Final Preparations for the TransAmerica Cycle Route: Gear, Bike Setup & Key Decisions 

Rubbish, & lots of it from what else I can see. Lower intermediate level.

Matt, it’s a good idea to fit a new chain when fitting a new cassette, the old chain will be partially worn into the old cassette and for the sake of £20 you’ll get more life out of your drivetrain

Thanks and wishing you a great adventure on the TransAm! The people along the route are fantastic.

Thanks mat. I really enjoy your videos. There’s something about your tone and easy non phased approach to everything you do that’s so refreshing. Enjoy the transam.

Hey Mat. Congrats on setting up tubeless. Don't worry about making a mess (you will at some point). I use a sealant that is blue and sometimes when I am done it looks like I have murdered a Smurf. A couple of observations on setting them up (these are from experience in doing it wrong). When you air up the tire it is not air pressure alone but the speed at which the pressure is applied that clinches the bead. You should hear a loud "ping" or two to know that the bead is set, just like on a car tire. It will scare you, it does me. If you can't get the air in fast enough, remove the valve stem core and the apply the air. You probably cannot get a good seal with a hand pump, the air can't get in fast enough. Good to see that you are taking extra sealant. Your tires have thinner walls than what you used on the GDMBR and a puncture will cause you to lose more sealant and at a faster rate. One thing I did notice when you were changing cassettes, never use your torque wrench to loosen bolts. It causes the torque adjustments in the wrench to go out of whack. A couple of items that you might consider adding to your kit. Reflecting tape for the back of your helmet and paniers and a flashing rear light. A valve core removal tool because sometimes the sealant can clog up the bottom of the valve core and you can't get air in the tire. Take out the valve core and clean it. An extra valve core to replace the one you drop and can't find. A Presta to Schrader valve adapter. All of the air hoses at gas stations use Shrader and the adapter comes in handy to fill up tires. You can leave it on the Presta stem for a stem cap. A dollar bill. Dollar bills are made of linen paper and if you blow a sidewall you can use it between the tube and the tire to keep the tube from poking out. A Co2 cartridge and the adapter to fill the tire (make sure you get Presta). I doubt you are allowed to fly with this so you will have to get one at a bike shop here in the States. Don't use it unless you have broken the bead on the tire and need to remount it. One thing about Co2. It dissipates after a while so always air up the tire after a few hours. Anyway, enough of my droning on. I wish you the best of adventures and I can't wait to see the videos!

The Garmin Radar is a game changer. I won't ride w/out it. I'm alerted way before I can hear the car and I know to get over as far as possible. That in conjunction with a mirror is the perfect combo.

Nice set up Matt. Well thought out. By the way, thank you for turning me onto the Clickstand. Just finished the Southern Tier earlier this year and the Oregon Outback Trail a couple of weeks ago. The Click-stand was a bikesaver. Just a few comments based on my own Trans Am experience four years ago. The Garmin Varia, along with a bar mirror, saved my life. Anything to increase visibility can be life-saving. I flew a small American flag on my rear pannier (also seemed to buy me some grace in pickup truck country), bright green merino shirt, red flasher on the back of my helmet. I counted maybe 2-2.5 L bottles on your frame. I’m a heavy sweater. There were some very dry and hot stretches in eastern Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming where there was simply not frequent water. I carried a 3 L Camelback in my front Ortlieb pannier attached to a 4 foot extension tube and zip-tied to my stem/drop bar (Salsa Marrakesh). I would fill it for long, dry stretches but otherwise it took up almost no space. There were freezing mornings in August in Montana and Yellowstone. I bought some thick thermal finger gloves. I mailed my stove home from Missouri. Never used it once. There were just a lot of eating options along the way. Lastly, I don’t see much empty space in your bags. Not sure how full your top access rear bag is. I carried a lot of pastries, chicken fingers, potato wedges, pizza slices, sandwiches, meal leftovers, which were much more sustaining and palatable than the usual biker bars, dried fruit, and nuts. This reminds me, make sure you stop at the country store north of Riggins Idaho. I bought a whole berry pie there. It was amazing. I carried and ate that thing for two days. By the way, I assume you’re carrying a couple of battery chargers? I don’t want dead cameras or drones to ruin my video-viewing experience! Anyway, best wishes from this 70 year-old southern Oregon biker. What date do you depart Astoria?

Tarp + bike + cordage + stakes = shelter anywhere from sun, wind, or rain.

Adding 6 teeth to your cassette should require a longer chain. I don't know how many miles you have on your Kona, but on a ride as long as the Trans Am, I might want to install a new chain anyway, and there is no better time to do it than when you install a new cassette.

Well done Mat. From novice to expert. Most people can do these things such as replacing tyres or using tools etc. but fear failure and then spend money on someone else doing it, when in reality the job is doable by anyone with some motivation and access to RU-vid. Isn't YT a wonderful medium? I am so looking forward to your big ride and your videos. Good job on all the tasks accomplished!

Your Trans-Am tour will go rite thru my home town here in Kansas...."Girard"....if your needing a place to crash. relax, get a good hot meal or just hang out, hit me up. Ive watched all your videos on the TDR and bikepacking camping adventures. Good times! 👍

You're going to have a blast Mr Ryder; and entertain me for a good long while as well. Thank you

Great video, I enjoyed the thought processes spoken out loud. Safe travels and enjoy every moment! Even when adversity arrives.

Loved watching you work out where to pack everything, Matt, and what brands of gear you use. It was a nice insight.

Wishing you All the Best! Safe travels to America! Looking forward to following along on this Grand Adventure!!! Be well my friend

The mirror…… is a great addition 👍

excellent and interesting video thank you👍

Here we go again! Can't wait to follow along with this adventure! Will you do the same approach as the GMBDR (a series of shorter videos and a longer 'full' video)? LOVED being able to watch both of those last time (and it was like two separate series of content. Good luck and we will be tuning in again!

Matt I’m pleased to see you are starting in Astoria, my comment asking about where you were starting on your last video was because I was a bit confused with the alt route, it looked to me it started south in Portland which would mean you would miss our beautiful coast. The Oregon Coast is some of the most scenic I have ever seen. The second reason I’m pleased is that I live in the area (about five miles from the Astoria Motel 6) and hope you will give me the opportunity to meet you. (All in public of course). It would be my privilege to take you out for breakfast, lunch or dinner before your journey. Glad you have a ride from PDX to Astoria, I was going to offer that accommodation, but you have that one covered. BTW I have watched all your videos on the GDMBR at least five times, (living vicariously through your videos) you have inspired me to get off the couch and try something for myself. I can’t wait to see how the vids for this journey turn out. Please let me know about taking you out for food. All the best John

Good luck on the adventure of a lifetime. I hope you have a fantastic time and looking forward to seeing your record of the trip on RU-vid. I love your videos and presentation style. Keep them coming.

Well done for getting all the little tasks done. I’m currently writing and re-writing my list of things to pack/to do for my trip to the alps on the weekend.

I did my coast to coast Southern Tour on a Thorn Audax bike. Fully loaded, which the bike wasn't designed for but coped extremely well. Did not have tubeless tyres back in the year 2000 but would def take now.Did it on Panaracer 28mm tyres. Had about 6 punctures, 3 on one 89 mile day which made it an extremely long day. All in all the bike coped very well just could not get it in the smallest gear when we climbed Emory Pass at 8000+ feet so that was a bit of a grind. No mobile phones back then or GPS computers, just had a map on top of a bar bag to follow. Hope you go well Matt and enjoy. Its not about getting from A to B, but the memories you make while getting there that last a life time. Look forward to following you along. Bon voyage!

Another great video! you inspired me with the GMBR to do my own trip! quitting my job, Alaska to Patagonia 2025! thank you for the videos like this little jobs and kit checks really interesting and helps me with my planning.

Thanks for sharing. I appreciate your honest approach to tackling "new to you" upgrades and tasks; it's the best way to learn!

We're all watching man. You're about to have an incredible experience. Btw, your set up is on point. Much better than mine when I went. Looks like a total beast.

Just paid to have my tires converted. After watching you do it, I now realize it's way easier than I thought!

The adventure begins! I'm looking forward to following your transam videos, wish you a memorable and safe journey!

You need a longer chain since you increased the size of the rear cassette

Thanks for sharing the tubeless and rear cassette installations, definitely something I’m considering on my Sutra. Good luck on the Trans Am. Be safe

Very methodical and organised, nice. Have you packed your sunglasses? Obviously, the most important item😂 I am sure you will have an amazing time and meet some super folks on your travels. Make beautiful memories ❤

Another lovely video! It’s always nice watching, having my morning coffee and getting inspired! Very informative Mat. Have safe travels and will look forward to your next adventure! 🚴🏻‍♀️🤍👏🏻

Mat, a pint of Spruce Budd at Fort George Brewing in Astoria, Oregon is not to be missed and a great way to begin your adventure. Cheers!

You'll be absolutely fine on your Kona. The Sutra is an awesome bike for Touring. I cycled from Alaska to San Francisco on mine a good few years back now and it done a stellar job. Even on some significant unpaved roads as I took a detour up the Dempster Highway. Good luck and I look forward to watching your progress on the TransAm

You should for sure look. In more water more food from your last tour food and water was an issue. I now build my setup around water and food then add the gear

Looking forward to your journey across the U.S.! Dig your set up… you’re ready mate! Biking on roads with cars through rural and suburban areas will give a very raw look into this country. I’m hoping everyone is nice ! lol.

Tremendous content, eruditely delivered, as always. Have a fantastic trip Mat. Can't wait to watch.

Good Luck and take care out there. Starting my first multi night trip tomorrow, Way of the Roses, to a large extent inspired by yourself. Look forward to watching your story.

@matryderadventures It looks a nice piece of kit to me Mat. Great to customise and add your own preferences to it, and a bike is really a superlative example of how reasonably "straightforward" engingeering can be used to cover really significant distances, under human power, and simultaneously provide genuine enjoyment. Distance walking aside I cannot think of anything that compares. Look forward to seeing you progress, have a great time! Good Luck.

Hey Mat Good luck and hope you have a wonderful adventure going across the us. Likin your videos Bert - an old guy living a grateful life in Southern Oregon

Good job with the tubeless Mat, getting the tape on right is the worst part. And I was looking closely to make sure you put your tyres in the right orientation - guilty here of setting up tubeless only to then realise after I'd put the tyre the wrong way round!!

Enjoyed the last one... Well be there to watch this one also...x

Good luck Mat, looking forward to this series.

Have a great trip Mat. I'm looking forward to the updates on RU-vid. You are an inspiration and have inspired me to ride the GDMBR next year. All the best. KiwiBen

you have to have a "pop" or "" ping" to know its seated also if they are flat its ok just ride it it takes a few spins for the sealant to set. great job my first attempt I ended up botching and going to my bike shop

Another great video, thank you! I'll be doing the gdmbr starting next week. You were the inspiration for this ride! I'm starting my trip with new tires, chain, cassette, brake pads, and a new bottom bracket (needed replacing). Enjoy!

Looks like a well thought out setup. Good luck with the TransAm. My suggestion on the 11-42 cassette is you may need a longer chain. I will stick with the 11-36 in my Sutra for now and see how you go but my research suggests that a few more links are also needed because of the bigger cog. Also I run Ortlieb Sport Roller Classics on that front Tubus ‘OEM’ rack you have. Drop on. No fiddling. So if you need room on the trip try them. I am looking forward to following your journey.

Touring in NZ rainstorms on the South Island my OR Helium pants blew out within a day. They were good for hiking, but not sitting on a saddle. Switched to Showers Pass rain pants built for biking.

You are going to love it, mate - super jealous!

About 10 years ago, I had my bike tech install a Rohloff. $1000 back then. 3 years ago, I had him install a Schlumpf mountain drive. $700

Great video Mat. Minus the video and I’m sure like every bikepacker, I’m another one who obsesses over weight and efficiency…look forward to following your trans America trip 👍

Thanks for sharing. I think we share a common thing about overthinking lol. I'm using Schwalbe Almotion too, but the size is 700x55c. Works great in my Salsa Marrakesh without any issue. Enjoy your ride. Stay safe and healthy. Would love to wait for the next video and some updates about your ride.

Legend. Great inspiration 👍👏

Have fun on the Trans-Am!

😂 I love your videos. I'm watching the GDMBR the second time. Looking forward to your next adventure. Tip. You have much more power while losing the lock ring when pushing while the wheel stands firmly on the floor. Pulling is for the body builders out there. Lots of WD40 in advance will also help. All the best for you . Greetings from Germany.

Hi Mat, loving the vlogs as always. I know next to nothing about bike mechanics but hubby who is a bike mechanic nerd is a bit concerned that your chain may not be long enough. He swears by the garmin radar. You will smash it. All the best and I cannot wait for your adventure. Stay safe🚲🚲🚲🚲

Mat success! Really looking forward to your dry sense of humour and observations as you make your way across America. And as a dutchie in the US I cannot ride without one of these small mirrors. Best case many drivers are not used to bikes; worst case they like to scare the shit out of you by buzzing you. Of course, the mirror only helps when you hear a car coming up which is getting more difficult as they get quieter (and I get older?). So that's where a radar may help. I may ask one from Santa this year.

Leave the chair at home, picknick benches everywhere and don’t need it, I didn’t miss it at the time! I would take two mirrors with me; right and left. Just in case one would brake. Always good to have good view of the road. Busy… hardly, some stretches but almost all roads are real quiet! Enjoy your TransAm, it will be totally different that the GDMBR!

Great video. Appreciate how simple you made it seem. I think the mirror will need to be on the left side. Cars drive on the opposite side over here!

Cheers Mat thoroughly enjoyed this video has inspired me to do some of my own maintenance ( might try it with my grandsons bike 1st 😀) looking forward to following you on another epic trip 👍

Maybe put som reflective tape on the back of your rear panniers?

Looking forward to the trip. Glad to see how to convert to tubeless. I’ve got tubeless ready tires and rims, picked up the sealant and valves but I didn’t realize I need tape. Looks like I’ve got a good excuse to procrastinate actually doing it for another year.

You can store your spare spokes in your seat post then plug the end with a wine cork.

A tail light is essential and the Garmin Varia gives you additional warnings of what is coming up behind you. It is really nice on country roads when you just get the odd pickup truck blasting up the road. I think you will love the bike and glad you switched to tubeless. Great that you are doing the work on your bike, that may come in handy. I would not ride in runners as they are too flexible in the sole. A nice pair of bike shoes are stiff in the sole, don’t have to be clipless and comfy around town (bring sandals). Great to see another adventure unfold! Have fun!

Great setup!

Wippermann Connex missing links are easy to install without tools.

We have been enjoying your videos, Mat. One thing to consider with the Varia -- when it is on the "flashing" mode (press the power button three times) the battery will last longer... But what I find best with this mode is it is dynamic -- meaning it flashes faster the closer the car is to you, to get their attention... Good luck!!

watched this as I pedaled 22 miles today. looks like you are ready to roll across the US.

Good video nice set up safe travelling and enjoy mirror great on a bike have one on all my bikes.

It wouldn't hurt to give that cassette one last tighten before you start your trip mate. I'm excited to see your videos and will try and catch them as we're on the GDMBR from Aug 10th.

Have a great trip!

Best wishes to you Mat!!! You'll do awesome!!! Wish I had the time off and means to intercept you somewhere on the journey just to say hi. Maybe one of these times. 😊 Really like following your journies and your channel.

Another fun and informative video. Love your presentation style; maybe a BBC David Attenborough job in your future? You're going to have such a great time! I'm envious.

Nice work on the tires and gears! The bike looks great! Will be following your progress on the links you provide. Hoping to see you somewhere en route. Sizzling here this weekend - 104F, but less smoke from Canadian wildfires than in previous years. Safe travels!

On days with headwinds you might not hear oncoming cars as well. When you know they are coming and get a chance to make a deliberate move signaling intentions to that driver before they get to you. I think they appreciate this also. My 2 cents get the garmin radar. See you in Kentucky maybe. Looking forward to your trip. Great video

Mat-did the TA last year, loved your GDMBR series, doing it this year. Only comment-mirror needs to be on left side 😀

I still think you should look at getting a DaBrim, or the like, for your helmet, if it fits on the one you have. And a high-vis vest..?

Great video! Good luck on your trip. Enjoy yourself, take your time and film everything (spoil us). 😁Rushing is bad, mmmkay!

Looks like you will get here to the Pacific Northwest just in time to miss the heatwave. Temps are predicted to moderate after two weeks of record setting highs. 😅

Hi Mat. I've just come out of hibernation and by now I'm sure that you'll already be turning the pedals on the Trans Am. The formula for larger cassettes is 1 extra chainlink per 2 extra teeth, so I hope that you added 3 extra links over your old chain 🙂 Looking forward to the first video 😁👍

Some people store their spare spokes into the sitting post with foam and rubber bands, so they don't rattle in there. Give it a search... maybe its worth the fuss to put them out of the way.

Good idea with the addition of a mirror... Since you wear glasses, you may want to consider and try out a compact take-a-look mirror that simply clips onto them. They will not vibrate like a handlebar mirror will, and you can easily remove them or swap them from your clear lensed glasses to your sunglasses. You will have a much larger, clearer and stable field of view behind you and you don't have to take your eyes off the road long to see what's going on behind you, just a quick glance. At first you will think, "damn these are pretty dorky" but that thought will quickly leave your mind when they save your bacon. I will never ride the busy roads without a mirror again. This inexpensive equipment has definitly saved my bacon. Next to a bright tail light, this is hands down the best piece of safety/defensive riding gear, if you ask me. Enjoy your ride...

great vid Mat - good to see you doing the tubeless set up, yes re-assuringly easy ! and all the bits and pieces needed, love that little chair. i was all for the pinion off road version but now i get why you want to do it different this time around, i'm sure you won't have to throw it in a hedge but it would make for a classic RU-vid attention seeking thumbnail haha ... really looking forward to the series, have a great trip ...

Matt not sure if you started yet . But just got back from Canada 🇨🇦 /USA border area where you will be starting for your trans am trip .. ? please check on current wild fires 🔥 statement issued on radio 📻 etc . I was diverted off /on various highways several times to avoid local fire fighting & army units . Trying to Avoid smoke as well . safe travels ! Keep up the good work as I enjoy your channel 👍.

I used a zefal helmet mirror for years whilst cycle touring. It doesn’t look great but it was brilliant.

I highly suggest you get a flashing rear light for added visibility. I know they are not legal in most European countries, but they are here in the US.. I have been thanked by some car/truck drivers for the added visibility, especially on the less busy back roads. Garmin Varia has a good one, but if you don't want the radar part then I can recommend the Cygolite Hotshot lights.. Good luck!

Perhaps I missed it....but I would make sure to bring some sort of tire pump in the event you need to add tire pressure. I'm nearly sure I just missed it-or it's so foundational it didn't need to be mentioned. As far as the Garmin Radar gadget....it is awesome! Connects to you Wahoo and alerts you with sound and sight of approaching traffic from the back. There is also a model that has a video camera in it as well. Is it spendy? You betcha. Necessary? Up to you. People-no matter where-are maniacs when it comes to sharing the road. Could you use the video in some way to document your trip, I am unsure but suggesting you look into it and be guided by your best wisdom. Thank you for the videos and enjoy the trip.

Great looking bike Mat, looks really capable. very interesting to see you adapt to tubeless, I have not yet taken the plunge but it will no doubt happen. Is there any difference in how the bike handles / weight etc?. Those tyres look a joy to put on, lever or not. some tyres are an absolute job to get installed, particularly without pinching the tube, so I can see the attraction of tubeless for many reasons. Thanks for sharing, all best.

Matt, I am a couple hours south of Portland if that’s where you’re landing. Happy to meet you if I’m free and drive you down to Astoria with the ulterior motive of doing a little interview and taking some photos. (I publish Geotravel Journal, a digital travel magazine with the intention of printing 2issues a year.)

I have that same light and it took me 6 months to figure that it's easier to twist the light 90 degrees when trying to synch the rubber strap up 😂

Love this - I had been thinking the same modifications to mine and this is a great preview

The Almotion are great tubeless touring tires.

Very informative 👍 don't forget bell, lock, can/bottle opener, kfs, lighter, cycling goggles, snood.

Nice rig. What I would advise for a tarp is some carbon poles maybe from 6 moon design. I always have 2 of them just in case if I will not find trees for my sea to summit jungle hammock.

I think I read this in a cycling mag, but if you want to wear clothing to help yourself be visible in dim light/twilight, it really needs to be reflective. Apparently our eyes don't pick up flourescent yellow in low light much better than any other colour. But reflective stuff lights you up like a Christmas tree when car headlights catch it. So I've totally quit bothering with fluoro, dress like a normal person (which I like - there's no need to give others the impression that cycling is a dangerous activity) with a few reflective bits that's included on my clothing (e.g. there's some on my helmet, the heels of my shoes, bits of trim on my shorts, etc). I suspect your bags will have some on too Mat. I've also got a gilet made of fully reflective material, though I only wear that if I'm doing full on night riding. Have a cracking time Mat - I'm really looking forward to watching the videos! And as it goes, if I were you I'd take the Kona on this trip too. I'm sure it rolls very nicely on smoother surfaces.

You should reconsider the Garmin radar rear light. You need a rear light anyway so why not take advantage of the technology. It works great. It really shines on less busy roads where cars approach unpredictably and randomly. You can see their closing speed which helps on lightly traveled roads.

Wish I was going with you.

Not looking forward to doing this to my wheels either. I think I'll leave them tubed for a bit. I got the delivery notice of my 600 to the local, so next day or two should be a "new bike day" for me, and I'm pumped on that.

Great vid. Not fashion advice but fluorescent socks. Apparently they're way more noticeable than a shirt, from the side angle too. Also take a small piece of wire, much stronger than zip ties if your rack breaks etc. Good luck

Put your spokes in the seat post. Hopefully you won’t need them. But they are out of the way.

Two words: bike shop. 👍🏻