Brevet bike.

There have been few renditions of my brevet bike.  Main changes are to hopefully correct hand soreness, saddle sores, and left knee pain.  Surely sticking with the Surly. 

Above is my Surly Cross Check as ridden on the CtoCtoC 1000k in Ohio.  This is basically the set up I have rode many brevets on.  Saddle sores, hand pain, and knee issues on longer rides are causing me to make adjustments.  

Above is the current set-up.  

Changes: 

1. WTB rocket V saddle.  Replacing the Brooks saddle.  Lighter, more modern characteristics, and thinner.  Hoping to relieve saddle sores on 600k and up Brevets.  
2. 12-32 cassette.  Replacing a 12-25 cassette.  Hoping to ease knee pain with a higher cadence on hill climbs.  
3. Shimano 105 STI shifters.  Replacing Tektro long pull brakes and downtube friction shifting.  More comfortable hoods and allows me to keep both hands on the handlebars, hopefully helping hand pain.  
4. Gatorskin 32c tires.  Replacing Schwalbe Marathons.  Quicker tires.  Easier to pedal, easier on me physically.  
5. Lose the rear rack.  Not much heavier, but temps me to carry more stuff that I probably won't use.  
6. Went back to plastic bottles.  Replacing Klean Kanteens.  Easier to drink. Lighter.  But mainly, easier to drink while riding.  

So far I'm digging the changes.  The bike seems easier to pedal and relatively comfortable.  Longest ride thus far has been a couple 200ks.  Have had many 100k rides.  I have a Fletche coming up in early May, 360k, which will be a good test.