Gearing Up - #7Countries7Passes - The Kit Selection

As the time of the Grand Depart on the #7Countries7Passes tour approaches, this is the kit that has made my final selection for the 3,000 kilometre journey from Copenhagen to Andorra.

Read more about the #7Countries7Passes trip here

Below I have linked through to the product that I will be using, where possible; so that you can find more detail about the items selected.

If any of the kit changes between now and the departure, I will update the below lists (and eventually photos) to reflect the change.



The Kona Rove Ti

First up, the bike. The Kona Rove Titanium.

This bike has already been on some great adventures in 2017, such as the Dirty Reiver Gravel Race.

For the #7Countries7Passes tour this bike has had a bit of a road-orientated overhaul. It includes fitting a Kinesis ATR Disc Fork, rather than the Lauf suspension fork; changing the handlebars and seat post to alloy options (following a crash back in April); altering the gearing for fully-laden touring; plus, a few other tweaks, like handlebar tape and saddle..

Read the full Bike Profile blog post here




Riding kit

My riding kit comes from four of my favourite brands: Sportful, Gore Apparel, GripGrab and POC Sports.

The kit has been selected based on comfort; for riding long, hard and fast days in the saddle.

The Sportful Pro Team and Gore Bike Wear Oxygen Light clothing ranges are designed to offer reassuring and durable performance and comfort.

The Sportful Stelvio jacket is one of the best fitting waterproofs that I have tested, and coupled with a Gore-Tex cap and Sportful NoRain warmers, it should provide great protection from downpours.

GripGrab gloves and socks are faultless for giving your extremities protection from the elements. The Black Mamba workshop gloves provide some added protection for your hands when things are really bad.

Finally, the POC helmet and glasses are the height of performance and comfort.




Camping and care kit

The world's lightest and smallest tent. The world's lightest down jacket. The world's smallest bath towel (disclosure: it's a hand towel). 

Micro. Mini. Ultralight. Those are the themes of my camping and care kit.

This is as parred-back as I will happily go on a touring trip. Some great pieces of kit in the line-up below. 






Tool kit and spares

My tool selection is a mix of lightweight and minimalist kit, but also kit that will keep me rolling should a mechanical or breakdown occur.

Having had two tyres blow out on the same day during the Coasts and Cols Tour (Read the Day 9 blog post here), a spare tyre is a must for me.

There are a few neat storage tricks in here: like wrapping tape around your hand pump, and using the Backcountry Research Strap to hold the spare tyre, sealant and third inner tube.

It is a simple kit, but these items have got me through some challenging mishaps.




Extras

As well as the above kit, there are a few additional items that feature for this long distance bike tour.

The Exposure Lights' Six Pack was selected because of its SmartPort capabilities; which means it can also double-up as a power bank. The Exposure Blaze Rear Light was chosen because it has a super long run time (48 hours), and it is 'daylight bright'.

My mapping and tracking comes in the form of the Wahoo ELEMNT [reviewed here].

Finally, a late addition worth shouting out: a pair of super-comfortable camp shoes, in the form of the Superfeet Bison sandals.





Departing soon...

That about sums up what I'm packing for the #7Countries7Passes tour. 

Not long now. The mountains await...




Labels:


Comments

  1. cbarton23 August 2017 at 22:06

    How will you keep the Six pack charged as it doesn't look like you have his dynamo?
    Safe travels

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tim Wiggins24 August 2017 at 08:32

      I have a few overnight stays along the trip, where I'll have the opportunity to charge up

      Delete
  2. Unknown23 June 2018 at 09:20

    Hi Tim,
    Great reads!
    Do you have an article available about how to fit everything actually on your bike?
    I'm not sure if my Canyon Endurace roadbike could carry all this stuff. What do I need to for parts on my bike to carry it all?
    Max

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review – Selle Italia SLR Boost Gravel Superflow Saddle S3

Image
The Selle Italia SLR Boost Gravel Superflow Saddle is designed for gravel bike riding. Featuring gel inserts to reduce vibration, titanium saddle rails to absorb trail buzz, and a sleek low-profile design to offer style and performance—this is a saddle made for adventure. The SLR Boost Gravel is Selle Italia's latest offering for the growing Gravel segment of the market; engineered specifically to enhance riding comfort on difficult terrain and during endurance gravel events. Available in two sizes, I opted for the smaller version (S3), and have been testing it out over the last month… I have become a great advocate of the cut-away design for saddles—it offers greater flexibility in the centre of the saddle and reduces pressure on the sensitive perineum region. The SLR Boost Gravel Superflow is a superb example of this kind of saddle design; with a cutaway section, short nose, and flared sides to effectively support your seat bones. To improve comfort on rough terrain, Selle
Keep reading

SwissStop Disc Brake Pads Comparison Test Review – Are All Disc Brake Pads Made Equal?

Image
The market for disc brake pads for gravel bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes is saturated; there are hundreds of different brands producing disc brake pads claiming to last longer and perform better than the competition. So, what is the difference between a set of low cost disc brake pads from eBay/Amazon versus the high-end pads from SwissStop? Are SwissStop disc brake pads worth the extra money? To find out, I have been doing some extensive disc brake pad testing over the last few months. October to February is obviously a period of wet winter riding, and I have been testing the following list of brake pads on road, gravel and mountain bikes—to create the ultimate test for any disc brake set-up. The disc brake pads on test:  SwissStop Disc 34 RS (Shimano Road/Gravel)  SwissStop Disc 32 RS (SRAM Road/Gravel)  SwissStop Disc 31 E (MTB SRAM Avid)  Superstar Sintered Shimano Road Disc Brake Pads (Shimano Road/Gravel)  SOMMET Resin and Semi-Metallic Disc Brake Pads (SRAM Road/Gravel
Keep reading

XPDTN3 Algarviana – Exploring Portugal's Secret Gravel

Image
Just before the world went into Lockdown in March 2020, I squeezed in a last minute trip to Portugal's Algarve—to explore some of the amazing and unique gravel riding on offer there... Dust rises, rocks ping from beneath tyres, and the scent of wild rosemary and jasmine fill the air as I barrel down the narrow twisting singletrack to the serene Guadiana River below. This is only my first evening in the Algarve, but I have already added it to my list of ' Gravel Riding Meccas '. I first came here last December—seeking respite from the cold and grey of the UK winter. Then, the region delivered unquestionably—with 18 Celsius temperatures and dusty trails, explored on a rental mountain bike. That first trip also opened my eyes to an iconic point-to-point bikepacking adventure that could be staged in this unique landscape… The Via Algarviana is an ancient hiking route spanning the Algarve from the Guadiana River on the Spanish border to the Cabo de São Vincente lighthouse at the
Keep reading

Review – Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Bag

Image
The best-selling Scicon Aerocomfort Bike Bag has received some significant design updates. With thru-axle compatibility, added protection, and an overall lighter weight—the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0  is even more of a market-leader than before. Back in 2013, I reviewed the Scicon Aerocomfort 2.0 ( read the review here ). That bag has had some significant use: for transporting bikes on planes, trains, and even yachts. With many of my bikes  now having thru-axle designs though, the Aerocomfort 2.0 had required some questionable 'bodging' on my part to make it usable. I was therefore relieved when the new 3.0 was released—this new design is much improved. Thru-Axle Compatibility One of the biggest differences with the Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag is that it will accommodate 12 mm thru axles on the front and rear of the patented suspension frame system. To fit thru-axles, you simply remove the QR inserts in the suspension frame, then use your bike's existing axles t
Keep reading

Recipe – The Ultimate High Energy Flapjacks

Image
This traditional flapjack recipe is packed full of energy for long days on the bike. The oats supply a great low-GI fuel source, while the dried fruit offers instant energy and sweetness. Whether on or off the bike, these flapjack bars are a great high-energy snack for cycling. You can adapt the recipe by adding in other dried fruit, seeds, nuts, and spices to make these even more varied and flavoursome. I particularly like pumpkin seeds and chopped crystallised ginger added to the mix. Ingredients 200g butter 100g brown sugar 1 tbsp golden syrup ½ tbsp black treacle 300g porridge oats 100g raisins 75g soft-dried figs 50g soft-dried apricots Method Set the oven to 150°C or 140°C for fan-assisted oven. Place the shelf in the middle Stick a big pan on the scales and measure in the butter and brown sugar Heat the pan on the hob until the butter and sugar are all melted Add a tablespoon of golden syrup and half a tablespoon of treacle to the mix Add the porridge oats and y
Keep reading