Giant Revolt 2 (2020). New into biking and just finished the Coast to Coast in the UK. 4 days, approx 270 km 4600 m of elevation.
First – Weight. My bike weighed about 26 kg in total. Included the bike, racks bag, food, water, tent, sleeping bag – everything and some extra tools in case of mechanicals. My mate told me this is too much but not sure what I could've removed. What is the weight people usually aim for in a camping setup? Kit – 2x Rhonowalk forkcages with 2x 4 L bags. Tailfin top tube bag. Aeroe Spyder rack with 2 cradles on the side with 2 12 L bags. aeroe pannier receiver with ortlieb trunk RC 12l pack on top for quick access. I'd like to a frame bag so I can distribute the weight from the back.
Second – Gearing. I have 105 shifters with GRX 810 rd. I have 48/32t front chain rings. I used the SRAM 11-36 rear cassette for some extra range compared to the recommended 11-34. I am the not very fit at the moment compared to usual but found gradients above 10% difficult for more than a couple of minutes.The route had many short climbs between 10-20% and I struggled and had to hike a bike.
I am planning on touring through the European alps this summer. Would like not to hike a bike. What's the best options with regards to gearing? Do I need to get a lower gear? If so to change the rear cassette I think I'd need to get a new change a wolf tooth goat link and new cassette.
I could go to a 46/30t on the front chainring. Would this make a noticeable difference?
Cheers
by glenngalea
8 Comments
Looks very good and that is a light weight for touring/bikepacking with camping gear. I think you will need a lower gear in the future. I have grx and just started using an 11-40 rear mech. Works great and there is a video on bikepacking.com about that
Did you enjoy your trip? The c2c was one of my first. 26kg does seem a lot, but sometimes there’s not much you can do about it, especially without spending a lot of money. Maybe lighter camping gear? If your tools are the normal workshop versions, they can usually be replaced with a good multitool.
Replace your cranks with a set of GRX 600 with 46/30. If that’s not enough, aftermarket 44/28 rings exist. The RX810 will unofficially do a 40t cassette without modification. You’ll probably need a longer chain.
Yeah, I’d encourage you to get an 11-40/42 rear cassette and new chain, the grx rear derailleur can handle the range and will make riding so much more enjoyable.
Tell your mate to stop talking bollocks. 26 kg all in is light weight. Take what you want to take and stuff weighs what it weighs.
The only change I’d make to your set-up is to have a full frame bag, but that’s a personal thing.
Personally, I’m a fan of giving more weight to the front. Why? Because putting weight on the fork improves front wheel traction, unlike weighting the rear, which actually makes traction worse.
Agreed your friend is talking shite, 26kg is good.
Frame bag is excellent idea, I recommend Apidura since they also make a shape bladder that can hold up to 3 litres, great way to carry water and get heavy stuff low.
Would recommend bar roll as well, get some weight off rear wheel (not too much) for better even tire wear.
All in all looking good, comments on grx cranks etc are legit
Yes, big to big doesn’t cause any damage. It’s a new set up for me and while I don’t ride big to big for extended time, I’ve shifted there and ridden briefly and had no problems.
Just commenting because Newcastle Quayside 🙌👌 bike looks great! Just did my first overnight bikepacking trip from Berwick to Newcastle, totally hooked on my new way of adventuring. The alps sounds epic, hope you have a blast! 👍