Reader’s Rig: Udo’s Rennstahl 931 Pinion

Words and photos by Udo Kewitsch (@wwwudokahde)

Dear all, my name is Udo. I’ve been located in the Bavarian Alps since 1971, and I’ve been an enthusiastic (mountain) biker since the end of the 80s when I started climbing the hills of the Chiemgau. Climbing higher and riding more, I decided to cross the Alps for the first time in 2002.

Twenty years later, I can look back on 20 trips across the Alps. Inspired and rather infected by this kind of “virus,“ I wrote two books about my adventures (Faszination AlpenX and Bd1 + Bd2), and later on, I started a blog. Crossing the Alps became a passion, and I also got more and more into bikepacking in the last decades, traveling to Kathmandu-Pokhara, Alaska, Ireland, many European spots, and last but not least, before the pandemic stopped us all, my beloved adventure in Mongolia at the end of 2019. Of course, I do not own only one bike. You know the golden rule of N+1, but in this case, I’m proud to present an exceptional one: my Rennstahl Pinion 931 Fatbike.

This Rennstahl is a very special edition bike. It’s built from stainless steel (with a titanium fork) and running exotic Kuroshiro rims. Rennstahl built a few of these fatbikes and sold them worldwide. Sometimes, it must be love. I saw this bike in shop, and the decision was made. Naked, it’s wonderful and nearly slim, but built up for bikepacking adventures, it is a faithful friend.

With a frame bag in the middle, handlebar pack in the front, and the Tubus Fatrack, you can attach all kinds of bags. Rennstahl includes a SON front hub and a plug connection to charge up my gear. With 18 Pinion gears, the snow is never too high and the hills are never too steep. It’s a joy to ride, and I tend to veer off main trails to search out secret tracks and places when I’m on it.

• Frame Rennstahl 931, Pinion, stainless steel
• Fork Falkenjagd Titanium
• Rims Kuroshio
• Hubs SON (front) / Tune (rear)
• Tires Schwalbe Jumbo Jim
• Handlebars Ergon
• Headset Falkenjagd
• Crankset Pinion
• Pedals 45NRTH
• Cassette Pinion
• Brakes Shimano XT
• Shifter(s) Pinion
• Saddle Brooks Cambium
• Seatpost Falkenjagd Titanium
• Stem Falkenjagd Titanium
• Front bags BxB Bag (or Gramm Tourpacking)
• Frame bags Revelate Designs
• Rear bags Revelate Designs
• Accessory bags Revelate Designs Feedbag (2), Jerry Can, MagTank 2000
• Other accessories Tubus FatRack, Son Edelux, Ortlieb GravelPack

My next big trip will be a 4,000-kilometer, seven-week trip around the Ostsee—thumbs pressed! As I’m also following my passions for writing and photography, I never miss an occasion to get out and search for new spots. I especially like to shoot pictures from my million-star hotels. I always try to convey the same message through my work: just get out there, don’t wait for next time. Time is precious.

You can see more from Udo on Instagram @wwwudokahde and at UdoKah.de.

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