Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - What can I not live without?

I've just recently built myself a new Rando bike, after about 6 months of riding Brevets and Perms. I was just recently back into riding, maybe 12 months before that. I've ridden a basic series, but nothing longer than a 600K. The bike I built is your basic carbon frame with no eyelets. I've got the lighting bit covered, and use a Garmin 305 to find my way.

Out of curiosity, what do you think my setup is missing, and why? I've seen all different levels of loads, from bare (like mine) to just short of full touring. Just thought this might be an interesting topic.

Steve

mudguards

mudguards

+1

& maybe proper rack?

rando stuff (http://www.veloweb.ca/randopage.html)

You probably need some wheels with fewer spokes.

Haha, truman! I know, I know...it's not really epic unless your panniers fall off in the middle of the intersection at rush-hour!! ;^)

In all seriousness, I'd say you're set until your rides tell you what else you may need. No point in buying complexity til it's necessary.

I sure wouldn't sully the carbo-fibroid monster with fenders, I'd keep them on the Trek and just plan to ride it on the soggy-bottom days.

Yeah, I'm not in a rush to change my setup. More than anything, I'm intereted to hear the reasoning behind what different people consider as needs.

Yeah, I'm not in a rush to change my setup. More than anything, I'm intereted to hear the reasoning behind what different people consider as needs.

personally, I think the only thing one needs for a brevet is a well-fitted bike with some cargo capacity. All of the rest of the stuff: dynamo lighting, freewheels, fenders, aerospokes, etc. are just 'wants' that depend on your environment and preference. They add to the brevet experience, but I see enough people completing rides without them that I don't believe that they are essential.

(well, maybe, a freewheel is ...)

If you ride in northern climes with a propensity towards inclement weather, then you will probably want to have fenders to help keep yourself and your bike dry. A fenderless bike also discourages people from riding with you during a rainy brevet, since nobody wants to eat roostertail. But, having a grime encrusted, lonely ride doesn't necessarily guarantee a DNF. Similarly, if you live in a drier climate, fenders are a less valuable accessory that just further complicates packing the bike or replacing the wheel.

barlows -- since your bike doesn't have eyelets, how do you carry your gear? Carradice attached to the saddle? Frame bag? Please don't tell me that you're carrying everything in a Camelbak.

how long does the garmin 305 last, in terms of battery life? a 600k runs up to 40 hours, and you never know how close to that you'll come. i think the 705 lasts 15 hours or so, which just a little more than a fast-ish 300k, or a really fast 400k.

relying on a device for navigation might hinder you in the future - do you at least carry a cuesheet as well? i think you should look into that portion of your setup, and if you do end up with a cue-sheet, then you have to think about lighting that up at night (e.g. headlamp). that was one of the last things i "got right" i think.

also, they make carbon fenders - if you get some, your ride partners (and your butt) will thank you. =]

you will probably want to have fendersAh, yep. I should have mentioned that I have some clip-on fenders that I share between a couple bikes. They're no Honjos, but they work okay.


Please don't tell me that you're carrying everything in a Camelbak.Guilty as charged. That's kind of the reason for my question. I'm currently carrying a few small tools, tube change stuff, spare tire and pump in the camelbak. The only time that I've wished for more storage is when I overdress at the beginning of a ride, or when I haven't dressed warm enough for a cool night. I know lots of people can't stand anything on their back, but I don't mind it.


how long does the garmin 305 last, in terms of battery life?It's good for a typical 300K without a charge. For rides further than that, I've used a Tekkeon charger to give it life.


do you at least carry a cuesheet as well?Absolutely! Why take a chance, right?

Thanks for the opinions guys. That's the kind of info I'm looking for.

Steve