Same old story. Another year, another Transcontinental race and another kit list. Much the same, but quite a bit new too. I recommend you also read my previous entries from 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014 as I will refer to them. For a few more photos from this year check this link.
Over all it is the same old frankenbike. Tunturi F500 hybrid frame from 2003 with very few original parts. In a real frankenbike fashion it now has different pair of brake pads (Swisstop stopped making old V-brake model and I had one pair left) and, again, different quick releases.
The basics are SON hub dynamo, Powertap rear hub, Campagnolo/Shimano mix of 10 speed 50/34 cranks and 12-30 cassette. Tires are new 28 mm GP 5000s.
Lights are B&M IQ-X and Sinewave beacon. Also Lupine Piko as backup for downhills and gravely sections. Once again GoPro for downhills and other sections where I prefer not to stop or slow down for photos or videos.
Tail lights are 2 B&M Seculas and for blinding people also a Niterider solas.
There were quite a bit of changes from last year in terms of bags. Carradice saddlebag, Missgrape top tube bag and Apidura food pouch are old, but all the other are different. The frame really can’t fit any proper frame bag so I switched back to Deuter’s that leaves full access to water bottles. Or so I thought. Their model had changed since the last one and the (permanent) attachment strap happens to be at exactly same position with Missgrape top tube pack’s. Good enough, but looks a bit silly. I switched Alpkit accessory bag to Apidura’s fork bag as I happen to have plenty of space for everything this year. This bag rubs my feet a little less while pedaling and doesn’t add extra bulk. The new Apidura handlebar bag limits usage of handlebar a bit, but I kind of got used to using the aerobars and handlebars while climbing last year. It is mostly for food as the side pockets are easy to access on the go.
The dashboard had changed a bit with higher mounts for the aerobars. This time I have the remotes in place where they are, relatively, easy to access from aero position and while climbing with hands on the aero pads.
Symmetry is slightly better than last year.
I did quite a few changes to wirings. I remade all the connectors, wired lights in parallel and did quick release for the dynamo. Now I can use 0, 1 or 2 headlights and 0, 1 or 2 tail lights without doing any changes to wiring even though I lose a bit of the maximum light brightness. Both lights also have full length cables so that they can be easily attached directly to dynamo in case there are problems with the connectors.
Equipment on me has mostly been replenished since last year. New shoes as the old ones broke at Silk road. The new Fiziks don’t have any grip in the sole so I need to be extra careful when getting on the bike, but otherwise they are fine. Assos stopped making red gloves so I had to get white gloves even though I don’t think I fill finish with white gloves. Short sleeve merino jersey with PBP print this year so I had to pack arm warmers for the first time since 2015.
I’m using Polar Vantage M with optical heart rate monitor this time. Hence I don’t have a HR strap and Vantage’s battery life appears to be suitable for the purpose.
The Restrap tech bag happened to be exactly the right size for my charging equipment. Easy haptic feedback that I remembered to pack it and easy access as I will take them with me to nearly every significant stop. 3 micro-usb cables, usb-c cab, Lupine usb accessories and Vantage cable. 2 2x usb chargers so I can charge 4+ devices at once.
Also spare batteries and Powertap opener are in tech bag for easy access as I will eventually need them.
In the Apidura handlebar bag I have handsfree for listening to music and its pouch that can also be used for cleaning glasses and camera lenses. On the other side are cables and extra batteries that are needed while on the bike. Sinewave usb support cable and also a bit longer micro-usb and usb-c cables.
The larger compartment fits my ”civil” clothes.
The top tube bag has a spork and working glove, but most of it is used either for food or as a trashcan.
In the Deuter frame bag are the most likely needed extra clothes. Full finger gloves, toe warmers, merino buff and knee warmers.
More rarely needed spare clothes are in the Carradice bag. Long sleeve windstopper jersey, spare bibs and a pair of socks.
Also in the Carradice bag are some hygiene products and toilet paper. Also some plaster. This year I also did the ultimate weight save and cut my toothbrush.
Shampoo will again be used as a full body wash and for cleaning my clothes.
Still going through the Carradice main compartment. There are the required tools and spare parts. Much the same as last year. 2 spare tubes and tube repair kit. Multitool with added chain links and hollowtech tool. Btw. the Topeak chain tool’s ends also work as a presta valve core opening/closing tool. Just in case you didn’t know.
A new cleat, derailleur hanger, cable ties, spokes (are in the bag’s wooden support), nipples, tape and spare cables. For some crazy reason Mucoff doesn’t sell those tiny chain oil tubes, but does give them away for free.
My spare outer tire is this time under the saddlebag.
Some electrical spares are also in the Carradice bag and hopefully this pouch never needs to be opened. Spare Garmin, small power bank, spare phone and spare Lupine usb accessories.
In the left pocket of Carradice are chamois cream, sun screen, hand disinfectant and camera stand.
In the right pocket of Carradice are reflective vest, packable backpack and Petzl Tikka 2 xp headlight. Same as always.
In the Apidura pouch under the saddlebag is the sleeping gear. A small strip of 4x bubble wrap and a emergency blanket.
