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With so many
frame and fork materials on the market these days - titanium, carbon, aluminium,
scandium, even magnesium - a cycle tourist may be forgiven for being spoilt for
choice.
However, I think
that in reality there is only one choice for the expedition or long-distance
tourer, and that is good old steel. The reason is simply that in the
unlikely event that it breaks, it is relatively easy to get repaired, wherever
in the world you are.
My bike is built
around a compact frame made by Thorn at St John Street Cycles in Somerset,
England. Reynolds 531 ST double butted tubing provides strength where it
is most needed, at a competitive weight. The forks are also made of
Reynolds steel, with a cast crown and Nivacrom steerer, topped with a threadless
headset.
At 5'5",
(1.65 meters) tall, I ride a small size frame with a short top tube of
505mm length.
The following is
a list of the equipment specification on the bike:
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Wheels:
Rear: Mavic MTB Cross rim, 36 hole, Sapim stainless
steel spokes built on a Shimano XT hub. This was built for the
trip by Thatto Cycles in St Helens, Merseyside
Front: Mavic rim, 32 hole built on a Shimano LX Paralax hub.
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Tyres:
Specialized Nimbus EX 26 x 1.50, are as puncture resistant as you're
likely to get, with kevlar protection and an armadillo casing to
provide strength in the tyre wall and reduce the risk of
"pinched" punctures.
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Gears:
I use a Shimano 9-speed cassette 13-23 teeth with a Shimano LX triple
chainset, 44-32-22 teeth. This gives me a gear range of 25 to 88
inches, which is low enough to get me over any hill I encounter, but
high enough to breeze along on those happy days when I am blessed with
a tailwind.
I prefer a "gripshift" system to change gear, as it is
easier on my thumbs than a "rapidfire" type lever.
Current systems, such as the SRAM Rocket Shorty lever that I use, are
light and efficient and many of the earlier problems associated with
changing the gear cable have been overcome.
Front and rear mech are also Shimano LX 9-speed
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Brakeset:
V-Brakes can hardly be bettered for stopping a loaded bike. Mine
are Shimano LX, with all-weather brake blocks.
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Handlebars:
I recently converted to the Butterfly type handlebars, with an
adjustable stem. Having suffered for many years with shoulder
pain, caused by a worn ligament in my vertebrae, I find the variety of
positions offered by this combination very comfortable for long-distance
riding.
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Pedals:
Efficient pedaling can save a huge amount of energy. For this reason,
I insist on being locked into the pedal, using Shimano SPD M536
clipless pedals, and an off-road shoe with a recessed cleat. They are
comfortable to walk in, and neat enough to be worn with trousers of an
evening.
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Saddle:
Some years ago, cycle manufacturers made the astonishing discovery
that women have different shaped bottoms to men! The choice of
female-specific saddles is now excellent. I use a BodyFit
touring saddle, which has the right amount of gel in all the right
places...
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Extras:
Topeak rear rack
KlikFix front barbag holder
SKS Mudguards
Sigma BC800 Computer
Blackburn Airstick Pump, (and I carry a small spare)
Altran Velo bike stand
Bar mirror
3 Bottle Cages
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