The Rig

So, after a couple of months of browsing, assessing options and procrastinating over the best solution (which included new bikes, new frames etc..) I settled on the purchase of a new bike, which one of my trusty minions.. I mean friends... spotted for me on special at a local bike shop.

A 2014 Giant Revolt. It is more of a Cyclocross/commuter with disc and dual lever breaks. Value $1700, mine for $1200. Required modifications for the journey were minor:

- New tyres (the set it was bought with were for Cyclocross). I went with a set of Continental Grand Prix GT's 700 x 25. A bit wider than your usual road tyre but thin enough to roll well.
- Pannier rack attacked
- Two water bottle cages
- Panaracer Flataway Puncture Protection (kevlar lining for the tyres - these proved to be invaluable!)
- Lights

And here is a photo of said steed, fully loaded (actually taken at the completion of the journey)

Justin.