All the gear, and a vague idea

Critical to a race of this magnitude is selecting gear that will not only get the job done, but aligns to your race strategy. I have always opted for reliability over weight/speed in such a long and tough event. And lets also be honest – a great reason for signing up to these races is the ‘justification’ for N+1 spoils – so here is my choice of rig and gear to hopefully get me across Europe come July !

 

The bike

Niner RLT 9 Gravel Bike, 3 star, 105 model:

• Frame – Alu
• Carbon fork
• Through axles (15mm front, 12mm rear)
• Shimano 105 hydro disc groupset
• 54/39 compact crank
• Carbon 27.5 seat post
• Fizik Gobi saddle
• Stans Grail wheel set
• Shimano SPD pedals

Key changes to the stock bike:

• Continental GP5000 tubeless 32mm tyres (low rolling resistance, high comfort width, tubes carried as backup)
• Rear cassette changed to a 40-11 tooth for extra climbing ability esp in the Alpes. The 105 detailers (GS – long cage) can handle up to 40t with a lengthened 118 link chain
• Basic try bars added for comfort on long flat stages

Power and lights

Charging devices and being well lit during night time riding is an extremely key element of the race. I chose to go with the following setup:

• Shutter Precision PD-8X QR15 Disc 6-bolt Dynamo Hub
• Busch+müller Lumotec Luxos IQ2 U LED Front Light with USB charging output
• Anker 10 000mha powerbank

The dynamo hub creates 3% drag at 15 km/h, however outputs 1amp USB charge whilst also providing 70lux beam with daylight running light feature. I will run this USB charge via the power bank to keep as reserve and protect the GPS/Phone etc by a constant charge, instead of fluctuations dependent on speed.

         

 

Luggage systems

I chose to go with the tried and trusted Apidura luggage for the race – not only being a sponsor of Transcontinental, but years of experience in the supporting bike packing across the globe. I chose a system that is rugged enough for me to also use in MTB races if need be:

• Apidura Expedition Saddle Pack – 14L
• Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack – 9L
• Apidura Expedition Frame Pack – Compact 5.3L
• Topeak Fual Tank Top Tube Bag – Large

   

 

Riding Gear

Below is complete list of riding kit I will be taking with me – key principle is one set one, other attached to bike drying after sink washing the prior night !

• 2 x Cape storm riding shirts
• 2 x Assos Cento 100 long distance bib shorts (mad expensive but cheaper than saddle sores!)
• 2 x pairs of Versus socks
• Watz legs and arm warmers
• Watz gillet & K Way strong rainproof shell jacket
• Under armour cold protect long sleeve base shirt
• 2 x pairs gloves – Fingerless and full
• Pair D’Arcs wrap around sunglasses
• Rudy Project helmet with reflective front and rear strips
• Gaerne Tornado BOA carbon sole MTB shoes (for walking comfort over road shoes/cleats)

As you can see from the above list, the temptation is to use flashy overseas kit, however I have specifically chosen SA companies (not sponsored) such as Cape Storm, K Way, Versus, Watz etc – I am proud to ride on the global stage with products from these companies who have invested in product for so long here at home.

Bits and bobs

The rest below is for bike maintenance, and in the event of needing to sleep ‘rough’ on the roadside:

• Naturehike Ultralight Egg Crate Inflatable Mattress
• Thermolite sleeping bag liner +15c
• Space blanket
• Pro hand pump, Topeak 22 multi tool, KMC tyre levers + quick link breaker
• Various spares such as cables, pads, bolts, patches, boots, hanger, batteries, etc
• Medical kit, basic wash kit

 

All in all the bike comes in at around 11kg, and fully loaded with another 4-5kg in the 4 bags – 16kg of bike, 85kg of rider, 4000km of distance – lets do this thing 😁😁😁

Posted from Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.