2 Years & 30,000 km - Budget Touring Bike Review // Cycling Around the World

As we have done in the past, we are celebrating our big 30k km milestone with another bike review, to see how our bikes are holding up on our journey around the world. As this is a follow up video to our 20,000 km bike review, we will only discuss new components we have used since then and any setup changes we have made.
Please find more detailed information about the products & components mentioned in this video below.
Overview:
00:00 - Intro
01:35 - Wheels & Tires
03:36 - Lights & USB-Chargers
06:48 - Mud Guards
07:59 - Handlebar / Cockpit (Phone Mount, GPS Computer, etc.)
12:40 - Saddle & Seatpost, Trekking-Pole Bike Stand
15:06 - Drivetrain / Groupset
18:31 - Guitar & Panniers
20:00 - Rear Rack
21:04 - Conclusion / Outro
Bikes & Components:
General
We both bought our bikes second-hand in Germany specifically for this trip. We wanted very basic bikes, with basic components, that we could either always repair ourselves, or get repaired, anywhere in the world. And so far this has really paid out as we have never had a mechanical problem which has stranded us for more than a few days.
Wheels
Although we mention in this video that we are now again happy with our new, rebuilt wheels, we have to say that this is actually the second rebuild of our rear wheels since our 20k km review. When we had our wheels professionally rebuilt in Peru, the quality of spokes used on our rear wheels was very bad, resulting in a lot of broken spokes over the coming 4000 km. So we ordered better quality spokes online and Tobi rebuilt our wheels with these while we were taking a rest day somewhere in Chile. Our front wheels were rebuilt in Peru with the original spokes, as these were still in good condition, and didn't have this problem.
Tires
Tobi - Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour 2023* 47-622
www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-read...
Louisa - Schwalbe Marathon Mondial Evo DD* 42-622
www.schwalbe.com/en/tour-read...
While the Marathon Plus Tour are a lot heavier than the Mondials, they are incredibly durable and have shown us over tens of thousands of kilometers now that they truly have amazing puncture protection.
Lights & Electrical
We both have complete lighting & electrical systems from B+M with IQ-X* headlights, Dart Plus* tail lights, and the E-Werk* USB charger, all connected to our SON28 hub-dynamos.
www.bumm.de/en/products/strom...
Generally we are really happy with this new setup, especially with the E-Werk. Not only are they a lot more versatile than our previous USB-Werk, as voltage & current can be adjusted individually, but they also work with up to 50V DC power so you could technically use them as a USB charger on car batteries as well. Furthermore, the E-Werk has up to 1.5A output, whereas the USB-Werk only have 0.5A. The buffer battery mentioned is the 461A*.
Bike Computer
Tobi - iGPSport iGS630*, Louisa - iGPSport iGS320
www.igpsport.com/igs630-highl...
Generally we are really happy with the iGS630, especially for the price. We have found it is a huge advantage to have a GPS cycling computer so we can also easily navigate in the rain, with thick gloves on, etc., without having to get our phones out. What we like the most about the iGS630 is how customizable the screen & interface are, meaning you can set it up for your specific needs. It also has really good battery life (around 5 days of riding for us) & accurate elevation measurement. What could be improved is the screen brightness (not too bad though), and a glitch which causes the navigation, which generally works really well, to occasionally drop out on longer routes.
The iGS320, which we already had previously, is generally not that good, even with a new firmware, and in our opinion it makes far more sense spending a bit more and getting a more high-end device.
The iGPSport app is used to setup & load routes onto the computers and generally works really well.
Phone Mounts
Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount*
www.peakdesign.com/products/o...
Saddle & Seatpost
Tobi - saddle: Voxom SA6, new seatpost: Suntour SP12 NCX
Louisa - saddle: Terry Fisio Flex Gel Women, seatpost: Zoom
Drivetrain / Groupset
Tobi - 8-speed, crank: 22-30-40, Hollowtech II, cassette: 34-11, Novatec sealed-bearing rear hub, SON28 hub-dynamo
Louisa - 9-speed, crank: 24-34-42, square taper, cassette 36-11, Sachs rear hub, SON28 hub-dynamo
Racks
Tobi - front: Tubus Tara, rear: generic steel
Louisa - front: Tubus Tara, rear: Bontrager aluminum
*these products have been given to us for free to test
For more information on our bikes & gear, visit our website:
www.louisaandtobi.com/bikes-gear
Donate to our Channel on PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/louis...
Thank you to our partner, Dr-Walter!
If you're looking for travel insurance, consider using our affiliate-link:
www.protrip-world.com/en/?vkn...

[@user-zr7lc4gj4f]

Congratulations, for this achievement, two years on the road is not for everyone...I discovered you 3 weeks ago.....every evening I see a piece of your adventure. Big and brave I respect you so much, don't stop.....top, top, top

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you! 😊

[@Killik001]

Man, 2 years is a long time. I'm only just finishing my second month and still learning a lot. Thanks for the vids.

[@razparmar8680]

Just catching up with your channel again, I am hooked! You guys are amazing, watching your ride through Mexico now.

[@tonydownunder5703]

Well done guys, 2 Years and 30,000 km 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Great camera work little lady 👍

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you! 😊

[@hngldr]

The trekking pole stand is so freakin genius - I love it and will never get over how good it is

[@alternativetech]

Amazing 20,000 I can’t truly imagine the hardships you have endured but you do a great job of informing us.

[@gerarddelariviere8679]

Thank you very much for your feedback. Very interesting. Starting bike touring this year for one week. The first of many others later we hope. You guys are inspiring.

[@louisaandtobi]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulrhodes5931]

Respect for the challenges you face and overcome, from a fellow LDC.

[@Bernhard20Zoll]

Hello Tobi, another nice, entertaining and informative technology video from you. thanks for that Best regards Bernard

[@tomsitzman3952]

Enjoying your journey. I’m still getting out at 81 in self contained tours, but not near the adventure you two are own. I have had my leather Brooks saddle for 32 years and only oil it once or twice a year. It has been through sun and rain and is getting more comfortable each year.

[@ucanskixc568]

Always interesting to hear other peoples opinions about bike parts. From decades ago I seem to remember red Aluminum Bullseye Pulleys which I had on my Campy Rallye rear derailleur with my triple TA cranks, half step plus granny setup. I still ride on my Brooks Pro saddle which is now around 50 years of riding. I rarely oiled it and have replaced the saddle bolt once as the leather stretched. I do not used my AL Blackburn front/rear racks much anymore as I like the Bikepacking setup instead, though I have not toured(80days) nearly as far and a long as you have. :) Thank you for your video and your comments. Keep up the good work, be safe and have fun, enjoy!!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Very good review and well explained. Seems like bike upgrades are a never ending process and one that I enjoy. Thank you for the video and take care, Al

[@k.whiking4372]

Looking forward to your adventures from Australia.

[@JohnMFlores]

Thank you so much for these detailed videos! We are learning a lot!

[@louisaandtobi]

Glad it helps! 😊

[@wambostic]

Congratulations on two years on the road! What a wonderful milestone to reach, and you both seem to be very into the journey and loving it! We can't wait to see how your travels continue, and always enjoy your videos. We are approaching one year on the road, are still very much enjoying it, and are excited to get down to South America and see the amazing landscapes you shared so well! Cheers and happy travels!

[@louisaandtobi]

Thank you and all the best on your adventure as well! 😊

[@PersonalArtWorkshop]

You guys are great! this is the first budget setup I can really see myself going for, it could make it possible for me to put some miles on. I really wanted to see a budget video "What it costs" from you., There are many out there, but seeing how resourceful and practical you are I want to know how you make it work! I dont see such a vid from you; did I miss it? Do you have a recommendation video or other resource? Thanks for the great value!

[@Jamie.S.]

You two are an absolute inspiration and I love all your videos. All the scenery and beauty all the toughing it out all the people and places and all the info on the bikes and the gear. It's all part of the adventure, finding out what works, what doesn't, how the gear holds up, how it all works and becoming experts in all this stuff. Tremendous stuff all the best for the rest of your journey. 👏👏 Whereabouts in SA did you film this?

[@louisaandtobi]

Thanks! 😊 We filmed this close to Waikerie, on the Murray River. 😅

[@wildirishladdavy7965]

Thank you ☘️🐺☘️

[@clickbaitnumberone1403]

Pretty interesting

[@bengkeljowo2712]

Luar biasa 2 tahun do atas sepeda sangat istimewa dgn 30000rbu kilo Yaa sayyidii yaa rosulalloh

[@arcoulant87]

Chapeau, rubber side down.

[@expatexpat6531]

👍 You forgot to mention the sandles and socks @15:50, the kit of a true German man 🙂.

[@louisaandtobi]

😂😂

[@hungaronomads]

Well done guys on the 2 years anniversary! ❤ Keep up the good work and hope to catch you one day ! 😉

[@louiskirby4266]

Onya Team beers up

[@SLAYMETALLIDETHTHRAX]

HMU HOLLA WEN YA GET A CHANCE! JUZ BLOWN AWAY. BY ONE VIDEO ONE SMALL COUNTRY! GOD KEEP YA BOTH SAFE

[@kevinbagukchannel]

Sangat keren dan menginspirasi

[@zohairyahea7294]

بالتوفيق الكم يارب

[@outtatrex]

Nice review, it is amazing to see that even quality parts will break if you ride that many miles. I wouldn't trust that seatpost for much longer, smart of you to replace it. And I hope that Loisa's new aluminium rack will last, but I have my doubts about aluminium racks if you carry that much weight. I hope I am wrong, but we will see in the long run.

[@Frostbiker]

Doesn't aluminium fail without warning? Steel may be heavy but at least it bends or rusts in a noticeable way before failing.

[@louisaandtobi]

Yea, we'll have to see how well the aluminum rack lasts, but it's been fine now for 10,000 km, so we're not too worried. It's rated for 25 kg, which is way more than we have on it, so it should be fine... 😅

[@koldimond1100]

Be nice if you named the brands of your bike components so we can check them out...such as your bike stand etc

[@tapiokeihanen]

Thanks for the review, interesting stuff! As I mentioned in your earlier video, I've been looking for a new phone mount and based on your experiences now, Peak will it be. :) About the Louisa's new rear bike rack: I've got a Tubus Disco rack which is also seated on the rear axle similarly to yours. I've been happy about it for sure, but noticed that with heavier load it will bend the rear axle. I actually had to cut the other end of the axle to get it out. I believe that if you rotate the rear axle to different positions regularly, this won't happen, but of course it still probably will cause fatigue to the rear axle metal.

[@louisaandtobi]

Thanks for the feedback and your experiences with the rear axle! We'll see if / when we notice a deformation and will then also try turning it regularly. 😊

[@roadtripmitch]

Very Nice Tobi! I use PD stuff as well. One of my recommendations is use your drone to video the before and after shots that you cycle through and just fly the drone back. Louisa may enjoy not running back for the camera, LoL. Safe Travels Buddy!

[@louisaandtobi]

We do occasionally do that with the drone, but a drone has a very different picture to our main camera, most notably the drone only has a wide angle. So it's not always the nicest option.

[@roadtripmitch]

I'm using a DJI Mini 4 which replaced my Mavics for the size and convenance. Safe Travels I enjoyed this video and look forward to more!

[@mercedesfigueroa7184]

Hola, nos encantan sus videos, y la forma en que encaran los viajes, por favor, traduccion al español!!!!

[@henryguthery5311]

Question? How much weight do you normally carry on your bike? I am about to do my 1st tour, please let me know

[@deryawashere]

Greetings, I enjoy watching you. I have a question. Do you use a satellite messaging device such as Garmin inreach device for emergencies? I am planning a tour alone. Do you think it is necessary?

[@louisaandtobi]

We've never had one, but of course we are also two people. Traveling alone this could definitely make sense. But it also really depends on where you're touring, in our opinion. If you're not going to be riding in remote areas you will most likely always have fairly good phone reception, or cars passing by that can help in emergencies.

[@robingood62]

Louisas broken bike rack, was it made of steel or aluminium? Thank you for all the valuable information for all bike touring people!

[@louisaandtobi]

Louisa's rack was steel, same model as Tobi's current one still is. But it wasn't the rack that broke, it was the eyelet of the frame holding the rack.

[@robingood62]

@@louisaandtobi ❤️👍

[@lifeontherun.community]

Congratulations for what you have achieved so far; and, hopefully, you’ve enjoyed some ’betta weatha’. 😏

[@fabiopunk1661]

Interesting and needless to say, congratulations! Rear shifter lower pulley: it’s now aluminum. Did you notice an increased noise or less smooth rolling of the chain? I would imagine a plastic pulley provides a smoother engagement, less noise

[@louisaandtobi]

We haven't noticed any difference, to be honest. 😊

[@moivala]

Chạy xe đạp sẽ khoẻ người

[@henrikkarl25]

Any tips on how to avoid getting a sore bum when sitting on a saddle for so many hours every day ? My main problem for getting out there doing a trip myself

[@louisaandtobi]

It's unavoidable, in our opinion. After several hours in the saddle it just gets sore, no matter how good the saddle or the padded cycling pants. However, having a fitting saddle and pads does help, and just taking regular short breaks / changing seating - standing position every once in a while.

[@tanwei1931]

I might need to up grade my membership...

[@asteria4279]

What brand are your hiking poles?

[@louisaandtobi]

From Decathlon 😊

[@tanwei1931]

Amazing you guys rode your bikes a lot in the rain but there doesn't seem to be any sign of rust!! Tobi's bike looks like it's stainless steel is it? Do dynamo hubs produce noticeable drag when cycling? ...lots of questions... 😊

[@louisaandtobi]

There is a bit of rust here and there, most noticeably on the front & rear racks, some screws, etc., but nothing too bad yet. We try to wash our bikes fairly regularly to get salt deposits off and prevent corrosion. Both our bikes are chromoly stainless steel. 😊 The dynamos do produce a bit of drag, but too be honest it's not really noticeable when cycling.

[@tanwei1931]

@@louisaandtobi Oh haha I didn't know chrome moly steel is stainless! Then my bike is stainless steel too 😅

[@RAFAELLO077]

Could you do some budget videos ? How much needs to be in the bank to travel the world :)

[@louisaandtobi]

Yea, we will either make a video about it at some point, or release an article about it on our website. 😊

[@jonasmeier417]

Thank you for your always great videos, Louisa & Tobi! Usually Shimano square bottom bracket BB-UN26 lasts way longer than Hollowtech II bottom bracket. Or Chris King Hollowtech II bottom bracket lasts long and has long-long warranty. Hubs: Recommended are DT SWISS for example the Tandem ones or HOPE. Freewheel & ball bearings you can take with you as spare parts. Or take SHIMANO Deore or XT 756 plus freewheel & balls as spare parts. If you have to change the whole hub because of a broken freewheel = no good.

[@johnboxxy3432]

I had a puncture last week and after checking the tyre for damage I took out the valve and squirted in half a bottle of green liquid called Slime which I have been carrying . I replaced the valve, there is a valve key in the bottle top, pumped up the tyre and was on my way in 15 minutes. A week later the pressure is holding fine and the makers say it is good for two years. Happy cycling.

[@jjmcwill1881]

If you are riding so much why not get a big wide seat?

[@louisaandtobi]

Wider seats aren't necessarily more comfortable, often on the contrary, wider seats can be more uncomfortable. It really depends on how upright your riding position is and the distance between your hipbones. Tobi's new saddle is narrower than his old one but actually more comfortable.

[@mathieutallard6328]

I had punktures with Marathon. I just go now with regular and a spare tube. Go ti Wolf Creek see if you can escape the killer!! I'm enjoying the serial.

[@GordoGambler]

Fred Flintstone grim brakes. What a farce. My SA XL-FDD dyno drum brake did both tours and now has 32,000 miles on it's 3rd bike. The pads just now getting to the limits. My Rohloff14 is just getting loosened up at 20,600 miles. LOL. Changed the shifter cables last year. The oil changes are a nuisance with RTW miles, with few resupply places.

[@neilwalton4474]

Hi Tobbi, Congratulations on your amazing adventure, you and Louisa are very brave ! I really enjoy your videos. The one point that I feel I must mention is.... Please stop saying "em" 2,3,or even 4 times in each sentence , I don't know why you keep saying that ? I wish you guy's the best of luck on your future journeys. Kind regards, Neil, (Sweden)

[@cowpoke02]

Lotta nice cheap bikes rate now. Even name brand. Looking for certain ones. Probably get new bike for traveling.

[@AwesomeAngryBiker]

Stop worrying about phones and drones and Cameras and enjoy the cycling and keep it simple

[@markfogel3682]

Lol but they need that stuff for filming, without that stuff the channel couldn't exist.

[@davdav8709]

Not awesome but definitely angry biker

[@Asfanboy1]

What are my chances at doing 94km in a day if i normally do 32?

[@cowpoke02]

2 people can pack lighter divide up gear. Like tent only need 1.

[@ColCastree]

Maybe learn the harmonica?

[@louisaandtobi]

...maybe 😅

[@markthomas9441]

S-P-R-O-C-K-E-T-S ………..ant now vee ride.

[@danieleverywhere132]

why do you constantly say emmmm ? after 50th time in 2 minutes becomes annoying

[@NBM397]

Searching for the correct word in English. He's not a native English speaker.

[@danieleverywhere132]

@@NBM397 native english speakers have same stupid emm even on TV news i don't really understand why they do that apart from wanting to look smart but they are achieving opposite and Germans don't do that,so he has picked it up along with english language

[@fickbasterd]

benutzt mal ryde felgen und dt swiss speichen ;))