The first thing I wanted to do was to get a new front wheel built. There's nothing wrong with the original wheel, it's just that I want to be able to keep my phone and other devices charged while I'm away, so that means a dynohub. I went for a Shimano XT hub in the end. I though about getting a SON, but at the best part of £200 I just couldn't justify it. Especially as most people agree the Shimano (at a third of the price) is more than up to the job. So off I went to Chelmer Cycles (who built the original wheels) to get a new front wheel built.

While the wheel was being built, I set about replacing and servicing any parts that were worn. The middle chain ring had quite significant wear, so I ordered a new one. The outer ring was fine (not much big ring action when touring!) and I replaced the 30T granny for a new 26T for some super low gearing that will be handy in the mountains!

Although the bottom bracket felt OK on the bike and when riding, once I'd got the chainset off, it was pretty rough to turn, so it was certainly on the way out and time to be replaced.

The chain and cassette I knew were on the way out. It must be getting on for 7,000 miles since I last changed them, so it was out with the old and in with the new. Same applies to brake cables and pads.

I stripped down the rear hub, which is now about 10,000 miles old only to find that it was absolutely fine. Seeing as I had it apart anyway, I replaced the bearings and greaed it up. I had a bit of fun and games with this as I thought I'd left one of the balls out on reassembly, but later realised it was a rogue ball bearing from the last time a serviced my MTB hubs!

I picked up the new wheel and bunged on some new super juicy 40mm tyres. When touring, the fatter the better as far as I'm concerend.

I've been putting some miles into the bike over the last couple of weeks just to make sure everything is OK and I'm pretty happy with it. It's never let me down before, so fingers crossed it won't this time!