You are reading a single comment by @Machine and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@Machine
Just got back from a sound trip through Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg, France, Switzerland, Andorra and Spain. I write a proper review of it later, but now I'll just sum up some stuff that has been of great importance to me. I brought very little stuff and though it was light enough for me to make +/- 1800hm a day, next time I will bring even less. I'll post a full equipment list later as well.
My setup was a carbon Planet X bike with a very small Ortlieb barbag, Revelate Designs Tangle frame bag, 20litre rucksack strapped to saddle/post (This worked perfect and gave me the possibility of using a rucksack when not on the bike, though next time I will go for the RD saddlebag as its less of a hassle to (de)assemble)
Merino base layer - next time I will bring merino t-shirt for off the bike as well. I almost made a song about Merino wool during one of my rides, I guess that says enough.
Nylon zip-off trousers - I thought of linen because its light and compressible but this thing was way better. It fits in a small camping pot, is ultra light and dries before you notice it's wet.
Micro fiber towel - Weighs nothing, packs the size of a well filled wallet, dries extremely fast and you can even bring it if it is still moist because it will not stink.
Proper bibs and cream - I use Assos but that is a personal preference, though the Assos Chamois creme works wonders. Then for after the ride I put some Sudocrem down there.
TN Laser Comp 1 tent - Kept me dry and well at all times. Survived a sick thunderstorm in the Alpes. A family on the campsite had holes in their tent the size of ping pong balls because of the hail so you can imagine the kind of weather it went through.
Squirt Lube - No more need to clean your drive-train. Just squirt it a bit from time to time to keep it smooth.
Swiss knife - I used it every hour of every day for whichever purpose.
Exped AirMat Basic - Packs small, is light and extremely comfortable. There is also an Ultralight version for the weight weenies.
Gore Bike Wear windstopper jacket - Perfect for early mornings, cold and misty ascents, decents, walking around on chilly evenings.
Salt - You need it
Waterproof overshoes - Which I didn't bring and still regret