Dave and his Bike

My touring bike has developed over many years of changes and upgrades. It started as a 1980’s Raleigh 531C frame, which sort of wore out and was also rather large by modern standards. I then bought a cheap alloy frame and forks (Tifosi) which I rode to Santiago de Compostella on, followed by another slightly smaller one for the Rome trip. 

I always intended to get a really nice steel frame when I retired, but then got tempted by titanium. I’m still not sure that is the best idea for this trip, but obviously I will soon find out! Handbuilt steel has also got very very expensive. Mercian is now out of my league. I would look at Genesis or Sondor (Alpkit) frames if I was doing it again. I haven’t been tempted by a gravel bike, or the new concept of bikepacking, partly as I have a lot of kit already and there seems little point in changing it all!

Components have also changed over the years, but have remained primarily Campagnolo, much to most people’s disgust. I don’t care. I like it. 

So the current specification is:

Frame & Forks:

Spa Cycles Titanium Touring Frames – including steel forks and an FSA headset

It has been great so far. I rode it for the Ride Home in 2022, barely touched it last year (sadly) but have done most of my prep on it for this ride, including the mini tour of the Loire with Steve. Comfortable and light enough.

Wheels:

Handbuilt. Mavic A319 rims on Hope RS Mono hubs. 32 spokes (Sapim). 

Schwalbe Marathon Tourguard 700x32c tyres. 

Miche Primato10 speed cassette 16×30.

This has been my standard set-up for a while now. The wheels are superb. Not the lightest but that’s obviously a secondary consideration when touring. At the risk of jinxing myself, I had one puncture on these tyres on the Ride Home, none on my other trips. There, I’ve said it now. I’ll pack some puncture repair kits.

Drivetrain:

Chainset: Spa Cycles Touring Triple with TA rings. 26/36/46. 170mm cranks. 

New purchase this year to get smaller rings. Proper little gears for big hills and long days.

Front & Rear mechs: Campagnolo Centaur 10 Speed. 

Quite old now. I have newer ones but they aren’t built the same these days (despite what I said about Campag!). I also like the fact that they are silver and not black. A bit retro. It’s my age.

Shifters: Campagnolo Centaur Red. 10 speed. Carbon. 

Brakes:

Avid Shorty Ultimate cantilevers. (Now SRAM). 

I like the build quality of these. They are also smooth and easy to balance – unlike some cantilevers. 

Handlebars, Stem & Seatpost:

Deda Zero. Alloy.

Saddle:

I was going to use my Brooks B17 Special. The one with the copper rivets. Pretty. However, recently it has become less comfortable, despite treatment and adjustment. Following a short period of panic, I have decided to use the Fizik Arione which I rode to Rome on and had no problems. I know the saddle will get wet, and shaping / sagging too much could be problematic. I hope I have made the right decision.

Pedals:

Shimano M520 SPDs. 

Cheap and efficient. Not much more to say. 

Rack:

Tubus Tara Lowrider front rack. 

Bombproof. Used it for the last ten years. 

I am not taking a rear rack as I will just be using front panniers to keep the weight down. 

Luggage:

Altura Orkney 34 litre front panniers. 

Altura Dryline 7 litre handlebar bag (with map case).

Again my standard set up which I have had for a few years now. They all seem well built and have not leaked so far. I have treated them with Fabsil Gold waterproofing fluid (again) in preparation, which seems to keep them clean and dry. 

I will post again and bore you with the rest of my kit list before I leave.