The 'Rockhopper'
Frameset
‘Specialized Rockhopper’ frameset of dubious origins, bought in Beijing for next to nothing. Not sure what it actually was or where it was made, but it lasted the journey back to the UK and some more after that. I had to strip it down and bin it after the headset broke some years later and proved to be irreplaceable because it was an irregular size… Made in China! But for a complete bike for £300 I wasn’t complaining!
Drivetrain
Crankset – Shimano (allegedly!!)
Front Derailleur – Shimano Deore 48/36/26t
Rear Derailleur – Shimano Deore
Cogset – Shimano Deore 9speed
Chain – Shimano Deore
Wheels
Rims – Mavic (allegedly)
Tyres – Used all sorts but then discovered Schwalbe Marathons when we got to Athens
Other Components
Brakes – Shimano V-brake, not sure what model
Saddle – A fake Italian-sounding name, but very comfortable and at £2 a pop you can’t complain at a saddle that lasts for 20,000km
Panniers – Carradice Super C, with an Old Man Mountain rack. They donated these as sponsorship and we were very grateful as they were superb.
Guitar – ¾-size bought in Bishkek, survived the journey, miraculously, and was a blessing on all the Mediterranean beaches
‘Specialized Rockhopper’ frameset of dubious origins, bought in Beijing for next to nothing. Not sure what it actually was or where it was made, but it lasted the journey back to the UK and some more after that. I had to strip it down and bin it after the headset broke some years later and proved to be irreplaceable because it was an irregular size… Made in China! But for a complete bike for £300 I wasn’t complaining!
Drivetrain
Crankset – Shimano (allegedly!!)
Front Derailleur – Shimano Deore 48/36/26t
Rear Derailleur – Shimano Deore
Cogset – Shimano Deore 9speed
Chain – Shimano Deore
Wheels
Rims – Mavic (allegedly)
Tyres – Used all sorts but then discovered Schwalbe Marathons when we got to Athens
Other Components
Brakes – Shimano V-brake, not sure what model
Saddle – A fake Italian-sounding name, but very comfortable and at £2 a pop you can’t complain at a saddle that lasts for 20,000km
Panniers – Carradice Super C, with an Old Man Mountain rack. They donated these as sponsorship and we were very grateful as they were superb.
Guitar – ¾-size bought in Bishkek, survived the journey, miraculously, and was a blessing on all the Mediterranean beaches
The steed in front of an old gate in Uzbekistan. Guitar still hadn't had to face too much heavy snow at this point...
