Expert advice: The best bike bag configuration for Taiwan with Axel Carion

Hello Everyone !

Bikepacking is an exhilarating adventure, blending cycling and exploration, and Taiwan offers a perfect terrain for this discipline. Whether you’re participating in a race like BikingMan Taiwan or planning a personal adventure, the configuration of your bike is crucial for maximizing your comfort and performance. Axel Carion, an endurance cycling expert and founder of BikingMan, shares his tips for the best bikepacking configuration for Taiwan.

The best bike bag configuration for Taiwan with Axel Carion

 

 

 

            1. Handlebars: comfort and aerodynamics
The first step for an optimal setup is choosing the right handlebars. Axel strongly recommends using aero bars. This type of handlebar offers two main advantages:

• Comfort: On long rides, aero bars allow you to vary hand positions, reducing fatigue.
• Efficiency: They improve aerodynamics, especially on flat sections, allowing you to ride faster with less effort.

 

 

            2. Tires and wheels: speed and versatility

Choosing the right tires and wheels is crucial for adapting to the diverse terrains you’ll encounter in Taiwan.

• Tires: Axel suggests using tires between 25 to 28 millimeters. These tires offer a good balance between speed and comfort.
• Wheels: For wheels, he advises choosing a high profile, around 40 millimeters. These wheels are ideal for flat roads, providing both stability and speed.

 

 

          3. Drivetrain: adaptability to slopes
Taiwan is known for its varied terrain, with climbs that can reach very steep gradients. Therefore, a well-thought-out drivetrain is essential.

• Gear ratio: Axel recommends a 1:1 gear ratio, for example, a 34-tooth chainring in front and a 34-tooth cog in the rear. This ratio allows for efficient pedaling even on the steepest climbs.
• Versatility: It’s important not to opt for too aggressive ratios that could make climbing difficult, especially with a loaded bike.

 

 

 

        4. Brakes: safety and performance

Weather conditions in Taiwan can be unpredictable, with sudden rains and slippery roads.

• Disc brakes: Axel recommends disc brakes for their superior performance in wet conditions. They offer more consistent and reliable braking power than rim brakes, which is crucial for descending safely.

 

 

             5. Bags: lightness and efficiency

One of the keys to bikepacking is traveling light. Axel advises a minimalist approach to bags.

• Large saddlebag: Prefer a large saddlebag to store essential gear.
• Additional options: If you need more equipment, you can add a frame bag or a front bag. However, keep in mind that the more weight you add, the harder the climbs will be.
• Light and aggressive: The idea is to keep the bike as light as possible while being equipped with the necessary gear for the adventure.

 

 

                 6. Preparation and testing

Before embarking on your adventure, it is crucial to prepare and test your configuration thoroughly.

• Preliminary tests: Do several training rides with your full setup to ensure everything works properly and make adjustments if needed.
• Technical check: Carefully inspect every component of your bike: brakes, drivetrain, tires, and make sure everything is in perfect working condition.

 

Bikepacking in Taiwan with Axel Carion is a demanding adventure that requires careful preparation and an optimized bike configuration. By following Axel’s advice on handlebars, tires, wheels, drivetrain, brakes, and bags, you will maximize your chances of success and fully enjoy the experience.

Taiwan offers breathtaking landscapes and significant challenges for endurance cyclists. With the right setup, you will be ready to tackle these challenges and embark on an unforgettable adventure. So, prepare your bike, test your equipment, and set off to explore Taiwan on two wheels!

 

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