Bike Build and Kit List

In case anyone wondered - this is what I'll be taking to Istanbul.

Volagi Viaje XL frame – 4130 Cro-moly combined with their “Long-bow” seat stays that are curved and join the top tube rather than the seat tube mean that this is one seriously comfortable frame for me to build my distance racer around. Disc mounts front and rear. Carbon fork with tapered steerer for precise handling. I love the look of this frame and, judging from the amount of people who’ve asked me about it while out riding/audaxing, others are keen too. Interestingly Viaje is Spanish for journey – how apt.

Wheels – the next most important part of any bike, IMO. Hand built in the town I live in. Hope Pro2 Evo rear hub in black laced with black spokes to black H Plus Son 32H Archetype rims. Up front is a black Shutter Precision PD8 dynamo hub which will be used to power my gadgets laced with 32 black DT competition spokes onto another Archetype rim. Due to some off road parcour and the fact that comfort is key to me these are wrapped in 28mm Continental 4 Seasons. I hope that they’ll serve me well on the off road Assettia pass and the cobbles of Gerardsbergen.

Groupset – 105 for the most of it. Deviations are the shifters and brakes which are RS685 mechanical shift with hydraulic brakes. Rotors are 160mm for increased stopping power due to bike being loaded with luggage.

Finishing kit – all Deda aluminium stuff. Mudguards are SKS Chromoplastics. 2 bottle mounts. Hope QRs. Specialized Phat Wrap bar tape and gel inserts. Bontrager aerobars.

Pedals - touring pedals with SPD cleats. Chosen so I can walk in the shoes I cycle in, saving carring sandals or whatever.

Luggage – Alpkit 5l drybag ratcheted under Aerobars for clothes. Apidura framebag for tools and spares, first aid kit and chamois cream and batteries. Apidura top tube bag for charging electronics and  food on the go. Apidura saddlebag for sleeping equipment, rain coat and food.

Lighting – B+M Luxos U front light and USB charger. 2 x fibre flare rear lights and 1 x Topeak mega rear light.

Tech – Garmin Edge 800 for recording the ride and back up navigation (for upload to Strava etc). Edge Touring for navigation. Heart rate monitor linked to the 800. No speed sensor as it’ll sap too much battery and GPS provides speed anyway. Sony Xperia Z3 Compact phone with maps saved offline. Garmin charging cable, mobile charging cable, Euro USB outlet, head torch, USB battery pack. Also some headphones and an MP3 player, a spare memory card with maps and the route and a spare USB lead

Here's all the stuff that'll be in the bags or on me during the ride.

Clothing – Bib shorts, jersey, socks, shoes, waterproof, hat, mitts, swim shorts, T-shirt, reflective night time vest

Sleeping – Bivi, liner, sleeping foam or bubble wrap, emergency blankets

Cleaning – Antibac wipes, Miofresh powder for antibac washing bibs etc, mini tooth brush and paste, hand sanitizer

Spares –

Chain oil

2 x tubes

patch kit

multi-tool

pump

gear cable

tyre levers

pre-glued patches

zip ties

duct tape

electrical cable

spare chain links

spare spoke and nipple

tyre boot

leatherman

Batteries for the rear light

Brake pads

Food and drink

Electolyte tablets

Spork

Other stuff

Chamois cream

Sun cream

First aid kit, tape and gauze

Dyralite

Ibuprofen

Lip balm spf

Padlock

Cable to lock with