I bought my OH a Specialized Mika last year for about the same money. The forks aren't up to much but apart from that it's a great bike, nice and light and a good spec for local trails, canal path etc. She loves it because it's her favourite colour though!

Alpkit Possum size small, it's all that'll go in my frame! Perfect for a multi tool, some lube, a tube and a Hope ES battery. Might even squeeze a few emergency gels into the small pocket. https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1523/25918357111_9f72129040_z.jpg WP_20160323_20_06_06_Pro by Blair Caldwell , o...

A wee bothy trip down the capital trail for me on Friday, was hoping to do the whole thing but I have been informed I have a 50th to go to on Saturday so only going to manage about 55 miles before jumping on a train home Saturday morning. Also hoping to get a go pro like device at some point this we...

Yeah I have the same bag and my MSR hubba hubba tent stuffs into it perfectly so the additional weight is negligible. As you said the travel in the rear shock brings the bag down onto the wheel. I have to run an extra 20psi and put my seat up a bit then all seems to work ok. I use an old bracket for...

I have patched 2 holes with the Alpkit patches and they've held up well, they're starting to peel now but they've had 3 months of daily abuse carrying my lunch to work!

I've just found out I have next Friday off work, I've never had a bank holiday before! Toying with the idea of jumping on the capital trail and cycling down to Bunnys bothy for the night (Hoping it's warmer than the winter bivvy!). Continuing on along the route as far as Tweedbank for the train home...

I'm new to bikepacking as well, done all my trips on my Giant Trance so far. The suspension does mean you have to work a bit harder but it's cheaper than a new bike! Top tip - make sure you put more air in your back shock if you have a seat pack on!

No probs Ray, would be good to get out with you again. Just drop me a text or an email and I'll fill you in on the details

Leaving on the 22nd of April Ray, 3 days riding a night in fort bill and the train home on Monday. Fancy a wee jaunt?

* What Adam said ^, too slow with my typing!

Cheers chaps, I'll have a look

Has anyone used a cheapo action cam such as http://www.amazon.co.uk/DBPOWER-Waterproof-Camcorder-Mounting-Accessories/dp/B00J02XVYG/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 ? Really want to film some of my riding on the west highland way next month but splashing out on a go-pro isn't an option at the min...

A charge spoon saddle and a pair of Altura progel bib shorts, both nearly half price bargains from Tredz

I was hoping to hold off until pay day a week on Friday, if it's before then let me know and I'll get my order in and eat beans for a fortnight!

Dam, I just bought a Gen 1 tonight!

Hi Dan, I would take this at £30 if it's still available?

2/2 for me. Got out on Friday night after work and took Mrs 512 along for her first ever bike packing trip. We left late after having to go and buy lights for her bike and then my Hope R4 packing in as we left so I had to strap my head torch to the front of the bike! 5 miles or so saw us out of town...

I wouldn't buy one bit I'd love a shot of one, looks great fun!

Hi Blair, Yeah I am game for teaming up, I may be able to swap to your weekend if you can not to mine. Lets chat and work out plans, what side of the country are you coming from? Sounds good Matt, I got your PM. I'll drop you a text tomorrow when I have some time, I'm off to chuck my kit together s...

:lol: The Loch Lomond carry section really isn't that bad. If you just accept it's part of the route and you need to do it, and you'll be through it within a couple of hours, then it's fine. Doune Bothy is a good shout, or you could press on a bit further to Beinnglass Farm as there's a pub and camp...

I could be interested in this, just had a look at the Spot website and it only shows subscriptions for 2 models, which one does the gen1 use? Is it the same plan as gen 2?

I'm new to these but my partner worries a lot when I'm out so this could help stop her worrying when I can't get a phone signal

Yeah a backpack could be a good idea by the look of that, might pad my back a bit from the weight of the bike!

Cheers Ray, I'll have a look at that. Trying to decide whether to take the hard tail and get a cheap frame bag for it or take the susser and carry a back pack. Leaning to the susser for a bit more fun on the descents, what do you think?

You'll need more than moral support when it comes to to the Loch Lomond bit between the wigwam campsite (North) and Rowardennan (South). Not pleasant and actually a bit dangerous in places trying to lift your bike up over horrible slippery massive boulders. The rest is pretty easy and rideable, but...

I have this on the cards aswell for the 22nd April, plan is to leave Friday from Glasgow and average 25-33 miles a day spreading it out over 3-4 days. Train from crewe-glasgow Thursday night and back from fort William when I get there. Not racing just rambling and camping. I had planned the weekend...

I've always wanted to walk the WHW but family commitments these days mean I can't be wasting a weeks holiday so I was thinking of a 3 day trip on the bike. Planning on a mid April departure, probably on a Friday and the pace will be easy going. Anyone fancy tagging along for moral support?