In this video, I go through my bicycle setup for bikepacking and bike touring and talk about what makes a good bike for going out on bike trips. It can be difficult to know how to choose a bike for bikepacking, as there are so many choices, but this video should be useful for both beginners and advanced riders. I run through my complete set of component choices and offer several tips and tricks for improving your bike setup, making it more capable, reliable, and comfortable.
I've been cycling around the world since 2015, covering around 75,000 kilometres (46,000 miles) through 71 countries. In that time I've had three different bicycles, but my current bike is by far my favourite. See below for the full list of specifications, and check the various links for more information.
*** If you would like more help with any aspect of bikepacking, I do offer a consulting/coaching service, generally on a 1 to 1 basis. For more information: https://www.tristanridley.com/help
For a full review of my bike, its component choices, and more thoughts on what to look for in a bike for bikepacking: https://www.tristanridley.com/post/outback
Bicycle Frame: Tout Terrain Outback Explore 29: https://tout-terrain.de/en/the-products/bicycles/x.over/outback/324/outback-xplore-29
Drivetrain: Pinion C.12 Gearbox, 1:1 gear ratio (32/32) https://pinion.eu/en/c-line/
Belt: Gates 115t CDX Carbon Belt Drive https://www.gatescarbondrive.com/products/belts/115t-cdx
Fork: Fox 34 Float Factory SC 100mm
Saddle: Brooks B17 Narrow Carved
Handlebars: SQLabs 30X (16° sweep, 780 mm)
Grips: Ergon GA3
Inner grips: Spirgrips+ https://www.spirgrips.com/product/spirgrips-plus/ (for a 10% discount use the code 'TristanPlus' but note that at the time of publishing Spirgrips are fully sold out, they should have stock again soon so check back later)
Bar tape: FAT WRAP https://tasisbikes.com/products/tasis-tape
Rims: WTB KOM Tough i25, 29"
Tyres: Vittoria Mezcal 29x2.25" (tubeless)
Brakes: Magura MT5 (4 piston front, 2 rear)
Seat post: Redshift ShockStop
Pedals: RaceFace Atlas
Mudguard: Ass Savers Win Wing 2: https://asssavers.avln.me/c/yVURnNEwnsaD
Bicycle gear range calculator: https://www.sheldonbrown.com/gear-calc.html
If you found this video helpful and would like to give something back, please consider supporting me on Patreon.
PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/tristanrid
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/tristanrid
WEBSITE: https://www.tristanridley.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/tristanrid
FULL PACKING LIST: https://www.tristanridley.com/gear
MORE DETAILS ABOUT MY PACKING SETUP: https://www.tristanridley.com/post/perfect
If you have any suggestions or additional tips to share, please let me know, and thanks for watching!
0:00 - Introduction
2:18 - What type of bike?
7:02 - My frame: Tout Terrain Outback Xplore
8:40 - Drivetrain: Pinion C1.12
10:50 - Gear range
13:08 - Wheel size & tyres
17:24 - Suspension fork vs. rigid
19:49 - Brakes
20:54 - Handlebars and grips
24:28 - Saddle
26:07 - Seat post
26:58 - Mudguards/fenders
27:25 - Pedals
29:04 - Conclusion