Cyclist soon-to-be bikepacking enthusiast

**Klaussinator** · 04-16-2014, 07:52

Ahh c'mon Beamer, If you're gonna go bikepacking, GO BIG! How bout a bike trailer ?!?

Had mine out just the other day, carrying my full winter pack and some extra water. I found myself constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure it was still back there - couldn't feel it, couldn't hear it.

-Klauss

**Sidewinder** · 04-16-2014, 08:48

Welcome to the forums.

For gear checkout Relevate designs. What I use:

http://www.revelatedesigns.com

**Vincethebutcher** · 04-16-2014, 10:41

Bike 1.jpg

Welcome!

**OutandBack** · 04-16-2014, 11:19

Originally Posted by Beamer

So let's talk some bike gear...

As I said, I'm an avid mountain biker, but I've never bolted or strapped anything to my bike for longer trips. So what brand/gear/goodies should I look into?

I'm pretty sure I'm going on the 4 day 150 mile ride on the GAP that's posted in the trip planning forum, so let's hear those suggestions!

Thanks

So doing a bit of research on the GAP.

Welcome to one of America's best bike trails, where you will discover a nearly level trail along winding rivers, shaded valleys, and small towns. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) rail-trail offers 150 miles of hiking and biking between Cumberland, MD, and Pittsburgh, PA.

I would think panniers would be the best way to carry enough gear without over packing.
Last year I built a rails to trails 29er bike. My first rails to trails trip report here.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/outand...7631838923828/

If you have just one mtn bike and don't want to make it a hauler all the time look into
removable pannier racks.

**rofo** · 04-16-2014, 14:33

Have you seen the guys video?

The bike packing thing is becoming more popular see http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ecr or this prototype http://www.bikerumor.com/2014/04/12/...ike-prototype/

**Beamer** · 04-22-2014, 23:16

OutandBack,

What made you think panniers are the best option for this trip? Looking at your pictures makes me want a new bike, I have a rockhopper and love it. But I bought it two years before 29'ers where introduced. ::sad::

I looked at relevate designs stuff and I wasn't impressed, although I've never strapped anything to a bike before. For me they have always been a single purpose item...

I started training for this 4 day haul, I've got a lot of work to do. Yikes.

**OutandBack** · 04-22-2014, 23:49

Originally Posted by Beamer

OutandBack,

What made you think panniers are the best option for this trip? Looking at your pictures makes me want a new bike, I have a rockhopper and love it. But I bought it two years before 29'ers where introduced. ::sad::

I looked at relevate designs stuff and I wasn't impressed, although I've never strapped anything to a bike before. For me they have always been a single purpose item...

I started training for this 4 day haul, I've got a lot of work to do. Yikes.

Hi Beamer,
The Great Allegheny Passage is a rails to trail which usually means dirt/packed gravel/pavement but basicly flat riding.
Panniers give you enough room without over packing.
Keeping your load under 30# with water and food really makes for a much nicer ride, well at least it does for me.
All my bikes are full suspension, my knees are too old for hardtails, and my gear is too bulky for frame bags.
The panniers with a high quality rack has worked well for me even on Colorado single track bike packing trips.

This is my Rails to Trails bike.

hth

How are you trailing for this? I would think... can your butt stand riding for 8-10 hours per day?
The rest should be easy.

**rofo** · 04-23-2014, 08:01

I think panniers are better too. I have never used frame bags but they just don't seam to have the volume that I would need. You may also be limited using the frame bag on other bikes. I also won't be concerned about a suspension, large tires and wheels can smooth out a lot of rough surfaces. see http://surlybikes.com/bikes/straggler and the http://surlybikes.com/bikes/ecr which is a great bike packing rig.

**Beamer** · 04-23-2014, 10:54

Thanks guys. I like the way panniers work and look better too. Any suggestions ask to what type/brand I should look at? I would like some decent ones without breaking the bank. However I got my tax return today so I wouldn't mind looking at some good ones...

OutandBack - I live close to a part of the GAP, so I'll be going out there and just riding it. My first ride of the season I only made it 15 miles before my but was killing me. But I'll be going at least a couple times a week and should be able to do 40 miles a day by then.

**OutandBack** · 04-23-2014, 11:05

Originally Posted by Beamer

Thanks guys. I like the way panniers work and look better too. Any suggestions ask to what type/brand I should look at? I would like some decent ones without breaking the bank. However I got my tax return today so I wouldn't mind looking at some good ones...

OutandBack - I live close to a part of the GAP, so I'll be going out there and just riding it. My first ride of the season I only made it 15 miles before my but was killing me. But I'll be going at least a couple times a week and should be able to do 40 miles a day by then.

Have any picts of your bike? What are you riding. That would determine what racks are needed.
On panniers I prefer Axioms
http://www.axiomgear.com/news/tag/axiom-panniers/
They are tough and half the price of the big boys.
Be sure to google for the best price 30-40% off from retail is typical.
If that is still too steep BikeNashbar is a place to checkout.
You will need to deterime how much volume you will need for your gear.
For me 1500 per is as big as I would go. For your bulky quilts use a Dry bag.