Cannondale CAAD 8 Ultralight Touring Bike.

I'd rather the puncture protection touring.

I'd rather use something like the 4seasons or schwalbe durano that has enough puncture protection and way more grip and way less rolling resistance. Don't get me wrong I like the Hardshell a lot, but only for fixie skidding as they grip alright and last pretty long. Without the required skid resistance there are much better tyres.

No fun riding on those Hardshell, they're useful for cities, but does not feel as nice and supply as a thin lightweight tyres.

I want to enjoy riding, not just to see the view an' stuff.

How are the Continental Grand Prix?

They're between the GP4000 and the 4seasons. Sam from LMNH, who owns the Donhue Rapha Continental bicycle, uses them and rates them.

nearly half price at planet x, tempted to grab some...

You sure? click on it again...

I'd go for Rubino Pro over that.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/TYCOGPXW/continental_grand_prix_wired_tyre

Ah wired, might as well if it's that price.

That's a deal if there ever was one.

wire tyres? gtfo

I think Ed actually has the weight of experience on his side with this one. Looking forward to a loaded pic.

Right, decided it's best to build the Mavic A719 with Amboriso hubs laced with CX Ray.

Approx weight is 1800g, which is decent for a heavy duty wheelset with a high spokes count (32h), would be great if the A719 come in lower spokes count but Mavic being Mavic is kind of a backward company making it difficult.

It's also slightly lighter than the Mavic Askium it will replaced (1964g according to C+) which is a nice bonus as well.

Tyres clearance is ample with the forum favourite Maxxis Re-Fuse 25c on A319 with a great profile shape;

With 26mm Grand Bois;

wire tyres? gtfo

Fine for quick blasts around the countryside. For me, anyway. YMMV and all that.

Grand Bois = Big Wood.

lols

.

I think Ed actually has the weight of experience on his side with this one. Looking forward to a loaded pic.

he's calling you fat

How are the Continental Grand Prix?

They're between the GP4000 and the 4seasons. Sam from LMNH, who owns the Donhue Rapha Continental bicycle, uses them and rates them.

GP4000s are above standard GP.

I like the sound of this bike, and it's nice to see Ed complaining he can't slam the stem enough.

I use GP. They're great.
Put 1000s of miles on them over winter without puncture.
Really brilliant training tyres.
Do race them too, grip in the wet is there.

According to my calculations, the 17mm internal of the Velocity A23 work best with a 23mm tyres, soe the internal with of the A719 is 19mm retaining the same profile shape with a 25mm tyres.

I don't think it's possible to not only buy a wider rims says 22mm internal without affecting the brake clearance of the pads, the A719 is just on the threshold of usability (AFAIK).

Only disadvantaged is obviously the aerodynamic of the rims which I'm happy with the pay off for comfort/performance, especially when laden.

External width of my rims is ~27mm at the brake track, brakes work fine (and they're not groupset brakes, they are aftermarket ones).

I'm using Ultegra brakes, which look to be limiting, perhaps aftermarket brakes is a great idea when it's time to upgrade the wheels properly.

I love my Caad 10. Unusual choice for touring though!

And I've a few of those slam that stem covers. They work great.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8232748098_6096cfcb1b_c.jpg

I'm looking at doing something like this at the moment, although I want to go ultralight in the backpacking sense, I want to be fully self sufficient. How much are you planning to carry and which bike packing bags do you have, recommend or will try for this project?