Bikepacking Across America — Designing & Building the Bike: The Basics

In this video I explain the many decisions that went into the selection of the components and the building of my tour bike, focusing on the basic parts; subsequent videos will cover the drive train and the bags. Here are links to all of the parts mentioned in this video: Frame & Fork: Surly Disc Trucker 26" Frameset 2021, 52cm, 26" Wheels (Hi-Viz Black) (https://surlybikes.com/bikes/disc_tru...) Handlebars: Surly Truck Stop Drop Handlebars, 45cm x 31.8 Bar Clamp (Black) (https://surlybikes.com/parts/truck_st...) Handlebar Tape: Brooks Microfiber Bar Tape, Honey (https://amzn.to/3B1logg) Headset: Cane Creek 40, 1-1/8” (https://amzn.to/3pmrJ39) Headset Spacers: Platt Bike Set of 7 (https://amzn.to/3VEpx3k) Bolts for Handlebar Mount: Misc. Shop Supplies Handlebar Gel: Fizik Bar Gel (https://amzn.to/3nxGtvR) Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB Spindle (https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/b...) Bracket Spacers: Skylety (https://amzn.to/41ckmIX) Stem: Specialized Comp Multi, 90mm (https://www.specialized.com/us/en/com...) Rear Rack: Salsa Wanderlust HD Rear Rack (tried Surly) (https://www.salsacycles.com/gear/wand...) Front Rack: Surly Front Rack (https://surlybikes.com/parts/front_rack) Seat Post: REDSHIFT ShockStop PRO Suspension Seatpost (https://amzn.to/3IgFSWs) Saddle: Brooks, B17 Special Honey (https://amzn.to/3NH2MK6) Cages: ThinkTop Ultra-Light Full Carbon Fiber (https://amzn.to/44G7X38) Mirrors: Sprintech Road Drop Bar Rearview Bike Mirror - Pair, Black (https://amzn.to/41dowAg) Fender Set: VeloORANGE, 26" Snakeskin Fenders, 50mm (https://velo-orange.com/products/vo-s...) Extra Fender Hardware: Velo Problem Solvers, Fender Flute & Spring Thing (https://velo-orange.com/collections/f...) Kickstand: BV Adjustable (https://amzn.to/3B3P6Bq) Kickstand Plates: Surly KI00010 (https://surlybikes.com/parts/kickstan...) Rims: Velocity Cliffhanger 26" Rim, 36h, NMSW, black (https://store.velocityusa.com/p/cliff...) Rim Nipples: DT Swiss Brass Nipple, 2.0x12, black (https://amzn.to/42uFlrw) Rim Tape: Muc Off (https://amzn.to/3O4Zv7J) Spokes: DT Swiss Competition Double Butted Spokes, Black (https://amzn.to/3LLcEzM) Front Thru Axle: DT Swiss, 12x100, 1.5 pitch (without Lever) (https://amzn.to/42uSQHJ) Rear Thru Axle: Surly HU0133 12x142 (https://surlybikes.com/parts/thru_axles) Centerlock Rotor Rings: TRP (https://amzn.to/3NPgJpu) Rear Hub: White Industries, Centerlock, CLD 12x142, 36H, Black (https://www.whiteind.com/product/cld-...) Front Hub: Schmidt SON28 Dynamo, disc centerlock 36h black (12x100) (https://nabendynamo.de/en/products/hu...) Tires: Adult Schwalbe Marathon Supreme, 26” (https://amzn.to/41jH1mx) Tire Sealant: Stan’s NoTubes (https://amzn.to/3VFLQp7) Inner Tubes: Continental 26" 1.25/1.75 42 mm Presta (https://amzn.to/3B2KSK9) Valve Stems: Z&D Valve (https://amzn.to/44GaRF4)