Bikepacking

Korea: An Extended Bikepacking Approach

My journey in Korea is winding down. In a day or so, I’ll be boxing my bike and hopping a bird to Hainan island off the coast of mainland China. It’s been a great ride, even in the -8 degree Celsius temperatures I experienced when I first departed Incheon.

Outlined below is a follow up to my Taiwan gear post that includes what I’m currently running on my trip in South Korea and will in Hainan, save the cold weather gear.

I’ve also added a quick synopsis of what worked well on my recent adventures cycling through Taiwan and Korea.

South Korea Riding Conditions

Due to the colder temperatures and potential wet weather I’d be encountering riding in South Korea, coupled with the possibility of camping, I packed along a tent, sleeping gear, and some cold weather clothing and wet weather items. Nobody likes to be cold, wet, or both — especially me.

Most of the riding was to be on protected bike paths of the Four Rivers Bikeways, with some on open roads, and perhaps a foray or two onto dirt trails if the mood struck me.

This was to be a solo tour and the only cooking I was intending to do was brewing a morning Turkish to get the old blood flowing.

Unsure of the “coffee situation” in South Korea, a critical factor that must be seriously considered, I was bringing my own.

Little did I know, that South Korea is probably the “Coffee Mecca” of Asia, with decent coffee shops even in the smallest, most remote bergs. I’ve never ridden through an Asian country with so many coffee shops — sweet.

Adventure cycling, bikepacking — State-of-the-art bikeway along the Namhangang River.

An Integrated Bikepacking Approach

The bikepacking saddle, frame, and handlebar bags have become an integrated part of my gear carrying modus operanti, which are added or dropped based on my immediate traveling requirements.

Without the camping gear, cold weather clothing, and additional spare tire I’d decided to bring, the standard bikepacking set up with saddle, frame, and handlebar bags were pretty much cubed out for space as it was. So, to get the additional space, I jettisoned the saddle bag and deployed a rear rack and small front panniers.

If pressed, I could’ve probably found a 29-inch replacement tire at a local bike shop in South Korea, as there are many well stocked shops in all the major cities. But I didn’t want the hassle of running one down or losing the time it would take to do so.

A folding spare tire is part of my standard “far away from home” long distance touring kit, along with a spare carbon belt, a Rohloff oil change kit, a shifter and a brake cable, a set of disc pads, a couple of spokes, a couple of 29-inch tubes — all of which would be potential showstoppers if needed on the road.

With these “essentail” spare parts I can pretty much resolve the majority of any serious breakdowns on the side of the road in short order and then keep moving.

Save for some sort of major damage, this kit covers all of the preverbal bases and it only weighs a couple of kilos, which is justified by the repair capabilities it provides.

Going with the smaller front Ortlieb Roller Plus panniers, I intentionally limited the bike’s carrying capacity and help keep the weight down. Totally kitted out, the bike and all the gear weighed in at about 35 kg (78 lbs), which isn’t too bad considering the camping gear, extra rain gear and cold weather clothing — weight weenies, move on there’s nothing to see here.

The additional kit didn’t necessitate a front rack or panniers, so they stayed off. Had I required more capacity, I could have went to the larger rear panniers first, and then to the front panniers and rack if need be, which is all based on the capabilities required for the journey.

The Revelate Designs Ripio frame bag, Sweet Roll handlebar bag, and assorted top tube and handlebar pouches stayed on the bike, as they form the core of my carrying system for essentials, such as tool kit, pump, layering clothes, rain gear, snacks, personal items, etc.

The Revelate Designs Gas Tank and Jerry Can hold personal items like lip balm, hand sanitizer, Imodium, Ibuprofen, business cards, headlamp, Leatherman Micra, spare camera batteries and SD cards, and other items requiring quick access.

The Porcelain Rocket Mini Slinger and Bedrock Tapeats pouches carry my compact cameras, notebook and pen, which mounted on the handlebar are at the ready whenever I want to make a picture or capture a thought.

The Revelate Designs Sweet Roll is where I carry most of my layering clothes and rain gear used to regulate body temperature and protect against the elements, such as gloves, beanie, windbreaker, or protective rain gear without the hassle of unrolling and burrowing into a pannier. As conditions change, I come to a short halt and remove or don additional clothing and move on.

Similar to the Sweet Roll, the Revelate Designs Ripio frame bag provides a similar quick access capability to electronics, tools, and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, ect. With just the pull of a zipper, I’m at my gear.

The new and improved YKK style zippers are a big step up and far better than the old coil design zippers that tended to jam or became hard to operate when dusty or dirty.

A Touring Crossover

Mixing the best of both worlds between the bikepacking genre and traditional touring set ups makes a lot of sense to me. I’m all about going with what works best for the individual on the journey.

I pick and chose what I need, owing allegiance to neither style, but adopting an eclectic approach to bicycle travel base on what works best for the situation at hand.

As gear is added, so must the means of hauling of carrying it on your bike. Available space in seat, frame, and handlebar bags quickly evaporates and becomes inadequate as gear is added.

Racks and panniers eventually creep in. It’s inevitable. Otherwise, you have to go without. It’s the nature of the beast and a fact I’ve come to accept, though graple with often.

Longer longer journeys generally require more kit. As remoteness of the journey increases generally so does the pausity of resources. Deciding what to take involves striking a balance between carrying additional weight and assuming risk.

So, I generally take what I need to provide most of my support and to keep me rolling down the road, accepting the fact I’m not going to be pedaling a wispy light rig — the much vaunted unicorn I doubt exists.

It would be nice to travel as light as many of those that race the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route do, but it’s just unrealistic for any self-supported long distance adventure cycling — in my humble opinion.

In my book, there is such a thing as going too light and leaving too much to chance. For me, it’s more about taking a common sense approach in striking a good balance between equipment and weight.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve pretty much defined my traveling style for long distance bike travel. I have a good idea of what I need and want to bring on most rides, to include the amount of weight I’m willing to carry.

For each trip, I try to match the gear to the journey’s requirements while trying to keep it reasonably light and let it go at that. If I brought it, I’ll carry it, and I’ll suffer with it if need be. If worse comes to worse, I can always cut ballast and post any extraneous stuff home.

Stuff That Works

First and foremost, the Co-Motion Divide Rohloff. This bike just continues to deliver. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Rock solid. No issues. Just keeps rollin’ on.

Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires. Over 15,000 km and only two punctures, a large shard of glass and a metal wire.

Pletcher Double Legged Kickstand. The kickstans is probably the most maligned, belittled, and unsung hero of the bicycle component world. It’s super convenient for standing the bike, while performing maintenance, breaking down and building the bike for boxing/unboxing, or loading/unloading the bike.

With a center mount kickstand, the bike can be parked almost anywhere, which is really handy around businesses and tourist attractions where leaning bikes against things tends to be viewed with a jaundiced eye by persnickety security personnel. Well worth the added weight.

Mirror. The rearview mirror is another piece of essential kit critical to maintaining situational awareness to the rear are motorized vehicles or other bikes on and off the road. It eliminates the need to constantly look over your shoulder.

Spur Cycle Bell. It is the best built bell I’ve seen. All metal, no plastic. Key to communicating to others on the road. Virtually everyone in Asia knows what a ringing bell means and acts appropriately.

Revelate Designs Bags. I can’t say enough good things about Revelate Designs’ gear. It’s quality stuff all the way around. Their ensemble of bags work as an integrated carrying system and all fit together. Internal pockets allow for added organization. And as I mentioned, the YKK zipper upgrade is a big plus. A couple of months on the road and there’ve been no jamming or dragging issues.

Porcelain Rocket Mini Slinger. Another piece of quality kit. Keeps my compact camera super handy for “shooting from the hip” at short halts. I wouldn’t get nearly as many shots as I do if I didn’t have a such immediate access to my camera. It’s not waterproof, so I carry a little dry sack stuffed in the bottom of the Slinger to stow the camera in in case of rain.

Bedrock Tapeats To Go Pouch. Great for holding my second compact camera, notebook and pen. The square pocket design accommodates them perfectly. The pouch sheds most rain but I carry a small dry bag at the bottom of the pouch to make sure.

Ortlieb Roller Plus Panniers. The gold standard in waterproof panniers. Ride with utmost confidence in the worst downpours. Laugh in the face of the nastiest monsoons and pedal on.

Planet Bike Cascadia 29er Fenders. Fenders may not make your bike look as cool as a stripped down, tricked out full suspension mountain cruiser, but they do one hell of a job keeping the rain and water off of your lower body when the wet stuff is pouring down. There’s no use in “looking cool” when you are soaking wet and miserable. The Cascadia 29ers are solid and take a beating. I’d probable remove them if I was going to plowing through a lot of mud though.

Ride With GPS navigation app. Excellent for navigation. Cell connectivity not necessary to run GPS app. Provides lots of data, such as elevation provide, distance traveled, average speed, time elapsed, etc. Two niggles: Internet access is required to make routes through the website, which is not possible via the app. In China, the tracking line of the route traveled is offset and doesn’t overlay correctly on the map, which appears to only be happening when I’m in China, but the location dot is spot on. It hasn’t been an issue in the other Asian countries I’ve traveled. In talking with the tech staff at Ride With GPS, they told me it was an issue with Chinese government skewing the GPS signal.

Sadly, printed maps are going the way of the dodo. I’ve had a running love affair with maps as long as I can remember, but they are rather limited in comparison with the detail and information GPS navigation and tracking technology can provide. Paper maps are great for the coffee table but I rarely carry them with me anymore.

Shimano XM7 SPD Shoes. Great adventure cycling shoes. A solid, secure fit. Not too stiff like traditional mountain biking shoes, yet not squishy on the pedals either. I can walk around in them all day and can still apply pressure on the pedals without the soles flexing into inverted bananas. The Goretex lining keeps the spray out. Their appearance is similar to a pair of low cut hiking shoes. They look even better now that I’ve got a few miles on them. They’re an upgrade from my beloved Mavic Alpine SPD shoes.

Vaude Poncho. It’s a sleeved poncho that covers you and the bike’s cockpit and keeps the overhead H20 rolling off you and your bike like water off of a duck’s back. The hood has a visor and fits snuggly over a helmet.

The poncho has access points allow your hands to grasp the hand grips while the poncho is draped over the handlebars which protects your hands from getting wet. An internal waistband keeps the poncho low and snug on your body.

The open bottom allows for ample ventilation to reduce condensation from body perspiration. The poncho protects you against the rain overhead while the fenders deflect the spray from the road.

The poncho is easy on and off and stores effortlessly in the handlebar bag for speedy deployment. It’s been much more efficient than struggling in and out of rain pants, booties, and a jacket when the wet stuff starts to fly. I can put it on or take it off and stow it in a minute or so.

Running with small panniers on the rear rack.

Draping ponchos that cover the cockpit are der rigueur for most motorcyclists and moped riders in rainy Asia. The Vaude poncho is similar in design but with the added sleeves, access slits, and waist belt. Plus, it’s constructed of a lighter weight coated nylon.

Topeak iPhone Cover. It’s a waterproof pouch with a combination ziploc and roll-top closure that allows me to ride with my iPhone mounted regardless of the amount of rain falling. The phone’s screen is clearly visible and the touch feature are fully operable. It works great in dusty conditions as well.

ROK Tie-Down Straps. These handy elastic straps are excellent for cradling and snugging up the handlebar bag. The does a great job of cinching down the rear panniers (no rattles) against the rack and for lashing on ancillary items to the bike, such as water bottles, food, an additional dry bag. The straps are great for securing the bike to rails and crossbars on trains and in the cargo holds of buses. ROK straps are available in several thicknesses and lengths.

Charging strategy. Pluggting into an external cache battery stowed in the framebag kept the iPhone fully charged for several days in a row. Not sure a dynamo is the answer for as a future option, but I’m exploring the possibilities.

China Southern Airlines. Reasonable rates. Bike box checked as standard luggage with no additional charge, though only one piece of checked luggage allowed. There’s a $70 (450 RMB) for an additional check bag, but that still beats the $200 bike charge levied by other airlines. (Note: On the return flight from Seoul and the flight to Haikou, there was no additional charge for a second checked bag — woot!).

Taiwan, adventure cycling, bikepacking — The Co-Motion Divide Rohloff as seen in its natural environment sporting a proper bikepacking ensemble.

Lessons Learned

Lighter is usually better, especially on the hills. The climbing is definitely easier, and so is lifting a loaded bike up and down flights of stairs. If you can take less, you’ll probably thank yourself later. I know I do. I am continually trying make things lighter cull them from the gear least completely.

Consider bikepacking setups to travel lighter. Limited storage space keeps the weight down. Bikepacking set ups are not “the way” but “another way” that you can add to your tool bag.

More gear means more bags. It’s just the nature of the beast.

Don’t bring the kitchen sink. Truth is, you don’t need most of the stuff you bring. At the end of your next ride, identify all of the stuff you didn’t use, and unless it’s essential, leave it out next time. Chances are you won’t miss it.

You can assume more risk in bring less by starting with a quality bike and gear in tip top shape before you go.

Frame bags block water bottle mounting points. Improvise. I strap a couple bottles on the saddle bag or rear rack. If I need more water, I hand a dromedary bag off of the handlebar. I’m not at all a big fan of wearing a backpack unless I’m day tripping around the local area. Death before backpack.

Last December on the way from Ho Chi Min City to Siem Reap, a girl passed me headed the other direction riding a hard tail mountain bike and was wearing a full-on, fully loaded large backpack. I kid you not.

Parting Thoughts

It’s generally better to have a carrying system that expands or contracts to meet journey specific hauling requirements.

Gear selection is situation specific. It’s about building capabilities and assuming risk when deciding what gear to bring and how to carry it. Go with what makes the most sense to you. Don’t be afraid to assume a little risk. Just be sure to apply the “common sense” test before you do.

Please let me know what you think. Leave your comments below. Share and like me on Facebook.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. Much appreciated.

Johnny

Updated Gear List and Basic Load Plan

My packing methodology is pretty simple: Store the most used on top and the least used on bottom. Try to organize and pack gear by activities as much as possible, such as camping, hygiene, maintenance, laundry, etc.

Keep the weight down as much as possible but don’t let it become a neurosis.

Consider carrying components or special items, that if they failed, would result in a showstopper and pretty much end the journey due to availability or replacement time.

Gear Added for South Korea:

Ortlieb Roller Plus front panniers (on rear)
Tubus Cargo Evo rear rack
ROK straps
Arkel Trailrider trunk bag
Coffee Kit (grinder, ibrik, cup, alcohol stove)
Cold weather clothing, rain jacket, rain paints
Folding spare tire

Gear Ommitted for South Korea:

Revelate Designs Viscacha saddle bag

Wheels

Bike: Co-Motion Divide Rohloff 29er
Headlight: Cygolite Centauri 1000 Headlight
Taillight: Serfas Superbright 1000 Headlight
Bell: Spur Cycle Bell
Rearview Mirror
Fenders: Planet Bike Cascadia 29er

Cockpit

Instrumentation & Video (handlebar mounted): Delorme Explorer. IPhone 6 Plus 128 GB (with Ride with GPS and Earthmate for Delorme.) Garmin Edge 800 (legacy from road bike but great for seeing speed, dist., etc.) GoPro Black.

Mini Slinger: Sony RX1R compact camera and dry sack.

Tapeats Stem Bag: Sony RX100 IV, Moleskine notebook & gel pen.

Gas Tank: Reading glasses, lip balm, Ibuprofen, Imodium, floss, business cards, SD cards, camera batteries. Magnetic compass (backup).

Jerry Can: Black Diamond headlamp w/one battery flipped to prevent accidentally turning it on. Allen Key set. Hand sanitizer (Dirty hands and dirty water are the two biggest causes for getting sick.)

Handlebar Bag

Variable clothing for regulating body temperature and protecting from the elements (gloves, arm warmers, beanie, light rain jacket, etc.) on the left and rain gear (poncho, jacket, pants, gloves, etc.) on the right.

Handlebar Bag Pouch

Passport, cash, documents, credit cards, spare pens, extra passport photos, etc.

Frame Bag

Left Zip: Cache Battery, Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard, Right Upper Zip: Topeak Mtn Morph Pump, Nicad batter for headlight, Inner Tube, Tool Roll, Seat Rain Cover, 8mm Allen Key (for pedals) Right Lower Zip: windbreaker, small cable lock, toilet paper, snacks, etc.

Trunk Bag

Coffiee Kit: Coffee beans, raw sugar cubes, grinder, ibrik, titanium cup, spoon, alcohol stove, alcohol bottle, lighter or matches.

Mini tripod.

Left Rear Pannier

Clothes

Synthetic Jerseys (1x)
Synthetic T-Shirt (1x)
Exoffico Boxer Briefs (1x)
Cycling Briefs (1x)
Shorts (1x)
Smart Wool Socks (1x)
Synthetic Liner Socks (1x)

Cold Weather Clothes

Soft Shell Gloves
Neck Gaiter
Nano Pullover Jacket
Down Pullover Top
Cold Weather Tights
Long Synthetic Pants

Electronics

iPod Nano
Ear Buds
SIM Card – Taiwan/Korea (in phone)
6 Plug USB charger and cables
Electrical Outlet Adapters

Medical

Antibiotics (blood and gastrointestinal)
Prescription Meds
Ibuprofen
Imodium
Neosporin
Bandaids
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Talcum Powder
Tweezers

Hygiene

Towel
Crotch Towel
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
Razor, Blades, Shave Cream, Brush
Shampoo, Soap
Mirror

Spare Parts

Schwalbe Mondial Tire
Inner Tube (1x)
Gates Carbon Belt
Spokes and Nipples (6x)
Disc Pads
Rohloff Oil Change Kit (1x)
SPD Cleat and Screws
Fender Parts
Miscellaneous Rack Bolts and Screws
Zip Ties
Duct Tape
Super Glue
Sewing Kit
Tenacious Tape
Waterproof Patch Kit
Lacing Wire
Nylon Cord (25 ft)

Right Rear Pannier

Tent: MSR Hubba NX. As light or nearly as light as a bivy sack but with a lot more room which is handy for reading and writing at night or being stuck the tent during inclement weather. Comfort and capability out weigh the marginal weight gain.
Sleeping Bag: Western Mountaineering Apache Down 15 degree bag or summer bag.
Sleeping Pad
Exped Inflatable Pillow

Clipped on Bike

Baseball Cap
Sunglass Case

Generally Worn

Bern Macon Carbon Helmet
Sunglasses
Outdoor Research Arm and Hand UV Sleeves
Tissot Touch Expert Titanium Watch
Buff
Wrist Sweat Bands
Giro Mountain Bike Gloves
Synthetic Jerseys
Synthetic T-Shirt
Cycling Briefs Shorts Wool Socks with liner socks
Shimano XM7 SPD Shoes

Taiwan: A Bikepacking Approach to Long-Distance Touring

by Johnny Isaak ·

AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW

The chance to adventure cycle in Taiwan, a little-know Pacific island adventure cycling jewel with lots of bike friendly infrastructure and a plethora of local bike shops presented the perfect opportunity to experiment with a full on bikepacking set up (sans tent, sleeping bag, and cooker) for long-distance adventure cycling.

TAIWAN, A PLACE THAT DOESN’T COME TO MIND

When daydreaming and considering new locations to adventure cycle, the island of Taiwan isn’t a place that immediately comes to mind. But to those in the know, the island offers a quick weekend get-away or multi-week tours to those so inclined.

A HIDDEN GEM

Taiwan is very bike friendly with lots of bike infrastructure, riding paths, and a burgeoning cycling culture well worth exploring. Not well known to most westerners, the Pacific island is a burgeoning cycling favorite for many mainland Chinese and other Asians looking to get off the beaten tourist trail for some stunning mountain and coastal scenery, tasty Taiwanese culinary delights, and linking up with friendly locals along the way.

Taiwan is in the final stages of opening a cycling route that completely circumnavigates the island on the numerous bicycling routes. Giant, the worlds largest bicycle manufacturer, is out of Taiwan and has many shops located throughout the island so most repair parts are not too far away.

20160106-4051 — Co-Motion Divide Rohloff cockpit view. Navigation: Delorme Explorer, iPhone 6 Plus with Ride with GPS app, and a Garmin Edge 800 for speed, distance, and elevation information. Photography: A Sony RX1R in a Porcelain Rocket Mini Slinger on left and a Sony RX100 IV in a Bedrock Topeats Bag on the right.

BUY THE TICKET, TAKE THE RIDE

Just after coming off of the heels of a solo trek across Vietnam and Cambodia to explore the temples at Angkor Wat, it was time to hook up with my trusty long-distance adventure cycling partner Zhang Wei Lei, who shares the same passion for great cycling experiences, for an 1100-1500 kilometer jaunt around the perimeter shores and over the rugged 3,000+ meter mountains of this Pacific island to take in the sights, dine on some of the tasty food, soak up a little of the local culture, and make a few friends along the way.

Our plan is simple: Keep the sea off our right shoulder and ride until we come back to where we started. Spend some time on the beach, sample the food, engage the locals, and seek out a the island’s natural hot springs for a relaxing soak or two while sipping on an icy cold one.

CLIMATE

A bit cooler than Vietnam and Cambodia this time of year, local temperatures on the north end of Taiwan are averaging around 15-20 Celsius during the day interspersed with a spot of rain here and there, and the skies mostly cloudy. January is the lowest precipitation month of the year averaging about 83 mm of rainfall for the month so we shouldn’t get too wet.

Working our towards the south end of the island, the weather gets sunny up a bit with less rain and the daytime temperatures should be hovering in the high twenties. Riding counterclockwise around the island beginning in Taipei, the prevailing north by northwest wind should be at our backs the first half of the ride down to the southern tip of the island and then turn into a crossing headwind on the mountainous return route up the eastern side of Taiwan.

ITINERARY AND SCHEDULE

Circumnavigating the island in a counterclockwise direction, we intend on keeping the pace nice and the riding fairly easy keeping the average distance under 130 km per day, which should allow a little time for exploration and experiencing the local color. Remaining open to discovery and backroad exploration is a core value in our riding style. After all, visiting interesting sights and landmarks while remaining vigilant for local points of interest is what it’s all about. Avoiding touristy areas and seeking out local color, culture and food will be the mainstays of our journey.

LESSONED LEARNED

Light is right. Avoid overpacking. Bring only what was absolutely needed (within reason). Don’t be afraid to assume more risk if the conditions warrant it. Buy stuff along the way or have it shipped to you if you really need it.

Reliable gear allows you to assume more risk and carry less. Some stuff you just have to carry, such as specialty items like carbon belts, oil for Rohloff hubs, or special spoke lengths or inner tube or tire sizes.

WHAT WORKED WELL

Co-Motion Divide Rohloff. Performed flawlessly. Solid on rough dirt roads while carrying a load. No flexing or creaking. Just a great expeditionary bike.

Lights for night riding. Spend several days riding at night due to riding longer distances and shorter winter days. The Cygolite Centauri headlight and Sarfas taillight are super bright giving the illumination I needed.

Planet Bike Cascadia 29er mud guards. The fenders worked great at keeping the mud and road grime to a minimum. The Planet Bike Cascadia 29er plastic fenders are tough and durable and well fitting. In my book, they’re a must for fowl weather touring.

Shimano XTR SPD pedals — a smooth and efficient way to pedal. I’ve been riding clipless pedals for nearly 30 years and like being able to pedal using all of the muscle groups in my legs to spin the cranks, especially on the inclines.

Pletscher Double-Legged Kickstand. Having a kickstand is super convenient and a must for long distance riding. I can stop and park my bike virtually anywhere, whether that be stopping along the road to make a picture or parking my bike to eat or in hotels or hotel rooms. In cities, many businesses require you to keep your bike out on the sidewalk and won’t let you lean your bike up against their buildings making parking a bit of a challenge. Being able to stand the bike up on its own for loading and maintenance is also a plus.

Rear View Mirror. Essential for safe riding and maintaining situational awareness to the rear with a quick glance of the eyes and not having to twist my body to look over my shoulder is a big safety plus on busy roads. In Asia, lots of mopeds, motorcycles, cars, trucks and busses approach quickly from the rear and pass in very close proximity. It’s good to know what’s going on behind you.

Spur Bell. Loud, compact, and well made. Essential in communicating with those riding and driving around you. Everyone in Asia knows what the sound of bike bell means.

Ride with GPS app. Simple route building that can be done on the fly. Accurate, detailed maps. Works on your smartphone without cell or wifi access. Allows you to save and print your routes and rides along with all the route data, such as distance, elevation, average speed, etc. Great for staying found.

Delorme Explorer. An effective GPS tracker that provides peace of mind on the home front. Friends and family can see where you’re at. The unit has an emergency distress signal capability should you ever need it. Medical evacuation insurance is available with the monthly subscription plan in case of an accident. The device lasts several days on a single charge.

Revelate Designs Bags and Pouches. Superior construction and materials — bombproof. The best on the market (along with Porcelain Rocket) in my humble opinion. Excellent YKK zippers that stand up to and function in dirt and debris without jamming like the older coil type zippers. All the bags and pouches fit and work together as one system. The bags are highly water resistant but will allow moisture in after prolonged exposure to the rain or other wet conditions. For added insurance I back them up with dry bags and ziploc plastic bags to keep the moisture and dust out and makes them pretty much monsoon-proof and will keep my gear dry so I can ride in the rain all day with confidence if need be.

Porcelain Rocket Mini Slinger Camera Pouch. It’s a perfect fit for my Sony RX1R camera. The string pull draw closure facilitates quick access to my camera. Most of my shooting is done from the bike or just off of the bike so having quick access to my photo gear make for less missed opportunities. The Mini Slinger is well constructed of quality materials. Three-point mounting straps provide solid rattle-proof mounting on the Jones Loop H-Bar. Probably water resistant, but I back it up with a dry bag just in case. Moisture and dust are camera killers.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK SO WELL OR WASN’T NEEDED

Neither the bike or any of my equipment outright failed or broke down and all performed as needed though there were several items I brought and were not needed.

Surly Front Rack. Not needed. I carried no panniers or camera bag on the front rack the entire journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. I only kept rack on for the trip because I was unable to get a longer set of front fender stays before I departed. The present stays were shorter and attached to the rack and were not long enough to be mounted on the front fork.

Bath Towel. Bath towels were available in all of the hotels and guesthouses I stayed in unlike some in China. So a towel wasn’t needed.

DEET Insect Repellant and Head Net. I encountered few mosquitos or other biting insects so neither was needed.

ITEMS NOT USED BUT STILL NEEDED

The following items were not used but still needed in the event of a breakdown or emergency.

Spare Tire. The Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tires are wearing well with over 10,000 kilometers of travel.and will carry a spare tire based on 29-inch tire availability in the area traveled as them and 29-inch inner tubes can be hard to come by in remote locations.

Inner Tubes. Number carried based on availability on the road. On short rides, I carry one, on longer rides two, and in remote locations three.

Rohloff Oil Change Kit. Not required but will continue to carry in the event of seal leaking issues with the speed hub. It’s light and doesn’t take up much room and not having the proper lubricant for the internally geared hub could be a showstopper.

Gates Carbon Belt. Not required but would be a another showstopper if the present belt failed and I had no replacement. It too is light and doesn’t take up much room so carrying a spare isn’t a big deal.

Spokes. The rear wheel requires special length spokes for Rohloff Speed Hub. Will continue to carry three or four just in case as they are light and take up little space.

Cables. Will omit when available on the road and continue to carry in remote locations where we’ll-stocked bike shops are scarce.

A Second Storage Battery. One 10,000 Ah battery will keep my iPhone, Garmin Edge 800, and Delorme powered for 13+ hours a day for several days, so a second isn’t necessary. I would consider carrying a second battery in remote locations where periodic access to electricity would be limited.

Rain Gear. Never rained once during the day. Will continue to carry but a lighter set up based on the warmer weather.

Spare Parts. Disc brake pads. Rear brake cable housing. Screws and rack bolts. SPD cleat. Will still carry these items as they are small, don’t weigh much, and take up little space. They could be replaced on the road but may be a big hassle to find as many bike shops in remote locations aren’t well stocked with repair parts.

Bags: Revelate Designs Sweet Roll Handlebar Bag, Ripio Frame Bag, Viscacha Seat Bag, Gas Tank and Jerry Can.

A REVISED APPROACH

My approach to setting up the bike and building my gear list is still situation dependent. Assessment of the expected riding situation defines the capabilities required to complete the journey which determines the gear to be taken.

The lower temperatures, increased precipitation, greater parts availability expected for riding in Taiwan coupled with wanting to lighten up a bit were the major factors driving the changes in my kit and bike set up for this trip that led to the adoption of a pretty much full stop bikepacking arrangement.

GOING LIGHT, GOING RACK-LESS

It’s a somewhat spartan approach to long-distance adventure cycling but removing the racks and opting for a handlebar bag, a frame bag, and a seat bag have allowed me to omit not only the racks but the heavier panniers as well. Moreover, I’m able to better center the payload weight on the frame of the bike just over the cranks and under my body. Shifting the weight off of the front forks and rear of the bike promotes better handling and overall weight distribution. A lighter bike will be a little easier in the mountains as well.

The compartmented pockets on the Revelate Designs Rippio frame bag provides me with quick access to tools, lip balm and sunscreen, clothing, battery, charging cables, and other items I’m using through out the day, rather than having to dig into the panniers.

Not having to check a second bag for the panniers and being able to transport the bags as a carry-on saves me $75 at the airline ticketing counter also.

PARTS AVAILABILITY

The increased number of local bike shops and parts availability in Taiwan have allowed me to forgo carrying a spare tire and a third inner tube, while the paucity of Rohloff Speed Hub oil, shorter spokes, and Gates carbon belts have necessitated the continued carrying of these items — the size and weight of which are negligible.

ACCEPTING RISK IN THE RAIN

Rather than a full rain suit (jacket, pants, gloves, booties), I’m rolling with a Vaude sleeved cycling poncho, waterproof gloves and socks. With the fenders keeping most of the road splash off of my feet and lower body, the poncho and gloves should keep my upper body relatively dry in light to medium rain. For the mist and light stuff, I’m bringing an ultra light weight Berghaus rain jacket. Anything more than that and I’m hosed.

Protection from moisture and dust is always an essential consideration for my person and my gear. Double bagging gear ensures electronics, clothing, and tools will be kept dry and free of dust in the worst conditions. The bikepacking bags are quite water resistant but not waterproof and will eventually soak through if out in the rain all day. Double bagging gear not only keeps the water out but it provides peace of mind when the wet stuff starts falling and the only option is to ride. Wearing a buff or a neckerchief to cover my face in dusty conditions is must.

January is the low precipitation month for Taiwan with an average rainfall of only 83mm on the north end of the island with less in the south. Daytime temperatures tend to hover around 20 degrees Celsius in the north and increase to the high 20’s farther south. Some rain is possible but clouds and cool weather is most likely. So accepting a little risk and going light on the rain gear isn’t a bad idea though I’m still double bagging all of my gear.

INCREASED LAYERING CAPABILITY

Aiming for greater versatility in covering a broader range of weather conditions a bit cooler and wetter than those encountered while riding in Vietnam and Cambodia, I’ve added long sleeved shirts and thicker riding jerseys and shorts for the climes expected at the northern end of the island and keeping a couple of short sleeved shirts for the southern, warmer end of Taiwan. With a base, mid, and a shell for the upper and lower body, I can add or drop clothes to keep me comfortable and warm or reasonably cool based on the riding conditions. If I need anything more, I can buy it on the way.

REVISED GEAR LIST

Bike Box. I’m using the same bike box I used to get the Divide home to Shanghai from Siem Reap in Cambodia. I’ll box the bike at home the day before we depart.

ROK Straps — not a big fan of loose gear sloshing around. A tight rig is a happy rig I always say. I’m using two small ROK straps to cradle and snug up the Sweet Roll under the Jones Loop H-Bar and one to tone down the lateral wobble on Revelate Designs Viscacha seat bag. The movement of the bags isn’t excessive. It’s just I that want the minimum amount possible. Snugger is better.

Swim Trunks. I’m adding a pair of swim trunks to soak in the natural hot springs that are supposed to be located on the south end of the island.

Spare Parts. As stated, I’m carrying critical or specialty components only, such as 29-inch inner tubes, Rohloff gear oil, spokes, and a Gates carbon belt.

GEAR LIST

Listed below are the major items I’m taking to Taiwan. Intending to stay in guesthouse or hotels and to eat along the way or carry prepare foods and water, the equipment came down to a lighter version of clothes, electronics, and bike repair parts than used for Vietnam and Cambodia.

WHEELS

Bike: Co-Motion Divide Rohloff 29er
Headlight: Cygolite Centauri 1000 Headlight
Taillight: Serfas Superbright 1000 Headlight
Bell: Spur Cycle Bell
Rearview Mirror
Fenders: Planet Bike Cascadia 29er
Frame Pack: Revelate Designs Ripio
Handle Bar Bag: Revelate Designs Sweet Roll
Cockpit: Revelate Designs Gas Tank
Cockpit: Revelage Designs Jerry Can
Camera: Porcelain Rocket Mini Slinger
Camera/Notebook: Bedrock Tapeats To Go Bag

Added

Revelate Designs Viscacha Seat Bag

Omitted Items

Front Rack: Surly Nice Front Rack
Rear Rack: Tubus Cargo Evo
Panniers: Ortlieb Front Roller Plus Bag 2x (using the smaller front panniers on the rear)
Trunk Bag: Arkel Tailrider
Cargo Net

CLOTHES

Bern Macon Carbon Helmet
Baseball Cap
Morino Wool Beanie
Sunglasses
Buff
Outdoor Research Arm and Hand UV Sleeves
Wrist Sweat Bands
Giro Mountain Bike Gloves
Synthetic Jerseys (2x)
Synthetic T-Shirt (1x)
Exoffico Boxer Briefs (2x)
Cycling Briefs (2x)
Shorts (3x)
Smart Wool Socks (3x)
Synthetic Liner Socks (3x)

Omitted Items

Mosquito Headnet
Long Cycling Pants (1x)
Mavic Alpine SPD Shoes

Added Items

Shimano XM7 SPD Shoes

RAIN GEAR

Omitted Items

Rain Hat
Patagonia Torrent Jacket
Patagonia Torrent Pants
Goretex Shoe Covers
Outdoor Research Waterproof Gloves

Added Items

Berghaus Lightweight Rain Jacket
Vaude Cycling Poncho
Sealskin Gloves
Sealskin Shoe Covers

CAMPING

Black Diamond Headlamp

Omitted Items

Silk Liner (for sleeping in dodgy beds)
Backpack: Osprey Raptor w/rain cover
Mini Blow Dryer (for drying shoes when wet)

NAVIGATION

Delorme Explorer with Earthmate App
Ride with GPS App (on iPhone 6 Plus)
Garmin Edge 800
Magnetic Compass (backup)

DOCUMENTS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Passport (with digital photos online and on iPhone and two paper copies)
Extra Passport Photos
Cash ($1500 in Taiwan dollars)
Credit Cards

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sony RX1R
Sony RX100 IV (upgraded from RX100 III)
GoPro Black with Wrist Remote and Spare Batteries
Micro SD Cards (32 GB, 64 GB)
Spare Batteries
(omitted) Mini Tripod

ELECTRONICS

iPhone 6 Plus 128 GB
Topeak Rain Cover for iPhone 6
Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard
(omitted) Suunto X-Lander Watch
(added) Tissot Touch Expert
iPod Nano
Ear Buds
(omitted) Kindle Voyage
SIM Card – Taiwan
Storage Battery 150,600 mAh 2x (to power electronics for up to 7+ days without access to a power outlet)
6 Plug USB charger and cables
Electrical Outlet Adapters

MEDICAL

(omitted) DEET Insect Repellant
Antibiotics (blood and gastrointestinal)
Prescription Meds
Ibuprofen
Imodium
Neosporin
Bandaids
Sunscreen
Lip Balm
Talcum Powder
Tweezers

PERSONAL HYGIENE

(omitted) Towel
(omitted) Crotch Towel
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
Razor, Blades, Shave Cream, Brush
Shampoo, Soap
Mirror

WRITING

Moleskine Reporter Notebook
Gel Pens (4x)

TOOLS

Flat Repair
Patches (50x)
Cement (4x small tubes)
Lever Tool
Roller Sticher (to apply patches)
Schrader Adapter
White Grease Pencil (to mark punctures)
EK Tool Roll
Leatherman
Leatherman Micra
Small Brush
Allen Key Set
Measuring Tape
Spoke Tool
150mm Small Adjustable Spanner Wrench
4mm Shortie Allen Key (to adjust eccentric bottom bracket)
Gates Belt Tension Reader
Freewheel Cassette Cracker (for fellow riders)
Topeak Mountain Turbo Pump
(omitted) Bontrager Air Support Pump (back up)
Salsa Straps (2x)

SPARE PARTS

(omitted) Schwalbe Mondial Tire
Inner Tubes (2x) (reduced to 2x)
Gates Carbon Belt
Spokes and Nipples (6x)
(omitted) Brake Cable & Cable Housing
(omitted) Shifter Cable & Cable Housing
Disc Pads
Rohloff Oil Change Kit (2x)
SPD Cleat and Screws
Fender Parts
Miscellaneous Rack Bolts and Screws
Zip Ties
Duct Tape
Super Glue
Sewing Kit
Tenacious Tape
Waterproof Patch Kit
Lacing Wire
Nylon Cord (25 ft)

THE WRAP UP

Bike set up and the gear carried are situation specific. For the most part, lighter is better. Quality reliable gear enables you to assume more risk and carry less. When you need more, take more. If you can get by with less, take less.

Full on bikepacking for long-distance travel is an interesting concept I’m experimenting with now. I’ll let you know how it worked out on my little soiree around Taiwan.

Leave your comments below and let me know what you think or if you have any interesting suggestions.

Have a safe journey and thank you for visiting my blog. Cheers, Johnny