Bike 2017
Rose Cyclocross Pro-DX 4400
I deliberately chose a cyclocross bike. NOT because I actually intended to go into the woods or off road. The main reasons for a cyclocross bike and against a common type of road-bike were:
- frame geometry allows for a more relaxed riding position, which is crucial on very long non-stop trips. The frame is shorter than usual road bike frames.
- the steering tube is more angled, meaning that the front wheel is more guided and less easily distracted. for the original purpose of a crosser this means more stability in rough terrain. For me it means: calmer stearing, even with a heavy handle bar bag installed
- the frame is made for rough conditions. I assumed that would make it more reliable; also for the once-in-a-while use of bumpy (off-)roads
- disk breaks for additional safety in bad weather conditions. Because on long tours you cannot always pick the weather you desire.
- the gearing is ideal for me: the chainrings are 46/36, so quite small. Since I usually cycle by myself (= no drifting), have luggage, do long distances, my pace is quite stable at 25-35 km/h. I see no need in still pushing at 45 km/h but see a lot of value in keeping a high enough cadence at lower speeds while still making use of both chainrings. I view both chainrings not so much as “two modes” but rather as a continuum; as a fluent gear range. In combination with the 11 gear-cassette this allows for very nuanced gearing.
- potential to use thicker tires. Since I only use solid roads, I have 28mm-Schwalbe Marathon-tires installed. But it’s nice to know that my bike could handle much thicker tires for off-the-road, in case I’d ever feel the desire.
- I LOVE the design of this particular ROSE-Bike! So clean, straight, black and white, no useless aerodynamic looking prints.
ROSE allows you a lot of freedom in choosing your components. This is a major advantage, because with the following pieces I customized my bike to an extent that it is ideal for my purpose (which is, as mentioned above, not off-road cycling). To choose the components and the right bike size I went to the ROSE-store in Bocholt; there I got excellent advice and could try the bike.
- Continental 4-seasons tires, 32mm: perfect for a smooth and comfortable but high-pace ride. They can also handle rougher terrain and sandy paths.
- SRAM Force 22. Front: 46/34 (or 36) Back: 11-32. I love the fact that the brake-handle is fixed and the double-tap shifters are extremely handy.
- Gel-pads under the handle-bar tape. This makes long rides a lot less tiring for my hands.
- Aluminum seat post (instead of carbon). This allows me to install my seatpost rack without worring about the tube’s stability.
- Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL pedals. Since I am used to SPD-SL. The Ultegra version is equivalent to my Force 22 group in terms of quality and weight.
- Specialized Power Expert saddle since recently. Will have to form an opinion.
Bags 2017
(Especially this “Bags” section does not apply to my Transcontinental Race 2018 setup anymore. A 2018 update will follow!)
From back to front:
- Pletscher Orion rack
- drybag (with tent)
- drybag on top with items that are not regularly used
- Vaude triangle frame bag
- Blackburn fuel tank bag
- 2 Revelate Designs Mtn Feedbags to store energy bars, cashews, etc.
- drybag (with sleeping bag/mat) Sea to Summit
- Vaude Bike Alpine 25+5 backpack
System Weight 2017
[TCR setup will be much lighter (about 35%). Updates will follow…]
- Bike + attached bags + content + empty bottles: 19,7 kg
- Backpack without food: 5 kg
Total: 24,7 kg
