Hey guys, just did a tour from Spring to late Summer in Europe. It was boiling hot most of the time, but a couple of the nights when riding at higher elevation I did get a little uncomfortable at just below freezing temperature. Aside from these few colder nights where I was wearing every piece of clothing I had, I was generally happy with my sleep system. I found on a lot of the hotter nights, I really didnt need to be in the sleeping bag and kind of just had it on top of me unzipped. The sleep mat was very comfy and didnt pop in all the months I used it, then I found the foam mat really handy for avoiding punctures and use in the day too.

However, it's very budget, I think combined it all costs £100. I now plan to cycle and camp in slightly more extreme places such as the Pamirs. Im expecting to be in maybe -5 degrees celcius temperatures a little more often and my set up now is no where near good enough. Having said that, I also expect to be in boiling hot temperatures a lot of the time as I will also be cycling through Turkey, Asia etc. So, I need some advice on how to go about this? I dont have a massive budget, Ideally id like to keep costs below £300. Is any of the kit I have no good to keep for the next trip? I'd be interested to hear what you guys think. Many thanks!!

Sleeping bag:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/trekking-sleeping-bag-mt500-10degc-polyester/_/R-p-311236?mc=8575966&c=colorless_grey_green&utm_term=8575966-2963004&gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=gb_t-brand_ct-shopp_n-brand-protection_ts-ret_f-cv_o-reve_spd-msp_spu-msp_sp-msp_pt-all_pnl-com_l-en_pp-gads_bm-roa_pr-cpc_&utm_term=_n-brand-protection_ts-ret_spd-msp_spu-msp_sp-msp_pt-all_l-en_brand-protection&keyword=&network=g&placement=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-JG5BhBZEiwAt7JR6z_n63htjVQgW2Al6kwEyL-DOG6Z66r1AeY_tbJmoJbVLUmsGstiLhoC_tkQAvD_BwE

Foam sleeping mat (underneath inflatable):

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/folding-foam-trekking-mattress-mt500-180-x-55-cm-1-person/_/R-p-174619?mc=8492712&c=colorless_grey&utm_term=8492712-2558419&gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=gb_t-intbra_ct-shopp_n-generic-pros_ts-pro_f-cv_o-roas_spd-msp_spu-msp_sp-msp_pt-pb_pnl-com_l-en_pp-gads_bm-roa_pr-cpc_&utm_term=_n-generic-pros_ts-pro_spd-msp_spu-msp_sp-msp_pt-pb_l-en_High%20Performers&keyword=&network=g&placement=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-JG5BhBZEiwAt7JR6wDQibzjL6_rpM6ycGkHLoTiBdjLkAIMd1YhDk-G0qNLTsUILXRxVRoCEdUQAvD_BwE

Inflatable mat:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trekology-Camping-Mat-Sleeping-Mattress/dp/B07N4KK854/ref=asc_df_B07N4KK854/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696285193871&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14388293645645734221&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046003&hvtargid=pla-2281435176698&psc=1&mcid=3b6db32a499e3b12bf8c2553851b6996&hvocijid=14388293645645734221-B07N4KK854-&hvexpln=74&gad_source=1

After completing a long tour with my Salsa Fargo running a Jones H-bar loop I came to the conclusion that it feels too narrow, and I dont like the 45°. ( I have very wide shoulders )

So I did some research, and it seems the Tumbleweed Persuader Bar would solve all my problems. It has 30° and a bit more rise (which I also would like, so I can sit even more upright) and my plan was to pair it with a set of aero bars (not sure which ones yet).

Has anyone done this combination and do you have any pictures or advice?

It should be said I have tested the Persuader Bars briefly, on a Tumbleweed prospector, and it felt amazing for me sitting slightly more upright than my Fargo/Jones bar combo, and with the added reach, it felt spot on.

My concern is the amount of space on the Persuader bars with the aero bars and my peak design out front phone mount, and I'll possibly add a dedicated GPS and a bar mounted front light in the future as well.

My plan is to put on a Revelate design harness, with a 13 liter drybag & the Revelate Egress bag for valuables.

I really feel like I need the aero bars so I can relax my sit bones on those long pavement stretches. I know the SQ labs bar ends might work aswell.. But I would like to be able to relax my upper body and relieve the pressure in my sit bones in the future, hence the aero bars.

Any advice from someone who has ran a flatbar/alt bar with aero bars much appreciated. Thanks!

I’m used to ultralight & fast bike trips, going as minimalist as possible, but this time I’m embarking on a 3 months trip through New Zealand. New bike, new setup + documenting with drone and camera. In addition to all of this I’m taking a small backpack for the electronics/photo gear that I can attach at the top of the rack. I’m trying to reduce everything as much as possible, but it’s still EXTREMELY heavy, taking into account the steel bike and all the bags… am I doing something wrong? Is this common on long-slow trips? Thanks!

Hello,

me and my Girlfriend want to go on a roadbike-packing trip end of December - beginning of January.

We aim for 1-2 weeks in, the at that time, warmer part of Europe. You guys have any suggestions?

https://preview.redd.it/hzks770dp7yd1.png?width=630&format=png&auto=webp&s=64479a883d81a29eebf5bc8115550e4801834659

All right guys, I am preparing my 1 year long cycling tour from Asia to Europe.
I have a Marin Four Corners Medium, the geometry makes it a pretty tall bike so I have space from the handlebar and the tyre/fork crown.

My ideal set up is having a mini front rack to support a bag that I can have access easily.
Hence, I didn't go with a horizontal dry bag set up.

I got my hands on a Soma Champs Elysee Mini front rack. I am looking for a bag now.
My options are limited, I know there are randonneur bags, but most of them are a bit heavy and square. The light ones are expensive and not made in Asia.

I saw this bag from Decathlon for folding bikes. It's about 10L, 25cm hight and 24cm of diameter.
It works like a Jack The Bike rack (which is too high and I am loosing space under the rack) and it has strap on the back That I can attach to the mini rack.

I am looking for advice here:

1. Is this set up ok regarding the stability and handling of the bike? I heard that the weight needs to be over the front wheel?

And optional questions:
2) Is it more aerodynamics than a rectangular bag? (When I am on a regular position)
3) I was also thinking to get a Topeka Saddle bag and convert it to a front bag? 4) Or either a camera bag

Thank you for reading and your patience :)

I’ve called every taxi service in Flagstaff and there are no UberXL’s available that can fit my bike. I have it packed in a cardboard box

Good evening Reddit folk,

So, I am starting to plan my summer vacation for 2025, and I want to combine two of my favorite sports: climbing and cycling. I have some experience in both separately but have not done them together yet. I am from the Netherlands and was feeling a challenge for this summer to Cycle to the Alps (France or Switzerland) and then do some alpine climbing and then continue my journey by bike towards Austria and meet up with a friend over there.

I was wondering if anyone has done something like this before and could maybe help me out.
Thanks in advance!

My partner and I are flying into Lisbon and planning to take a train a couple hundred km north and ride south on the Euovelo. We’re looking for recommendations on places to stop and more importantly if anyone has bike bag storage recommendations for Lisbon?

Hi! I'm still a fairly new bikepacker (been on a few trips) but strong endurance enthusiast. I'm pretty chill and want to enjoy the scenery but also want to cover ground efficiently. Looking for cool, like minded folks to do stagecoach with potentially - though solo would be fun too. Looking at early December but could be flexible for January. Will be an equip test before I run the AZT solo this spring.

I’m confused which bike to get I did a bit of research it’s either a hybrid or gravel with the specs for long distance and a good bike

1. Pardus EXPLORE SPORT 3×8 speed (Gravel)
2. Sunpeed Kepler (Hybrid)
3. Pardus EXPLORE URBAN SPORT (Hybrid)

Plz guide me guys

Hi all, currently building up a bike and trying to decide what bags I want. There’s some incredible bag makers in America, Europe etc and some I wish I could afford the import fees to enjoy but after tax and import costs just get ridiculous.

I’m therefore looking for bag makers in the UK, partly to support local business, so independent makers preferred, but also to keep costs down. I know and love Wizard Works products and at the moment they’re top of my list, but I wondered if there’s any others out there you can recommend?

Edit: Might be worth clarifying what I’m looking for! I’m a big fan of Xpac fabrics and the colours they come in. And mainly looking for a saddle bag in the style of the Wizard Works shazam or Swift industries Zeitgeist. Still interested to hear recommendations regardless though

Hi all,

I am selling my Crust bike. Definitely not a bike for everyone, but if you are into niche brands, and like to support smaller companies, this might be for you :)

I had this built by Crust back in 2020 and really enjoyed it throughout the city over the years, and even been fortunate enough to take it on longer, multiday trips.

Crust Lightning Bolt
Disc Break version
Size: XL (I am 6'2" ish)
Overall the bike is in great condition, no accidents and any scuffs are just general wear and tear. Has always been stored inside.

Part list:
Groupset: Sram Apex 2x10 w/ New Albion Double and Sram 12-36 Cassette,
Stans Crest MK3 Wheels (swapped front hub to a Paul Component one),
Schwalbe Marathon tires,
Newbaum's Bar Tape,
Crust 1” Fillet Threadless Stem 60mm,
Cane Creek 40 Headset,
Zoom post,
Odyssey Granstand Pedals,
Origin 8 Vise Brakes,
Shimano Rotors,
Brooks Saddle (prefer to keep this, but not a necessity),
King Cage Iris bottle holder,
Camelbak Insulated bottle,
Quad Lock handlebar mount for phone/gps/...,
Saddle bag from Etsy.
1x LightMotion front light,
1x smaller Square front light (also have red back light, see above on bike),
1x Small topeak pump,
1x OnGuard Ulock + 1 key,
1x Crack Brothers tire tool.

Photos:
https://imgur.com/a/KdsuOZN

Price: $3275 (but open to reasonable offers).
Cash is preferred with local pick up in Brooklyn, NY.

Let me know if I forgot something, have any questions or if you want to arrange a time to check out the bike in person.

Thank you.

I am planning a week long bikepacking trip in late April/start of May 2025. I am based in northern Italy. Still haven't decided where... few options: -Slovenia West Loop -Wolf's Liar in central Italy -Madrid to Valencia

Anyone have done these trips in this period?

This April I went to northern Spain and bikepacked the Camino del Norte...and was raining strong every single day

Does anyone have a Tailfin half frame bag on an XL frame particularly a Canyon Grizl CF6.

I’m trying to decide between a 3.8L and 4.5L size, I’ve measured the frame and done the photo comparison tool on the website but interested to know if anyone out there has got one and the sizing they went with.

After I’m done with university I want to challenge myself, I want to start in Oregon ( crescent city maybe ) and ride all the way back home in LA. Is this a dumb idea ? I have a surly bridge club? What routes are suggested? I have a window open to do this in about a week in the month of May. Any guidance will be helpful please !

Hey all,

I’m looking to add one more piece to my setup for my year-long build to try the EDT next fall. I currently have all the gear I need, except for one. Which is where you come in.

I’m trying to do the system with handlebar bag and a rear rack and dry bag. I’m looking for a 25-35L waterproof backpack to put on my rear rack. I want something I can take off and use on hikes or around town during the trip. Here’s a pic of my current setup, and I’d like to replace the dry bags on my rack with one bag.

I'm riding a surly bridge club xl 27.5 bike for getting around town along with the metro system here in LA. Will be riding this bike next June on the last AIDS lifecycle...the bike will be stripped down to its lowest weight possible as all my gear is hauled on our gear trucks. Just need 2 water bottles, repair kit, air pump and feed bags for snacks. This 545mile, 7 day ride will tell me if this bike is the bike to use on my next bikepacking or touring trip...which will be the PCBR next August. The lowest weight I've gotten my bike to is 36 lbs...no bags. All my bags w/o food or water is 41lbs. 17lbs are my rear panniers carrying my clothes, bike maintenance supplies and camping gear. Only way to drop more weight is to leave my cook set, tent, camp gear and food and just credit card tour. This could be done along the PCBR if I just used warmshowers hosts for each night's stays. Any suggestions as to what the gear and weight for doing the PCBR in August?

Odd question - does anyone take anything to help with sleeping when bike packing? Appreciate some people can nod off anywhere, but I’ve always struggled. I’m in the process of upgrading my sleeping matt and bag for ones more comfy, but thought I’d ask.

I’m shopping for a gravel bike, possibly titanium. I have a kid and want to set up a rear rack for commuting and also put a rear kid seat on the rack at some point, I’ve looked at the Thule Yepp. One manufacturer of titanium said their rear mounts would not be best for a kid seat, and said it is only ideal for 20 pounds. I feel like a bike should be able to support 50 pounds or so? And the racks also tie into the axle area? What am I missing here, and advice in a rear rack setup and toting a kid? I feel like packers in this group pack plenty of rear weight. Thx!

Rider's of the northern states and Canada? Or anyone that rides in the white cold ❄️ crap lol

My son (16) and I are looking to bike-pack the PCRT in early November and would love some input on ideal 3-day itineraries for this, staring and ending at Jersey Shore. Ideally, recommendations for campgrounds that also have water/showers appreciated! I anticipate we'll pack backpacking meals for dinners and breakfasts, but lunch suggestions very welcome. Thanks so much!

Kinesis makes frames for a lot of brands so I figure the house brand can’t be that bad.