Not 'much' more expensive Anthony - I got the fabric from Extremetextil as Jon wasn't familiar with it. Initially the plan was to use the Cordura he usually uses for the kite bags for the frame wraps as he was a bit concerned about Xpac being tough enough (those kite buggies must take a hammering!), but once he'd got a look at the Xpac, was happy to use it throughout.

Had a chance to play with it now & the bag really is beautifully made - both drive-side pockets have velcro sealing flaps over heavy duty zippers, the(huge) non-drive map pocket (same shape as the rest of the bag) has a velcro flap to keep crud out too. Internal baffle is moveable, exposed edges are bound.. just real workmanship.

Much though I enjoy making my own gear, to do it to this standard, even with hours of trial and (no doubt expensive) error would be a real challenge. I think sometimes it just pays to leave things to the pros..

Like christmas today!




Two hangers for different bikes as spares.
And a grid ref finder thanks to Mr B, like this,

And a grid ref finder thanks to Mr B, like this

My pleasure

Yesterday I got 125cm of Copter tape from Just Riding Along so I can protect my frame from abrasion caused by frame bags, but leaving it looking lovely when I take the bags off. Used to use insulation tape, but plastering my bike in black tape detracts from the titanium loveliness that lay beneath

shavenraspeberry

Cheeky Monkey wrote:

shavenraspeberry

It is, a rather odd name.

Second post: 1.5m of 19g cuben fibre in a fairly small and thin envelope :D

Ian wrote:Second post: 1.5m of 19g cuben fibre in a fairly small and thin envelope :D

It's a pain to work with! too blow away!

I got power monkey adapters, rob Roy way guide, smidge, mech hanger(s), micro shock pump, tubeless kit, train tickets :)

It's a pain to work with! too blow away!

I think it'll be perfect for what I'll be using it for 8-)

Got a Veho Pebble for phone charging duties on the WRT. Why do modern phones only last 24 hours??!!

Dan_K wrote:Got a Veho Pebble for phone charging duties on the WRT. Why do modern phones only last 24 hours??!!

buy yourself a Sonim. Mine lasts 2 weeks between charges :D 3 if I dont use it and leave it on standby.

G

Dan_K wrote:Got a Veho Pebble for phone charging duties on the WRT. Why do modern phones only last 24 hours??!!

My iPhone will last ages switched on but in airplane mode. That leaves me access to most of my apps for mapping etc but doesn't drain the battery looking for a non-existent signal in deepest Wales.

Garmin Dakota 10 arrived today :)

Waiting on the bike mount turning up now (not going for the Garmin one after hearing stories of premature ejection of the GPS on rough trails )

Revelate tangle bag (med) and customs missed it

Maxm CM B1 carbon seat post from on one for £19.99 and 150gm lighter than the alloy one it's replaced, bargaintastic :D . Matches my exotic carbon forks a treat.

SPOT 2 arrived this morning (thanks to royAB). Tiny compared to the old one, and weighs 90g less, thus satisfying my £1/g weight saving threshold - though it was also bought for reasons other than just weight saving.

Must have a look at the Maxm carbon posts for my road bike.

XXC cycling jersey arrived, will wear later.

Blackhound wrote:Must have a look at the Maxm carbon posts for my road bike.

XXC cycling jersey arrived, will wear later.

Are your postmen on strike or something?
I've had mine over a week now!

I've been in Ireland and only got back last night. Not sure when it actually arrived.

Ian wrote:Second post: 1.5m of 19g cuben fibre in a fairly small and thin envelope :D

Now the proud owner of a cuben balloon bed - weighs just 1 ounce 8-)
Two days of balloons and two spares weighs more than the bed bit, but still very respectable at 65g

Whats a regular ballon bed weigh?

The stock fabric bit 60g, so just over 50% weight saving

The stock fabric bit 60g, so just over 50% weight saving

Ian wrote:The stock fabric bit 60g, so just over 50% weight saving

Pictures, pictures, please !

Kylmit Kush, Hydropel, box of dehydrated food, Sugru. The Montane Minimus pants came, these look great cycling waterproofs, but to day was glorious sunshine after weeks of rain :( House is slowly looking like a gear shop with all the stuff for the summer!

Dusza wrote:Pictures, pictures, please !

Not very exciting to photograph, but here's a couple:


Inflated Cuben balloon bed by ianbarrington, on Flickr


Total with 6 balloons by ianbarrington, on Flickr

It requires 19g of balloons per night, so 46g is the minimum weight then 65g for two nights and so on.