Lightweight Bikepacking Bike with Road Capability for >1000m trip to Ukraine

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OP
OP
afradv

afradv

Regular
You sound very well prepared already - good luck for the ride.
Don't forget to post your Just Giving page on here - what's the charity?

Thank you for the encouragement. I will certainly post some photo updates along the way. The charity I am involved with is called Baby LifeLine - we have been supplying medical aid to Ukraine and specialise in equipment for pregnant women and babies.
 
OP
OP
afradv

afradv

Regular
Short answer IMO is that you want a relatively modern steel touring bike. A few thoughts:

- Don't get too hung up on mass is this is largely marketing-driven and other factors are more important - i.e. comfort and reliability
- Go for steel - it's typically more comfortable than ally and more resileant in the real world than carbon fibre
- Avoid CX bikes as these generally have "sharper" geometry that's quicker but less stable and will likely become tiring over large distances
- Reliability will be important, so look towards stuff running older / more basic and available standards - bar end shifters, 8 or 9sp cassette

In summary your priorities should be comfort and reliability; which is absolutely what touring bikes are about. A few bikes you might want to keep an eye out for - Dawes Galaxy, Genesis Tour de Fer, Fuji Touring, Ridgeback Panorama.. as well as offerings from Kona, Jamis, Surley...

Make sure you carry basic spares and support tools too - tubes, puncture repair kit, spokes, chain (or at least quick link), chain tool, multitool with allen keys and screwdrivers, gear and brake cable inners..

100 miles per day for 20 days is a huge ask - prioritise comfort, try to get in a lot of miles before the actual journey to ensure that the bike is well-fitted, broken in and reliable, and pepare yourself for the possibility that progress might be slower than you'd hoped. Good luck - sounds like an epic trip :becool:

Thank you, this is very helpful and I'll be taking heed!!
 
Location
España
@afradv
You seem quite well prepared logistically with some experience under your belt.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned (or may have missed it) is a light or lights. Very important given the time of year, weather, the distance and the chances of you being tired. Strange roads in strange countries will benefit from a good light.

Also agree with anyone emphasising comfort. A lighter bike will help you cover the first 50-80 miles, a comfortable bike will help a lot to cover the last 20.

Ridiculous as it may seem to someone having to cover 100 miles every day for three weeks have a think before you leave about how you'll deal with the mental challenges. A favourite song. A delicious treat. A friend on speed dial. Whatever you need.
I've always found wearing a smile at the hardest times works in two ways - it makes me feel better and other people respond in kind, a type of virtuous circle.

It's one hell.of a challenge you have on your plate and I wish you the very best of luck.
 
I've zero experience of epic rides, but my immediate take is this: use the money to give your current steed a thorough overhaul, add/remove bits as necessary, and for on-bike spares. Should be well within budget, I'd think. Only downside is having to ride something else in the meantime.
 

Gunk

Guru
Location
Oxford
Thank you all!

I have to confess I wrote my post this morning on a train and didnt give it nearly as much thought or detail so apologies.

I should say: I do currently have a bike (a 2016/17 Boardman CX Team which is about 10kg) that I have been training on since May. I have got some rest days in there and 100m is the most I'll cover in a day - other days are much lower.

I have previously cycled the atlantic coast and my route this time around is equally avoidant of too many steep hills - im adding more mileage but still my route isnt too horrific (its more the build up over time).

Whilst I am travelling "unsupported", I have places to stay each night (and lots of back-up plans) so will not be carrying too much weighty items/tents. I have also sent some of my replacement gear ahead to those destinations to cut down on the amount i need to carry.

I have changed the saddle to a specialized mimic which suits me but havent thought about shoes nearly enough so thank you for those comments.

I appreciate that talking about changing bikes at this stage is risky (some people may say stupid), so what my tired brain should have said this morning, is does anyone have any tips for optimizing my current bike that would also be very welcome.

And thanks again for the friendliness - i made the mistake of posting this same message on another bike forum and have been completely torn to shreds! Again, my fault for not providing more detail but some of the comments were just nasty!

PM me if you are still looking for something
 
Hi all

I am urgently looking to purchase a bike for a charity cycle next month where I will be cycling from UK to Ukraine. (I did have a bike offered to me but sadly fell through).

My question is: what is the best lightweight, bikepacking bike - baring in mind I will be travelling around 100 miles per day for 20 days. I'll be mainly on roads or pavement but would like to have something that can capably manage a bit of gravel / uneven surface if need be. I will be carrying the bare minimum with me (clothing, charger and a bit of food) so doesn't require to be a packhorse as I won't have camping kit.

Budget is around £1k but I would prefer to buy 2nd hand as usually, you get more for your money.

Any advice DESPERATELY received as I keep going down google worm holes at all the different options between endurance/gravel/CX/bikepacking.

You've probably got entry level wheels on at the moment.

You could get some nice fast rolling wheels and tyres for ,£500 or so and use the rest for a good service and fix of the rest of the bike?
 
OP
OP
afradv

afradv

Regular
Hi everyone!

I posted on here a good few weeks ago asking for advice for a charity fundraiser. I had been mercilessly torn to shreds on another forum :laugh: and was super grateful for the supportive and helpful comments here.

I just wanted to update that tomorrow, I will finish up my ride after 22 days of cycling back from Ukraine to Scotland. Originally, I was meant to do the trip the other way but after an ambulance needed taken out there, I thought it best to kill 2 birds 1 stone.

Anyway, a wee pic to celebrate and just a little message for anyone who like me was nearly put off by other people’s negativity: believe in yourself, always!
 

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wafter

I like steel bikes and I cannot lie..
Location
Oxford
Epic work - well done!

I bet you feel like you could conquor the world now :becool:
 
Location
España
Well done @afradv
I had been wondering how you were getting on.

When everything has settled down (and there's a long winter ahead) you might come back and update the thread with your experiences? What worked, what didn't, what you'd do differently and what you certainly wouldn't!
It'll be interesting for us but helpful for anyone considering doing similar.

Well done again and thanks for coming back with an update.
 
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