Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
This week’s Reader’s Rig comes from Syaheir in Malaysia, who shares the lovingly built Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen that recently carried him on his first international bikepacking trip to Japan. Read Syaheir’s story of discovering cycling during the pandemic and find a colorful gallery of images here…
Words and photos by Syaheir Azizan
What’s up, everyone?! I’m Syaheir, but you can call me Rei. I’m from Kuantan, Malaysia, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur. I used to live there, but a job transfer led me to this charming place. Surprisingly, I see it as a positive change. Life in Kuantan is wonderfully balanced. With its proximity to the beach and a lot of gravel routes waiting to be discovered, embracing nature is practically at my doorstep. It’s a stark contrast to the urban lifestyle of Kuala Lumpur.
I used to be an avid enthusiast of scuba diving, climbing, and hiking, but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, I found myself seeking a new recreational activity. Starting with cycling, opting for a used Giant TCR was a deliberate choice because I wanted to test the waters of this hobby without a hefty investment. However, my cycling journey took an unexpected turn just a week in when I had a harrowing accident while descending, colliding with a pothole.
The incident left me shaken, and for a moment, I contemplated giving up on cycling altogether. Yet, after some introspection, I decided to give it another shot, starting slow to ease back into the rhythm. Even the slightest gradient triggered memories of that unfortunate day, but I persevered. With each ride, I gradually challenged myself, eventually mustering the courage to tackle a significant climb. It took a resilient six months to overcome the trauma, and in that pivotal moment, I craved the joy of immersing myself in nature while cycling, coupled with the art of photography.
Later on, I ventured into the world of gravel cycling, starting with research and consulting with a local bike shop called Outsiders Bike. However, during that period, there was a noticeable shortage of supplies, making it a challenge to secure a frameset due to heightened demand. During this search, I longed for a classic aesthetic featuring lugs on the frame and a deliberate absence of modern tech. In my exploration, I stumbled upon Rivendell Bicycle Works and was immediately captivated by their design philosophy, which placed a premium on safety and comfort, exactly what I had been seeking.
After consulting with Antonio from Rivendell, I eventually became the proud owner of the Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen pictured here. My inaugural ride on it was pure joy. A constant smile adorned my face as the bike evoked the sheer excitement and nostalgia of my childhood cycling adventures. It wasn’t just a mode of transportation; it was a journey back to the unbridled thrill of riding a bicycle, reminiscent of the simpler, carefree days. The more I ride it, the more the fun factor multiplies. The versatility of the 48mm tires opens up a realm of exploration, allowing me to traverse gravel roads with an extra dose of comfort compared to my road bike.
- Frame/Fork: Rivendell A. Homer Hilsen (51)
- Rims: Velocity Atlas 650b
- Hubs: SP 6V3W (front) / Shimano Deore (rear)
- Tires: Panaracer Gravelking Slick 27.5 x 1.90
- Handlebars: Nitto B352 Albatross
- Headset: FSA 1″ threaded
- Crankset: Silver 38 x 24
- Pedals: MKS Lambda
- Cassette: Shimano Deore 9-Speed
- Derailleur(s): Shimano Altus
- Brakes: Dia-Compe BRS 202
- Shifter(s): Bar End Shimano Dura-Ace 9 Speed
- Saddle: Brooks B17 Standard
- Seatpost: Nitto S65
- Front bags: Swift Industries Sugarloaf
- Frame bags: Swift Industries Hold Fast
- Rear bags: Swift Industries Catalyst
- Accessory bags: Swift Industries Gibby Stem, Sidekick Stem, Moxie Top Tube, Rando Pocket
- Front rack: Nitto M-1B
- Light: SON Nabendynamo Edelux II Upside Down
- Other accessories: Pletscher double kickstand, Muji stainless steel basket
I embarked on my first international bikepacking trip to Japan in October 2023. The Nitto Albatross handlebar, providing an upright position, proved to be a game-changer. Its versatility, offering multiple hand positions, added comfort and made navigating the diverse terrain a breeze. As I pedaled through the picturesque landscapes of Japan, the combination of my trusty Rivbike and the Nitto Albatross handlebar made every ascent and descent a rewarding experience.
Initially, I had planned on using panniers for my bikepacking journey. However, as I meticulously sorted through my clothes and gear for the trip, I opted for a more streamlined approach. I used the Swift Industries Sugarloaf to store all my clothing. Essential tools in the frame bag ensured convenience on the road, while the Swift Industries Catalyst served as a back loader for my rain gear. What surprised me most was the distribution of weight, placing the majority upfront. This configuration didn’t compromise the bike’s handling in the slightest without sacrificing performance.
While riding a road bike undeniably offers a thrilling and speedy experience—be it an average speed, elevation, mileage, etc.—I find that an overreliance on data can strip away the sheer excitement of the ride. For me, the true joy lies in tuning into my body, feeling the rhythm of the journey, and savoring the moments without being preoccupied with the data. I’ve found that the true essence of cycling is when I let go of the numbers and immerse myself in the pure, unbridled joy of exploration. Despite not boasting the latest tech, the simplicity of the Rivbike adds to its charm, proving to be a reliable source of happiness and excitement.
You can follow along with Syaheir on Instagram.
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