My Bike Setup for Riding Solo Across Canada | Self-Supported Bicycle Touring

[@audreytracks]

The last few years I have taken a lightweight chair with me. The Alite Monarch. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and can't sit cross-legged all night 😊. I'm not taking clean agent with me. I don't matter if my bike is dirty. Then there is less change that it will be stolen 😀

[@WheelsonaBike]

I had a little folding chair as well, but lost it while getting rescued from a tornado.

[@jonathandelmont]

Hey Agnieszka,
Just want to say a huge well done to you. I am full of admiration and respect for your guts and determination.
I’m trying to get myself fired up to try a trip of some kind. As a single retiree with time on my hands, the only problem I’m facing is fear.
I cycle everywhere and don’t own a vehicle.
If you find yourself looking for accommodation in Moncton NB. I have a spare bedroom with its own bathroom.
I wish you every success and am watching your journey.

[@AwesomeAngryBiker]

Knowing what the after sales are like for the panniers is a great incentive to buy

[@rsteiner4406]

Hi, I have the same bike and almost the same setup, I reduced the gears ratio in order to get more punch on the big hills in the Andes and Chilean Patagonia. I enjoyed your videos, you look so happy on your Sutra, it’s a bomb proof bike and a very beautiful and reliable machine. Saludos Agniezka !

[@WheelsonaBike]

Amazing to hear you also ride a Sutra. I also made an adjustment to the gears and it's improved my climbing ability. The bike has been very reliable and that is a huge relief.

[@Kevin_geekgineering]

wow, I love your setup, please keep sending these fantastic videos, great job

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you!

[@alirezafazeli8222]

Thanks for sharing your precious experiences.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for watching.

[@TheRickurb]

You’re killing it! Nice!

[@AJ-ol3wz]

I really liked your videos as they clearly show what I need as I’m dreaming of hitting the road.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm glad you find them helpful.

[@VagabondTurtle]

Now that's what I call a full pack :) It is such a freedom to ride and have everything you need just on your bike, that only needs the strength of your legs :)
Awesome!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes! Some people travel light and that works for them. I like to be comfortable, so I carry more. All personal choices.

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

It's really awesome. I look foward to watching your bike tour.😀👍👍

[@WheelsonaBike]

Wonderful. Thank you.

[@korean_foot_traveler8655]

@@WheelsonaBike Yaeh. Have a great day.🙏🙌🙌🙏

[@papacampoutdoors]

Great trip thanks for sharing!

[@leeblanchard5348]

I just began to watch your videos mostly because of your Arkel panniers which I have now purchased, thank you. It seems we have similar set ups except I have a Koga bike but I really looked at the Kona bike also. I like that you want all the comforts of life as you travel by bike. It's a fun challenge to search for all the new gadgets out there. Enjoy your videos. Lee in Oregon

[@WheelsonaBike]

Amazing! Hope you enjoy using the panniers! I think touring is very personal and what I may find acceptable, others will not. But that's the beauty of it - we do what makes us comfortable and happy.

[@zid252]

Thank you for your inspiration👍

[@bisiklettin]

Love your setup and your review style ❤️

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you.

[@andreisavitski6145]

Very nice setup, really love it. Thanks.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you.

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

Great set up, we head out on a 4 day trip this week . . . This video got me thinking thanks !!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Glad to have given you something to think about! Enjoy your trip.

[@reinhartbigl367]

Thanks for posting this video...just the fact that you are able to produce and post content from the road is awesome!
I use the exact same tires are you...and I agree that they are great tires, and for the ride down the Dempster in June of this year, they were bombproof. For pavement I find them a little noisier than I would like (that's what ear buds are for), and there is just a bit more road resistance than the standard Schwalbe Marathon Plus...and as you say, they're worth the extra weight.
I use Ortlieb bags, which are in the same quality class as Ariel IMHO...but with my setup I use their RackPack dry bag 32 litre on top of my rear rack...which fits my entire sleep system; tent (I also use the MSR Hubba Hubba...love the extra room!) mattress, sleeping bag and inflatable pillow, so when I get to camp, before I do anything I just take off that bag and setup camp before anything else. The downside to my setup is that the Rackpack fits sideways across the top of my panniers, making them difficult to access if I don't remove the dry bag first. Do you use a dyne hub up front or straight batteries? I used 3x10,000 mA batteries plus a 21 watt solar panel...so I can ride for 3 days without plugging in or charging...and the panel works well, charging one battery on a totally sunny day on the road. Looking forward to more of your ride across Canada Agnieszka! Keep up the great work and tailwinds all the way!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Interestingly, I can tell how fast I'm going by the type of sound the tires make. It's different when I'm riding in the 20 km/h range, 30s and above. I've now gotten used to the tires and their music making. I don't have a dynamo charger. My front and rear lights operate on a magnetic dynamo. I had a solar charger, but ended up sending it home as I didn't use it enough. I have two external battery banks and they've been more than sufficient. Thanks so much for sharing your setup and what's worked. It's amazing how we all have something different on our bikes. It's one of the most interesting pieces of conservation when I meet others - what's on your bike - how do you make it all work?

[@cypros]

Thank you for the video, needed some ideas on how to setup, currently only managed to get a front pizza rack for my Gravel bike. Once that's done I'll slowly add more things.

[@WheelsonaBike]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found the video useful.

[@endlesstravellers3062]

Finally I got the perfect bicycle touring setup video

[@WheelsonaBike]

Glad you found it useful.

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Super helpful video Agnieszka! I too love and use the Schwalbe's when touring and never had a puncture! I set my 2017 Kona Sutra Touring Bike up a bit lighter. A friend advised me not to get front panniers, "Like cupboards, if you have them, you'll fill them! " Now, that said, I do not carry all that cool electronic equipment you need for these videos and unlike you, I am not a skilled videographer!! Your set up is super compact and excellently organized! I keep my tools under the seat. I am slowly learning to not overload the bike. I don't break as many spokes now. A vital piece of equipment for me is my Platypus Filtration system which works on gravity and looks like I.V. bags and tubing. The quality and detail of your videos is super. I wish I had your up to date Arkel's! Mine are the old Red ones like Paul uses but the still stand up. GREAT company! Power to your pedals! Untill the next video.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing your setup. I love hearing what others do, as each setup is unique and works for its rider. Yes, if I didn't have the electronics, my load would be so much lighter. It's much better now than it was at the beginning though. Your friend is right, the more space you have, the more you'll fill it. Arkel makes amazing quality product, if they ain't broke, don't fix them!

[@julianz.9164]

Very nice set-up👌🏼 I'm beginning bikepacking with a roadbike racebike and very eager to get started next month🙏🏼

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm sure you'll figure out exactly what works for you, in no time.

[@johnpickett8041]

Wow. That's a big load. I have plenty of long distance experience. Not surprising that my bike looks similar. I do not carry a laptop tho. My loading rule is heaviest stuff up front and down low. Keep as much weight as possible between the axles (super important if you are riding a recumbent). You have convinced me to use bigger panniers on the front because I never have enough space for food! Also, I try not to stack things up too much on my rear rack because it makes it hard to get onto the bike. Great video.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing your setup tips. I met a few recumbent riders on my tour and each had set their bikes up slightly differently. I'm always interested how people pack up their items and what they consider important to take on tour. Yes to not stacking things up too high in the back.

[@katjasendmayr1342]

Schwalbe Marathon Plus (Tour) the best tires for bike travel! I've been riding mine for almost 7000 km now and and never ever had a single puncture!! According to my bike mechanic it's the only tire in the market with a really working puncture protection. And I can only confirm that! Clear recommendation!

[@WheelsonaBike]

I agree! I rode 8,300KM on those tires and not a single puncture. I expect them to be wearing down now and will most likely get some punctures as they come to their end of life, but thus far - bulletproof!

[@ronkogels8998]

Love your videos and your great explanations on gear bike set up. One thing I noticed you don't have installed on your bike, is a seat suspension i.e Cane Creek thud buster. I tour considerable distances here in Queensland Australia mainly on unsealed roads and seat suspension (small weight penalty) really makes a differnce at the end of the day, by not feeling as jarred jolted and contributes to feeling less fatigued after a long session on the bike

[@WheelsonaBike]

Interesting observation and what a coincidence as I've just bought a Cane Creek post and will be installing it on the commuter. If it makes a difference I will transfer it to my touring bike. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Self_Proppelled]

That's a home on wheels, very inspirational.

[@WheelsonaBike]

It absolutely is!

[@shaukatkhan1600]

very good bicycle adventure touring i like

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you.

[@pioneer8634]

thank you for the update good choice in tires also have to take into account for the weight of the bike when fully loaded + comfort I gave up on the bugs on my long rides (seven day ride for me on a bike tour)
Gnats were the worst for me between eating them and riding between what felt like thousands of them
attacking me every ten miles or so :) stay safe and and best wishes to you

[@WheelsonaBike]

Funny thing - I originally wanted the 700 x 40c tires, but there were none in stock. I'm very happy with how things turned out. Bugs... They just get you...

[@geoffreyhoney122]

Hi. I have found a Buff super helpful to keep gnats/bugs out of my mouth and nose. You can pull it up if it is cold and protect your ears from deerflies too.

[@Brackers64]

Nice set-up, I'm planning my very first over night - multi day in southern Ontario. I know this is much more gear than I will need but great to see what a real trip requires. Good luck on the rest of your trip, not sure how far you have gone. Bob...

[@WheelsonaBike]

Excellent! You'll figure out what you need on that first trip, no doubt. Hope you enjoy the journey. I filmed the video recently, so I've ridden close to 5,000KM now.

[@Cass-lv1on]

Well done

[@ChrisFacciol_LIFELINEPHOTO]

you are awesome ... I'm Canadian living in Belize .... I'm getting ready to tour Central America ...

[@WheelsonaBike]

That'll be an incredible trip! Central America. How long do you have for the trip?

[@sheilastallard]

My hubby as schwalbe marathons on his Surly Cross Check and on our Bromptons. Stay Safe!!!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Those really are great tires.

[@johnaldred6864]

Whoa that's what I call fully loaded ...! Bike must weigh a ton...! Excellent video .... 👍

[@WheelsonaBike]

It did. But that's what I needed to be comfortable and self sufficient while on the road for five months. And I got very strong because of it.

[@tomsitzman3952]

Good video explanation. Bring what works for you and makes you comfortable. I noticed you have a buff around your neck. A must bring item. On a hot day soak with water to cool the neck, On a cold windy mountain pass, pull it up to cover the ears and head. Your bright Yellow water proof bag also makes a great washing machine. Safe trip. Canada roads can have very narrow shoulders.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for sharing your experience with how flexible neck buffs can be. I do those as well. I've not used the dry bag as a washing machine though! What an idea!

[@josephhaddakin7095]

I had a 28w BigBlue solar panel to charge my phone & lights. You're definitely right about the Schwalbes. No problems at all.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I have the same solar panel, but ended up sending it home as it was quite heavy and I didn't use it that much. When I did use it, it worked perfectly though.

[@josephhaddakin7095]

@@WheelsonaBike I used mine a lot as I never paid to sleep. I rough/stealth camped from San Diego, CA to Jefferson City, MO. The SW desert was pretty desolate.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes, that makes sense.

[@the1andonly]

Love your set ups it is so well organized. The tip on the tires is especially valuable. My set up was (is) a lot cheaper, but it definitely can cause problems on the road. I usually carry an extra gallon container of water and recently bought a fabric beer cooler to put it in to protect it from the sun. Extra weight, yes. But most of the time I tour with Barbara now and we both need water. I'm so sorry to hear about your accident. Wishing you a fast and complete recovery. Hopefully you'll be back cycling soon, but better stay away from the Trans Canada Highway. I remember scary moments on there (west of Wawa) and it had me take a very different route. Canada has a long way to go regarding cycling safety.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you Jorg. A fabric beer cooler! I've never heard of such a thing. I'll look into it as protecting the water bladdrd from sun rays would be wise.
Yes, the Trans Canada Highway in Ontario has ways to go to be considered safe. There are parts of it that are, but it's a patchwork of sections and it cases confusion for all those who ride and drive that highway. But... No amount of highway readiness can account for people not paying attention to what's ahead of them.

[@the1andonly]

@@WheelsonaBike True! We have too many people driving who are not mentally fir for it. Anyone who cannot put their phone away while driving, should not be driving.

[@the1andonly]

Hi Agnieszka. I'm working on a new video. You and your recent FB post are mentioned in it as I'm talking about the dangers of the Trans Canada Highway. I think it is important to share things like that, as unpleasant as they are. Would it be okay to use your FB post for a few seconds as B-roll? Just wanted to check with you first.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thanks for checking, Jorg. You can use the post, but can I ask that you blurr out my last name from the post? If rather not have that shared publically.

[@the1andonly]

@@WheelsonaBike Thank you. Yes of course, I understand.

[@bagzybaker]

Nice one fellow biker

[@yipfrank2721]

Maybe you can try the belt drive system in the future, which can spare you the trouble of greasing and degreasing the chains over and over again.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'd love to get a bike with a belt drive.

[@StarEssences]

Pannier organization: Rear: One side for sleeping and camp gear. Other side; Clothes (use cubes to organize clothes), electronics (pouch organizer), and food. Front; One side: Dog lunch box (carries water, food, leash, and maybe a couple of toys (I now have two small dogs which one will be in a buddyrider dog bicycle seat that is in the center of bicycle and the other will be in a doggyride Cocoon safely attached with a bracket to keep Cocoon stable on front cargo rack. Other side; Jacket, camp chair, and anything else extra I need to bring that won't fit in other pannier bags. I have one bike which is a Trekking bicycle and the other is a custom build electric 10-speed bike. I plan to go out for week-ends to camp and enjoy the natural landscapes of Nevada. I am also currently working on dropping more weight in order to be able for the bike to carry around 90lbs of cargo weight for a weekend. A lot of people when they have dogs on a bicycle, they prefer to be IN FRONT OF YOU, not behind you. Both dog bicycle seats are in FRONT of me. I am waiting for hot season to pass and then I can start to train for longer distance riding and hopefully be out and about by end of September of this year; 2022. Nevada's best weather; September, October, part of November then there is Winter which runs cold until Beginning of March. March, April, and May are good to ride and then late June, July, and August are HOT (averaging over a 100 degrees).

[@WheelsonaBike]

Amazing! With two dogs, your setup sounds quite minimal actually, since quite a bit of it is for them. Do you not mind riding with the buddyrider over long distances? I find that it's ok for short rides for me, but not long ones, as my knees move out too much when I have it installed.

[@StarEssences]

@@WheelsonaBike I know that I will not doing extreme long distance riding; for example riding across America. For now, I am doing close by bike touring in my state. Nevada is surrounded by Mountains and campsites that are not too far away from where I reside. I am thinking maybe in the future to do a surrounding Nevada, five state tour ride that will lead me back to my state. One thing for sure, bike touring will most definitely teach you to be a minimalist; bring only essentials, nothing more. Come to America some day, we have a ton of beautiful landscapes and sights to see and the people (not all), but most are with good hospitality.

[@larry4674]

Thanks for sharing your setup, Agnieszka! Glad to see your trip progressing and how your rig is evolving...
Was wondering what brand of water bladder that is, and how happy you are with it.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for watching! The bladder is a Platypus (Platypus Hoser) 2L one and I'm very happy with it. It came with a screw on hose but I've removed it and use it for carrying extra water or for filtering water.

[@jantelliquawallace355]

I lived on my bike for 6.5 years. 3 north American west coast to east coast rides. Up and down both coasts. I rode 2200 miles just to watch a solar eclipse. 31 states. 19 to go. I've got surly racks front and back. I keep my water bladder on the front too. Marathon plus tires all day but I ride 32s so I can run 117 psi and cut rolling resistance. I only use 2 rear saddle bags now. Left side is wet side, tent and other stuff I'm not worried about getting wet. Right side dry side, clean clothes sleeping bag and sleeping pad. I use a small canvas military bag in between saddle bags to carry parts and food and whatever else I need. I carry a full size pump so I can air up every other day and not waste energy or worry about ripping a valve stem off; it also serves as my kick stand ( you just prop it between the saddle bag and the ground.) Last thing, DOWN TUBE SHIFTERS! makes life so much better. My entire bike only has 2 feet of cable housing. 10 inches at the rear derailleur, the rest on the handle bar for the brakes. Flat tires suck, but when housing goes bad there's no fixing it.

[@WheelsonaBike]

This is incredible! I just love hearing about your on the bike lifestyle. Thank you for sharing what's worked for you.

[@shaukatkhan1600]

very good

[@golflre7179]

Wow! Very organized. How much total dry weight and then water weight? I’ve watched your other vids already ( doing them from newest to oldest) so my question - when you planned your trip, did you identify stops that had bike shops in case you needed maintenance? I also wonder if you could have had sponsors in retrospect to finance your trip. I hope when you are done you will write a book. I think this is so fun to follow your trip, ups and downs, things you learned, and the people you meet.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm not exactly sure about the dry/water weight, but the weight on the bike is about 35kg - which is A LOT. When planning, I did not have any bike shops identified, I just drop by when I'm town. I could have pursued sponsorship, but I'm not sure I have much to offer in terms of that.
Thank you for watching and for the questions!

[@golflre7179]

@@WheelsonaBike Indeed, hauling that load uphill must be grueling. I’m very impressed with your conditioning too.

[@rainbowhiker]

When on tour, I take no more than when backpacking with the exception of tools and lube. I read years ago not to buy large panniers, as in backpacking, because you will fill them with things not needed.

[@popokero]

Nice

[@theunriddenadventures8126]

Great video on your gear Agnieszka :) What front and rear bike lights do you use and are you happy with them? Thanks for all the great content!

[@WheelsonaBike]

I use the Reelight Nova front and rear lights. They are powered by a contactless dynamo and are great as running lights. I also carry rechargeable lights. reelight.com/products/nova

[@MattScottMusic]

Never done a bike tour yet, but I am very curious to know what things you ‘sent back’ because you didn’t need them?
That would be an interesting video too. Many thanks for this one.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you and thanks for a video idea.

[@stevemullin1195]

I'm considering the kona sutra bike for touring...but only if I can get its drivetrain down less then 16 gear inches for climbing hills. I currently ride a recumbent trike that has 13 gear inches. I'm using tannus airless tires for flat free riding but they have a 163lb wt limit per tire...so I've split up my gear and carry half on my burley trailer. Planning on riding from LA up to SF next May to do the AIDS ride from SF to LA....my 2nd time doing it. Then planning on longer rides...maybe on the Kona or my trike...got to do a bike fit to determine the proper bike for my body and then test ride it.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Bike fit is essential, especially if riding long distances.

[@DEVAULT.]

How are you today? Have you recovered from whatever injuries occurred when that car hit you on the 417 ?
Have a Fantastic day.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Doing well. Recovery is a slow process, but it's all heading in the right direction.

[@samuelmjlfjell]

I just finished my 17 Day tour on the wallkill rail trail to the D&L rail trail ony 1991 Cannondale.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Amazing! How was the ride?

[@samuelmjlfjell]

@@WheelsonaBike I got poison Ivy the last few days other than that I'm good.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Oh no - sorry to hear that.

[@peterfodor9789]

Please keep an eye on your front rack water bladder as exposure to sunlight will cause algae to grow in the bladder. If kept in a completed dark area this will not happen.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for letting me know that this can happen.

[@cc103acs]

Your camera - originally you had an Insta360 One R. During one of your recent videos I thought I noticed an upgrade to a One RS. Now I see you have a One X2. I would be interested in your movement through the 360 models. I have a One R and have had some issues… was looking at the One X2.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I fell and broke one of the lenses on the RS. I then decided to get a stand alone 360 camera. I had no issues with the One R/RS cameras and still use it with the one inch mod.

[@Forestcityflygirl]

hope you are healing up from your accident... haven't seen an update. hope all is well

[@WheelsonaBike]

I am, thank you.

[@lecoyote3438]

Bonjour , merci pour la présentation de ton équipement . Concernent les piqûres d'insectes , j'utilise un mélange d'huile d'olive avec du vinaigre blanc et un jus de citron , cela fonctionne très très bien ) J'ai eu moi aussi beaucoup de fuites avec mes sacoches Arkel , alors j'utilise maintenant des sacoches Vaude et je n'ai plus de problème ... Les pneus CONTINENTAL RIDE TOUR EXTRA sont eu aussi très bien pour le touring , ils sont beaucoup moins lourd que les Schwalbe et résiste aussi bien aux crevaisons . A très bientôt . 😉

[@WheelsonaBike]

Thank you for sharing your natural bug repellent! Are there any specific measurements of each ingredient to use? Or do you just eyeball it? Thanks also for the tip about tires. I ran into a person who uses Vaude bags and she's been very happy with them.

[@lecoyote3438]

@@WheelsonaBike . Pour 1 litre d'insecticide il faudra utiliser ( 700 ml d'huile d'olive , 250 ml de vinaigre blanc et 5 jus de citron pressé ) Je n'ai rien trouvé de plus efficace contre les piqûres s'insectes 🦟. Cette solution peut aussi servir pour assaisonner nos repas de salade de légumes🥗et peut-être conserver plusieurs années a température ambiante . A bientôt .

[@WheelsonaBike]

Wonderful! Thank you very much for the recipe.

[@lecoyote3438]

@@WheelsonaBike Avec plaisir , il faut bien s'entraider entre nous les voyageurs .

[@DeanGeeves]

Hi Agnieszka, love all your content. I just purchased a Kona Sutra and have the same Arkel Dolphins, can you tell me what rear rack you have? Thank you!

[@WheelsonaBike]

Congratulations on the bike purchase! The rack I had was a Bontrager rack. I don't know what model as I had it installed on the road as the original broke. But I've since taken it off and installed a Surly rear rack, it's steel and can be repaired if anything breaks. The Bontrager one is aluminum.

[@DeanGeeves]

@@WheelsonaBike Thank you so much, of course my last message should've started Hi not I'm! lol 🙂

[@keithspangler4814]

Any tips thoughts on route below, I'd love to hear them.

[@DBusch-ks7jg]

I was wondering about the bar end shifters on the Kona, how do you like them? With my road bike I NEVER ride with my hands in the lower position and don’t know how I will like these shifters.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I LOVE my bar end shifters. When I first started riding the bike I, too, didn't use the drops much. That didn't matter as I could reach the shifters just fine. Absolutely no issues getting used to using them.

[@davidgustafson7491]

You keep a tent in a dry bag? I found that didn't work when the tent was damp or wet. It is better to keep in in a breathable bag so that it dries out during the day.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes. But I never put a wet or damp tent in a dry bag. If a tent wasn't dry I kept the fly outside and dried it before placing it in a dry bag.

[@JochenSteglich]

What do you think about the Surly front rack:
Is it worth the money? Anything to consider?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I love it. No issues, super versatile as there's lots of space to play around with. Panniers fit great. Putting it together was a pain, but all the pieces were provided and it was just a matter of time to get everything work for the my bike. I would recommend it.

[@guydesgroseilliers34]

You broke your stick stand? Is that reliable because i just bought one because of one of your previous video. Cheers.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I broke it but it was my fault completely. I did not engage the brakes, YOU HAVE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES. I spoke to the maker and he sent me a replacement and pointed out what I did wrong as I captured the fall and break in a video. I would still recommend it and use the broken one on my Brompton and the full one on my touring bike.

[@shuttle461]

Hi! I'm not a native speaker of English but I understand about 90% of your talking. Your English sounds clear. Where exactly are you from? Besides that, I learn from your videos as I am about to do my first tourist biking in my life! I am 61 years.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I'm Polish and have lived in Canada for close to 30 years. Where are you thinking of going on your bike tour? How exciting to be planning your first one!

[@shuttle461]

@@WheelsonaBike HI! I'm south American and my first bike tour must be not so many miles away from home, to start. My biggest challenge I face is bike mechanics. I know nothing about it. Thanks for your reply.

[@WheelsonaBike]

I don't know much about bike mechanics either. Don't let that stop you.

[@Beingkindfeelsgood]

I am pondering of buying a Kona Sutra but I am between a Small and Medium. What is your advice? How has the bike held up for you on the road?

[@WheelsonaBike]

The bike has been amazing. I had absolutely no problems with it before or during my cross Canada trip. I am very happy with its performance. Regarding fit - I would recommend a test ride, as you'll be able to better tell which size fits you better then.

[@ThalassTKynn]

Oh I've been looking at the schwalbe marathons for when my tyres go bald. And the studded winter version is tempting. That's a really good setup you've got.
Actually quick question if you don't mind. What kind of speed do you tend to maintain on these long rides? Apologies if you've said that somewhere before haha

[@WheelsonaBike]

Speed is dependant on many factors like surface, wind, hills (grade). It's hard to give an average. I have all my ride info on Strava if you're interested in those details.

[@ThalassTKynn]

@@WheelsonaBike makes sense, thanks

[@mrx1979ua]

@@WheelsonaBike Do you mind sharing the link to Strava? Would be great

[@WheelsonaBike]

Here you go: Agnieszka Wheels on a Bike on Strava
www.strava.com/athletes/46360007

[@henryguthery5311]

Just bought a Kona sutra

[@WheelsonaBike]

Congratulations!

[@henryguthery5311]

@@WheelsonaBike I love your enthusiasm

[@jasongarcia7544]

Have you put all your gear on the scales?
Interested to see the weight.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes I did get on a truck scale and shared that in one of my videos. The load weighed around 35 kg. More sometimes, if I carried water.

[@jasongarcia7544]

@@WheelsonaBike WOW that’s pretty good considering anything you have.
I’ll need to continue watching your vids now. Thx

[@brentirvine2336]

I have sent unused things home, but I was wondering what you sent home?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I had a solar battery charger, went home. Extra pair of shoes (third pair), exercise straps (I have a small roller and had a stretching strap), extra clothes (very warm, ones I used in the mountains), extra camera, that's all I can remember at this point.

[@dermotpurcell8861]

There is some setup

[@leGrand-Nord]

I had a similar set-up , 5 years ago, however……, my cockpit had lots more space , and my front rack filled, did not allow for a handlebar bag…

[@WheelsonaBike]

Did you have drop bars as well?

[@leGrand-Nord]

@@WheelsonaBike no drop bars, however, I had aero bars to ease the riding position

[@WheelsonaBike]

Aero bars would be amazing! I've been thinking of having those installed.

[@leGrand-Nord]

@@WheelsonaBike they are especially useful against a headwind….

[@WheelsonaBike]

Yes! They would be great for that.

[@SuperJohnfoster]

Do you know how much the total weight of all your bags is I'm trying to get an estimate of what I should think is okay for me I don't know how much I should take

[@WheelsonaBike]

I had about 35 kg in all my bags.

[@SuperJohnfoster]

@@WheelsonaBike OK thanks

[@andrewmandrivnyk]

How is the Sony camera to your liking ?

[@WheelsonaBike]

I don't use a Sony camera so cannot comment.

[@andrewmandrivnyk]

@@WheelsonaBike Sony ZV1 ?

[@WheelsonaBike]

Sorry about that. I parked the ZV1 for over 3 months as I traveled. I shot this video on a GoPro. I don't have any issues with the camera, I've just not been using it recently.

[@andrewmandrivnyk]

@@WheelsonaBike Dziękuję Ci

[@shaukatkhan1600]

total expensave

[@salvadorbeza652]

Ww 😍 hellooo 👋 beautiful be care fll I lv u ww like it

[@philiprayner]

duct tape fixes anything

[@WheelsonaBike]

Which duct tape brand would you recommend?

[@thattravellingguy]

No goose translation here? Next time..

[@WheelsonaBike]

Not in this one. 😉 She'll be coming back in the next one.

[@supermusclemaniac1]

Thats alot of cargo for a ride in the park.

[@WheelsonaBike]

What do you mean by a ride in the park?