Cyclist Martin Saar set out on an ambitious 4,000 km journey across Europe with his Booda Bike, testing its strength and versatility over every kilometer. With a unique belt drive, steel frame, and Shimano Alfine gear hub, the bike proved to be the perfect companion for both city streets and rugged trails. Join Martin as he shares the highlights and challenges of this incredible adventure on two wheels.
Cycling across Europe is a journey few would undertake, but Martin Saar did just that. His 4,000 km bikepacking trip from Tallinn to Portugal was as much about testing his limits as it was about finding a bike capable of handling the demands of such an ambitious route. Choosing the Booda Bike for the journey, Martin embarked on this adventure with a minimalist wish list: a sleek, low-maintenance bike that could handle both city streets and rugged paths. The result was a journey that highlighted not only his endurance but also the surprising versatility of his Booda Bike.
Setting off with 15 kilograms of gear, Martin quickly found that the belt-driven Booda Bike provided a different riding experience from the chain bikes he was used to. He immediately appreciated the silence and smoothness of the belt drive, which required no oil or frequent adjustments—just a quick wash here and there. This allowed him to focus on the journey itself rather than bike maintenance, a rare luxury when covering such a vast distance. The nearly silent belt drive became a comforting constant, especially on the long, empty stretches of road.
This is exactly how a bike should look like, when you really use it!
As he pushed forward through varying landscapes, Martin encountered a constant companion: headwinds that made each day’s progress more challenging than the last. Hills came and went, and he even walked his bike when the gradients grew steeper than 10%, but it was the relentless headwinds that tested him the most. Through it all, his Shimano Alfine gear hub proved its reliability, working silently with the belt drive to make the journey as smooth as possible, even if it meant leaning into fierce gusts across open plains.
Night Rides with Peace of Mind
With a dynamo hub powering his lights, Martin’s Booda Bike proved invaluable when the day stretched into evening. While he tried to avoid riding at night, he was always reassured by his lights being charged and ready to go. This gave him the freedom to push longer days when necessary, knowing that he didn’t have to worry about his visibility or stopping to charge his gear.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Open Road
Despite the grueling conditions, Martin encountered only two minor issues—a single puncture after 1,000 km and a broken rear spoke, likely due to the weight of his back panniers. These small hiccups were reminders of the challenges that come with long-distance bikepacking, but they were outnumbered by the rewarding, smooth miles he covered across a diverse range of landscapes.
OVERALL:Now, with over 5,000 km under its wheels, Martin’s Booda Bike has proven to be more than a mode of transport—it’s been a steadfast companion through everything from smooth tarmac to muddy forest paths. Reflecting on his journey, Martin emphasized that while the Booda Bike might not be a conventional choice for a long-distance tour, it was exactly the right fit for him. As he put it, what matters most is not just the bike itself but the connection you form with it and the willingness to adapt to its quirks and characteristics. In his Booda Bike, Martin found a minimalist beauty, a workhorse that carried him reliably across Europe’s vast, varied landscape.For adventurers like Martin, a bike is more than just equipment—it’s a partner on the journey, supporting every pedal stroke across thousands of kilometers.
