Whatever the substrate, there are a number of points to bear in mind before embarking on a bike-packing adventure. Here’s some advice on how to protect your body, plan your everyday equipment and choose the right technical accessories for your ultra-distance bike.
Once you have carefully chosen the size of your frame, to achieve the most ergonomic posture for you, you need to adjust the peripheral elements:
POSTURE
The long bushing on CHIRU endurance bike frames allows the cockpit to be positioned relatively high. This makes it possible to have a raised chest or to use an extender in intensive mode.
VIBRATION DAMPENING
The design choices made for our frames, combined with the choice of grade 9 3Al 2.5V titanium for its exceptional characteristics, optimize the filtration of vibrations induced by repeated shocks and micro-shocks generated by the terrain. Of course, the choice of shoes and their insoles, as well as other components specific to contact points, is also essential (saddle, extender, handlebars and ergonomic grips).
HAND, FOREARM AND WRIST PROTECTION
The use of handlebar extensions encourages alternating support with the forearms to protect the palms of the hands. Prolonged pressure on the palms causes compression of the carpal nerves, which can lead to a loss of sensitivity in the hands. We’ll also be looking for handlebars that allow a neutral position for forearms and wrists, with ergonomic inserts in shock-absorbing material.
Ultra cyclists need to carry everything they need to be self-sufficient. The checklist includes food and hydration, clothing, bivouac gear, small repair and first-aid equipment, electricity and lighting for night-time use…all with a minimum of load and bulk. CHIRU frames come from thousands of miles riding in remote and often inhospitable territories. As a result of this experience, a number of design decisions have been made to ensure the best possible experience: bolting for reliable attachment of luggage and luggage racks; cable routing for dynamo, lighting and power generation; numerous attachment points for bottles; possibility of adding mudguards.
In order not to pedal too hard and to be able to maintain a sufficient cadence, it is advisable to choose a transmission with reduced-tooth chainrings and ratios adapted to long-distance pedaling rather than sprinting. CHIRU frames are designed for efficient pedaling, enhanced stability and easy handling. Considering the weight carried when bikepacking. CHIRU frames are compatible with a minimum 160 mm rear brake disc, to guarantee effective, long-lasting braking.
For efficient propulsion and reliable control, choosing the right tires is crucial. The load on a bikepacking bike requires a greater volume of air to optimize traction and avoid pinch flats. To make full use of the tire’s “shock-absorbing” function, CHIRU frames accept generous-volume tires. This ensures that your tires are not over-inflated, and that your bike retains optimum comfort and handling once loaded.
Exceeding your physical and mental limits: bikepacking and ultra-distance racing in a competitive mode is a different approach to the usual wheel. It’s not necessarily about coming first: finishing is already a victory in itself! Reliability is at the heart of CHIRU frame design, because their mission is to get the cyclist to the finish line without fail! Titanium and the Pinion drivetrain that equips some of our frames are two of the pillars of this mindset, which consists of eliminating equipment-related annoyances for extreme adventures!
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Titanium frames and high-end components for demanding adventurous cyclists.
