This page contains the specs of my original world touring bike (sadly destroyed by a heavy goods vehicle in Thailand in March 2015, after getting halfway round the world).  For a comparison with its successor, ‘The Beastlet’, click here.

‘The Beast’ – An Adventure Touring Bike (2014-15)

Make and Model
Maxx ‘Pacemaxx’ Custom Build

Chassis
Frame:  Aluminium (Compatible with disc or rim brakes, derailleur or hub gears, suspension or non-suspension forks)
Fork:  Steel (disc brake)
Handlebar:  Flat with Ergon GP5 grips / bar ends

Wheelset
Wheels:  Handbuilt 26”, 32-spoke wheels.  Ryde Zac-21 rim-brake rims on SRAM X7 disc hubs
Tyres:  Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 2” (50mm)
Brakes:  Avid BB7 cable-actuated discs (front 180mm rotor, rear 160mm)

Drivetrain (3×10 derailleur)
Mechs:  Shimano XT
Shifters:  Shimano SLX
Chainset:  Shimano 48/36/26T – External Bottom Bracket
Cassette:  Shimano 10-speed, 11-36T
Pedals:  Shimano SPD double-sided clips (mountain bike pedals)

Miscellaneous
Racks:  Tubus.  Logo rear, Ergo lowrider front. Steel.
Saddle:  SQ Labs 603 touring
Mudguards:  SKS Beavertail XL (clip-on)

Overall bike weight, inc racks etc): approx 15kg (33lb)

Bags
Panniers:  Ortlieb Plus (waterproof) front and rear panniers
Bar Bag:  Axiom 10 litre (waterproof)
Rack Bag:  Cheap foldaway travel holdall (expands to 70 litres) – also used as hold luggage when flying

Overall luggage weight: approx 25kg (55lb)

Combined weight, fully-loaded: approx 40kg (88lb)