Interesting, thanks for the links

I have the narrower version, Chewy, I think. Very good

That Puffin looks a great option

Just use a normal tube. I use a standard tube in a 4in fat bike tyre.

Stupid name. I initially wrote off the frame as fugly but it’s starting to grow on me. Not cheap enough but I expect it will be soon.

Looks like a good deal. Enjoy!

Remote every time.

X-Fusion Hilo also worth considering. I found lots of fairly poor reviews for the eTen when i was looking and went with the Hilo. Good so far.

You have non-cycling mates??? I’m shocked and disappointed :wink:

My beefed up 08 Reign just did a trip to Italy and another to the Lakes. It’s a bit rubbish uphill but still great on the downs.

This: http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=4643

Plus an Alpkit 13 litre dry bag

Job’s a job.

Great stuff!

Plasters
New washing machine
Audi

Singlespeed it. Then you have another type of bike to ride, and if you’re like me there’s a chance you’ll ride it more than your shiny new bike.

Low-spec On-One Fatty Trail is excellent value. I recently bought one nearly new with the intention of upgrading it but the standard kit just works. Nutrail is also a v good buy if you’re spending more.

A lot depends on conditions you’re expecting. A wet night in a bivy alone will likely be a bit grim. And if it’s raining when you bed down it’ll be even grimmer. A tarp gives you somewhere to undress and faff out of the worst of the weather. On a low budget I’d get a Hunka and rig up a cheap emergency tarp from plastic sheeting (and practise putting it up a few times before setting off).

Bugger all in it. Keep the Inbred, it’s a great bike. Then get a Stooge.

Yup 16 or 18 would be fine, especially for non-tech riding. I’m 5ft 9 and have had both

Couple of mates have them. They are really light and pedal very well. Seem like a good all-rounder, capable of Alps riding and UK trails. I would

That looks like a great trip. Ta for sharing

Jimfrandisco. It’s not light but don’t be put off by that.

I think this is the ideal way to suck the joy out of the things you love doing. As a bonus it will leave you penniless, disillusioned and exhausted. Go for it!
:lol:

Great stuff. One to add to the list

V good hub IME. Have had two running for years without any issues

Thanks all. Gotama, that would be perfect. I’ll pm you. Cheers

Just taken my 2008 Reign to Molini in Italy. Admittedly it’s got a longer fork, shorter stem and wider bars than it was specced with when new but I made those changes as soon as I bought it, eight years ago. Static head angle is about 67 with a 160 fork and it still does the business. The front wheel does look like it’s off a shopping trolley though, after riding 29 and 29+ pretty much full time for the last few years.

Canyon Dude, Cube Nutrail Race or On-One Fatty Trail, if you’re after a hooligan fatty. On the hardtail front, I’d look at a Canfield, Niner ROS9 or possibly a Zealous Division.

Oh, ta. I’m going to go back to Freeborn and see what they say.

I’m Surrey hills based and have both a Swift and a Stooge. Get the Stooge.

They’re both great bikes but the Stooge is an animal. It’s exactly what you’re after.

I’ve just bought a Hilo that fails to return to full height. What’s your fix Molgrips? I’ve looked at the service vids and mysteriously mine doesn’t seem to have an air valve where it should, just a blanked off tube.

I am sooooo jealous

I heard a tale of this being attempted in the Surrey hills too. No idea if it was true.

I’ve been pondering this. I’m 50 and still pushing myself on the tech and jumps but I have got into bikepacking in the last two or three years so many trips away have been more about adventure and getting out there than pure techy riding. Still, off to Molini tomorrow, so I should find out if I’m still up to/for it.

Intriguing and admirable but I won’t be an early adopter

Lester, I could also be interested if your spare is a medium

I’m seriously considering one of these. It’s a toss-up between a Fatty Trail or the Cube Nutrail. Having had a go on the Cube, I really liked the bigger (4.4?) tyres. Anyone know the widest tyre the Fatty Trail will take on the standard rims and running 1 x 11?

On-One Fatty and compromise on rear tyre clearance?
Canyon Dude – but it’ll cost you more not less.

I’ve tried a Knard on a Crest in my old blue ones and it wouldn’t fit. Weirdly, it would (just) in a mate’s apparently identical blue fork.

Stoooooooooooooge.

I have a mk1 Swift and a mk1 Stooge. They are quite different and I love them both. The Swift is swift and the Stooge is ridiculously capable for a rigid bike. The only sensible thing to do is keep the Swift and get a Stooge to complement it. You won’t regret it, I promise. :D

I’ve just put a Krampus fork and a 3.0 Knard on the front of the Swift as an experiment. I’m loving it.

Tried running 1 x 9 for a while but the chain dropped all the bloody time, even with a variety of chain devices and mechs. Gave up and went back to 2 x 9, which still works perfectly.