Equipment
our around the world bicycle tour equipment
At this time the list is not yet complete, but we will update and expand the information on everything we carry with us, as soon as we have some spare time. Eventually, we will be able to give you some hopefully helpful information on what works well for us and what doesn’t and what we think why that is the case. As our budget is limited we will have to make hard choices here and there, but we will also explain our reasoning and share thoughts about our priorities as well. The links in this section are affiliate links from Amazon. If you buy via our links we might get a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to help us spending more time in creating content for you. If you don’t want to buy anything (via Amazon) you can also send us a contribution via https://www.buymeacoffee.com/aworldbiketour.
photo & filming
We want to deliver high quality content for you, which is why we invested in some powerful recording gear.
Camera
Sony A7C full-frame camera
It is a powerful little package, at least considering the capabilities. The picture quality is outstanding, especially in low light situations. The battery life is decent, and it features an articulating touch screen, that is very handy when we try to get the framing right.
Lens
Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8
This lens is incredible for what it is. The picture quality is brilliant, the zooms gives some flexibility, but the 28 mm are a little lacking, especially at the wide end. We don’t want to carry more then one lens, mainly because of weight. At the end of the day it is a compromise, and alternatives are too expensive or heavy.
Video Microphone Dual Mono/Stereo
Deity V-mic D4 duo
Sure, there is many other suitable shotgun microphones. We choose this one, because it gives the option to also record the audio towards the rear of the camera, which can be handy on interview situations. So far we have not utilised that feature, but we are happy with the audio quality this microphone delivers.
Action Camera
GoPro HERO11
We actually use the GoPro HERO8, but if we would buy a new action cam it would most likely be the newest model of the same. Ultimately it is the best action cam on the market, especially when it comes to picture quality and stabilisation. It is waterproof and with this updated version you can even watch yourself while you record.
Drone
DJI Mini 4
The Mini 4 (Pro) is below 250g which is incredibly helpful when it comes to permits. On top of that it has a much bigger sensor (better picture quality) and can stay in the air longer. What’s not to love?
home & kitchen
As we are camping most of the time we need to have comfort after long days of cycling, while keeping the total payload low.
Tent
MSR Elixir 3
Our home. We use the 3 person version, because we do not like it cramped. It is heavier than the Hubba Hubba, but therefor provides a tad more space and durability. It is the best tent, there is literally nothing we would want to change about it, and if it ever breaks we probably buy it again.
Air Mattress
Nemo Tensor UL sleeping pad
We’ve had many issues with our air mattress, as it was getting leaky a lot. Eventually we’ve decided to give the lifetime warranty policy of NEMO a try and they provided us with a updated replacement with which they not only fixed the underlying problem, but also improved the insulation. Don’t be silly and look for the lightest mattress you can find, get one with a high R-value instead and you will be warm in the winter!
Pillow
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
We like it comfortable, that is why we cycle around the world and carry pillows with us. Forget bunched smelly cloths, forget air pillows, this one is the real deal. They compress to about a third of the size and can be washed, in case we drooled too much in our sleep. 340 grams that we are happy to carry extra!
Camping Chair
HELINOX Chair Zero & Chair Zero L
It is incredibly comfortable after a long day of cycling to sit in a chair while cooking dinner. In winter when the ground is cold and / or wet this is especially awesome to have. Some people might prefer to carry a hammock instead, but this one we can use every day. The chairs weigh only 531 g and 673 g and are very stable.
Solar Panel
Big Blue 28W
It is quite impressive what this little solar pad can do. On a sunny day it produces so much juice that it quick charges our phones. We also load almost all of our batteries with it (except the DJI Mavic Air 2 and our laptop), for our lights, water purifier, audio recorder, cameras and the power banks.
Headlamp
Petzl Tikka headlamp
Let there be light. This model uses AAA batteries, just like our audio recorder and we have a charger for them anyways. It has 3 levels of brightness, of which we use the lowest setting most of the time. There is also a red light, that is less visible from afar and makes you feel like special forces.
Nano Ultralight Day Pack
Sea to Summit Ultralight Day Pack
This emergency backpack is literally ultralight and also super small if you put it in its tiny poach. Great if you need some carrying capacity.
Multi-fuel Camping Stove
MSR WhisperLite International
Burns a sorts of stuff and most importantly it burns gasoline, like cars. Big upside is the availability of gasoline, which can not be said about gas canisters for example. We had some problems with it, but probably because we got a rather old version from eBay. Get the maintenance kit as well and do your maintenance regularly. Also, do not leave the pump in the fuel bottle while cycling.
Cookset
MSR Alpine 2 pot set
We could probably do with one pot, but as we cook for two this gives is more options. It’s stainless steel, which is slightly heavier then aluminium, but also much less toxic. Quality build, happily cooking away.
Pocket Knife
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel
Almost every other cyclist we met on the road had an Opinel. It is a sharp foldable knife with a classic design. We have one, you should have one too!
bicycles
For a high flexibility and durability we got some fairly classic expedition / touring bicycles with the following characteristics: 26″ wheels not only have the highest stability but are also available anywhere in the world. Arev has a sturdy CroMo steel frame, that can be fixed easily, while Mathias has an aluminium frame and hopes for the best. We both run a 3×9 Shimano Deore drivetrain with low gearing and a wide range (chainrings 22, 32, 44t / cassette 11-36t), and old school mechanical rim brakes.
Bicycle Tyres
Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour
The ultimative long distance touring tires. On the road you meet to kinds of people. The ones who complain about fixing tires and the ones who ride Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour. Yes, they are a bit heavy, and yes, they are not the most comfortable, but it is really hard to puncture them and they last a very long time. If you mind the weight, but don’t mind paying more money consider the Schwalbe Marathon Mondial EVO.
Rear Bike Rack
Tubus Logo Evo
Very well thought through bicycle rack. It is German steel, so even if it should break you can get it fixed anywhere in the world. We love it, because you can hang the panniers far in the back and fairly low. This way we don’t hit your panniers with our feet and have good weight distribution. If you mind rust, get the stainless steel version.
Lowrider
Tubus Tara
The front rack by the same company. Not much to say about this one.
Back Panniers
Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic
Classic panniers, quality product.
Front Panniers
Ortlieb Front-Roller Classic
The smaller Sport-Roller is what we use in the front.
Backpack
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry-Pack 65L
This waterproof rack pack doubles up as back pack. One can take off the straps, which we do most of the time, but if need be, we have a huge backpack as well. Awesome!
Grips
Ergon GP5 grips
We use flat bars, as we don’t like the low riding position that comes with drop bars. To have variety in our riding position we use the comfortable grips.
Bike Saddle
Brooks B17
We quite like our leather saddles as they seem to fit our butts reasonably well. All butts are different though, and we recommend checking in with a professional if you don’t know for sure which shape is right for you!
Bicycle Portable Floor Pump
Lezyne Pumpe Micro Floor Drive
We wanted a pump that doesn’t make you wanna cry. This one is fairly expensive, but it does the job pretty well. By mistake we got the high pressure version (which is for road bicycles), so don’t do that. Still works though.