Conquering the Silk Road Mountain Race on a Cargo Bike: An Unconventional Bikepacking Adventure

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Allan ShawBy Allan Shaw

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Later this August, Allan Shaw embarked on a remarkable journey, participating in the fifth edition of the Silk Road Mountain Race in Kyrgyzstan. Among 155 other riders, Allan distinguished himself by choosing a less conventional steed for this grueling 1,800-kilometer challenge. He tackled the rugged terrain on his brand-new Omnium Cargo V3IR. Dive into the details of Allan’s titanium bike, explore his motivations for this unique bike choice, and peruse his comprehensive gear list.

PUBLISHED Aug 1, 2023

Conversation

Photos by Mads Madsen and Matias Stridsland

On August 12th, 2023, the starting line in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan, buzzed with anticipation as 156 cyclists prepared to embark on the fifth edition of the Silk Road Mountain Race (SRMR). This formidable race spans 1,880 kilometers, demanding riders to conquer 30,000 meters of vertical ascent across the wild and isolated Tian Shan Mountains. I was among these riders, and for this year’s race, I opted for a decidedly different approach: I chose to compete on my Omnium Cargo bike.

Allan Shaw and his Omnium Cargo bike ready for the Silk Road Mountain Race, showcasing the unique choice of a cargo bike for a challenging race.

Why SRMR on a Cargo Bike?

Many compelling reasons fueled my decision to tackle the SRMR on a cargo bike. These motivations coalesce into two primary themes.

Firstly, I reject the notion of the “perfect bike.” For years, I’ve encountered the sentiment that my current bike wasn’t suitable for a given adventure. The common refrains were, “You can’t do that without a mountain bike,” or “A gravel bike is essential for that terrain.” The suggestions ranged from wider tires to more gears, specialized apparel, and so on. However, I’ve consistently embraced the spirit of adventure with whatever bike was at my disposal. My experiences have taught me that these naysayers often erect self-imposed barriers, hindering both their own and others’ participation.

While performance is undoubtedly a factor, the ability to participate and cultivate a unique, meaningful experience hinges far more on the individual than on the equipment. Ultimately, your bike is a tool, and you are the driving force. The bike is merely an instrument, while you are the virtuoso. Your own beautiful, imperfect self dictates whether you can or cannot achieve your goals. Unless you are vying for the top spot – a pursuit demanding extraordinary dedication – your focus should be equally weighted between achieving a memorable experience and optimizing performance. Perfection is an illusion, a universally acknowledged truth. I believe the true essence of bikepacking lies in forging your own path and doing things your way. This ethos resonates deeply with the spirit of bikepacking, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions, much like considering how many bikes, even cargo bikes, you could fit into a container for global adventures.

Secondly, I genuinely believe that the Omnium Cargo, particularly the custom-built version we assembled, is exceptionally well-suited for this race. I have unwavering faith in this bike, a sentiment echoed by numerous Omnium owners. While those unfamiliar with Omnium bikes or cargo bikes, in general, might deem my undertaking as madness, every Omnium owner I’ve spoken to has lauded it as a brilliant idea, predicting an incredible experience.

Allan Shaw riding the Omnium Cargo bike during the Silk Road Mountain Race, showcasing its agility and capability on challenging terrains.

The Omnium Cargo is truly a game-changing cargo bike. It’s crafted by passionate cyclists, for passionate cyclists. Versatile, agile, and surprisingly lightweight, it defies categorization. While I wouldn’t advocate for a world where one could only own a single bike, if such a scenario existed, the Omnium Cargo would undoubtedly be my “one bike.” Its capabilities are boundless, and I’m eager to demonstrate its prowess by completing the Silk Road Mountain Race. This versatility even extends to imagining logistical possibilities, such as efficiently packing several Omnium Cargo bikes into a container for group expeditions.

Fulfilling a Long-Held Dream

Participating in the SRMR on an Omnium Cargo has been a dream simmering in my mind since I first learned about the race. It became a persistent fascination. In 2021, I entered the race, but despite extensive preparation and warnings about its demanding nature, I succumbed to apprehension and opted for a gravel bike. I completed the race in 10 days and 13 hours, securing 13th place. However, almost immediately upon crossing the finish line, I declared to Nelson, the race organizer, and anyone within earshot, “I could have totally done that on my cargo bike!”

I feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity this year. After reaching out to Matias at Omnium last year with the somewhat audacious proposal, “This might sound crazy, but I’ve had this idea for years…”, I received a reply that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of adventure: “You ARE crazy, let’s do it!”

Therefore, what I anticipate most is finally realizing this long-held dream on a dream-built iteration of this bike. I’m confident in our capabilities as a team – bike and rider. To revisit my earlier metaphor, I’m eager to create beautiful music with my exceptional instrument.

Addressing Fears and Concerns

Honesty compels me to admit that I harbor fears and concerns, particularly having prior experience in this race. The SRMR presents numerous challenges, but these are universal obstacles for every racer. I remain unconvinced that these challenges will be amplified solely due to my bike choice. I believe the three pillars of ultra-racing success are mechanical preparedness, physical condition, and mental fortitude.

Mechanical aspects represent my area of vulnerability; they don’t come naturally to me, but I’ve diligently expanded my knowledge. Physical fitness can always be improved, but I generally reach a state of acceptance regarding my physical condition by the race’s start. Mental strength, however, is typically my forte, largely cultivated through a decade-long career as a full-time bike messenger. The messenger profession demands constant readiness for the unexpected, adapting to rapidly changing situations, maintaining composure, and persevering relentlessly. I’ve endured countless long, grueling days battling winter’s pouring rain, gale-force winds, and relentless snow. I possess the ingrained ability to lower my head and simply push through adversity when times become arduous. After all, it’s just another day at the office!

Build Highlights: Optimizing for the Unconventional

The guiding principle behind this build was to minimize the bike’s weight while simultaneously adapting it to withstand the harshness of the terrain. The objective was to achieve lightweight performance without compromising robustness. While we never aimed to create the absolute lightest Omnium, we firmly believe we’ve constructed the Omnium most prepared to conquer the Silk Road Mountain Race. This focus on optimization is similar to carefully planning how much cargo, or how many bikes, you can efficiently transport.

Several key features stand out. A 2.4″ rear tire on a cargo bike elevates my comfort to unprecedented levels. Both tires offer exceptional off-road grip, potentially making this course feel less demanding than my first race experience on 47mm tires!

The carbon fiber front rack and lightweight webbing originated from ideas conceived by Omnium owner Jumbo during our initial discussions about the SRMR possibility three years ago. We recognized their potential benefits for both the race and the broader Omnium user base. This innovative rack and webbing combination significantly reduces weight while maintaining ample cargo capacity. It’s a new prototype product that I believe is exceptionally effective, and I’m delighted to have played a small role in its development.

Allan Shaw showcasing the Omnium Cargo bike build for the Silk Road Mountain Race, highlighting the lightweight carbon front rack.

Finally, I’m privileged to test the new Classified wheelset in this race. Functioning as a front derailleur, it allows me to utilize a 1x chainring while seamlessly shifting between two gears via an internal hub within the rear wheel. This provides a remarkably generous gear range for tackling steep climbs while minimizing the risk of damage from external impacts. While relatively new to ultra-racing, I believe it holds immense potential.

Detailed Build Kit List

Frame: OMNIUM Titanium Cargo V3IR
Fork: OMNIUM Prototype Segmented
Front wheel: SP Dynamo hub on carbon rim
Rear wheel: Classified 142x12mm on Classified carbon rim
Tires: Schwalbe Big Betty (20 x 2.25″ and 29 x 2.4″)
Handlebars: Tune Turnstange with Zipp Vuka TT bars
Grips: Ergon
Headsets: Chris King + OMNIUM
Headset spacers: Zipp carbon
Crankset: Cane Creek eeWings Mountain
Bottom bracket: Chris King
Chain: SRAM Eagle 12-speed
Pedals: Shimano PD-M500
Cassette: Classified 11-40 12-speed
Derailleur: SRAM X01
Brakes levers: Hope Tech 4 E4
Rotors: Trickstuff 180mm (front) / TRP CL 180mm (rear)
Shifters: Classified Ring Shifter/SRAM XX1 Trigger
Saddle: Brooks C17 Carved
Seatpost: Tune Starkes Stück
Stem: Tune Geiles Teil (85mm)
Front bags: Brooks Scape Handlebar Bag
Frame bags: Brooks Scape Frame Bag
Accessory bags: Brooks Scape XL Top Tube Bag, Feed Bag, and Dry Bags
Rack: OMNIUM carbon prototype
Lights: Supernova
Other accessories: OMNIUM Prototype carbon steering rod and SL webbing
Close-up of the Omnium Cargo bike's components, showcasing the Classified rear wheel and robust build for the Silk Road Mountain Race.
Detail of the Omnium Cargo bike's cockpit and front rack setup, emphasizing the bikepacking bag configuration for the Silk Road Mountain Race.
Side view of the Omnium Cargo bike packed for bikepacking, illustrating the overall setup for the Silk Road Mountain Race.

Comprehensive Pack List for the SRMR

Every racer grapples with the crucial decisions of what to pack and what to leave behind, and I am no exception, although perhaps I approach it with slightly less anxiety than some. Having completed this race previously, I benefit from a pre-existing spreadsheet of my pack list, serving as a valuable template. Ultimately, my pack list remains largely consistent with my first race. It’s always a delicate balance between efficiency and comfort; your kit must be as light as possible while ensuring safety and comfort when the weather inevitably changes for the worse. Below is my intended pack list for the race.

Brooks Dry Bag No. 1 – The Essentials for Sleep

Alpkit Soloist Ultralight 1-person tent
Robens -8c down sleeping bag
Cheap-unbranded inflatable sleeping mat
Emergency blanket
Ultralight Stove
Spork

Brooks Dry Bag No. 2 – Apparel and Contingency Clothing

Velocio Concept Bib Short x 2
Velocio Concept Long Sleeve Merino Jersey
Velocio Short Sleeve Base Layer
Velocio Leg Warmers
Velocio Rain Anorak
Velocio Ultralight Jacket
Velocio Signature softshell Vest
Velocio Zero+ Rain Bootie
Velocio Zero+ Gloves
Velocio 210 Merino Collar
Gorewear C5 Gore-tex Rainpants
Unbranded skiing waterproof overglove
Cheap Decathlon Down Jacket
Long tights (for sleep)
Wool Socks x2
Small cooking pot (stuffed with clothes!)

Brooks Handlebar Bag – Tools and Emergency Gear

Personalised First Aid Kit
Tool kit consisting of:
- Omnium Multi-tool
- Restrap Tyre boot Kit
- Spare Tube for front and back
- Patch Kit
- Sealant
- Dynaplugs
- Spare Brake Pads x2
- Masterlink x2
- Pliers
- Tyre Levers
- Hand pump (bought for €5 in a Danish supermarket 6 years ago, never failed)
- Spare Valve
- Valve core remover
- Chain Lube

Brooks XL Top Tube Bag – Electronic Devices

1x 30,000mwh battery Pack
Misc Cables
Ricoh GR iii Digital Camera
Olympus mju film camera
Exposure JoyStick MK15 light
Extra batteries

Brooks Frame Bag – Miscellaneous and Backup Supplies

Lifestraw Water Filter
Baby wipes
Chamois Cream
Folding toothbrush and toothpaste
1x 20,000mwh backup battery pack
Back-up AAA battery-operated camping headlamp
Passport/cash/card
Power adaptor
HolyFat Protein Bars x 12
HolyFat Nut butter gels x 8

Brooks Feed Pouch – Hydration and Quick Access Items

LipChap with SPF (important)
Sunscreen
Water Bottle

OTHER Essential Items

Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS (Bar-mounted)
GoPro 11 (Bar-mounted)
POC Gravel Helmet
Quoc Escape Shoes
Quoc x Restrap Sandals (Yeah, really!)

Future Horizons and the Cargo Bike Bikepacking Movement

With my immediate focus dedicated to the Silk Road Mountain Race, my post-race plans remain somewhat undefined. While I constantly generate new ideas, concrete confirmations are still pending. Beyond my own future adventures with this bike, I’m particularly excited to witness what races other people might undertake on an Omnium. Intriguing whispers are already circulating. I recognize that the trend of utilizing cargo bikes in these types of races is gaining momentum, and I believe its potential is limitless. This burgeoning movement might even influence logistical considerations in the cycling world, prompting questions about efficient transportation and, indeed, how many bikes can be cleverly packed into a container for global events and adventures.

I’ll be sharing occasional updates on my personal Instagram and the Omnium Instagram throughout the race. We are also thrilled to be producing a short film documenting this experience, which will be shared here on BIKEPACKING.com in September. Stay tuned!

Tian Shan Traverse, Kyrgyzstan](https://bikepacking.com/routes/tian-shan-traverse-kyrgyzstan/)

[Allan Shaw during Tour De Frankie event, highlighting the El Infierno del Sur inspiration.7

Inspiration

Tour De Frankie: El Infierno del Sur](https://bikepacking.com/plog/tour-de-frankie-el-infierno-del-sur/)

[Bikepacker in mountain weather, illustrating the importance of mountain weather preparation for bikepacking.30

Bikepacking Guides

A Bikepacker’s Guide to Mountain Weather Preparation](https://bikepacking.com/plan/bikepackers-guide-mountain-weather/)

[Lehi's Titanium Omnium Cargo WiFi, showcasing a reader's customized cargo bike setup.26

Dispatch

Reader’s Rig: Lehi’s Titanium Omnium Cargo WiFi](https://bikepacking.com/news/readers-rig-lehis-titanium-omnium-cargo-wifi/)

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