Alvin Escajeda from our CNCPT Team sent us a bike check from his trip through the Andes and we are excited to share his insights, as well as how he fell in love with the scenery in this part of the world.

 

Alvin was riding his 2022 Cervelo Aspero SZ 51 frame with a Shimano Ultegra // GRX DI2 Mix group. Running HollowGram rims with SON Dynamo front hub, and Schwalbe RS tires 700/40 at approximately 35/40 PSI to keep him rolling.

His Cockpit had the Easton EC90 AX  Handlebar (42cm) with an Easton EA90 SL Stem (110mm) and the Easton EC90 SL ISA Setback Seatpost with a Shimano pro stealth off-road saddle.

 

For drivetrain, Alvin went with the Easton EC90 SL Cranks with AX Gravel Rings (46/30) and a Shimano XT 11-40T 11 Speed Cassette.

Alvin described the experience of Across Andes as:  

“Everything you can expect from an ultra bike packing race, and more. A gruelling course with stunning views, an international community that loves to party as much as they love to race and an organization that makes sure you have the best possible experience. With its snowcapped volcanoes, raging rivers and huge lakes, the Araucania Region of Southern Chile was one of the most beautiful places I have ever ridden a bike. I am already planning my return in 2023.”

To achieve the whole trip Alvin carried empanadas in his Post Carry Co. Custom Frame Pack, sometimes as many as five of them at once to keep him fueled. He made room for his water bladder in there as well.

He attached the Cervelo Smartpak Top Tube Bag to his frame as well, which was too small to carry food but was perfect for carrying his multi-tool, chain lube, Dynaplugs and an inner tube, just in case.

His Ortlieb Seatpack contained a spare bib, a down jacket and a reflective vest.

The emergency bivy he carried was stored in his Tailfinn 1.5-L Mini Pack attached to his downtube. Alvin also called this his “Oh Shit!“ bag, as he hoped would not need it during the trip, but could have been a live saver at some point. The bag also contained a spare derailleur hanger and seat post clamp, a small bottle of sealant and some other spares. 

Alvin used a Sinewave Beacon Front Dynamo Light with a Supernova E3 Rear so he could also always charge his devices while running a light source. He also used the Knog PNW 1100 and the Knog Bilby 400 headlamp.

Another note from Alvin to optimize your riding experience is that he pairs his Easton EC90SL Cranks with 46/30 Gravel Rings. He loves to run 2X on all his bikes and the direct mount rings allow him to have the smallest gear combo currently possible. Paired with an 11-40 cassette, the smallest gear is 30T in the front and 40T in the rear which is great when bikes are weighed down with so many supplies.  

All that one needs to make it across the Andes.

Alvin Escajeda from our CNCPT Team sent us a bike check from his trip through the Andes and we are excited to share his insights, as well as how he fell in love with the scenery in this part of the world.

 

Alvin was riding his 2022 Cervelo Aspero SZ 51 frame with a Shimano Ultegra // GRX DI2 Mix group. Running HollowGram rims with SON Dynamo front hub, and Schwalbe RS tires 700/40 at approximately 35/40 PSI to keep him rolling.

His Cockpit had the Easton EC90 AX  Handlebar (42cm) with an Easton EA90 SL Stem (110mm) and the Easton EC90 SL ISA Setback Seatpost with a Shimano pro stealth off-road saddle.

 

For drivetrain, Alvin went with the Easton EC90 SL Cranks with AX Gravel Rings (46/30) and a Shimano XT 11-40T 11 Speed Cassette.

Alvin described the experience of Across Andes as:  

“Everything you can expect from an ultra bike packing race, and more. A gruelling course with stunning views, an international community that loves to party as much as they love to race and an organization that makes sure you have the best possible experience. With its snowcapped volcanoes, raging rivers and huge lakes, the Araucania Region of Southern Chile was one of the most beautiful places I have ever ridden a bike. I am already planning my return in 2023.”

To achieve the whole trip Alvin carried empanadas in his Post Carry Co. Custom Frame Pack, sometimes as many as five of them at once to keep him fueled. He made room for his water bladder in there as well.

He attached the Cervelo Smartpak Top Tube Bag to his frame as well, which was too small to carry food but was perfect for carrying his multi-tool, chain lube, Dynaplugs and an inner tube, just in case.

His Ortlieb Seatpack contained a spare bib, a down jacket and a reflective vest.

The emergency bivy he carried was stored in his Tailfinn 1.5-L Mini Pack attached to his downtube. Alvin also called this his “Oh Shit!“ bag, as he hoped would not need it during the trip, but could have been a live saver at some point. The bag also contained a spare derailleur hanger and seat post clamp, a small bottle of sealant and some other spares. 

Alvin used a Sinewave Beacon Front Dynamo Light with a Supernova E3 Rear so he could also always charge his devices while running a light source. He also used the Knog PNW 1100 and the Knog Bilby 400 headlamp.

Another note from Alvin to optimize your riding experience is that he pairs his Easton EC90SL Cranks with 46/30 Gravel Rings. He loves to run 2X on all his bikes and the direct mount rings allow him to have the smallest gear combo currently possible. Paired with an 11-40 cassette, the smallest gear is 30T in the front and 40T in the rear which is great when bikes are weighed down with so many supplies.  

All that one needs to make it across the Andes.