What would you spend £100 on?

Psycheonabike wrote:

Over shoes? Or what's a good waterproof that will fit in the jersey back pocket......I've only been using some Muddy Fox shorts, how about a good recommendation for some arse saving pants or shorts?

It's a bit concerning that you're thinking about new shorts at this stage. I wouldn't want to be breaking in new shorts at the beginning of a long ride, I'd rather go with something that I'm familiar with, same with jerseys.

If you haven't got a waterproof jacket or gloves, or merino socks. They'd be in my to buy list.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/castelli-superleggera-jacket-1/?lang=en&curr=GBP...

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/scd-100-2-mm-diving-gloves-id_8301094.html?_...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-aeron-light-weight-merino-sock?sku=100335546...

Merino will be comfortable on warm days, when the temp drops and negate the need for overshoes when it gets a bit wet, plus they don't smell too much...

Psycheonabike wrote:

Thanks....

Fortunately we'll have a support vehicle available with some pretty snazzy cycle technicians on hand with all the kit we'll need. Having said that those of us who are maybe a little more experienced will be riding off into the distance at some point. Its there that I might need some of that £100 spending wisely.

 

Coke and hookers it is then...

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

I've riden a fair few tunnels in the Alps and at high speed when there were a couple of crappy sodiums, unless you're going to take a proper light and are able to engage the full beam before you get into the tunnel AND be able to adjust your eyes then it isn't worth it. I've never gone through a forest and thought oh I need a front light, back light maybe if it's a really filthy day but for a general daytime light, it doesn't make any difference whatsoever.

i've been caught in brutal thunderstorms that lasted hours in the Massif Central in June/July, and brought large amounts of foliage down onto the roads. In the Cevennes I've experienced snow and large hailstones on the causses, even in July. A front light is valuable in that sort of circumstance because it helps you to be seen by any oncoming traffic that's insane enough still to be moving.

In that type of circumstance it doesn't matter what you wear, you'll get soaked, so I'd say that a dry set of kit for the next day would be useful, especially if the op has back-up to carry it and to help dry the soaking kit.

This is why I stopped touring in relatively normal clothing and switched to lycra. After the first drenching it took two days for the rain to stop, and to get my kit dry enough to continue.

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

A 'water resistant' jacket , depends what the shop have but you would be really unlucky in June to get bad weather IME so something that could be rolled up to a reasonably small size as a back up. Are you using a pannier, seat or frame bag to carry stuff? 

You could get some overshoes but might be overkill, however if you're riding with no mudguards you can buy a new pair of full sized neoprene jobs on ebay for about £8, I wouldn't bother with toe covers, if it's wet enough to warrant them then you'd be better off with a full sized neoprene overshoe.

Forget the daytime light advice it's absolute pony, it simply will not do anything to enhance safety. Whilst not perfect the French aren't complete bastards when it comes to getting around people on bikes.

I agree with the other things you said, but:

I've had some foul weather in France in summer, so definitely take something at least windproof. Certainly don't underestimate how cold you can get on an alpine downhill, having sweated up the climb.

Neoprene in summer will make your feet boil! Something light-weight would be fine.

Depends where you're riding. I have been glad of daytime lights in the Alps where you can get some long, unlit, tunnels and similarly if you end up in very densely wooded areas.

StraelGuy wrote:

Some decent daytime running lights - a really good rear, especially.

+1 for this.

for £100 I’d get an exposure trace R day bright rear and a cat eye volt 800 up front

then put any leftovers towards a cheap waterproof  jacket that will stuff easily in a jersey pocket