As I write this, it’s 99 days to go until the Tour Divide starts. Holy smokes! It’s time to start dialing the gear and riding a lot more. June 13th will be here before we know it.
Hover over the image above to see details on each component
Bikepacking 2700+ miles creates a few challenges for the cockpit area – multiple hand positions, additional gear attached to the bars, and attaching a front bag for sleeping gear. Making everything fit and still be functional is a trial and error process.
Luckily, using the Jones H-Bar and a set of clip on aero bars solved the issues of hand positions and gear placement. For the front handlebar bag, I’ll be using a custom J. Paks H-Bar that will slide over the aero bars rather than attaching to the handlebars. The custom bag should be ready in a couple of weeks, and I’ll definitely write a detailed post about the bag and how it works with the aero bars.
The addition of the aero bars to my prior bikepacking setup created issues (mounting with the Jones bar) as well as a few solutions (armrests are a nice spot to wrap the hydration tube around). The key to fitting the aero bars under the Jones loop was flipping the Jones bar over. With it inverted, the loop is a bit higher than the handlebar bar by just enough to let the aero bars slip under the loop. I didn’t know if I would like riding with the aero bars, but I have found myself dropping into the aero bars more and more on long rides to take pressure off of the hands.
Another great feature of the setup is using a SON dynamo hub to run the lights and GPS unit. When you pedal, the devices are powered. It doesn’t get any easier than that. The light is a Luxos U by Bush & Muller which has an extremely wide light pattern and is more than bright enough. The real selling point for the light was it’s USB output which provides the power to run the GPS, or charge other devices like a smartphone or iPod. It’s not clear in the pictures above, but the usb outlet sits below the right side armrest.
One thing missing from the cockpit is a map holder. Since GPS will be my primary navigation tool, the maps will be stored in the frame bag or front pouch of the handlebar bag for easy access when needed.
There you have it. A few details on my handlebar setup for the Tour Divide. Unless I get some crazy idea about a remote controlled bear spray canister or other nonsense, this will be the setup that takes me from Canada to Mexico.
