Looks useful.

It's worth pointing out that it's only dual band so don't go buying one to take on the Tour Divide.

Trying to work out a compact/light/easy to carry, walking around, casual shoe to take in luggage tho. I have a pair of (the men's version of) these: http://www.hi-tec.co.uk/women/footwear/casual-shoes/zuuk-womens-lightweight-shoe-O002518.html?dwvar_O002518_size=4%20UK&dwvar_O002518_color=051 On...

Almost entirely flats. Have dabbled with SPDs recently. On road I think it makes bugger all difference so have gone back to flats because less faff. Off road, there are bigger gains, particularly on technical climbs, but bigger potential pitfalls (falling sideways into a pit, for example). I've used...

mostly flat in the midlands but we did find this small hill

Nah, you've just turned the camera at a bit of an angle. You can't fool me.

I would like to give it a go, but can't afford to invest in bars plus shifters/brakes until I am convinced Depending on what shifters/mehcs you have, you might consider giving it a go with what you have. I tried drop bars on my tourer and bought cheap set of bars and brifters second hand and set th...

Will PM re. stem cell XL

https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/ergotec-ahs-superlight-multifunction-handlebar/aid:721083?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=criteo2 Bit narrow. Also https://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/ergotec-ahs-premium-multifunction-handlebar/aid:99351 if you can look past the nasty fo...

Its much better than the alpkit one it replaces. stays put and doesnt flop around all over the place. Slight thread diversion... I replaced the velcro straps on my Alpkit top tube bag with some straps made out of 3/4" webbing and ladder locks (couple of quid off eBay) - can now tension them pr...

Will PM you re.:
Charge Spoon
Topeak1 cage
Salomon rucksack
Grips

Interesting article I came across the other day. Might be worth a try: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyl ... ?CMP=fb_gu

Great minds think alike! That looks very similar. Granted, it's a pretty simple design and hardly radical. As I mentioned, I'm planning to add a lifter in the same place but I hadn't thought of using the bars as another "pole" (though this may see some non-bike related use too). The pole d...

OK, more like no budget. I've been trying for another Blue Peter badge. I had an idea for a tiny tarp for fair weather use - just big enough that I can get my head under so I don't have to get right inside my bivvy bag if it rains, and give a bit of shelter from the elements (assuming pitched openin...

I'd like to think that, on the whole, the sort of people who would do guided bikepacking trips would do more good than harm when it comes to instilling a sense of responsibility (to the environment, and the rest of the community they, rightly or wrongly, represent). Of course if this "industry&...

Try STW. This is where I come when I don't want to hear about the new PM/old PM/who might be PM/who should/shouldn't be PM, etc.

Hmmm, that may explain some of the problem.

I sent another user a PM which they haven't received despite having inbox space, but that's not in my outbox or sent messages so that could just have been me.

...anyone else have them?

I have messages in my outbox which appear not to have sent, and some that seem to have just disappeared

I'm going to tentatively put my hand up for this on account of usually being a bit wimpy in the winter. I might be in New Zealand for work though, which would be tragic

Not exactly sure but I'll be coming down south for a wedding in Lincolnshire in a couple of weeks (6th of August) and a few trips to Nottingham and back over the next couple of months. If we can sort out a mutually convenient meet-up while I'm passing (ideally on/near the A1), great. Shall I let you...

I'd definitely take this off your hands but I'm in Newcastle. If you're not desperate to get rid of it then we could try and arrange something when I'm next down your way?

is the missus keen for another go? Yeah, she's usually the one who says "let's go and bivvy." We've done quite a few trips walking - she's not so keen on bikes unfortunately. I wasn't expecting it to be like that - the first time we went out was a couple of years ago when we couldn't find...

I've heard of problems on The Sandstone Way in Northumberland for example.

Interesting, that's something I'll likely end up doing sooner or later. Do you mind sharing what sort of problems?

Just got back from what I guess is my first "bikepacking" trip worthy (almost) of the name. I'm hoping this might help someone else looking at getting into bikepacking, especially without bundles of cash to spend on kit. I've put the current prices of each bit of luggage so people can see ...

I've tried to get my head around but cant get comfy.

I think you might be using them wrong

IGMC

a bit of a hassle if you want to use your phone for taking photos, etc.

Agreed. I tend to leave it on the bars for the duration if at all possible. It's a bit of a pain to put on.

I use a silicone rubber thingy I got in Aldi for £3 to hold my old phone cum GPS on my bars. It's essentially two rubber bands in cross with a profiled block in the middle to keep it on the bars. The bands go through each other then round the corners of the phone. I wasn't expecting much but I've be...