Thorn Cycles Forum
Community => Member's Gallery => Topic started by: dereksheph on February 28, 2017, 09:35:50 pm
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Here's most of my kit for the upcomng RTW trip (photos attached). All that's missing are my Galaxy S6 phone/camera ,clothes and food items. Any comments and or advice gratefully received. This is my first major exped and my other half Linda is also coming.
Rab Neutrino Endurance 600, Exped Downmat7, MSR Hubba Hubba, MSR Gear shed, combination bike lock, Gerber knife, chain lock, MSR whisperlight multifuel stove, fuel bottles, travel towel, toilet roll, medical kit, toolkit, tyre pump, mug, cooking pots and utensils, Garmin Edge Touring Plus, Xtar battery charger, Ravpower battery, Cinq cache battery, Anker 15W solar power unit, tyre patches, chain breaker, duct tape, grease, multi tool, chain whip, Marathon Dureme 2" folding tyre, Altura barbag, highspeed 4port USB hub, Eneloop rechargeable batteries, cable ties, screwdrivers, chainring tool, eccentric bracket tool, chain links, sprocket removal tool, kindle, Ortleib Classic Roller panniers, Petzl headtorch, batteries, Steripen, wind-up radio and torch, firesteel, Alpkit 30l rucksac/rackpack. Alpkit Rig7 tarp as undersheet. Oh, and instead of a click-stand I'm using a £2 fishing rod stand slung under the top tube :)
Cheers, Derek
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Glad you picked an easy trip for your first major tour. An impressive list of kit, you seem to have covered all eventualities. You might want to get a stronger lock to protect your stuff.
Bob
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epic stuff what an adventure ,you guys are certainly togged out well for this trip.best of luck enjoy and stay safe. ;)
jags.
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Nice kit.
I especially like the duel use if that last item.
Prop the bike up and then a spot if fishing.
Oh no. That won't work.
Lean bike against tree and then fish.
Sorted.
😉
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Glad you picked an easy trip for your first major tourist. An impressive list of kit, you seem to have covered all eventualities. You might want to get a stronger lock to protect your stuff.
Bob
Any suggestions for a lock ? Ta.
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We're having v major problems insuring get the bikes for this trip .... does anyone know of any or best deals ?
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hang on i'll see if my buddy is up . he done rtw few years back on his nomd.
just sent him a pm on facebook if i hear anything i'll let you know. ;)
jags
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https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/accessorieslocks/abus-bordo-6000-lock/
This is a good quality lock and you can fit it anywhere on the bike. A bit expensive but worth it.
Bob
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its been 7 years since my buddy done that trip ,he said a lot would have changed in that time insurance wise.sorry not much help .
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this was Aidan India he got a loan of a motorbike 5500 mt to the top mad place.
?v=WJTwSM9hhuoww.youtube.com/w
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i just googled "bicycle insurance tour" and got a load of results
on the bike lock, it might be better waiting till you find out about your insurance before buying, as the site i looked at had specific requirements about the locks they consider safe/coverable
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Do you have some chain lube? Waterproof cover for your saddle? Spare bolts and nuts, both M5 and M6? Make sure one bolt is the right size to replace a seatpost bolt. Spare cables (one shifter, one rear brake)? Spare spokes and nipples? I think I saw one tube, I prefer two spare tubes? USB charger and cables that will work on all world voltages from 100 to 240v, plus maybe an adapter for where you will be during the next few months? Do you have whatever you need to get your photos off your camera and onto an backup memory device or memory card? Clothesline and a few clothes pins? I like to carry some 100 ml squeeze bottles for liquid laundry soap so I can do laundry in a sink. And a flat drain stopper that will work on almost all sink drains because a lot of campgrounds do not have drain stoppers. I do not know how you are lighting your stove, but I use a liquid fuel lighter (Zippo brand) that I use Coleman fuel in it, carry several spare flints for it. I am not sure what you are using for skewers, for touring I prefer a bolt on type instead of quick release because I am afraid most thieves are opportunists and a skewer that uses a 5mm allen wrench instead of quick release might slow someone down enough that I do not lose the bike or a wheel, I use Halo XL bolt on skewers. Spoke wrench, and do you have the knowledge on how to use a spoke wrench?
With two of you, I assume a second bike. Do you have a pump and what you need for a flat on each bike? Multi-tool on each bike? There may be times that you are separated and you would want to have what you need on each bike for a flat or two.
I see you have a gear shed for your tent. If you might want to heat water on a stove in it during inclement weather, a stove that runs on a Butane/Isobutane/Propane mix would be much safer than a liquid fuel stove because it is less likely to flare up. I am not suggesting replacing the liquid fuel stove, I think that is a must. But a second stove that will run on a canister may come in handy.
Will your tablet work on the internet where you have wifi? If not, is your phone your only communication device, or will each of you have a phone?
Good luck.
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I would suggest taking a look at Page 21 of Thorn designer Andy Blance's _Living With A Rohloff Hub_ publication for a suggested list of tools and repair spares to match against yours:
http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/ThornLivingWithARohloff.pdf
My personal recommendation for tools for touring
with Thorn Rohloff equipped bike - Andy Blance 1 May 2016
Thorn tool as supplied with bike (adjusts eccentric and
removes pedals. With S&S bikes the tool supplied also incorporates
the coupling tool)
2mm Allen Key. For securing cables into bayonet or pulley wheel.
2.5mm AK (Only required if you have the old triangular shifter)
3mm AK
4mm AK
5mm AK
Sliding T bar for ¼" socket - a good quality item will last a lifetime.
8mm socket
Adaptor for bits
Torx TX 20 bit
6mm AK bit
8mm AK bit (Only required if you have square taper cranks with 8mm socket-head
nuts. Make this from short section of 8mm AK and use with 8mm socket.)
Various screwdriver bits (flat and X head)
Chain tool
Spoke key - IMPORTANT - buy the absolute best quality you can find, or you
will do more harm than good!
Lightweight slip-jaw pliers.
Triangular needle file.
Spare tube
Puncture repair kit inc talc or French chalk
Tyre levers
Pump
Pressure gauge - not a digital one -
it doesn’t need to be accurate but it does need to be consistent.
For extended touring
Tools to remove or tighten crank.
Spare brake pads
Rohloff sprocket removal tool 8501 NOT NEEDED FOR SPLINED SPROCKET
only required if you have the old style screw on sprockets.
Spare sprocket.
Grease
Chain lube
Chain links
Spare Chain and quick links - necessary for KMC Rohloff chain.
Spare spoke nipples and Spare spokes
Rapid Araldite
Super glue
Soft garden wire
Small sharp blade.
Scissors
Canvas needle and waxed thread.
Spare screws, including a chain ring bolt.
120mm long section of lightweight tyre, with bead removed and tread
sanded smooth. This can be used to mend a split tyre.
Spare gear cables, already cut to correct length, with ends silvered,
to prevent fraying.
Oil change kit 8410 - if you’re lucky, you may need several!
For internal gear cables only - e.g. The RAVEN, RT and RST
One of the following should be taken - depending on user ability:-
Spare hub cables 8271. I’d take 2 sets in case I messed one up.
Or Easy cable set 8573 (only for hubs after serial 25300)
or Quick change axle ring 8272.
You should also consider whether you need:_
Avid cable operated rear disc brake requires Torx TX 25 bit.
A roll of US$ one dollar bills - almost everyone will accept these.
A dummy wallet for muggers, with pre-stopped credit cards and lots
of high denomination (but low value) bills, in various currencies - a
friend’s hot tip - along with the US$1000 dollar bill in the seat post!
Fiona and I don’t take either - we strenuously avoid travelling to any
places where we may need them! -- Andy Blance
For an updated visual guide of Andy's touring tool recommendations, see pages 68-69 of the latest Thorn Mega Brochure:
http://www.sjscycles.com/thornpdf/THORN_MEGA_BROCHURE.pdf
I echo the comment to go with a more secure lock. A combination lock can be picked very quickly and a cable can be easily cut. My own touring solution includes a frame-mounted ring-lock with a plug-in 8mm chain sometimes augmented by a good U-lock, depending on location and risk/need (I live in an area where the risk of theft is extremely high).
All best wishes for a successful, happy tour filled with all the right kinds of Adventure,
Dan.
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For water filtration / purification I use one of these.....
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sawyer-Products-SP105-Filtration-System/dp/B00TOX6UM6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1488361692&sr=8-4&keywords=water+purification (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sawyer-Products-SP105-Filtration-System/dp/B00TOX6UM6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1488361692&sr=8-4&keywords=water+purification)
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Sounds like an adventure. I have used an Exped Downmat 7 and MSR Hubba Hubba on my tours (though I found I did not use the Gear Shed as much as I thought I would in warm conditions. Probably very useful in cold/wet climates.
Like Dan I would advise a wheel/frame lock and plug-in chain. There are a few makes but I like the AXA Solid Plus with a steel plug-in chain.
Another very useful item is a cargo net. It acts as a bit of a deterrent against luggage theft, and you can stick wet and smelly clothing (also a deterrent!) under it to dry/air.
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/luggage/topeak-cargo-net/
I think insurance will be a problem. I would only get health/repatriation insurance in western countries that have high medical costs. As for bike insurance, good locks and never letting them out of your site will be your insurance.
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Just received an Abus Granit X plus 540 300mm Dock from a friend as payment for work done. Looks very solid...if a little heavy. Good reviews though. Nice 😊
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Any suggestions for a lock ? Ta.
If I were you I would take a long cable (KryptoFlex 710 Double Loop Cable) and a good medium size padlock (Abloy 330). This configuration will allow you to lock the bike to any fixed object (trees, fences, rails,...) and at the same time securing the front wheel, frame, saddle and rear wheel (make a slip knot with one of the ends of the cable to secure the front wheel, pass the other end of the cable through the frame, saddle rails, a fixed object, and secure the rear wheel with the other end of the cable and the padlock). This configuration also allow you to secure the frame and pass the cable inside your tent when you are in dodgy camping sites.
In developing countries is difficult to find bike racks so u-locks and other small lock devices are useless.
Can someone cut through a KryptoFlex 710 Double Loop Cable using a bolt cutter?, yes, absolutely, with ease. Rural areas are problably the safest places across the world, but keep a close eye when you are in towns.
Do not leave your bike unattended at anytime, take it with you to your accommodation whenever you can. Take it inside the supermaker when you are shopping, or with your pal outside the shop when you are in. If you are constantly aware that someone can pinch the bike at anytime your bike will be ok.
Have a save trip.
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A couple more comments in addition to the ones I made above.
I see you have a handlebar bag. Good plan. I keep all my valuables in a handlebar bag or in my pocket. When I go in stores, restaurants, or leave the bike for any other reason, the handlebar bag becomes a shoulder bag and stays with me.
I carry a small one ounce squeeze bottle of chlorine bleach. Theoretically if you have clear but potentially contaminated water, 2 drops per liter should be enough to disinfect it. I prefer to rely on a filter, but I carry the chlorine as a backup. And filters might not be adequate for viruses where chlorine is. I am in USA, thus the source I am citing for chlorine bleach is from USA.
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/emergency-disinfection-drinking-water
I do not have the experience with the Steripen that others have, so I can't comment on that. I own one but never used it as the trip I bought it for, I always found tap water.
I had to attach a photo (partially for the humor of it) that I took last week of my friends bike when we were on a bike tour. He has a Titanium frame, expensive Phil hubs front and rear, lots of expensive carbon like a carbon fork, and to bring his bike up to full touring weight he carries a chain that he thinks will be adequate for the task.
ADDENDUM ADDED A FEW HOURS LATER
In some countries, bags are not provided when shopping, you are expected to bring your own. Some small lightweight folding bags can come in very handy for grocery store visits, etc.
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As ever, overwhelmed with the generosity of spirit and sound advice on this forum. Many thanks. Lots of great tips and ideas. I'm looking forward to the steepness of the learning curve. There's a lot of kit - especially mech tools that I don't have experience with as I've not undertaken such a long trip before. I've always bought the best kit I could afford and been lucky (?) not to have encountered any major dramas.....yet. Fortunately, I'm fairly good with my hands and a lifetime of repairing my own kit suggests I'll be OK. I'd like to do a diary of the trip, blog etc but have no clue as to where to start. Thinking about starting a Facebook account solely for the trip and uploading photos and blurb on a semi regular basis. I definitely do not do complicated or involved internet stuff...just the very basics.
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I'd like to do a diary of the trip, blog etc but have no clue as to where to start. Thinking about starting a Facebook account solely for the trip and uploading photos and blurb on a semi regular basis. I definitely do not do complicated or involved internet stuff...just the very basics.
Derek, occasional posts and photos here will be very welcome!
Also, a number of us post our stories on www.crazyguyonabike.com (http://www.crazyguyonabike.com) It's pretty straightforward. (Some of us, like me, are more basic still, writing our stories with pen(cil) & paper, and post after the fact.)
Enjoy your great adventure!
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Agree with Saxby, Crazy Guy on a Bike is a very good place to post trip reports. And you can give your friends the link once you start one so they can keep track of what you are doing. Some people have their own website, but I think they try to get advertising revenue. The Crazy Guy site is not that user friendly, but many of us go to that site first when trying to research a location that we have not traveled before. My last two trips, I first researched the locations on the Crazy Guy site to see what others had to say.
I do not know if you know how to true up a wheel with a spoke wrench or not. If not, I really think you should find a bike mechanic and ask them to teach you to true up a wheel with a spoke wrench. And I think you should carry the spoke wrench you need for your size spoke nipples, there are different sizes. Then if you break a spoke you know what to do. I noted above you should carry spare spokes. The rear wheel spokes are more important to carry than the front because they take a greater load and the rear spokes are a very unusual length that a lot of bike shops will not have in inventory.
Many other tasks, such as oil changes for the Rohloff, cable replacement for the Rohloff, etc., can be learned from you tube videos, those tasks can be learned later. The Thorn video for oil changes is quite good, even though my Nomad is 4 years old, I still watch that video before I change the oil to remind myself of the process since I only do an oil change once a year.
From what I saw, it looked like you had every tool you may need, but just to make sure you might want to look at your bike with your multi-tool in hand and make sure that everything on the bike has a matching tool. The odds are that you do not have a T20 wrench, that is needed to replace the Rohloff cables and also to remove the shifter from the handlebar. Thus, you should get one if you do not have one. (I am assuming that Rohloff has not changed their bolts since my hub was built.)
That said, there are a few tools that I think nobody carries on a bike, such as the tools to remove a bottom bracket, as if you need a bottom bracket you will likely be at a bike shop so they can provide that tool. Crank arm puller, I do not carry one of those on my Thorn Sherpa when touring because if I have to remove a crank arm I will probably be at a bike shop. You said you have a chain whip, but that would be on my list of tools to leave at home for the same reason. A bike shop however might not have the special Rohloff tool to remove the sprocket, so that tool should be carried.
You said nothing about your touring partner's bike. The two of you will only go as fast as the slowest rider, the two of you will only only enjoy the trip if both bikes work well. So, everything I said about your bike applies to the other bike too.
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Hi
This book might help you. There are lots of good tips and hints.https://books.travellingtwo.com/downloads/bike-touring-survival-guide-ebook/
Stay safe and enjoy yourselves.
Janet