Bicycle BOVS

[Lightspeed]

I Posted this to Scythe 13 on another thread a few weeks back, but it may be useful including it here as well?

I have ridden some very high mileages on trecking bikes on the road. My own load carrier is configured to get me to my bug out location with 40Kg of kit. The BOL is approx 25 Km by road. I have no experience of carrying this sort of weight on true mountain tracks. For road and light (walkable) tracks, I have found that suspension is more of a problem than benefit as it robs energy, reduces control and adds to all up rolling weight.

My BOV bike's a 30 year old Diamond Back. 26” wheels and small sloping geometry frame made from True-Temper steel with braze on-s for pannier racks / mudguards. It has non-suspension heavy duty steel forks, again with braze-ons for mudguards and pannier racks.

So many components changed over the years that it like Trigg’s Broom.
Pannier racks are tubular steel as its more robust and repairable than aluminium.
Panniers, bar bag and rack top bag are excellent Caradice brand in green waterproof material.

TIP: check e-bay / car boot sales / refuse tips for good brand really old school mountain bikes. Straight ( not bent) steel frames with braze-on's for racks and mudguards, and steel handlebar and stem are desirable. Old thumb shift gear changers are good to look for as they will operate forever and are highly fixable.

Very often really good bikes get purchased for Christmas with an intention of getting fit and then get put in the back of the shed after it is found to be too much hard work!!! ( Bit like Gym sign-ups)….so there are many as new bikes that show up.

Check that the saddle post and handlebar stem are not seized with rust / corrosion before proceeding.

Assuming you find a good candidate frame you'll need to overhaul it completely

Consider doing the following:
• remove and grease steerer, seatpost, and all braze on bolts ( Coppaslip is good for long life re-greasing of these parts.
• Replace braze-on bolts with SS if you can) .
• Fit new bearings to headset and bottom bracket.
• Rebuild the pedal bearings or replace with good quality pedals.
• If the wheels are true re build the wheel bearings,
• fit new rim tape, tubes and tyres.
• Replace brake pads.
• Remove brake cables and gear change cables with good quality replacements.

This will prob end up costing as much as a budget bike from Cycle King or Halfords but will result in a strong and reliable Bug out Bike combined with the knowledge and tools needed to keep it running when there are no more repair shops…

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Don't discount a Tandem bicycle

Not really so much a BOV but as a post event long range transport solution.

Forget the funny ha-ha image of a tandem that will immediately come to mind.

Well set up tandems are a highly efficient way for two people to travel very long distances under their own steam, and at good speeds.

It is entirely viable to count on being able to cover 100 miles per day on a fairly mundane machine. With training and experience, this can be doubled. Provided drinking water can be sourced it is entirely viable to acieve 1000+ Km in 5 days, completely self supported ( meaning carrying all foodstuffs and kit needed. Of course safe houses / caches en route can extend this further.

LS

Also consider this: A tandem is capable of carrying non cyclists as well. It is not uncommon for them to be set up to carry youngsters, disabled people or just non cycling partners