My Modified Mountain-Bike-Turned-Into-A-Touring-Bike

I own a USD1000 hard tail mountain bike, the Twitter Blackhawk.

I bought it after I left my first mountain bike back in Sudan, after cycling around there.

This is an upgraded bicycle - it has Shimano XT 11 speed gears, hydraulic disc brakes, 29 inch wheels and fat 2.1 width tires. It comes with 100mm of travel air fork suspension, and is size 17 and it has the latest technology when it comes to hubs, as it uses thru-axles. In short, its a big bike meant for heavy duty riding outdoors.

Even the handlebar grips are screw on, and the only problem I had with it was the chains snapped on one ride when I was using the high gear with the lower gear at the back wheel. I have now a few 11 speed replacement links in case it happens again.

The bike also weighs in at 12.5kg - pretty light for a big bicycle.

But the thing is the bike's tire make it hard to go fast or for long distance, because its very fat. There is a lot of rolling resistance. Sure, I don't give a second thought about going off-road or over bumps - it just destroys over it.

But for long distance I would need skinnier yet tough tires that can do a little bit of offroading and go fast on tarmac.

My Twitter Blackhawk 29" before transforming it into a touring bike. The DeFender mudguards were addons. Notice how big and thick the tires are. This pic was taken just a few days ago, somewhere around Perak. 

I settled for 35mm tires, 700c. The brand is Schwalbe Marathon Plus. Its also very thick (not the width of the tire...but the thickness of the tire when it comes to being punctured). Being very think should hopefully means less chances of punctures, because I hate changing tires as it takes a lot of time.

Comparison between the original 29 inch 2.1cm wide tires, with the slicker 35mm tires

I also got some cheap affordable racks - and it fits my mountain bike, thankfully! The best racks are by a brand called Surly and they cost RM1000. They are stainless steel (for strength, even if it is heavier) and can carry up to 40kg.

Mine is made of aluminum but the thing is thankfully this model can be attached to the back of the bicycle. The more expensive racks are just meant for touring bikes - and my mountain bike does not have the necessary holes or screws for it to work. The weight limit is 25KG, which should be sufficient for me as I do not want to bring too many items.

Notice how the rack is holding onto the bottom of the bicycle... Technically it should be connected to the rear axle of the wheel where its stronger. But oh well, this is what happens when you modify a MTB to a touring bike! 

The panniers were another challenge. I eventually settled for the Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers (pair), for RM750. It normally costs RM900, but I got a deal. The owner of the shop also told me to pay by cash, that way I did not have to pay the GST tax. Cool! The location of the shop is right next to Sri Nyonya restaurant (use Google Maps) at Jalan 22/49, Taman Paramount.





Ortlieb panniers are the best so far - its the ones most people use when they go cycling around the world, which explains its expensive price.

Highlights of the Ortlieb panniers:

• Coated polyester fabric offers waterproof toughness; roll-top closure seals out water
• 40-liter gear capacity (20 liters each) can carry food, extra layers, toiletries and other essentials
• QL2.1 mounting system fits racks up to 16mm in tube diameter, and includes adapter for 8 and 10mm
• Inner pocket; large reflectors; shoulder carrying strap

I met a touring bike rider back in Egypt - his name is Zoli Zyogi and he showed me his bike and the panniers. He has cycled to Turkey, Sudan, and Ethiopia! It was him who told me that Ortlieb panniers are the best. He previously had used different models but this brand is the one that has lasted the longest.

He has been cycling waaaay back from before and now teaches yoga wherever he goes to support his lifestyle and his rides. Pretty cool!



I also wanted to thank Mr. Johnny Chow for helping me out with the routes, equipment and touring advice. Much valued, sir! The day I went to the store to change the tires was the day he was just hanging out at the bicycle shop.

He was also the one who told me to do a 'credit card touring' ride - where instead of camping with my tent as I make my way around Malaysia, he advises me to just stay at those cheap hostels and dorms (like I did when I was bikepacking).

Johnny Chow and his touring bike

Anyways in total the tires and the inner tubes cost around RM400, the rack was RM150, the panniers RM750 - a grand total of RM1,300. Not bad I guess, considering my dream touring bike (the Giant Toughroad) costs RM4,500! (And funnily enough, the Giant Toughroad comes with 29 inch 2.1cm wide tires).

PS - I even added clip on aerobars on my mountain/touring bike for more comfortable hand positions.