Heeeyho Readers! Let's talk about bicycles!
Talking about bicycles is like saving for new parts — it never ends.
The cycling community is getting sexier everyday. It's inspiring to see people talk about bicycles/rides again. Way to go! To get to know each other's style, 
Love mud!
Some of you know me for mountain biking races, but prior to that comes some cycle touring experiences, which is the prelude of how I bought Beast (my bicycle's name). To wrap it up before talking to the actual thing: In Nov. 2018, I cycled from Krakow (Poland) to London (UK), where my bicycle was stolen {bastards}. After much help and working my ass off as a delivery cyclist, I began an endless search for a suitable replacement. We can never find something that does it all. Right?
Sonder Frontier
The Sonder Frontier is a British-made bicycle. After the incident, I wanted a mountain bike first of all. Not specifically a race machine, but something sturdy to withstand trails that could also endure multi-month tours. A road bicycle is undoubtedly faster to tour, a gravel bike lays in between; none capable of shredding trails. A proper XC bicycle doesn't carry a lot of weight, although I've always loved race bikes. Anyways. With a list of brands in hand it was a matter of ticking the boxes.
The Frontier seems to do it all, like a Swiss knife of the bicycles. Its only flaw for competitive racing is the weight (~12,9kg). However, what it lacks in nimbleness it compensates in trail capabilities. In other words... it's a tractor. And when I want to rest from the races, loading a bunch of bags and going camping isn't a problem for this bike. Would you load bags on a carbon fiber racing machine? Hell no.
Camp near Peak District, UK
Specs
My frontier came originally with a single chain-ring 11-speed Sram NX drive-train. It has now been upgraded to a 12-speed NX Eagle system. I use 36-T on the front; would use a 38 if the frame allowed. If altimetry is really serious I consider setting a 34 or 32-t chain-ring (only happened once for a climbing challenge).
12-speed NX Eagle
I've been using 2.35 Maxxis Ikon tires. They are 3C (triple compound), TR (tubeless ready), EXO, Max Speed... all that means they are strong as hell. I'm running tubeless (more about that in the blog). Suspension is an air-sprung RockShox Recon; not the lighters but is super smooth.
Maxxis Ikon
RockShox Recon
The bag you see attached to the frame is only used in longer rides. I'd just completed a 77km ride on vicinal roads, explaining why the bag is there. It contains some utilities, such as emergency tube, pump, tools, etc.
Alpkit Bag
Utilities
Longer rides require extra precautions. Sometimes I use a backpack, though having my back free of anything feels better. I also don't like to load the little pockets in my cycling jersey with anything but snacks. On super long rides (read more than 100km) there's no option but wearing the backpack, since it holds a 2.5L water bag.
I forgot to take a picture of the cockpit. It's simple, to be honest. I don't have a GPS unit as they are kind expensive. Cellphone records Strava rides and I monitor the rest in a rather old cycle-computer (still using that magnet on the wheel xD).
That's what I've been riding since coming back home from the UK. I wish I had a nimble bicycle for races only, but not in my current reality. Until then, Beast has to work it out.
Now I'd love to know about your bicycle!
How to join?
Create a blog post in the Cycling community about your bicycle.
What kind of bicycle is it? Why did you choose this bicycle? Are there any interesting details about the bike? And maybe share some pictures of your bicycle.
Add the hashtag #mybike
Optionally tag other cyclists in your post or in the comments under this post.
Peace.
Did you know that I have a book out? Check this!
Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?
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~Love ya all,
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.