2 hours ago
I’ve been bikepacking in Northeast India for the past 9 months, and these are some lessons I have learnt.
What I’m riding:
A Framed Minnesota Fat bike, stock except for a larger cassette (upgraded from 42 to 46 teeth) when it needed replacing after bikepacking in South America.
Emergency spares I carry now:
1 spare tube, brake cables, gear cables, 2 sets of brake pads, Mu-off Dry Weather lube, Presta-to-Schrader adapter,
Tools:
Topeak multi-tool, plastic thread for opening the chain's quick link, Patch kit, Hand pump
In the past:
I used to carry 2 spare tubes and a foldable fat tire.
Maintenance learnings:
While in South America, I’d watch my cycling buddies clean their bikes — especially the chains — after every wet ride. I used to laugh at them because I didn’t know why it mattered. Now I do! I try to clean my bike and chain whenever I can. Sometimes it’s tough — for example, this time I couldn’t open the quick link with my usual plastic string. I’ve done it many times before without trouble, but this new chain (under 500 km old) might still be a bit tight. So I cleaned it as is, using washing soap, an old toothbrush, and a bucket. After getting off as much grime as possible, I let it dry for a day before applying the lube I carry.
After the wash, I also removed both wheels and reinstalled them securely. I tightened any screws I could see, since I’d noticed the handlebar stem screw had come loose before.
I was starting to wonder if the chain was too loose — I could feel a drag when climbing. I don’t carry a chain checker, so I stopped by a bike shop en route to the next state. The mechanic tested it and said the chain is still good with plenty of life left, but couldn’t explain the drag. He couldn’t do a full inspection since the bike was fully loaded and couldn’t go on a stand. He did take the chain apart and reattach it for me, and I also adjusted the brakes.
General learnings:
I try my best NOT to ride at night — the roads get treacherous after dark. I carry three headlamps, but I know I’m taking too much risk whenever I’m forced to ride after sunset. This only happens when I can’t find a safe place to spend the night or when the nearest village is still 30–60 minutes away.
I always keep a set of full-finger gloves, a full-sleeved hoodie or windcheater, and a rain poncho handy. On my last few night rides, I sweated so much that my clothes were soaking wet. My Salomon XA/Amphib Swim-Run shoes stayed wet for two days! I can’t change my whole kit, but even just switching to a dry hoodie, putting on the poncho, and swapping wet gloves for warm, dry full-finger gloves makes a huge difference.
I will keep updating this post as my cycling journey teaches me more lessons.
What I’m riding:
A Framed Minnesota Fat bike, stock except for a larger cassette (upgraded from 42 to 46 teeth) when it needed replacing after bikepacking in South America.
Emergency spares I carry now:
1 spare tube, brake cables, gear cables, 2 sets of brake pads, Mu-off Dry Weather lube, Presta-to-Schrader adapter,
Tools:
Topeak multi-tool, plastic thread for opening the chain's quick link, Patch kit, Hand pump
In the past:
I used to carry 2 spare tubes and a foldable fat tire.
Maintenance learnings:
While in South America, I’d watch my cycling buddies clean their bikes — especially the chains — after every wet ride. I used to laugh at them because I didn’t know why it mattered. Now I do! I try to clean my bike and chain whenever I can. Sometimes it’s tough — for example, this time I couldn’t open the quick link with my usual plastic string. I’ve done it many times before without trouble, but this new chain (under 500 km old) might still be a bit tight. So I cleaned it as is, using washing soap, an old toothbrush, and a bucket. After getting off as much grime as possible, I let it dry for a day before applying the lube I carry.
After the wash, I also removed both wheels and reinstalled them securely. I tightened any screws I could see, since I’d noticed the handlebar stem screw had come loose before.
I was starting to wonder if the chain was too loose — I could feel a drag when climbing. I don’t carry a chain checker, so I stopped by a bike shop en route to the next state. The mechanic tested it and said the chain is still good with plenty of life left, but couldn’t explain the drag. He couldn’t do a full inspection since the bike was fully loaded and couldn’t go on a stand. He did take the chain apart and reattach it for me, and I also adjusted the brakes.
General learnings:
I try my best NOT to ride at night — the roads get treacherous after dark. I carry three headlamps, but I know I’m taking too much risk whenever I’m forced to ride after sunset. This only happens when I can’t find a safe place to spend the night or when the nearest village is still 30–60 minutes away.
I always keep a set of full-finger gloves, a full-sleeved hoodie or windcheater, and a rain poncho handy. On my last few night rides, I sweated so much that my clothes were soaking wet. My Salomon XA/Amphib Swim-Run shoes stayed wet for two days! I can’t change my whole kit, but even just switching to a dry hoodie, putting on the poncho, and swapping wet gloves for warm, dry full-finger gloves makes a huge difference.
I will keep updating this post as my cycling journey teaches me more lessons.
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