Also called "trekking" handlebars. One example below. Reason was that I didn't expect to ride in the drops and wanted more real estate to install a computer head, light, bell and whatnot. Turned out that the real, major, benefit is to have all controls exactly where your hands typically stand. Rapid fire shifters significantly promote frequent shifting, which makes it much easier to maintain cadence. The one possible drawback is that the LHT's geometry is conceived with drop-down bars in mind. Even with a longer stem, trekking handlebars inner position is barely ahead of the steering tube.
(1) XT's trekking drivetrain is 48-36-26 x 11-34. I've swapped the 26 smaller chainring for a 22, and mixed Miche's Primato sprockets with Shimano's XT -- I rarely used 48 x 11 or 48 x 13 and thought that the steps were exceedingly large. So my current cassette is now 15-16-17-18-19-21-23-26-30-34. This makes a big and positive difference for me. You can get a visual impression
here. Derailleurs handle this configuration without much of an issue (I do not ride on small-small, typically will ride the small chainring on the top half of the cassette, and the large chainring on the bottom half, spending most of the time on the middle ring). One side benefit is that Miche's sprockets can be replaced individually when worn.
(2) I've purchased a dyno hub to power the cell phone that I use as a navigation device. I use the most excellent
Forumslader usb charger (by far the most efficient on the market). In has a convenient in-steerer option.
(3) I was lucky enough to get my hands on a used Stages power meter. This is extreme overkill for touring and I don't see how one could possibly justify paying full retail, but I must say that the feedback it provides is illuminating. New this season, I've seen how my power increases over time as I am getting fitter. I was also surprised to realize how much weaker I was after a bag indigestion (power cut by a third during 4 days). And will probably learn how to manage power over longer distances during this summer trip (a quick calculation suggests that a 50% power increase translates in less than 10% faster time. I am curious about learning how to pace myself over the course of a day, and over the course of a tour).
(4) Most recently, Shimano Saint platform pedals. I started with Shimano's trekking (SPD on one side and flat on the other). Was glad I've used SPD last year, but have now ditched touring shoes for Teva sandals. The Saint platform has pins that hold sandals firmly in place. Very pleased with them.
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Several other minor decisions (Thomson seatpost such that adjusting the saddle tilt is no longer an impossible chore); locking spacer such that the fork stays in place when removing the handlebars in transit; etc., etc., etc.
Still searching for the best way to mount my smartphone (quadlock is OK but there is room for improvement); Not 100% certain about the wheels/tires. Currently 2" Schwalbe Supreme on Mavic/DT Swiss/XT. 2" makes it challenging to put/remove the wheels (I have v-brakes). Might go for narrower tires. Then again, 2" is useful on gravel.
