Ultra endurance cycling - ideal bike?

[Usget]

So imagine, for a moment, that you were thinking about next year's Transcontinental Race. For the uninitiated, this is a 2200+ mile unsupported slog from London to Istanbul, with checkpoints on some pointy bits including the top of the Stelvio. The top rider, Kristoff Allegart, did it in under 8 days, but actual human beings take anywhere between 10 and 14 days to complete the journey. You're looking at a lot of 200 mile days.

What bike would you take? Would you go off-the peg or modified? You need to balance cost, weight, energy saving ie aero, practicality, comfort and low maintenance, but each person might edge more in one direction than another.

This is sort of hypothetical...

[Usget]

I sort of already have my own ideas - I was just intrigued as to how other people would play it.

Whilst I wouldn't be in any position to challenge the leaders, if I entered - which is of course purely hypothetical - I would have to be in a position to do it in 13 days. Because my mate managed it in 14

[Usget]

Petrolhead Tom said:

Surly Big Dummy on Schwalbe Big Apple's, a randonneur bag up front and frame bags for luggage. Must be so comfy and still plenty fast and fenders! Must have fenders!

Needs moar chain!