I much prefer the SS as it reflects the stripped-bare kit that appeals to me. I think this is why I find it appealing. If I was looking for an easier ride, gears would be the way to go. Selecting the right ratio is crucial to avoid walking all the hills. After this years WRT, I think it also depend...

More details here: http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/t ... ing/page/3

I haven't really given any thought to bivvy spot, will just sleep where suits

Taking care to avoid exposed hill tops and 45 degree slopes, I presume?

whooosh

That last comment went over my head, sorry. Care to explain?

I used to have one of these: http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Tents/1_Person_Tents_Bivis/Jupiter_RED.html?view=specification Used several times on Polaris, including the infamous Leyburn event. It was good, back then it weighed a bit over a kilo, but still worth it. It packed down nice and s...

I bought a pair of shoes reduced from £75 to £45, which they then discounted by 50% as it was the cheapest of the two items. I did say effectively £47.50

Currently Glengoyne 21 yr or Jura Origin 10 yr, depending on my mood.

Not long finished a bottle of Ardbeg, and have been partial to Talisker and Laphroaig in the past.

Coal Ila next on the list.

surely a seatpost mounted rack is sprung weight

Agreed. I was referring to the freeloader racks with regard to unsprung weight, as they mount onto the seat stays, thus adding to unsprung weight.

didnothingfatal wrote:No those would be 26", not clown sized like some ride :D

^^ That much seat post and 26" wheels looks no less clown like than this, in my opinion


Ian's Welsh Ride Thing Setup by WildcatGear, on Flickr

Thanks Stu. I picked one up a couple of weeks ago when they had a buy-something-and-get-something-half-price offer, so effectively it cost me £47.50 and free postage 8-)

It weighed 194g in the stock stuff sack.

Not entirely, just one particular path that you've opted to follow NE of Nant-y-moch. There is an alternative north, evident on Google Earth and 1:25k maps, but not shown on 1:50k maps.

Alex,

Would you like to share your route details on here? I've sketched out something similar from the top of the Great Orme to the end of the Gower - would be interesting to see how they compare.

Ian

The disadvantage with the rear rack on a full suspension bike is the large increase in unsprung weight - that's the weight between the shock and the contact point (tyre). More weight in this area would result in much less responsive suspension. You'd be better mounting something under the saddle, bu...

Yes, I enjoyed that first video too - thanks for sharing.

Saw the second one a few weeks ago. Would love to plan a trip like that in the UK. Island hopping in Scotland is certainly one of the options.

//adds packraft to wish list.

Am I the only one that thinks the name sounds like a performance enhancing drug?

It's steel, it's carbon, it's ceramic

Are those 24" wheels?

That looks good. No danger of loosing it in the undergrowth..

switch back to Carnegies if I hate the drops

I'm running my carnegies with the neg drop just now and they're a nice balance between full drops or flats.

I'd take some waterproof socks and midge repellent if I were you

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5646370496_50bd89f74c.jpg Siltarp by ianbarrington , on Flickr http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5646367840_cdc3e02afc.jpg Sunrise by ianbarrington , on Flickr http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5891362585_dd3d5f7640.jpg Best Monday morning ever by ianbarringt...

Two Lumix camera's in our household - an LX3 and TZ7 - both really fine cameras, let down in the most part by the operator. From your list, I'd splash the cash on the Lumix, especially as it is: The DMC-FT3 is designed for active use - MTB/ bikepacking that is waterproof to a depth of 12 meters - Li...

Shaggy John currently in 16th place too.
Steve and Andy Heading in 20th and 40th place, respectively.

Put me down as a tentative...

small packs are a complete pain in the arse

Wouldn't the pain be a bit further up if you've got a long torso :?

I'm putting together an uber-light selection of gear for the BB200. Aiming for <3kg for all gear, incl tools + frame bags etc, but excl. food and water. More details to follow as I've not managed to get everything onto the scales yet, but it's looking pretty good on paper with stock mfr weights. Wha...

Well done sir!

Like the barley photo and the second sunset over Hay ones best :)

3 Days is good going - well done. What was your route up through Wales?