I am very very new to cycling. I have cycled on the road like twice. In 2025 I would like to cycle to wales.

What type of preparation can I do? Is it even plausible?

Thank you all in advance

Hello all. I’m in a lucky position to have some gardening leave in June and am planning my first ever bikepacking trip. Im based in London and am planning to cycle to Nice. I have looked into the classic St Malo to Nice route and although it looks brilliant, I’m keen to do more of the Alps (as I’m a keen roadie wanting to do the TdF climbs).

The obvious thing to do is the Route des Grand Alpes, which is my plan for the second half. My question for you is, how do I get to Geneva to start? I’ll be getting the ferry over and just need to figure out a fun first few days to get me there! Which regions should I consider?

Turning to Reddit for the first time for help... About to head out on a 7 week bikepacking trip. I want to take film photos along the way. Looking for a camera that's light, durable and reasonably priced. I did a little research into the Canon Sure Shot Supreme and am intrigued. Looks like I could get one used for around $50.

Thanks for your help!

My buddy and I are going on a 5-day bike-packing trip this summer, and we are currently planning out our route, gear, etc. I am wondering if anyone has personal experience using a lightweight hammock vs a tent and what the pros and cons are of each.

edit: For those asking, I will be going along the west coast of lake michigan. I plan to go early June. Ideally, I would like to boondock/ stealth camp most nights since I am a broke college student and want to make this trip cheap and fun.

I'm already physically fit (mostly) and I have a bike already. I have until September/Octoberish to prepare but I have no idea where to begin. Any guides or resources to help out?

Hello folks, i need some serious advice. I've spent the last week accumulating the necessities for a 10-day (twice, back and forth) bike trip from Montreal to Detroit (not exactly but it gives y'all the gist), to go to some friends' house and pick up some boxes that came from the https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dragonsteel/surprise-four-secret-novels-by-brandon-sanderson/rewards . Plan is to follow road 2 along the St-Laurent and take any and all cyclist paths on the way. I'm pretty much never going to be too far from any given town on this route, but it still pays to be ready. I'm fairly confident i have everything i need, but i really need advice choosing whether or not to bring my bike trailer or to go without. Ideally, i leave tomorrow, because i'm taking a month off work for this and my wallet can't take much more.

For context, i got into a bit of an ADHD/stubbornness fix and i made my own trailer (and successfully road tested), which is a large 65 pounds metal box that is lockable, has storing space and more. With it i can confidently go, get the boxes and get back without worrying about cargo space or gear security, and even avoid using my bike to carry stuff at all. But it's heavy. 65 pound is over twice the weight of the average child carriage trailer.

On the flipside, i can probably cut down a ton of weight and make the trip easier on myself if i strip down to the bare necessities, leave the trailer home, and rather than pick up the boxes, take the goods from them and shove them in a single package for the way back. In that case though, i'm not sure what i should keep versus what i should leave.

For reference, here's what i have, my bike, and the trailer. (For note, the trailer is assembled, my bike has saddlebags on the back, and i added some food to the prep gear, somehow couldn't upload the more recent images from my phone. Still, this should give y'all enough to go on.)

https://preview.redd.it/18a15153880d1.jpg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e04ece254d65e08f7c61be346f9f42a2cf971d32

https://preview.redd.it/0qzrh353880d1.jpg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d02e5bda6b34c3606a75a75466e6c2929a278e95

https://preview.redd.it/spzqu153880d1.jpg?width=3060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4aa5fff51a1e8bc9989a77e68e7e3956a2b3eb67

I posted last week about my first bikepacking trip. It was an amazing experience bikepacking the White Rim Trail in Southern Utah. Since I am new to bikepacking I had to source an appropriate bike, bags, and other gear. As you know there are so many choices, and it was difficult to decide on what bags best suit my purposes and requirements.

I settled on the Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) Bikepacking Bags. I wanted lightweight bags that were both functional and durable. They are definitely lightweight and functional. However, I am now questioning their durability.

Here's a follow up to how the MLD bags held up on my first ever bikepacking trip. Let me preface this with these bags were used once on a 15-mile test ride and then on the WRT (100 miles). I used MLD's recommendations for the Tumbleweed rear rack and Widefoot Cargo Mount for the fork bags.

Fork Bags: Each fork bag stored a 2L water bottle. As you can see one of the bags suffered abrasion and resulted in a good-sized hole. If the trip had been longer the hole would have been the entire edge of the Widefoot Cargo Mount. Again, the Widefoot Cargo Mount is recommended by MLD. This after 115 miles, which from my perspective is not a lot of miles. I expected much more from them, and this wear and hole causes concern about abrasions on the panniers.

Panniers: One was loaded with 1.5L water bottle and Breakefast and Dinner for the trip. The other was loaded with 2x1.5L water bottles and Lunch for the trip. The daisy chain for mounting and support straps held up very well (see NOTE below). The seams also held up very well. However, there are some areas of abrasions where they make contact with the rack, one that appears to be worn through, that are concerning. I wasn't at first concerned until I noticed an abrasion hole on one of the fork bags.

NOTE: The black rack mounting clips on the panniers are my design and 3D printed for easy of rack attachment and removal. MLD provides velcro to cut and use for rack attachment. I found this velcro attachment to be extremely cumbersome.

Rear Dry Bag: Not unexpected there was no wear on this bag. It sat on top of the rack between the two panniers. It stored by EE quilt, Zpacks Duplex Tent, Thermarest pad, Outdoor Vitals Pillow, Cook system, and Cup.

Handlebar Dry Bag: Also, not unexpected, there was no wear on this bag. It was mounted in a Oveja Negra Front End Loader Handlebar Harness and stored my clothes, ditty bag, and tire/flat repair kit.

Final Thoughts: I would definitely recommend MLD's dry bags as they will likely see little wear on a rack or in a handlebar harness. However, I am less enthusiastic to recommend the panniers and fork bags. 115 miles is not a lot of miles to put a hole through a $50 fork bag and create enough abrasion on $215 panniers to cause reasonable concern about durability. I have hopes of attempting a GDMBR and planned to use these on that trip. Now I'm questioning whether or not these are durable enough for that distance.

Your Thoughts: I'd be grateful if you shared your thoughts and experience. While I'm new to bikepacking, I am an ultralight thru-hiker and have cycle-toured the entire coast of California and Washington (used Madden panniers that still look brand new). So, I am familiar with lightweight materials and durability expectations for gear.

https://preview.redd.it/vth6u08zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=eec887c5e2155089c9bf727d081cba446a52d9ef

https://preview.redd.it/nq2tj58zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=19db5e3c7af0c8ca9fa9bbadd2dd02bab5f9744e

https://preview.redd.it/3dfm738zj70d1.jpg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=11755af374482b9b7c395fd53dca75086c1bd447

https://preview.redd.it/6xeh628zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60216a01e95d0ec5e120242086df62d3d1d55d0f

https://preview.redd.it/1g7sd38zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a56cae8de35d72a58dea17f538e2f3589f454245

https://preview.redd.it/oy0qz38zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=993eb82ac775f50dd5285222990575cf7eeb4545

https://preview.redd.it/uhe7u38zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89d0fea1ff0e8bc363686c2156e63d85ac0bc00f

https://preview.redd.it/g26fc58zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bdf3c73c84f8bc84b33e5cf194a44747929743d8

https://preview.redd.it/uja8oz8zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7c6cef3c85f2ffa11ae48e6274f8b09128db3b87

https://preview.redd.it/twps448zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90af133c8493f7fbfd50f98780e8b5da3fc76b54

https://preview.redd.it/qd9lw58zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=02531a181020a55a91f8415b62de7e8ed9f3960f

https://preview.redd.it/k4gf558zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=597813e99e10e3a42fb41a1cdba20f7141d7ae67

https://preview.redd.it/6d4lx48zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec6657ef79ae3c38980a61b3f44879b10df7d198

Fork Bag - Abrasion and hole from using the MLD recommended Widefoot Cargo Mount

https://preview.redd.it/e1tcq78zj70d1.jpg?width=2252&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3e50fe4fd2c6b8c580e561eaaf6cc4c79a7c27e0

I have been in analysis paralysis between the smaller Ortlieb Gravel Pannier and the classic Ortlieb Back Rollers for a bikepacking setup. Does anybody have experience with both of these products or have any recommendations? Thank you!

Hello!
Me and my girlfriend are going on a 1 week bikepacking trip to Gotland (sweden) this summer.
I've started to weigh out and make a proper pack list with lighterpack and i'm looking for some feedback. Weight savings, what am I missing? What might I not need? Thoughts in general :)

https://lighterpack.com/r/hz8pxb

Thanks alot!

For those with experience on 2.6 Vittoria Mezcals, what inner rim width do you think is ideal for these specific tires?

I've read they measure quite big (more like ~2.7 on i35), but I can't seem to find any information regarding what inner rim width they were designed for?

​

Rim options: RaceFace Arc offset (i35, hookless), Spank Oozy trail 395+ (i35, hooked), Duke Fury star (i32, hookless)

​

Bike: OG Krampus, rigid, looking for a wheel/tire combo that is a bit faster rolling on mixed terrain than the i45 with 3.0 Knard or Ranger I previously tried.

Do any of you carry a pressure gauge or a hand pump with a pressure gauge?

I've heard that the ones attached to hand pumps are inaccurate,

I wonder if it's fine to just pump up the tire until it feels right and not be too worried about it being perfect if you're on a long trip.

I'm shopping for a new pump at the moment and considering the Lezyne Micro Floor Drive HV. I think this would be better than the HP version for the tyres I use - around 45mm.

Hi everyone! I'm happy to join the community! Just bought my first gravel bike and it's quite "naked" at the moment.

To avoid sweaty back, I'm looking for some options of frame bags, but from what I find, the quality ones cost like 150€ per piece (ortlieb), and that's quite a lot.

Are there any cost-friendly options with decent quality?

Thank you!

Hey all! I saw a video of Josh Hibbet, where he had a full down sleeping bag in a 3 liter dry bag. The sleeping bag he used is like 800$$, wondering if anyone has had any luck with a sleeping bag that compresses down into a 3 or 5 liter dry bag.

Hi there,

Wondering if anybody has done this route or could advise on it? My friend and I live in New Zealand and we're looking at doing a bikepacking mission to North America in August or September. I've done some backcountry hiking through west coast USA in the past so know about bear spray and camp food etiquette etc.

We're tossing up between the BC trail (which has a good write up on bikepacking.com) and the great northern bikepacking route (https://www.greatnorthernbikepacking.com/route-info.html) from Calgary to Vancouver which has less available info. It's hard to work out how long this will take from the website. We are both fit, ex road cyclists and we're doing some longer local trips in the meantime. We do a fair amount of trail riding and mountain biking these days. I basically have a month of annual leave so might need to trim the route a bit to make sure I get back to New Zealand on time.

In terms of scenery, is one or the other route likely to be more rewarding? Any intel appreciated.

All else fails we're looking at the Oregon timber trail, but think the grandeur of BC will sway us

Yoooooo so I’m finally doing my first overnight next weekend. My sea to summit pour over is a pain in the ass to clean probably just an issue with pour over. Is instant coffee a better alternative? I end up using a whole bottle cleaning my pour over thing. Any alternatives?

Heyo,

I'm after reccs for a pannier rack for a Kinesis G2 2024 model - exact spec - https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Kinesis/G2-Gravel-Bike-2023/SSC5

I wish I could justify a Tailfin at this point but alas, I don't think I can. Basically, sth as light as possible, but also not fussed about quick release etc, I'd probs leave it on for good, life too short etc!

Also - reccomendations for a trunk bag too would be useful!

I have these panniers - https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Ortlieb-Back-Roller-40L-Pannier-Bags_21402.htm?sku=780410&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Ortlieb&utm_campaign=shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw0YGyBhByEiwAQmBEWtBOyhJR1l9y9l6dx5ktF3Xtjl63SohRZ9zzHkEj9vIls-q8tf4mpRoCLAEQAvD_BwE

Thanks all!

What is your tips for the lightest bike tools that will not destroy my wallet?

Like the lightest Ratchet tool, chains breaker, pump, tyre levels or any combo tools that help bring the weight down.

I had my eye on the Topeak ratchet rocket lite dx (at 164g) for a while but I wonder if there is anything lighter around.

Seatstay, above thru axle.

Bottom of carbon fork.

I have a Felt Breed 20 and am interested in mounting options as I plan to do a few short (1-2 day) bikepacking trips this summer. Are there any racks that are able to be mounted to these points? I am not really sure what they are intended for, I am assuming they are fender mounts?

What other rack options do I have for a gravel bike without dedicated racks? I see a lot about the aeroe and other seatstay mounted racks but have also seen lots of reviews suggesting this style is not that safe?

What about thru axle mounted racks (1mm pitch)?

So I had my first overnight adventure with the Titus Silk Road from Planet X this weekend. This ATB really stood up to the varied terrain. However, there is a distinctly loud creaking noise when pedalling. It's hard to be sure but I think this is coming from the fork area. When I pedal uphill the creaking stops as it does when I pedal on the flat and really pull the handlebars towards me. It's a carbon fork and I've read various threads about headsets needing tightening to carbon grease needing to be added. Anyone had any experience of this, particularly with this bike? I suspect a trip to the LBS is needed.

Hello!

I’m heading on a coast to coast Canadian tour in around 2 and a half weeks and am looking for the best insurance policy that covers cycle touring. The trip will be approximately 100 days.

I got a quote from world nomads for just under $600 for their basic plan, however am wondering if there are any more affordable options?

It appears blue cross / a few other more affordable options don’t cover “high risk sports” including “off track biking”.

Have any other Canadian in this thread done the tour? If so, which health insurance company / plan did you go with? Thanks so much!

Hi, a friend of mine and me are on our way to Copenhagen were we have an AirBnB booked, starting from tomorrow. We are making much better progress than initially planned and could reach Copenhagen today. Do you know of any hotel/hostel where we could stay with our bikes?