This week’s Reader’s Rig comes from photographer and mechanic Antoine in Brussels, Belgium. He offers some thoughts on the practical and capable Brother Cycles Big Bro he’s pedaled on off-road rides all around Europe. Meet Antoine and find a lovely set of images here…

Words and photos by Antoine Willemart

Hello, my name is Antoine Willemart, and I live in Brussels, Belgium, with my girlfriend and our cat. After briefly studying photography and working as a bike courier, I developed a passion for mechanics and quickly became a bike mechanic at Velofixer, a downtown Brussels shop.

Brother Cycles Big Bro

After four years there, I recently left to join L’atelier Hors Catégorie, a smaller shop with values that resonate more with me. I’ve been passionate about photography from a young age, and I’m also trying to become a freelance photographer, combining my two passions. Following five years of riding fixed-gear bikes through the streets of Brussels, I never thought I would be interested in geared bikes. Everything happened very quickly: first gravel bike, discovering fenders, a desire for ever bigger tires, all while being increasingly drawn to bike travel and off-road adventures. Living in the city, bike trips are like a breath of fresh air, allowing me to come back refreshed.

  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro

This bike was and still is my dream build. I wanted a frame that could do it all: comfortable for long rides and fun on descents, a steel frame, robust and durable, and a relaxed geometry. The Brother Big Bro was an obvious choice. I selected all my components for their durability, sturdiness, and ease of maintenance so I could repair them myself, even in the middle of nowhere. I think the SRAM MTB drivetrain is top-notch, especially combined with the Hope braking system, making for a delightful ride.

Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro

I opted for a rather understated build so it wouldn’t be too flashy, living in a city where bike theft is a real problem. Most of my bags are made here in Brussels by my friend George of MogaBags. He makes bags that are weather-resistant and built from solid materials. He also crafted my camera bag, allowing me to have my camera at my waist or slung over my shoulder at all times. The Selle Italia Flite Titanium from the ’90s was my go-to saddle for years. It took me a long time to find another saddle that suited me as well, but I eventually found the Pro Turnix Performance, which is more comfortable for long rides.

Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Frame: Brother Big Bro
  • Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate
  • Rims: Hope Fortus 30
  • Hubs: Hope Pro 4 Boost
  • Tires: Vittoria Mezcal TNT Graphene 2.0 Tubeless 29 x 2.35″
  • Handlebars: Ritchey WCS Trail Rizer
  • Headset: Wolf Tooth
  • Crankset: SRAM GX Boost w/ 36T Chainring
  • Pedals: Shimano PD-ME700
  • Cassette: SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed 11-50T
  • Derailleur(s): SRAM GX 112-speed
  • Brakes: Hope Tech 4 X2
  • Shifter(s): SRAM GX 12-speed
  • Saddle: Selle Italia Flite Titanium / Pro Turnix Performance
  • Seatpost: Thomson Elite 31.9 / PRO THARSIS 160mm
  • Stem: Thomson Elite X4 50mm 0°
  • Front bags: Revelate Designs harness with MogaBags Drybag
  • Frame bags: MogaBags custom
  • Rear bags: Ortlieb QR Rack with MogaBags Drybag / Ortlieb Saddlebag
  • Accessory bags: MogaBags top tube bag, MogaBags stem bags
  • Other accessories: Wahoo GPS, picture of my GF, close the gap grips, Ass Savers mudguards

The Ass Saver fender is essential to protect my camera, which I almost always carry on my back. Belgium is known as “the flat country,” but we still have a wonderful playground in the Belgian Ardennes, with beautiful hills and forests where we can satisfy our need for the outdoors and adventure (for example, the Ardennes Arbalète and the Condruzienne). In winter, when I need to carry more gear and the bike is heavier, I like to use the Ortlieb Quick Rack. It’s also a quick and effective solution for traveling with a dropper post.

Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro

I will probably equip my Big Bro with a dynamo soon. Since I film and take a lot of photos while traveling, I generally need a lot of power for my electronic devices. I think a SON hub combined with a Plug Five 6+ will be my winning combo. This bike has already accompanied me on many adventures, including the GTJ, the GTMV, the GTMC, the Ardennes Arbalète, and more, and I hope to experience many more. This summer, we are heading to the Spanish Pyrenees with friends. Cheers!

  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro
  • Brother Cycles Big Bro

You can follow along with Antoine on Instagram.

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