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| World Trip Equipment | Contact: info@cyclotouring.co.uk |
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| World Trip Equipment | Contact: info@cyclotouring.co.uk |
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This section is a summary of the equipment we are used on our world trip with comments on it's reliability/longevity. Please choose from one of the sections below for further information. On leaving England Isa's bike and equipment weighed a total of 18kg + 26 kg = 44 kg total, and Terry's bike and equipment weighed a total of 19 kg + 28kg = 47 kg total. The above weights have been redistributed to try and slow Terry down a bit (probably 5 kg have been transferred from Isa to Terry). The above does not include food and water. We left the UK with all the equipment required for the trip, so as to be self sufficient. The aim was not to rely on getting additional clothes and equipment posted out to us. |
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Other related pages within our site are as follows:
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Equipment review at Terry's parents before leaving. Amazingly all the stuff listed below managed to fit into the panniers with room to spare for food and water. |
Terry's bike for the trip. Thorn eXp (Rohloff). Here resting in China after 10,000 kms |
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Terry's Bike |
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Conical, tapered Reynolds 725 frame, Reynolds 531 double crown forks
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The eccentric chain adjustment screws on the underside of bottom bracket do not allow fine adjustment of the chain due to the screw causing a small indentation inside eccentric housing. This means the chain adjustment return to the same position unless it is over adjusted, awkward but not a major problem. The chain has needed adjustment every 1500 - 2000 km (a 2 minute job)
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Absolutely perfect, no hassle removing and replacing the rear wheel, it really is simpler than a derailleur system
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Fitted with 38 tooth thorn alloy ring. After 4000km this has proven to be the perfect choice - any larger would have been foolish. The 38T does run out on some downhills but this is not important with a fully loaded bike. The bottom gear of 17-18" has proved to be suitable for 22% on rough off road (just about). Chainring reversed (and chain replaced) after 11,600km
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After 10000kms this has stretched enough such that the adjustment in the eccentric bottom bracket has been used up, a couple of links will need to be taken out soon. Apart from that the transmission is running very smoothly. Chain replaced and sprockets reversed after 11,600kms. Replaced with PC58
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Thorn arrangement for easy removal of back wheel, 16 tooth rear sprocket fitted, rear sprocket reversed after 11600km with chain replacement - it was an absolute bugger to remove the sprocket (Isa's bike was easy). Reinstalled with some copperslip to help facilitate removal next time! After 13,000 kms the main shifter cables were replaced. Shifting had become quite difficult and stiff. 1/2 hour job to change the cables. The internal hub cable was replaced after 13,800 kms because it had started to fray. Again another 1/2 hour job. After 15,000kms a major fault has developed - the hub flange has split where a spoke has pulled through - awaiting a response from SJS cycles and Rohloff about how to address the problem.
Rohloff hub flange broken, failed where a spoke has pulled through Replacement parts are being sent to Wellington where the hub will be rebuilt or replaced (a cycle of over 1000kms). In the meantime Terry and Isa's hubs have been swapped over to lessen the stress on the broken hub.
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Mounted to Rohloff hub. Fitted with rim tape that moved around and caused a total of 8 punctures. Was replaced with Schwalbe rim liners after 1500 kms - no punctures since. Rohloff oil changed after 5550 kms, spares sent out to Tallinn, Estonia. Rohloff oil changed after 10500 kms, oil sent out to Chengdu, China. 12,000 kms rear rim wear indicators have now disappeared After 13,800 kms rear wheel rebuilt with a Mavic 521 rim (Sun Rhynos are not imported to New Zealand)
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See comment on rim tape above. After 14,200 kms the wear marks are beginning to be difficult to find, a slight amount of play in the hub
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The standard in expedition tyres? After 4600 kms the rear tyre has had to be dumped. The inner carcass has begun to fail and this has caused the tyre to go out of shape - not great for "the expedition tyre". It was replaced for 400km with a lightweight MTB tyre which worked well until Tallinn where it was replaced by spare tyres sent from England. The second original Marathon XR failed at 6000km.
Inside of Schwalbe Marathon XR tyre, this internal split caused the tyre to become misshapen A report by Cycling Plus suggests that handheld pumps are particularly inaccurate when measuring pressure (up to 30% under reading). Initially Terry ran his tyres at 65psi - both tyre carcasses failed by 6000km. Since then the replacement tyres have been run at 50psi with no problems.
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Powerful and modulate well, but difficult to set up without squealing. The cartridge replacement pads have been very difficult (impossible) to find after Germany. We have resorted to spares being posted out from England
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After 10,000 kms minor tension adjustment. Bearings and action all still working smoothly
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Stem is OK, but the saddle angle adjustment is too coarse
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No problems
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Gradually becoming more comfortable - but it's a slow process. The arse got a bit sore towards Riga (4600km) but this was because the leather had sagged slightly and needed tightening half a turn. After 15,000 kms one of the saddle rails welds has broken, it is still rideable but could fail at any moment - we need to find a titanium welder to repair it.
Broken titanium weld on the saddle rail Eventually the extra stress on the broken rail caused it to snap off after another 1000kms. The left hand side of the saddle is now supported with a splint of wood until a warranty replacement arrives in Wellington (Brooks saddles are warranted for 2 years from purchase). The wood is not as springy as the original rails bot most of our remaining riding to Wellington is on sealed roads.
A bit of a bodge but it's taken me for a few hundred kilometres. A wooden stick tied on with string to support the side of the saddle with no rail - there isn't a great deal of give in it but we are mostly on sealed roads so it's not too bad.
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Butterfly style
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The front mudguard is installed very low by Thorn (SJS) and has no flexible lower rubber portion. This has meant that the mudguard catches on even a small roadside kerb. Worse still the mudguard becomes entangled with grass and mud when off road. This has eventually caused the front lower section of the mudguard to snap off. It is now held on with elephant tape and a piece of rubber sheet improves the water spray situation. The rear mudguard does not continue far enough to prevent spray hitting the rider behind - again a piece of rubber sheet is required to improve the situation (something that virtually every cycle tourer has attached to their bike!)
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After 3900kms the rack has been ok but the lower stainless allen bolt for the rack snapped off during adjustment. The thread is stuck in the fork, the rack is held on on one side by a collection of plastic cable ties.
12,000 kms since the stainless steel allen bolt broke and the original plastic cable ties repair is still holding up well After 13,000 kms the point where the plastic Ortlieb panniers lower hook touches the rack has caused considerable wear on both sides - to such an extent that a hole has appeared
Terry's front Tubus low rider rack, the plastic Ortlieb lower hook has worn a hole right through the stainless steel tubing
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One set of batteries replaced after 6 months
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Excellent, but turn green with algae in the sun | |||
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The best small pump on the market - not cheap but reliable and easy to use. But beware of relying on the pressure gauge. A report in cycling plus suggested that the pressure under reads by up to 30%. We believe that this is what caused 2 of Terry's Schwalbe Marathon XR tires to fail (see above) Pump stolen on Chinese train, replaced with turbo morph in Auckland |
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Isabelle's Bike
Thorn Raven |
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Double butted frame, Reynolds 531 double crown forks
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Same comment as Terry's bike for the awkwardness in fine adjustment
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Fitted with 38 tooth thorn alloy ring, chainring reversed after 11,600kms
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After 11000km a couple of links will need to be removed to accommodate the eccentric adjustment 11,600 km chain replaced and sprockets reversed
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Thorn arrangement for easy removal of back wheel, 16 tooth rear sprocket fitted. Sprocket reversed with chain replacement after 11,600kms After 11,000 kms the cable routing on the Thorn Raven is not perfect for the Rohloff system. Slight kinks in the cable have gradually worsened the slick gear change such that Isa now finds it difficult to change gear (particularly after rain and the cables are drying out?) New cables to be installed in Wellington. New cables installed and all is back to working perfectly. The cable change took about 1/2 hour After 16000 kms the inner plastic liner on one of the shifter cables has pushed through the end ferrule to the shifter. This is normally prevented by the flared end of the inner plastic cable liner. The liner is plastic and quite brittle so it cannot be bent and doubled over to prevent it pushing through the ferrule. Instead a lighter and screw driver managed to form a melted blob large enough to keep the inner liner in place. (Another alternative would be to remove the liner altogether but I guess this would accelerate the date when the cables need replacing) See the maintenance log for distances etc
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Mounted to Rohloff hub Oil changed after 5550 kms in Tallinn Oil changed after 10500 kms in Chengdu 12,000 kms rear wear indicators have now disappeared
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After 12,600km and damage to the hub seals caused by a careless Chinese porter the hub was stripped down, the seals replaced and regreased - hopefully this will last for a few more '000's of kms The front wheel replaced after 13,000 kms. Repairs were insufficient. Due to ease of replacement in New Zealand and the reduced loads on Isa's bike it was replaced with a factory made wheel with Deore hub, reinforced box rim with plain gauge spokes.
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Will probably change for the rougher sections later in the trip Tyres changed for harder wearing Schwalbe marathon XR 1.9 folding in Tallinn (5550km). Front Marathon XR went out of shape in Australia after 12,000 kms use (the tread probably had 3000 kms left). These had been infalted to 60psi max but was exactly the same problem Terry encountered in Europe (see above)
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After 10,000 kms minor tension adjustment. Bearings and action all still working smoothly
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Powerful and modulate well, but difficult to set up without squealing After 5500 kms the cartridges really need changing - these are virtually impossible to find in Eastern Europe, Terry tried ten bike shops (including Shimano Service Centres) - none had them in stock. Spare blocks sent out fromthe UK and changed at regular intervals - see maintenance log
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Stem is OK, but the saddle angle adjustment is too coarse
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No problems yet
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Not as comfy as the old Selle saddle, but after 4000 kms the saddle or Isa have decided to give up the fight - tolerable rather than comfortable
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Butterfly style
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See Terry's comments above
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Strong and robust but difficult to mount Ortlieb panniers without them rattling a little
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No problems
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Both now replaced by water bottles from the shop - just not robust enough
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Good to wake up dozy pedestrians and to entertain New Zealand sheep and cows
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7000kms cracked casing through being dropped, computer now lets water in and will need replacing Replaced with a wireless cateye computer after 13,000kms
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For use as a spare if the Topeak
pump fails |
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| Bike Spares | ||||
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2 more purchased after the spate of punctures Terry experienced with the poor rim tape
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These were added in Tallinn before we entered Russia where spares will be more difficult to find, and after Terry's tyre failure an essential piece of kit. Tyres sent back to UK once we arrived in Hong Kong (to help avoid excess luggage charges)
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Used once and would not recommend their use again. The plastic sheets are very sharp on the corners - this caused 4 punctures to Terry's already damaged rear tyre.
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Excellent but some allen keys are starting wear
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Sent back to the UK when we realised it wouldn't fit out XT hubs
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Terry replaced his frayed cable after 13,800 kms
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Gear and brake cables are interchangeable for the Rohloff system (sort of)
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Essential repair equipment Used to fix the front rack to the fork when the lower support bolt sheared off after 3900 kms, still running after 10,000 kms
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Used for all sorts of purposes, handlebar tape repairs, pannier repairs, emergency tyre repair, shoe repairs, bike computer, mudguards etc etc
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Terry & Isabelle (Each have the following)
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40 litres - After some heavy downpours in New Zealand on several occasions there appears to be some leakage into the bags. It is unclear where this is coming from, the top, the mounting holes or from wear and tear.We will now need to put precious things in bags within bags just to be sure.
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30 litres - After 2500 kms Terry rode into a kerb and put a hole in one of his panniers - duck/elephant tape provided a good repair. See leaking comment above.
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31 Litres One of these has worn slightly on the bottom surface thus leaking in wet weather. A thorough coating of elephant tape on the inside may improve the situation
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8.5 litres
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Terry Only, for easy access to bike spares and tools
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Converts either back roller or sport packer panniers to a rucksack for those day walks and city tours
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Very practical for attaching things to the bike quickly - eg jumpers, jackets for an uphill stretch or the rubbish bag etc Isa's disintegrated after it was dropped into the back wheel and stretched beyond it's natural elasticity limit.
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Swedish made tunnel tent - lots of room and only weighs 2.2kg After 10 months use one pole section snapped - the replacement section was used for the repair. Further inspection of the poles showed a hairline crack in one section - a quadruple layer of elephant tape has kept this is place for now Another 2 pole sections snapped following strong winds in Mount Cook. All the repair sections were used up, 2 additional repair sleeves purchased in Dunedin as spare pole section are as rare as rocking horse droppings We met another cyclotourist with the same problem - on the 2 no smaller radius poles as well - I think that Hilleberg may have an underdesign issue on these particular poles |
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Terry's - 3 season ok to 4 degrees
C |
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One for the vestibule, one for sitting on the ground outside, covering the bikes, acting as a makeshift shelter etc
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for putting under the tent for comfort and protecting the tent from stones, thorns, and internal condensation on the tent floor etc
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Terry's. This delaminated after about 130 days. It was replaced by another in Moscow. The original was returned to Ireland and repaired by Thermarest under their lifetime warranty. Terry's replacement got a puncture in China from one of their vicious thorns - repaired with seamgrip. Another puncture for Terry in New Zealand, probably a thorn when used as a seat. A blob of seamgrip repaired it no problem.
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Isa's - Sorts out an uncomfortable back
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Absolutely fabulous investment when you are wild camping night after night
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Both used and 2 more purchased in Dunedin. So far the repairs with the sheaths are working well
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Runs on gas, petrol or diesel. The thread on the pump which connects to the valve and hose has become worn - thus making the connection a little difficult. Pump O ring, pump leather and petrol jet replaced during the first 7 months (note: the cooker was three years old at the start of the trip) Replacement pump purchased in Auckland
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O rings, seals, pump leather. A variety have been used and were replaced in Moscow and Auckland.
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In total these hold about 1.2 litres of petrol, this has proven to be enough for 2 weeks cooking in the evening and porridge and tea in the morning.
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Includes lid, handle and paktowel. After 3 months of near constant use these are starting to look used. The paint on the outside is not very robust when hot (it will peel off with a fingernail). The non stick finish is fragile (as expected) but is still OK in the important places. After 1 year the non stick finish on the pots has all but disappeared, the frying pan is still ok (it gets much less use)
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This has been one of our best bits of kit. When camping wild having enough water to cook and have a rough wash is invaluable. The 6 litre bag was purchased in Moscow because we found the 10 litre one so useful. Having the two bags allows one to be used for clean drinking water and the other for cooking/washing water. It also allows us to collect water in the 6 litre and filter it directly into our 10 litre at our leisure (rather than crouched precariously above a river).
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Sounds like a luxury, but it's a pipe that attaches to the dromedary bag. When there is enough water it provides a fantastic and water efficient dousing of water to refresh those parts that need to be refreshed after 3 days cycling and no showers. It is also useful in hotels where showers are sometimes a bit of a luxury - just fill with hot water, hang it up and away you go.
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Light and takes barely no room in our bags. Brilliant for washing dishes, clothes and body parts.
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A blue white light that lasts for tens of hours - and good enough to read with night after night! |
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Turned out to be a much easier way of lighting a petrol stove than trying to stick a lighter in the petrol vapour and burning all the hairs off the back of ones hand
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Melted, bent, lost, replaced .......repeat, add a wooden spoon to the inventory because it doesn't melt.
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Used as bowls, plates and chopping boards - even a hat if it rains too hard.
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For cooking, eating, opening, scraping and chopping.
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Good old fashioned enamelled metal mugs - no nasty plastic taste to the tea
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This has been supplemented with mosquito coils, to burn and try and keep the blighters away.
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Has proved invaluable. Repair worked on thermarest without patches for a pinhole puncture. The patches and seamgrip have also been used to repair a couple of minor holes in the ortlieb panniers.
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After 15000kms this has been used on dozens of occasions - with no discernible side effects so far. Total filtered so far 300 litres Spare seal and valve kit purchased in Auckland but not yet used
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Great for resealing bags and keeping things fresh |
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In small plastic containers, needed for cooking, salad dressing and more importantly for removing oil and grease from hands and legs. |
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Clothes & Personal Items (each)
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Best to avoid light colours (it stays "clean" longer). For less developed countries try to avoid flashy trademarks (Nike, etc...)
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These were supplemented with some cycling ponchos, to try and counteract the hot sweaty feeling of wearing a jacket and overtrousers, Isa has kept her's, Terry couldn't get used to the flappiness. After a couple of good drenchings in New Zealand we realised that our Gore Tex jackets were no longer waterproof. Replaced with some Kiwi made Hydrofoil jackets made by Ground Effect in Christchurch
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It should be noted that these are also mosquito proof
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Excellent also for stopping mosquitos biting your ankles. Isa has two pairs of overshoes 1 no pair neoprene for warmth and 1 no waterproof pair. These have been worn almost non stop in China and they are starting to wear out rapidly. Luckily China is blessed with a large number of street repair shops so lots of stitching, gluing and patching has been undertaken. |
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Cumpolsory in New Zealand |
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Isa replaced one pair of cycling shorts in Auckland, Terry needs to replace a pair soon before or risk arrest (12,000kms) |
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Lots of patches needed for Terry's trousers
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Isa's have survived well, Terry's have been repaired - once in Russia and once in China, once again extra stitching, leather patches, nails and glue. They should now last to New Zealand. The soles on Terry's shoes started to crack - replacement was inevitable - replaced with another pair of Pearl Izumi in Wellington
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Isa bought a straw hat at a market in Poland. The sunhat is also ideal when wearing a mosquito head net. Sunhat lost on way into Tallinn - replacement Columbia hat purchased in Moscow |
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Life adventure quick drying towels. They feel a bit strange in use but are light and effective and dry very quickly. They do begin to smell after a few days use so frequent washing is advisable.
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Invaluable - not just for the sun but dust insects and gravel thrown up by thoughtless Toyota Landcruiser drivers driving at 100 km/hr On Sunny days in New Zealand sunglasses are essential to prevent tired, red eyes at the end of the day caused by the very high UV levels.
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For Isabelle, daily lenses to be worn for 2-3 days each. This proved to be too many days after a mild case of conjunctivitis in Germany. Maximum 2 days now.
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For Isabelle |
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For Isabelle only! |
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Definitely not required for Terry
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Essential for noisy campsites, overactive wildlife and generally everywhere in China |
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Luxury after a hot day cycling and not enough water or time to have a quick wash.
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Terry is being a bit unfair here. Isa has drastically reduced her face cleansing routine to soap + one strong moisturising cream (quite an achievement - believe me and so far, no difference with the more expensive creams previously used on her delicate skin).
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Factor 35 for New Zealand
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Once again this is essential in New Zealand
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This was purchased by Isa in China to help avoid getting serious lung problems in the horrendously polluted central Shanxi valley area. Terry resorted to a scarf over his face
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This was purchased in China in November for less than £2. The nights were turning out to be be a little too cold for Isa so some further insulation was required! |
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Absolutely a luxury, but nearly essential for updating the website and backing up digital photos. The screen failed in Moscow. After a lot of messing around it was repaired by Apple in Beijing. The logic board failed in Christchurch and was replaced overnight under Applecare warranty
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Dropped the camera in the Tatra mountains and bent the lens. Replaced with a Nikon D70 in Krakow. |
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The bluetooth works but the complexities and idiosyncrasies of the various network operators as well as the cost has meant that the phone is reserved for Text messages and emergency use only.
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Includes saw, file and pliers. The saw and pliers are particular useful for clearing a campsite of thorns, bushes and general undergrowth and spikey things.
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Include hypodermics, antibiotic, antihistamine, powerful painkillers, teatree oil (for removal of ticks), etc |
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A second adaptoradded to the collection. Nice and small so that 2 adaptor can fit side by side - not that easy. |
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Needed in Russia, Mongolia and China |
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A must in Eastern Europe mosquitoes and NZ sandflies
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We used to smoke out our tent to make a mosquito-free heaven inside. It does not seem to work well with sandflies.
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The idea was to play strip poker - but it's just too cold
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Really not ideal for cycling as they get far too sweaty (leading to soggy money and important documents) |
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Local Currency & US Dollars
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In US Dollars - all spent
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Travel nomads for 1 year, seems to cover all the essentials
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Needed for visas organised on the way |
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Including the travel insurance certificate, needed for some visas
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Great for showing people the route, working out latitudes and longitudes and to provide fuel for ideas of other trips. |
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| Before leaving Worcester, we had the following injections: | ||||
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But still need to get an injection if you are bitten | |||
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Recommended for the Russian forests | |||
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For China and South-Est Asia | |||
We opted not to go for Hepatitis B jab, which is recommended for the countries where blood is not screened. Only needed in case of blood transfer. |
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You need to allow a lot of time for all of these as they come in two or three injections, and also plenty of money. Unfortunately, we left the exact details behind in England but it was just below £300 per person and took around four weeks. |
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For more information or
questions please contact us at info@cyclotouring.co.uk |
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