I still (occaisionally) use a 1996 Univega Alpina 504 for the type of trip you mention. Couple of years back did (amongst other trips) the Cairngorms Outer Loop. Back in the day used it for lots of similar style trips. Not sure what your tyres are like but maybe consider less nobbly if more gravel/t...

I have the 2016 Kona Sutra touring version, which by default has become my "gradventure bike". Whilst of no great experience of other bikes like this, it suits my needs and handles the rutted bridleways and so on really well. With that in mind I would suggest the Sutra Ltd with similargeom...

Amazon have the Klymit packraft for less than £100 if anyone fancies a dabble. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E4KOQE8/?coliid=I3VRO6HR1AZ4WE&colid=25EH1MET8HBLL&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it Thanks Stu, :-bd just ordered one, probably not going to use it for bikepackrafting but we'll see h...

I've got SKS Chromoplastics in 26" x 70mm on my ancient Univega, which serves as my shopping and bad weather bike. It's been in mud so sticky that the wheels stopped rotating but no problems with the guards. Lasting well, been on the bike 4 years now (though do come off occaisionally). I like t...

Since you mentioned the Charge Spoon, I have one on the road bike, but on the MTB and Sutra I have the Charge Pan, similar to the Spoon but with more (fairly firm) padding seems to suit a more upright position better (bars evel with saddle). Use the Pan a lot without padded shorts. Re shorts I start...

Out here in Hungary they make quince jam, might be worth a try?

has been and just dropped off a , WTB Ranger 3in (mahoosive) in Light Fast rolling flavour for the front of the Longitude. A pair of PD M530 for the Sutra, just for a change from the M520's I had been running previousley. A GSI Bugaboo mug as reviewed by Stu. A wee bit cheaper than a ti mug with no ...

Hi Bob, Yep, kayak is definately the best way to visit Jura and Islay, I've circumnavigated both by kayak, very hairy in places, when I did it there was a massive sea running off the Mull of Oa, waves about 4 meteres high or thereabouts. Sadly Cruib and An Cladach didn't exist then and at that time ...

Thanks Bob. Looked like a nice way for Cath to recover from the HT550. Cruib Lodge also looks like a very atmospheric place for a visit by bike. Craighouse is a fantastic spot for a campsite as long as the midges aren't too bad. Last time I visite Craighouse I was thrown off a boat at 2am in a howli...

Good job Ray, reminds me of the rack that was attached to the back of the Trek 1120. As a (possible) better solution for fixing to the seatpost have you seen these?

https://www.wiggle.com/dmr-hinged-clamps-1/

Might even get them cheaper from China

A bit smaller than most but well made and very good value for money. My wife uses hers mainly for specs, phone, small purse and a couple of crunchy bartype things. If I hadn't alreadforked out on a couple of Alpamayo stems cell I would have bought a couple of these as probably big and good enough fo...

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Tue May 07, 2019 2:54 pm 20 quid from PlanetX? https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CLAGSEE/a ... ain-jacket

Does anyone know how this sizes up?
Thanks

I'm not sure if I would like the extreme sweep of the Jones, but recently been thinking of trying a pair of the On One OG's. So something like that degree of sweep but with a loop in place at a good price would be something I would defeninately be willing to experiment with.

My favourites are some Morvelo's quickly followed by Decathlon 900's. Budget end of the market though. I'll second that. I've got some 500's (orange pad) and 900's (blue pad) and find them both excellent. (I think that's the right numbers as I've cut all the labels off) As an aside I also like thei...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/voltX-CONSTRUCTOR-BIFOCAL-Reading-certified/dp/B004VRL6O2/ref=sr_1_1?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1550653915&sr=1-1&keywords=voltX I purchased this 3 pack a while back and find them to be very good. They wrap around quite well and offer a good level of protection with a...

And brought a couple of books. Scotlands Mountains before the Mountaineers, by Ian R Mitchell. Title is quite self explanatory, and a quick flick through shows the writing and research as one would expect from the author' to be of his typical high standard. A good read for any wanderer of the highla...

I've got a Ti Goat Kestrel too and use a bit of old flysheet cut to size. As BrownDog says mainly to keep the mud etc off. Not sure if it would help much with the really prickly stuff. I need to buy a wee stove from Stu so thinking of a bit of Tyvek at the same time. It's secondary use is as somethi...

PeterC wrote:Thanks Stu, Just bought the last one!

No I didn't. Turns out "no stock available" when they went to pick my order,

Picked up a few things in the recemt Polaris sale (some still in the sale). Shield windproof jacket, to replace my not very windproof ancient pertex top. Awol trail jersey, seems a good tech tee, handy wee pocket on the hip. Gator MTB sunglasses, good fit and very comfortable. Bought the good lady a...

Pete c I'm hoping so as I've got one coming on Wednesday, get on pretty well with my down mat and wanted something a little less bulky and a bit lighter from spring onwards Looks like a good deal, only thing not included over the (much) more expensive optionsis the Schnozzle bag. Thanks for posting...

Thanks Stu, Just bought the last one!

MAM Are the specs for that listed on Millets correct? Just wondering if it's a different model mislabelled as Ultralght outdoor GB are selling it for £140 with a rrp of £150. If it's the same as that I think I'll jump for one.Ta

I've got a Trekmates Polyester/Cotton liner from Go Outdoors a while back. It's quite roomy for me at 5ft6in (42 chest) and comes up over the top of the bag. It weighs about 160g and althoughI can'tremember what I paid it was certainly a lot cheaper than the silk versions. (I got it to try and limit...

Decathlon's basic synthetic insulated gilet is currently £9.99 (£10 off). https://www.decathlon.co.uk/trek-100-mens-padded-gilet-blue-id_8502278.html Been using one a fair bit since Oct - this is possibly the bargain of the year for anyone who rides in the wet/cold, seriously. It's as good as anyth...

Saw this on another forum. Thanks to OP. Pic in advert shows orange, but description says green. Best price I have seen for the Trailstar clone. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/TrailStar-Outdoor-Ultralight-1-2-Person-40D-Nylon-Sides-Silicon-Pyramid-shelter-tent-for-hiking-camping/32912878924.html?sp...