Our World Tour Bicycles after ONE YEAR on the road - REVIEW

Hello and welcome to our channel! 😊
We are Peyman and Matilda and these are our touring bicycles we have built for our world tour! So far they have taken us from Finland to Senegal during the last year, almost 10 000km, with the help of some pedalling power from us of course.
In this review we talk about each component, why we chose these bicycle parts and how they have performed during the last year. To put it shortly: we are very happy with our choices and these are the best touring bicycle for us. They are quite traditional touring bikes that also can handle some gravel roads.
If you are planning to custom build your own touring bicycle this video can hopefully give you some ideas on what to consider when choosing components. And if you are looking to buy a full touring bike for long distance touring you can see what features we would look for to find what best fits you.
Our philosophy for choosing bicycle components, and outdoor equipment in general, is to go with the most durable and fixable option. We consider what tools and spare parts we will need and how available those are around the world. Also, we want to be able to service our bicycles ourselves, and easy maintenance parts are always a plus. Fair to say we don't end up with the most lightweight gear, but we rather cycle far than fast.
Hope you enjoyed the video and maybe found it useful, let us know in the comments which of our gear you would like us to review next and don't forget to check out our travel vlogs too!
How will our bikes last in the long run, over the next nine years?
SUBSCRIBE and let's find out together!
Check out the full list of components:
nomadstrails.com/our-trip/gea...
Follow our chain wear:
nomadstrails.com/follow-our-c...
Check out our Gear List:
nomadstrails.com/our-trip/gea...
Check out our Route:
nomadstrails.com/our-trip/route/
Thanks to our friends at BAS-Shop for helping us with our wheel build!
bas-shop.fi/en/
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
We are not recommending our current Dura Ace Friction/ index shifters. the rear shifters have a problem and break down if you switch between index and friction mode a few times. Unfortunately this happened to both of our rear shifters. We did switch to old friction shifters from 1979 and let you know how they preformed after a while of use. If you have any question please comment below or contact us. Thank you!
If you enjoy our videos you can support our work by gifting us a meal or order one of our postcards or you can contribute via our Pateron, the links are below:
C O L L E C T OUR P O S T C A R D S FROM A R O U N D T H E W O R L D
nomadstrails.com/support-us/
S U P P O R T U S
paypal.me/nomadstrails/
THANK YOU to everyone who supports us also via PayPal!
We have now launched our Patreon, where you can support our work and get access to extra material and other exciting perks. Check it out via this link!
P A T R E O N
/ nomadstrails
F O L L O W U S O N :
Nomad's Trails I N S T A G R A M
/ nomadstrails
Nomad's Trails W E B S I T E
nomadstrails.com/
Nomad's Trails F A C E B O O K
/ nomadstrails
Nomad's Trails Y O U T U B E
/ nomadstrails
Music by Peik von Essen, contact us for more information.
Remember to SUBSCRIBE not to miss our next video and join our 10 years adventure from around the world!

[@brianwong4994]

This is my dream for the past 30 years. After retirement, my son and I will pick up backpacks and travel around the world on bicycles. Because we also like travelling and cycling. Thank you for sharing the excellent travel experience when travelling through saharra.

[@ProspectingMonkey]

Had to sub, cause your awsome ❣️

[@selva7030]

First time i am seeing your video i am a 23 years old , we have only one life and enjoying the life along with the life partner with same mindset is a precious thing, not everyone gets like this. Lovely couple ever don't worry god is with you

[@newq]

This channel is an absolute gem.

[@blackcat5159]

Sound solidly built fixable. Have touring mountain bike Reynolds 653 tubing XT mostly. But have Grip shift with Magura Tomac brakes. Went from cantilever to hydraulics....WoW fully loaded fast as possible downhill, Awesome power. Never needed any work on brakes in five years of use. 😊

[@burteastwood5436]

Ya'll crazy, but for some strange reason I love you both!

[@NomadsTrails]

Haha I might have to agree😅Love to you too from Senegal!

[@cycletouringoz5760]

😂

[@RussellJonesDavies]

I loved watching your video. The first gear review I’ve watched all the way through and felt like I learned a lot from it.

[@rgvt5638]

Accounts like this are the best part of KZbin. Thanks so much for the information, but more so the inspiration. Like him I’m kind of a big boy (at ~93kg) and had reservations about building up a touring bike. Happy to report that after watching this among other vids and researching, I’m happily on an all-purpose ride and on the road! Love from Vermont, USA

[@NomadsTrails]

most welcome! good luck with the building process it is a good fun!😊

[@peacefulwife5199]

I can't even ride a bike, but I love watching both of you and your wonderful travels. I applaud your knowledge of all the components of your bikes. You are both brilliant!! Thank you for sharing your life with me. I am disabled (spine) so I don't get around too good. I know what titanium is....I have artificial joints, a titanium cage in my spine. Body hardware I can tell you stories about. LOL I have a titanium internal pain pump in my left lower abdomen and a titanium battery in my left hip that runs my internal spinal cord stimulator. Those to components help me with my daily pain. Take good care of your spine and joints. Blessings from above!! ❤😀

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you so so much for sharing your story, it means a lot to us❤️We are very happy you enjoy our videos and find them interesting😊We are sorry to hear about your pain and challenges. But also fascinating to hear the ways that technology can help you! We hope you are having a great day! Love from Senegal❤️

[@peacefulwife5199]

@@NomadsTrails , Thank you for your kindness. ❤🦋🌹

[@knownwhoisunknown5265]

Also tell us about how u guys do safety ....

[@swampfoot1971]

Awesome stuff! We are pulling for you guys from Phoenix Arizona! This series is fantastic and my whole family is watching and you have inspired me to get the Surly Disc Trucker and train for a long ride. Stay safe you two!!!

[@user-dd7pl7fk8b]

I simply just fell in love with your bicycles ❣️❣️

[@barrygreenwood6070]

Very inspiring people. I love the way you engage with the local population wherever you travel. Wonderful videos. Best of luck on your travels. Xx

[@noelduarte9533]

really like this video, the thoughtfulness behind using every single component... thank you for taking the time to share!

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks for your comment, we are happy to hear you liked the video!😊

[@ArthurPopeye]

Very nice bikes. It is fun to see how Matilda caught the Indian accent. Bon voyage!

[@NomadsTrails]

😂😂, interesting Matilda has never been in India and Peyman is not from there. But good to know 😅🙌

[@nndhore]

Just got reason to live 9 more year. You guys are invited to my house when you reach Delhi India.

[@maciejpayska5398]

Thank you for this video! It's very nice to listen to you explaining why you choose this or that choice you've made about your gear. I have a bicycle and I'm planning to adjust it for longer trips and your DIY attitude is a great inspiration!

[@NomadsTrails]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😄🙌🏽

[@rsantos15]

Hello you just popped into my feed I'm very happy about that. I look forward to following your adventures.

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you Roland. you are warmly welcome to our channel!😊

[@bruin4937]

Peyman and Matilda, wow, very impressive creativity and knowledge went into the selection of your framesets, components, and accessories to meet the needs of your grueling touring! Thank you for this excellent information!

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you Bruin, it was an interesting and fun puzzle and we are very happy with the result.🙌🏽

[@houstonsheltonbees814]

I am a new sub from this video. Of all the bikes I have seen on KZbin this is the most practical one ever. Great work. Looking forward to seeing more from your family. Thumbs up from Kentucky mountains U.S.A

[@NomadsTrails]

you are welcome to Join us!❤️😊

[@Rk-kk2jy]

You have got all the practical knowledge of your bicycles. Wish you a safe and happy cycling.

[@rafaeldegiacomoaraujo8778]

Fantastic choices. Well done! Enjoy your trip.

[@MrBluoct]

Incredible detail- Thanks to both! Best wishes for a supreme journey ~

[@NomadsTrails]

Our pleasure, thanks for watching! 🙌🏾

[@fishmut]

Awesome job guys , love the tips with your set up on your bikes, happy travels be safe and enjoy. 👍

[@dirtbag4761]

Inspiration!! Love the positive attitudes even in the rough times. Keep going!!

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you so much for your kind words!❤️

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Great video folks, thanks for sharing your experiences with those of us who are still are looking to get out there and travel the world by bicycle. Be safe!

[@NomadsTrails]

You are most welcome Louis, happy to hear if video was helpful!😊

[@urbanjunglerider9229]

You guys fantastic! And your tips, tricks are worth of gold!😊

[@eisvogel8099]

"Know thyself." And your bike. Great video! I still don't know how to repair a spoke so these kind of videos are very helpful, thanks

[@kisundatea4524]

Nice..i love it

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you!❤

[@waltquandt6226]

Wow - just stumbled onto your channel and I am impressed! It's rare that bike touring channels geek out so much on bike details. You both seem very knowledagble. Love it! I'm mashing the subscribe button! 😀

[@NomadsTrails]

Wow, thanks! Welcome aboard 🤗

[@stilllearning7439]

Salute! Admire your energy and determination, may you both have many more wonderful experiences and safe journeys

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you so much!

[@myglamour2215]

I really appreciate your choice and creativity.

[@Eighteen19]

Your videos motivate me to do things instead of wait for the right time! Keep going 🤍🦋

[@Nagraj_h_rao]

That's so awesome. You both are so knowledgeable... Kudos.. Have an awesome journey

[@normadicn5700]

Well done you both. This is hardcore bikepacking! Pls do vlogs as it would let everyone to understand how fun and adventurous what you doing is. You deserve sponsors as you'd be using the stuff they send through rigorous conditions.

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you!😊 , we have Vlog on our You Tube channel, we publish at least 1 Vlog per country , hope you enjoy of it!

[@clacclackerson3678]

Is this bikepacking or bike tourin?. Don't the bikepackers keep their gear to a minimum and only do short trips?

[@normadicn5700]

@@clacclackerson3678 😞 so there's a difference? Thanks for the enlightenment!

[@NomadsTrails]

@@clacclackerson3678 you are totally right, idea of bike packing is to go for short trips and keep the weight low. Also cycling off road is easier with bikepacking set up because of the low weight and the way weight is balanced on the bike. 😊

[@rajarora3517]

I am so impressed with your knowledge of bikes and its components. Necessity is the mother of all inventions. Learnt a lot and was frantically writing all the names of components so I can get them also.

[@NomadsTrails]

Great to hear you found it useful! You can also find our full list of components here: nomadstrails.com/our-trip/gear-list/bicycles/ But we have since swapped our shifters for some retro 1980 shifters from Sachs 😊

[@vaamotu]

Your approach and attitude is GOLD

[@NomadsTrails]

❤️

[@clacclackerson3678]

Wow. Super-informative, very impressive and inspirational. Thank you and best of luck with your adventures. Subscribed.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you Clac! You are warmly welcome to join our channel!❤😊

[@wheelbegood]

Thank you for the detailed description :)

[@timothygraf2539]

I just discovered you channel and I am in the process of bindge watching. Thank you for sharing your travels and adventures. Best of luck and well wishes on your travels.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you so much, we are happy to have you with us! Greetings from Senegal 😊

[@sanjeev7821]

It is an inspiritional story of both of you. Loved to watch your video. Keep it up.

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you Sanjeev!😊

[@Atlasadventure]

Great job you guys done with custom work. Keep cycling and have a safe trip

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you Abdallah!😊

[@kelvingrover4043]

Thank you for the run down on all your gear God bless you on your journey

[@NomadsTrails]

No problem, thank you for watching! 😊

[@user-ht6em6po5u]

Hello from the Basque Country! Top 10 touring channel. Amazing.

[@ismail_alkinani]

Big thanks to you Peyman and Matilda. This video guides me to collect my bike for making a long trip insha-allah.

[@NomadsTrails]

Good luck on your travels!

[@swissthun60]

I'm a distance biker - and I really appreciated the information that you provided. Well done :)

[@timoey1]

Great overview of your bikes! Thanks!

[@giridharagollabala5661]

i love both... so much... because both are enjoying their life

[@ogfergie1]

All of your videos interesting, wow, I'm mesmerized!

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you Olga!😊

[@pertzian.sounds]

"stops bike in a uphill"..i want it :D

[@fnubrawijaya6334]

You guys are no joke..... Wow... thanks for sharing.

[@darrendarmanin]

Wow amazing video, I’ve just finished building a surly disc trucker, you Teo are so luck to have each other to travel with, looks amazing 😉 nice set ups to

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you, i am sure you had fun and joy building your Surly, wish you a lot of fun adventures ! happy cycling!😊

[@alainlagace7150]

Very, very informative, I like it, very professionnal presentation...you go directly to the point. Best!

[@NomadsTrails]

We appreciate that, happy you liked it! 🙌🏾

[@bernardmiranda4051]

Thanks very much for sharing the specs of your bike and ideas why you choose those parts, regards and God Bless on your rides👍👍👍👍👍

[@NomadsTrails]

You are most welcome!😊

[@fiesterblue]

Excellent video. I have just found your channel. You both are delightful to watch and do an excellent job describing your touring bikes and the setup you have. I look forward to your adventures.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you, happy to hear you enjoyed the video! Welcome aboard our adventures!🙌🏾

[@urbanjunglerider9229]

Great tips, love it, thank you guys!

[@viktorkathi9871]

Thank you for the post card, I've received it today! Love you guys, good health and back wind!

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you for your support. good to hear the postcard did arrive! all the best to you from Senegal!❤️

[@kaberme]

Fantastic review...I am really looking forward to watching your new videos

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks so much!

[@RogerMcGuiremusic]

As always an excellent & informative video. You guys are great!

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you Roger!😊

[@birenhansda9094]

I don't know why I am watching this video. This is crazy. Love you both

[@NomadsTrails]

😂, any way we hope you liked the video! love back from Africa!

[@honeyman-guitar]

Fantastic review and breakdown. Thank you. 👍👍👍👍

[@NomadsTrails]

You are most welcome!😊

[@shaukatkhan1600]

very good bicycle adventure tour

[@dodoysurodoy6880]

Thanks for both of you. You r so inspiring me.

[@NomadsTrails]

❤️

[@keaixiaomeinv]

I fucking love this video. I love seeing and hearing about all the details, I love seeing how you've both customized your bikes to your needs and preferences. I love seeing your bikes worn and dirty, just the way they look like when they are actually being used.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you Niklas!✌✌

[@corybrunsting2770]

Great video! Have fun touring the world for 10+ years!

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you !🙌🏾

[@jeff9725]

I'm a beginner in touring bikes and your vids helps me a lot. Will try to travel all around my country the Philippines after I payed my school debt and have a budget for 2 years adventure. 😁

[@vandermint]

Nicely done. Like your personal modifications. Impressive adventure and (especially) chronicling. Be safe.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you! 😊🙌🏽

[@kamilmajchrzak8913]

Wielce ok, jestem pod niebywałym wrażeniem.

[@shookreeseeree4]

I just caught your video..n immediately subscribed..both of u are good in bike mechanics..so that certainly helps a lot..Happy touring n keep us informed..

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks so much, happy to hear we could be helpful😊

[@KmukundraoRao]

A great description of all parts of touring bike. Really like it. Definitely useful for everybody who want to tour long distance. As said any bike will do for small trips.

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you , happy to hear the video is useful! greeting from Senegal!😊

[@kaffeemitcola6506]

That is so nice to see! Thanks for that Video! I have been on many Tours throughout my life but the longest has been for 4 weeks, sleeping unders the stars, snow, clouds or rain, every night. My bike looked used after a couple of days but i could not reach that very very cool "MadMax-Look" in this relatively short period of time. Your Solutions are easy and impressing. I wish you all the best! PS: You asked for the Opionion and I agree with you! Especially the shifting: Frictionshifters are so universal and fitting on all things you can find if you have to replace something in emergency without beeing able to buy top of the range stuff. The racks are not the easyest but its more important to set on reliability and I think the more stuff you carry on the bike the less important it gets if the bike weighs 1 or 2 kilogram more. The only thing i never coped with were Butterflybars. I often went on my journeys with dropbar and wehen i chose a flatbar I always used Ergongrips and in the middle extra horns to have alternative grips but that is a matter of taste and personal prefernce. Brakes with cables are easy to repair as well! No hydraulic brakes abroad!....

[@NomadsTrails]

I totally agree with your mentioned points! Thanks for sharing your idea and you are most welcome about the video 😊✌

[@Carlos-dq8wo]

Great vídeo. Regards from Chile 🙌🏾🌱

[@prosenjitsamanta5154]

Thank you very much for this detailed video

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you for watching, hope you enjoyed it!😊

[@alcoyboy]

Wonderfully eccentric Finnish couple, but behind the oddball mannerisms you can see there's a steely determination and focus. Good luck to these impressive individuals.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you 😊❤️🙌🏾

[@doomedtolinger2213]

Thanks man; alright, I'm motivated now! The east coast beach or bust on my next weekend off>>>

[@NomadsTrails]

Sounds like a plan, good luck on your adventures!✌🏽

[@dodongligayatv2090]

I love watching your biking adventure's bco'z it makes me feel that i can go also on that places, watching from Philippines.

[@AlaskaPirates]

I’m loving this! I just found you guys. I chose a surly troll and am starting to use it quite a bit!

[@AlaskaPirates]

I am now revisiting this video! This was the first one I saw! I’m now back after watching them in order! I love you guys! I do! Please let me know if you come to Alaska!

[@glowedition5842]

Your Favorite word is "Adorable" !!! Great guys...keep going. Safe journey 🙏👍❤️

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you! :)

[@avici0182]

I love these guys. That bike looks alot like home!

[@MrDanMan60]

Absolutely amazing video and info. 👍

[@NomadsTrails]

cheers❤️

[@jacob77569]

This is fantastic well done guys!!!!

[@NomadsTrails]

Cheers🙌🏾

[@deltafoxtrot2]

Really interesting, thanks for sharing 👍

[@bekyad5133]

Best bike touring and couple i ever seen,

[@mojtabataseidifar5937]

Hey Matilda and Payman, just found from your trip plans you planning to cycle alongside of Australian eastern coast hopefully sometimes soon after lifting the Covid-19 restrictions. Happy to be your tour when you arrive here in Aus and cycling together. Meantime keep being safe and healthy during these tough days. Moji

[@jcarlson2727]

King headset and Acera cranks... never thought I'd see a bike with both those at the same time, lol, in all fairness, if the cranks work they work. I have to say: nice rigs and great choice of shifters and gearing - those friction shifters are bullet proof - I've done the same thing on my own touring bikes. Best wishes!

[@NomadsTrails]

Thanks 😊 Yes it might seem odd, but cheap doesn't have to mean poor quality! But the Dura Ace shifters we had to replace (see our lates vlog) 😕

[@DurellSama]

Amazing stand! Did not know that one.

[@dog-so1vj]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@NomadsTrails]

You are most welcome!😊

[@lakufoekdm4237]

Excellent and well done guys...any review regarding your budget control,daily expenses will be great. Thank you for sharing and wish you all the best.👍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🇦🇺

[@NomadsTrails]

thank you, thank you for the suggestions, we will keep in mind!😊🙌🏽

[@AlaskaPirates]

Amazing that you built your wheels!

[@tempest49656]

The right choices!

[@NomadsTrails]

It has worked great for us! Appart from the shifters 😁

[@albertbatfinder5240]

Wow, some rugged hard working bikes you got there. Love your attitude.

[@NomadsTrails]

thanks Albert, we couldn't be happier with them so far!😊

[@nolisanchez4583]

Really enjoy your riding adventure 👍 stay safe both of you🙏👍 I convinced to subscribe you’re vlog thru you’re determination to travel the world... you’re both amazing 👍 Continue discovering the worlds wonder❤️👍

[@NomadsTrails]

❤️🙏🏾

[@buddynolan228]

Nice Video guys. It's nice to see that you enjoy yourselfs.

[@julianferrer6791]

You guys are so awesome. Love the videos

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you so much, happy to hear you like our videos!

[@Monkeyboy_Adventures]

Thanks for those quality information. It will help me on building my own bike. Im also planning a long term Biking trip on the western african route like you did.

[@ageolapina961]

Nice bikes Peyman and Matilda. Love how you did your own modifications to some of the parts. If you are ever in Myanmar please do let us know. My wife and I are also love bike touring. We took weeks reading through blogs, watching vids like your to customise ours. We have had them for several months and have done about 4,000kms with no issues except flat tires.

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you! And hope you and your wife will have many more great adventures on your bikes😊

[@davideldred.campingwilder6481]

...loads of really great stuff here. Just finished my 6000k (Camping wild) around the Iberian Peninsula and a bit of Morocco, too. I actually found that a 3-4ft piece of bamboo comes in handy as a stand, and also a good tent peg! Baby wipes were a great essential, too. My bike(Bikes) were all very cheap at $150. But I agree that a bike seat is essential, and make sure you lock it to the bike. Helmet is another essential, and many cyclist wear a base ball cap as well, underneath...Always stock up on water. At least 3 litres before the journey. And try setting off earlier. Especially around winter time. A solar pannel is a real must, so too, internet access. Usually cheap in many places...Of use Decathlon, Mc Donalds, etc. They also have great baby changing rooms in them to have a full body wash. I tended to eat lots of baguettes with spreads such as humus, pate, cheese and offcourse tomato. But don't put the tomato/cucumber etc in until the last minute to avoid being soggy. Another great item is tinned fish, peanut butter and a tube of fizzy Multi vit' tablets...

[@NomadsTrails]

Many great tips! Hope you enjoyed your travels 🙌🏽

[@ashwankumar5921]

U ppl r awesome. All the best for every ride

[@lennartgredemyr2453]

I´m so impressed of you two. Have been following you since you left Finland and it feels like I know you a little :) Have learned a lot by looking att you're vlogs and did a tour this summer when I was out for a month in Sweden. This last video was very interesting, thank you so much. Maybe the next one could be about your camping gear. How is your tent, sleeping bags and such?

[@NomadsTrails]

very nice to hear this, it is all about having cozy community here and sharing our adventure with all of you😊, Sweden is nice to cycle in summer time and since camping is free this makes it also pretty special, we hope you had good time. thank you for the feed back about the video. we will keep in mind your suggestions about the next gear review🙌🏽

[@PhillipYewTree]

Live your dream. Good stuff 👍🏻👏🏽👏🏽

[@NomadsTrails]

Thank you, will do! 🙌🏾

[@jsiedlecki5331]

Thank you for the information on your bikes. Very helpful to someone like myself looking into a long distance touring bike, who knows very little. I don't think the vsf bikes are available in the uk, but I will continue with the research. Thank you again. I can only dream of a trip like yours. Stay happy and keep pedaling 😃❤🚲

[@NomadsTrails]

you are most welcome, happy to hear you find the video useful. VSF TX 400 as ready to go bikes are good value for the money, i think you can order these bicycles online to uk? with these bicycles would be good idea to change the brakes from Magura rim brakes to other rim brakes such as shimano V brakes especially if you are going to cycle out of Europe. happy cycling :)