Apidura | TCR | Chris Herbert
https://www.apidura.com/journal/chris-herberts-transcontinental-race-kit-list
Learnings:
Chris Herbert finished TCR No.7 (2019) in 12 days 17 hours 48 minutes, riding from Burgas (Bulgaria) to Brest (France).
He aims for extreme minimalism. His pack was built around carrying only what he truly needed, with almost nothing extra (except emergency inner tubes, patches, chain link, which he didn’t use).
Here are the main choices and the reasoning (and what to learn from them):
Kit List & Key Gear (what he carried)
Chris used three bags/packs:
- Top Tube Pack (1L)
Contents:
– 5,000 mAh battery pack
– Charging cables
– Spare coin cell batteries
– USB adapter
– Wallet - Frame Pack (4L)
Content highlights (warm layers, hygiene, basic first aid, tools):
– Merino leg warmers & arm warmers
– Plasters, wound cleansing kit, painkillers
– Toothbrush & toothpaste, nitrile gloves, chain cleaner, chamois cream
– Earplugs, wet wipes, passport + insurance, mini knife, multitool, tire levers - Saddle Pack (7L)
Larger items, outer layers, spares:
– Spare cleat (Shimano SPD-SL), hi-vis vest, long finger gloves, neck-warmer
– Chain lube, puncture repair, sleeping bag, spare brake pads, chain link
– Down (insulated) jacket, waterproof jacket, spare socks
Reflections, Key Choices & What He Learned
Here are the deeper insights from what Chris says — lessons applicable to anyone doing ultra-bikepacking / long self-supported races.
| Decision / Feature | What Chris Noted | What to Take Away |
|---|---|---|
| Battery / Electronics | He used a 5,000 mAh battery because he had a dynamo for lighting and charging. But found that on hilly or slow days it was often not enough: his phone drained fast, the battery took a whole riding day to recharge. Also, his headphones died on day one, so he used the phone speaker, which drained phone battery faster. | If relying on limited charging options (dynamo or intermittent outlets), be very conservative with electronics. Carry backups for high-drain items. Separate media devices (e.g. MP3 player) can help offload load from phone. Bigger or faster rechargeable battery or strategy for charging needs to be realistic. |
| Dual-Use / Multipurpose Items | Many items serve multiple functions: nitrile gloves are good for cleaning wounds but also keeping hands clean while maintenance; layering clothing serves both insulation and wind/rain protection when combined; waterproof or outer layers supplement base layers rather than carrying many base layers. | Tactical packing: each item should pull double duty where possible. Reduce redundancy but maintain safety. Think “what else could this do in emergency”? That gives flexibility and weight saving. |
| Sleep / Rest Quality | Sleep is critical. Though he rode fast, he stopped in hotels most nights. He used a heat-reflective bivvy + light sleeping bag + earplugs + used his neck-buff as an eye mask. Even in cheap hotel rooms or petrol station stops, disturbances are real. He found that getting to sleep quickly & staying asleep has outsize importance given sleep will be limited. | The quality of rest can be more important than quantity. Don’t skimp on layers or accessories (earplugs, eye mask) that help isolate from disruptions. Even a small comfort that helps you sleep better can repay many times in performance. |
| Spares & Durability | He didn’t carry massive spare-kits. Focused on what was likely to break and what he could fix roadside. Example: carried a spare cleat because previous experience showed cleats wear out and can end up forcing long sections unclipped otherwise. Also chose more durable tires instead of ultralight ones, sacrificing a bit of speed for reduced risk of punctures or flats. | Know your gear’s weak points from past experience and cover those. Choose components for durability where breakdowns cost more than slight performance loss. Don’t overcarry spares just in case; carry the spares that matter. |
Apidura Journal
https://www.apidura.com/journal/how-to-pack-for-the-transcontinental-race
This Apidura piece focuses not on what to pack, but how to approach packing strategy for the Transcontinental Race (TCR). The article emphasizes that the TCR is unique: long, unsupported, across highly varied climates, terrains, and road conditions. The wrong packing approach can cost huge amounts of time and energy, even if your gear list is good.
Key Insights
- Every rider packs differently
There is no single “right” setup. Riders’ choices reflect their priorities: some prefer lighter setups with less comfort, others pack more for peace of mind. Packing is highly personal. - Speed vs. Comfort vs. Risk
Each item carried sits on a balance beam between speed (lighter = faster), comfort (more = heavier but easier in tough situations), and risk management (tools/spares vs. chance of failure). Riders must decide their personal threshold. - Accessibility matters as much as weight
If you can’t easily access something (like a rain jacket), you may delay using it, which could cause problems. Frequently used items need to be packed up front and within easy reach. - Hierarchy of packing
– Essentials for riding (food, phone, wallet) must be instantly accessible.
– Items used daily (sleep kit, jackets, hygiene) should be reachable with a quick stop.
– Rarely used backups (spares, emergency kit) can sit deeper in larger bags. - Don’t overload the cockpit
Too many things up front can affect handling. Balance weight distribution between saddle, frame, and handlebar bags. - Training with the setup
Packing strategy must be tested on long rides before the race. Familiarity with where items are stored saves time and stress during the event. - Adaptability
Conditions vary massively (heat in the Balkans, cold in the Alps, rain in Central Europe). A packing plan must allow for layering and rapid changes without unpacking the whole bike.
Table 1: Equipment / Packing Structure
| Category | Recommended Packing Approach | Purpose / Lesson Learned |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | Food, wallet, phone, batteries in top tube / cockpit | Quick access avoids time loss and hesitation |
| Weather Protection | Rain jacket, gloves, warmers near top of frame/saddle bag | Accessibility means you’ll actually use them |
| Sleep System | Bivvy, bag, liner deep in saddle bag | Used rarely, so stored further away |
| Tools & Spares | Multitool, tubes, chain links low in frame/saddle pack | Not needed daily, but must be carried |
| Clothing Layers | Mid-layers, socks, buffs in frame/saddle | Accessible with short stop, for climate changes |
Table 2: Strategy & Packing Lessons
| Topic | Core Idea | Application / Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Weight vs Comfort vs Risk | Every item is a trade-off | Decide your threshold; less weight = more risk |
| Accessibility | Quick access increases actual use | Keep rain gear, food, power packs up front |
| Balance | Avoid front overload; spread weight | Bike handles better, less fatigue |
| Personalization | No “perfect” universal setup | Gear layout reflects your own race strategy |
| Testing | Ride long days with full setup before race | Save stress and time when racing |
| Adaptability | Conditions vary massively along route | Pack so layers can be swapped quickly |
Torsten Frank
Bike & Components
- Frame (No. 22 Drifter) – Proven over multiple races, very stable and reliable.
- Groupset (SRAM Red eTap AXS) – Works flawlessly, electronic shifting trusted in long events.
- Power Meter (Quarq) – Integral part of pacing strategy, has been reliable for years.
- Brakes (Hydraulic disc, 160/140 mm) – Strong stopping power, no issues in long descents.
- Wheelsets (DT Swiss ERC 1400, with SON Dynamo hub) – Dual setup with dynamo chosen for both style and aero; worked flawlessly.
- Tires (Continental GP5000) – No punctures, zero problems; strong endorsement.
- Cockpit (Fizik bars + Profile Design aerobars) – Aero setup kept; stability and comfort matter more than novelty.
- Saddle (Selle San Marco Open Supercomfort) – Saddle choice is highly personal, but this one proved itself.
- Pedals (Exustar Ti-Carbon) – Extremely light, no failures.
Lesson: Reliability and proven comfort win over marginal gains. If something has passed multiple long-distance “stress tests,” keep it.
Clothing
- Helmet (Kask Protone) – Comfortable, worked fine.
- Glasses (Oakley EVZero Range, photochromic) – Good for variable light conditions.
- Cap under helmet (TPBR Cap) – Always worn, tradition and practicality.
- Jersey (Assos Mille) – One piece carried; simple, reliable.
- Base Layer (Rapha Merino-Mesh) – Previous years good, but in hot conditions this time less convincing.
- Bib Shorts (Assos) – Workhorse choice, although still wishing for more comfort.
Lesson: Pack minimal clothing — one set each. Comfort trumps variety. Test in real race climates, because what works one year may feel wrong in heat/cold extremes.
Accessories / Others
- Ass-Saver – Integrated into seatpack, simple solution.
- Mudguards – Explicitly left at home: too heavy, unnecessary for summer ultra events.
Lesson: Don’t over-prepare for rare scenarios (full fenders) if weight/cost to handling is high. Small, lightweight solutions suffice.
Overall Philosophy
- Torsten’s list is the product of iterated refinement.
- He marks what has “proven itself,” what was “too much,” and what can be dropped for a superlight setup.
- The guiding principle is: Bring only what you know you’ll use, plus spares for known weak points.
- Style and aerodynamics matter (his dynamo wheel was partly a style choice).
- Some gear was “okay but not ideal,” showing that compromises are constant.
Equipment (Torsten Frank)
| Category | Item(s) | Notes / Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | No. 22 Drifter | Proven, reliable |
| Groupset | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Worked flawlessly |
| Power Meter | Quarq | Critical pacing tool, reliable |
| Brakes | Hydraulic discs 160/140 | Powerful, no issues |
| Wheels | DT Swiss ERC 1400 + SON Dynamo | Aero + dynamo combo worked perfectly |
| Tires | Continental GP5000 | Zero flats, highly reliable |
| Cockpit | Fizik + Profile Design aerobars | Familiar, stable, effective |
| Saddle | Selle San Marco Open Supercomfort | Personal, worked well |
| Pedals | Exustar Ti-Carbon | Very light, problem-free |
| Helmet | Kask Protone | Comfortable, functional |
| Glasses | Oakley EVZero Range (photochromic) | Adapt to light conditions |
| Base Layer | Rapha Merino-Mesh | Previously great, less ideal in heat |
| Jersey | Assos Mille | One piece carried, no frills |
| Bib Shorts | Assos | Reliable, still not perfect comfort |
| Accessories | Ass-Saver integrated in seatpack | Simple, effective |
| Mudguards | None | Too heavy, unnecessary for summer |
Strategy / Lessons
| Theme | Torsten’s Approach | Takeaway for Future Races |
|---|---|---|
| Proven Gear | Stick with what worked in previous years | Reliability over novelty |
| Minimal Clothing | One set only | Saves space, forces reliance on washing & drying |
| Aero vs Utility | Chose aero wheel with dynamo | Balance style, function, and need |
| Comfort vs Weight | Skipped mudguards, integrated Ass-Saver | Cut unnecessary extras |
| Test in Context | Base layer fine in some years, less in hot conditions | Always retest gear in race-like environments |
| Incremental Refinement | Iterative adjustment of kit each year | Learn from races, not theory |
Christoph Strasser
Key Takeaways
- Mindset Shift from RAAM to TCR
- RAAM is fully supported: follow car, spare bikes, mechanics, food at hand.
- TCR forces self-reliance: every item must be carried, chosen, and maintained alone.
- Learning: minimalism and smart packing are skills in themselves.
- Bike & Setup
- Aero road bike with endurance geometry, optimized for weight.
- Disc brakes for reliability on Alpine descents.
- Dynamo hub for power and lighting — essential for multi-day autonomy.
- Tires: endurance focus, slightly heavier but puncture resistant.
- Bags & Packing
- Frame, handlebar, and saddle bag setup.
- Priority: accessibility (rain gear and food within reach).
- Strasser admits overpacking some items “for safety” — and later recognized that extra weight was costly in climbing efficiency.
- Clothing
- One bib short/jersey set, with base layers for temperature control.
- Rain protection and wind vest essential.
- Down jacket for cold nights — used rarely, but invaluable when needed.
- Lesson: a few multifunctional items beat carrying spares.
- Sleep System
- Minimalist: emergency bivvy + lightweight sleeping bag.
- Tried to rely on hotels where possible, but weather and timing forced outdoor use.
- Learned: gear must allow some rest in all conditions, not just ideal ones.
- Electronics
- GPS device + backup, phone, dynamo charging + power bank.
- Found that redundancy was necessary (devices can crash in rain/cold).
- Lesson: test charging strategy in real conditions.
- Tools & Spares
- Standard kit: multitool, chain links, tubes, patch kit, mini pump.
- Not all used, but essential as insurance.
- Learned that being stranded is worse than carrying a few hundred grams.
- Overall Reflection
- The hardest part wasn’t what to pack, but how to let go of the “luxury buffer” mindset.
- Strasser concludes that confidence comes from experience: after one race, you know what’s really necessary.
Equipment (Christoph Strasser)
| Category | Items / Choices | Reflection / Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Bike | Aero endurance road bike, disc brakes | Reliability and comfort balance |
| Wheels/Tires | Dynamo hub + durable tires | Sacrificed lightness for safety |
| Bags | Frame, saddle, handlebar | Accessibility critical, overpacked some |
| Clothing | 1 bib + jersey, layers, rain jacket, down jacket | Minimal but effective; down jacket worth it |
| Sleep System | Emergency bivvy + light bag | Not comfy, but covered all scenarios |
| Electronics | GPS, phone, dynamo, power bank | Redundancy needed, test strategy in advance |
| Tools/Spares | Multitool, chain link, tubes, pump | Small insurance, weight justified |
Strategy / Lessons
| Theme | Observation | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalism | Overpacked at first, learned to cut next time | Confidence reduces gear creep |
| RAAM vs TCR | No support crew, mindset shift required | Unsupported racing is a different discipline |
| Accessibility | Important for rain gear/food | Pack by usage frequency |
| Sleep | Hotels when possible, bivvy otherwise | Must be prepared for worst-case nights |
| Power Strategy | Dynamo + battery balance | Test in real weather, not just theory |
| Experience | One race = huge learning curve | Each TCR iteration improves kit decisions |
Jananas Banjana
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOIZZqXCOs-
Key Takeaways
- Bike & Setup
- Specialized Aethos S-Works — an ultralight climbing bike, here fitted with endurance-capable gearing (46/33 – 10/36).
- Roval Alpinist wheels + 32 mm tubeless tires — balance of low weight, reliability, comfort. No punctures reported.
- Profile Design aerobars — critical for long flats, but still kept minimal.
- Lesson: prioritize weight and comfort balance. Tubeless reliability pays off.
- Lighting & Power
- Supernova M99 dynamo lights + SON28 hub — robust, long-term lighting base.
- Backup lights (Exposure, Lupine) — redundancy ensures no race-ending failures.
- Lesson: dynamo is the backbone, but backups are essential.
- Bags & Packing
- Full Evoc prototype setup (long top tube, Boa seat pack, down tube pack), plus Rapha snack bag.
- Packable musette as backup.
- Lesson: modularity and access matter more than volume. Prototype use shows focus on cockpit cleanliness.
- Clothing
- Two bibs (pee-friendly, prototype), single jersey, rain jacket, fleece warmers, insulated gilet.
- Prioritized layer flexibility, not multiples.
- Lesson: 2 bibs for hygiene, otherwise one of each core item is enough. Pro-grade weather gear is indispensable.
- Sleep System
- Minimalist combo: 6-year-old Sea to Summit sleeping bag, ultralight mat, groundsheet cut from tent footprint.
- Merino base layer + 1 underwear for comfort.
- Lesson: proven, durable items > shiny new. System is bare-bones but functional.
- Tools & Spares
- Full but targeted repair kit: pump, tire levers, multitool, Dynaplug, two tubes (one Aerothan), hanger, cleat, screws.
- Emphasis on critical spare parts (valve, cleat, hanger).
- Lesson: anticipate known failure points. Light redundancy beats gambling.
- First Aid
- Small but serious: rescue blanket, disinfectants, bandage, painkillers.
- Lesson: enough to stabilize, not hospital in a bag.
- Electronics
- Two head units (Coros + Wahoo) — redundancy again.
- Two power banks (10k each) — dynamo + storage synergy.
- Spare SRAM batteries — because electronic shifting can fail at the worst time.
- Lesson: double redundancy where a single failure ends the race.
- Other Essentials
- Toothbrush, sunscreen, chamois cream, Oakley glasses, mandatory bell, documents.
- Lesson: small comforts = big morale support.
Equipment (Jananas.Banjana)
| Category | Items / Setup | Lesson / Reflection |
|---|---|---|
| Bike | Specialized Aethos S-Works, Roval wheels, 32mm tubeless | Light + comfort + reliability, zero punctures |
| Groupset | SRAM Force 46/33 – 10/36 | Wide range gearing essential for mountains |
| Saddle | S-Works Power Mirror 155mm | Comfort-specific choice, no compromise |
| Cockpit | Profile Design aerobars | Aero comfort, compact setup |
| Lights | Supernova dynamo system + SON hub + backups | Dynamo backbone, but redundancy is vital |
| Bags | Evoc prototypes + snack bag, musette | Modular, clean cockpit, easy food access |
| Clothing | 2 bibs, 1 jersey, weather layers, snood | Layering > multiples, hygiene = 2 bibs |
| Sleep System | Old Sea to Summit bag, ultralight mat, groundsheet | Minimalist but proven, functional in all weather |
| Tools & Spares | Pump, Dynaplug, 2 tubes, hanger, cleat, screws | Focus on known failure points, not excess spares |
| First Aid | Blanket, disinfectants, bandage, painkillers | Small kit, just enough for stabilization |
| Electronics | Coros + Wahoo, 2x 10k power banks, spare SRAM batts | Double redundancy in critical systems |
| Other | Toothbrush, sunscreen, chamois cream, glasses, docs | Morale items matter |
Strategy / Lessons
| Theme | Rider’s Approach | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| No Compromises | Won’t carry gear that “doesn’t work” | Test gear in advance, cut what’s unproven |
| Redundancy | Backup lights, head unit, power banks, cleats | Failure-proofing critical items |
| Minimalism | Only 2 bibs, 1 jersey, small sleep kit | Less volume, more focus on essentials |
| Proven Gear | Old sleeping bag, trusted saddle | Confidence in durability > chasing new tech |
| Modularity | Multiple small bags + musette | Easy to reorganize, not one big compartment |
| Sponsorship Bias | High-end gear (Specialized, Rapha, Supernova) | But always evaluated by function, not logo |
Jaimi Wilson
https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/transcontinental-race-kit-list
Bike & Core Setup
- Bike: Lightweight carbon road bike, endurance geometry.
- Cockpit: Aerobars for long flats and rest positions.
- Wheels: Dynamo hub up front for lighting and charging.
- Gearing: Compact crankset + wide-range cassette — tuned for steep climbs while keeping efficiency on flats.
- Lesson: Jaimi built her setup around all-round adaptability: low enough gears for mountains, but with comfort and efficiency for the long haul.
Bags & Packing
- Bags: Frame pack, saddle pack, bar roll. Top tube bag for snacks and essentials.
- Philosophy: Kept packing restrained — avoided overpacking by ruthlessly trimming items down to essentials.
- Lesson: Prioritized easy access to food and layers to reduce stopping time.
Clothing
- Core kit: One set of bibs + jersey, rain jacket, base layers, arm/leg warmers.
- Emphasis: Versatility over quantity. Enough to adapt to hot days, cold Alpine passes, and wet weather.
- Lesson: One well-chosen set of technical layers beats carrying duplicates.
Sleep System
- Setup: Lightweight bivvy + small sleeping bag.
- Strategy: Slept outdoors when no hotel available, but leaned on hotels when possible.
- Lesson: Security net is crucial — bivvy ensures she isn’t forced to ride dangerously fatigued.
Electronics
- Lighting: Dynamo-powered front + rear lights, backup USB lights.
- Navigation: GPS device + phone.
- Charging: Dynamo + power bank to smooth out charging gaps.
- Lesson: Redundancy is critical — especially for navigation and lights.
Tools & Spares
- Tools: Multitool, tire levers, mini pump.
- Spares: Tubes, patches, quick links, spare derailleur hanger.
- Lesson: Covered all critical failure points without excess bulk.
Equipment (Jaimi Wilson)
| Category | Setup / Items | Reflection / Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Bike | Carbon endurance road bike, aerobars, dynamo | All-round adaptable, balanced gearing |
| Bags | Frame, saddle, bar, top tube | Trimmed to essentials, focus on accessibility |
| Clothing | 1 bib, 1 jersey, jacket, warmers, base layer | Layered flexibility, no duplicates |
| Sleep System | Bivvy + light sleeping bag | Backup to hotels, ensured safe rest |
| Electronics | Dynamo + lights, GPS, phone, power bank | Redundancy for safety and navigation |
| Tools & Spares | Multitool, pump, tubes, hanger, quick links | Covered critical failures, no excess |
Table 2: Strategy / Lessons
| Theme | Jaimi’s Approach | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Minimalism | Avoided overpacking | Cutting gear reduces fatigue on climbs |
| Comfort vs. Risk | Chose one good set of clothing layers | Reliability beats having spares |
| Sleep | Hotels preferred, bivvy as fallback | Always have an emergency rest option |
| Efficiency | Food & layers easily accessible | Fewer stops, more consistent riding |
| Redundancy | Backups for lights and navigation | Single-point failures avoided |
Jamie Isaac
https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/transcontinental-race-kit-list
Bike & Core Setup
- Bike: Endurance-focused carbon bike, designed for comfort on very long days.
- Cockpit: Aerobars fitted for alternate hand positions and aerodynamics.
- Wheels: Dynamo hub up front for continuous power and lighting.
- Gearing: Compact gearing, chosen to handle Alpine and Balkan climbs.
- Lesson: Optimized around long-term reliability rather than chasing weight savings.
Bags & Packing
- Bags: Saddle pack, frame pack, handlebar roll, and top tube bag.
- Philosophy: Carried slightly more kit than ultra-minimalists — favored preparedness and comfort.
- Lesson: Small extra weight was worth the reassurance of spares and comfort gear.
Clothing
- Kit: Multiple bib shorts and jerseys, plus warmers and rain protection.
- Emphasis: Hygiene and comfort. Rotating kit allowed him to wash/dry clothing while keeping a fresh set.
- Lesson: For some riders, the mental boost of clean kit outweighs weight penalty.
Sleep System
- Setup: Lightweight bivvy and sleeping bag.
- Strategy: Outdoor sleeping expected and embraced, not just as backup.
- Lesson: Riders who plan to sleep outside regularly must invest in comfort, not just emergency minimalism.
Electronics
- Lighting: Dynamo-driven front/rear lights, with backups.
- Navigation: GPS and smartphone.
- Charging: Dynamo + power bank.
- Lesson: Standard redundancy — nothing exotic, but reliable.
Tools & Spares
- Tools: Multitool, pump, tire levers.
- Spares: Multiple inner tubes, patch kit, spare cleats, derailleur hanger, chain links.
- Lesson: More comprehensive spares list than some — reflects comfort-first approach.
Equipment (Jamie Isaacs)
| Category | Setup / Items | Reflection / Lesson |
|---|---|---|
| Bike | Carbon endurance frame, aerobars, dynamo | Comfort-focused, reliable |
| Bags | Saddle, frame, handlebar, top tube | Slightly more volume, allowed preparedness |
| Clothing | Multiple bibs + jerseys, warmers, rain gear | Comfort & hygiene prioritized over weight |
| Sleep System | Bivvy + light sleeping bag | Outdoor sleep anticipated, not emergency only |
| Electronics | Dynamo + lights, GPS, phone, power bank | Standard redundancy, proven system |
| Tools & Spares | Multitool, tubes, cleats, hanger, chain links | Comprehensive coverage of possible failures |
Strategy / Lessons
| Theme | Jamie’s Approach | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Preparedness | Carried more spares than minimalists | Peace of mind > weight saving |
| Hygiene/Comfort | Rotating clothing sets | Clean kit improves morale and body health |
| Sleep Philosophy | Planned to sleep outside regularly | Invest in a sleep system, not just a bivvy |
| Risk Management | Anticipated more scenarios (cleats, hangers, etc.) | Broader spare coverage can prevent DNF |
| Efficiency | Slightly slower climbing weight, but steady pace | Consistency over marginal gains |
Bikes of TCR 10 @dotwatcher.cc
https://dotwatcher.cc/feature/bikes-of-transcontinental-no10
Looking across dozens of riders’ setups from TCR No.10, some strong themes emerge:
1. Bike Frames & Setups
- Carbon Endurance Bikes dominate (Specialized, Canyon, Trek, etc.), but there’s still a notable niche for steel (comfort, reliability, repairability).
- Aerobars are almost universal — comfort + aero advantage on flats is too valuable to skip.
- Gearing: increasingly wide-range (sub-compact or gravel-style) to manage Alpine and Balkan climbs.
Lesson: Comfort geometry + low gears are more decisive than marginal aero or weight differences.
2. Wheels & Tires
- Most run dynamo hubs up front, paired with 32 mm tubeless tires.
- Continental GP5000 tubeless is the most common choice, with many reporting zero punctures.
- Some riders still carry one inner tube “just in case,” but rely heavily on Dynaplug or sealant.
Lesson: Tubeless reliability is now mainstream. Dynamo hubs are no longer optional, but a baseline.
3. Bags & Packing
- Mix of Apidura, Restrap, Ortlieb, and newer prototypes (Evoc, Cyclite, Tailfin).
- Typical combo: saddle bag + frame bag + top tube bag, with handlebar rolls mainly used by riders with bigger sleep kits.
- Riders prize cockpit cleanliness — fewer dangling straps, more integrated solutions.
Lesson: Access and aero matter as much as volume. Integrated bag systems are becoming the standard.
4. Clothing Choices
- One or two bibs, rarely more.
- Rain jackets are universally carried, often Gore-Tex or Shakedry.
- Leg/arm warmers and gilets remain key — modular layering beats duplicates.
Lesson: The new baseline is 2 bibs (for hygiene) + 1 full weather system.
5. Sleep Systems
- Split philosophy:
- Some carry minimal bivvy-only setups and rely on hotels.
- Others invest in proper ultralight mats + down bags, planning outdoor sleep regularly.
- Ground sheets from tent cuttings are a common DIY hack.
Lesson: Sleep kit reflects race style: hotel-first vs. bivvy-first. Both are viable.
6. Electronics
- Almost universal: dynamo hub + power bank buffer.
- Redundancy strategies vary:
- Some run two GPS units.
- Some carry spare shifting batteries or even two front lights.
- Phones double as backup navigation — but riders wary of draining them.
Lesson: Redundancy on mission-critical devices (navigation, lighting, shifting) is seen as worth the weight.
7. Tools, Spares & First Aid
- Standard kit across all riders: multitool, tire levers, pump, quick links, tubes.
- Spares vary by philosophy: some carry full cleats, hangers, screws; others cut right back.
- First aid kits are minimal but cover the basics: disinfectants, bandage, painkillers.
Lesson: Cover likely failures, not every scenario. Confidence comes from knowing your gear’s weak points.
Overall Themes
- No compromises on lights, nav, or clothing layers.
- Minimal duplicates — except bibs.
- Reliability over novelty — old sleeping bags, proven saddles, established tire models appear again and again.
- Personalization is everything: what looks “too much” for one rider is “bare minimum” for another.
Leave a Reply