The Equipment I am Using


As with the preparation section I will update this page as the tour planning progresses. At the moment there is a lot of equipment that I need to obtain which obviously leads to problems writing this page!

Below is a rough list of what I am expecting to need. No details as yet but I will update it as and when I can:

Bike Kit

    Bike! - I have just ordered my new bike which will be a Thorn Raven Tour, I'll start with semi-slick Panaracer folding tires for training and the Europe end of the trip then I plan to change to Schwalbe Marthon XR folding tires when the roads deteriorate, keeping the others as spares. The Raven Tour comes with a 14-speed Rohloff hub so no de-railiers to worry about, it'll be fitted with Thorn racks front and back and 3 bottle racks. As expected it's a 26" wheel version with drop handlebars, unfortunately due to the nature of the Rohloff gears the shifter has to be a grip shifter which with drops is mounted on an accessory bar. I'll have SPD pedals and a dynamo hub at the front for lighting and possibly other power requirements.

Go here to see a picture of my brand new Raven Tour, a beautiful machine!

    Panniers - 2 front & rear, I currently have 2 rear Ortlieb Roller panniers and will probably be looking to get a matching set for the front.

    Barbag - I currently have an Ortlieb Ultimate Bar Bag Light which I will use, this has an integral map case.

    Lighting - I will hopefully be using a dynamo driven front light, possibly in conjunction with a solar powered torch/battery charger which I have seen. On the back I will have an LED light running on AA batteries.

    Locks - At the moment I use a D-lock and a Cable lock, both key operated. I may supplement these or get better quality ones.

    Kick stand - to make life easier when there's no lampposts around!

    Bungee Cords - to hold stuff on the rack at the back.

    Dazer - to scare off any unfriendly dogs.

    Compass - to help me find way!

Camping Kit

    Tent - a light weight 2 man tent, although I'm on my own the extra cost for the extra space I think will be well worth it. If possible I will look to try and find a tent which I can fit my bike inside, then if I think security is an issue I can be doubly sure.

    Sleeping Bag - I do have a reasonable sleeping bag at the moment but it is getting quite old and tired at the moment so will probably need replacing.

    Termarest sleeping mat

    Sleeping Bag liner - I have a cotton one but may need to get a silk one for the hotter climates.

    Multi-fuel Stove - I will hopefully be getting a MSR Whisperlite International with 2 fuel bottles.

    Cooking equipment - probably the MSR Alpine Cookset with folding utensils.

    LED headtorch - for use in the evenings, preferably using AA batteries.

    Large water carrier - I have 10 litre water carrier but it may need replacing, plus I will carry 2 or 3 cycling bottles.

    Water Filter - for use when I'm not sure of water quality.