Giant Talon 2

For the trip, I'll be riding a Giant Talon 2. I wanted to get a Giant Fathom for the trip (the geometry was more endurance suited) but it just wasn't in the budget. I'm pretty impressed with this bike, though, for being sub $1,000. 

  • Suntour XCM 100mm Front Fork
  • Giant Connect Trail Handlebar
  • Shimano Acera Shifters
  • Shimano Alivio and Deore Shadow Derailleurs
  • Shimano M315 Disc Brakes
  • KMC x11 Chain
  • Prowheel RAID 22/36 Crankset
  • Maxxis Ikon 29" 2.2 Tubeless Tires
  • Race Face Chester Flat Pedals

Revelate Terrapin Seat Bag

The Terrapin bag is awesome. I like how it's actually a dry bag that slides into the seat pack. The other nice feature is the air valve that's built into the side so you can stuff your gear in, cinch it down tight with the air being let out, then seal it up. I put my sleeping materials inside this bag.

  • Mountain Hardwear HyperLamina Flame 20 Degree Bag
  • AlpKit Hunka Bivy
  • Tyvek Ground Sheet (not pictured)

Revelate Ranger Frame Bag

The size medium Ranger bag fit my bike great, and there's more than enough room in it for my gear. So much of a surprising amount that I had to stop myself from trying to fill it to the brim with unnecessary items to save weight. I tried to put my heavier and lesser used items in this bag (and more focused towards the bottom) for better weight distribution on the bike. Since we have a couple guys riding, I didn't have to bring along my bike pump, which usually goes in here too. Half of the gear in here is camera and electronics stuff since I'm making a short film of the trip. If I were to come back to the trail in the future to race the route, I could probably get rid of half the things in here for a lighter weight setup. Camera gear is heavy!

  • Medicine and Toiletries Tins
  • Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
  • 2 Liter Camelback Water Bladder (not pictured)
  • Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
  • Camera Batteries + Charger
  • Drone Charger + Extra Battery
  • SD Card Wallet
  • RavPower Portable Charger (awesome phone charger)
  • 3 Port Qualcomm Quick Charge Wall Block
  • NiteIze Extra Long Rubber Twist Ties (for Grand Canyon portage tie down)
  • Little Bag of Misc Electronics Gear (headphones, cables, AA and AAA batteries)
  • Titanium Spork!
  • Wet Ones 20 Count Wipes Pack

The Sweetroll bag is another great addition to the system. I roll one side up and shove all of my clothes in it, then roll up the open end. I didn't want a ton of weight on the handlebars that would interfere with steering and make the front end heavier to lift for hike-a-bike (HAB) sections, so I elected to put my garments here. Not rocket science for this setup, just the bare minimum that I could get away with for clothes without sacrificing some warmth for the northern sections. All the clothes added up only weigh a few pounds.

  • North Face Thermoball Down Jacket
  • Black Diamond Polartec Pullover
  • Extra Performance Bikes Jersey
  • Extra Pearl Izumi Riding Shorts
  • Nike Pro Combat Thermal Tights
  • Nike Fleece Running Gloves
  • Mechanix Wear Heavy Duty Gloves
  • Clean Pair of Socks to Sleep In
  • REI Polartec Thermal Head Wrap
  • Hot Sockee Thermal Toe Warmers
  • Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves
  • Carhart Beanie (not pictured)
  • ExOfficio Underwear to Sleep In (not pictured)

Revelate Sweetroll Handlebar Bag


The Jerry Can also has a surprising amount of space in it given its tiny profile. Housed opposite the Terrapin under my seat, it's carrying tools and small items only.

  • Orange Seal Tubeless Sealant w/ Applicator
  • White Lightning Chain Lube
  • Chain Rag (not pictured)
  • Park Tool (phillips head, flathead, different allen wrench sizes)
  • Valve Core Remover
  • Chamois Butt'r (gotta keep the booty lubed and happy after hours of rubbing)
  • Sea to Summit Straps + Velcro Straps (for Grand Canyon portage tie down)
  • Spare Tube w/ Slime Sealant (in case things get crazy - not pictured)

Revelate Jerry Can


For the first 300ish miles of our journey, I'll be rocking the Osprey Stratos 26 Liter backpack (bonus points for the REI Co-Op with the National Parks Foundation!). The reason for this is I will be mounting my bike to my backpack to cross the Grand Canyon, as bikes are not allowed to be ridden in the canyon. This pack is great for its size and has an internal wire frame, Osprey's air escape backing, and thicker shoulder and hip straps for comfort. Mostly everything in here is just camera gear, and I can throw extra food in here too. Once we get down to Payson, I'll be swapping this backpack out for my Osprey Escapist 18L bag, a more lightweight backpack.

  • Generic Trekking Poles (will get mailed home directly after Canyon crossing)
  • Joby Gorilla Tripod (not pictured)
  • DJI Mavic Pro Drone + Remote
  • Cheap Rain Poncho (forecast is looking good so I'm not packing a full rain jacket - not pictured)
  • EVO Shift iPhone Gimbal (not pictured)
  • 10-18mm & 50mm Canon Lenses inside the Ape Case
  • Wallet (not pictured)
  • 2 Liter Osprey Water Bladder (inside pack, reserve bladder if needed)

Osprey Stratos 26L


This is what will be on my body. I'll be swapping out my riding jersey and shorts every other day to cut down on the stank and grime as much as possible. Owayo hooked us up with a great cycling jersey that I designed myself. If you're looking for some custom jerseys, definitely check them out!

  • Owayo Custom Jersey with Sponsor Logos (thanks everyone who helped out!)
  • Arsuxeo Bibs (generic brand from Amazon but I love them, great butt pad too)
  • Canari Arizona Flag Cycling Socks
  • Pearl Izumi Gel Fingerless Gloves
  • Saucony Peregrine 7 Trail Running Shoes
  • Giro Helmet
  • Wolf Bike Sunglasses

Riding Clothes & Gear


Other Items and Gear