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EQUIPMENT
BIKE EQUIPMENT
Inevitably, travel bikes must be equipped specifically for each project. It will not be the same material depending on the duration of the trip, the countries crossed and the needs for each rider.
That's why we have added a ton of accessories as we would furnish an apartment in which we would be living! Here is the list of the main "upgrades" :
FRONT LUGGAGE RACKS
Our two bikes are originally equipped with rear luggage racks, but not the front ones. It is essential to be able to transport our house with us. So we're sticking with Tubus, a well-known luggage-rack brand, and installing a Tubus Duo (thank you, Henri!) and a Tubus Tara. It will be an opportunity to compare the two models, because little information on their differences on the net apart from their fixing system!
Will keep you updated on which one is the best ;)
LIGHTING + USB
Genny the TdF10 is not equipped with lamps, after a visit to a well-known store of cyclo-tourism, we prefer the options of autonomous lamps than the installation of a dynamo with the headlight system. We will have to buy a few batteries on the way, because putting almost 400€ to have a front/rear light which will surely die on the way did not convinced us...
For Benny the M1, it's easier! It is already equipped with a dynamo and a lighting system! After an hour of fixing at the seller's store, the front headlight is replaced by the Luxos U from Bush&Muller, which in addition to lighting like a truck (70 Lux), allows you to connect devices by USB to recharge them!
FLAT BAR
We are lucky, our bikes weren't equipped with "drop bar", the new fashionable race/gravel handlebars found on almost all bikes these days. The look is aggressive but the lower position really not comfortable and not suitable for long trips (our point of view)! Our bikes were equipped with flat handlebars. Many advised us to install butterfly handlebars, but we found the look a bit "retired person" and found a less extreme alternative that didn't require redoing the whole installation: side grips that go up and provide a second level to lay your hands. It allows you to have three positions on the handlebars, including a relatively high one to have your back straight.
If we continue the visit to the cockpit: a bell, a telephone hooking system for navigation and finally a handlebar bag to store all our innumerable gadgets on hand !
We almost forgot: a rear-view mirror to see the big trucks coming from afar and anticipate them ! Mandatory!
BIKE BAGS
Of course, the Travel-by-bike rockstar is: the waterproof bike bag ! Nothing is more important for the bike-traveler than having dry things at the end of a rainy day when he sets up camp!
Several brands are well-known, but we chose XXX, advised by many cyclists/sponsoring contact. These bags are of course compatible with our luggage racks and will allow us to store our entire Mobil-home for months to come.
Spoiler alert: you have to be quite a minimalist!
KICKSTAND
The use of kickstand on travel bikes seems to also cause a lot of controversy! Center-mounted, rear or front stand? Or is it better to look for a tree? (yes, but if you are in the desert...). Everyone might have is own technique, we personally chose : the middle stand for Genny and the rear stand for Benny: we'll see which one will last longer!
Other Gadgets
SADDLE
We have two different saddles.
Roxy: The Brooks B17S saddle, long to break in but ultimately a cushion.
Tommy: The Comfort Plus saddle from DDK which is padded and gives immediate comfort!
MIRROR
ESSENTIAL element on the road! To see the big trucks coming from afar and anticipate them a little!
BELL
It is very practical to have a small bell to be able to prevent pedestrians on the trajectory and also to alert Tommy to wait for Roxy! :)
PHONE SUPPORT
Shapeheart for Roxy and a simple support from Decathlon for Tommy.
It is very practical to have a phone holder on the bike: GPS, quick photo taking, etc.
KM COUNTER
One speedometer each. For all the stats, monitoring our pace, breaking speed records and simply for curiosity !
SADDLE PROTECTION
For protect Roxy's Brooks saddle against all severe weather !
FLAG
To stay visible on the road!
GOPRO HOLDER
To film all the unusual moments during our trip !