What do you need to go around Switzerland in one week? If only I knew that exactly. Of course I have a concrete idea what I will need on the approximately 1280 kilometers and 24000 meters of altitude.
Note: All equipment was bought by myself, or given to me on special occasions by friends or family. No product mentioned was provided to me by any manufacturer.
The bike:
I will be riding my gravel bike, a Canyon Grizl AL 7.
With 11-speed mechanical gearing (Shimano GRX) and plenty of options to mount bags and extras, the bike is perfectly made for long tours. I have the factory-mounted saddle (which is unfortunately really junk) exchanged for my tried and true Fizik saddle. I also ride with different wheels. The DT Swiss 521 db are not the lightest, but unbreakable (I hope). Mounted on them are Continental GP 5000 tires in 32 mm width.
In the front wheel is a hub dynamo from SON installed, which provides me via a special USB charger with the necessary electrical energy to charge the various devices, and especially my front and rear lights from Supernova shine. The front headlight is the Supernova M99 DY PRO, the rear light is the proven E3 Tail Light 2 dynamo. In addition, I have mounted a battery rear light on the back of each seat stay, and a battery front light as a spare in the luggage. To allow as many different grip positions as possible, and also to be able to relieve the shoulders, an aero handlebar attachment with a 40 mm increase is mounted on the handlebars. The pedals are with power meter and come from Garmin (XC100). A so-called “Wishbone” on the saddle prevents the bag from lurching back and forth and does not allow two additional bottle cages to be mounted. A total of 4 bottle cages are mounted on the bike, one of them for the tool bag.
Bags, and their contents:
I use three large bags to hold clothing, tools, and anything for overnight camping. In addition, various smaller bags for electronics and tools. Lastly, I use a fanny pack (waist bag) in which the most important things are stored.
Ortlieb Seatpack: With 11 liters of volume space enough for my sleeping bag (SeaToSummit Spark 1), the inflatable sleeping pad, a bivy 3000 from Sierra Designs, and another bivy bag from Vaude, which serves as protection of the sleeping bag from the inside (if you crawl again with grass on the feet in the sleeping bag). In addition, there is room for a down jacket, a cap, rain pants and underwear.
Ortlieb Framepack M (4 l): In this bag comes everything that has a lot of weight, or what you need to reach quickly. In addition to a pocket knife, USB charger, USB cable and a multitool, sunscreen, “toilet bag”, a first aid kit, a reflective vest and the rain jacket find space here.
Handlebar bag: The handlebar bag has enough space for a second jersey, a second pair of cycling shorts, gloves (short and long), arm and leg warmers, and a bandana.
Tool bag: On the down tube I have in the bottle cage a tool bag with various spare parts and everything you hopefully do not need. These are 2 tubes, patch kit, Allen wrench, brake pads, chain lock, pliers, tire levers as well as a derailleur hanger.
Canyon Top Tube Bag: Mounted on top of the top tube is a bag that holds all electronics including two of a powerbank that can be charged while riding.
SP Connect Wedge Case: Mounted on the aero handlebar is the Wedge Case from SP connect. In it is a powerbank, my headphones and possibly still cables. Mounted on top of it is the smartphone.
Fanny pack: Very handy is a fanny pack in which you can trust all the papers, spare phone, money, various cereal bars, etc.. You always have it on your body, so you can not accidentally forget important documents or wallet when you go to a store. A small, lightweight shopping bag is also very important. A fanny pack may look uncool, but I don’t care.
All together, the bike with the equipment weighs about 19.5 kg. Not counting water and granola bars at the start.
So, that’s all that comes along on the trip. And if something is missing, it will be bought. I’m curious to see if I’ll make any changes after the Swiss Bike Adventure. Maybe I have overlooked something, or not needed at all?
Your Bert
