just wondering if anyone does not use a mtb for bikepacking trips?
when i look at everyones trip reports and photo's 29ers seem to be widely used.
anyone just use a tourer or a cx bike, or indeed anything else.

just curious.

There were a bunch of guys on CX type bikes at the WRT.

Here's one. I think it's a Genesis Day1? I seem to remember there was an almost identical other one, with even all the same bags strapped to it! There might have been a white one as well.

I've used my CX bike, it's not comfy though if it is very rocky.

I used a hybrid on my first trip over SDW. Sore arse, aching shoulders and numb fingers. But I got the bug.

I've used my Amazon where trail/road conditions permit.....................

Criffel and sand by ScotRoutes, on Flickr



...........................but then I don't try to differentiate between bikepacking and touring, both are likely to involve a mix of on- and off-road and I don't think luggage choice defines it either.

composite wrote:There were a bunch of guys on CX type bikes at the WRT.

Here's one. I think it's a Genesis Day1? I seem to remember there was an almost identical other one, with even all the same bags strapped to it! There might have been a white one as well.

CDFs, iirc. Mum, Dad & Son?

I've used mine for a fair few trips until I got my KM, not really good for descending but boy could I climb on it, even with rough ground
I'll find a pic of my setup in a bit :D

I love my surly lht to bits, until I go offroad, it needs far bigger tyres.
I only want 1 bike tho, might have to sell the lht and buy a ogre or similar.

Where does a Singular Gryphon fit in all this?

Not mine but you get the drift:

I spoke to Sam about a grython, he advised me to get something a little sturdier if I were planning to carry luggage.......he was pretty diplomatic re my size and luggage combined weight............

I thought you ran a Swift at some point? I further thought the Gryphon was *just* swift tubes re-jigged to enable drop bars. Surprised there were concerns about it being up to it.

Still, my comments could be taken as a massive slur to Singular Sam's design and construction skills so best listen to him, not me

I did indeed, I think his concerns were if I was gonna be using it for touring. fair bit of weight on those slender tubes..

a ogre looks like a viable option.....tanklike.....like it's operator...

How about an ECR Tony?

isn't the ecr just a ogre that takes a bigger tyre?

just buy an ECR and have done with it ;-)

DSCN9297 by user-unrecognised-, on Flickr


Road-going 29er with Big Apples (Jones), and a SSCX (Day 1)with road 42Cs, done similar weekenders on my Equilibrium road bike but it doesn't handle as well with ~2.5-3kg weight on the bars, seems to be a trick or 2 needed to get a road bike to handle well with a bar roll etc on. Next bike due is a road-biased bikepacker/randonneur/tourer sort of thing to hopefully address that. Road-based touring with bikepacking kit and bivis is a great combo, I love mountain biking but sometimes easier miles and just taking it all in appeals more.

ECR would make a great tough road tourer. Has loads of BB drop to work with the 3" tyres so I expect it'd ride really well on tarmac with 1.75-2" slicks.

ton wrote:isn't the ecr just a ogre that takes a bigger tyre?

And you think that could be a bad thing?

You could also have a skinnier rim/tyre combo depending upon usage/conditions/surface.

johnnystorm wrote:

composite wrote:There were a bunch of guys on CX type bikes at the WRT.

Here's one. I think it's a Genesis Day1? I seem to remember there was an almost identical other one, with even all the same bags strapped to it! There might have been a white one as well.

CDFs, iirc. Mum, Dad & Son?

Thats right, me and the lad on CDF's and the missus on a Croix De Fer.
I just find the position on the drop bars more comfortable than on the flats.

Dainiusd wrote:

How are you making that bag at the bag just float there?

How are you making that bag at the bag just float there?

Never mind that, he appears to be floating on that pond and his bike is rising out of it.. is he the -

...Or is he just "a very naughty boy"?

The bag is floating on a cheap mini rack :D http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131187235463

Thank you O Lord!

Are you Brian?