Blog

Spring Classic: April

Tausend Teiche: 300k / June

Sleepy Roads: 275km / August

https://nightrides.cc/munchiesmaps

Who this project is for:

• Night riders and long-distance cyclists
• Brevet, randonneuring and ultra-distance riders
• Bikepacking and touring cyclists
• Anyone riding outside regular opening hours and looking for basic infrastructure

GRANADA / ALMERÍA, SPAIN

800km | 16KHM

https://badlands.cc

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

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uLkprTHuEuXkrzgqPmMIxo5mp5xhdH4Q6JESwcGpWAk/edit?pli=1&gid=291609549#gid=291609549

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

https://www.christophstrasser.at/aktuelles_live_newsletter/news/aktuelles_detailansicht/rueckblick-transcontinental-race-ausruestung-und-equipment

Key Takeaways

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. First Aid
   • Small but serious: rescue blanket, disinfectants, bandage, painkillers.
   • Lesson: enough to stabilize, not hospital in a bag.
8. 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.
9. 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

1. Bike: Endurance-focused carbon bike, designed for comfort on very long days.
2. Cockpit: Aerobars fitted for alternate hand positions and aerodynamics.
3. Wheels: Dynamo hub up front for continuous power and lighting.
4. Gearing: Compact gearing, chosen to handle Alpine and Balkan climbs.
5. 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.

Some nice trails, oh my. Long ones:

https://gravgrav.cc/de/route/lynx-trail-bikepacking

221km | Singletrail | Slovenia

https://gravgrav.cc/en/article/wossa-bikepacking-science

567km | Road | Austria/Germany

https://gravgrav.cc/de/route/postalm-gravel-bikepacking-tour

113km | Road/Grvl | Austria

https://gravgrav.cc/de/route/bikepacking-4-laender-tour-ueber-die-alpen

https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/1112861/mein-erster-bikepacking-trip-vier-laender-tour-ueber-die-alpen?utm_campaign=collection_embed&utm_medium=embed&utm_source=gravgrav.cc

608km | Road | aut/ger/slov/ita

SVG Downloads:
https://narukawa-lab.jp/archives/dymaxion-map/

D3-Projection Instruction
https://observablehq.com/@fil/d3-projections

https://observablehq.com/@d3/fullers-airocean

D3JS Azimuthal

https://d3js.org/d3-geo/azimuthal

D3geo Projections

https://d3js.org/d3-geo/projection

D3 Projections Demo Page

https://observablehq.com/@fil/d3-projections

Phillippe Rivières Airocean implementation:
https://observablehq.com/@fil/airocean-projection

https://github.com/d3/d3-geo-polygon/blob/main/src/airocean.js

Just look at it

/*
 * Buckminster Fuller’s AirOcean arrangement of the icosahedron
 *
 * Implemented for D3.js by Jason Davies (2013),
 * Enrico Spinielli (2017) and Philippe Rivière (2017, 2018)
 *
 */
import { atan, degrees } from "./math.js";
import polyhedral from "./polyhedral/index.js";
import { default as grayFullerRaw } from "./grayfuller.js";
import {
  geoCentroid as centroid,
  geoContains as contains,
  geoGnomonic as gnomonic,
  geoProjection as projection
} from "d3-geo";
import { range } from "d3-array";

function airoceanRaw(faceProjection) {
  const theta = atan(0.5) * degrees;

  // construction inspired by
  // https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regular_icosahedron#Spherical_coordinates
  const vertices = [[0, 90], [0, -90]].concat(
    range(10).map((i) => [(i * 36 + 180) % 360 - 180, i & 1 ? theta : -theta])
  );

  // icosahedron
  const polyhedron = [
    [0, 3, 11],
    [0, 5, 3],
    [0, 7, 5],
    [0, 9, 7],
    [0, 11, 9], // North
    [2, 11, 3],
    [3, 4, 2],
    [4, 3, 5],
    [5, 6, 4],
    [6, 5, 7],
    [7, 8, 6],
    [8, 7, 9],
    [9, 10, 8],
    [10, 9, 11],
    [11, 2, 10], // Equator
    [1, 2, 4],
    [1, 4, 6],
    [1, 6, 8],
    [1, 8, 10],
    [1, 10, 2] // South
  ].map((face) => face.map((i) => vertices[i]));

  // add centroid
  polyhedron.forEach((face) => (face.centroid = centroid({ type: "MultiPoint", coordinates: face })));

  // split the relevant faces:
  // * face[15] in the centroid: this will become face[15], face[20] and face[21]
  // * face[14] in the middle of the side: this will become face[14] and face[22]
  (function() {
    let face, tmp, mid, centroid;

    // Split face[15] in 3 faces at centroid.
    face = polyhedron[15];
    centroid = face.centroid;
    tmp = face.slice();
    face[0] = centroid; // (new) face[15]

    face = [tmp[0], centroid, tmp[2]];
    face.centroid = centroid;
    polyhedron.push(face); // face[20]

    face = [tmp[0], tmp[1], centroid];
    face.centroid = centroid;
    polyhedron.push(face); // face[21]

    // Split face 14 at the edge.
    face = polyhedron[14];
    centroid = face.centroid;
    tmp = face.slice();

    // compute planar midpoint
    const proj = gnomonic()
      .scale(1)
      .translate([0, 0])
      .rotate([-centroid[0], -centroid[1]]);
    const a = proj(face[1]),
      b = proj(face[2]);
    mid = proj.invert([(a[0] + b[0]) / 2, (a[1] + b[1]) / 2]);
    face[1] = mid; // (new) face[14]

    // build the new half face
    face = [tmp[0], tmp[1], mid];
    face.centroid = centroid; // use original face[14] centroid
    polyhedron.push(face); // face[22]

    // cut face 19 to connect to 22
    face = polyhedron[19];
    centroid = face.centroid;
    tmp = face.slice();
    face[1] = mid;

    // build the new half face
    face = [mid, tmp[0], tmp[1]];
    face.centroid = centroid;
    polyhedron.push(face); // face[23]
  })();

  const airocean = function(faceProjection) {
    faceProjection =
      faceProjection ||
      // for half-triangles this is definitely not centroid({type: "MultiPoint", coordinates: face});
      ((face) => gnomonic()
          .scale(1)
          .translate([0, 0])
          .rotate([-face.centroid[0], -face.centroid[1]]));

    const faces = polyhedron.map((face, i) => {
      const polygon = face.slice();
      polygon.push(polygon[0]);

      return {
        face: face,
        site: face.centroid,
        id: i,
        contains: function(lambda, phi) {
          return contains({ type: "Polygon", coordinates: [polygon] }, [
            lambda * degrees,
            phi * degrees
          ]);
        },
        project: faceProjection(face)
      };
    });

    // Connect each face to a parent face.
    const parents = [
      // N
      -1, // 0
      0, // 1
      1, // 2
      11, // 3
      13, // 4

      // Eq
      6, // 5
      7, // 6
      1, // 7
      7, // 8
      8, // 9

      9, // 10
      10, // 11
      11, // 12
      12, // 13
      13, // 14

      // S
      6, // 15
      8, // 16
      10, // 17
      17, // 18
      21, // 19
      16, // 20
      15, // 21
      19, // 22
      19 // 23
    ];

    parents.forEach((d, i) => {
      const node = faces[d];
      node && (node.children || (node.children = [])).push(faces[i]);
    });

    function face(lambda, phi) {
      for (let i = 0; i < faces.length; ++i) {
        if (faces[i].contains(lambda, phi)) return faces[i];
      }
    }

    // Polyhedral projection
    const proj = polyhedral(
      faces[0], // the root face
      face // a function that returns a face given coords
    );

    proj.faces = faces;
    return proj;
  };

  return airocean(faceProjection);
}

export default function () {
  const p = airoceanRaw((face) => {
    const c = face.centroid;

    face.direction =
      Math.abs(c[1] - 52.62) < 1 || Math.abs(c[1] + 10.81) < 1 ? 0 : 60;
    return projection(grayFullerRaw())
      .scale(1)
      .translate([0, 0])
      .rotate([-c[0], -c[1], face.direction || 0]);
  });

  return p
    .rotate([-83.65929, 25.44458, -87.45184])
    .angle(-60)
    .scale(45.4631)
    .center([126, 0]);
}

Leaflet-Provider-Demo:
https://leaflet-extras.github.io/leaflet-providers/preview/