So, what's your audax kit/setup?

[The Mechanic]

Aravis audax frame with:
Ultegra STIs (9 speed)
Ultegra front and XT rear mech
Stronlight Impact triple chainset
3T Morphe bars with Spesh Bar Phat tape.
Brooks Team Pro
Etrex Vista HCx
Polar CS200 computer
VO alloy seat pin - a work of art
SPD pedals but soon changing to A520 spds.
Ultegra rear hub with Ambrosio Evolution rim 36 spokes
Shimano DH-3N80 dyno hub with same rim as back wheel (32 spokes) Wheels built by Big Al.
HPX pump
Carradice Super C rack pack on Tortec Ultralight rack - no idea what is in it but I hope it is everything I will every need in the case of nuclear war.
Super C bar bag (mostly empty) apart from phone etc.
B&M Cyo front and D Toplight rear plus Blackburn Mars 3
Head torch when its dark.
OK, here's a list of whats in hte rack pack:
waterproof jacket
arm warmers
knee warmers
2 x tubes
tyre leavers
patches
Hummer multitool
small swiss army knife (one for Charlotte)
bog roll
small pack of wipes
sun cream
screw driver
small cafe lock (replaced with big one for touring)
Bound to be other stuff but can't remember

[cyclone]

Mercian Audax....Aksium wheels 23mm gatorskins, either a 48/34 compact Campag or 28/38/48 Stronglight. Running 13 - 29 10spd. Sks guards. "x led lights front and Astrium at rear. 2 bottle cges, frame fit pump. Small saddlepack holding tubes x2, puncture repair kit, pedal spanner, rusty park multi tool and a pencil!. Cereal bars, phone, keys, waterproof (if not wearing it as I reside in Wales) and zero tablets in jersey pockets. Selle Italia ntl saddle, bontrager seatpost [OK for up to400k]

OR;

Evil Tonka toy - A battered Graham Weigh 531 frame (touring?) Aksium wheels but Shimano fitting 12-25 10spd. Marathon 28's, On one Midge bars, mis matched brakes, same saddlepack, pump etc, 48/38 chainset (Stronglight) Deore lx (1988) seatpost and a Selle Anatomica seat. This is my test rig.....Testing for PBP compatibility 

[Alouicious]

And yet another bike.

Halfords Apollo Gent's upright.

Marathon Plus  26 x 1 3/8".

Sturmey Archer AW3. 46T chainwheel to 24T sprocket.

[Chris S]

What I ride:

Winter: On-One Pompino, 44/16 fixed, Marathon Plus 25s, Shimano 3N-71 Dynohub driving XB2 Solidlights. Standard SPD pedals.

Summer: Reborn 1985 Dawes Scorpio, 49/19 fixed (West of the Meridian) or 49/16 fixed (East of the Meridian), Continental Four Seasons 28s, SON dynohub driving B+M Cyo. Standard SPD pedals.

What I carry:

1. Up to 200: Enough toolage to remove wheels, tyres, pump tyres and repair chains, One inner, basic med kit (Vitamin I, Immodium, Piriton, Pro Plus, Nuuns).
2. 200 to 400: As (1) plus spare clothes if reqd, another inner, tyre patch.
3. >400: As (2) plus spare shorts.
4. Any distance: Phone, GPS, iPod.

[Tewdric]

Hummer multitool

The mind boggles..

[Somnolent]

Bike:   Dawes Galaxy frame & forks (Reynolds 531)  Brooks Swift Saddle.   Wheels: Hand built Open Pro on 105 hubs (36 spoke 3 cross.  Drive train – mostly 105 but 50/38/26 front rings and 9 speed 12-30 cassette – operated from Veloce ergos via the “hubbub” cable routing .  25mm Krylion tyres. Old-skool randonneur handlebars with lots of gel under tape.
Bags:   cheapo 4 litre bar bag, with transparent top for route sheet, modified with R&K fittings. Topeak medium wedge saddle bag for tools
Lights: Rear – Smart R1 ½ watt on seat stay and Smart Polaris ½ watt on Topeak bag
Front – Hope Vision 1, and Smart Polaris 5 as back up – mounted to fork low-riser mounts
Gps:  Garmin eTrex Legend HCx
Clothing: in bag unless needed  - Lidl lightweight showerproof jacket, Montane Slipstream gilet, silk inner gloves, buff & if cold, beanie hat,  Arm & leg warmers, long finger gloves
Tools: pump, 2 spare inner tubes + old-style glue& patches patches, park tyre levers,  multi tool & some spare nuts & bolts & chain links
Other stuff: lock, cash, card, phone, cereal bars, choccy bars, jelly babies, mini cocktail salamis, first aid kit:   Ibuprofen & wound dressings, glasses case for regular glasses to wear when not wearing wrap-around cycling glasses, spare batteries (AA for front lights & GPS) sometimes AAA for rear if long ride

[Dan_K]

It seems that there are no right or wrong set-ups in Audaxing and simply personal choice. It's interesting to see the different rigs people ride with.
I've been out today and picked up a Carradice Maxi saddlepack which should cover my luggage issues. It holds 5L and saves the need of a rack etc. After seeing it in the flesh, I think it will be adequate.
I'll also be getting some 25mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres for my original heavy duty wheels and ditching the Fulcrum 3s on longer rides.
Next on the shopping list is an Etrex Legend HCX but i'm still toying with whether to ditch the Keos on Audax rides for some A520 touring pedals. I'm torn... 

Thanks to everyone who posted.

[Tewdric]

You've made some good decisions there - going for the SPD pedals will also be a good move.

I have always ridden my Thorn 853 conical-tubed job with 23 or 25c tyres and either a Barley/Bagman combo or light Tubus rack and Arkel Tailrider.  I am increasingly minded to ride events up to 200-300Km on my carbon fibre Giant TCR though, with a pea sized saddlepack to prevent me carrying unneccessary crap.  

[Gus]

OLd setup : Giant TCR composite w. ksyrium Elite wheels 23 mm tires. Cateye 530 light, clip on fenders and Selle SMP pro saddle; every part was lightweight.

New setup : Salsa Casseroll  w. Schmidt dynohub and 28/32 mm tires. Brooks B17 saddle and a Nelson saddlebag.
I have learned that comfort and sturdiness are what you need when riding Audax

[Canardly]

In for a penny. I was thinking of taking a Trek 1.2 with pendle saddle bag. mudguards and nano space clearance. Otherwise would be galaxy with bent forks. ps second time out with trek had p word with gatorskins literally 20 secs after fellow rider mentioned the p word. Word of advice is to get yourself a mini Lezyne high pressure track pump they are brill.

Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HVG 2011 - Micro Floor Drive HVG PRESTA/SCHRADEDER

ps no connection.

[Ade O]

I'm happy with my alu frame Tifosi but the campy Veloce is wearing out so I'm replacing it with Centaur:
- 34/50 compact chainset with 13-29 cassette for the bumpy bits
- 25mm Conti 4 season tyres as a compromise between comfort & durability
- extension T bar to clear some space on the bars
- rack & bag for spares eg tubes, nuts, chain links, food, etc.
- spd pedals for walking round in

I've also got a Bianchi carbon with a compact chainset, as it's lighter I might experiment with a standard double for more speed on the flat?

[steveh]

Giant SCR2 Tiagra triple. 50/39/30, 12-27 9 speed.
Carbon forks and seatpost, Selle Italia XO Transam seems to fit my anatomy well
Wheels are Pete Matthews, Pianni rims on Hope hubs, 28 spoke 2 cross.
Race Lite hardcase 25mm. SKS narrow guards with flap on the front.
Exposure Strada front, with Electron Nano 9 backup, plus Silverpoint headtorch. Cateye TL1100 rear.
Topeak Ultralite rack with Agu rack pack. RnK map holder for routesheet. Sigma Targa wired computer (is it just me, or can't you get a computer to display speed AND time of day at the same time any more?).
I normally carry - overshoes/socks, waterproof (Montane fetherlite h2o or altura night vision depending on season), map, bonk rations, pump, tube x 2 (now need to add spare tyre, prob conti gp 4 season as it's folding), allen keys, spoke key, co2 pump and canister, tissues, ibuprofen, energy drink powder of some sort, ID, phone, money).
Wellgo double sided SPDs, Nike MTB shoes with Spesh BG footbeds so I can walk and not go AOT.
When I'm fit enough I'm considering doing BPs on a Revolution Track singlespeed, 40x16, more or less as above except steel forks not carbon, and raceblades as he don't fit normal guards.
Steve

[LEE]

Condor Fratello, mid-weight steel "fast tourer" 50/40/30
23mm tyres in Summer, 25mm Marathons in winter.
Caradice Barley up to 300km and something bigger for 400/600 (I used a creek2peak rack bag which was fine but now I have a huge Super C saddlebag for PBP so I'll use it on 400/600 as well).
SKS Mudguards (I'll fit an extension so as to be sociable to my Audax friends soon).
Zefal HPX pump although I just bought a Lezyne mini and, as mentioned above, it's superb quality, lightweight...and works.
Shimano Dynohub and B&M Cyo.

It's all about what works for you.  I think everyone who replied so far could do a 200 or 300 without really worrying about what kit they had or bike they were riding. I've done an SR series on a heavy Thorn Rohloff bike, my mid-weight Condor and I've done a 200 on a fairly light Single-Speed.  
Comfort rules.

For me, crossing into 400s and 600s means I like to be more prepared, as you can end up fairly remote, at 3am, in the freezing cold and rain.  All that means though is the ability to carry a few extra layers and a bit more food.

The difference between a 200 and 600 for me is the size of saddlebag.

[marcusjb]

Currently:

2000 Pinarello Treviso (aluminium) with 9 speed Campag Xenon/Mirage mix.

53/39 chainset (being changed to a 50/34 before the Elenith) with 12-28 cassette.

Back wheel is a Campag Scirocco with a 23mm Conti 4 Season (only tyre I've ever really trusted)

Front wheel is a handbuilt with Schmidt Son Delux dynohub, Rigida Chrina rim and, usually, another 23mm Conti 4 Season - though I am currently experimenting with a 28mm Conti 4 Season in order to make life a little comfier (it rubs on the Crud Road Racer 2s when I go over bumps - but if i can ignore the noise it should be fine I think) - trying to decide before the Dean this weekend.

Dynohub drives a B&M Cyo

Saddle - Brooks Swift Titanium

Bars and stem - nothing very exciting

Ride with a Barley Super C on a Bagman and an Ortlieb 2.7L front bag that pops off for controls

Garmin Edge 800 on the stem


It's a good bike, I've adapted it for audax usage - but they'll be something comfier coming along very soon.

I've seen so many different bikes in my short time audaxing - everything from carbon bling (especially now that spring is coming) to Thorn tanks.  

I've seen people ride with a spare tube in the back pocket or fully panniered up.

Each to their own - no-one's right or wrong!

[Panoramix]

For me it is:

Condor Fratello 34/50 with either 13-26 or 13-29 cassette depending on hilliness.
Equipped in Campagnolo veloce
25 mm gatorskins (to be eventually changed for duranos may be in 28)
SKS mudguards
32 spokes wheels (mavic cpx - campagnolo mirage hubs)
Garmin Dakota 20 GPS
rack and carradice top rack bag
fenix torch and smart - 5 leds kidney shaped - rear light

In my bag i have food, batteries spare clothes 2 rain jackets (one light one heavy), tools and rainlegs.

Eventually the 50 outer ring will become a 46 and I will get a dynamo hub!

[Oaky]

Felt Z70 Alloy-framed road bike (carbon fork)
105 triple, 50/39/30 10 speed 11-25 cassette
25mm Vittoria Zaffiro tyres
PD-M540 SPD pedals
Topeak medium seat wedge
(containing 2x tubes, PRK, Lezyne Multi-tool (CRV-18?), Park emergency tyre boots, assorted nuts/bolts, short lengths of 10-speed chain, SRAM joining links, a length of the plastic coated stiff wire that is used for wiring toys into their packaging, bunch of assorted cable ties, two tyre levers and a velcro strap)
Topeak tri-bag (for liquorice/wine gums etc., keys, Ibuprofen, pro-plus)
tiny cheap comedy Oxford cable lock for cafe stops
two Bontrager Racelite bottle cages, two large Specialized wide-mouth bottles
Cateye Strada cadence wired computed on the stem
Topeak Road Morph pump
Hope 1-LED and backup cateye EL135 on the bars
RSP Astrum and Smart 1/2 Watt at the rear
Rixen & Kaul mini map holder
Tesco 2xAA Cree torch on the helmet
Buff, Arm/legwarmers, Gilet

No mudguards ( - there's not quite enough clearance for the Crud Roadracers with 25c tyres on.  Not sure if raceblades would be better than nothing  )
It's served me well up to 400km (in pretty much ideal summer conditions, mind).

I think I'll need a larger bag to tackle a 600 though. - I'd want to have some space for an additional layer and some spare shorts at the very least The wedge pack only goes up to 1.3L fully expanded.

[zigzag]

i've taken some photos of bikes ready for a 1600km randonee. some interesting solutions there. clicky.

[Tewdric]

i've taken some photos of bikes ready for a 1600km randonee. some interesting solutions there. clicky.

It would be interesting to see which ones finished! 

[zigzag]

i've taken some photos of bikes ready for a 1600km randonee. some interesting solutions there. clicky.

It would be interesting to see which ones finished! 

  i hope most of them! one rider crashed the first night and couldn't continue, bad luck really. i was on this bike on 1600k and this on 1400k.

[Feline]

My audax setup is:

Bike: Sabbath September titanium with SRAM 28/42 chainrings and 11-32 casette 10 speed. Rear wheel Mavic Open Pro 36 spoke on 105 hub, front wheel Schmidt Son dynohub 32 spoke in Mavic Open Pro. Tyres Durano Plus 25cc. SKS full mudguards. Brooks B17s saddle. Shimano SPD pedals.

Lights: IQ Cyo front dynamo light. Ahlun mudguard rear light plus Astrum rear light attached to bag loop on rides involving night riding.

Computers:
Wireless Cateye commuter (has backlight for use in the dark and thermometer)
Garmin Edge 705
Dahon Reecharge wired up to dyno hub with adapted Garmin USB wire to allow use while charging, plus USB iphone cable to charge that too


Bags: Carradice super C Barley on a QR bagman sport support. Topeak Tribag at front for carrying food and battery pack for Garmin when needed (i.e. rides over 15 hrs).
Sometimes Carradice bar bag with map case on top.
If not, laminated route sheet secured to bars with a reusable zip tie

Luggage:
Pump, 2 tubes, 5 glueless patches, tyre levers, piece of old tyre to use as a boot
Multitool including mini chain tool and mini spoke key
2 spare spokes
Power link for 10 speed chain
Mini pliers/cable cutters/knife gadget
Spare gear cable
Latex gloves
Baby wipes
Carrier bag for covering saddle etc.
Lightweight bike lock
Lightweight waterproof top unless expecting wet ride then beefier waterproof top

Doping:
Ibuprofen, antihistamines, pro-plus tablets, salbutamol inhaler for asthma (honest)

Clothing:
Depends on forecast but other than what I set off wearing might include spare socks, arm warmers, leg wamers, gilet, windproof top, skull cap,buff

Shoes:
Sidi goretex boots in winter with cut off marigold gloves to use as seals for the tops
Shimano SPD sandals in summer with Sealskinz socks for if it's cold (and dark in case I am seen wearing socks and sandals!)

Food:
Pack of blackcurrent jelly
Jelly babies or freebie Wiggle Haribo
Couple of energy gels for emergency use
Cereal bar
Some dried fruit or raisins
Water bottles according to length of ride

Important extras:
Cash
Credit card
Something with ID and emergency contact details
Mobile phone in a jiffy bag
Small pencil for writing on Brevet cards
Tissues (especially if it's cold)
Sunglasses
Chapstick for dry lips (can even use this on your arse if you're desperate)
House key/ car keys

[JonBuoy]

Chapstick for dry lips (can even use this on your arse if you're desperate)

That is indeed a generous offer.

[AndyH]

^^^ ^^^

[Alouicious]

It seems that there are no right or wrong set-ups in Audaxing and simply personal choice. It's interesting to see the different rigs people ride with.
I've been out today and picked up a Carradice Maxi saddlepack which should cover my luggage issues. It holds 5L and saves the need of a rack etc. After seeing it in the flesh, I think it will be adequate.
I'll also be getting some 25mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres for my original heavy duty wheels and ditching the Fulcrum 3s on longer rides.
Next on the shopping list is an Etrex Legend HCX but i'm still toying with whether to ditch the Keos on Audax rides for some A520 touring pedals. I'm torn... 

Thanks to everyone who posted.

I've had two eTrex Legends and they both broke. The first one kept switching off through vibration and the rubber bumper band swelled up in the hot sun and never fitted correctly again. That one went back under warranty and I got a new one in exchange.
That one also suffered 'switching off' issues. The internal battery terminal connections came adrift but alas, this one was out of warranty so I took it apart to repair the broken joint. The rubber bumper band expanded on this one as well.

I have had an Edge 605 for about two years now and I can't fault it. Except that battery life is only 15 hours, so I bought a PowerMonkey.
A PowerChimp would have been better as these use AA size NiMh 2500mAhr cells which can be replaced to give an indefinite time of use for the Edge 605.

[Alouicious]

Chapstick for dry lips (can even use this on your arse if you're desperate)

That is indeed a generous offer.

My lips BEFORE your arse.

[Dan_K]

It seems that there are no right or wrong set-ups in Audaxing and simply personal choice. It's interesting to see the different rigs people ride with.
I've been out today and picked up a Carradice Maxi saddlepack which should cover my luggage issues. It holds 5L and saves the need of a rack etc. After seeing it in the flesh, I think it will be adequate.
I'll also be getting some 25mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres for my original heavy duty wheels and ditching the Fulcrum 3s on longer rides.
Next on the shopping list is an Etrex Legend HCX but i'm still toying with whether to ditch the Keos on Audax rides for some A520 touring pedals. I'm torn... 

Thanks to everyone who posted.

I've had two eTrex Legends and they both broke. The first one kept switching off through vibration and the rubber bumper band swelled up in the hot sun and never fitted correctly again. That one went back under warranty and I got a new one in exchange.
That one also suffered 'switching off' issues. The internal battery terminal connections came adrift but alas, this one was out of warranty so I took it apart to repair the broken joint. The rubber bumper band expanded on this one as well.

I have had an Edge 605 for about two years now and I can't fault it. Except that battery life is only 15 hours, so I bought a PowerMonkey.
A PowerChimp would have been better as these use AA size NiMh 2500mAhr cells which can be replaced to give an indefinite time of use for the Edge 605.

I've already got an Edge 305 which does everything I need until I get a complex route to follow. The "breadcrumb" route without full mapping can be a bit of a pain.
I like the fact that the Etrex runs off AA batteries so I think it will be good to have for occasional use plus I can't justify spending the extra on a 605 or 705 (i'd want cadence and HR too).
I've read mixed reviews on those powerchimps. They seem like a good idea though.