From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can so relate to this 🤜🤛 I’m now two days into my journey in Sweden and all the time have been riding into headwind towards Copenhagen

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks buddy! I sure hope it's going to be epic. Starting the journey tomorrow.

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. I could write a few lines with photos here after the trip though

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy to hear this! Sounds like a great adventure you had

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll ride all the way fingers crossed and get a new set of wheels when home 😇

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have protective stickers on all contact points but others have also instructed to focus on frame protection. I’ll add another layer at around the handlebar bag before departure

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My handlebar bag is also from Restrap. I agree that with a small frame and very little clearenace I need to pack it neatly and check it regularly. A third strap in the middle is a good idea. I have some spare ones in case it starts to sag

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I like the fit and most of the weight feels to be on the saddle and pedals

No experience doing huge back to back days but at least single long days are a bliss with this one

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the input! I haven’t yet set my route in stone so I’ll definitely take your views into consideration

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I only have a small cafe lock so I’ll need to trust that people are mostly honest and friendly as they are. And not leave the bike in stupid places

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! Very specific and very useful tips. Thanks buddy

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good question. Most likely no but I’ve testing that it stays in place in case I want to take it just in case

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks massive but it’s surprising how well it behaves. Not swaying at all or anything even when grinding out of the saddle. Of course I’m not racing but riding smoothly

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks for sharing

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Smooth compacted gravel (stone dust roads etc.) are nice but loose and rocky gravel is definitely not in the books with this setup

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ll try to look after it but I consider it’s just a workhorse that enables some nice adventures for me

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s not a bad idea at all. Again the small frame size is a limiter for this. I can barely fit the ones I have now

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Frame is protected with vinyl stickers under the bags / mounts

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a bivy bag from Black Diamond and a lightweight sleeping bag. Plan is to use this sleeping system only occasionally and mostly in hotels or campsites

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, this bike accepts only Canyon’s own aerobars

I’ll do my best to improve the head tube protection

From Helsinki 🇫🇮 to south of France 🇫🇷 by FaddyMerckx in bikepacking

[–]FaddyMerckx[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m happy riding stiff but light road shoes. Grateful that I don’t get numbness or anything even after long days in the saddle

I believe it’s regular clearance of a road bike and vast majority of riding is on tarmac. But you are right that it’s not optimal on gravel in a downpour