“5' 1 7/8" is my height & my inseam is approximately 28". That’s pretty short, what size frame we looking at? Female specific bike? 🙄

Hey guys,

I've had this dream for a while to do a big bike trip in the Southeast of Brazil. I'm Canadian and I've had the chance to travel in the region before. I fell in love with the place, especially the Serra dos Órgãos and the littoral around Ilha do Cardoso and Ilha de Superagui. It's incredible that, near some of the largest cities in Brazil, a large amount of land has been set aside to protect a super diverse ecosystem and wonderful natural landscapes.

I learned recently about the Caminho da Mata Atlântica. It is currently being developed as a mostly continuous network of trails and rural roads that link national parks and other protected areas in the region. I decided to use it as an inspiration to create a bike itinerary from Rio de Janeiro to Rio Grande do Sul. The route is meant to be done by mountain bike over multiple weeks staying in pousadas and camping when possible. I want to avoid pavement as much as possible and instead use mostly dirt roads and a bit of singletrack (+/- hike-a-bike). There is thus a lot of climbing and rough surfaces. The goal is to be as close as possible to nature (and as far as possible from car traffic).

I know this might sound like a crazy idea. I do have some experience. I've already done bike trips of multiple thousands of kilometers in North America. I've also traveled (without a bike) through ten different Brazilian states and have done some hiking there. And I speak enough Portuguese to get around. But I understand that there is some inherent risk, both from crime (see the story of Julieta Hernández Martínez) and from the environment (the current flooding in Rio Grande do Sul for example).

The itinerary:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46614200

I have a few questions:

1. Are there any changes you would make to pass through more interesting routes or attractions?

2. Are there any parts you would avoid because they're dangerous (I'm mostly concerned about passing near the outskirts of Rio...)? Or impassable?

3. Do you know of any local mountain biking or bike touring communities along the route I could contact for recommendations?

4. If you're familiar with biking or hiking anywhere along the route, I would be grateful if you could contact me. I have lots of specific questions.

5. I will probably explore part of the route in the next few weeks, so if anyone is interested to ride along, even for a short distance, feel free to contact me.

Thanks a lot in advance :)

Looking for any info on people’s experiences, time taken to ride it, safety, conditions of the optional single track sections (Eagles Nest, Secesh, White Cloud, Willow Creek).

I keep finding blogs from 5-10 years ago about it and one said the single track wasn’t worth it bc it was so overgrown or had a TON of downed trees, but that was many years ago and maybe it’s different now?

Also feel free to share your fave pics, sections, etc etc

Thank you! 🚴🏻‍♀️

I read that someone had difficulty in finding spare parts on his tour due to having 26inch wheels and many places not having the right size parts like tyres etc in stock…

Is this the case?

Had an amazing first bikepacking experience in one of the most breathtaking deserts in the world! What you see is a Jones LWB, 12.5L of water, 3 days of food, camping gear, etc.

Hi!

I have done several bikepacking trips before but don't have a lot of experience with highway riding. Has anyone biked this area before? Any insight would be much appreciated, thank you :)

https://preview.redd.it/vxfgepcwruzc1.png?width=325&format=png&auto=webp&s=7e0b556aefd735d3b711d94ace4b74cfb1293298

I’ve got a 2022 Cannondale Topstone Carbon (size M) and I’m on the hunt for a waterproof frame bag that will fill most of the interior space of the frame. The interior of the frame measures roughly 17” along the top tube, 15” down the seat tube, and 21” along the down tube.

Because of the unique kingpin suspension on the back end and the integrated tail light setup, I think my options for rear racks are limited. I also have front and rear fenders on almost year round so that’s a thing.

I’d also be open to suggestions for fork mounted waterproof packs as well since I’ve got the mounting points for that.

Food Delivery Box Rack

This will be my first bikepacking trip (7+ days). I was looking at some YT video for possible setups, and I chose to go with front bag / frame bag / top tube bag / rear rack backpack/bag for simplicity. Didn't want to go all out with huge back panier bags right now.

The problem with my choise is that I had no idea how to fit tent/sleeping bag/air matress/fold chair all on rear rack (too small I assume). If only it were a bit wider... So after browsing all kinds of "rear racks" I came across this.

The size of this rack is ‎56 x 46 x 11 cm. My tent packed is around 55cm long. Sleeping bag is huge (2kg) and bulky. I would attach it onto a regular rear rack. Would use latching straps to tie things down. Other idea was to buy a huge bag (like 55L) and stuff it all in there, but I'd still be as big as this rack I think.

So what do you think? Is this rack a silly idea or could work fine?

I'm planning to do the Transpirenaica cross this summer. Any recommendations of routes? It seems that there are many variations to cross from side to side. I'm thinking to do from west to east, and I'm not afraid of hills, although I'm not planning to climb over 3000m everyday 😅. But that would be nice to go through some of the most iconic mountain passes along the Pyrenees.

Hey guys, this might be a long shot but does any of you fellow tall bikepackers out there have the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 long tent and is using it for bikepacking?
I am considering upgrading from my 7 years old Naturehike Cloud Up 2 but my frame bag is only able to fit poles up to ~52 cm in length. The packed dimensions written on Big Agnus' website state 56cm length of the pack for the long version. But does this mean the poles are actually this long in their own bag? Does anyone have the mentioned tent at home and is able to provide me with the exact length of the packed poles?

P.S. To provide something interesting to users unable to help with my request: A picture of my Canyon Grizl CF SL 8 in Frame size 2XL from this weeks 300km tour through northern Germany.

https://preview.redd.it/thj6gz9oitzc1.jpg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91151ab57319b558ca4e2e68b2c114df135d8fa3

Hello dynamo fans, I am ready to get with the program.

I have the opportunity to buy a new 32 spoke son 28 dynamo for a very good price. My LBS are happy to build a wheel with it and all up it will cost $500-600 AUD.

I have also been eyeing up the hunt x mason dynamo wheelset, which is now on sale for around $1300 and also comes with a son 28

I dont really know much about wheels and from my point of view the front wheel build makes more sense to me. On the flip side what am I potentially missing out on by only building up a front wheel and continuing to run my stock with the bike wtb i25 as opposed to the wheelset?

Thanks in advance

I was thinking of buying a Radon Jealous AL 10. Im 178cm. I'm in between medium and large frame size. I do like a slightly raised and relaxed handlebar position with a handlebar similar to a Jones bar.

So my handlebars will still come up 2 inches/5 cm and back maybe 2-3 inches/ 7cm.

If I get the larger frame I can still adjust my stem and get a comfortable handlebar position and I will be able to get a somewhat bigger framebag on the bike.

What is your take? Should I just go for the larger frame?

Have found a gorgeous Bombtrack Hook Ext selling for a great price second hand. The frame is an XL, and I'm 6"1 (186cm) and have been riding comfortably on a 56m Kona rove for the last few years. The seller assures me that anyone 6"+ should be fine (he's 6"2) but I've a feeling it might be too big - the Bombtrack website 'minimum height' for the XL is 188cm and I know that it's a lot trickier to make a bike fit when it's too big than when it's too small. Any advice, or even better, any of you 6"1 and happily riding around on an XL Bombtrack Hook??

Hi all,

I recently bought some OneUp Aluminum mountain bike pedals for my gravel/touring bike. Unfortunately they started squeaking horrendously after 5 km, so I did a bit of research and discovered that this is a common issue with these pedals. I contacted their customer support who sent me a new pair for free, but the new pair had the exact same issu after a few km.

I don't have a lot of free time at the moment to research pedals again, so I'd be very greatful if people could dump their top pedal recommendations here. Im looking for grippy, large platform flat pedals for gravel and bikepacking/touring. They don't necessarily have to be MTB.

I have a GRX crank set.

Thanks so much!

So just recently got into bikepacking, and cycling in general. I had this happened to me few days ago and wanted to get some opinions on it. Is this something I should lose sleep over?

https://99spokes.com/en-EU/bikes/giant/2016/tcx-slr-2

It's this excact bike with same components from 2016 and the seller is asking 500 euro. I expect I can negotiate some. The condition looks good on pictures and I think the bike is well taken care off.

I need a bike that can do sand and some mud for the route I'm taking. Mostly road going on pavedømmet road and gravel though. The used road bike market in Denmark is great for good buys but there aren't too many cross or gravel bikes within my budget. This thing pops up.

But I worry. It's not a full 105 group. I don't know the first thing about disc brakes. And this bike is, for me, surprisingly cheap to buy from new. Cheap components?

I hope you can help me

Hi. Ive been an avid hiker and light cycler for years. Due to injury (herniated disc in neck and lumbar, affecting nerves in feet) Im looking to trqnsition into bikepacking.

My problem is Im 6ft3, and the good gravel and hybrids I see for bikepacking all put you in that bemt forward position. I get it. Less wind res and better power leverage in your peddling. But Im big and broken and 55yo. The Trek Verve 3 keeps me upright and comfortable.

But is this do-able for an extended bikepack trip? Like if I wanna do the CnO or Katy? If so what would be the outer limits regarding hills and terrain? Should I swop out the forks for a locking shock absorber? Thanks in advance.

Hey dear bikepacking enthusiasts,

I have a trip planned in 2 months going 1.700km from Lyon - Rome. I'll have around 5 weeks of time for everything, which would come down to 50km/day if i'd be riding every day. I aim to do 80+km/day, meaning i could have 10-12 days of rest and enjoy some cities/beatiful spots. A really rough first draft of the Route is attached down below, i will try to follow the Eurovelos (8+7.. or 5?!) in each country.

If you guys have some recommendations and tips about the Route, special places to make sure to visit and cities where it's especially worth it to stay a might - please tell me :) I will be (wild) camping if that matters.

I'm a little afraid of the 12.000 metres of climbing. I should have enough training and experiences with long distance bikepacking tho. Appreciate if anyone wants to share his or her experiences!

https://ibb.co/BKBggNR

I will be going on my first over nighter soon and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for tool rolls/ kits? I need to buy new tire levers but other than that i have just a patch kit and some alley keys i throw in a small pouch when i go out. If there exists a legit tool kit thats relatively inexpensive I'd rather buy that than find them all separately.

Thought I'd make a post to document and share the details of my first-ever bike packing outing.

​

The trip?:

• Council Bluffs, IA -> Imogone, IA via the Wabash Trace rail trail.
• About 35 miles one way with no detours.
• Camping at the Imgone trail campsite.
• Going with one other person.

Gear?:

• Bike: Kona Rove
• Tent: Big Agnes Tiger Lily 3-person
• Saddle bag: Ortlieb
• Tools/maintenance: Handpump, backup tube, multitool
• Misc: Sleeping bag, small lantern, charging battery, bluetooth speaker, warm clothes for nighttime, water, snacks.

Attaching a photo of my set up on a test-ride the other day.

​

Looking forward to finally diving into exploring through bike packing. I'll plan to report back on how the trip goes and lessons learned here.

​

Any comments or tips appreciated.

​

I've recently bought a pair of used Profile Design T3+ as I wanted to try having a different resting position. I already have a pair of SQLab Innerbarends, but after a 2500km bikepacking trip I've realized that it was not enough, especially during long flats. Additionally I'd like to try an ultra-distance event, thus it felt like a reasonable purchase.

At the moment I have a Surly Bridge Club. Given its geometry the aerobars require some rising to keep the position consistent. The riser kit comes in different sizes/heights, from 15mm up to 70mm. From a very basic stationary test using pieces of woods, I found that the rising should be between 50mm and 60mm.

Given the nature of the test, the (felt) difference between the two is minimal. I would buy both if they weren't crazy expensive (a pair or risers is around 50 euros, more than I'd paid for the aerobars). Obviously I could always return one, but I feel it might take some time riding to assess how comfortable the position is.

My questions are therefore the following:

1. Is there any specific "rule" that I could follow in setting up the aerobars height? Many other rules I've found in a blog post by Torsten Frank. Anecdotal evidence is also appreciated;
2. I would assume that a slightly higher setup could be better than a slightly lower setup. Do you have any experience with that?
3. I was also thinking about 3D printing some samples, but depending on the material, I don't know if it's safe at all to ride with them (even briefly);
4. I've seen that Profile Design pads come in both 16mm and 20mm thickness. I currently have the 16mm ones. Would it be worth it to get new ones? I prefer riding off road, I assume the 20mm might provide some extra padding. Could the 4mm eight difference help me with the 50mm/60mm indecision?

I "fear" that I will end up trying one and eventually buy another if not comfortable enough. Either way I'd appreciate if you have any suggestions. Perhaps it can be helpful to others as well. Cheers.

Are they legit ? I'm asking because I ordered one 6 weeks ago and have not received an update on the order despite asking them. Lead time is up to 12 weeks they say