If that's the case then maybe a LECW 'gravel' route would be a much better experience? As Dave says, something suitable for a crosser but too much for a road bike. Imnterested.. I have a GPX of a Chilterns-Purbecks ride based on byways and lanes that I've got ready for a trip if the time+weather op...

Raphas here, usual Crikey, how much thing of pricey but really comfy, showing no signs of wear yet. Alpkit have some also.

Just a thread update. Since posting about merino boxers and touring shorts I've done my first week+ trip w/o padded lycra shorts, using merino boxers and baggies instead and I didn't think about saddle comfort the whole ride, the odd comfort-shuffle aside. We rode for 12-13hrs inc lunch and other br...

So Josh did ~250 miles a day, that's good going! Great ride. Interesting event and format. Not sure about the lack of fixed route (fast flat roads vs enjoyable roads dilemma?) but the mix of terrain this year was a step in an interesting direction. Make it a mainly tarmac route but one that's not po...

Looks good!

ctznsmith wrote:Saw these Jones Ti cut loops. Not sure if this will end in last minute silliness or be a bargain. End tomorrow.

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 18&alt=web

Looks like my collection just went up in value?!

as they're towing a caravan....

OK I've heard of packing a few luxuries and man-ing up but your folks must have legs like Chris Hoy

(I did see the 'by car bit', but only after that mental image)

Is it me or is that door on fire? Also, which mugs are they that stack? I was thinking a Mytimug 650 and 400 (i think it's 400). Ha : ) could've been.. note the slab used for stable heat-resistant stove placement. It was preferable to meths stoves on dry grass at dinner time but the slab was used t...

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/315/19975637526_db7500870c_z.jpg DSCN9639 by james*o , on Flickr Luxury kitchen on a recent trip. A meths stove with a simmer ring and a proper pan with frying pan lid. Lardons, pasta and red pepper pesto for dinner, omelettes for breakfast. Usually it's this - https:...

How do you guys usually carry your tools? Wrapped / folded in a cloth bag that's like a small toolroll, stuffed into far end of a frame bag where it's easy to get to but is usually the last thing out / no risk of falling out if the front end of the zip is opened. A tool-specific jerry can as mentio...

Depends on the ride / bike, but generally - Micro chain tool - Finish Line Chain Pup, with 2 pins and a set of quick-links Multi-tool - tiny, just the basics with a torx for BB7s and an 8mm head for the MTB rear axle Longer 4mm allen for my Bushnell if needed Patch kit - usual glue and patches, stic...

Thanks for your thoughts on this but just want to play devils advocate a bit. Is the Deadwood a bit of a game changer? Its 29+ with carbon forks with a change of bars it could be the crossover from GG to MTB in generic terms. There seems to be a lot of designs designated GG but the 29+ must increas...

Would be good to see some pics after your trip Charlie. We met an MTB guide in Molini and heard the trails were good there. I didn't know anything of the place before, we just ended up there but it was a great spot. A lot of lovely (and steep) woods that I'd like to explore sometime, maybe next time...

's just what we do isn't it?

e.g. new axle standard on the Deadwood. Why? : Because this is going to be the defacto standard for + style bikes, and most MTBs in the next year. Sorry. True, and road bikes will follow with thru-axles as standard within a few years. Yet for a number of bikes the QR fulfils the brief perfectly wel...

Good Q .. Huge differences between MTBs and 'gravel' type drop bar bikes imo/e. Mainly in how able the bike is at speed over the rough or on technical climbs off-road and also the road pace they can maintain - though that's mabe not that important especially with a load or after a week's riding. I'v...

I find it really easy, does need a bit of planning though. A couple of things help. A wide-ratio rear block so that 1-2 clicks hits the gear I need rather than 3-4 on a closer ratio road block, and having a more relaxed riding position on the bike that means you aren't 'falling forward' onto the bar...

I'm looking to knock up a myog type seatpost support mount (kinda similar idea to the porcelain rocket Mr fusion) and am trying source some of these (or similar ): http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/tubus-staright-bar-240mm-titanium-id61439.html#info They're out if stock and im not having much luck sea...

http://www.ocd.org.uk/alps/rs/fred.htm Have a look at Fred Wright's page on the Ordre des Cols Dure (sp?) if you're interested in the rides of a keen Alpine roughstuffer and pioneering pass-stormer. He was quite happy to bivi out along the way. 'All the best ride include a hike-a-bike' as someone s...

ZeroDarkBivi wrote:That certainly does look fab; can I pester you for the GPX and route cues?

No probs, mail me at james.olsen.remote at hotmail.co.uk and I'll send them over.

s8tannorm wrote:

a book I have by Fred Wright, Roughstuff Cycling In The Alps

James did you buy that direct? Any details? - Ta.

Yes, or Paul E did and got me a copy while he was at it,
http://www.southlakesgroup.org.uk/rough ... ealps.html - you should still be able to buy it direct here.

I will have Ian, yes. Will sort it tomorrow.

Looks vaguely exciting! Where did you get the idea for this trip? Thanks. The idea came from looking for a similar sort of route in the Dolomites over the last year or two, in researching that I saw some military gravel roads around lake Garda. Realised there were a few more and the border was wher...

Ian, yhm re the RWS and I'll post over the GPXs and cues to the Wildcat address now. There's quite a few files as it was meant as a flexible route plan and there's some alts/shortcut files but the cues should help make sense of it as a general route. ie, the section we rode off the Tende was to the ...

Hey Ian, I have a 15mm RWS here, currently unused. I'll send it to you for tuesday ETA if you return it as/when you find a new one?