The bike
Prepare your travel bike
In our previous article " Travel bike: how to choose it? ", we introduced you to the essential components to look out for when choosing your travel bike (or when assembling it yourself). But a travel bike alone will not make you travel very long ... Many accessories and peripherals are highly useful, even necessary, to accomplish a long cycling trip with a minimum of autonomy.
Luggage racks and saddlebags
It's hard to imagine going around the world by bike with your backpack on your shoulders. This is why it is strongly recommended to use saddlebags to transport the equipment directly on the bike, with the lowest possible center of gravity to avoid swaying while pedaling (we will not speak here of trailers or 3rd wheels, i.e. is a choice that we have ruled out but which has its followers). 2 families of bags are distinguished: the bags without luggage rack (bikepacking type) and bags made for luggage racks (cyclotouring).
Bikepacking or cycle touring?
Bikepacking is a more sporty practice of roaming by bike with more minimalist and light equipment, but necessarily less bulky. For a trip of a year or more, it's hard to imagine a setup based solely on saddle bags, handlebars and frame (or you are used to traveling with very little). Despite everything, here is an example of a possible assembly to travel (very) light.
Restrap bikepacking bags
Among the most famous brands for bikepacking bags, we note Apidura, Ortlieb or Restrap. But there are also French manufacturers of saddlebags of all types, which of course we recommend for running small local businesses. We think of By Quentin & Marion , who are quickly establishing themselves in the world of French bikepacking via their Facebook page . Le Rouquin qui Roule also produces quality eco-responsible saddlebags. There you have different quality choices to achieve your ultra-light and compact setup, for more performance during your outings or your trips for the more adventurous.
Le Rouquin qui Roule handlebar bag
Frame bag By Marion & Quentin
Luggage rack
For our part, we can only advise you to mount at least one luggage rack in order to add load to the front of the bike to be more comfortable in terms of volume and equipment. Whenever you want to carry a sleeping bag, a tent and a camera, it's hard to consider leaving without luggage racks and panniers. Here is an example of a setup a little more suited to traveling travel, with the use of a luggage rack:
Bikepacking assembly with luggage rack
And as a general rule, if you set off loaded or with a lot of equipment like us, it is better to choose a more typical cycle touring option, with luggage racks and front and rear panniers . Of course, nothing prevents adding some bikepacking elements such as a handlebar and frame bag for better organization and comfort, as here for example.
Cyclotouring assembly with handlebar bag
To choose the right luggage rack, it's like the frame of the bike: you have to look at the component! If it's steel-made, go for it, there is little chance that the model is not strong enough. If it's aluminum, be careful and look at the reviews of cycle tourists who have used it before. Among the best-known and best-quality steel luggage racks, we can note the Rear & Front Racks by Surly or the different models offered by Tubus , a benchmark in the field.
Our choice: the Tubus Logo Evo
On a wheel, it speaks better
Be careful when looking at the compatibility between your luggage rack and your saddlebags, not all the systems work together. Cyclo-randonnée recapitulates in a summary table the compatibilities between PB and saddlebags, we invite you to take a look here .
Front / rear panniers
To make the right choice of saddlebags, you have to think about the different basic needs: do I need waterproofing? How much volume do I need to store my things? Do I need lightweight panniers?
Several brands allow you to equip yourself according to your desires / needs and according to the available budget. Without claiming to be able to name the best brands, there are still pioneers such as Ortlieb, Carradice, Vaude, Lone Peak, Crosso or even Extrawheel. Most of these brands produce waterproof saddlebags, including the Aqua range from Vaude, the Roller Classic from Ortlieb or the Premium range from Extrawheel .
The Aqua Backs of Vaude
Ortlieb's full range
Extrawheel's Premium Wayfarers
For us, the priority is to have an optimal weight / volume ratio with a good seal.
Our choice
We therefore chose to go with Extrawheel saddlebags, a Polish brand that produces its saddlebags in Europe ( Extrawheel Wayfarer Premium at the rear, Extrawheel Rambler Premium at the front). The quality of the products seems irreproachable as the feedback is positive, and they meet all the necessary conditions:
- Assembled in Cordura , an extremely resistant and waterproof fabric, they offer impermeability and durability to any test.
- For a weight of 1750g the pair of rear panniers (50L in total) and 1350g the front pair (25L in total), the weight / volume ratio is excellent compared to the competitors, we let you look.
- The affordable price is very competitive compared to the quality of the products offered (99 € the rear pair, 89 € the front pair).
Click on the logo to see their products
We would like to thank Extrawheel for their trust and the ongoing collaboration for our travel project. By sending us both a pair of Wayfarer Premium and Rambler Premium, we are ready to go in the rain with all our gear without any fear. We will not hesitate to talk to you about the quality of the material during our adventure of course, we will be fully transparent and this is what is important for you to judge for yourself the quality of the products chosen.
The most affordable
If you really want to equip yourself for the cheapest possible, there is another Polish brand, Crosso, which produces good quality saddlebags at an even more attractive price (65 € the rear pair, 55 € the front pair). The wide choice of colors and the large volume of the panniers make Crosso Dry excellent candidates for long haul travel.
Handlebar bags
As we told you above, we add to our front and rear bags a handlebar bag large enough to have all our important items at hand (phone, map, camera, lenses ...). Just like the front / rear panniers, the important criteria are water resistance, weight and volume. We have selected a few models that we think are really relevant for a bike trip.
Ortlieb Ultimate Six Classic, a proven model
Ortlieb has been offering a waterproof polyester handlebar bag for several years, the Ultimate Six Classic. With a volume of 5, 7 or 8.5L and a weight of 570g ( 7L model), this bag is a must-have for many cyclo-travelers. There is always a suitable model according to needs and it has good characteristics for a selected price ( 64 € at Cyclable ). On the other hand, plan to buy separately the attachment system, because it is not supplied with the bag ( 21 € at Cyclable ).
Ortlieb Ultimate Six Classic
Restrap Bar Bag, very good quality
Restrap offers high-end bikepacking material with Cordura woven products (such as Extrawheel and its saddlebags). The Restrap handlebar bag is made up of 2 parts: (1) the hanger attachment structure, which holds (2) the 14L waterproof bag. No technical characteristics on their site but the material is necessarily light, resistant and durable. Positive opinions are very numerous on the web. On the other hand, the price cools down a bit (138 € for the large model) and access to business remains difficult compared to the 2 other models.
Restrap Bar Bag in large
Vaude Aqua Box, our choice
German brand that we love for its eco-responsibility, its choice to work with recycled products and the quality of the products offered, Vaude also offers equipment for cycling trips with very suitable bags. The Vaude Aqua Box handlebar bag is made of a durable PVC-free tarpaulin and made in Germany. For a weight of 650g and a volume of 6L , the weight / volume ratio is slightly less efficient than for the Ortlieb model but the larger dimensions of the bag make it a reference choice for us since we have to store a compact telephoto lens ( 24cm in its case). With a width of 28cm , there is room for our photographic equipment! At 90 € with the Kickflix attachment system , the price is almost identical to that of the Ultimate Six Classic. We also take the opportunity to talk about handlebar bags to thank Cyclable for the partnership and the € 120 voucher, which will allow us to pay for part of the bags.
Vaude Aqua Box, the most practical for photographers
Dynamo hub
Now that you know how to transport all your equipment, let's talk about your natural source of energy: inertia!
While rotating, your front wheel produces energy that is initially wasted. But some hubs (the central component of the wheel that connects the spokes to the transmission) can store this energy and release it with a certain efficiency.
Of course, there is a slight friction when pedaling with this kind of hub but the better quality ones have very low friction and an excellent performance. Obviously no magic: in the mountains, charged, we risk not creating much electricity; it is accepted that you have to drive around 12 km / h with quality hubs to provide power.
The parameters to take into account when making your choice: the desired fuel efficiency, the weight of the hub, and its service life. The last criterion is potentially the most important, because it is necessary to adapt the choice of the hub according to the chosen rim (no need to have a hub with a lifespan of 30,000 km if you have to change the rims every 5,000. km and remove the whole wheel). We can note 3 major brands producing quality dynamo hubs.
SON
Without a doubt the best dynamo hubs on the market, but also the most expensive. The German manufacturer offers excellent quality bearings which have a lifespan of 50,000km and are quite light (around 450g ). To be preferred when buying quality rims (Rhyde Andra, Rhyno Lite XL) . The price remains very high ( 240 € manufacturer price ).
SONdeluxe hub
Shutter Precision: our choice
SP is another benchmark in the field, just as interesting on paper as SON. Its 26 "wheel hubs (SP PD-8) weigh the same and perform the same in the field. On the other hand, they are less durable but still a safe option for long-haul travel. hubs that we have chosen to trust! Their quality / price ratio is unbeatable: 135 € .
Shutter Precision PD-8 hub
Shimano (Alfino, XT, and other "high-end" models)
Although these hubs do not match the performance of their competitors, the price is more affordable and some models even have the option of being repaired yourself, unlike the SP and SON which must be returned to the factory. We also find an average efficiency and a persistent rolling resistance , but if we start with a low-cost assembly with a low endurance rim, it can be a very profitable solution!
DH-T670 hub, a reference at Shimano
USB connector
In the absence of a USB connector, the only use of dynamo hubs is to power the bicycle lights when necessary. However, some equipment, by connecting to the dynamo hub, allows a current of adjustable voltage and intensity to be derived in parallel with the lighting to recharge various electronic devices (telephone, GPS, external battery, etc.). We present 3 interesting models just below.
Busch & Müller E-Werk
Together with the USB-Werk, the E-Werk is the best-known USB connector model on the market and produced by the German giant Busch & Müller . For around 120 € , you can have this USB output hooked to your bike (not including the assembly costs). With a multitude of connectors, you are bound to find the right outlet for your devices. The only criticism we can make about this product is its ergonomics and the mixed feedback from E-werk (and USB-werk) users, who describe charging problems with certain GPS and waterproofing. in certain situations.
Cycle2Charge v3
With Cycle2Charge v3 you have the latest USB connector from Cycle2Charge at an unbeatable price! This connector costs the modest sum of 70 € and remains alone in the world on the podium of cheap devices. The clean style and lightness of the Cycle2Charge make it an interesting product, unfortunately many users complain that the load is too low despite a speed of 12 km / h ...
The lifespan also seems less good than for the E-Werk for example. At that price, you can't have everything!
Sinewave Cycles Revolution: our choice
The American brand Sinewave comes to compete with Busch & Müller with its Revolution connector. Extremely sober, the Sinewave box weighs only 35g , the lightest of all connectors. The tightness of the device is excellent and the many user feedback is positive. We can only understand why since the load starts from 5.5 km / h according to the manufacturer, in other words at a very low speed compared to other connectors. For only 100 € , this device seems to be the most suitable in terms of waterproofing and durability, and it is less expensive than the various products offered by B&M. So we turn to the Sinewave Cycles Revolution for our adventure!
Busch & Müller E-Werk
Cycle2Charge v3
Sinewave Revolution
The saddle, or the choice of comfort
Several materials for the saddle
Among the most important peripherals for a long trip is of course the saddle. There are several types of saddles, ranging from gel saddles to leather and synthetic saddles. Gel saddles are not recommended for travel, as they settle down and are only suitable for short trips. On the other hand, leather saddles are perfectly suited: very rigid when purchased, leather softens over the miles and adapts to our morphology and the anatomy of our buttocks. The only "problem", leather requires regular maintenance and does not tolerate humidity very well. Enough to slow down those who are afraid of forgetting to cover their saddle at night!
The best saddles for the bike trip
We find in the world of cycle tourism renowned saddles, which have been able to please as many people as possible. Even if the choice of the saddle is subjective and depends on morphological criteria, some brands endeavor to provide quality products, for all.
Brooks B17 saddle: the best leather saddle
Undoubtedly the benchmark saddle for cycling travel, popular with everyone for many reasons. This saddle created by Brooks, in leather and with a fairly vintage look, is a good choice for cycle touring since it will adapt to your body shape over time. For 530g , the Brooks saddle has a relatively high weight but its quality finishes give it an incomparable lifespan if it is well maintained.
SMP TRK saddle: a benchmark for gel saddles
Specially designed to equip travel bikes, the SMP TRK gel saddle is sold in different sizes to find the width adapted to our anatomy. 160mm wide, the saddle weighs 480g , a weight close to that of the Brooks B17. Very padded, it will satisfy those who do not want to prowl their Brooks saddle and who are looking for immediate comfort. Be careful with large sizes, however: some user feedback from people over 80kg is negative , with the major criticism that the padding is no longer sufficient beyond a certain weight.
SMP TRK
Brooks C17 Carved All Weather saddle: our choice in synthetic
The Brooks C17 Carved All Weather is a leather-less alternative to the B17. Announced as comfortable and as efficient, we even want to say that it is even more ergonomic than the B17 ... Composed of rubber and nylon, these saddles are completely waterproof and require no maintenance compared to leather saddles. No need to run in either with the synthetic coating, and the weight is a little more contained than for the B17 with only 460g . On paper, lots of advantages and few disadvantages!
Brooks C17 Carved All Weather
The saddle adjustments
Tilt
Depending on the position you want to have on your bike, the inclination of the saddle is a parameter to manage to modify your posture . The more you are leaning forward, the more you will have a sporty and aggressive posture that is uncomfortable. It is generally accepted that:
- City use of the bike does not require tilting the saddle (cyclist seated at 90 °, bust straight), and requires the choice of a relatively wide saddle for the comfort of the pelvis.
- Sports use on the road requires a very thin saddle, with a significant inclination of the saddle forward (cyclist seated at 45 °, engaged position).
- Use for cycle touring requires a slight inclination of the saddle (cyclist seated between 60 and 90 °), depending on the commitment of the cyclist on his touring bike. Clearly, you need a happy medium between the previous settings for your touring bike.
Road bike vs touring vs city bike
Saddle height
Another essential parameter is the height of the saddle. Too low, your legs will be bent during your efforts; too high, your forward tilt will be too great and you will hardly touch the pedals.
To properly adjust the saddle height, it is necessary to calculate your crotch: place a book between your thighs (imagine that you are sitting on the top of the book), then measure the distance between the ground and the top of the book. This crotch value allows you to calculate approximately the height of the saddle: crotch x 1.09 = the saddle height to choose for your morphology .
Travel handlebar
Another essential device for your comfort on your cockpit is the handlebar (composed of the stem + handlebar assembly). We spoke to you in the article " Travel bike: how to choose it? " about the role of the handlebar stem in influencing your position and your inclination. Above all, we will describe here the types of hangers that exist and which are more or less suitable for cycling travel.
The straight flat hanger
The most common of all hangers, found on different models of ATVs and hybrid bikes. It is very manoeuvrable and allows precise control of the bike but the comfort is not ideal since you cannot change the position on the handlebars to rest certain muscles. Not ideal when traveling.
Ergotec flat hanger
The curved flat hanger
Much more suitable for touring or city bikes, this curved rear handlebar allows you to adopt a less inclined and more comfortable position for relaxing. Having your hands tight in the basic position also provides comfort over time by placing less strain on the arms, pecs and shoulders. A better choice for travel, but there is better!
Ergotec curved handlebar
The butterfly hanger: our choice
It is a straight hanger with extensions in the shape of a cow's horn or a butterfly. It is a multi-position hanger that will allow you to have several lines at your disposal. Undoubtedly the preferred hanger for cycle tourists for the resting positions that we find with these models which are even adjustable for some.
Ergotec adjustable butterfly hanger
The road hanger
These hangers are designed for performance seeking, with even more forward leaning positions for more aerodynamics. Some gravel type travel bikes equipped with bikepacking saddlebags have gravel / road handlebars for more performance but we personally prefer to go on a more comfortable butterfly handlebar.
Ergotec gravel bar, very sporty
Conclusion
Now that you have a sturdy and durable travel bike, enough to carry your things, light you up and charge your devices, all from the comfort of your saddle and travel hanger, all you have to do is learn how. ride the bike from A to Z! We present this to you in our next article in the section "Mounting our frames". In the meantime, be well!
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