I'm planning on doing the Setanta route of the Transatlantic Way event next year, 1,700km around most of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. I'm looking some advice on bike & kit choice.
My plan is to sleep outdoors every other night and got a proper bed and shower for the others (hostel / B&B), estimating it is going to take me around 6 to 7 days to complete, although not too hung up on speed or placing in the top 10 etc, more complete than compete. I've done some bike touring previously and am a well-trained multisport endurance athlete so not too concerned about the preparation as I will be fully focused on training in the 6 months leading up to the event.
I have a couple of bikes to choose from:
- Winter road bike, carbon frame, rim brake, mechanical gearing, carbon wheels set up tubeless
- High-end road bike, SRAM AXS, discs brakes, carbon wheels set up tubeless
- Aluminium CX bike, naturally heavier than above two, discs brakes, mechanical gearing, light alu wheels set up tubeless
Plan to have a frame bag, bar bag, a small-ish saddle bag, bivvy bag, trying to keep it as light as possible.
Opinions on bike choice would be welcome considering the charging of batteries etc....I'm not that bothered about potential frame damage / rub on the 'good bike' as I am probably going to get it repainted at some stage and it has a few minor scratches already.
And would also be interested in feedback from anyone who has cycled the event in the past. Experience, preparation etc....