20,000 km Budget Touring Bike Review // Cycling Around the World

UPDATE: As of December 2023 we have done over 35,000 km on these bikes!

We have spent the last 16 months cycling 20,000 km on our second-hand bikes, half way around the world, and thought now is a great time for another bike review. As a follow up to our 3,000 km and 10,000 km bike reviews, in this one we take an in-depth look at how our bikes & components are holding up after almost 1.5 years of hard use on tough roads...

Overview:
00:00 - Introduction
01:11 - Our Philosophy
02:39 - Tobi's Bike - Frame
03:49 - Tobi's Bike - Wheels, Tires, Lights, Racks
07:31 - Tobi's Bike - Cockpit
11:16 - Tobi's Bike - Bottles, Saddle, Seatpost
14:00 - Tobi's Bike - Drivetrain
17:58 - Tobi's Bike - Panniers
18:43 - Tobi's Bike - Guitar Rack
20:18 - Louisa's Bike - Frame
21:12 - Louisa's Bike - Wheels, Tires
23:06 - Louisa's Bike - Broken Rack
24:09 - Louisa's Bike - Saddle, Seatpost
24:42 - Louisa's Bike - Drivetrain
25:18 - Louisa's Bike - Cockpit
26:36 - Louisa's Bike - Conclusion & Broken Rim

P.S. - We are well aware that our bikes are pretty dirty in this video. Obviously they don't always look like this, but after several days & weeks on trails this will happen... ;)

[louisaandtobi]

UPDATE: As of December 2023 we have done over 35, 000 km on these bikes!

[NightOwlFactory]

You live a dream. Not only you get to see those countries from non-commercial side but also your experiences and knowledge gained will give you perspective later on in your lifes.

[Luigi]

Well, you guys are taking a big challenge to cycle around the World. But this isn't new because when I was a teenager in east Africa in Ethiopia there was a gentleman from England who rode solo in a bicycle around the World during the Vietnam war and he even visited Vietnam at that time and I remember when he said he was on his 11th bicycle since some of them where stolen in South America, maybe today times have changed. Anyway it is an adventure and you two have the right time in life to make it happen, you will remember it for all of your lives. Wish you all safety and good exploration, I will be following on your channel. Cheers to both of you.

[JoveCana]

15:24 if effective gear ranges are important to you (and it sounds like it does, given your experience in the Andes), I *strongly* recommend you do not move to a 1x system. You're much better off with a 2x or even a 3x. Check GRX600 or even 400 series, and check their maximum capacities (of course the 800x would be lovely too, but much more expensive). I'm sure you could find a combination of cassette and chainring that will give you gear lenghts in the range you'll actually need. Best regards from Toronto, Canada!

[pke]

Thanks for sharing your experience with budget bikes! You are the proof that anyone can start touring with a bit of careful planning. Take care and good luck for the new set of rims!

[simeonbanner]

Nice couple like the low key approach not fancy music and drone shots- good, down to earth information. Very good indeed.

[holben]

Glad someone else appreciates the horn bar ends for climbing. You get so much leverage off em and they feel so good to use uphill I was always confused as to why they died out on cross country mtb.

[normancoutts]

I find much to admire in your philosophy. You seem to have found a sweet spot around riding budget but spending to maintain components. Wishing you well. :-).

[krollpeter]

I have ridden Wheeler bike for 24 years. It is some Travel LT 7XXX, I don't have the exact number anymore. It is pretty basic alumium frame with Alivio drivetrain and some Wheeler branded components, such as the seat and the handlebars. The wheels are a bit heavy, and the entire bike is around 20 kg with full mudguards, rack, etc.. It has served me flawlessly, I had not a single issue, except the normal wear and tear of tires and brakes pads.
These products seem well build bikes build for trouble-free experience. I changed my ride but only because after so long, I wanted something different.

[richardbachman]

I am very impressed with you - both of you - how you deal with your daily issues. You articulate your feelings naturally, without drama! It is refreshing to wacth your productions! Keep up the excellent work and enjoy.

[billweberx]

I use disk brakes just so I don't wear out the rim sidewalls. Also, when braking hard downhill, the rims can heat up causing the tire pressure to go up and can cause the innertubes to explode or at least cause the tire bead to blow out. Great video. Thanks for all the detail.

[apaul]

Danke für dieses wieder interessante Video in unglaublich schöner Umgebung!
Daß des nun Lousias vordere Felge war, die gebrochen ist, hat mich schon überrascht! Bin sehr froh, daß ihr neue Felgen bekommen habt!
Ihr seid halt tüchtige Fahrradmechaniker mittlerweile!
Und hoffentlich kommt ihr wieder gut zu Kräften nach der Erkrankung!
Safe travels and happiness for you both!

[barrieyacboski]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video! Love the “ simple is better “ philosophy just shows what you can achieve! Be safe, safe travels and look forward to your next video! Cheers 🍻

[KO-S-Teaco]

Great video, and good advice about all details of your equipment. I admire you guys and wish you safe and joyful trip. Best of luck...

[claverton]

Some great tips here. I like the USB horn, didn't know these existed. Good tip on the mirror, I've been looking for a decent brand

[Pritamthevlogger]

Very helpful video.. i wish someday I'll travel Around the World with my cycle

[alanpage]

I have 2 touring flatbar bikes for 100km each way overnight rail trail touring here in Vic, Oz. I've found Mavic A-719 rims work very well, 700c x 25mm internal rim width, 36 hole, double wall, with eyeletted spoke holes. They've stayed true for over 8 years, Relatively light use vs what Tobi and Louisa get up to; but still some hammering on gravel with potholes and erosion gulleys. The rims were originally about $A115, plus $45 for XT hubs, and a local mechanic was great lacing the wheels with his French Mach-1 straight-pull spokes for $60; so about $220 tot per wheel (circa 2015 prices). Cheap bikes may economise on saddle, wheels and tyres; which fortunately can be upgraded.

[solarheat]

I would advise you to get either Shimano XT or Saint platform pedals. The XT are expensive, however there have a large platform size available which is nice for people with big feet. You can definitely get replacement pulleys for the rear derailleur. Some Shimano derailleurs allow you to remove the cage and reinstall it with the spring in a tighter position. I'm not sure if the LX has that feature but you should check.

[DieterLo]

Great video to share your experiences. Greetings from Germany!

[scottstocking]

I appreciate your philosophy! the KIS Theory: Keep It Simple! Thank You for sharing your experiences!