My bike is a 2010 Surly Cross-check frame (love it to bits) with a 105 5800 groupset and an 11-40 MTB rear cassette. That’s what I took to Tibet in September. The latest mod is a Wolftooth/Lindarets Roadlink which has improved the shifting and range (e.g. I can go big/big accidentally without destroying the derailleur). I’ve put on some SKS mudgards / fenders as well.
My panniers are a blast from the past – Karrimor KS-100E which are under used and have been in the cupboard for way too long. Waterproofing isn’t their strong suit, so there may be a little scrambling should the inevitable rain start. My tent is an ESE Spartan 2. I’m only taking rear panniers and a handlebar bag.
Wheels are Velocity Cliffhangers (36H) from Omafiets in Sydney. Brakes are Tektro 720 cantis with Koolstop Salmon pads. If you toe them in, they are great but I’ve yet to test them under load.
Nothing I have is top of the range or high tech, but I know it all works dependably.
