SSP, I'd agree that in the oft-misused vertical compliance sense tube changes make so little difference to vertical deflection, but if we agreed that a lot of perceived harshness is really a lack of twist or lateral flex causing a very rigid feel then those changes in tube dimensions can make a nota...

C) is the way to go but for reference after having a fair number of frames made, tt and dt diameters do affect twist stiffness levels and a frame that handles well loaded or under a strong rider will be on the rigid side of average. A very common combo is a 31.8mm tt and 34.9 dt, or a size down at 2...

I was pretty impressed by the Mondial 47Cs on the Ridgeway and for local Chilterns winter miles. Not as grippy as my usual front wet weather tyre a Purgatory 2.2 but still, good enough. Seem pretty tough also.

Kind weather and feeling-good wishes to all .. have a good ride!

Well remembered BH...I'd forgotten that one... One of the most lovely sections of the route as I remember it, between BML and the smooth bit of the descent to Steamboat. Like an Alpine meadow with amazing views to the left. I expect all riders will be feeling better after the Lodge than before it :...

I was reading the 'ideal setup' over on the Stooge website and was puzzled by the recommendation of 3" front and narrower rear. Sort of the tyre equivalent of a hardtail I guess. I tend to use as big as is suitable at the back, set the bike up so I can get the front up and over things as neede...

Useful, thanks Ben. Chemicals unlikely to be an issue in the places I'd use it but good to know, hadn't really thought of that aspect.

Ben, the site says The MINI removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera and E.coli; removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium so it sounds pretty good, was there something it wasn't reliable for? Got one on order anyway, Stuart's before-after pic in the...

Great stuff, thanks everyone. Wasn't too worried about the taste, can't be worse than suspect water with chlorine tabs in : )

There's a 65g mini version, looks like a good idea. Expecting a potentially grim taste depending on the source but basically safe water, is that about it?

big reroute around Rawlins

So where will the next supply point after the basin be, do you know yet? Altlantic City's tiny shop before the basin will do well if someone tips them off..

and wrapped by me in Brooks leather tape within minutes of taking them out of the box!

Very neatly done too .. the brake lever cover bits also

I thought south west to north east might work better with the prevailing wind A good plan, the Ridgeway in windy wet weather going east is a bit grim once a few miles past Goring. And the most fun stuff is at the Chilterns end so going west you get a nice warm up and a more mountain-bikey finish. t...

Where have they come from? Where has the money come from? Someone with bikepacking racing and touring experience and some business/finance(?) background is the first to go to Asia to make BP kit in bulk. Can't see it costing that much to set up aftert the initial time in development. If rackless to...

The belay jacket is a good compromise, fair bit thinner than the standard tops. Still a bit much for anything but easy touring pace in the cold since I always want to wear a base layer under them, against the Buffalo idea I know but cold wind on the skin is a bit much, liberating perhaps, chilly yes...

Is there any type of 'wonder fabric' that works best for weight vs warmth vs breathability Everyone will have different preferences but the 2 items I like most are an Altura Thermacool, a very thin, light but hugely effective base layer that is comfortable in a wide range of temps and a Montane Pri...

The whole Cyclepedia book's worth there? A couple I'd quite like ..



and



Nice Gios in there too.

It looks like you could. Carbon Fibre Downtube Shifter Front and Rear Derailleur Compatible. Non-Indexed. But won't you lose more time with crunched shifts than any weight-saving is worth? : ) And yes, Paul Comp mounts are different for Sram and Shimano. I've got some Paul mounts with D-A barend shi...

Not quite sure where its made but its not Italian made.

I recognise the BB serial number layout - it's from a good 'un. ime that doesn't fully guarantee anything but they are well-regarded and respected.

Were the Ti ones made by XACD?

No, Italian-made I think. Not a cheap source. The steel ones come from a good place in TW, not heard of those failing.

After a sort of pros and cons list . Pros, they're lighter than steel and there's no paint. Cons, they're expensive, don't generally ride any better than good steel frames and break much more often than good steel. The comfort thing is a myth imo, they're no more or less comfy than a good steel bik...

I really like some of the frame bag's design, mainly the ladder-straps and shape with reflective detail at the front, but less keen on the colour. Works out at £65 or so, not too bad imo but they'd need to be good for that.

found, ta

Oddly I saw a rally-equipped Stratos on the M1 last weekend, don't recall seeing on on the road for a very long time, if ever? It looked really out there styling-wise. (There's a name for that effect, ie someone mentioning a song then you hear it for the first time in years?)

Got one of the old larger ones, after another as a permanent fit to my road-tourer bike as the slim rear section suits the narrower pedalling stance and shorter frame of the road bike. Ideally the smaller size but the larger one would do. Anyone want to move one on? Can pay in all sorts of oddball s...