This is it, my touring bicycle. I have decided to choose all the parts, respectively assembled the bike myself cause of the following three reasons:
- I can choose components that suit my purpose and my kind of journey
- Because I have assembled the bike myself, I know exactly how every part works, regarding later repairs.
- It’s cheaper than buying a complete bike and then having to replace individual parts (at least that was the case with mine)
The bicycle is based on a steel frame by Surly and weighs about 19kg (42 pounds)
Learn more about all the different parts by hovering over / clicking on the cards below.
XXL Cage: Ventura alloy tall cage
The ventura alloy XL bottle cage, another recommendation by Matt & Jasi from PedalPromise. This holder supports PET bottles with up to 1500ml content and fixes the bottles with a strap against wobbling.
Front light: Son Edelux II
A strong LED dynamo front light by manufacturer SON with up to 80 Lux so as a wide beam. There is a connection for the rear light, three different modes (on / of / automatic via sensor) and parking light.
Racks: Tubus Tara & Logo
Another classic! Tubus racks are known as one of the most robust / durable racks on the market. I use a “Tubus Logo” as a rear rack and a “Tubus Tara” as a Lowrider.
In comparison to the similar “Tubus Cargo” rear rack, the panniers are hanging lower on the Logo, which gives you a lower center of gravity.
Rear Hub: Shimano FH T675
As discussed in various forums, the Deore LX rear hubs seems to be a bit more durable than the Deore XT hubs, so I have chosen the FH T675.
Crankset: Shimano FC M591
Deore 3×9-speed (22-32-44) crankset with chainguard & SM-BB52 Hollowtech II bottom bracket.
Tires: Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour
The most used tires in the bicycle touring world. Schwalbe produces the most durable tires and most effective puncture protection belt available for bicycle tires. I have chosen the Marathon Plus Tour 26″x1.75″ tires cause of the deeper profile.
Winter tires: Schwalbe Ice Spiker Pro
Schwalbe Ice spiker pro with 361 spikes for riding on snow covered or icy roads. I bought these tires for my ride through scandinavia in winter time.
Rims: Ryde Andra 30
Ryde / Rigida is known for their sturdy and well made rims. I use Ryde Andra rims, which are built for heavy loads. The Andra 30 rim has a double wall shape, is almost indestructible and has a load capacity up to 180kg per rim.
Smartphone holder: Roam Universal Premium
I bought this smartphone holder due to a recommendation of my friend Matt from Pedal Promise.
My conclusion: A well made holder which is easy to adjust and which fixes the phone very very well! No phone wiggling while driving.
USB Charger: Cycle2Charge V2
Cycle2Charge is a small USB-charger which replaces the stem cap of the Ahead headset and is wired to my SON28 front hub dynamo. With this little device you can charge a phone or any other usb device, respectively a pass-through battery pack while cycling. Works absolutely great!
Grips: Ergon GP1 Biokork
GP1 Ergonimic grips made of kork for an increased grip and against numb fingers.
Spokes: DT Swiss Competition
Very sturdy and cold forged 2.0 / 1.8 spokes by DT Swiss.
Brake Levers: Avid speed dial 7
Linear-pull brake levers for mechanical brakes by Avid / SRAM. These levers are a bit on the heavier side but therefore very robust and easy to adjust.
Headset: ChrisKing noThreadSet
Regarding the headset there was no doubt, a standard ahead ChrisKing headset for sure. Headsets by ChrisKing are definitely not the cheapest but known as the best and most durable on the market.
Rear Light: Buesch+Mueller Toplight plus
Toplight plus rear light by Busch & Müller which is connected to the son edelux II front light. This rear light is very bright and has a parking light up to 4 minutes.
Handlebar: BBB Multibar
I mainly chose a Multibar (aka. Trekkingbar / Butterflybar) cause of the different grip positions. I appreciate to have a second lateral hand position as I’m used to ride drop bars from my road bike. Moreover the upper part of the multibar offers me enough space to attach electronic devices for my bicycle cockpit.
Stem: BBB Highsix Stem
An adjustable stem to find the right cycling position and for fine tuning on the road due to different terrain.
Helmet: Alpina Valparola XC
A good looking and comfortable helmet for my safety from my Sponsor Alpina Sports.
Saddle: Brooks B17
Another bicycle touring classic. A Brooks B17 leather saddle, what else? From day one the most comfortable saddle I’ve ever cycled with.