I helped a cycling tourist on the local canal trail with a busted chain. He was pushing his loaded bike back to town about 4 miles in the wrong direction.

He had a quick link but no chain tool. 10 mins with my multi tool, a nice chat and hands covered in oil and he’s on his way again in the right direction.

I found it very satisfying. Should I ever have the need hopefully someone will do the same for me….

I’d say it depends on your role and how much you need to sleep.

I’m in busy production management role where we work 4 on 4 off, this being 2 days and then 2 nights. Managers work a minimum of 13 hour shifts with handovers at both ends of the shift and can be lucky to get more than one break in a shift on occasion.

Be disciplined with your routines and try to get as much sleep as you need.

I struggle with quality sleep and also find myself eating at all hours. This combines to pile on a few pounds and before you know it you’re less fit than you’ve ever been!

Some guys that work in my team love it, they run their machines, get their breaks, come in and go home on time, sleep all day/night and repeat, then have 4 quality days off.

Sorted, separate volume control for internet explorer in the volume mixer panel.

Radio player sorted.

Adobe flash player updated, restarted, fiddled with all the volume settings I can find but still no u-tube sounds, even on clips I’ve watched before; it’s driving me nuts!

I’ve got some 40mm Marathon extremes that are off road capable and comfy if you don’t inflate to max pressure.

Folding Smart Sam 1.75″‘s for me.

Nikon P7100 for me, I did exactly what you describe, ditching a SLR in preference for this.

I’m running some of the Smart Sam 1.75’s for the sort of riding you describe; I’d recommend them, noticably lighter than the 2.1″ Crossmarks they replaced.

I’d recommend a Samsung something or other, my Mrs and Daughter both have Galaxy Ace’s and my son has a Galaxy Y, really good VFM.

Made me chuckle!

If you don’t want discs then you need to consider a Surly Cross Check, they only ever seem to get good reviews.

I went out and did just shy of 30 miles this afternoon, new Gore wind stopper trousers over the top of 3/4 bib tights, merino base layer, fleece and waterproof on top and a balaclava under my helmet, was toasty and quite enjoyed it.

Shows how the right gear helps and beats sitting around!

I bought a Rholoff and its been transferred through 3 different frames. Currently I have a Thorn Raven Tour and use it as a commuter/utility bike.

I’d say it’s perfect if you can afford it, if you don’t like it then sell it on, they do hold their value.

That said I’m part way through putting together a Singular Swift with 8 speed Alfine (SJSC Bargain) as I couldn’t justify a second Rholoff, though I would if I could afford a Shand (or two)….

Schwalbe do the Smart Sam in 1.75″ folding and On-One are doing them cheap(er).

I have a Fargo and whilst its well capable for the sort of riding I do, its ability to carry heavyweight touring loads probably means its overkill for most.

How about a Singular Pergrine?

DT78, I’m using a black XT front, black alfine 8 rear both 32H centerlock on DT470 rims.

I’ve got a SLX triple 9 spd on mine, works very nicely!

SJSC have the 8 speed hubs at about half price and have reduced their wheel build charges, I’ve got a set coming as the eight speed seems more reliabel that the 11 from what I’ve read.

Alternatively On One are selling complete 8Speed Alfine wheelsets discounted.

Osprey also do M/L back lengths at least in their Talon series (which take a 3L bladder) though not soley designed for biking, as well as the Ergon you mention.

SJSC do this carbon fork:
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/evolution-a704-carbon-trekking-disc-forks-700c-1-1-8-inch-ahead-prod25965/

or this titanium number
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/ora-titanium-cyclocross-700c-disc-fork-1-1-8-inch-steerer-prod24706/

I have no experience of either, they are fitting them to their new Mercury sport bike.

Cheers Guys, all seems mostly favourable, pretty much confirming what I’d already read.

I would never go back to a rucksack.

A Carrdice SQR tour bag like this
http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/carradice-tour-saddlebag-c-w-sqr-16ltr-prod3693/
which fits on the seatpost is another option and limits the additional clutter on the bike whilst still carrying enough for me.

I recommend Opticron as well.
As said above, 8X magnification is great, I’d recommend 40mm lenses if you don’t need a small set, the image qulaity will be brighter.

Spend as much as you can afford; I went from a £150 pair to a £400 pair and the difference is massive.

Quality stuff has a good resale value if you want to sell again after your trip.

Find a good retailer where you can try several pairs.

That all sounds fairly positive; I did find an online review by a bike journo (who sounded like a roadie) who wasn’t overly enthusiastic.

I think I’ll have to throw a leg over one for a test ride.

Cheers!

I’m a plodding, touring, day riding atber, who likes to look around not any kind of racer so the handling sounds good.

This would be my first foray with SRAM having always been a confirmed Shimano user.

So are they not popular?

Pretty sure I’ve read of 2.35″ Schwalbe big apples being used.

There’s a long standing Fargo thread running on MTBR with loads of information on:
http://forums.mtbr.com/salsa/salsa-fargo-thread-467422.html

ACAS also offer advice, there is a phone number on their website.

Anyone using the zefals on 29″ wheels, or suggest anything else that would work on my Fargo.

I’d probably go will full guards if they were available to fit proper size 2.1″ tyres, as far as I know they’re not (at least in the uk) unless someone can tell me different?

Cheers,
Steve

Goodridge do some pretty stiff brake housing.

It’s not a silly question to me as I use them for cycling, walking and fishing.

They’re very thin and won’t add much bulk.

I use the thermal liners inside seal skins socks in a pair of shoes a size larger than normal, works a treat on the bike.

Dt tk540 disc rims on xt hubs on mine, 9 speed XT transmission, slx chainset, dura ace bar end shifters, tektro levers to avid bb7 cable discs. Tyres 2.1 maxis crossmarks, liked the look of schwalbe smart sams in 1.75 but they’re pricey.

Cheers Guys,
I think I’ll press the button.
ATB
Steve

I did, not a pleasant experience putting on damp clothes tonight, I’ll be lucky if my gear is dry for the morning……..

Liking both your choice of cider and bike, I enjoy both myself.

Supremes are nice, I find Duremes pick up loads of grit and stones in the tread pattern. No punctures with either.

I’d recommend ‘Homeland’ if you can find it.

Hi there,
I’m riding a 20″ large Fargo MK 2, I’m 6’2″ and would say its about perfect.

I’d normally ride a road bike between 57/60cms and a 20/21″ mountain bike so I’d suggest a medium would be best suited.

Measure and compare the top and seat tube measurements of you current bike which fits you and compare those with that of the Fargo.

Good luck!

Steve

Mostly riding my Fargo at present.

Hi Guys,
I’ve got 2 anything cages on the forks for bivvy and thermarest etc, but am needing more capacity for sleeping bag and other kit.

I think I’ll go with the rack/drybag (as I already have both) option in the short term and perhaps place an order with http://bikepack.eu/ for a seatpack.

Cheers for the replies!

Steve

I’ve just been through something similar to this myself, though I already own a Canon SLR and 3 lenses, but hardly ever take it out due to its weight and size.

I’m now the happy owner of a Nikon P7100, well recommend taking a look at it.