Very interested, especially if it matches the jersey and fits a small head; one size never fits all!

PHD down booties have transformed by sleeping system by adding insulation where it is needed most! Combined with a decent air mattress, thin Helly merino base layers and silk liner it makes my 300g PHD bag tenable for 3 season UK use.

http://bikepackersmagazine.com/sol-escape-bivvy/

No personal experience, but I'd certainly consider it in the right circumstances.

the foam mat is for light weight trips where it won't be too cold. So Ben, what is this foam mat and what are the dimensions - homemade goodness? I think KB was generally right, but every time we buy a component we try to get the sweet spot of light enough, strong enough (for the task), and afforda...

Cracking ride Gabe - much respect!

Given the hand/wrist issue, would you consider using a Lauf fork for a future attempt, or would the extra weight and dubious aesthetic rule it out?

My bikes are all small, so limited space for a frame bag or bottles (limited to one in the triangle), however I finally purchased one from Alpkit for the HT with a single compartment. This effectively replaced a hydration pack and could fit a 2L bladder, spare tube, pump, a few tools, bivi pole and ...

Did the EWE section over Dartmoor recently; much better now it's dryer, but still some pointless HAB on the NE of the moor!

Is that a Spearfish with Revelate Frame bag? What do you think of it?

I have searched everywhere for 2.2 Ikons (TR with the sidewall protection - they are very prone to punctures without) but can't find any in Europe! The Ikons are good, but will probably go Back to Schwalbe Ralph's as they have been more reliable for me and easy to get hold of.

a mere 24 hrs in the saddle last weekend and the saddle sores have returned. Nothing drastic, but had I needed to ride yesterday it would not have been pleasant. So just how do people cope on proper long distance events like the tour divide, with epic amounts of riding and minimal time for bum admin...

Somewhat miffed as it can't be much more than a month since I splashed out on an Etrex 30.

Fitness is a bonus, but I think I'd rather be doing weights for that. Where did you hear that about??????? Why would anybody want to spend time in a sweaty room full of awful music and gurning apes in vests? For me and mates with much more demanding jobs than mine, getting away for a biking trip is...

+1 for TF tuned. Not cheap, but they know there stuff and sorted me out when the Cannondale UK importers f****d up the repair of my Lefty!

Chimp - Looks very nice. I've never had a problem with the leisure battery when parked up for a few days, but I only need it for fridge & lighting. Where do you store your bikes when the bed is deployed? I was stopped in my T5 by the police near Crickhowell a few years ago, looking for vans full...

Bilbos look like a quality conversion, but doesn't match my criteria and very expensive. Hillside also look good, but quite what I'm after. The T5 LWB is very desirable due to the VW heritage, but not as well built as you might expect of the ludicrous second hand price - the cockpit on my old van ha...

I expect some of the die hards will be unimpressed that I don't just get on my bike and roll from the front door, but as i don't live in a part of the country blessed with mountain trail, I generally need to drive for weekend or longer trips. With my old T5 camper van now 'writen-off' I am looking f...

I have been considering a Gates drivetrain, so a bit concerned by this thread - any more recent experiences on these novel systems? Looking at the phots, I'm not sure anything would have coped with the Dorset filth clinging to every part of that Travers bike!

Hopefully we might get an Indian Summer. Interested in what the modified route looks like. What bike are you using for this one?

Used Q-Rings on the road bike for ages, and on the 1x11 for about a year - just bout an AB oval ring to replace the rotor as they are better value. I would not use them on anything with more than one chainring as it makes front shifting a PITA! I can live with it on the road bike, but add some dirt ...

Fascinating watching this years dramas and sheer brutality/gutsiness unfold on the screen after my unscheduled accident enroute to the start. A few thoughts on the elements we often dwell on: Bikes - Given the diversity of steeds that both failed and held up, makes the idea of an optimum ride even m...

Can't help, I'm afraid, as I am in exactly the same position! Definitely more comfortable on 165s. 175mm SRAM XX1 for GXP, anyone?

Ianfitz - many thanks, but lack of frame bag became the least of my problems after my girlfriend crashed the van on the M74 last night. Thankfully neither of us are seriously injured but unable to continue. Never letting her drive again! Unexpectedly sunny in Glasgow this morning; hope it lasts for ...

Very dissapointed that Alpkit failed to deliver my new frame bag intime, despite emails and phone calls to confirm this would happen. At least I wont be able to take too much kit, and I'm sure I have enough fat reserves that I won't starve! Joints are aching this morning, probably from panic trainin...

Any advice on what chain lube to bring that might get my geared drive train through a week of wet trails, with minimal TLC? I don't anticipate Squirt being up to the job...

Surely it's too early to accurately guess the weather? I'm still getting ground rush, as usual, but will postpone decisions on kit until Thursday...

Many thanks - think I'm going to have to sell a kidney now! Your blog on the HT440 was probably the most informative of the many I read before last years race, ano really helped me focus on my kit choice. Sadly the carbon frame was the weakest link, although my mental state was pretty fragile by the...