East Anglian Tourer ( Black Shuck )

http://www.thearmystore.co.uk/acatalog/WEBTEX_PLCE_Side_pouch_for_bergen.html

If you want to get these pouches separately they are reasonably priced on several army surplus sites.

Took the bike out for a local ride at the weekend, did almost 20miles (it was pretty hot and i stopped to watch an airshow half way round).
A few issues have arisen; the Berghaus trainers i wore were a little chunky for the toe-clips. Not a massive problem, i have other footwear. But i like riding in these trainers as they are sturdy, light and gore-tex lined.
I need to re-think the handlebar set up, Maybe a stem with more rise coupled with some ergonomic drops. I started to get a slight ache in my hands after about 3/4 of the ride. The bar ends do give a little extra positioning but the bars feel a little too wide at times, like driving a car with a truck sized steering wheel.
Otherwise all is well, smooth ride and with the bergen packs loaded with a few bits to add weight it felt pretty good.
It was fecking hot though!!!!!

Play with your saddle angle, if your hand got a bit sore, tilting the nose a little higher will support your sitbones more and less pressure on handlebar hopefully.

Got a SKS raceblade for the front wheel. Looks better than the chunky crudcatcher i tried. Otherwise all the rest is the same. Been busy lately so havent done a proper long distance ride. Going to see how i can load some camping gear on the bike. I reckon taking the tent poles and strapping them to the top tube would help spread the load. Most of my gear has specific pouches or bags, so whatever isnt in the pannier bags could be attached elsewhere.

Just noticed Chad, you could probably do with shortening the rear brake cable a bit.

I'm really tempted by the new Kaff frames/full build as well. Disc though.

Yep. Guess i could shorten it.

Test loading the bike with some camping gear, string will be replaced by proper straps. Also going to attach a bag at the front on the bars. Otherwise it's all set for a little trip out one weekend soon.

Oh, and the bags on the top of the rack will be tied down too.

Alpkit make dry bags that you can strap to your handlebars, i'm waiting for the smaller one to come back in stock. Link

Velcro cable ties work really well for strapping the tent poles to the top tube.

^yep. Velcro is the way.

Alpkit make dry bags that you can strap to your handlebars, i'm waiting for the smaller one to come back in stock. Link

These look great for lots of things. Cheers for the link.

I reckon the 13L one would be ok.

Going to order drops,brake levers and tape.

http://www.dutchbikebits.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=38&product_id=208

Mmm. Tempted by this as a front rack.

Ordered a mini front rack, velcro straps and a motorbike cargo net. The net will go over the rear rack to keep the bulky bits secure. The front rack will be for either sleeping bag, tent or something light-ish. Once i have these bits im off on a mini tour. Also ordered a Tyco Suzuki back pack. But that's mainly for commuting, bought to celebrate Guy Martin winning the triple in Ireland. If you don't know him he is a British superbike road racer and mountain biker who also does a bit of Truck mechanics and TV shows about British Industry.
Basically, a top bloke.

Anyway. Got a few campsites earmarked for riding to on my mini tour. More planning to do.

Just did a 44 mile ride, fully loaded. Everything stayed attached, a few things need adjusting, otherwise all is well. Even the mtb bars felt better, not so much wrist/hand ache.
Now, time for an overnighter.

Update.
Got some drops as they were on sale in a LBS closing down sale. Ordered another stem, brake levers and black cinelli tape. Should give the bike a more classic touring look.
Pics to follow.