Hi! Greeting from Norway

My fifth summer tour is over. Next autumn if everything goes as planned I'll be setting off on a long tour for several years. I've been pondering over the different options in setup. I own a custom made Sakitt touring bike made by Robert Beckman back in 2007. This is my only touring bike so far, therefore I have no reference to how good it is compared to others. I'm leaning towards using this one, but then I need to do some improvement. The problem is, I'm not very apt in bicycle mechanics and as I live in a small town in Norway, with little expertise to lend from the locally sport shops, I'have to figure out these things myself. Ordering the neccesary parts from abroad could soon amount to a lot of money also. Tips are welcome.

The changes I want to do from my current setup:

- the gearing have caused me problems: I have a 8 speed cassette (11-32) and a crankset with 48-44-24. The bike was delivered with this setup, but it was a tight fit from the beginning. When I needed to replace the cassette and cranks before this summers trip I couldn't do it satisfacory, neither could three different bicycle mechanics. Adjusting the front derailleur to be able to make these big leaps has proven difficult. Are these combinations unusual/manageable? I love the gear range as I'm able to climb anything with the lowest gear, I could probably do without the 48 crank as I seldom use it.


- I have drop bars, but want to be able to have a more upright position. I'm considering different types, but this means I have to drop the bar end shifters and get different brakes I guess?

- I'd like to install a dynamo hub in the front, mabe a son 28. I'd probably need a new wheelset for this, no wheelbuilders around here... I have Sun rims rhyno lite, 48 spokes in the back, 36 in the front. I've never had any problems with these. Recommendations for wheels are welcome

- I'd like to replace my cantilever brakes with v-brakes. I use 1,75 tires. Any problems, considerations?

The alternative is to by a new one. Over the last tours I'm chosen more and more rugged terrain for my travels and I want to be sure my bike can handle this. The sakitt is a sturdy bike, the racks and panniers work great together (except in rain, since I can't seem to find covers that sits tight and don't collect water in the bottom). But, If I'm not cautious with the weight distribution I experience frame shimmy. With the added weight for a world tour I'm a little worried if the bike is strong enough for long periods on bumpy gravel roads. If I where to buy a new one the Thorn Nomad mk2 with a rohloff seems like a good option.

All kinds of tips are most welcome,

Jan Petter