MY BICYCLE AND EQUIPMENTS:
When I decided to make long roads with a loaded bike I actually had almost no knowledge. How does this work? What do I bring with me? I wonder if I can handle it? I had questions like. However, I researched a lot, I worked hard. Unfortunately, it takes time to learn what to do. At first I thought I would buy my own staff and pack other equipment and collect my own bike. However, as a result of my research, I met the VSF-Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 (Rohloff), which has the equipment I want and even more. It was also cheaper since I collected it myself, so I made my decision in this direction and I am very pleased.
BICYCLE: As mentioned earlier the bike VSF-Fahrradmanufaktur TX-400 (rohloff) has a frame of 25CrMo-4. This material provides high strength, strength up to 950N / mm², heat treated and easily welded steel type. 180kg carrying capacity. The bags are 17.5kg empty except for water, food. I got the bike from Bisiklet Gezgini in Turkey, but no VSF dealer currently in Turkey. Sale price in Germany: 2600 €.
GEAR SYSTEM: The Rohloff speedhub has 14 gears with a closed gear system. 14 gears are quite sufficient and the gear ratio is as high as 530. That's pretty good for me when I'm climbing. You can continue your journey by changing the oil once a year or in every 5000km. The maintenance was quite minimal and friendly. You need to carry spare parts and oil with you. Unfortunately, it is not something you can supply anywhere in the world. The TX-400 is also available with the Deore-XT set. Rohloff and SON 28 dynamo need to pay up to € 1250-1300 extra.
DYNAMO HUB/VOLTAJ REGULATOR/BATTERY: Dynamo system in the front hub. The SON 28 dynamohub allows me to generate electricity as long as my wheels turn. It is a dynamo system with very low friction and even the lowest values among dynamo systems. Its efficiency is quite sufficient, it produces electricity at certain intervals according to the rotational speed of your wheel. In an average driving course; At a speed of 15km/h it achieves 65% efficiency in a 28 "wheel size. When it exceeds 30km/h, it can charge full capacity, but based on an average speed.
Dynamo alone won't do enough job. Because it produces irregular electricity. So, if you connect the device you want to charge directly to the dynamo, it changes according to the speed of the wheel because of the production speed and it is likely to break your device. Therefore you need to use voltage regulator. I had the opportunity to research multiple models of voltage regulators and met and decided on Busch & Müller E-werk. This regulator regulates the incoming current at different values, allowing you to charge the devices safely. Current and voltage can be adjusted with the help of a switch. 8km/h speed is starting to work. You can increase the efficiency up to 13.3V and 1.5A. What does this mean? The "fast charge" devices you use on your mobile phones can support up to 2.1A. Therefore 1.5A is really exceptional value.
Besides the dynamo I use the Samsung 11300mah portable battery. The E-werk is directly connected to the battery and charges as long as I move. This allows me to charge the device on a regular basis.
CRANKARM/CASETTE/CHAIN: Single Lasco CF12 Aluminum 42 chainring is used as a chainring. I haven't had any experience in life yet because I've made a little over 10,000km.
The cassette uses Rohloff's unique single-sheet 16-tooth cassette. Along with this cassette, there is also a channeled piece called cassette carrier. This cassette carrier and the cassette itself are available in different gear sizes. Larger Rohloff XL hubs are also available to accommodate large frames with different frame types. In addition, Rohloff has its own special apparatus for disassembling the cassette and you have to carry it with you.
The chain, KMC 610RB is used in a corrosion-resistant model. Actually, it's tough. Around 8000km, the chain had started to sag a lot, I think it is a good number. It's a little hard to supply, I guess it's an old model. Equivalent models are available. Around the chain there is a plastic device, the Hebbie Chainglider, which has a protective function. The rear cassette can be easily cleaned and lubricated by removing a section, but it has a very laborious, interesting system to completely dismantle and install. It doesn't get really easy water and dust inside. It just makes a little noise because of the chain drive. In addition, the belt can be used instead of a chain for Rohloff hubs. However, you have to use a different model specific to the cassette belt. Belt life is considerably longer than chain life. If the cassette can adapt to the change, I think to try to belt the hub shafts later.
BRAKE SYSTEM: Magura HS11 hydraulic V-brake mechanism is preferred. Brake cables contain oil and fluid pressure is transmitted to the brake shoes to ensure braking. Those who know how difficult it is to stop when going downhill on loaded bikes. I'm very satisfied with the braking performance, even when the shoes get wet, the performance is good (of course, it's decreasing). It is easy to maintain and does not require easy maintenance. The brake cables are very durable, you can hold the cables and lift the bike up. The sealing of the system is really successful. I haven't seen any air-leakage. At around 7500km, my only maintenance was to change the pads. In fact, it was a bit of pleasure. I also carry the oil change kit and spare pads.
HANDLEBAR COCKPIT: The flatbar handlebar and handlebar throat that came with the bike was not adjustable. I think that was the only drawback as the raw form of the bike. I replaced the standard model handlebar Ergotech Comfort 25.4mm multiposition butterfly handlebar with the Humpert Ergotech Riser, and the handlebar throat from the Ritchey Comp Logic V2 with the Ergotech Swell-R adjustable handlebar neck. So I made a more upright sitting position on the saddle.
SADDLE: No matter what you do when you sit on the seat for long hours during the day, especially in hot weather, the butt is irritated and painful. Do it all the time. That's why I used my choice as the Brooks B17 Special like most cyclists in the world. Brooks saddles are leather, as you know. So you need to use it for a certain time to soften and after a while it takes the shape of your butt. There's nothing very sensitive about her care. Since I personally got the saddle (2 years) I did the first lubrication on the first day I did a lubrication once a year and I did not have a problem until now. There is also no lubrication, but there is also continuous lubrication, but Brooks recommends regular lubrication. It seems to me most of all to be harmed by the sun, as much as possible to prevent contact with the sun.
PEDALS: It is a Shimano PD-MX80 model. They weigh heavily, they weigh 500 grams. I don't like to use SPD pedals, so I use platform pedals. Surface areas are quite large, thanks to the tread on the shoe grip is good and parallelogram shape, even when the pedal is standing in an upright position when you press the pedal easily comes to a flat position and sit on my foot. I like it. It's up to you that one of my pedals arbitrary equipment may be better to choose a lighter model.
RACKS AND MUDGUARDS: The front rack is Tubus Tara and the rear rack is the Tubus Cargo Classic. The Tubus Cargo Classic is 533gr and has a maximum load capacity of 26kg. Tubus says that this baggage has passed the 40kg test but has a capacity of 26kg for legal reasons. Tubus Tara weighs 360gr and has a carrying capacity of 15kg. Both luggage are made of 25CrMo4 material.
Before I bought the bike, I bought my 1 Tubus Tara and 1 Tubus Logo Classic baggage beforehand. Tubus Logo Classic has the same capacity as the Cargo model but weighs up to 150 grams. I'm gonna use them for a while.
Fenders, SKS Edge Guard model durable and low-noise fenders. I think they got out of circulation. I'm very pleased with the back, because the number of connection points is more stable, but it has a more stable structure, but the front of a single connection point can easily bend. Already once I put the bus on the front of the bike the first time bent over the fender. I think this is not the material but the connection. Overall nice fenders.
PANNIERS: The rear panniers are Ortlieb Bike-Packer Plus. They have a weight of 2200gr and a capacity of 42 liters. This volume is really good value, you can fit a lot of equipment. Front bags are Ortlieb Sport-Packer Plus. They weigh 1680gr and have a capacity of 30 liters. The handlebar bag is the Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Plus. It weighs 740gr and has a capacity of 7 liters. The empty weight of all bags is not less than 4620gr, in fact, but there is nothing that will make the bags waterproof already indisputable. A lot of people use it and they know it. There is also a patch kit, levers, a small adjustable wrench and a multitool for a flat tire repair of a small bag under the seat.
WATER BOTTLE/CAGES/WATER BAGS/GASOLINE TANK: There are two standard 1 liter watering cages on the frame. In addition, there are holes and screws for attaching the cage on the upper and lower frame pipes to attach two cages. In addition to the two water bottle cages, I use an adjustable water bottle cage XLC BC-A07 for carrying a 1.5 liter bottle. This cage is usually equipped with an MSR 887ml fuel tank. I use two 1 liter Ferrino ALU Drink LT1 aluminum water flasks as water flasks. Together with flasks, there is a sheath made of a material similar to a protective handlebar sponge. This case can keep water cold for a short time, and the shoulder strap makes it easy to carry with you. The sheaths also prevent the flasks from making noise in the cage. Something I like. Water bags, MSR DromedaryBag is available in two 4lt and 10lt units. These are the bags I use for drinking water / clean water. Healthy and safe BPA-free patented products. BPA; Bisphenol-A is a chemical substance that acts as estrogen and is dangerous. Ferrino Solar Shower is the bag I use for drinking water and shower. This bag is 20 liter, foldable and almost weightless. Thanks to its black surface, it allows the water to warm up quickly and provides a more comfortable shower. There is a handle for hanging on the tree with a handle on the top and a small valve on the bottom. A product suitable for use where you cannot find a shower.
RIMS/SPOKES/TIRES: Wheels are Rigida Andra 30; It is a double-layer, 36-hole, 830gr (one rim) weight and maximum carrying capacity of 130kg is the tour rim used by many cyclists on long tours. Heavy but strong and durable wheels.
Supports 28mm-57mm wheel thickness range. It has a diameter of 622mm. It doesn't fit into the Tubeless system, and it's a wheel I'll use for a lifetime unless I plan to use it and decide to change my bike roster or bag assembly in the future.
Spokes Niro ED 2 / 1.8mm model. I have been using wires for over 2 years. I haven't had a break and rust yet. Even the rim tuning has not yet been a problem. I'm very satisfied.
AND TIRES... I see the tires as the most ambitious element. Carrying me and the bike as if it is not enough load on the back :) It is quite normal for them to breakdown from time to time. Besides, my tire has not exploded once, I haven't even changed the inner tube. In total, they built just over 10,000 km. It didn't even explode in Ankara - my car's michelin tires exploded 4 times during this time - I prefer Schwalbe Marathon Mondial 26 "2.0, the explosion-resistant and extremely long-lasting tires.
The tire weight is 740gr (one tire). It is one of the tires with the highest level of explosion protection and durability. They have been designed for medium rolling resistance, good asphalt road holding and medium road holding. Having a foldable model is also important for carrying an extra one with you. 26 "tires can be found anywhere in the world, but in remote places may need a backup.
Pump, Topeak mini Morph. 178gr, small and compact instrument. The squad stands mounted on it. We have no problem.
CAMPING EQUIPMENTS
SLEEPING SET-UP(Tent-Sleeping Bag-Sleeping Bag Liner-Matress)
My Tent, The North Face Tadpole 2, a tent for 2 persons, 2 seasons with 3 poles. It has a weight of 2kg. There's only one door. That's enough to be alone. I can move inside easily. Both my bags can fit inside and in front of the door. The size is really small when folded without poles, so I need to pack poles separately. I'm fixing the poles on the rear trunk. It works for the current conditions, but I will replace it with Hilleberg Soulo.
Sleeping Bag, The North Face Aleuthian 35/2 degree synthetic sleeping bag. Weight around 1150gr. When compressed, it can shrink enough to fit into 2 palms. Occasionally in terms of degrees, a little too hot for the summer, I'm using the zipper open and covering myself. It is getting so hot if I go inside the bag. In winter conditions is obviously not an adequate overalls. I'm going to replace The North Face Inferno -29 because it's insufficient for the world tour. Inferno is a coverall that can easily work in all winter conditions. It is used in high altitude mountaineering. The outer layer of 800 fill goose feather stuffed with filling material is a waterproof sleeping bag and weighs 1644gr. When I support this bag with the SeatoSummit thermolite reactor fleece sleeping bag, protection can be achieved up to -47 degrees. It weighs 420gr and is really small in size. Sleeping bag underpants provide extra warmth by supporting the sleeping bag and at the same time protecting your sleeping bag against the possibility of sweating and odor. You can also use the lingerie instead of a summer sleeping bag. you do not need to carry a summer sleeping bag.
Matress, I use the Thermarest Traillite large. 1kg weight. Very comfortable mat and overall satisfied. However, it takes up a lot of space when folded, this is the only point I am not satisfied. Even my biggest equipment on the bike is my mat. I will replace the Thermarest Neoair all-season SV model. This model is considered new output. The dimensions when folded are very small. A mat that won't be problematic in all climatic conditions.
CAMP KITCHEN(Camp Stove-Cookset-Fork and Spoon):
My Camp Stove, MSR Whisperlite gasoline stove. A very small stove that weighs 430gr (excluding fuel tank) and is foldable. Additional to it is a wind breaker. After regular maintenance, it won't be a problem, it is a proven-itself product used by many people in the world. The only downside is that there is no adjustable fuel valve. You have a constant flame power, but it's not a big problem for me.
Cookset, I am using MSR Solo Quick Cookset. A cooking set weighing 320gr, with a 1.3 liter aluminum pot and a hard plastic heat-protected coffee mug. It's too much work for me. The 1.3 liter pot is actually too much for one person even. Later on, I'm going to switch to SnowPeak Titanium Trek 900 or SnowPeak Titanium Trek 700. The Trek 900 weighs 175gr, the Trek 700 weighs only 136gr. Ideals for one person and at the same time they can be used as cups because they are small.
Fork and Spoon, The Litemyfire Spoke is a set of cutlery made of tritan and weighs 8gr. It works at a minimum, but the feeling of plastic doesn't feel very nice to me, so I'm going to switch to the Snowpeak titanium Fork & Spoke set in the future.
ELECTRONICS(Laptop-GPS-Phone-Camera-Action Camera-Hard disc):
Laptop, Lenovo Thinkpad T480 i7 8550U 16GB Ram 256GB HardDisk model. Video has enough speed for photo editing, even more. However, this was not the beginning of my reasons for preference, the case was the durability and size. The case is quite robust, not a safe case easily out of trouble. The size of 14 "is neither as small as 13" nor as large as 15.6 ". It is a size in the middle. It has a screen with 1080p ips panel. Weight 1.58kg. It has dual battery and has 14 hours battery life. Normal USB ports, Type -C ports, hdmi ports and card reader inputs to meet my needs for the intended use.
GPS, Garmin Edge 510. The friend I get help with on-board computer and navigation :) Supports GPS and GLONASS satellite networks. I can see all the data I need on the bike on the screen. The battery goes for a long time (20 hours). Weight 80g. IPX-7 has a degree of waterproofing, an important feature. Garmin says it works in a temperature range of -20 ° C / + 55 ° C. I tested in the range of -14 ° C / + 48 ° C, I had no problems. It works for now, and I will change it if it interrupts weather conditions in the future.
Phone, Samsung Galaxy Note 5. A gentle device is not good for waterproofness and durability. The camera is not bad, I do not use the cell phone as a camera so this is not essential for me. Turns off when the air gets too hot. This is not a suitable device for travel. Among the devices that will change.
Action camera, Gopro Hero4 Black. Sandisk Extreme Pro 32GB I use it with a microSD card. Needless to say Gopro cameras already know the quality of everyone. The waterproofing is fine with the appropriate container. It weighs 152gr along with standard hausing. It has an 1160mAh battery. I have four. It provides a wide range of connection devices, but the price of this device is very bad. Needless expensive. I use 3 handlebar connection devices in different combinations. There is also a helmet attachment.
Camera, Canon G10 Powershot. 14.7 megapixels. It weighs 350gr. 5x optical-4x digital-20x combined zoom is available. Lens: 6.1-30.5mm f / 2.8-4.5 (35mm film equivalent: 28-140mm). Good for nature photos, it works enough. If possible, think of a better machine in the future.
Hard disc, WD MyPassport 4TB. Quite small and light. I have no idea how many pieces I will use :)
I have the JBL Flip-4 bluetooth speaker that I carry with me for my personal pleasure. I love it and am very pleased. I can't. But it's not for me to use headphones while cycling, they can create problems in terms of security. They prevent you from hearing the vehicles from behind efficiently. Also falls off the arm, ear, left and right :) Speaker 515gr, heavy, but here it is pleasure. It has a battery life of up to 12 hours, it seems to charge a little slowly. Completely waterproof structure, you can take with you to the sea. Just for me.
Apart from these; I also have Gopro, camera, voltage regulator (E-werk), GPS device, laptop, cell phone chargers, batteries and spare cables.
SUMMER AND WINTER CLOTHING:
SUMMER CLOTHING: Shirt and T-shirt; The North Face Sequoia long-sleeved shirt and short sleeve of the same model. Good ventilation, quick drying and small footprint. There's 1 Nike Dryfit short-sleeved T-shirt. I used to enjoy it before doing sports, then I tried it on the bike, I liked it and I use it. I have a Btwin Ultralight Windbreaker with me. If I'm so sweaty and going down a long slope, I put it on me. Its weight is almost negligible and it does not take up space.
Short; Columbia Passo Alto 2 I use this shorts by taking a little risk, but I saw the benefit of using it, I have a very elastic fabric, quick drying and very light. The North Face Exploration Convertible Pants It can be shorts off and use as trousers or shorts. I am very pleased. I don't like to use tights.
Shoes; Columbia Techlite I use. The ventilation is incredible, the winds blow in the shoe, it doesn't smell and the soles stick well to the pedal. In the field, he collects the brushwood alone, and a lot of things are gathered on his shoes while wandering in the thorny places.
Summer Gloves; I don't think it's best for me to use summer gloves, but I have a long-fingered Btwin 700 Mountain Bike Glove. Short-toed gloves under the sun affects the outside of the fingers, itching during sweating, as well as short-long fingers do not notice the sweaty hand prevents the ventilation of the hand. For these reasons, I'm not much of a glove wearer. I've either worn these gloves twice or I haven't.
Underwear; H&M pamuklu boxer I use. Sweat absorbing works. I have 3-4 pieces. The issue of clean underwear really matters. No one wants to be irritated.
Bicycle-off Clothing; I have a Jack&Jones kot pantolon . If I'm staying in a city for a long time or an invitation, I wear when I go to the event. The fabric of this jeans is also interesting, very flexible and adapts to the weight change :) I use 1-2 standard T-shirt type I use in daily life.
Socks is also very important. It is useful to use a socks that can throw sweat out and do not smell. The socks I use Gore M Light Mid Socks. There are 2 short and 2 long.
WINTER CLOTHINGS: I prefer the winter jacket The North Face Thermoball Triclimate Jacket. The outer layer is water and windproof. Inner layer is a technology product called thermoball. Thanks to the tiny balls inside it protects your body temperature seriously. If the weather is not extremely cold, you will burn inside. It sweats around -15 ° C, it needs to be worn in a cooler weather or it feels too much. The zippered moisture release of the outer layer under the seat also benefits. In general, the hot and humid air inside tries to come out of the throat. Things get in the way when you pull the collar a little. Thanks to the tensioning rubber on the hood, the hood does not fly away from your head and it rotates by moving with your head while turning your head from right to left. There are those who have this problem :) If you are wearing a loose headrest, your head moves when you turn your head but the headpiece remains fixed, which seriously reduces your angle of view, and may even cause an accident. It's worth paying attention.
Winter Pants; The North Face Winter Exploration Cargo. Waterproof pants that keep it warm. Since there is some amount of stretching, it is easy to pedal. Thanks to the ropes on the trotters, I can contract the trotters. This prevents some water from entering the leg.
Winter Boots; The North Face Ultrafastpack 2 Itis a Gore-tex lightweight boots that can adapt to all conditions. Water and wind resistance is good, I haven't had any problems with this yet. However, thermal insulation at low temperatures did not come to me enough. Unfortunately, it is not easy to heat the feet. I support them with thick and long winter socks. Socks, Gore Wear Thermo long socks, I carry 2 pieces with me.
Thermal Underwear; The North Face Summit L1 and The North Face Hybrit Long Sleeve Crew Neck They are ideal at very low temperatures but they are so hot at moderate temperatures. I don't wear it unless it's too cold.
Winter Gloves; Gore C5 Gore-tex Thermo Gloves. It is absolutely waterproof. In very cold weather conditions are inadequate and I use thin underwear gloves. It contributes to heating by providing an extra layer.
Balaklava that i use to protect my face; The North Face Patrol Balaklava. It's enough for the face area, but when the helmet is on, it can't keep the head area hot and dry, not a waterproof product, of course. The coat hood keeps me warm and dry, but wearing a helmet can be a bit uncomfortable. Turning the head left and right can become grind. I use a waterproof helmet cover if the helmet is definitely to be worn and the rain is very severe. The Gore C3 Gore-tex Helmet Cover works and at the same time contributes to the extra vision thanks to its reflectors.
