Sharing my Karate Monkey that is built up with all the basics to get going.
The approach is basically to start with what I had, buy used where possible, spend properly only where it counts. For me that was the Surly 24 Pack rack, Wald 139 basket, and Wizard Works Alkazam bag. If you don’t know this bag it is designed specifically for the Wald, rock solid at speed, 20 litres up front. So, this is where I chose to spend if nowhere else.
Everything else is used finds, year-end clearance, and gear that’s been in the garage for a while. The sleeping bag is generic and yes that is a bungee cord. It shifts a little. Already had it and happy to start now rather than wait for the perfect.
Riser bar was a used find that transformed the fit. Big Agnes tent was a discontinued clearance model — faster to pitch than I deserved given what I paid.
With all that said, where would be your next upgrade with a limited budget. Proper sleeping bag? Full frame bag?
by pedallinglongwayYT
5 Comments
Upgrades:
– Adjust your front rack to get the basket closer to the head tube. It will substantially improve handling
– DO replace bungee cord with two straps. Even non-stretchy straps are fine since the sleeping bag will be compressed slightly and keep them taut.
– Full frame bags are great for food storage. That looks like a gap in this setup. I had a bit of a wake-up call when I had to go 3 days between food restocks and had to buy a backpack mid-tour once.
P.S. I love touring singlespeed but bigger cogs with the same ratio last much longer. Twice as many teeth = twice the lifespan
I’d move the bottle in the frame down since you have that option
Do you have a sleeping pad? Either inflatable or a fold-up like the Nemo Switchback would be a big improvement in sleep comfort. The sleeping bag looks pretty bulky, I would suggest looking at a UL down quilt or sleeping bag that can be packed small. I’ve got the Enlightened Equipment quilt and love it, and felt it was relatively affordable, although I know there are a lot of other good options out there now.
Highly recommend expanding your food storage options unless you always carry backpack or have your food minimized down to the calorie count! Food is way bulkier than you think especially since you’re carrying a stove to cook.
My setup has enough food storage for 2-3 days + collapsible backpack for anything beyond that. Check out the Sea to Summit ultra sil dry pack.