Badlands 2022 Bike Check. What I Actually Packed

Badlands. A race renowned for its diverse landscapes and attracting some names well known from within and outside of the sport. From deserts to forests, coasts to summits, Badlands has it all. And all the drama. 2022 is my second time at the race, tackling on probably the most beautiful and brutal ultra race out there. In this 3 part video series, I'll be showing you the highs and lows of taking part in Badlands. In part 2 I do a rundown of my bike and the setup I used Thanks to Schwalbe, Shimano, Cervélo and Tailfin for helping to fund this documentary series.
I've also set up a Patreon if you'd like to help support the channel for less than the price of a fancy London coffee and croissant: / chrishallrides
SUPPORT ME THROUGH ZERO LEMON: www.zero-lemon...
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Get the bags I use for my kit at races. You can get 20% off your order with the code 'CHRISHALL20' here: kitbrix.avln.m...
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Purchase some nice new bits for your bike from South Downs Bikes: southdownsbike...
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The following companies (that you'll see in my content) support me either financially or with free stuff, so huge thanks to these guys for helping me with the challenges I take on:
Attacus Cycling, Cervélo, Lazer Helmets, Shimano, Schwalbe Tires, Parcours Wheels, Sungod Eyewear, Tailfin Cycling, Komoot, Styrkr

[@onenotesolo256]

Best bike check ever. Fantastic detail. Well done on Badlands too.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you so much!

[@paulcallan8769]

Hello from Ireland! I missed you guys in Spain! I was a week late AND without my bike. Big respect on enduring the heat and the desert. The videos are great, Keep her lit!!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much, Paul!

[@kimsue429]

Love how detailed this video is! I would agree that having aero bars are a great option to give your hands/nerves a break. I've also found that the change in position helps to relieve some back pain/tightness. Cheers!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you so much for watching it! Yep aero bars are great for back pain too aren't they? Definitely a must for seriously long rides.

[@markjthomson]

Good chat - not only the gear but the reasoning behind it!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! I hope it was useful!

[@shanew634]

Nice bike and run through Chris. Well done on another Badlands.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@andyekay]

Fantastic rig and insight Chris. Nicely done! 👌🏼

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much

[@arcoulant87]

What a good fixing system for the frame bag ,I would buy that simple no need for heli tape

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah it’s so so good

[@geordiem8496]

Great well thought out set up. I’m going to copy a couple of things! Thanks! Arundel do a bottle cage with an adjustable ratchet grip called the “Looney Bin” which would be ideal for the rear rack mounted bottle. Bonus points are it can open wide enough for a bottle of wine (or 1.5l supermarket water bottle). I hope to do Badlands in 2024 if I can get an entry…😊

[@ChrisHallRides]

That’s a great shout for a way to keep that bottle in place, even if it’s a wine one haha

[@stenoboard]

Hi Chris, great overview, thanks! What is the size of the tailfin Downtube Pack? 1.7L or 3L? Cheers 🙌

[@ChrisHallRides]

1.7l

[@benjacobs9981]

Great video. Really informative, thanks Chris.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesbicknell4706]

Cheers Chris plenty of useful info, see you there next year no doubt 😉

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for watching! I hope I can be there again :)

[@jamesbicknell4706]

@@ChrisHallRides I hope so I just love how many times you change your rig before the start.😂👍

[@miramoneric6988]

Hi Chris ,so great approach,safety ,finish and fun .I like all the specs you select for badlands,everything is realistic according to what you are and your experience,I’m 67 years old ,with me son Pierre ,we prepare gravel and ultra distance frame and bikes ( bordure cycles in France )We plan to share 2023 departure . According to your second badlands, what details could you modified to improve again.Tks for your feedback,and congratulations for your video and your result

[@ChrisHallRides]

Heya! Thanks for the message. To be honest there’s not too much I would change actually. Maybe take less but also a thin sleeping bag and foil blanket. This year was so cold at night compared to the previous year

[@ondrejjanoska660]

The mounting system from Tailfin looks like real good idea. No need for frame stickers anymore.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah exactly it’s so good

[@davidfenwick262]

Great video thank you. I think it's more informative to go through the setup post ride. You can say what worked for you and drawbacks if any.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yeah exactly! That way it’s properly tested isn’t it?

[@nicolascuvelier9344]

Great video!! Can you tell me what v-mount packs you installed on your bike ? 1,7 ou 3 L ? Thank you very much

[@ChrisHallRides]

Heya the one on the BB is the 1.7 litre

[@kristianrobinson5856]

Great detail. Love this. What is the helmet light you were rockin'?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! It’s from Silva. One of these: amzn.to/3UtUPIn

[@ivanyhtang]

Incredibly done video with great details, well presented!! What bottle holders do you use? I'm thinking that my gravel bike is one size too big for me but it's already a small size and concerned that going to extra small would further reduce the space in the frame for bags and 2x750mL bottles :/ not sure I can fit a frame bag at all with two big bottles. I'm running the stock 60mm stem slammed but thinking to go 50mm to shorten the reach. Keep cool mate

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you so much! The bottle cages are from Tacx. I can’t remember the name exactly but they are the side load ones. Definitely worth considering a bike fit to check it all

[@blahqwe]

Thanks Chris, great insight.....do you know when that frame bag will be released?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Not too sure yet but I’m sure it’ll be soon

[@foodbymark]

hi Chris, I just installed my tailfin carbon rack on my gravel bike, and keen to find out what accessory you used to install the bottle cage on the back?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Hello! It's this: www.tailfin.cc/product/spares/accessories-accessories/ap-mount/?v=79cba1185463 You then attach a bottle cage to it. Hope that helps!

[@Z3roZock]

Great video! I didn’t get the Airmatt and Liner Brand? Can somebody help??

[@ChrisHallRides]

Alpkit

[@TheLucateli]

Hey Chris, how much time did you spend on the 50 cog? Thinking in retrospect, would you have made it to the end with a normal 46 shimano cassette? Thanks for the vídeo, it has gold information.

[@ChrisHallRides]

I actually used it loads. If you have the gear I’ve always found it gets used. You could definitely still do it on a 46. Last year I wan 2x and an 11-42 I think

[@oliverburke3743]

Hey dude. What bars did you say they were on your rig?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Cervélo’s own bars

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

As always, love this bike. I like the look of that test framebag by tailfin, gives better room to get bottles out. Once I upgrade my gravel bike I will be switching to shimano and mtb rear mech for sure. Better calipers, better gear range all round better 👌🏻

[@ChrisHallRides]

The frame bag is super neat. Super impressed with it!

[@carlosrivera-sanchez7959]

What sunglasses are you wearing?!?😊

[@ChrisHallRides]

They’re SunGod Zephyrs

[@carlosrivera-sanchez7959]

@@ChrisHallRides is that the rose lens??

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@carlosrivera-sanchez7959 yep!

[@J.S.A.]

How are you fitting the exposure light to the handle bars. I got one and could only find adapters for round bars, so had to fudge it.

[@ChrisHallRides]

I used Cervelo's stem mounting system and an adapter for the light to a GoPro mount. The normal mount fits find on these handlebars too without the aero bars as there's a wide round gap to mount things like that

[@J.S.A.]

@@ChrisHallRides great videos by the way, relaxed, nice and informative with interesting content. Much better than all the posing by Lawrence and Francis ;) ;) (jk jk....). Do like the Aspero, not got one but fell for it as soon as I saw it in a shop, good to know the performance lives up to it's looks.

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@J.S.A. haha thanks so much. Hopefully all going to plan I’ll be able to do more things like this. They both do an amazing job with what they do but I want to try and do things a little bit differently. Genuinely I think the Áspero has become my absolute favourite to ride too

[@DreadRoberts732]

Would love to ride if you are ever in omaha nebraska usa.

[@ChrisHallRides]

America has long been on my list

[@edmondmuller7082]

Any idea how heavy the bike was (kg)?

[@ChrisHallRides]

No idea! I never weigh bikepacking setups

[@eivissastef]

and sure these OVERSIZED carbon tubes are SUPERcomfortable! 😁

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s an incredibly comfortable bike

[@justinfo-jepy355]

the dirt! yes we dont want to wash the dirt its a trophy haha nice....

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Great detailed breakdown of your setup, I've done a few setup videos in my time, but often feel the need to keep the videos succinct and engaging. But still, if you've got an interested target audience they will watch to the very end, as did I.

[@ChrisHallRides]

I think some people really like these kind of videos because there is lots of useful information in them. Each to their own right?

[@tinusvanoverveld9180]

Hi just looking throw your videos about badlands saw the klight set up which I have but the exposure light (which I have to and would love to set it up like you have ) is a wall charging one did you charge it throw the klight system during the day?

[@ChrisHallRides]

I changed it with a mix of the klite system and a battery pack

[@Max-et4ck]

when you whistled I was sure I nose-whistled but was completely unsure how

[@ChrisHallRides]

We are in sync hahaha

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

Lucky you didn't get so knackered you mistook the sunscreen for the Styrkr 🤔...😆..

[@ChrisHallRides]

hahahahahaha🤣

[@fotografamos4083]

Beautiful setup. The Áspero looks so good, clean or dirty!

[@ChrisHallRides]

It really does doesn’t it!?

[@mariowissmueller2230]

Which Cassette and Rear Derailleur are you using? Great Video, Greetings from Germany... 😘

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s all in the video I believe but it’s an XTR Di2 rear mech that I purchased and then used a wolf tooth goat link with it. The casette is from Garbaruk

[@mariowissmueller2230]

So you combine GRX Shifters and MTB Casette via Di2. Nice Move! 👍

[@oddfuture1click]

I have watched many setups but this is by far the one that makes so much sense in my opinion. Great balance between minimalism/lightweight, endurance but still everything you need ✌🏽

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! I’m glad to hear that! I’ve watched quite a few and surprised with what people choose not to take!

[@kevinlyon9501]

Thanks for the in depth run down on the set-up of Mr Purple, though does need a bath.😂. Mixing Mtb and road parts looks easier with a Di setup than cable., which is proving troublesome for me. A small question, do these tires have any of Schwables puncture protection?, I'm amazed ridden two editions and no punctures. 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Yep they do indeed have some pretty good puncture protection. Schwalbe have nailed it with the G-One range in my opinion

[@timothydoyle8269]

The more I see the tailfin rear set up, the more I want one. Im curious to see what next innovative bags will be produced by competitors. Seems like tailfins latest release of this rack/pack along with the others will be hard to beat. Bike set up looks great, thanks for the detailed breakdown and inspiration for ideas!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! Yeah I really think right now it’s hard to beat how good their stuff is. They have nailed it

[@smellyelle8422]

Timothy Doyle, the Tailfin gear is well worth every penny. I have the carbon rear rack and AP20 trunk bag set up. It took me a while to shell out the cash, but once it's on the back of your bike, you'll forget about how much it cost. The quality and engineering is phenomenal. They also have a lovely customer service team who are always there if you need to ask them any questions.

[@BikepackingAdventures]

Been nursing some nerve damage in my left hand, closest two fingers to my thumbs since before starting and finishing TCR in July/August. Not sure exactly when it came on, but it definitely takes some time to heal. Back in 2019 following PBP it took as long 6 months until my pinkies could feel a key on a keyboard properly. Well done at Badlands, I've been enjoying eyeing up a few events this evening, not personally got a gravel bike, but going from the Badlands promo video from 2021 - a lot of first time riders at the event so I guess there's still plenty of time to gain experience off-road. Chris, I am not familiar with Badlands history, does it always start in September?

[@ChrisHallRides]

It's surprisingly common. Mine has been a problem since being knocked off by a lorry several years ago and just hasn't been right since. I have had a lot of physio and tests on it and unfortunately it'll never be back to 'normal' again. The race always starts in September. This year was only the third edition of the race but it's definitely becoming a firm favourite.

[@christopherphillips5608]

so basically you have the best of the best and why the devil not

[@ChrisHallRides]

I tried to have the best I could. Always do. I really love the setup

[@BMMB450]

Thank you Chris. The bike fram bags from where i can buy them please🌹

[@ChrisHallRides]

They are currently prototypes from Tailfin. They will be released soon so keep an eye on their social media

[@BMMB450]

@@ChrisHallRides i will. Thanks mate🌹

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@BMMB450 no problem!

[@dodginglions5163]

Thanks for sharing this!…very informative!…😎

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for watching it :)

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Great set up Chris. Thanks for talking us through it.

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you for watching

[@iansellers1251]

Great vid Chris , seen lots of bike checks ,this was one of the best ,chapeau sir!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much! I'm glad that you like! I think post race really is the best time to do it.

[@RobertRegan-c8x]

Came across you the other day I was looking for information on a Cervello Caledonia I had bought like your videos well done 👍

[@ChrisHallRides]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@BobShurunkle]

Thank you for this. It was wonderfully informative and a real eye opener in some instances

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks for watching!

[@CarlosRodriguez-oc6hw]

Gorg!

[@weaselfever]

I know Cervelo says "haul ass not gear" for the Aspero. Do you think there would be issues with frame integrity if you loaded it with more of a "regular" bikepacking setup?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Nope not at all. Lots of people were racing badlands on them too. It’s such a capable bike

[@weaselfever]

@@ChrisHallRides hell yeah. going to load mine up then. thanks and great vid!

[@supakidgalaxy]

What is your height & frame size Aspero? I am looking at buying one and the geo puts me right between sizes

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s a size 54. I’m 183cm

[@supakidgalaxy]

@@ChrisHallRides we are the same height! Good to know thanks, my shop has a 56 I will go test but, will also look at a 54 if I can find one in the area

[@smellyelle8422]

Chris, your two Badlands videos were awesome! Loved this bike set up walk through too :-)

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much for watching them all

[@smellyelle8422]

@@ChrisHallRides very much looking forward to more content Chris! You Ultra Endurance riders really are something else - much respect :-)

[@tjepk3s]

You inspired me to get this same frame 😊

[@ChrisHallRides]

Awesome! 🙌👌

[@leebarrett4709]

Yep, I second that, top bike check.

[@ChrisHallRides]

🙌

[@6271-j2b]

Loved the detail and what a setup. Now I know a lot of the kit will be sponsor provided etc but it would be great to get a total value of the bike with all of the equipment on it?

[@ChrisHallRides]

Honestly I'm not too sure what it would add up to. There is a lot of stuff that is prototype and not available .

[@6271-j2b]

@@ChrisHallRides Fair enough. I suspect it might add up to a fairly scary figure 🤣. Either way its a fantastic setup, well done sir!

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thanks so much!

[@paulburrows2679]

Safe Finish and Fun, Love it!

[@ChrisHallRides]

✌️🙏

[@sjjw43]

Thank you, thank you....

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you

[@lukamalic486]

I came to find out , and no mention of it from you or in the comments , whats the helmet light you used , awesome ride Chris 😎 👏

[@ChrisHallRides]

It’s from a company called Silva if I remember correctly

[@lukamalic486]

@@ChrisHallRides curious on how it attaches to the helmet , looks like a nice size overall , will look into it , appreciate it 😀

[@ChrisHallRides]

@@lukamalic486 just attaches with a rubber strap basically

[@cb6866]

Thanks Chris

[@ChrisHallRides]

Thank you! ✌️

[@SamGrayPlus]

Baglands

[@ChrisHallRides]

Boglands (if it rained)