Embarking on a bike tour or simply upgrading your ride for enhanced performance and comfort often leads enthusiasts to consider a custom build. Building a bike from the ground up allows you to hand-pick each component, ensuring every part aligns perfectly with your riding style, terrain preferences, and budget. This guide is designed to walk you through the process of selecting components for a robust and reliable touring bike, optimized for global adventures and daily commutes alike. We’ll delve into each part, from the frameset to the accessories, explaining the rationale behind each choice to help you confidently Build A Bike that truly is your dream machine.
This project outlines a “realistic dream build,” focusing on striking a balance between high performance, lasting durability, and reasonable pricing. Crucially, we prioritize the availability of parts, ensuring that you can source these components in most regions, making maintenance and replacements easier, no matter where your cycling journeys take you.
This build is engineered to conquer the most challenging routes across the globe, capable of carrying substantial gear for extended expeditions. Imagine tackling iconic trails like the Pamir Highway, the Peru Divide, or the Australian Outback, all while remaining agile and efficient enough for leisurely rides on European bike paths. We believe this setup offers exceptional versatility, making it an ideal all-rounder for any cyclist contemplating a round-the-world trip or simply seeking a top-tier touring experience.
Let’s explore the selected components in detail, understanding the ‘why’ behind each choice. And we encourage you to share your own ‘realistic dream build’ specifications in the comments below!
Round-The-World Touring Frameset – $722
Frameset: Surly Ogre – $679
The Surly Ogre frameset stands out as an exceptional value proposition in the realm of touring frames. While it may not be flawless, its versatility and robustness at this price point are hard to surpass. The primary reason for selecting the Ogre lies in its tire compatibility: it comfortably accommodates wide 29 x 2.20″ tires even with full fenders. Remove the fenders, and you can fit up to 2.50″ knobby tires, or even wider 3.00″ tires with 27.5 rims. This expansive tire clearance opens up a vast spectrum of terrain possibilities, from smooth bike paths to demanding singletrack trails.
The geometry of the Ogre frame is specifically optimized for alternative handlebars or riser bars, which are known to provide superior bike handling in a wide array of conditions. Whether you prefer front panniers, cargo cages, or standard pannier setups, the Ogre is ready with a multitude of mounting options. For those considering an internal gear hub system in the future, the Ogre’s horizontal dropouts and axle plate slot make it Rohloff hub compatible.
If you’re leaning towards a drop-bar configuration (further details on handlebar choices below), the Salsa Fargo frameset presents itself as a compelling alternative. An added advantage of the Fargo is its belt drive compatibility, offering a potentially lower-maintenance drivetrain option.
Headset: Cane Creek Forty – $43 on Amazon
The Cane Creek Forty headset consistently ranks as the best option in the sub-$50 price range. It boasts high-quality bearings and comprehensive seals, effectively preventing water and debris ingress, thereby ensuring consistent and long-lasting performance.
Wheelset – $715
Front Hub: Shutter Precision PD-8 Dynamo Hub – $130
Shutter Precision (SP) dynamo hubs offer a compelling blend of reliability and affordability, often costing half as much as Schmidt SON hubs. Remarkably, their efficiency is comparable, and even surpasses SON hubs at lower speeds around 10km/h. Dynamo hubs are essential for powering lights and charging devices on extended tours, and the SP PD-8 is a smart choice for value and performance.
Rims, Spokes, Rear Hub: Velocity Cliffhanger – $575 with SP-Dynamo hub
The Velocity Cliffhanger wheelset is a robust and readily available option for touring cyclists. It features exceptionally stiff touring rims with a 25mm internal width, suitable for tires up to approximately 2.60″ wide. Sapim Leader spokes contribute to the wheelset’s strength and durability, and the rims are tubeless-compatible with Velocity rim strips. The specified price includes an upgrade to incorporate the SP dynamo hub into the front wheel, making it a complete and practical solution for touring.
Tyres: Schwalbe Almotion Snakeskin 29 x 2.15″ – $140/pair on Amazon
The Schwalbe Almotion tire has proven to be exceptionally versatile and high-performing. It holds the distinction of being the fastest touring tire on paved surfaces, even in wider 2.00-2.15″ sizes, while still providing ample toughness for rough dirt roads. The wider profile enhances comfort, and they have demonstrated excellent puncture resistance. Expect to get 15,000km or more from a set, especially if you rotate the rear tire to the front around the 10,000km mark. For more aggressive off-road riding, consider the Vittoria Mezcal 29 x 2.35″, or the 29 x 2.60″ version if your rim and frame clearance allow.
Drivetrain – $398
Crankset & BB: Shimano Deore M6000 40/30/22t – $100 and $25 on Amazon
This build opts for a 10-speed triple chainring setup, a departure from the current trend of 1x drivetrains. This decision is based on several key advantages for touring cyclists:
- Wider Gear Range (17-104″): A triple crankset provides a significantly broader gear range. This ensures you have a low enough gear for maintaining a comfortable cadence even on steep inclines at slow speeds (around 5km/h or 3mph), and a high enough gear to pedal efficiently at faster speeds (up to 45km/h or 28mph).
- Smaller Gaps Between Gears: While a 1x drivetrain can offer a wide gear range (up to 500%), the jumps between gears are often larger due to the wide-range cassette. This triple setup provides a 595% gear range with closer gear ratios, which is beneficial for maintaining optimal cadence on varied terrain, especially on flatter sections.
- Reduced Drivetrain Wear: A triple drivetrain allows for a straighter chain line more often. You’ll typically use the smaller chainring with the larger rear cogs and the larger chainring with the smaller rear cogs. This optimized chain line reduces drivetrain friction, enhancing efficiency and prolonging the lifespan of components.
Cassette & Chain: Shimano Deore M6000 11-36t & Shimano HG54 – $36 and $21 on Amazon
These Shimano Deore drivetrain components are not only reasonably priced but also widely available globally. The 10-speed standard is now common even on mountain bikes in the more budget-friendly price brackets, ensuring accessibility for replacements and maintenance.
Front Derailleur: Shimano XT M781 Direct Mount + Problem Solvers Direct Mount Adapter – $33 on Amazon
The Shimano XT front derailleur delivers high-end performance at a competitive price. The Surly Ogre frame is specifically designed for a high direct mount top-pull front derailleur. This setup requires a Problem Solvers clamp adapter to ensure proper mounting and cable routing.
Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT M781 – $81 on Amazon
The Shimano XT rear derailleur is renowned for its durability and crisp, reliable shifting performance. Its ‘shadow’ design minimizes its profile, tucking it inboard and providing excellent clearance from rocks and trailside obstacles.
Pedals: Shimano XT T8000 – $102 on Amazon
Shimano XT pedals are highly regarded for their longevity and performance. The T8000 model is a versatile option, featuring a clip-in mechanism on one side and a flat platform on the other. It’s weighted to favor the clip-in side, making it easy to engage your cleats without fumbling. For riders who prefer dual-sided clip-in entry, the Shimano M8020 trail pedals are an excellent alternative.
Cockpit – $370
Handlebars: KOGA Denham Bars – $78 (HERE or HERE)
The KOGA Denham Bars are specifically designed for touring, offering unique features to enhance both comfort and control. They incorporate a bullhorn section, allowing you to mimic the aerodynamic hand position of drop handlebars, while also providing a wide grip section for superior bike control, especially when riding with front luggage. The Surly Moloko bars share many design principles with the Denham Bars and are a close second choice.
Stem: Generic 4-bolt black – $16 on Amazon
For stems, a well-made generic 4-bolt stem with reliable hardware is often sufficient. However, for those seeking added comfort on rough roads, the Redshift ShockStop suspension stem is a worthwhile upgrade, offering a degree of vibration damping.
Brake Levers and Calipers: Shimano Deore and TRP Spyke – $32 and $149 on Amazon
Cable-actuated disc brakes provide excellent value for money and are generally easier to maintain and repair, particularly in remote locations. The TRP Spyke calipers are a top choice in this category as they feature a dual-piston design, actuating both brake pads simultaneously, similar to hydraulic systems. Paired with reliable Shimano Deore brake levers, this setup offers dependable stopping power.
Shifters: Shimano Deore M6000 3x/10-speed – $36 (R) and $30 on Amazon
While thumb shifters offer simplicity, they are not ideally compatible with the bullhorn section of the KOGA Denham bars. Therefore, the latest Shimano Deore 10-speed trigger shifters are selected for this build, providing precise and ergonomic shifting performance.
Grips: Ergon GC1 – $29 on Amazon
Ergon GC1 grips are specifically designed for backswept handlebars like the KOGA Denham Bars. Their ergonomic shape is engineered to distribute upper body weight over a larger hand surface area, effectively reducing hand numbness during long rides. A central bulge provides additional support and comfort. These grips are typically longer, and trimming 10-20mm from each end can create more space at the base of the bullhorns for hand positioning.
Saddle and Post – $292
Saddle: Brooks Cambium C17 All-Weather – $93 on Amazon
Saddle choice is highly personal, but Brooks saddles are renowned for their comfort, particularly for touring. The Cambium C17 All-Weather series offers the classic Brooks shape, similar to the popular B17, but constructed from vulcanized rubber instead of leather. This makes them waterproof, more durable, and eliminates the break-in period associated with leather saddles. They are available in various widths and with or without cutouts, allowing you to fine-tune your fit and comfort.
Seatpost: Cannondale SAVE – $199 on Amazon
A flex seatpost is a significant upgrade for rider comfort, particularly on long tours and rough roads. While bike frames exhibit minimal vertical flex even under considerable force, a carbon seatpost like the Cannondale SAVE is designed to flex much more readily. This translates to significantly improved absorption of road vibrations and bumps. With up to 20mm of vertical flex, the SAVE seatpost effectively dampens road buzz and cushions against larger impacts.
Accessories – $420
Lights: AXA Luxx 70 Plus and Busch und Muller Line Plus // $71 and $33
The AXA Luxx 70 Plus dynamo light offers an excellent balance of performance and value. While not the brightest or the most powerful USB charger, it’s a highly effective and affordable option. Its asymmetric lens is designed to optimize light distribution for roads and bike paths, preventing glare for oncoming traffic. It also allows for smartphone charging at speeds above 12km/h when the light is off. For a rear light, the Busch und Muller Line Plus provides reliable visibility.
Racks: Tubus Logo Classic 29 and Tubus Duo – $104 and $119 on Amazon
Racks are critical for touring, and investing in high-quality racks is a wise decision for long journeys. Tubus racks are highly regarded for their durability and reliability, with a reputation for zero failures. They even offer a five-year warranty, replacing racks without question if they break anywhere in the world. The Tubus Logo Classic 29 is a robust rear rack, and the Tubus Duo is a sturdy front rack option.
Fenders: SKS Bluemels 75 U – $75 on Amazon
Wide fenders are essential for all-weather touring, and the SKS Bluemels 75 U fenders provide ample clearance for tires up to 2.60″, and likely even 27.5+ tires. They feature quick-release mounts, which is a practical safety feature for off-road riding, preventing fenders from getting jammed by debris. For optimal fitting, consider using these fenders with a Problem Solvers Fender Flute.
Kickstand: Pletcher ESGE Comp – $18 on Amazon
A kickstand is a surprisingly useful accessory for touring bikes. For Surly Troll, Ogre, or ECR frames, custom 3D-printed stainless steel adapters are available, designed by a Surly and kickstand enthusiast, to mount a KSA-18 kickstand.
Build Summary
The total cost for this meticulously selected “realistic dream build” comes to US $2917.
While complete, pre-built touring bikes offer initial value, building a custom bike allows for precise optimization of components. This ensures you get the ideal gear ratios, brakes, rims, tires, and other parts tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Although a build like this represents a significant investment, it offers exceptional value when considering the enhanced comfort, durability, and overall performance it provides. Careful consideration has been given to cost savings in areas where performance is not compromised, while prioritizing quality in components that significantly impact the riding experience.
Savings can be achieved by opting for more budget-friendly saddles, seatposts, and tires, potentially reducing the build cost by around $300. Eliminating lights, the dynamo hub, fenders, kickstand, and racks (by using bikepacking bags instead of panniers) could further reduce the price to just over $2000.
Conversely, upgrading to a Rohloff 14-speed internally geared hub while retaining the other components would increase the estimated total price to approximately $3935.
How Would You Spec Up A Dream Build With Price Factored In?
