Beautiful scenery in this one Simon. One thing I've taken to doing out in the wilds and in high land is to photograph my mapped route. I can then confidently navigate should there be no internet coverage. Taking some notes to of village shops, cafes, pubs etc and their opening times also very useful. It's amazing the number of 'closed on Monday's ' I come across. Looks to be a confidently derived setup. Well done. I'm thinking multipurpose windproof layering for bombing down descents after sweating gallons on the way up!
Good point re-internet. I’ve gone overboard really. I have turn-by-turn as a pdf; multiple downloaded route files on three devices; and a print out annotated with shops, having googled their opening hours 😁. I’ll still get it wrong!
And last and finally - just a suggestion but have you considered removable zip ties, which don't last forever and eventually lock out like normal ties, but as removables they are a boon to tie something down and then remove and you have a tie you can still use again and again and again.
I’m a lifelong backpacker now long distance bike touring and I thought the hiking gear was a lot until I got into bikepacking…..! Btw I have some phd booties and it’s amazing that no one in the USA knows about them. They make some of the best gear!
I have the tn laser comp 1 , it's a great tent , cooked in it no prob , easy to vent, and good tough tent for all weathers despite its lightness. . I went back to this tent when I started bikepacking as its a great low stealth colour . One advantage of the tent is it has an excellent small footprint and because its tapered not rectangle have been able to get it set up in in some really desperate unlikely spots 🤣 never thought of using it as a bivy I will try that out, could be a game changer 👍 I never did go tubeless ,i I think the ability to change a flat quickly and easily when its dark cold wet windy and yer knackered gives the inner tube the edge for me 🙂👍
Brilliant idea about the packaway rucksack for food as you buy it. ive ordered myself one, it really is a cracking idea, say thanks to the wife for me. Ive got a feeling itll be one of those items youll wonder how you ever managed without. great stuff thank you.
Regarding Tubolito, am impressed. I'm 125kg and I have have no problems with 28x700c.90psi.There are RideNow TPU inner tubes on the market as well. There are quite cheaper than the Tubolito and still 34g. Regards
I didn’t know about the others, but if the Tubolito stand up to the punishment I’m hammering into them here on the Torino Nice Rally then they’re good!
Interesting to hear your comments on tubeless tyres. I know some folk carry an inner tube as a belt and braces approach, but I just use a tubeless specific repair kit and a mini-pump. So far, I have found the tubeless set-up to be hugely beneficial, so I'm interested to know why some users you have spoken to revert to carrying tubes?
I'm with you on this. Using tubeless for 20 years now and never had a problem with it, the sealant must have stopped hundreds of inner tube repairs by now. I get very nervous and ride very cautiously on any bike with inner tubes, especially condom thin ones he is using, because it's not a matter of if but when they will puncture!
Reading blogs from people who've done this route, the tubeless folk seem to end up having to use tubes. I don't know why and I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. One of my bikes is tubeless, this one isn't because I've struggled to get the rear wheel to stay air-tight. Messing about with sealant when flying also worries me, with the prospect of it leaking into my bike box not appealing. But I'm certainly not convinced I'm doing the right thing!
It’s an interesting discussion. I remember when tubeless was first introduced for mountain bikes and it was less reliable and there were few options for fixing punctures if the sealant didn’t work, so people ended up putting a tube in, defeating the object of going tubeless. Things then improved with better rim tape, stronger tubeless ready tyres and various plug kits for holes when the sealant isn’t enough. I think gravel is now in that phase, especially with the newer stronger tyre options that are now available and things like the Vittoria air liner foam inserts mean you can get a very reliable tubeless setup. That said, as you discussed in your video, it’s about having a setup you are confident in riding and repairing, so the decision is really about that and testing out what works for you. Hope you have a great TNR trip.
Another brilliant video Simon. I learn something new (well in fact several things) and can't wait to see how it all performs in the rally - good luck 🙂
Excellent as always - thought you’d go with a light tent in the end 😉 Admire you for taking all the camera kit but we wouldn’t have the superb content if you didn’t. Good luck with the adventure and look forward to seeing it all when you get home 👍🚴♂️🚴♂️🚴♂️
Great video as always Simon, looks like a pretty lean set up to me. Think I took more stuff on a 2 day 1 night 😆 Been enjoying your mini Torino-Nice updates too. Happy adventuring 😀
Apart from no mention of a tracker ? Looks like a great setup and also far better packed than my own. That should do you grand for your trip I am sure. Decathelon should never be overlooked some great kit and you mention it too.
I've had problems in the past with backwheel spokes going on the cassette side. Need an extractor and chain whip to fix that. I carried them on the Hebredies 'just in case' because of the remoteness, but its a big weight penalty. What do you think?
I really hesitate to say this Martin but... I've never broken a spoke. Of course, you kn ow what's going to happen now on my next ride 😁. I don't feel qualified to give a sensible answer to this, sorry.
Another high quality film, thanks, Simon. So well thought out resulting in optimised kit, it's incredible how well it fits on the bike. Looks more sleek not having panniers. One thing I would like to know... how much does the bike and kit weigh when you do a long tour? Thank you.
I can't tell you Nic because I don't weigh it. My thinking is - how would that data be useful? Would I change the bike? Remove kit that I feel I need? I fear it might be a number I could fixate on when times were tough, so I'd rather not have it in my head. Sorry if that's not a helpful reply
Great video, what surprised me most compared to some others I have watched is everything in bags, which from organisational perspective is spot on, and you have obviously experimented on which bags go into which bigger bags. I found I struggled on my first bike packing trip and resorted to stuffing things in as this seemed to take up less space. I think this means I am either taking too much ( highly possible) or I need to do more thinking on what goes where. My kit with bike included and loaded water bottles, bags etc , plus weight of kit I was riding in came to 57 llbs but not sure if this is good or not, this was for 4 days, would be interested in your thoughts. Keep up the good work and good luck with the Torino
Hi Stephen - sorry, I thought I'd replied to this earlier. I've always been a fan of stuff-sacks. Backpacking they're ultra-light nylon sacks and I use a waterproof sack liner. These are dry bags from Lomo which I started using when sea kayaking.
An ex-military friend swears by Avon Skin So Soft for repelling midges (and it doesn't strip paint off your bike if you drop it). I swear by pipe cleaners for cleaning drive trains on long distance rides.
The ‘rumour’ is Avon changed the ingredients in SSS and Smidge put them in its product. I’m doubtful of this because I know people for whom SSS works. It does nothing against midges for me. Pipe cleaners sound a good idea for muck and road grit between the links but won’t get into the plates - ZeroFrictionCycling has a good bit on this. Worth doing though.
Hi again Simon. How do you find those Decathlon Lobster glove covers - are they really waterproof? I wonder if you have a link for them. Thank you, Stevie 😊
I'm not going to be much use there Stevie. They're windproof, but I've never needed to use them in rain so can't answer your question. Nor can I find them on Decathlon's website - I suspect my friend Allister might have forgotten where he bought them (he gave them to me in France when it turned very cold)
There’s not a lot to say, except I just got an email saying they’ve changed the name from “junk drawer” to « kitchen sink bag ». If I find during the ride there’s is more to add I shall. Slightly awkward to add some of the extras to the front bar (like a light mount) with the bag in place.
I think I'd probably reach pretty similar conclusions after your experiments. So glad you ditched the hooped bivvy, for your mental health if nothing else. One thing though is the Numo pad. I have one and it seems to have a very low R-value as well as going down on me, so to speak, from day one. I'd sacrifice some space and weight and take an insulated pad to complement your light sleeping bag.
That's interesting, because I've not been able to test it. Hmm. I also have a Cloudbase which, although it has an even lower R number, works fine for me and does stay up. It's about the same size and weight, so perhaps I'll switch. Thanks.
@@alwaysanotheradventure The two pads have different designs but neither is insulated; You can't guarantee warm ground at high altitudes in the Alps. And a decent warm night's sleep is basic to recovery. I bought an Exped Downmat 7 and now use it pretty much all the time, even when it's hot but could get cold. You might need to spend some more dosh ..
@@weeringjohnny yeah I get that, but I’m going to live with it. It’s not cash now, it’s time as I leave tomorrow. I have other mats but they’re too big. Has to be better than the bubble-wrap I’ve also used on a mountain marathon… I appreciate the thoughts though, I really do.
I've used a pad like the numo before. I take a piece of reflective radiator backing to go under (or over) it. It's very light and folds small. No idea how many R values it adds!
@@pendodave4661 I do the same in winter even with the Exped Downmat. Good advice for Simon if he's leaving tomorrow. Those reflective windscreen thingies work and are readily available in Italy, from where I'm writing, enjoying some proper coffee at the local bar.
I’m touring in Italy and France right now and use the HipLoks I talk about here. Fine for short time away from bike in some places. ua-cam.com/video/bLRk6bB6a3s/v-deo.html
Hi Kevin - I think the tent went in a 6L dry bag. They come in sets of 3 sizes - 3L, 6L and 8L - but the 8L is too big. Still the price works out well so I have a couple of sets. I'm pretty sure the tent and the sleeping bag both went in 6L. My down jacket fits the 3L. Size and more here where I bought them: www.lomo.co.uk/products/3-pack-ultra-lightweight-dry-bags/ (I have no connection with these folk!)
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you, great work and inspirational enough for me to get a Bombtrack tourer and start touring again in the USA Keep up the great videos.
I know you feel exhausted while riding and trying to talk and i feel it. It will be great if you speak a little bit slower and relaxed. So that viewers will understand more and have better knowledge. As always ❤️
Beautiful scenery in this one Simon. One thing I've taken to doing out in the wilds and in high land is to photograph my mapped route. I can then confidently navigate should there be no internet coverage. Taking some notes to of village shops, cafes, pubs etc and their opening times also very useful. It's amazing the number of 'closed on Monday's ' I come across.
Looks to be a confidently derived setup. Well done. I'm thinking multipurpose windproof layering for bombing down descents after sweating gallons on the way up!
Good point re-internet. I’ve gone overboard really. I have turn-by-turn as a pdf; multiple downloaded route files on three devices; and a print out annotated with shops, having googled their opening hours 😁. I’ll still get it wrong!
West Highlands and Islands in on my list urgently to do
Really useful video as a sanity check for anyone who bike-packs. Thanks for sharing.
And last and finally - just a suggestion but have you considered removable zip ties, which don't last forever and eventually lock out like normal ties, but as removables they are a boon to tie something down and then remove and you have a tie you can still use again and again and again.
I have those holding the wheels in the bike box and as a handle for it - great things. Thanks Nigel.
Great rundown and a fair amount of detail to consider. Thanks for putting together this comprehensive review.
My pleasure!
Extremely well thought out kit ideas. Best of luck 👍🏼
Thanks Pete. Whatever happens it’s an adventure.
I’m a lifelong backpacker now long distance bike touring and I thought the hiking gear was a lot until I got into bikepacking…..!
Btw I have some phd booties and it’s amazing that no one in the USA knows about them. They make some of the best gear!
PHD booties - I shall investigate
I have the tn laser comp 1 , it's a great tent , cooked in it no prob , easy to vent, and good tough tent for all weathers despite its lightness. . I went back to this tent when I started bikepacking as its a great low stealth colour . One advantage of the tent is it has an excellent small footprint and because its tapered not rectangle have been able to get it set up in in some really desperate unlikely spots 🤣 never thought of using it as a bivy I will try that out, could be a game changer 👍
I never did go tubeless ,i I think the ability to change a flat quickly and easily when its dark cold wet windy and yer knackered gives the inner tube the edge for me 🙂👍
Thanks for that about the tent. I used the early Laser in mountain marathon but that was (ahem) a while ago. Good to hear your experience with it.
I put spare spokes and zip ties in the seat tube ,just use a bit of foam as a plug.
Spokes! That would have been a good idea. A bit late now.
Another very informative video Simon. Thanks again, Robin (& Anna)
Also, a wee shout out for Pelotan as a sunscreen. Less greasy than P20, and smells better too!
Love the production value. Surprised you don't have more viewers. Very knowledgeable!
Thanks Jake.
Brilliant idea about the packaway rucksack for food as you buy it. ive ordered myself one, it really is a cracking idea, say thanks to the wife for me. Ive got a feeling itll be one of those items youll wonder how you ever managed without. great stuff thank you.
I’ll tell her Tony.
Regarding Tubolito, am impressed. I'm 125kg and I have have no problems with 28x700c.90psi.There are RideNow TPU inner tubes on the market as well. There are quite cheaper than the Tubolito and still 34g. Regards
I didn’t know about the others, but if the Tubolito stand up to the punishment I’m hammering into them here on the Torino Nice Rally then they’re good!
Interesting to hear your comments on tubeless tyres. I know some folk carry an inner tube as a belt and braces approach, but I just use a tubeless specific repair kit and a mini-pump. So far, I have found the tubeless set-up to be hugely beneficial, so I'm interested to know why some users you have spoken to revert to carrying tubes?
I'm with you on this. Using tubeless for 20 years now and never had a problem with it, the sealant must have stopped hundreds of inner tube repairs by now. I get very nervous and ride very cautiously on any bike with inner tubes, especially condom thin ones he is using, because it's not a matter of if but when they will puncture!
I'm certainly not convinced I'm doing the right thing!
Reading blogs from people who've done this route, the tubeless folk seem to end up having to use tubes. I don't know why and I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. One of my bikes is tubeless, this one isn't because I've struggled to get the rear wheel to stay air-tight. Messing about with sealant when flying also worries me, with the prospect of it leaking into my bike box not appealing. But I'm certainly not convinced I'm doing the right thing!
It’s an interesting discussion. I remember when tubeless was first introduced for mountain bikes and it was less reliable and there were few options for fixing punctures if the sealant didn’t work, so people ended up putting a tube in, defeating the object of going tubeless. Things then improved with better rim tape, stronger tubeless ready tyres and various plug kits for holes when the sealant isn’t enough. I think gravel is now in that phase, especially with the newer stronger tyre options that are now available and things like the Vittoria air liner foam inserts mean you can get a very reliable tubeless setup. That said, as you discussed in your video, it’s about having a setup you are confident in riding and repairing, so the decision is really about that and testing out what works for you. Hope you have a great TNR trip.
Thanks
Thanks Peter!
Very impressive, I can’t quite believe how much you packed onto that bike! Seems like magic.
Frankly amazes me too. Until I pick it up James. Then the weight is the reality check 😁
Another brilliant video Simon. I learn something new (well in fact several things) and can't wait to see how it all performs in the rally - good luck 🙂
Thanks Alison - I’m sure I’ll learn a heck of a lot in the coming month!
Excellent as always - thought you’d go with a light tent in the end 😉 Admire you for taking all the camera kit but we wouldn’t have the superb content if you didn’t. Good luck with the adventure and look forward to seeing it all when you get home 👍🚴♂️🚴♂️🚴♂️
Thanks Graham. Mostly it’s batteries, a GoPro l, a Song stills camera and my phone. Drone didn’t make the cut.
Going bike packing there next month! Thanks dude
Have a great trip🏴 Ronan !
Great video as always Simon, looks like a pretty lean set up to me. Think I took more stuff on a 2 day 1 night 😆 Been enjoying your mini Torino-Nice updates too. Happy adventuring 😀
Thanks Charlie
I’m new to your channel, great videos, very informative 👍🏼
Awesome, thank you!
Apart from no mention of a tracker ? Looks like a great setup and also far better packed than my own. That should do you grand for your trip I am sure.
Decathelon should never be overlooked some great kit and you mention it too.
The PLB is going.
@@alwaysanotheradventure hmmmm
I've had problems in the past with backwheel spokes going on the cassette side. Need an extractor and chain whip to fix that. I carried them on the Hebredies 'just in case' because of the remoteness, but its a big weight penalty. What do you think?
I really hesitate to say this Martin but... I've never broken a spoke. Of course, you kn ow what's going to happen now on my next ride 😁. I don't feel qualified to give a sensible answer to this, sorry.
Another high quality film, thanks, Simon. So well thought out resulting in optimised kit, it's incredible how well it fits on the bike. Looks more sleek not having panniers. One thing I would like to know... how much does the bike and kit weigh when you do a long tour? Thank you.
I can't tell you Nic because I don't weigh it. My thinking is - how would that data be useful? Would I change the bike? Remove kit that I feel I need? I fear it might be a number I could fixate on when times were tough, so I'd rather not have it in my head. Sorry if that's not a helpful reply
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thanks Simon, what ever it is you always seem to cope well and keep a good pace without looking really tired. Keep safe
Great video, what surprised me most compared to some others I have watched is everything in bags, which from organisational perspective is spot on, and you have obviously experimented on which bags go into which bigger bags. I found I struggled on my first bike packing trip and resorted to stuffing things in as this seemed to take up less space. I think this means I am either taking too much ( highly possible) or I need to do more thinking on what goes where. My kit with bike included and loaded water bottles, bags etc , plus weight of kit I was riding in came to 57 llbs but not sure if this is good or not, this was for 4 days, would be interested in your thoughts. Keep up the good work and good luck with the Torino
Hi Stephen - sorry, I thought I'd replied to this earlier. I've always been a fan of stuff-sacks. Backpacking they're ultra-light nylon sacks and I use a waterproof sack liner. These are dry bags from Lomo which I started using when sea kayaking.
An ex-military friend swears by Avon Skin So Soft for repelling midges (and it doesn't strip paint off your bike if you drop it). I swear by pipe cleaners for cleaning drive trains on long distance rides.
The ‘rumour’ is Avon changed the ingredients in SSS and Smidge put them in its product. I’m doubtful of this because I know people for whom SSS works. It does nothing against midges for me.
Pipe cleaners sound a good idea for muck and road grit between the links but won’t get into the plates - ZeroFrictionCycling has a good bit on this. Worth doing though.
Hi again Simon. How do you find those Decathlon Lobster glove covers - are they really waterproof? I wonder if you have a link for them. Thank you, Stevie 😊
I'm not going to be much use there Stevie. They're windproof, but I've never needed to use them in rain so can't answer your question. Nor can I find them on Decathlon's website - I suspect my friend Allister might have forgotten where he bought them (he gave them to me in France when it turned very cold)
Redshift Junkbag - are we going to get a review? cause that really interests me and I need something to stick in the loop also.
There’s not a lot to say, except I just got an email saying they’ve changed the name from “junk drawer” to « kitchen sink bag ». If I find during the ride there’s is more to add I shall. Slightly awkward to add some of the extras to the front bar (like a light mount) with the bag in place.
God I love this channel
I think I'd probably reach pretty similar conclusions after your experiments. So glad you ditched the hooped bivvy, for your mental health if nothing else. One thing though is the Numo pad. I have one and it seems to have a very low R-value as well as going down on me, so to speak, from day one. I'd sacrifice some space and weight and take an insulated pad to complement your light sleeping bag.
That's interesting, because I've not been able to test it. Hmm. I also have a Cloudbase which, although it has an even lower R number, works fine for me and does stay up. It's about the same size and weight, so perhaps I'll switch. Thanks.
@@alwaysanotheradventure The two pads have different designs but neither is insulated; You can't guarantee warm ground at high altitudes in the Alps. And a decent warm night's sleep is basic to recovery. I bought an Exped Downmat 7 and now use it pretty much all the time, even when it's hot but could get cold. You might need to spend some more dosh ..
@@weeringjohnny yeah I get that, but I’m going to live with it. It’s not cash now, it’s time as I leave tomorrow. I have other mats but they’re too big. Has to be better than the bubble-wrap I’ve also used on a mountain marathon… I appreciate the thoughts though, I really do.
I've used a pad like the numo before. I take a piece of reflective radiator backing to go under (or over) it. It's very light and folds small. No idea how many R values it adds!
@@pendodave4661 I do the same in winter even with the Exped Downmat. Good advice for Simon if he's leaving tomorrow. Those reflective windscreen thingies work and are readily available in Italy, from where I'm writing, enjoying some proper coffee at the local bar.
Maybe I missed it, but which stuff sacs are you using?
Well put together vid. Thanks
Any I happened to have, but those are Lomo dry bags.
Great video. Do you take a bike lock? How do you go into shops without losing your bike?
I’m touring in Italy and France right now and use the HipLoks I talk about here. Fine for short time away from bike in some places.
ua-cam.com/video/bLRk6bB6a3s/v-deo.html
may i ask how big is that red bag that you put your tent in?
Hi Kevin - I think the tent went in a 6L dry bag. They come in sets of 3 sizes - 3L, 6L and 8L - but the 8L is too big. Still the price works out well so I have a couple of sets. I'm pretty sure the tent and the sleeping bag both went in 6L. My down jacket fits the 3L. Size and more here where I bought them: www.lomo.co.uk/products/3-pack-ultra-lightweight-dry-bags/ (I have no connection with these folk!)
Would love to know what road you are riding along the coast?
One of my favourite local rides. ua-cam.com/video/3GfScMJW-Zo/v-deo.html There's a map in that video description, but it's the 'Kingairloch Loop'
Better not mistake the sunscreen for a bottle of chain lube 😀
Or the body wash (Dr Bronners - exact same colour as the sunscreen!)
From an American: What is “ Insulted Gielie (?)” { footwear????}
Gillet - French word we’ve all sort of adopted here. Padded vest / waistcoat.
@@alwaysanotheradventure Thank you, great work and inspirational enough for me to get a Bombtrack tourer and start touring again in the USA Keep up the great videos.
I know you feel exhausted while riding and trying to talk and i feel it. It will be great if you speak a little bit slower and relaxed. So that viewers will understand more and have better knowledge. As always ❤️
What about toilet
Hi Tam. Everything can’t go in every video.
Bikepacking camping skills
ua-cam.com/video/O_cZV3O0Dm8/v-deo.html