July 5th, 2025 – Day 96 – 4.058 km
Three months and just over 4,000 km deep into this trip feels like a good moment to reflect on the current state of the bike -you know, as a humble way to brag about how well I built this thing,- but also because Rodrigo and I have gone our separate ways and I want to write about it, but also I don’t want every post to feel heavy, but also I have some pictures I want to show you that don’t really fit anywhere else, but also me waking up at 4:30am to not vaporise by the heat gives me plenty of time to write this thing.
So, let’s give out some awards.
THE MVP OF THE BIKE
— front basket 👑
Let me tell you. Not having to play expert-level Tetris to cram all of your groceries into a pannier at 35°C, after seven hours of cycling, is pure bliss. Just chuck your backpack in the basket and worry about it tomorrow.
THE “I WILL NOT BUILD A BIKE WITHOUT THIS”
— dynamo hub
Not having to stop and fumble with lights — which, inevitably, are always out of battery exactly when you need them — is a big mental load off. And yes, being able to see and be seen at night is also pretty neat, obviously.
Honourable mention to the Sinewave Beacon light for throwing out decent light while keeping my electronics charged. Very, very cool beans.
THE THING I GET THE MOST RANDOM CONVERSATIONS ABOUT
— jones H-bar handlebars
If you’re travelling solo and secretly worried about missing out on small talk with strangers; install these handlebars. I promise you, people will ask. Constantly.
THE “I’M NOT REALLY SURE IF I HAD TO SPEND AS MUCH MONEY AS I DID, OR IF IT’S MORE OF AN EGO TRIP, BUT I’M HAPPY TO HAVE IT”
— chris king ceramic bottom bracket
Hands down the smoothest BB I’ve used, but their proprietary tool kind of makes me want to not like it out of principle.
FINALLY, THE AWARD FOR “ABSOLUTE BIGGEST PIECE OF HOT GARBAGE” GOES TO
— bontrager carry forward front rack 💩
Boy if this thing isn’t a big piece of dogshit. Every attachment point has broken off, and it’s currently being held on with four metallic clamps. And you better believe I’ll add another twenty just to keep riding with it out of spite -and to prove a point.
Other stuff worth mentioning:
I’ve had four punctures so far, all in the rear. I’m currently running a tube instead of tubeless. Get a good pump and proper tire levers, they’ll make life better. I’ve had to replace brake pads on both the front and rear. I rotate two chains every 1,000 km and my drivetrain still looks fresh. Duct tape and tie wraps hold the world together. Oh, and, you should check and tighten your bolts once a week(-ish).
So yeah, if you can change a tire and swap brake pads, you’re more than ready to start travelling by bike. Hooray! It really is that simple!
Other things I’ve learned along the way:
Sun is hot. Water is wet. Burek is a way of life. I don’t care about ajvar. We all could use a little more of the Argentinian laid-back energy in our lives.
And for everyone wondering; no, my butt does not hurt.
with love,
Pablo