Brant's Bike:
Brant is currently in the process of getting a custom frame with local builder John Cutter. An example of his work can be seen at the Oregon Manifest homepage. The Oregon Manifest design challenge is akin to a modern day french trial where participants are tasked with creating the best utility bike. Aside from the bikes being ranked based on design, the bikes are pitted against each other in a type of mock courier race. While the bike exhibited is not the bike that Brant will be riding, some of the design features will be transfered. Below are a list of the design aspects of Brant's future touring rig.
Design aspects:
Lauren's Bike
Lauren's frame and fork is made by a German frame building company called Tout Terrain. We wanted to try and use the same components so that the tools we bring could be used for both of our bikes. Brant's bike builder also designed Lauren's handlebars and front rack. So, for the most part, many of our components are identical. But, here is a couple Lauren specific stuff (or just stuff Brant didn't have a chance to say)
Brant and Lauren's Panniers:
Sleeping Bags: North Face Green Kazoo's
Stove: MSR Whisperlite universal, Jetboil flash (we will just use this as we pedal across the U.S. and send it home when we leave for SE Asia).
Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba
Clothing: Whatever feels durable, light and comfortable! We are big fans of merino wool...
Technology: Samsung Galaxy tablet, Spot, iPhone
Camera: We are both mildly obsessed with our little digital camera with interchangeable lenses. Lauren has used a digital SLR for years and was a little reluctant on surrendering the power of her camera for something a little smaller; however, she was also adamant to not lug around her giant tool. We bought an Olympus PL-2. And we love it.
Brant is currently in the process of getting a custom frame with local builder John Cutter. An example of his work can be seen at the Oregon Manifest homepage. The Oregon Manifest design challenge is akin to a modern day french trial where participants are tasked with creating the best utility bike. Aside from the bikes being ranked based on design, the bikes are pitted against each other in a type of mock courier race. While the bike exhibited is not the bike that Brant will be riding, some of the design features will be transfered. Below are a list of the design aspects of Brant's future touring rig.
Design aspects:
- Custom steel frame designed around a Rohloff Speedhub
- Eccentric bottom bracket for chain tensioning
- Custom steel H-Bars
- Custom racks: front, rear, and cockpit
- 26" wheels
- Disc Brakes
- Integrated wiring system from dynamo front hub for lights and device charging
Component Breakdown:
- Gear System/Rear Hub: Rohloff Speedhub
- Shifter: Rohloff twist shifter
- Cranks: Groovy Cycles Hotrod Cranks
- Brakes: Avid BB7 mountain, 180 front, 160 rear
- Brake Levers: Avid Speed Dial 7
- Front hub: SON 28 ISO disc
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| Steel! |
- Security Skewers and other hardware: PITLOCK
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| The best security hardware on the market |
- Rear Rim: Rigida Andra 30
- Front Rim: Velocity Cliff Hanger
Lauren's frame and fork is made by a German frame building company called Tout Terrain. We wanted to try and use the same components so that the tools we bring could be used for both of our bikes. Brant's bike builder also designed Lauren's handlebars and front rack. So, for the most part, many of our components are identical. But, here is a couple Lauren specific stuff (or just stuff Brant didn't have a chance to say)
- Surly Mr. Whirly crankset, 165mm
- Ladies Standard Brooks saddle, black
- Chris King Headset and bottom bracket
- "The Plug"--electronic power supply built into the top cap
Brant and Lauren's Panniers:
- Arkel's Dolphin 48
- Arkel's Dolphin 32
Stove: MSR Whisperlite universal, Jetboil flash (we will just use this as we pedal across the U.S. and send it home when we leave for SE Asia).
Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba
Clothing: Whatever feels durable, light and comfortable! We are big fans of merino wool...
Technology: Samsung Galaxy tablet, Spot, iPhone
Camera: We are both mildly obsessed with our little digital camera with interchangeable lenses. Lauren has used a digital SLR for years and was a little reluctant on surrendering the power of her camera for something a little smaller; however, she was also adamant to not lug around her giant tool. We bought an Olympus PL-2. And we love it.
My experience bike touring on three continents can be summed up thusly: Don't take any gear that you will cry over if it gets ripped off, run over by a bus, crushed by idiot baggage handlers, etc etc. Think simple, strong and cheap. And with parts that can be bought in small towns in remote places. 26" wheels good - mtb bikes are everywhere these days so you can get tires and tubes.
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