adc Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Kolkata Posts: 1,349 Thanked: 2,159 Times

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Re: Extreme Expedition - Bicycling Manali-TsoKar-Leh-Khardungla & Stok Kangri summit Equipment List















As the travel idea came about some 5 months prior, reading on the internet I went about procuring some of the vital items from USA. With more time and study, many of the things are quite available out here as I see now.



Those procured overseas were send via USA where my cousin sister lives who in turn sent it to my address via US Postal. Thanks a lot Dolu didi!!



Around 15% customs duty was applicable on 1 packet while on the other around 7% and another nothing. All packets by US postal and then Indian Postal service.





The accomplished Portuguese cyclist [he was doign a trip from uttaranchal to manali to leh to srinagar and then all the way to mumbai!!!!] who I came across at Sarchu took a picture of my cycle - he had to take a pic of such an overloaded one.



Quite a few things were extra weight and could have been reduced and also some items were extra as trekking was also a part of this travel.









Bicycle: The Trek 4300 D 2012 Mountain Bike [Blue]





The Trek 4300 D 2012 Mountain Bike comes equipped with a 27-speed [3x9] Shimano drivetrain. 100mm suspension fork has a hydraulic lockout, Alpha Gold Aluminium frame, Bontrager Evoke saddle, Oversize Bontrager handlebar and stem.



Hayes Dyno Sport hydraulic disc brakes These brakes were great - cable-operated so easy to maintain, but amazing stopping power.



Bontrager XR2, wire bead, 26×2.1″ - Although the label on Bontrager's XR2 Team Issue says 2.1 in, the tall, round carcass swells up more like most brands’ 2.25s. This means decent rollover smoothness and rock-shrugging security despite an impressively low weight. [





Schwalbe Marathon Extreme Evolution - a replacement for the stock rear tyre





The rear tyre of Bontranger XR2 tire was changed to this tough one - not a a single puncture even with that overloaded bicycle - it is like our BF Goodrich of our Safari Dicor VTT! Here what an online review says: " Off road trails in the water and mud it just pumps out the water sideways and brings very little back up. On the dry, gravel or on tarmac it is just the same sure grip. To date no punctures under all conditions, well worth the money."



The stock rear Bontranger xr2 became the spare tyre.







Topeak Super Tourist Tubular Bicycle Trunk Rack DX with Side Bar for Disc Brake Bikes

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1



A tubular aluminum rear rack designed for heavy-duty, long distance touring. Specifically developed for bikes equipped with disc brakes. Integrated side bar provides a lower pannier attachment point – allowing more space for cargo on the rack top.











OMM Sherpa Front Rack [http://www.bikebagshop.com/omm-sherp...ck-p-1128.html ]



Suspension fork compatible and proven on expeditions far and wide.







The clamps have to be ordered separately, missed out on that. The rack on the top was as such held in the place by a number of zip ties. Electrical pipe clamps from the local hardware store can also be used.









Vaude Roadmaster Front Panniers [http://www.bikebagshop.com/vaude-roa...el-p-1119.html ]





Vaude Roadmaster Rear Panniers [http://www.bikebagshop.com/vaude-roa...el-p-1118.html ]







Brilliant German design and incredibly easy to take on and off the racks. The entire back of the bag is a solid plastic backing plate that helps to structure the panniers and keep them secure on the rack. No rocking or slopping, especially important on bouncy gravel Manali-Leh tracks.







SATORI Heads-Up4 Stem Riser Adaptor 1-1/8" Stem Black

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-SATORI-H...item20c8c3d089







A vital component, the stem extender raises the handlebar to gives that semi-upright position for long distace bicycle touring, less crouching over and no neck pain - suited me as the frame size was just about okay for me but the stock stem height was too short.









Basic wide saddle -[





Best bang for buck, replaced the stock seat with this most basic saddle. The stock seat was carried as a spare.









Bicycle Kickstand Heavy Duty - Double Twin leg









Bar ends. Upright grips attached to ends of the bicycle handlebar. Gave that extra grip to the Bontranger low riser handlebar of the Trek 4300D. Bar ends does give some additional leverage with posture grip combination during those uphill rides. A point to keep in mind though - "When you place your hands on the bar ends, your hands are away from your brake handles and shifting levers. This is not a major concern when riding uphill and you are less likely to need your brakes but is a potential safety problem if you need to quickly hit your brakes".







Bottle cage x2 Standard size, mounted inside frame.



Allen keys Proper, strong, separate keys - NOT multi-tool





Park Tool TL-1 Tire Lever (Pack of 3)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1





Puncture repair kit Park Tool VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit (Single)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1





Chain oil [Finishline Ceramic Wet lube ] and Finishline Multi degreaser [ later on used Vim dishwasher liquid as that can finished.]







Small air pump x2. - One attached to the frame, and the spare one in one of the panniers.









SPARES

Inner tube x 1 Didn't use any, but glad to have them in the bag.



Bontranger SR2 tyre, the stock one, - Didn't use it, but glad to have it.



Gear cables x1



Brake cables x1





Spare brake pads: None



Spokes: None



Cable-ties - a full packet.









Misc bike parts

Lock: None



Wireless speedometer/computer : None, magnet fell off from the sensor transmitter that is attached to the spoke during a fall during the training part here in Kolkata itself. But still in some pictures it may show it is attached as thought of showing to some cyclist, if I meet on the route, as to why it is not functioning!



I had this cheap one bought from ebay and it was quite okay till that fall.









Camping and Trekking items





35 L rucksack





A basic one bought out here from a local company, Ria Mount Support, here in Kolkata. Secured on top of the rear carrier of the bicycle.





Tent: Quechua 2 Person Tent bought from ebay.in





At a huge weight of over 3 kgs this was too much weight for a tent intended for bicycle. Otherwise the tent is a beautiful constructed one and for the money it is very good. But as said should have taken a more lightweight tent.



Of course, a Hilleberg Nallo GT3 would be the ideal or even an Eureka Spitfire [they weigh around or less than a kilo], but then they do cost quite a lot relatively to the one that I carried.





Sleeping mat: Quechua a200 self inflatable mat





Basic sleeping bag bought from a local trek shop in Kolkata. Sold as -10, bearable till around zero. Heavy this too also in relation to the better ones.





Headtorch - did not take any bike light. This doubled up as the bicycle night as I hurtled down Tanglangla after sundown to Rumste - absolutely not a good idea. A dedicated cycle light is a must, just in case if needed.





Fuel stove: Light weight folding brass kerosene stove.

http://www.ebay.in/sch/i.html?_nkw=L...at=0&_from=R40





Along with 10 maggi packets and this stove, though never used the whole trip. - It was more of a backup in case I get stuck in this late month of September, to survive for at least a week.





Philips Radio - listened to it in the night particularly during the night camping by Tso Kar - just for the heck of it. Can be skipped, after all the batteries are the hidden weight other than the radio itself.





Mostly the Chinese channels were there on SW, but locked to a station that played the old songs.





Match boxes, lighter may not function in high altitude.



1x stainless steel bowl



1 knife.







Clothing





Tenn Mens 8 Panel Cycling Shorts with Professional Moulded Pad.





This one was the only specific cycling clothing. "These high performance breathable shorts are technically designed for serious cyclists. Incorporating an 8 panel professional construction with flat stitched seams, which allow the shorts more curvature whilst minimizing chafing and therefore offering the cyclist better performance and comfort"







Gloves - The Probiker gloves for my Royal Enflied Bullet rides doubled up as my cycling gloves.









Caps:

Quechua Forclaz anti UV 56-60





Though the above one was there, all through used this one - just for it looked better on me! However, the above product is very good for high altitude travel under the sun.







Sunglasses - Fasttrack UV

Raincoat - Duckback, basic - never used.

Jacket x 2 [one fleece and one full cover heavy - since the Stok Kangri trek was also a part, another heavy jacket had to be carried]

Jeans x2

Shorts x2

T-Shirts and shirts x 3

Long Sleeve x 2

Thermal (Legs & Arms) x1

Socks x 4

Shoes - Hitec Trekking shoes, heavy - better to have the light cycling shoes if trekking is not a part of the travel.

Mitts x 2 - large and small.

balaclava and neck wrap 1+1

Cycling Helmet - did not use.







Hygiene

Soap with soap case, Wet wipes, Toilet paper, Toothbrush & toothpaste,







Electronics











The big dial kept me well oriented to time and date, absolutely vital as you trudge along those desolate tracks.





Camera:



Canon 60D with 15-85 lens, 11-16 Tokina and 55-250 mm Canon kit lens.



Close to 3 kg of weight with the camera bag. I even had the temerity to carry the tripod [vanguard aluminum one that weighed some 2.5 kg] which was ditched at the first stop itself at Kothi.





I had this grand idea before the trip that while cycling along this highway, it would be great for photography as I would be going more slow, stopping and clicking more frequently.



By 2nd day itself the reality hit hard. Bicycling and photographing with a DSLR are poles apart. Every time I stop for a photo, it is not like that of a car or bike that you give the throttle and again you go - a start and stop at that high altitude is a huge physical strain. And all those small stops as you meter and frame a scene, takes away vital time, particularly for me as I was going well below the average speed of an established cyclist. Not surprisingly I have way better photographs when we did that trip by our Safari in October 2010.



With micro 4/3rds almost or equal to DSLR levels and with huge weight reduction, it makes more sense for those to carry or even a pocket camera.





Another thing, by the time I move along Zingzingbar on way to Baralachala top, I had lost count and track on which card what was being written and what was being formatted and what had been downloaded to the laptop. As I find out a card of images were overwritten - so vital point this also to keep in mind.







Maps and GPS: A road distance map of the Manali Leh route was there on the laptop - but signages are there on the road.



Dont have a GPS, anyway there is just one track and the heights are all there on the net.







Laptop -



A basic one that I have in my house, weighs in at 2+ kg - better would be a notebook or ultralight one.







Notebook & pen --- Not used at all though thought of writing notes



Plastic bags.









Medicines:



Coca 30 - a homeopathic medicine used by some high altitude trekkers.



One starts taking it some 5 days before the trip and continued it till I finished up with the 3 bottles I had. Sweet homeopathic medicine and no side effects.





Of course Diamox is the tablet as everyone knows, but then never taken in any one of our journeys.



Coca 30 best suits me, having travelled to the high altitude terrains all along the Himalayas and also have found that I am less susceptible to high altitude.





The usual medicine strips taken for fever, diarrhoea and analgesics/pain.



A roll of bandage and gauze



Moisturising cream, Vaseline Lip moisturizer









Documents/Cash

ATM card - usable only at Manali and Leh

Oringal and photocopies of PAN card and driving license

Rs 10,000 as cash in person.





contd... As the travel idea came about some 5 months prior, reading on the internet I went about procuring some of the vital items from USA. With more time and study, many of the things are quite available out here as I see now.Those procured overseas were send via USA where my cousin sister lives who in turn sent it to my address via US Postal. Thanks a lot Dolu didi!!Around 15% customs duty was applicable on 1 packet while on the other around 7% and another nothing. All packets by US postal and then Indian Postal service.The accomplished Portuguese cyclist [he was doign a trip from uttaranchal to manali to leh to srinagar and then all the way to mumbai!!!!] who I came across at Sarchu took a picture of my cycle - he had to take a pic of such an overloaded one.Quite a few things were extra weight and could have been reduced and also some items were extra as trekking was also a part of this travel.Bicycle:The Trek 4300 D 2012 Mountain Bike comes equipped with a 27-speed [3x9] Shimano drivetrain. 100mm suspension fork has a hydraulic lockout, Alpha Gold Aluminium frame, Bontrager Evoke saddle, Oversize Bontrager handlebar and stem.Hayes Dyno Sport hydraulic disc brakes These brakes were great - cable-operated so easy to maintain, but amazing stopping power.Bontrager XR2, wire bead, 26×2.1″ - Although the label on Bontrager's XR2 Team Issue says 2.1 in, the tall, round carcass swells up more like most brands’ 2.25s. This means decent rollover smoothness and rock-shrugging security despite an impressively low weight. [ http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...r-21-11-37765] a replacement for the stock rear tyreThe rear tyre of Bontranger XR2 tire was changed to this tough one - not a a single puncture even with that overloaded bicycle - it is like our BF Goodrich of our Safari Dicor VTT! Here what an online review says: " Off road trails in the water and mud it just pumps out the water sideways and brings very little back up. On the dry, gravel or on tarmac it is just the same sure grip. To date no punctures under all conditions, well worth the money."The stock rear Bontranger xr2 became the spare tyre.A tubular aluminum rear rack designed for heavy-duty, long distance touring. Specifically developed for bikes equipped with disc brakes. Integrated side bar provides a lower pannier attachment point – allowing more space for cargo on the rack top.Suspension fork compatible and proven on expeditions far and wide.The clamps have to be ordered separately, missed out on that. The rack on the top was as such held in the place by a number of zip ties. Electrical pipe clamps from the local hardware store can also be used.Brilliant German design and incredibly easy to take on and off the racks. The entire back of the bag is a solid plastic backing plate that helps to structure the panniers and keep them secure on the rack. No rocking or slopping, especially important on bouncy gravel Manali-Leh tracks.A vital component, the stem extender raises the handlebar to gives that semi-upright position for long distace bicycle touring, less crouching over and no neck pain - suited me as the frame size was just about okay for me but the stock stem height was too short.-[ http://www.decathlon.in/SADDLES-amp-...COMFORT-SADDLE Best bang for buck, replaced the stock seat with this most basic saddle. The stock seat was carried as a spare.. Upright grips attached to ends of the bicycle handlebar. Gave that extra grip to the Bontranger low riser handlebar of the Trek 4300D. Bar ends does give some additional leverage with posture grip combination during those uphill rides. A point to keep in mind though - "When you place your hands on the bar ends, your hands are away from your brake handles and shifting levers. This is not a major concern when riding uphill and you are less likely to need your brakes but is a potential safety problem if you need to quickly hit your brakes". Source Bottle cage x2 Standard size, mounted inside frame.Allen keys Proper, strong, separate keys - NOT multi-toolPark Tool TL-1 Tire Lever (Pack of 3)Puncture repair kit Park Tool VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit (Single)Chain oil [Finishline Ceramic Wet lube ] and Finishline Multi degreaser [ later on used Vim dishwasher liquid as that can finished.]Small air pump x2. - One attached to the frame, and the spare one in one of the panniers.Inner tube x 1 Didn't use any, but glad to have them in the bag.Bontranger SR2 tyre, the stock one, - Didn't use it, but glad to have it.Gear cables x1Brake cables x1Spare brake pads: NoneSpokes: NoneCable-ties - a full packet.Misc bike partsLock: NoneWireless speedometer/computer : None, magnet fell off from the sensor transmitter that is attached to the spoke during a fall during the training part here in Kolkata itself. But still in some pictures it may show it is attached as thought of showing to some cyclist, if I meet on the route, as to why it is not functioning!I had this cheap one bought from ebay and it was quite okay till that fall.35 L rucksackA basic one bought out here from a local company, Ria Mount Support, here in Kolkata. Secured on top of the rear carrier of the bicycle.Tent: Quechua 2 Person Tent bought from ebay.inAt a huge weight of over 3 kgs this was too much weight for a tent intended for bicycle. Otherwise the tent is a beautiful constructed one and for the money it is very good. But as said should have taken a more lightweight tent.Of course, a Hilleberg Nallo GT3 would be the ideal or even an Eureka Spitfire [they weigh around or less than a kilo], but then they do cost quite a lot relatively to the one that I carried.Sleeping mat: Quechua a200 self inflatable matBasic sleeping bag bought from a local trek shop in Kolkata. Sold as -10, bearable till around zero. Heavy this too also in relation to the better ones.Headtorch - did not take any bike light. This doubled up as the bicycle night as I hurtled down Tanglangla after sundown to Rumste - absolutely not a good idea. A dedicated cycle light is a must, just in case if needed.Fuel stove: Light weight folding brass kerosene stove.Along with 10 maggi packets and this stove, though never used the whole trip. - It was more of a backup in case I get stuck in this late month of September, to survive for at least a week.Philips Radio - listened to it in the night particularly during the night camping by Tso Kar - just for the heck of it. Can be skipped, after all the batteries are the hidden weight other than the radio itself.Mostly the Chinese channels were there on SW, but locked to a station that played the old songs.Match boxes, lighter may not function in high altitude.1x stainless steel bowl1 knife.This one was the only specific cycling clothing. "These high performance breathable shorts are technically designed for serious cyclists. Incorporating an 8 panel professional construction with flat stitched seams, which allow the shorts more curvature whilst minimizing chafing and therefore offering the cyclist better performance and comfort"Gloves - The Probiker gloves for my Royal Enflied Bullet rides doubled up as my cycling gloves.Caps:Quechua Forclaz anti UV 56-60Though the above one was there, all through used this one - just for it looked better on me! However, the above product is very good for high altitude travel under the sun.Sunglasses - Fasttrack UVRaincoat - Duckback, basic - never used.Jacket x 2 [one fleece and one full cover heavy - since the Stok Kangri trek was also a part, another heavy jacket had to be carried]Jeans x2Shorts x2T-Shirts and shirts x 3Long Sleeve x 2Thermal (Legs & Arms) x1Socks x 4Shoes - Hitec Trekking shoes, heavy - better to have the light cycling shoes if trekking is not a part of the travel.Mitts x 2 - large and small.balaclava and neck wrap 1+1Cycling Helmet - did not use.Soap with soap case, Wet wipes, Toilet paper, Toothbrush & toothpaste, Q&Q Watch - basic yet rugged and water proof - but no altimeter, thermometer, weather-forecaster or whateverThe big dial kept me well oriented to time and date, absolutely vital as you trudge along those desolate tracks.Camera:Canon 60D with 15-85 lens, 11-16 Tokina and 55-250 mm Canon kit lens.Close to 3 kg of weight with the camera bag. I even had the temerity to carry the tripod [vanguard aluminum one that weighed some 2.5 kg] which was ditched at the first stop itself at Kothi.I had this grand idea before the trip that while cycling along this highway, it would be great for photography as I would be going more slow, stopping and clicking more frequently.By 2nd day itself the reality hit hard. Bicycling and photographing with a DSLR are poles apart. Every time I stop for a photo, it is not like that of a car or bike that you give the throttle and again you go - a start and stop at that high altitude is a huge physical strain. And all those small stops as you meter and frame a scene, takes away vital time, particularly for me as I was going well below the average speed of an established cyclist. Not surprisingly I have way better photographs when we did that trip by our Safari in October 2010.With micro 4/3rds almost or equal to DSLR levels and with huge weight reduction, it makes more sense for those to carry or even a pocket camera.Another thing, by the time I move along Zingzingbar on way to Baralachala top, I had lost count and track on which card what was being written and what was being formatted and what had been downloaded to the laptop. As I find out a card of images were overwritten - so vital point this also to keep in mind.Maps and GPS: A road distance map of the Manali Leh route was there on the laptop - but signages are there on the road.Dont have a GPS, anyway there is just one track and the heights are all there on the net.Laptop - Samsung NP300E4Z-A06IN A basic one that I have in my house, weighs in at 2+ kg - better would be a notebook or ultralight one.Notebook & pen --- Not used at all though thought of writing notesPlastic bags.Coca 30 - a homeopathic medicine used by some high altitude trekkers.One starts taking it some 5 days before the trip and continued it till I finished up with the 3 bottles I had. Sweet homeopathic medicine and no side effects.Of course Diamox is the tablet as everyone knows, but then never taken in any one of our journeys.Coca 30 best suits me, having travelled to the high altitude terrains all along the Himalayas and also have found that I am less susceptible to high altitude.The usual medicine strips taken for fever, diarrhoea and analgesics/pain.A roll of bandage and gauzeMoisturising cream, Vaseline Lip moisturizerATM card - usable only at Manali and LehOringal and photocopies of PAN card and driving licenseRs 10,000 as cash in person. Last edited by adc : 12th April 2013 at 14:21 .