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Which Tyres? Schwalbe Marathon XR Tyres Review
October 25, 2013
The Schwalbe Marathon XR was the obvious choice for a long distance tour (at the time of choosing in 2007), used by most other adventure cyclists to universal critical appraisal. Schwalbe says: The Marathon XR is the true expedition tyre. It was conceived and built to withstand both extreme loads and uncompromising terrain. It provides unsurpassed puncture protection with TravelGuard technology. This progressive technology offers excellent puncture protection with extremely low weight.
Tags: MarathonSchwalbeBicycle touringMountain bikeBike designBikeBicycleTyres
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Sun-Ringle Rhyno Lite Wheel Rims Long Term Adventure Cycling Review
October 26, 2013
The Sun-Ringle Rhyno Lite rim (my version built in 2007) is a heavy duty mountain bike rim. I researched these rims before leaving on my first bike tour in 2007. I had heard about them because they came recommended by some mountain biking friends in the York Uni bike club and from fellow guides when I worked as an mtb guide in Croatia. Pre 2007 they were on my radar as a rim that would survive practically anything you threw at it.
Tags: Heavy duty rimTouring rimTouring bikeRhynolyteSun rimsSun rimMountain bikingWheelsRims
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Magura Odur Suspension Forks Adventure Cycling Long Term Review
October 26, 2013
Magura are not the longest players in the mountain bike fork market but in recent years, their models are at the forefront of the competition. I’ve used them throughout my travels and recent mountain bike excursions. The fork works how it should; call it reliable German engineering, call it what you like. I’ve done the minimum fiddling and servicing with these forks for the maximum use. The forks are strong and stiff with a smooth action.
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Kona Explosif Mountain Bike Frame (2007 version) for Adventure Cycling
October 26, 2013
Are you looking for a mountain bike frame that you can use for adventure cycling? Do you like Kona bikes? Do you have a penchant for niche steel frames. If so read on. However, modern versions of this frame no longer exist in a 26” wheel version, only 27.5 so you will have to look for old ones on eBay and forums. I have a soft spot for this frame. It was given by Kona to me for the round the world trip.
Tags: TouringExpeditionFrameSteelKona ExplosifAdventure cyclingMountain bike frame
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Kona Caldera Frame Review (2008 version) Can Aluminum Stand Up To Adventure Cycling
October 26, 2013
The Kona Caldera (2008) is a strong cross country frame with good handling. I hadn’t heard of the Kona Caldera before I picked this frame up. It was suggested as a replacement for my Kona Explosif frame which cracked after riding 10000kms. I wasn’t that happy about taking an aluminium frame on my trip to Mongolia but at the same time I had no reason to suspect that it wouldn’t be strong enough for a 1000kms… trip off road across the Steppe.
Tags: 2008 versionRedGreenMountain bike frameKona calderaBike