Kit

3

Andrew’s Bike

Built in 2012, from scratch, using Surly Long Haul Disk Trucker frame. Pictured carrying Ortlieb front and rear panniers. Had already completed a trip down the West Coast of the USA.

Post-Tourient Status: A few scrapes, but still fit as a fiddle

Josh’s Bike

Completed the morning that we set off, Josh’s bike is a similar build to the other two. Parts include midget-sized frame and emasculating pink wheels.

Post-Tourient Status: Only 9,000 kilometres? Pffft…

 

Rob’s Bike

Built specifically for this trip and only completed a few weeks beforehand. Parts include Surly Long Haul Disc Trucker frame, Mach 1 Shimano Disc Wheels, Avid BB7 disc brakes, as well as Schwalbe Marathon Dureme tyres.

Post-Tourient Status: Possible PTSD, undergoing treatment

Main Improvements for 2014 Trip:

– New hand-built (by Rob) rear wheel, with cartridge bearing hub.

– New Tubus rear rack

– Shimano Dura-Ace indexed shifters to replace the Dia Compe friction shifters that failed.

– Ortlieb Classic rear panniers to replace the shoddy Carradice pair.

– New M-Wave bar-mounted bag.

Post-New World Status: The Jason Statham of cycle touring; uninspired but tough as hell.

 

The Big Tent

Marmot three man tent with a small porch. Tough, bright and easy to pitch. Vulnerable to sharp grass and prolonged rain. Suitable for three-season use, not suitable for three-person use.

Post-Tourient Status: Scarred, but will live to pitch another day

 

The Small Tent

Bought in Tbilisi, this one man, single-skin tent is made by Lafuma. Renowned for everything apart from tents, Lafuma are no-one’s outdoor manufacturer of choice. Despite this, the tent proved robust and was Rob’s home from the Kazakh desert onwards.

Post-Tourient Status: In better health than Josh’s facial hair

Post-New World Status: Intact and still as glamorous as ever, but starting to show its age. Guilty of not being entirely waterproof at times.