Hi David! As much as we love the next best thing prices are incredibly high for those gear systems. You could easily assemble a bike that can take you around the world for the price of just the Rohloff hub.
Seriously, when I cycled central Asia in 2017 and met plenty of long distance and round the world cyclists. Most of their bikes equipped with just normal derailers. I's surprised too.
@@WheelstoWander I like your channel, but I have no understanding for gear-bashing. There are a lot of comparisons online that a Rohloff is more economic than a fancy Shimano. I think, when it comes to long distance cycling and equipment, it is all about priorities and enthusiasm. Like pampering your rear with a Thudbuster that "costs a fortune". ;o)
We don't want to bash any gear, there is a place for all of it. But Rohloff or Pinion are expensive and it would be a shame if people thought the would need that! You'll have to give me that comparison 😉 and I would like to say you don't need anything fancy from Shimano. A basic affordable Deore set is good enough. The Thudbusters are second hand on both bikes btw 😊
I would like to add my thanks as well, it is encouraging that you use perfectly normal everyday equipment and concentrate on the things that can let you down, like the headset. As there are no off the peg touring bikes at the moment I used a Boardman gravel bike changing a few parts and have done many km of touring but it is comforting to see you guys - the experts - are not spending fortunes on equipment either.
I have been watching you to for years there is nothing more important than the gear review from true miles. Can't wait to see what junk you still carrying and what was left behind. Thanks for the progress and I do recommend keeping the nice rack it helps your forks.
@@WheelstoWander aluminum frames are not recommend for touring. They will flex only so much before breaking no worries it could last ten years and all around the world. I don't have the correct facts on how the forks flex with or without a solid four bolt mounted rack. Does it add more stress near the headset then a lowrider rack I wish I knew I just know that I use my surly racks to help carry all four of my girlfriend panniers plus mine. Even can tow her bicycle tow truck style. There's always extra room for beers with a nice rack!!
Completely understand I am getting ready to try a new set up for myself riding down the coast of California. The last time I rode the West coast of USA four panniers on a bicycle seems to be going out of style completely. After meeting some local bicycle tourist in other countries riding rigs across the world on something I would not even trust riding across town. This does get us thinking. My surly ogre needs new hubs I have already replaced every other part on this bicycle except the racks. Going to ride a Masi it's a wedding gift still looking forward towards your video of the gear progress what has changed like the camp chairs. 🙈
Well built, good quality hand built cromoly framed mountain bikes from the '90's can be picked up here in the UK for easily under £100. Raleigh and Saracen made some very high quality bikes which sell for next to nothing and can be economically transformed into comfortable touring bikes with very little effort. I've never seen a steering corrector/dampener on a bicycle before but looks very clever. All the very best on your travels from the UK 🇬🇧 Qua Patet Orbis 🌍
Three years ago, when I saw your video clips, it was shocking to me, your bikes are the TANK, heavy tall and long. Now I understand the reason why. It's really helped out the selection of parts for my touring bike, SURLY LHT 2014 model (second hand bike as like your). Stay safe in your hometown, see you someday on the road of somewhere. Thanks a lot.
I love your videos. Really well done. I've been a cyclist for more years than I can remember. When they designed men's and women's bikes years ago, I think they messed up. The men's frame with the straight top tube is dangerous for us guys. I call them, "Nut-Crackers" 😜. For all the accidents I've had, it's a wonder I was able to father two children. Thanks again for all of your awesome videos. Still trying to get through them all.
Nice video 👍 Could you make a video of equipment you took with you on the trip, that you don't recommend, and useful equipment you wish you had, or equipment you have bought on the trip? Wish you a nice journey 👍
You can adjust the nose bolt on the Shimano B17 saddle and that will take care of the "slack" in the seat. Thanks for your wonderful videos. We spent a rainy Sunday discovering your channel and watching your neat journey!!
Nice Show of your Bikes Guys ...with the Brooks Saddle Spreading/Sagging overtime ...Get a Leather Punch and Create Three Holes either side of the Saddle ..then when Needed You can Lace a Leather Thong Strip Between the Holes ...( of course do this underside of the Saddle...Good Luck ..but it ooks like you wont need the Technique for a Few more years on your B17 !
Great vid thanks. Love the kogas! And a local Company for you guys I guess. but just goes to show you dont necessarily need expensive bikes to travel as well. Safe travels. SHEFFIELD ENGLAND. ❤️
Come on Bike companies, please sponsor them!!! We want to see more VDO around the world from this two PRO. Now I am thinking to sell my Road/MTB bikes and get into touring bike. Thanks a million for taking time review your gears!
That's certainly a good idea to see things in perspective. We personally are still more worried for a traffic accident then all the other things mentioned above... Animals will rarely attack unless they're hungry or protective of their cubs (or perhaps had a bad experience with humans before)...
Deore XT is my favorite component yes...and Deore also....setting and wörking is easier also lighter than other comp. Longer life too.....good choice....
Good video,with your Brooks seat, I had and have the same and to make a it tad more comfortable, I just got a cheap Glue stick,rubbed in lines over the seat,not go berserk,then got a piece of lambswool skin and placed that woolly side up, over the top and pressed it on, just adds a bit of extra comfort, I found the glue stick keeps it on for ages.
I had the same reaction to the Surly front rack. Very sturdy and looks nice. But heavier than I like. I would like to find a lighter-weight way to carry my tent and sleeping bag.
My first touring bike was the giant atx 870. After riding 10,000 kilometers, it was stolen downstairs in my school dormitory. The bike I am riding is still from giant, escape sl1, so far it has ridden at least 12,000 kilometers. It's like "ship of Theseus", with two replacement grips, two pedals, three outer tires, two chains, center axle, rear wheel hub, and of course countless inner tubes. I think it's time to retire it.
I have the Brooks B17 with Titanium railings seat, if you want to straighten out the seat, grab an alan key and look for videos on youtube and it will give you instructions on how to tension the seat to sort out the sag by using the alan key on the bolt on the front of the underside of the seat.
I admire your setup on components and models of bikes, very sturdy for extended riding in all terrain. I can understand why you sit high being tall riders so your in a more vertical riding position with high stem, something I noticed many Europeans utilize. I tried that position using a trekking bar but found pushing a bike up a hill was very difficult as I have seen your problems as well. I have a Surley Molko bar now installed and not as high riding position, makes pushing a loaded bike up steep grades easier, a bit of less wind resistance as well.
I used to mount my phone on my bike but the vibration caused the camera lens to come loose. Now I store the phone in a zippered pouch attached to my stem with Velcro. Less vibration but not as convenient for access.
Nice overview of your bikes. 🚲 👍🏼 I also have an older Giant hybrid with rim brakes. I was going to buy an expensive dedicated touring bike for my upcoming tour, but i decided to do what you did, and just use the money to update the components like stronger tires & wheels as well as racks & bags. Anyway, i hope you both are well & staying safe. Any plans to continue your tour once the travel restrictions are lifted?
Hi Bike Tall! Besides a great saving it was also fun and educational to buy and build our bikes that way. Nice, you have a Giant too 😊 We are doing good and have found a good place to stay in these strange times. We recently did a two week tour (with a long break adding an extra 10 days) around our home country which was fantastic. We haven't decided on our next plan yet, also our finances need some topping up... Thanks & All the Best, E&M
That Giant bike is almost the same as mine ! I am currently working on it to make it a nice comfortable commuter. I will take some inspiration from you ;)
They really know their stuff. I would expect that after two years of being in the saddle. When a Brooks B17 stretches from use it’s time to grab the wrench and retention it. It is very uncomfortable if you don’t.
If you haven't yet toured the western US, there is a lot of space and beauty. Much variety as well. The Sonoran Desert in Arizona has great weather in December, January, February, November, March. It can be bit on the warm side in October, but not too terribly bad; same for April. Eastern Oregon has some great riding. Also, the Eastern Sierra, as long as you stay on the quiet roads (as always). The Eastern Sierra area has a lot of good wild hot springs. There are many other parts of the West that are also very nice, including the forests of Northern and Central California, some of which are not highly visited or well known. The Lakes Basin area, around Gold Lake and Sierra Buttes is beautiful. Goose Lake is a nice one. Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Northern Arizona all have some great areas. ForestyForest has some good Western backcountry tour videos. Wider tires do help on some of these roads, but many of the roads are not so rough. He took some rough ones. You can find quiet paved roads or smoother dirt roads. I'm leaning toward wider tires lately, for my own riding, maybe 2.25"-2.8". I don't need to go larger than that for the riding I do, but I do want something a bit wider than my current 1.95". Here is one of Foresty's videos: th-cam.com/video/fZhQ73t2NhM/w-d-xo.html He did some other tours in the West as well, and also has videos for those. Here's one: th-cam.com/video/P88L0mySkpo/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the in depth recommendation 👌🏼That is one of our dream routes to cycle one day. I have seen some videos from ForestyForest and the places he has been are truly amazing! We are also looking a a bit fatter tyres that can still fit on our bikes. 2.4" Might work 🤞🏼All the best, E&M
Doing lots of touring myself and prone to having a "nice cup of tea" on the side of the road at a good view point (and also using a primus Omni fuel stove, kept in the side pocket of my ortlieb bike packer plus) the bike buddy MK 3 has to be my favourite bit of kit, for quick release of the fuel cannister compared to the MK 2.
My other top touring piece of equipment is having the ortlieb mesh bags that hang off the back of my bike packer plus panniers. They are so handy for a food shop or storing random smackerals. I hope you can get back on tour soon. I'm setting off for a 3 month UK tour tomorrow.
With the brooks saddle, there's a nut under the front nose which you can tighten clockwise so it's less of a hammock, but dont tighten too much just 1/4 of a turn as needed.
However, if you haven't adjusted it for a bit, it might need more. However, small adjustments, as you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Also make sure you use the correct tool, as a crescent type wrench might round it. Also, that saddle looks like it could use some conditioner (brooks proofride is cheap and one tin will last forever). Generally every 6 months prevent it, but that's normal use and this is decidedly abnormal. I've heard people recommend you treat it every time the saddle gets soaked (after it has dried). Don't tighten a saddle while wet or after proofriding though as that can damage it.
Good informative video and proving that you don't need to spend a fortune on bike and gear to do a world tour. I would think the number one priority for the bicycles is having robust and reliable frames and components, and being able to do maintenance and repairs yourself. I like the thudbuster! I have suntour's cheaper alternative and it help to take the sting out of bumps. Personally I prefer a touring bike frame in steel but lots of world tourers are using aluminium now. Personal preference I guess. Are the schwalbe marathon and mondial tyres difficult to remove off the rim? Maudi and I have something in common, body height! I am just under 6' 6" tall so getting anything to fit comfortably "off the peg" is a challenge. I would love to have a frame made to measure but as I'm always trying different components to help me find more comfort, I'm not sure what I'd want in frame dimensions to achieve that perfect frame. There's always the recumbent trike!
Thanks Stuart! The Schwalbe tyres are pretty easy to remove with the normal tyre levers, the Mondial is a bit tighter on our rims. You have probably heard of Surly, they have some incredible models from road to the extreme off road and everything in between, also for bigger riders. They seem ideal to try out almost anything you might want from a bike... of course in steel 😉
For SURE, get a Rohloff. DeFaileur spokes just won't hold your weight. One huge guy I read about, broke FOUR rear hubs and a bunch of other stuff. In just 6,500 miles. Me and bike are 290 lbs. NO problems.
Very intresting to see your bikes in detail. Quality but simplicity seems like the way to go. Keep an eye on the side walls of your rims, if they wearout too much from the breaking forces, they just crack along and your tyre will come off, making it impossible for the wheel to spin. The front rim on erik's bike looks a bit worn to start an other long distance tour.
I am planning for my trip, I was thinking of buying surly LHT or trek 520. But after seeing your video I am rethinking, u guys proved we can worldtour with cycle which has basic components, no need for fancy bikes, if u don't mind me asking how much u spend for your one bike.
Hi Prem! Although I initially bought my bike very cheaply there are certainly some more expensive and perhaps not 100% necessary parts on there. I got a bit carried away but have no regrets. The bikes come out at around the same price as the stock bikes you mentioned. But this way I had full control over every last single part and know how to troubleshoot it out on the road. For sure it can be done way more affordable and parts like the Thudbuster are luxury ( but worth it! ). The Surly Ogre is also be a fantastic frame with a bit more versatility. From touring to a more off road/ bikepacking oriented style if you would like to. All the best!!
so glad you also shared your gear ! very helpfull and most of all - appreciate your experiences on the road Howcome you went with the 26" ? isn't 28" more common and bigger therefore more distance covered with similar energy?? All the best from Germany, keep it up
Not to possibly state the obvious, but if the Brooks saddle is starting to sag, you can tighten the tensioning bolt. I have thousands of miles on Brooks saddles and tighten them about every 2-3 thousand miles after they are first broken in. During break in, you might tighten at about 1 thousand miles.
Hi Eric! Thanks for pointing that out. I did tighten the bolt and for I while the fit is certainly better. Somehow though the fit isn't ideal, I still slide forward a bit. It's difficult to explain 😅
@@WheelstoWander Same experience here. I went back to an ordinary foam Selle Italia. I prefer to sit on something flat and be able to move back and forth depending on if I'm going uphill or downhill.
@@WheelstoWander Unfortunately, your Brooks doesn't seem to have holes on the sides. I have Imperial and B17 Aged models and they have. These holes allow to insert shoe laces and tighten the saddle not only in longitudinal but also in transverse direction. I suppose you could make such holes yourself along the sides of the saddle. Try to tighten it. PS. I think a local cobbler can make holes easily with proper tools.
You guys should have exchanged bikes. Eric's bike is too tall, Maudi's is too small. Officially, that is 😉. Great job how you adjusted the bikes for travelling. Really budget-smart!
I discovered memory foam covers in Nanning. My bum still gets tired, but way less of a sore spot or pimples. I have them on both my Brooks Flyer's and a plastic one with a hole. The covers all need to be tied with a shoe lace, to keep them from squirming. They are only available direct from China, that I have found. They come in the slow mail, a month if you are lucky. Maybe never in these sick covid times.
Hi Eric, I'm fixing up an old Giant MTB frame just like you did. You've managed to get the handlebars up using the special trial stem, but how tall are you? So I can guess the rise I and maybe find the same stem. Most normal stems don't have enough rise and I don't really trust those adjustable ones. Thanks!
Hi, wij zijn een fietsvakantie in Spanje aan het voorbereiden en we vragen ons af welke drinkflessen jullie gebruiken. Onze bidons geven namelijk een vieze plastic smaak als je er een dag mee gereden hebt. O en bedankt voor de toffe filmpjes! Het is een grote inspiratie.
Hoi Bregje! Leuk om te horen :) Wij gebruiken de Camelbak Podium flessen die nagenoeg geen plastic smaak afgeven. Heel veel plezier op jullie avontuur! Groetjes, E&M
Bikes are simple and simple is good now the cycling industry is making bikes complicated and most believe the hype and the rest follow a simple bike is usually pretty bombproof easy to fix and will get you to wherever you need to go which you’re simple bikes have done and if they do break it usually doesn’t break the bank which means more time on the road simplicity at its best
Hi Steve! I think you are right, bikes are simple and spending a little extra on parts where it matter makes a bike super tough. Expenses can be relatively low and obtainable for many 👍🏼 All the Best
Wheels to Wander exactly I built a tourer this year to hopefully do what you’re doing at some point I built from the frame up frame thorn Sherpa, wheels Sputnik rims deore hubs and drive chain deore 3x9 with friction downtube shifters simplicity all the way I did opt for a magura hydro rim brake but I like there reliability
I've been considering installing a longer stem on my touring/commuting bike. Do you have any advice or comments on what it's like to have such a tall stem? In the United States it's very uncommon to see such tall handlebars, but it looks very comfortable.
I had cycle shop for 30 years.and sold a lot of giant Boulders in that time. I was interested to hear whether you fitted a lower gear set or ran with what the bike came with the bike
Don't listen to the mainstream bike industry for shoving a new wheel size. 26-inch rims are still King for touring, smaller the rim stronger the wheel. Refer to surly for the reason they still make 26 inch wheels for their touring and bikepacking rigs.
@@WheelstoWander I have a wide variety of bikes with different wheel sizes, personal experience with the pros and cons I decided to go with a 26, took a while to find a modern 26" Bikepacking Touring bike especially with everything being sold out during this pandemic.
700C is fine, those are mainstream and been around for ages with really good tire options, but I wouldn't attempt rolling around the world on 650b or any other size, those tires are going to be hard to find. I've rode about 25k tour miles on 700C wheels/tires (folding tubeless) so far, but I take sealant and an extra tire or two with me. Haven't had to use a spare tire yet, and in any remote places I'd carry a spare regardless of tubed, tubeless, 26", or 700C. I've only had 1 flat in 6yrs, and I just needed to top off the sealant and inflate the tire again, what I had in there dried out over the summer was all. I prefer 120tpi tires, they're really plush and fast, which wear down quicker, but overall the ride quality is very worth it to me. A pound or two won't matter when you're carrying everything you need, it's usually when you stock up on water that you really notice the weight lol
hey you two. since yesterday i'm binche your videos... . ask: why do your chains whistle in every episode? i would go crazy! ;-) nice videos, very good job! and of course: a wonderful tour! greetz sven
It's for the video sound effects ;) Honestly we don't really hear it until the last moment. Maybe we are being Dutch about it, haha? Thanks & All the Best, E&M
I like a straight bar with about a 23 degree of sweep combined with the ergon GC1 grips. Even more upright a Jones bar could be great although I never tried them...
Ms Wheels to Wander, I had no idea that you were so tall, 57 cm bicycle frame! Do you folks endorse that device under your saddle, thudbuster?, for smoothing out the ride? How do you attach the frame lock?
Hi! First of all you are making great videos. Enough long and full of interesting stuff. And ofc you guys seems to be very nice :D Now I want to ask you about brooks seat that you are talking about in 12th min... is it geting soften after tightening up or you didn't do that? I just bought the same brooks like yours but as it is winter I'm not riding a bike at the moment so I've never tested it.
Thanks you Filip! Tightening the saddle does help, certainly for a good while. It's pretty comfortable but my opinion is that it could be a better... I hope you like yours 😊 All the best!, Eric
Wow. This video does really helps me in selection of components for my future touring.
Keep it up guys. Stay safe, enjoy your ride.
Hi Rufat! That is good to hear 👍🏼 Thanks & All the Best. E&M
Just got a ridgeback world voyager for £60 excellent condition Reynolds 520 frame set 👍
The best thing about both your bikes is that you travel great distances on them. A great adventure!
They are very good at there duty 😉 Thanks & All the Best, E&M
Nice to see serious round the world cyclists not spending a fortune on hub or pinion gear bikes.
Hi David! As much as we love the next best thing prices are incredibly high for those gear systems. You could easily assemble a bike that can take you around the world for the price of just the Rohloff hub.
Seriously, when I cycled central Asia in 2017 and met plenty of long distance and round the world cyclists. Most of their bikes equipped with just normal derailers. I's surprised too.
for the price of gear system, I can cycle around Japan for months
@@WheelstoWander I like your channel, but I have no understanding for gear-bashing. There are a lot of comparisons online that a Rohloff is more economic than a fancy Shimano. I think, when it comes to long distance cycling and equipment, it is all about priorities and enthusiasm. Like pampering your rear with a Thudbuster that "costs a fortune". ;o)
We don't want to bash any gear, there is a place for all of it. But Rohloff or Pinion are expensive and it would be a shame if people thought the would need that! You'll have to give me that comparison 😉 and I would like to say you don't need anything fancy from Shimano. A basic affordable Deore set is good enough. The Thudbusters are second hand on both bikes btw 😊
I would like to add my thanks as well, it is encouraging that you use perfectly normal everyday equipment and concentrate on the things that can let you down, like the headset. As there are no off the peg touring bikes at the moment I used a Boardman gravel bike changing a few parts and have done many km of touring but it is comforting to see you guys - the experts - are not spending fortunes on equipment either.
You guys are super cool. I love your no frills, warm, down to earth manner. Love it! Remionds me why I ride!!! Dont stop riding!!!
Thanks so much Pal :) All the best, E&M
I have been watching you to for years there is nothing more important than the gear review from true miles. Can't wait to see what junk you still carrying and what was left behind. Thanks for the progress and I do recommend keeping the nice rack it helps your forks.
Thanks! We are planning to make a video about our junk 😂 How does the Nice rack help the forks? All the Best
@@WheelstoWander aluminum frames are not recommend for touring. They will flex only so much before breaking no worries it could last ten years and all around the world. I don't have the correct facts on how the forks flex with or without a solid four bolt mounted rack. Does it add more stress near the headset then a lowrider rack I wish I knew I just know that I use my surly racks to help carry all four of my girlfriend panniers plus mine. Even can tow her bicycle tow truck style. There's always extra room for beers with a nice rack!!
Only for the beers it's worth keeping 😉 Great it's super durable, but I think Maudi's mind has been made up...
Completely understand I am getting ready to try a new set up for myself riding down the coast of California. The last time I rode the West coast of USA four panniers on a bicycle seems to be going out of style completely. After meeting some local bicycle tourist in other countries riding rigs across the world on something I would not even trust riding across town. This does get us thinking. My surly ogre needs new hubs I have already replaced every other part on this bicycle except the racks. Going to ride a Masi it's a wedding gift still looking forward towards your video of the gear progress what has changed like the camp chairs. 🙈
@@surlycyclingrag3347 wow, your sentence structure is quite unusual. but thanks for the info.
Well built, good quality hand built cromoly framed mountain bikes from the '90's can be picked up here in the UK for easily under £100.
Raleigh and Saracen made some very high quality bikes which sell for next to nothing and can be economically transformed into comfortable touring bikes with very little effort.
I've never seen a steering corrector/dampener on a bicycle before but looks very clever.
All the very best on your travels from the UK 🇬🇧
Qua Patet Orbis 🌍
There a great platform! Nice to hear you enjoy that as well :) Best wishes!
Three years ago, when I saw your video clips, it was shocking to me, your bikes are the TANK, heavy tall and long. Now I understand the reason why. It's really helped out the selection of parts for my touring bike, SURLY LHT 2014 model (second hand bike as like your). Stay safe in your hometown, see you someday on the road of somewhere. Thanks a lot.
Hi Jun! They are quite heavy, especially the Giant. The LHT is a great choice 👍🏼 Super that this video helped out 😊 Thanks & See you out on the road!
I love your videos. Really well done. I've been a cyclist for more years than I can remember. When they designed men's and women's bikes years ago, I think they messed up. The men's frame with the straight top tube is dangerous for us guys. I call them, "Nut-Crackers" 😜. For all the accidents I've had, it's a wonder I was able to father two children. Thanks again for all of your awesome videos. Still trying to get through them all.
Heroic tyres!
💪🏼 For sure!
Thank you Maudi and Eric, learning so much! 🌄
Makes me so happy to see you guys back on the road!! :D may the road rise before you!
Hi Connor! Thanks for your lovely words 🙏🏼
@@WheelstoWander and thank you for the inspiration!
Nice video 👍 Could you make a video of equipment you took with you on the trip, that you don't recommend, and useful equipment you wish you had, or equipment you have bought on the trip? Wish you a nice journey 👍
Thanks Frank! That is a good suggestion 👌🏼 We are planning on making a gear review video and could implement this idea... All the Best! E&M
You can adjust the nose bolt on the Shimano B17 saddle and that will take care of the "slack" in the seat. Thanks for your wonderful videos. We spent a rainy Sunday discovering your channel and watching your neat journey!!
Hi Sally! Thank you for the tip 👍🏼 Lovely to hear our videos can give some entertainment on a rainy day 😉 All the Best!
Nice Show of your Bikes Guys ...with the Brooks Saddle Spreading/Sagging overtime ...Get a Leather Punch and Create Three Holes either side of the Saddle ..then when Needed You can Lace a Leather Thong Strip Between the Holes ...( of course do this underside of the Saddle...Good Luck ..but it ooks like you wont need the Technique for a Few more years on your B17 !
Great tip there Jeremy! I might just do that... All the best, E&M
I like your style both of you! Nice!
Thanks 😊 All the Best, E&M
Great vid thanks. Love the kogas! And a local Company for you guys I guess. but just goes to show you dont necessarily need expensive bikes to travel as well. Safe travels. SHEFFIELD ENGLAND. ❤️
You certainly don't, we love our bikes!! :-)
Good to see a aluminium frame going around the world...
Still going strong 👌🏼
@@WheelstoWander yes we both have Cannondale alloy frames and they are great...🚴🚴
Traveling the world with basic bikes and modest modifications. No need for €3000. Rides. Wonderful educational videos
Thank you RT! Still going strong :) All the best, E&M
Great video, I love the fact you are you basically built your own bikes!
Can't believe the durability of kool stop brake pads ! It's incredible.
Come on Bike companies, please sponsor them!!!
We want to see more VDO around the world from this two PRO.
Now I am thinking to sell my Road/MTB bikes and get into touring bike.
Thanks a million for taking time review your gears!
Ha, Thanks Bam Jung 😊 We hope you will have lots of fun touring!! All the best
you guys inspiring everyone in this world
That's certainly a good idea to see things in perspective. We personally are still more worried for a traffic accident then all the other things mentioned above... Animals will rarely attack unless they're hungry or protective of their cubs (or perhaps had a bad experience with humans before)...
Deore XT is my favorite component yes...and Deore also....setting and wörking is easier also lighter than other comp. Longer life too.....good choice....
Thanks! We are really happy with them 😊 All the best!!
Would not have guessed you overhauled the bike! Looks like a legit touring bike!
Thanks Rik! I was also very happy with the result :)
Thank you guys for inspiring me and I want to go and find myself again.
We wish you the very best on your journey 🙏🏼
Good video,with your Brooks seat, I had and have the same and to make a it tad more comfortable, I just got a cheap Glue stick,rubbed in lines over the seat,not go berserk,then got a piece of lambswool skin and placed that woolly side up, over the top and pressed it on, just adds a bit of extra comfort, I found the glue stick keeps it on for ages.
That is an interesting idea, I will look into that. Thanks for sharing!!
I had the same reaction to the Surly front rack. Very sturdy and looks nice. But heavier than I like. I would like to find a lighter-weight way to carry my tent and sleeping bag.
this is it !!! love the explanation
Thank you Maz 😃
My first touring bike was the giant atx 870. After riding 10,000 kilometers, it was stolen downstairs in my school dormitory. The bike I am riding is still from giant, escape sl1, so far it has ridden at least 12,000 kilometers. It's like "ship of Theseus", with two replacement grips, two pedals, three outer tires, two chains, center axle, rear wheel hub, and of course countless inner tubes. I think it's time to retire it.
I seems like you must know your bike intimately! We hope you will find a good alternative 👍🏼
I have the Brooks B17 with Titanium railings seat, if you want to straighten out the seat, grab an alan key and look for videos on youtube and it will give you instructions on how to tension the seat to sort out the sag by using the alan key on the bolt on the front of the underside of the seat.
I admire your setup on components and models of bikes, very sturdy for extended riding in all terrain. I can understand why you sit high being tall riders so your in a more vertical riding position with high stem, something I noticed many Europeans utilize. I tried that position using a trekking bar but found pushing a bike up a hill was very difficult as I have seen your problems as well. I have a Surley Molko bar now installed and not as high riding position, makes pushing a loaded bike up steep grades easier, a bit of less wind resistance as well.
I used to mount my phone on my bike but the vibration caused the camera lens to come loose. Now I store the phone in a zippered pouch attached to my stem with Velcro. Less vibration but not as convenient for access.
That's nasty! We didn't had any of that yet 🤞🏼Good to hear you have found a solution! Happy Riding!!
Nice overview of your bikes. 🚲 👍🏼 I also have an older Giant hybrid with rim brakes. I was going to buy an expensive dedicated touring bike for my upcoming tour, but i decided to do what you did, and just use the money to update the components like stronger tires & wheels as well as racks & bags. Anyway, i hope you both are well & staying safe. Any plans to continue your tour once the travel restrictions are lifted?
Hi Bike Tall! Besides a great saving it was also fun and educational to buy and build our bikes that way. Nice, you have a Giant too 😊 We are doing good and have found a good place to stay in these strange times. We recently did a two week tour (with a long break adding an extra 10 days) around our home country which was fantastic. We haven't decided on our next plan yet, also our finances need some topping up... Thanks & All the Best, E&M
That Giant bike is almost the same as mine !
I am currently working on it to make it a nice comfortable commuter. I will take some inspiration from you ;)
Great base for a nice commuter. Good luck with the build! Thanks
They really know their stuff. I would expect that after two years of being in the saddle. When a Brooks B17 stretches from use it’s time to grab the wrench and retention it. It is very uncomfortable if you don’t.
Thanks David! I did but then find it to hard again. It's a pretty good saddle but not perfect. Best wishes!
Ребята,вы-герои.Счастья вам.
Thank you so much Dr. Olga 😊
Very good Damono
If you haven't yet toured the western US, there is a lot of space and beauty. Much variety as well.
The Sonoran Desert in Arizona has great weather in December, January, February, November, March. It can be bit on the warm side in October, but not too terribly bad; same for April.
Eastern Oregon has some great riding. Also, the Eastern Sierra, as long as you stay on the quiet roads (as always). The Eastern Sierra area has a lot of good wild hot springs.
There are many other parts of the West that are also very nice, including the forests of Northern and Central California, some of which are not highly visited or well known. The Lakes Basin area, around Gold Lake and Sierra Buttes is beautiful. Goose Lake is a nice one.
Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Northern Arizona all have some great areas.
ForestyForest has some good Western backcountry tour videos. Wider tires do help on some of these roads, but many of the roads are not so rough. He took some rough ones. You can find quiet paved roads or smoother dirt roads. I'm leaning toward wider tires lately, for my own riding, maybe 2.25"-2.8". I don't need to go larger than that for the riding I do, but I do want something a bit wider than my current 1.95".
Here is one of Foresty's videos:
th-cam.com/video/fZhQ73t2NhM/w-d-xo.html
He did some other tours in the West as well, and also has videos for those.
Here's one:
th-cam.com/video/P88L0mySkpo/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for the in depth recommendation 👌🏼That is one of our dream routes to cycle one day. I have seen some videos from ForestyForest and the places he has been are truly amazing! We are also looking a a bit fatter tyres that can still fit on our bikes. 2.4" Might work 🤞🏼All the best, E&M
I have a seat like that only smaller and vynyl . I ride around town and never have had a sore or uncomfortable ride.
Doing lots of touring myself and prone to having a "nice cup of tea" on the side of the road at a good view point (and also using a primus Omni fuel stove, kept in the side pocket of my ortlieb bike packer plus) the bike buddy MK 3 has to be my favourite bit of kit, for quick release of the fuel cannister compared to the MK 2.
Top notch stuff! Works brilliantly indeed :)
My other top touring piece of equipment is having the ortlieb mesh bags that hang off the back of my bike packer plus panniers. They are so handy for a food shop or storing random smackerals. I hope you can get back on tour soon. I'm setting off for a 3 month UK tour tomorrow.
Good bike set up, very comfy handle bar, I was amazed with your bike frame its durable and strong, thanks for sharing .
Thank you Devy 😊 All the best!!
Thanks
Very good video and explanations. Thanks for taking the time. Take care and stay safe, Al
Hi Al! We are happy you liked it 😊 Thanks & All the Best, E&M
Thank you for this video. It would be also be interesting to hear what worked well and what didn't, which gear and clothing you recommend, etc.
😊 We are planning on making a gear review video soon, thanks for your input! All the Best! E&M
That's how our ancestors looked lke, slim, jus bones and muscle : ) Pure body; that's what humans need really.
Haha, I guess you can see it like that 😁
Be careful with the under seat rear lights. Make sure your coat or jacket doesnt cover them up. Great reviews!
thank you for this, I look forward to my bicycle tour!
Your welcome Tinker Bell 😊
With the brooks saddle, there's a nut under the front nose which you can tighten clockwise so it's less of a hammock, but dont tighten too much just 1/4 of a turn as needed.
Good one! 👍
However, if you haven't adjusted it for a bit, it might need more. However, small adjustments, as you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Also make sure you use the correct tool, as a crescent type wrench might round it.
Also, that saddle looks like it could use some conditioner (brooks proofride is cheap and one tin will last forever). Generally every 6 months prevent it, but that's normal use and this is decidedly abnormal. I've heard people recommend you treat it every time the saddle gets soaked (after it has dried).
Don't tighten a saddle while wet or after proofriding though as that can damage it.
Very good adventure bike
Good informative video and proving that you don't need to spend a fortune on bike and gear to do a world tour. I would think the number one priority for the bicycles is having robust and reliable frames and components, and being able to do maintenance and repairs yourself. I like the thudbuster! I have suntour's cheaper alternative and it help to take the sting out of bumps. Personally I prefer a touring bike frame in steel but lots of world tourers are using aluminium now. Personal preference I guess. Are the schwalbe marathon and mondial tyres difficult to remove off the rim? Maudi and I have something in common, body height! I am just under 6' 6" tall so getting anything to fit comfortably "off the peg" is a challenge. I would love to have a frame made to measure but as I'm always trying different components to help me find more comfort, I'm not sure what I'd want in frame dimensions to achieve that perfect frame. There's always the recumbent trike!
Thanks Stuart! The Schwalbe tyres are pretty easy to remove with the normal tyre levers, the Mondial is a bit tighter on our rims. You have probably heard of Surly, they have some incredible models from road to the extreme off road and everything in between, also for bigger riders. They seem ideal to try out almost anything you might want from a bike... of course in steel 😉
For SURE, get a Rohloff. DeFaileur spokes just won't hold your weight. One huge guy I read about, broke FOUR rear hubs and a bunch of other stuff. In just 6,500 miles. Me and bike are 290 lbs. NO problems.
Very intresting to see your bikes in detail. Quality but simplicity seems like the way to go. Keep an eye on the side walls of your rims, if they wearout too much from the breaking forces, they just crack along and your tyre will come off, making it impossible for the wheel to spin. The front rim on erik's bike looks a bit worn to start an other long distance tour.
Thanks for this video, amazing only 2 rear tires for 2 years, very durable tires
Schwalbe Marathons are renowned for being tough but you do pay the price in weight as they are almost 800g each. some versions up to 950g.
Also I recommend Swiss stop brake pads I had some on my fixie for 3 years riding 50 miles a day
Thanks for the tip 😊 I will check them out!
I am planning for my trip, I was thinking of buying surly LHT or trek 520. But after seeing your video I am rethinking, u guys proved we can worldtour with cycle which has basic components, no need for fancy bikes, if u don't mind me asking how much u spend for your one bike.
Hi Prem! Although I initially bought my bike very cheaply there are certainly some more expensive and perhaps not 100% necessary parts on there. I got a bit carried away but have no regrets. The bikes come out at around the same price as the stock bikes you mentioned. But this way I had full control over every last single part and know how to troubleshoot it out on the road. For sure it can be done way more affordable and parts like the Thudbuster are luxury ( but worth it! ). The Surly Ogre is also be a fantastic frame with a bit more versatility. From touring to a more off road/ bikepacking oriented style if you would like to. All the best!!
so glad you also shared your gear ! very helpfull and most of all - appreciate your experiences on the road
Howcome you went with the 26" ? isn't 28" more common and bigger therefore more distance covered with similar energy??
All the best from Germany, keep it up
beautiful couple...
Not to possibly state the obvious, but if the Brooks saddle is starting to sag, you can tighten the tensioning bolt. I have thousands of miles on Brooks saddles and tighten them about every 2-3 thousand miles after they are first broken in. During break in, you might tighten at about 1 thousand miles.
Hi Eric! Thanks for pointing that out. I did tighten the bolt and for I while the fit is certainly better. Somehow though the fit isn't ideal, I still slide forward a bit. It's difficult to explain 😅
@@WheelstoWander Same experience here. I went back to an ordinary foam Selle Italia. I prefer to sit on something flat and be able to move back and forth depending on if I'm going uphill or downhill.
@@WheelstoWander Unfortunately, your Brooks doesn't seem to have holes on the sides. I have Imperial and B17 Aged models and they have. These holes allow to insert shoe laces and tighten the saddle not only in longitudinal but also in transverse direction. I suppose you could make such holes yourself along the sides of the saddle. Try to tighten it.
PS. I think a local cobbler can make holes easily with proper tools.
Nice guys. Goes to prove that we all do not need to buy a 6k Koga or a Thorn.
The information provided is inconceivable, I am very thankful to you for this information.
Thanks!
Its ok brother..🙏
Nice touring set up. Thank you for Sharing 👋😁🚴♂️
Thanks Jason 😊 All the Best!
I enjoyed a lot! Thanks guys!
Thanks Recycla 😊 Really happy you liked it!!
You guys should have exchanged bikes. Eric's bike is too tall, Maudi's is too small. Officially, that is 😉. Great job how you adjusted the bikes for travelling. Really budget-smart!
Haha 😉 We couldn't because we love our bikes so much! Thanks 🙏🏼
Wow, I have one from Ergotec AHS Premium been used for 5 years.
Thanks. Like to see what works for different people. I am still in search of a comfortable synthetic seat.
That's so personal... we also haven't found the perfect one yet!
I discovered memory foam covers in Nanning. My bum still gets tired, but way less of a sore spot or pimples. I have them on both my Brooks Flyer's and a plastic one with a hole. The covers all need to be tied with a shoe lace, to keep them from squirming. They are only available direct from China, that I have found. They come in the slow mail, a month if you are lucky. Maybe never in these sick covid times.
great video
Thanks for being so detailed!!
Thanks Estecho!
Finally I've been waiting this video. I've always wanted to know what gear you guys have. Cool!
Ha! That's good to hear, we hope you enjoyed it!?
Amazing video very simple and straight thanks a lot 👍👍👍
Keep it up guys
Thanks Nitrous! 🙂
I came across your channel and it inspires me to go on a trip myself. I am interested in how tall are you and what is the size are your frames.
Hi Eric, I'm fixing up an old Giant MTB frame just like you did. You've managed to get the handlebars up using the special trial stem, but how tall are you? So I can guess the rise I and maybe find the same stem. Most normal stems don't have enough rise and I don't really trust those adjustable ones. Thanks!
Nice! I am about 6 foot. Hope that helps deciding for your project. Enjoy :)
I rode a double century on 1" tubes and it was really fast. Rough but really fast.
Great video as usual, very informative!
Thanks John 😊🙏🏼
Great to see the bits of your bikes. I was looking for an old Giant mtb to change it in to a touring bike 👍
Thanks Lucian! Giant's make a great frame to work from, keep us posted on your progress... All the Best, E&M
Brilliant.
Thank you 🙏🏼
Thank you for this helpful video.... More power guys and keepsafe always 🙏🙏🙏
Hi Neil! Thanks 😊 All the Best, E&M
Great! (the Brooks saddle has a tension adjustment, by the way)
Thanks! Yes we know 😉
jullie zadelpen is echt futuristic. Tof
Hoi Lars! Toch al weer een tijdje op de markt... maar erg fijn hoor en geeft wel die gespecialiseerde look 😉
Thank you for sharing 😎
Our pleasure 😊
Wohooooo..... waiting over...!
😊
Thanks for sharing in detail. Are you thinking on changing to 29wheels?
Thanks 😊 It would be great to try with a bit wider tyre too... perhaps one day?!
Interesting.
Thanks!
Good bike
Thus answering the question does a tubus rack fit 9n a 26er.
Nice...no need to go super expensive. 3 x 9 derailleurs do fine. Ever thought of trying SPD pedals?
Hi Simon, not really. We cycled on flat pedals our whole life, we never felt the need to try out SPD.
@@WheelstoWander so you never use cycling shoes?
very good review.
Thanks Yan!
thanks a lot!!
Our pleasure!
Nice, thanks for this
Our pleasure 😊
Hi, wij zijn een fietsvakantie in Spanje aan het voorbereiden en we vragen ons af welke drinkflessen jullie gebruiken. Onze bidons geven namelijk een vieze plastic smaak als je er een dag mee gereden hebt.
O en bedankt voor de toffe filmpjes! Het is een grote inspiratie.
Hoi Bregje! Leuk om te horen :) Wij gebruiken de Camelbak Podium flessen die nagenoeg geen plastic smaak afgeven. Heel veel plezier op jullie avontuur! Groetjes, E&M
why the wider tire on the back?
Bikes are simple and simple is good now the cycling industry is making bikes complicated and most believe the hype and the rest follow a simple bike is usually pretty bombproof easy to fix and will get you to wherever you need to go which you’re simple bikes have done and if they do break it usually doesn’t break the bank which means more time on the road simplicity at its best
Hi Steve! I think you are right, bikes are simple and spending a little extra on parts where it matter makes a bike super tough. Expenses can be relatively low and obtainable for many 👍🏼 All the Best
Wheels to Wander exactly I built a tourer this year to hopefully do what you’re doing at some point I built from the frame up frame thorn Sherpa, wheels Sputnik rims deore hubs and drive chain deore 3x9 with friction downtube shifters simplicity all the way I did opt for a magura hydro rim brake but I like there reliability
Sounds like a super durable touring monster 😉 Have fun with preparation and already Tailwinds for the horizons to come!
I've been considering installing a longer stem on my touring/commuting bike. Do you have any advice or comments on what it's like to have such a tall stem? In the United States it's very uncommon to see such tall handlebars, but it looks very comfortable.
I had cycle shop for 30 years.and sold a lot of giant Boulders in that time. I was interested to hear whether you fitted a lower gear set or ran with what the bike came with the bike
Don't listen to the mainstream bike industry for shoving a new wheel size.
26-inch rims are still King for touring, smaller the rim stronger the wheel.
Refer to surly for the reason they still make 26 inch wheels for their touring and bikepacking rigs.
And also the most widely available still :-)
@@WheelstoWander I have a wide variety of bikes with different wheel sizes, personal experience with the pros and cons I decided to go with a 26, took a while to find a modern 26" Bikepacking Touring bike especially with everything being sold out during this pandemic.
700C is fine, those are mainstream and been around for ages with really good tire options, but I wouldn't attempt rolling around the world on 650b or any other size, those tires are going to be hard to find. I've rode about 25k tour miles on 700C wheels/tires (folding tubeless) so far, but I take sealant and an extra tire or two with me. Haven't had to use a spare tire yet, and in any remote places I'd carry a spare regardless of tubed, tubeless, 26", or 700C. I've only had 1 flat in 6yrs, and I just needed to top off the sealant and inflate the tire again, what I had in there dried out over the summer was all. I prefer 120tpi tires, they're really plush and fast, which wear down quicker, but overall the ride quality is very worth it to me. A pound or two won't matter when you're carrying everything you need, it's usually when you stock up on water that you really notice the weight lol
hey you two. since yesterday i'm binche your videos... . ask: why do your chains whistle in every episode? i would go crazy! ;-)
nice videos, very good job! and of course: a wonderful tour! greetz sven
It's for the video sound effects ;) Honestly we don't really hear it until the last moment. Maybe we are being Dutch about it, haha? Thanks & All the Best, E&M
What handle bars do you suggest for an upright position?
I like a straight bar with about a 23 degree of sweep combined with the ergon GC1 grips. Even more upright a Jones bar could be great although I never tried them...
You both have setups that put you in an upright riding position. Does that come with trade offs? Example: reduced traction on front tire.
Ms Wheels to Wander, I had no idea that you were so tall, 57 cm bicycle frame! Do you folks endorse that device under your saddle, thudbuster?, for smoothing out the ride? How do you attach the frame lock?
Nice video! Welk type is de Giant? Leuk om te volgen. (Dutch) 😀
Dank je Peter! Dat is een "Boulder Breeze" :) Groet!! E&M
@@WheelstoWander Ja, dank je .. ik zag het later in de video! Leuke video's maken jullie en goede tips! Bevalt het frame nog steeds?
Hi! First of all you are making great videos. Enough long and full of interesting stuff. And ofc you guys seems to be very nice :D
Now I want to ask you about brooks seat that you are talking about in 12th min... is it geting soften after tightening up or you didn't do that? I just bought the same brooks like yours but as it is winter I'm not riding a bike at the moment so I've never tested it.
Thanks you Filip! Tightening the saddle does help, certainly for a good while. It's pretty comfortable but my opinion is that it could be a better... I hope you like yours 😊 All the best!, Eric