I put all of the 2016 route options onto a single map for anyone interested: https://maphub.net/DoctorRad/torino-nice-rally-2016

Ah-ha... I obviously flit in and out too much, and I'm not one for events... yet...

Errr... what's this all about?? Feeling out of the loop here...

Award winner, apparently: http://www.bikepacking.com/plog/bikepac ... year-2016/

I think I have them in an email, but obviously, they're in bits rather than a single file... I'll have a play.

Just starting some research on the Torino-Nice Rally route, is this the 'official' 2016 route please?

https://routes.pannier.cc/route/torino-nice-rally/

For anyone who might be interested, I'm considering an in-the-school holidays and/or pre-booked accommodation run of the route in 2017 or 2018.

Dependent on 'supplier' not sure if they would be thick enough, but the bags which mattresses come in might be suitable if you can get one from your local bed shop.

Richard G wrote:Did they grab the nearest two supermarket bikes they could find? I wouldn't expect them to survive a single trip in the wilds of mid-Wales.

The 1990s called, they want their bikes back...

I use these lovely things from back when they were called the 'Scree': http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/mavic-crossmax-pro-h2o-mtb-shoes-2016/rp-prod143488 Fine all year round (not used in snow) with good ankle protection. The only niggle I had was that I needed TWO sizes larger than normal...

Some good gravel tyres going cheap: http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/45n ... 2347-p.asp

Genesis 2016 Tarn 10 and Longitude now down to £799: http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/mtbsale/

rich.mike wrote:I'm struggling a bit with sizing on the fortitude, I'm not sure if I'm a medium or a large...

Do you mean the Longitude? They don't make Fortitudes any more I don't think...

Because a front wheel skewer is by far the most convenient place to keep your toolkit...

jameso wrote:Smart Sam

The original gravel tyre. Discuss.

Bearbonesnorm wrote:

Have you/anyone else risked it?

I've flown with meths before. A couple of 100ml bottles inside my frame bag ... I know I'm not the only one

Don't know where you're going, but...

There's a few options in the 2.6-2.7" range due next year that would be good on a 35mm rim for an almost-plus option, but they look to be at the Enduro end of things. I'd like to see some 2.6 Speed Kings and Nanos.. Schwalble have Smart Sams in 650b x 2.6", plus G-ONE Allround Gravel in 6...

I use the Versa shifter that NorwayCalling had put on it when I bought it from him. Works very well, other than the fact that it's only one gear at a time in either direction, and the throw when down (easier gear) shifting is quite long, so multiple down shifts have to be done well in advance. Also,...

Hidden in Coed-Y-Brenin forest: sometimes you're not lost, you just end up somewhere you weren't expecting to get to. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/B0appPmScbj3KKBK6sgh8aG2C90nVCbqKcuEOkGbTPvqh7bQFd90P6PLbDH8SvjuUhLDA773FJZHv6KTt5wOuWaweEbRRQXOk0nWpBil6EKerUngJ920hVGt2akFw2thVmkc7oOku9mU0cpIGs45...

Now the steel forks are back (and with a £100 price drop) I'm almost at the 'shut up and take my money' stage... if I had any just now...! I assume the 2017 has a straight 1-1/8" headtube? That might restrict boingy fork options?

darbeze wrote:... only about 1-2mm clearance each side...

Gwan, that'll be fine in gravel / dusty conditions #looksoutofwindow

I'm liking the look of the Longitude, mind... wonder what it would be like with drops...

I bought the bike from a guy who had lowered the gear ratios, and I'm pretty happy with them as they are now. The torque limits are probably for people stronger than you or I, so I'd take them with a pinch of salt unless you are riding very heavily loaded. You'll not get rid of the sponginess in cer...

Someone else with one! I assume you've got a Fortitude Adventure since you've got an Alfine 11 on the rear? I love mine with drop bars and 47mm Smart Sams, it's my go-to / house fire bike. A few thoughts: How are you going to get rid of the Alfine without a gear hanger unless you go singlespeed or g...

I remember an early 90s MBi (I think) article about that region. Always wanted to go but haven't yet... tempting...!

See also Grass Up The Middle CC

Just re-did this in high-res for the full effect...