- Vittoria Randonnour Tyres with rear thorn-proof tube - Tubus Pannier Rack: The Fly (350gram!!) - Ortleib back Roller Classic Pannier Bags - 6 lights: 2 front, 2 rear and 2 on the handlebar ends (very effective with virtually no weight) Cateye Cycle Computer with Cadence. Back-up Computer Polar S720i

Winners

After riding 5,000 km you feel you really know and appreciate the good stuff. The standouts were :

Shoes: Airwalk with SPD clips. The only shoes I took. Worn every day and night for 2 months. Comfortable and breathed well looked good enough for going out in the evenings and I still wear them after returning from the tour.

Ortleib Ultimate3 Plus front mounted box. Bought in Germany half way through tour. After this I didnt need to stop and dismount to look at the map as often because it was right in front of me. Improved balance of the bike and was practical way of carrying valuables when stopped because it removed so easily and had shoulder strap. Would never tour without it.

Thorn proof tubes. I had no flats for entire tour and did not put air in for last 4,000 KM. Added little bit of weight that was no problem at all.

The Cateye computer failed after 2 weeks - probably a cable snagged and my trusty Polar 720i (I gained confidence in wireless technology) supplied all the stats of distance, average and ascendance for the trip and this web site. It's good to know what you achieve.

Losers

Tiagra Running gear, learnt the value of quality components and would use better specified equipment in future. Gears went out of adjustment often and sliped from time to time. 

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