BIKEPACKING SETUP: Is This Too Heavy For One of Europe's Toughest Routes?

[@asbjrnkristiansen429]

Matthew, thank you so much for this, it means a lot to a novice like myself. Novice to bikepacking that is, not cycling. I got interested in bikepacking less than a year ago but so far I haven't done one yet. As for cycling I've done all the distances of Styrkeprøven, including the big one from Trondheim to Oslo (and others), and now I wanna get out on an epic the likes of those you're doing. So far I've been watching Ryan Van Duzers videoes and dreaming about doing some of the stuff over there at some point, but on finding your channel just a couple of weeks ago I feel like I've struck gold and platinum and diamonds all at once. This is what I need. Your videoes are a huge inspiration to me. First off: It's Norway,. It's here and it's ready for me (I live 25mins south of Oslo, in Ski). Second: I'm biased, but there's probably no better country anywhere in the world to go bikepacking. Third: You are an outstanding ambassador not only to bikepacking, but also to Norway and it's senic routes. The way you're showcasing them in your videoes is beyond excellent and that's why I get sort of bummed out about your vids receiving less than 400 likes. You really don't receive due credit for your efforts. Anyway, looking forward to seeing your channel grow (as I'm sure it will) and also for the new website to go live. And your next trips, of course. Thank you so much for being a huge inspiration and for sharing both your experiences and your knowledge. Chapeau!!! Cheers :-)

[@matthewnorway]

Good luck with your own adventures - it's a wonderful feeling getting into bikepacking and exploring the adventure playground you call your home. Many great times ahead!

[@patnaika]

This step-by-step weight distribution is very helpful.

[@hoser7706]

Looks like a perfect setup. Well laid out for weight distribution and gear selection.

[@WheelsonaBike]

Enjoy the trip and thanks for sharing your insights with us! I look forward to your future videos.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks so much!

[@usstotts]

Thanks for putting the videos together, enjoy the hard work ahead. 💪

[@matthewnorway]

Many thanks Andy!

[@darekm.7769]

I'd definitely go with lighter gearing for this weight. Atm my gravel/adventure/bikepacking bike has 48/32 chainrings and 11/36 cassette and my goal is to change the chainrings to 46/30 once the current are used...I live in the french Alps and know climbing pretty well and my personal thought on stock gearing is that us folks, average Joes, never use the smaller cogs and with smaller chainrings we could use all the gears across the entire cassette. Great channel! Thanks for the great content!!!

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for your input Darek 👌👍

[@joepark9059]

Thank you so much for the valuable informations. Joe from S Korea

[@mrsporty9669]

Wonderful & inspiring 🚴🏋️

[@Hastarl]

Super excited about your next trip. I only recently finished your first series along the coast of Norway and it had some amazing sights. I'm getting ready for my first trip this Monday. Probably a lot heavier than you setup, but that's also because I am prioritized using stuff I already have instead of spending too much on new equipment to optimize for weight. But it's only a four day trip, so it'll be fine :)

[@matthewnorway]

I was the same, my first trip consisted of a lot heavy items that I used for hiking/trekking. My tent weigh 2.75kg! However, overtime I replaced them all with light more bikepacking related gear. Good luck for your first trip. Excited for you!

[@LagunaRider1961]

Love your setup and I look forward to more amazing footage from your upcoming ride!! For me, weight is not really an issue as I am never in a hurry to get anywhere! Cheers from Southern California!!

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Rob, I look forward to sharing some great trips this summer!

[@staciemann6275]

I've started touring this summer on my XXS Grail and have really enjoyed it so far. Because the frame is so small, a frame bag doesn't quite do the trick, so I use a Tailfin which works great. I put small panniers or cage bags on the Tailfin arms and strap an extra water bottle or tent poles under the very back of it. Also due to the XXS frame, the handlebars are too narrow to put a bag there so I use a small bar bag instead. I added cage mounts to the front forks to carry extra water and/or food and the cook system. I'm using regular water bottles in the frame as well as an Apidura downtube bag under the top tube for bike repair and first aid items. Packing for a two week trip from western NY state to Maine, the max weight is close to the same as yours (although I feel like I'm bringing more stuff). Due to the front forks cages, Tailfin, and no backpack, though, I'm carrying the weight much lower and with a larger percentage in the rear. I appreciate seeing how you attached the top tube bag and I might give that a try. This was a great video with lots of excellent advice and very useful detail. Thanks!

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for you info. I think with a XXS frame using a Tailfin is the perfect solution. It sounds like your bike is well set up for some great trips on the East coast. Safe travels!

[@scottbridge1207]

I too have a Brooks B17 saddle that sits in my closet while I ride something else. My issue is the rails are too short to be able to push the saddle far enough back to be comfortable. So, without replacing the seat post, I use another saddle. It is also heavy. Appreciate the info in the video and continuing to inspire me to visit Norway some day.

[@matthewnorway]

Hi Scott, I agree the rails are not very good on the Brooks. Hope you visit Norway one day!

[@astiberri]

Nice video! Thanks and enjoy the trip!!

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks Josu!

[@indrikiskrams3444]

Cool video - many thanks!

[@Heimdallar]

Super helpful video Mat! Distributing weight and items is (I guess) one of the biggest headaches for people new to bikepacking so this is a tremendous help. In your opinion, would one get away with a small framebag + bottles if you're not beinging the content creation gear like cams and drones? Extra Q: is that an msr hubba nx 1 tent?

[@matthewnorway]

A lot of people go for a small / half frame bag. I think if I didn't have all my camera gear I could manage a half frame bag. But I do like having as much gear in the middle and close to ground as possible. Extra Q: is that an msr hubba nx 1 tent? Yes, love that tent. Had it three years no problems super satisfied with it.

[@berghuhn]

Nice video Matthew, thanks for sharing your thoughts about what to pack. Your setup seems to be quite lightweight, considering the weather conditions your probably going to encounter. Enjoy the riding! Clemens

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks, will do!

[@mikaeloja7060]

Thanks for this awesome video! I am so stoked on kitting my cannondale topstone for some bikepacking, and after watching your films I want to go to Norway 😁 I live just outside Umeå in Sweden, how far north in Norway have you cycled?

[@matthewnorway]

Nordkapp

[@richardlewis3916]

Another very insightful video Matthew. I think your kit list is spot on… so much so, I’m planning something similar for my up coming Drammen-Geilo-Haugastøl-Flåm-Gudvangen-Voss-Odda-Voss adventure. I see that you’re not taking many insulating layers, do you think that could be risky at the higher elevations? I’m not sure if your Grail has bottle bosses or space below the down tube, but I’ve mounted a bottle cage down there to hold my tools in a tool keg. It’s 600g nice and low down. Great content…. Keep it coming!

[@matthewnorway]

Your trip sounds awesome Richard! Have a great ride! I have plenty of layers for all conditions it just doesn't look much on camera. However, when I have four layers on I can handle close to zero conditions.

[@richardlewis3916]

@@matthewnorway I suspected that you would be prepared for all conditions. I really hope I don't see zero degrees in August! Do you know what sort of temps l could expect over Rallervegen in August? Also, do you think it's reasonable to ride fully laden from Haugastøl to Flåm in one day or is it better to overnight along the route?

[@ovidiuschiopu5758]

Great video. Note on a GRX which I think you have you can go 2x 31-48 and 11-40... even if Shimano say it's past the max. All have to adjust the b-screw and it works perfectly, but don't cross chain. I'm super glad I have/installed that. For touring 2x all the way. I'd only consider 1x if you were 100% cross/trail riding where the pitch of the terrain often changes drastically.....just my 2 cents.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for the info Ovidiu, sounds like you have a good set up 🚴🏻‍♂️💨. Might try an 11-40 in the future!

[@anttinuortimo8467]

Hi Matthew, thank you for your very inspiring cycling videos! Great content and editing! Inspired by your great videos, I cycled from Kokkola, Finland to Nordkapp through Nuorgam - Skiippagurra - Tana Bru - Ifjord - Kunes - Lakselv - Olderfjord - Nordkapp, 1700+ km in total in 29 days (quite relaxed, lots of resting days) in July-August this year with my Canyon Grand Canyon AL SL 8.0 (13.00 kg, not that optimal for long distance but works) and with Panaracer GravelKing SK+ gravel tires. In particular, your other video about your experience on Alta-Olderfjord section made me focus more on cold weather clothing. Rossignol slalom gloves were fine for cold days and nights and Spatz Neoz neoprene gloves did the job for rainy days. I'm really looking forward to seeing your new videos! Keep up the great work! :)

[@matthewnorway]

Hi Antti, that sounds like a great trip! Congrats and good to hear you brought quality gloves! Safe travels with your next adventure. A lot of good videos of my trips this summer coming in the next few months :).

[@anttinuortimo8467]

@@matthewnorway Hi Matthew, thanks a lot! Safe travels for you too! :)

[@christopherhood9241]

Useful and particle advise. I usually try to have the heavier bags towards the front as rider weight goes to the back. Love the opening shots & closing shots btw. Question - if I've missed it in a previous video apologies, do you use any frame protector on your bike ?

[@matthewnorway]

Hi Christopher, good point, I always forget to mention tape. Yes I have black electrical tape on the frame where the bags might rub against the paint work.

[@christopherhood9241]

@@matthewnorway thank you

[@aleixcomas8543]

I use the top tube bag for food, I think there's no need to have the repair kit so handy, it could go in the frame bag. I really like the handlebar bag solution with the pouch over it.

[@matthewnorway]

Good point, I could put the repair gear in the frame bag. However, I just prefer it separated from other stuff. Glad you like the handlebar solution, its solved so many problems from my early days of bikepacking.

[@waltavista]

Great video as always. Many thanks. I ride 1x11 on all my bikes. But there is no reason to replace a working 2x11. The gaps between gears with 1x11 is sometimes a little to big, so 2x11 is more comfortable. 1x12 will be the solution...

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for your insight, good to hear others opinions/advice!

[@JaqueParisien]

Fantastic! More videos on the way. I would try to go lighter if at all possible and I would use a 1 X 38T chainring and an 11 X 46 cassette in the rear. I am using a 11 X 42 at the moment but i have far less accessories. Mind you I am much older than you so...Thanks Matthew!

[@matthewnorway]

1x 38t with 11x46 cassette sounds pretty good for Norway's hilly terrain. Have you booked your flights for next summer yet ;)!

[@HowManyMore]

Great setup Matthew! I've got the 2018 Specialized Diverge which comes in at 9.7 kg. I use the Ortlieb bags in nearly the se setup as yr Apidura. My framebag is a bit smaller than yours. I don't use a backpack at all except a rolled up one to carry food to camp. I use one food bag like you and one for water plus one one the frame and one in my new fork bags. One big difference is my gearing: I run a 48/32 front and 11/40 cassette which I need for the steep hills. I hate to admit it but I might be 20 yes older then yourself 😬

[@stefanwagener]

Right, not only did I get older but also heavier :( I am fine with a 34-34 smallest gear for shorter, non-bikepacking trips. I haven't done bikepacking yet, only day-packing on my road bike, but with 150-200km and 2000m elevation I prefer 34-40 as smallest gear. So for bikepacking I also would look for a bike with e.g. Shimano GRX 48/31 11/40 or SRAM Eagle 40 with 52/10.

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for your insight on gear choice. Interesting to know peoples thoughts,

[@matthewnorway]

Thanks for your info. Sounds like you have a very good set up! A small roll up food bag is a great idea that many people don't think about. 11/40 cassette is perfect for hills. I might consider changing mine at some point.

[@Biking360]

And don't forget to pack your extra warm thermal gloves!!

[@matthewnorway]

haha, I actually brought winter gloves with me! My hands were sweating with them on!

[@Biking360]

@@matthewnorway Better sweating than freezing :)

[@DAAC86]

going on my own Norway bikepacking trip here 17th august from Bergen to Langesund and if my time allows it then down the coast to Kristiansand. my own setup is atm two backpanniers and my frame bag which all can hold pretty much all my gear and then on the front I have my water supply strapped on around 4 L I can go up to if needed mostly only 2 liters, so right now im in planning mode the route is pretty most set so now its how to pack it best

[@matthewnorway]

Planning mode is always one of my favorite aspects of bikepacking! Make sure you do a test run with an overnighter. But I’m sure you know that already 😉

[@jondae7722]

Awesome video, Matthieu! What kind of pedal and shooes are you using?

[@matthewnorway]

Just regular Shimano® SPD® Cleats and pedals

[@matthewnorway]

The shoes are mentioned in my gear list video.

[@Alvio64]

I would say you're a stronger rider than me so I would definitely need an easier bottom gear for those hills

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

12:09 I did the opposite on my gravel build. I went from a carbon saddle & post back to steel and why? Because I have heavier weight on my post now. My carbon seating wasn't set up for bikepacking. I added a few grams, yes, but I added kilos of confidence and reliability to said seating kit as well.

[@matthewnorway]

I totally understand your set up. Kilos of confidence and reliability certainly beats a few extra grams every time 👍.

[@solitaryrefinement6787]

@@matthewnorway Absolutely Matt. And I actually went with a Titanium seatpost that I scored which I'm really happy about as it's a significantly lighter than a steel post would've been.

[@ahunt032]

Hei hei Matthew! I’m going to buy a woho harness. Just wondering what size of dry bag you use? I have a canyon Grizl so should be similar to the one you are using. Thanks!!

[@matthewnorway]

8-9 L

[@WanderABit]

Thank you. Save some space and put zipties inside handlebar (literally) instead of bag :-).

[@matthewnorway]

Great tip!

[@nickisauer9626]

Held og lykke med turen

[@matthewnorway]

takk!

[@asbjornkjellsby]

What kind of pedals do you have on this bike?

[@matthewnorway]

shimano spd

[@zoladkow]

11-36 cassette and 26 smallest chainring for those "epic" climbs. Maybe i'm going 4-5km/h but it gets the job of hauling my fat ass and 60kg of maybe-needed stuff up there done nicely 😅😁

[@danielvida8775]

hi

[@lechprotean]

7:06 shakes visibly when lifting 3kg - typical cyclist muscle mass distrubtion - all in the legs, 0 in the arms ;)

[@matthewnorway]

I shake when picking up my cornflakes in the morning ;)

[@Bikepacking]

No reason for backpack

[@waltavista]

Water? @MatthewNorway has no place for bottles.

[@Bikepacking]

@@waltavista your right some people like backpacks some dont .. I hate the sweat and the pressure I feel when I used one 7 years a years ago… l feel free not wearing one for me I carry 9 liter of water 5 liters in frame bag and 4 liters on the front forks .. feel better on the trail having it on the bike

[@matthewnorway]

If I wasn't bringing all my camera gear then I would have space on the bikes for water. It seems I'm taking more cameras and batteries every trip.

[@Bikepacking]

@@matthewnorway yeah I just finished my camera gear setup .. it a lot as well takes up a lot of space but it because I made padding around all the gadgets here my camera gear Everysight Rapture 2000 mAh iPhone 6 Plus 2750 mAh IPad Pro 7812 mAh iPad Pencil 89 mAh Canon G7X 1260 mAh Canon G7X 1260 mAh DJI Action camera 1300 mAh DJI Mini 2400 mAh Knob Power Trail light 5000 mAh Blinder Mob V Mr Chips 2000 mAh Head Lamp 2000 mAh Anker Earphones 1000 mAh Battery banks 4 x waterproof explore batteries 10000 each Links solar 22 wat Link solar 60 watt for base camp setup Replace my Son hub with pedal cell that makes • USB-C (600mA, 5V) USB-C (2.4A, 5V). Which is crazy power now working out how to power it all in remote places