Bikepacking Malaysia - The SETUP

[@yuva]

You don't need a puffer jacket for Malaysia. Trust me bro. It's so hot all year even the rain is warm. My recommendation is to take only your most lightweight hot weather kit. Enjoy you trip!

[@randomname8442]

Definitely don't need that jacket!

[@drooghead]

I came here to say just that. He'll need mosquito repellent though.

[@randomname8442]

And go through Cameron Highlands too

[@yuva]

@@randomname8442 yeah! Which is not cold btw, so still no need for a puffer jacket up there

[@alexanderh2715]

Well if you enter any mall/shop you need that jacket. When we were in KL it was like 18 degrees in the mall. Without a jacket you catch a cold extremely fast

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

These bikepacking trip videos are what I miss the most. Just great adventures, mates and good laughs. More of this 👌🏻

[@notkaty]

Agreed.

[@michmastahl]

Me too.

[@Robc1987]

They’re the best content Francis has put out - it’s what got me into the channel. Appreciate they can’t be all the time but looking forward to another.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@Robc1987 yes got to mix it up, but only so many trips one person can have unless sponsored and all paid for I guess.

[@Gulienx2]

Love the idea of using a Triban bike for your trip! Stay safe and enjoy!

[@riotstar5485]

Welcome to Malaysia guys. Quick tip : No puffer jacket needed, it's freaking hot here in Malaysia, and the road ain't that smooth either, so pack up more on tubes. Have a blast guys and stay safe!

[@joshwai]

its 35 degree here.. almost feels like 41. Unless you wanna sweat a lot .. as long as you like it.

[@kjpendergraft]

Genuinely missed the daily ride videos so I am excited to see the updates from Malaysia!

[@nicholasyoong4978]

Firstly, welcome to Malaysia in advance. I agree with the rest here, the puffer jacket is a no-no. I almost choked on my coffee on the buttery smooth roads... Lol. I hope to get a glimpse of you guys when you're down in KL. 👍

[@MrJacktan12]

I’m Malaysian and I’m so looking forward to this. Stay safe. Oh, I can confirm it can get moist at this time of year, like daily moisture.

[@glazaro9305]

I cycled solo from KL to Penang on my RC520 a few years ago. Brilliant ride, wonderful people, beautiful countryside. Powered by super-affordable roti canai

[@AaronSheah]

As a Malaysian living in the UK, this series makes me so happy! Safe travels!

[@SyafulMohamad]

Malaysian roads are totally opposite of buttery smooth and Georgetown to Kuala Lumpur only around 390km unless you guys plan for a few detours. Another thing is Georgetown is in Penang Island. Although they have 2 bridges to cross to the mainland, bicycles are not allowed on both. You have to board a ferry.

[@iskandarwee4775]

Compared to the road surfaces in the UK, Malaysian tarmac is smooth, notwithstanding the potholes.

[@pahlawanbasikal]

kau bawak dia naik Geting Peras. Pas tu terus masuk Putrajaya. Pusing 10 kali roundabout istana.

[@swift_ragee1962]

Nah man, I am a Malaysian currently studying in the UK. The roads in Malaysia are HEAVEN compared to the rubbish tarmac in Britain. Even ‘kampung’ roads beat most of the B-roads in the UK.

[@ciprianconstandache8321]

I have the same bike since 2019 and I rode it 25.000 km + . Great bike No major issues, changed the seat, bar tape, and the wheels (the rear hub and the rims were pretty bad ). The Sram Apex groupset, the frame and the fork is bulletproof, the entire bike is a little bit on the heavy side. Enjoy your trip, can`t wait to see the videos.

[@atwl77]

Georgetown to KL should only be somewhere between 300-400km, depending on the route (unless you mean two-way, then yeah 700+km). We're in the middle of a heat wave at the moment, be prepared for hot weather. I don't think you'll need to worry about the cold, unless you plan to ride at the top of Cameron Highlands after midnight. Oh, and welcome to Malaysia, looking forward to your videos.

[@jinxyf1]

Genuinely loving the way this channel has gone, so much more relatable, with a good variety of brands and components choices that normal people can afford or willing to spend their money on. Great work and looking forward to seeing more.

[@daveebert7747]

Yes....finally the boys are back out on the road. Your bikepacking trips have been my favorite You Tube videos. So glad to see Lawrence, Ben and the ROBOT making the trip.

[@skaargan]

Malaysian here. The roads are not smooth. The closer you are to any city or town, the rougher it gets. You dont need a sweater here. Its hot and humid. A rain jacket would help. Also its Ramadhan now. So dont forget to stop by any Ramadhan Bazaar.

[@cyclenut7627]

Hello, I've been watching your videos since your project USA trip. You always mention the weight of your bike for your bike packing adventures and I smile. There is/was a lady in Northern California who would ride up Mount Diablo (11 Miles I think) on an old touring bike. She had pink saddle bags with lead shot (Scuba weights) in the pink saddle bags. People just referred to her as the 'Pink Lady'. People would try and lift her bike and would say her bike weighed 100 pounds, but when I asked permission and lifted her bike she said her bike weighed 'only 92 pounds'. I am now 65 and she is/was quite a bit older than me, which would make her 39. (It's a math thing that women do, and if you're smart you just go with it) Keep up the great work!

[@Jeetacademykl]

WELCOME HOME ! Been following you for years, learned so much , as a new cyclist from this channel, so happy to hear you are going to ride home . two recommendations : - Malaysians are the BEST and kindest people in the world . EXCEPT on the WORLD . be careful . Here , it s " no mercy " haha . There is a strong but small cycling scene in the country. But Drivers don't seem to care much. Be careful - Roads are surprisingly good quality and well maintained. But once the usual daily rains starts pouring, aside the refreshment it brings, everything becomes sleepery and pretty messy. Including the drivers behaviors. ( even worst than usual ).

[@rasyidizulkifli2285]

From Malaysia, I would suggest trying the west coast expressway which runs along the coast, nice and smooth roads since it's new. Roads will be terrible wherever you are near any industrial areas due to overloaded lorries. No puffer jacket needed, at most a gilet and gloves if the rain and wind is strong. And don't forget the food, we have many good stuff but watch out for the spice, I've had midride meals that burned through my stomach and probably cost me 40 watts lol

[@chaoticsofea999]

See ya in Malaysia can't wait for the next video. as Malaysian myself, id say bring a weather jacket, sunscreen, good pair of sunglasses. Maybe a hoodie instead of the puffer to wear at night ride. It won't be that cold honesly at night, probably breezy tho

[@danloveuk]

Appreciate all the success you’ve made of the change in direction of the channel but can’t lie: VERY excited to see you back on a trip with a daily vlog. Enjoy! I know we will.

[@crossrich]

Fantastic to see a return to why we followed you in the first place. Have a good trip!

[@MrRammell]

Have a great trip Francis and co. Will be good to see Lawrence back in the vids, too.

[@TwiinStar1224]

Malaysia is a beautiful country with amazing food! Make sure to try a Ramly burger in Kuala Lumpur at night. Looking forward to following this trip.

[@sismikkk]

I'm so glad Ben and the bikepacking serie are back ! I actually discovered your channel with the Switzerland one! Can't wait!

[@aprilius20]

1. Weather... Scrap the puffer jacket, go for lightweight sun protection and maybe some waterproof wear 2. Nice roads... Depends on where you are riding, and roads are MOSTLY nice, but potholes galore in certain areas 3. Safety... Watch out for pickpockets (even when on the bike- this means no wallet in back jersey pocket!), and bike theft (never out of sight) 4. Enjoy the trip, and the food! p.s. I don't have a bike back home so I'm always sad and my legs feel lonely when I'm home, so definitely looking forward to the vids! ☺

[@djiembefolaDan]

Finally! returning to your roots; riding bikes , getting out of the studio!

[@TacoHurHurHur]

Super excited for this next series; I've certainly missed these bikepacking trips! Looking forward to more Ben and Lawrence content too!

[@heidijarvis777]

Looking forward to following you on your next adventure as I’ve really enjoyed the previous ones such as across America and Australia

[@jonathanbouchard39]

How soon are you coming? Ramadan (fasting month) has just started, so a lot of little roadside food and drink places may be closed - including some motorway services! Petrol stations will still sell you water, but they can be sparse in the countryside

[@Kermitonwheels]

Welcome back to bike trips, it’s why I followed your channel in the first place.

[@mypojam]

Let's GOoooooo. Everyone mentioned the heat already but I'll warn you of our crazy humidity. That's where the pain is at 😢

[@charliebamford2807]

I'm really happy to see that you are riding a budget bike even though it is paired with high end luggage! Looking forward to your adventure!

[@nikazad275]

Don't forget to stop and try some of Malaysia's many foods! Especially Nasi Lemak (coconut rice) and Cendol (shaved iced) on a hot day! George Town is known for it's diverse food culture so be sure to try Nasi Kandar (curry mixed rice), Kuey Teow Goreng (Fried flat rice noodles) & Roti Canai. Similarly in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to try many of the local foods available. As a Malaysian constantly travelling, there is no better place for such a great food culture than home. Would love to do the same bikepacking trip one day. Enjoy your ride and stay safe! Be wary of potholes!

[@kirylm123]

Highly recommend to add Frasers Hill to your route, there is even a british pub that serves London Pride at the top.

[@diskordman]

Gonna miss James on this trip! Excited to see Malaysia thru your lens!

[@christopherhood9241]

really like your bike packing videos that you have produced to date - can't wait to start & watch these.

[@djrlloyd]

Have a great journey guys. I’m looking forward to following your trip.

[@roncesvallesramos5]

Finally, a bike packing adventure! The main thing that i love about this channel. Goodluck on your trip and hopefully the humidity won't drive you nuts

[@Pratalax]

Ahhh fantastic!!! Looking forward to this, been ages since i've seen a Lawrence on the channel!! Woof! Looking forward to seeing how the Triban holds up and what you'll have to say about it once you're all done. Good luck!!

[@Hook-N-Ladder]

I've been riding those tires for a couple years now and have really enjoyed them. I'm in the US on rail trails and road surfaces and they do a great job being pseudo-road bike tires, while also being 38mm and making the ride a little softer.

[@petertreadway]

Absolutely loving this. Can’t wait see how this trip goes down. Safe travels, guys. 👌🏻

[@rodstapley4958]

Your road trips are just the best thing you do. Looking forward to it!

[@lingodingobat]

This is great timing! Just about to have ACL surgery and off for 6-12 weeks. Can’t wait for the daily upload again 🎉 have fun!

[@choonhoweku1267]

Why do u need a puffy jacket for tropical weather ?

[@JoshuaOoi]

Glad to see Ben back on the trips. Have missed this series for sure!

[@abhimawa1]

Malaysia is super warm. I don’t think you’ll need puffy jacket. Good luck! 👌

[@walcottav]

I would like to think you'll be fine with the Gravelking slicks in terms of puncture resistance, though there's no telling how much nasty debris will wash onto the roads in good Malaysian rain. I run the Gravelking 38 slicks all the time on-road and off, though admittedly off-road means well-packed gravel and/or dry dirt roads. They are an amazingly comfortable and supple tire. They are not good for rooty or rocky singletrack, as one would expect for a slick. In the first season I used them (I ride outdoors @ 9mos of the year on the incredibly crappy roads of New England/US) I ran tubes and had zero issues with punctures. Second season I switched to tubeless and again, no issues with punctures. Third season, still running tubeless, punctures became a constant companion and I replaced them.

[@andreiindahouse]

Just bought the subcompact version of the bike a few weeks back. Awesome to see you do this adventure on a Triban. Have a nice trip and enjoy !

[@azfarattus]

oh to add... BUTTERY SMOOTH is pretty subjective.. lol. i'd say, do not expect it at all.. cant wait to follow your updates on this adventure! man... it's so close to home..

[@jonathanbouchard39]

"Buttery-smooth" is not a good synonym for "dog-rough"; I have never seen so much spilled concrete, nor had I noticed the potholes that develop at traffic lights from tyre-scrub, until I came to Malaysia. But maybe the city roads are worse, and they'll be fine out in the country...

[@user-bz5yl7to1c]

No country roads are also bad. Go to Thailand for smooth roads.

[@AlanJames]

I love it when Francis goes on holiday. Great to see Ben back too.

[@garybird8646]

My son picked up a used bike in George Town last Year and more or less did the same trip via the Highlands. He then crossed over to Indonesia and rode to Bali.

[@MattH6565]

Buzzing for this series, love my triban so it's cool to see you use one for a bike packing trip

[@Miekzz]

Yay! Bikepacking's back on the menu! Looking forward to the videos, your bikepacking videos are some of my favourite series on the tube:)

[@Ishi_2023]

I was in Malaysia a month ago, I travelled from Kuala lumpur to George town by coach and the whole ride was amazing, the roads are well maintained and the views are incredible. I would recommend your cycle through Cameron highlands it is stunning.

[@DarylBleach]

YES BUDDY IS GOING! You've got to also buy Ben a friend for Buddy

[@ariffnoorizan4151]

Theres only a few essentials you need when bikepacking in Malaysia. Sunscreen, shades and a parka for rain. Thats all. Its going to be hot like 30 - 40 degrees celsius most times. An extra socks might help since youre gonna get soaked when it rains. Have fun and welcome to Malaysia!

[@derrickmurray3782]

Piece of cake that ride, did it in December onto Singapore. Go up into the highlands via Ipoh, great climb. Nothing hard and technical about it at all

[@jackseph03]

The 38mm Panaracer Gravel King Slicks are my favourite tyre of all time. Amazing rubber.

[@Hafiz_Vanyar]

welcome to *MALAYSIA* stay safe,ride ON!❤

[@shimanoshimano1828]

I am a Malaysian , a cyclist since 1969 , the roads where r good 4 touring everywhere in West Malaysia , u won't regret coming here 2 cycle and there many hotels , restaurants along rhe major towns including bicycle shops if needs any repairs 2 ur bicycle......

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Great news Francis, looking forward to the vlogs. Good choice of "horse" for the job. Punctures ? Break out the Schwalbe Mara +'s ;)

[@SignorLuigi]

I so miss your bike trips. WELCOME BACK BIKE TRIPS!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@lizziecade1902]

Hello Mr Luigi 🙋‍♀️

[@SignorLuigi]

@@lizziecade1902 Hello Lizzie!!!! 😘😘😘

[@iskandarwee4775]

A lot of Malaysians on this channel. Enjoy the trip. I’m a Malaysian living in Yorkshire, working in Hebburn.

[@yesfadhlanvideo3236]

I will wait for you guys .. when you reach Perak from Penang ( George Town ) ...

[@adriannicholastham9173]

Danggggg!!!!!!!! Wouldn't imagine you guys coming to malaysia !!!!! So exciting!!!!! Hope to bumb into you guys!!!!

[@syazwanabdull4835]

Selamat datang ke Malaysia

[@CanyonWanderer]

Stoked to see the rest! Lol my first day in Malaysia: 29 degrees © and 96% humidity, getting out of the plane I thought this must be due to some engine exhaust, but no it was just the weather 🙂

[@changrenyong7616]

Having ridden in the southern Malaysian state of Johor, I can say the roads are anything but buttery smooth.

[@khchan8341]

Welcome to Malaysia. It's going to be scorching hot from late morning to late afternoon. Much hotter in the north and along the coast if you're taking the coastal roads. Depending where you are, the rain will pour in late afternoon to evening. Rain coat is a safer bet compared to puffy jacket. Safe travels and enjoy Malaysian Hospitality.

[@hampshires_beer_miler]

It's about time we got another bike tour. LFG can't wait 🍻

[@JSC131]

Had those Gravel King tyres terrible puncture resistance have a great trip guys.

[@ankitc85]

Good to know that we'll see a bikepacking video after long.

[@nickcarolan2805]

I have just spent 4 weeks out there in Penang (Georges Island) the weather is hot and humid . I biked around there too. The roads are great. I wish I was there to see you guys off. Remember to Hydrate. Tell Laurence they have croissants out there too. 😂😂😂😁

[@moobaz8675]

Love that you’re using a real world bike 👍

[@Bushcraftranger]

Great! I am looking forward to it! Have good time and a safe trip!

[@ChrisHallRides]

glad to see pepper pig is still getting used

[@mathieuvandewildebergh3058]

Finally! I'm not too fond of the GCN-like content, so happy to follow you on a journey again.

[@bike-on]

Humid here right now is through the roof man. Hope to see you guys on the road. Ride safe.

[@YiZongOng]

love from a Malaysian living in the SW of England! Get some food stops in and you won't have to worry about bringing nutrition!😋💪

[@Khaled_Captain]

I like how the tailfin rack and the bags is more expensive than the whole bike. good luck with the journey

[@akmalsbikepark7989]

Excited to watch your vlogs going through the not so buttery smooth roads in my country. Would love to see you ditch the puffy jacket upon riding in it for 500m in 😁. Naahh… take the words from others here - it is hot and humid and raining in the evenings. Good to have the varias 👍 Not sure about 650B as ‘common size’ though. Enjoy your adventures (and food and hospitality) in Malaysia!

[@daskleineM]

Ben's such a cool person, seen him on the cycling tattooist before, can't wait to see where you take us

[@ltsw06]

Love this - enjoy the trip! Looks like you are preparing for a remote off-grid jungle adventure but in reality you could get all the stuff you are bringing along with you (and more) mostly at a cheaper price in the city! 😁😁😁

[@CyclingMikey]

I can't help thinking that this config looks more and more like an old school touring bike, like my Surly disk trucker!

[@brunoantunes8247]

You must review the riverside touring 920! You will be surprised. Have a good trip! Stay safe and goooood riiiiiddeeeeeeeee

[@RossBike]

I loved my Gravel Kings until I tried doing road touring them. I've done two separate week-long tours using these tyres, and each trip required me getting new rear tyre at the end. Each time it was a neat, unpluggable slice on the centre of the tread that swiftly hemorrhaged all my sealant out! Thankfully, I had full-length mudgaurds on, or else me and my dog would've been coated. Here's to adding to those mixed reviews. I hope your experience is better. Be warned, they're very susceptible to cuts! Carry a spare.

[@MxCraven]

The most surprising thing in this video is I did not know Ben could do backhops! Best of luck to the both of you :D

[@chrisjones6699]

Lucky sods!! Malaysia is stunning! Kuala Lumpur is awesome!

[@AaronK..]

Welcome to Malaysia!! Neighbour Singapore had Taylor Swift, now Malaysia has Francis Cade. Malaysia wins 🎉

[@grahambell9831]

Looking forward to this road trip Francis & Ben 👍👍

[@alexbpunkt1875]

Oh yeah, I just bought the exact same bike few days ago :D now I know 100% what this Bike is capable of. Thanks for that !

[@JMJM75257]

wow my self built Bafang e bike weighs around 22kg with 500ml water bottle. I'm pleasantly suppressed after seeing your loaded weight.

[@jennibristol7720]

You might want to try a couple of inline barre adjusters on the break cables with the TRP hy/rd as you can increase the cable tension easily.

[@archkod]

Great to see Ben’s back!

[@charakuttaahjon3222]

Welcome to Malaysia. Have fun with the sunny weather 😆

[@bernieraverty4319]

Careful on the wet roads with the Gravelkings….may want to consider some Pirelli Cinturatos

[@scoresandflames]

Why didn't they send you a white helmet?

[@zenkiboyo]

always top up the water lads, malaysia’s heat is close to it’s peak during this time of the year!!! 😮‍💨🔥

[@lestonycyclistone]

Welcome to Malaysia. Its super hot weather now and raining during evening.

[@thewattlife]

Love that ben made a video not riding 650b's because he wanted to have the same size as the others on the trip...