So, first things first… here is the lovely Specialized Diverge all ready for some kit…
and here it is with the Ortlieb Saddlebag (Large) and Handlebar Pack (Small) plus Accessory Bag (because you know… you need one…)
In the bags are my tent, my sleeping mat, a sleeping bag and a some emergency warmth (Icebreaker shell). Not too bad, and there’s a bit of room for more.Waterproof attached neatly to the top of the saddlebag.
Unfortunately, the lowrider rack for the front paniers (Tubus Duo) won’t fit the Diverge so I’m swapping it for one that will (Tubus Tara). Still to arrive is the framebag.
Anyway, I thought I’d take it out and see what it all felt like – I strapped the tent pole to the handlebar bag, threw the emergency kit into the accessory bag and off I went.
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Bike felt a little odd on the corners at first, I guess it’ll be a bit top heavy, but managed the extra weight quite well. Certainly average speed was down a bit from yesterday, but I was taking it easy anyway. The gears are still not right, and I had to stop to adjust the rear derailleur to get the bottom gear back! Will need some attention this week I think. The saddlebag worked great, no issues, although any attempt at sprinting over the top of a hill resulted in an impression of wagging my tail… The handlebar bag was a bit of a pain, as the spacer for the front stem (where the orange strap can be seen at the front in the second photo) kept slipping out. I tried a few variations here, one of which prevented shifting gears… Eventually I found an arrangement that works, but to be honest it doesn’t attach quite as neatly as I would have liked.
Funnily enough, while struggling up Winsley hill in 30C heat, I was chatting (as much as your can in such a situation) with a another cyclist, who had been cycling round the Balkans earlier in the year. He had an Alpkit Stingray (the framebag I’m waiting for), and said he was very pleased with it. So that was a good 🙂
Geez though… it was hot today!
Lastly, for today, have managed to get this blog up and running 🙂