FrequentFaller

I’ve been using the Topeak Ridecase (both the waterproof and non-~ ones) with an iPhone 6 over a 3 year period. Waterproof one in daily use on my motorbike at present. Approx. 2500km on mixed surface riding in bicycle touring mode Approx. 5500km on an Offroad motorbike, mounted on a Rally-style navigation tower (lots of vibes, lots of bike drops) Approx. 25000km on commuter motorbike Zero issues with detachment from fittings, even when motorbike is dropped. No issues with lens damage (two phones used over above period).

I travelled with a tandem back in 2005 through Italy. - Shipped in customized cardboard box (extend first one using cutout from second one) - Disassemble fully (derailleur off, seatpost off, bars twisted/off, wheels off, pad chain wheels heavily) - Flew the box both ways at no extra charge. This would now have changed and you’ll pay the standard $100 to fly the bike (think this is per leg...I flew KLM 2 months ago with a standard bike and paid only one charge). - if you go over the 23kg allowance you’ll pay extra for weight. I went up to 28kg all in, but paid nothing extra on the first leg...charged on the leg back - we did train transits twice. Ravenna-Florence & Genoa-Milan. Both cases no problem, but had to use “regional” trains not speed trains. You will need to study the timetables (online) since these don’t run as frequently (I.e. maybe twice a day and once on Sundays, or whatever). Just allow a day spare around these legs and you’ll be fine. - we could get around with the bike (I.e. toured with it and used it as transport), and stored it if we wanted to explore cities. Europe is super geared for cycling. Everyone understands and helps, even if you stuff it up. It’s an awesome adventure and the tandem is a great convo starter. I’d would go for it and not over plan. It’ll all work out with a bit of flexibility on your part.

I decided last week to try a light helping of “the commute”. Melville-Samrand & back, 40km per direction. How bad can it be? I want to thank the old-timers on here for keeping the thread alive - I pretty much spent the weekend getting psyched (&scared!) Well, I survived today, all of 80km & 1200m of climbing ???? I’ll do 2 more this week & post a bit of reflection over the weekend ????

Just to temper your expectations...if it’s “super light” you want, carbon will tick the box. If it’s “reasonably light, beautiful craftsmanship & last-a-lifetime”, Ti will do the trick.

Thanks for the kind comments - really appreciated! Its been a great journey to "Dream, Build, Ride, Repeat", and to share this here! We are incredibly fortunate to have access to the likes of David, on our own shores, in the case of a custom build being the route of choice. There are other ways, to suit other philosophies, of course, but ultimately it is about taking a bike on an adventure. Make it happen.

At some point, I realised that I have grown an inappropriate emotional bond with this bike. I guess it was inevitable: The long wait for it and the trip, the actual trip and everything it was, as well as the bike operating with zero hiccups, whatsoever. For some context, I had approx. 28kgs loaded on the back wheel, 5kgs on the front (handlebar bag). Some downhill sections would run at 8-12%, ensuring 50km/h+ becomes a regular occurance and with no effort. Naturally, these sections are followed by corners and switchbacks, requiring a pretty sharp braking effort to survive. Man, I love this bike. http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/B-005-1024x976.jpeg http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/B-003-1024x768.jpeg http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image5-1024x768.jpeg http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/B-004-768x1024.jpeg

"Normal" terrain included the smooth tar surfaces, but pitched up or down for distances to make your eyes water. Stelvio: http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14073288_1727193830876273_1319659610_n.jpg Or, my personal favourite of the trip: Lac du Long: http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image9-1024x768.jpeg From afar: http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image11-768x1024.jpeg Actually, I think my favourite DAY of the trip was a chance venture onto Strada dell Assietta, an old military road connecting the mountains between France, Italy and Switzerland. Mostly gravel, it offers unbelievable views and extremely challenging climbing. Exactly like it should be (in cycling heaven): http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/14128940_289451614755104_239291633_n.jpg http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image13-1024x768.jpeg Aubisque, a huge challenge, but totally stunning climb, with a convenient Hotel (serving icecream and coffee) 1km from the top. http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image7-768x1024.jpeg Dropping down the other side (towards Soulor), is pretty awe-inspiring too, of course. I'll admit that I shed a tear at this very location. http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image8-1024x990.jpeg

And so, the trip came to pass... While I won't do a write-up here, I will post some pictures and narrative. Mostly to try and do the bike and the scenery justice. For an approximate blow-by-blow, find my Facebook page - "mudcakedface", dedicated to my travels. THE BIKE It behaved better than expected, under conditions never expected...I used Google Maps to do my route planning beforehand, and it included bike paths where this was possible. By "Bike Path", I actually mean Bike Trails. Like this: http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image12-1024x768.jpeg Or this: http://mudcakedface.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/image15-768x1024.jpeg Of course, these were the exceptions, but taking a fully loaded bike over this kind of surface will make you sweat with worry. No need though, and I quickly realised this machine is well capable of taking it in its stride.

Oh my gawd. This is going to be one cracker of a build! I saw the Colnago on Anton's Instagram feed and promptly choked on my coffee. It's a masterpiece. Would love to see the final build, keep us posted as a matter of priority, sir.

Well done and thanks for sharing your experience!

I guess the question will be: how do you wean yourself off of the big bag? Day 1-30: Use whatever setup you'd like in training (except a Camelback - gasp) Day 31: Identify everything you didn't use in a month. Ditch them. Day 61: Identify everything you could have called your wife for. Ditch them. Move what remains to your jersey pockets. Shave your legs. Colour match your clothing and bike. Racing or training, I ride only with: - Spare tube - Bomb & adapter - Levers x 3 - Phone - Credit card or R100 cash When I go out on a new bike (or one with changed handlebars/seat post/stem), or I'm on new shoes/pedals, I take a multi tool (super compact) for the first couple of rides. Still fits in the pockets...

AND? How did it go??

Nice - post the link to the report once it's up?

Well done - deep ending builds character! My comments below: 1 - yes 2 - maybe (you could do this with Takkies, see 5) 3 - maybe (see 6) 4 - yes to be able to track distance. Go cheap initially, you'll learn what you really need/want if/when the bug gets you proper 5 - No. Not on raceday and not without prior experience. Suggest flat pedals (with takkies initially), maybe with toe straps. By all means, get clipless pedals and train with them until you've gained experience (read: have fallen enough to be stop doing it), but not for raceday. 6 - Yes, but you could also look at carrying a hydration system, which could accommodate some tools and a pump. Additional items to consider: 7 - pump or CO2/bomb thingy (practice how to use it at home. Stay away from your pets for this) 8 - spare tube 9 - multi tool (one of the small ones) 10 - Energy stuffs (gels work well...) Have fun and enjoy!

Lol, that's why I'm referring him elsewhere...