.

[@RavelloBikes]

Really nice video, but there is no way bike and all the gear fits in a 62" (max size)/ non oversized suitcase, right? Hopefully the airlines don't have a tape measure handily when you check in. Where do you store your suitcases while you are out touring???

[@Freewheels_ca]

Yes, the suitcase is 62” if we exclude the little wheels. In any case, they just check the weight at the airports. I have a video showing it, but in french, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/i17YdZ5jabCLosk

[@Freewheels_ca]

I forgot about the suitcase question. In the city of arrival, we book an hotel for one night and leave our suitcase in the luggage room for the duration of the trip.

[@TheHuxely]

Hello, what would you do with the suitcase containing the bike after the flight?

[@Freewheels_ca]

We take one night in an hotel on arrival and leave our suitcases in their luggage room during our trip.

[@TheHuxely]

@@Freewheels_ca thanks!

[@TheHuxely]

@@Freewheels_ca cool thanks! Have you ever tried as carry-on?

[@Freewheels_ca]

Our suitcase containing the folding bike and our camping gear is way too big for a carry-on, it is in fact the maximum size and weight of the checked-in luggage. See our videos at freewheels.ca in the menu 'Equipment' to see the details. @@TheHuxely

[@Beng12952]

Hello, do you find these bikes to be completely rigid and stiff when riding with panniers, or does the titanium have some flex?

[@Freewheels_ca]

We find the titanium offering a good balance between comfort and feeling safe on a solid bike. We have ridden up to 100 km in a day without comfort issues. I went down hills at 55km/h with panniers and felt totally confident.

[@Beng12952]

@@Freewheels_ca Ah that’s great to hear. I didn’t explain my question too well though, I was referring more to their luggage carrying ability. Do you find they wobble around at all with the weight of the panniers, ie when standing on the pedals, climbing a hill?

[@Freewheels_ca]

@@Beng12952 oh I see ! In fact, at very low speed, which happens when climbing, they do wobble a little. I wasn’t sure however if it was related to our setup where we have only one handlebar bag at the front, and therefore not enough weight , or if it was related to the titanium frame. In any case, i make sure to sit as far back as possible and it stops wobbling. It is not a nuisance.

[@Beng12952]

@@Freewheels_ca I think most bikes not designed for touring would suffer from this to varying degrees. I once had an old steel framed Raleigh and experienced dangerous speed wobbles while descending fully-loaded with 4 panniers and a handlebar bag. It wobbled around like a limp noodle going uphill. Not an experience I aim to revisit! A higher degree of strength in a frame is needed to resist these side-to-side forces and that normally comes at the cost of weight, and conversely with lower weight coming at the cost of luggage capacity. Sounds as though your experience is nowhere near as extreme as mine though which is reassuring.

[@jotsingh8917]

Where did he leave the luggage bags?

[@Freewheels_ca]

We reserve a room in an hotel in the city where we land and we leave our suitcases in their luggage room for the duration of our trip. We take them back the day before returning home. They normally keep our suitcases for free.

[@JohnMFlores]

Hi, are you sponsored or supported by Helix in any way?

[@Freewheels_ca]

Hi ! We do not have any official sponsorship agreement but I would say that we have an excellent customer support. When we bought our 2 Helix ultralight, there was no 'cyclotourists' accessories available. So, I offered my help for providing specifications based on our cyclotourist experience and for testing prototypes. We did test the 'rear rack' prototypes so far. Why are you asking ?

[@JohnMFlores]

Thanks for your timely response, ​@@Freewheels_ca. I am asking because other people on bicycle forums are suspecting that you are

[@motherlove8366]

@@Freewheels_ca That's awesome honestly, lack of fenders and rack is one of the biggest downsides of the Helix as a commuter bike

[@Freewheels_ca]

@@motherlove8366i agree but it should be available very soon…

[@baptistebos69]

Superbe vidéo, ça fait rêver ! Pensez-vous qu’un vélo de la marque Birdy (comme le Birdy GT : kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5-np4qvja6posUsi=Et_2BF9dbOdBl_4X, ou version Rohloff : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpqrmaOkadR_o6ssi=CB1qbttUTtv0msKP) doté certes de roues de 18 pouces mais surtout de suspensions avant et arrière, peut être une bonne alternative si ce n’est une meilleure alternative au vélo helix en terme de confort pour votre pratique sur terrains variés ? A ma connaissance il existe aussi pas mal d’option en termes de rack et bagages

[@ha5mth]

Very nice… less is more