[foxy mars]

Well done and I'm sure you will enjoy what is a really good leisure sport.

I've done Cycle-Touring for 30 years now and had a full spec touring bike namely a Carlton Corsair, a lovely bike it was, now gone. But have now got a more high spec touring bike called "Kara-Kum" made by Dawes, I got it for cycling-camping as to carry the heavy luggage which consists of rear/front panniers and bar-bags.

Anyway getting to what you want to know, cycling gear is a minefield. The more money spend the better the product, it makes sense to me. I have the Ortlieb front and back panniers and have just got a Carradice Carradura barbag.

But, getting to the question. Is what type of touring would you be doing.....is it camping or youth hostel, maybe bed and breakfast/hotels.

My pannier racks are Bor Yueh and are esq for heavy loads such as camping gear, however the Blackburns are ok, but I think for more money spent, the Tubus are the best, which in time I will be getting for 2011.

If you were to say, do hostelling or b&b in that respect. Then a pair of rear panniers and a bar-bag would be ideal for that use, for camping, a pair of front panniers is a must.

I think the cheap panniers are false economy and to spend a bit more cash on a better product say like Ortieb or Carradice is in the long term, is better value for money. The Ortlieb panniers are a bit expensive, but are 100% waterproof, no need for outer cover's. The Carradice panniers are more affordable and are really well made and in Chorley, Lancs.

All the cycling products have increased in price, due to the euro and the weakness of the pound. But, if are to do cycle-touring in a big way, then that is it, I'm afraid.

The best advice I can give you, is join the CTC forum or have a browse on it. I'm on it and am sure 100% advice will be answered for you, like I said earlier it's a minefield for products. On a last note, I can recommend the Carradice Carradura bar-bag. Bike-Plus have them on a special offer.

Hope all this helps and I'm sure once you are set up - the whole cycle-touring thing will be a delight, try the Yorkshire Dales or the North Pennines area or better still the Lake District. All grand stuff, enjoy yourself.