Adventure Cycling Association

The Breakdown

• Component Lifespans: Compare part lifespans (chain, tires) to your mileage, replace or carry spares for parts that won’t last, and start with fresh tires/tubes.
• Weight vs Durability: Don’t cut weight on high-wear parts like drivetrain or brakes. Mid-tier components balance durability, weight, and cross-compatibility.
• Serviceability: Cable-actuated drivetrains and brakes are easier to fix than electronic or hydraulic systems; if you go hydro/electronic, service fully and pack proprietary spares.
• Test Ride: Dial in your setup months in advance on short rides, then document your components and model numbers for reference on the road.

Big trips that finally make it out of the group chat have likely already passed through the logistical wringer. Where are you riding? How many days? How many miles? Where will you sleep? These are all exciting details to plan, of course, but let’s not overlook one of the most important details — the bike itself. It can be daunting to decide how to outfit a touring rig, so here are some key factors to consider when gearing up for those big adventures.

COMPONENT LIFESPANS

A good starting point is to compare how far you’re riding to the lifespan of your bike’s components. If your chain, for example, needs to be replaced every 3,000 miles and you plan to ride 3,500 miles, carrying a couple extra links likely won’t be enough to see you through. Instead, plan to pick up a new one along the way, or, if bike shops are scarce along your route, pack a spare or ship it ahead to a resupply stop. It’s also a good idea to factor in how much wear your components already have and how much elevation gain you’ll tackle, especially because the latter wears out parts more quickly. Replacing whole parts prior to your trip can save the headache of end-of-life failures during the ride.

This is especially true for tires and tubes: starting with a fresh set is always the best option. Please don’t roll out with patched up Ol’ Reliable from your commuter bike. Look for something with a robust sidewall and a low TPI (threads per inch) to increase puncture resistance, and be sure to carry patches, plugs, and spare tubes in your kit, even if you’re tubeless. Some punctures can’t be easily plugged.

WEIGHT VS DURABILITY

Saving weight is great for long days and feeling quick on the bike, but lighter, and thus more expensive components, are often less durable. So, if you’re trying to save grams, don’t choose high-demand, high-wear components such as your drivetrain or brakes as the place to do it. Mid-tier drivetrains are a great compromise as they usually sport heavier, more robust cassettes and chains than their pricier cousins and shave weight elsewhere. Plus, they often offer broader compatibility if you need a replacement part in a pinch. Think ahead about the route’s terrain, too, and then choose your parts accordingly. Can you get away with fewer, thicker cogs to save weight and have a stronger cassette? Or do you need every ring for the elevation demands?

SERVICEABILITY

While electronic shifting is exciting, fixing a drivetrain equipped with one is a pain. Many cable systems, on the other hand, can often be repaired in a matter of minutes without specialty tools. The same can be said for cable-actuated disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes may offer more power, but cable wins every time for ease of service.

If you do go hydro or electronic for your big trip, make sure your components are properly serviced before you depart. For brakes, this means a full bleed and leak inspection. For electronic components, it includes updating the firmware and checking the battery’s health. You’ll also want to carry spares for any essential and proprietary parts, including olives to connect your hydraulic hose to the brake lever, and the small secondary coin batteries that power your electronic shifters.

TEST RIDE

Big trips are generally not the time to experiment with your setup. Make changes several months in advance to give yourself plenty of space for smaller test rides. If a change or new component is uncomfortable or doesn’t have the performance you need, you’ll still have time to swap it out and test its replacement. Then, note any changes you make and keep a log of what you like and what you don’t.

Once your setup is dialed in, make a list of all your components and their service parts — including specific model numbers and general cross-compatibilities — and store a physical copy in your tool roll and a digital backup on your phone. That way, when something does break, you’ll know exactly what you need to fix it.