Equipment Used (work in progress)
TadekKoga Miyata Word Traveller (2009) with Shimano XT
Continental ? 26" Tyres - 3 punctures in 1700kms Ortlieb Roller Classic Front & Rear Panniers Large Orlieb Dry Sac (for above the rear panniers) Ortieb Handlebar Bag with lockable attachment system - slightly cumbersome to open and close with a popper system. Teresa's Vaude bag used velcro and was easier to mount and dismount. Coleman sleeping bag - Lightweight 2 season - Great in the heat, but not when camping at any altitude over 600m. Quencha Self-Inflating Roll Mat - when inflated, very effective. Valve broke on first night so used only for minimal foam content as deflated in about 10 minutes. The second one was great - moral is that you test thoroughly before starting the trip :-) |
TeresaVSF Fahrrad Manufaktur T100 (pre 2005) with Shimano Deore LX
Schwalbe Marathon 28" Tyres (cracked sides but plenty of tread) - Only one puncture in 1700kms Ortlieb Bike Packer Classic Rear Panniers - I found these quicker when needing to get at stored items, although the roller classics had a better system for holding the shoulder straps Medium Ortlieb Dry Sac (stolen in Manzanillo, Cuba - might be an idea to have a strap that cannot be cut with a knife to hold it to the top of the back rack) Vaude Handlebar Bag with Ciick attachment system. Easy access and closure - recommended. Quencha Self-Inflating Roll Mat MSR Carbon Reflex 2 Tent - very light, easy to put up, reliable and sturdy, but was on the small side for two people with so many panniers. Two entrances would have made the tent more comfortable and easier to store the gear in the vestibules (stolen in Manzanillo, Cuba). On reflection, the 3 person version would have been a better buy MSR Multi-fuel Stove - lightweight and small, but not used in Cuba, so sent home. |