These might be worth a punt, if you don't do too much hike-a-bike.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003 ... ROKL5A1OLE

Then again, why would you bother with gaiters if you didn't do HAB...

Interesting article on the blogspot about 1x drivetrains. It appears that these have been adopted by more bike packing racers, including TD winners Mike hall (XTR 1x10) and 2014 supremo, Jefe Branham on Sram XX1. Even Brant Richards recommends this for a TD bicycle. I would be interested to know how...

Try Oval - I've used Rotor and rate it, but think my next ring will be Absolute Black.

Thanks for the suggestions, but given the weather, I think I'll not be doing any long rides over the next few days! Seem to recall cycling along a stream for sever km of the TCW last time I did it, in summer...

Some interesting options there - any steers on gps route files? I've done the road loop round IOW before - what's the XC option like? I understand there are a few variations on the Welsh C2C - what would work in the depths of sogginess? Like the sound of the first part of the N/S divide, but a loop ...

Looks like I have a few days off next week, so have a week to come up with a plan for 4-6 days of riding. Could be a bikepacking tour or a serious of big day loops. Live in the SW and don't want to waste too much time driving, so no further north than the Lake District. Minimal HAB also preferred. A...

That Ti frame looks super sweet, and not having the PITA press-fit sh*t is a winner!

What length?

Apparently they have a 28t ring coming soon. I'm really chuffed with Q-Rings; use them on the road bike, but front shifting can be a pain in the ass, and for that reason I didn't bother with them on the MTB. However when I'm running a 1x (or SS) setup, they feel great and I can't think of any reason...

Many thanks - that looks like a good option.

Thanks Chris, but I think the XT M785s are 104/64 BCD, whilst the Rotor QX1 Ring is 76mm.

I wish I could find such a simple solution (XT's are a great, proven crankset), but I have been chasing my tail on this for ages!

I am trying to find a crankset that fits a very specific set of criteria, and was wondering if you might be able to help. The key requirements are: 160mm length (would consider 165, but no longer) Light Pressfit GXP BB Compatible with 28t Rotor QX1 ring (76 BCD) Aluminium Flat surface - not machined...

Sounds like a fab idea, if only I didn't live 500 miles away!

Just ordered a Revelate Gas Tank from Charlie - the consensus from tho thread is too convincing to ignore!

http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/rev ... 6065-p.asp

I use the 2014 version of this (small size) which has a reflective layer integrated into the mattress. personally I don't think it adds a huge amount of warmth as the level of heat lost through radiation is far lower than through conduction, but every little helps for the small increase in weight. h...

Travel light & Freeze at night! At 60kg, I feel every extra gram!

Like the look of a Wildcat frame bag, to match my front & rear harnesses, but my small size frame has barely enough room for 1 piss bottle, and it would make HAB even more difficult!

Had a large Alpkit Fuelpod, and tried all sorts of fiddling to stabilise it, including a bungee from the rear of the bag to the seat tube. This tension helped a bit, but ultimately it just isn't rigid enough of its size. The Topeak that temporarily replaced it was much more stable due the rigid desi...

Residents of The Kingdom - where do you ride? I often find myself around St Andrews for a few days, but I have always considered East Fife the dullest part of Scotland for trail riding! What am I missing???

I think about this a lot, as I get increasingly disenchanted with a job I used to love, but after two decades the time for a change is not far off. Without the drag of family I could easily relocate, but having travelled a bit, I realise that not only are there some great options out there, but pote...

Like the rotor Q Ring I'm running with SRAM XX1, although the longevity of the other components is questionable. I'm amazed last years TD winner made it on XX1, apparently without incident.

Mostly been lucky with hubs, but had a new AC fail on me last summer, and a Hope on my old Marin seized a few years back after a year. In fact everybody I know who owned that model had the same problem - dodgy batch I expect.

Had a look at the Dartmoor part of the EWE route at the weekend; great potential, but needs some modification to avoid pointless HAB. The full C2C would benefit from a longer day unless you are a ninja! Of course there is still the Tarka trail, but it's not particularly interesting.

Where do you start...

The absurd fascination with aerodynamics on road bikes combined with ignorance of good fit; 'Retul says...' or as Ian stated, whatever size frame/components they have is the perfect fit!

As a BAM Virgin, I was determined to keep the faith in 2015, which commenced with a glorious day on Dartmoor - Calm, Sunny, and not even too chilly. Following Aidan's EWE Route was hard, and whilst I managed 4 river crossings, 3 in the dark, The hop across Dartmeet in cycling slippers carrying a bik...

I will definitely be running 100mm suspension, probably with a 2.2 tyre. As for lights, I did not miss not having any last year (other than a red tailight for on-road), and I expect you could easily ride off-road for 18+ hrs per day. I am toying with taking the Diablo this time, as there is the odd ...