It’s all wrong … she’s got her knickers under her suspenders … all wrong!

I’ve got both … I was drawn to the Chutes because both pads move (rather than pushing the disc over) but in reality it doesn’t seem to make much difference. The BB7s actually seem more powerful and the operation feels much nicer. The quality and finish of the Chutes isn’t quite as nice either.

I’m not saying the Chutes aren’t a good cable operated brake, they are it’s just that the Avids are better and IMO worth the extra cash. HTH

Well we’ve just had Mach’ N Back a couple of weekends ago and there’ll be the Bear Bones 200 in October.
http://www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk

Headsup if you want to pick my brains about anything feel free to get in touch.

Message me below if you are interested in a pootle in May…

Might want to change that to June … jubilee has interferred with the usual WRT date, June 2nd-4th this year. 😉

rp16v … as people have said, go with whatever bike you’re happy with. I don’t use just one bike for trips, just take whatever I fancy at the time.

If you’re looking for a tent/bag then take a look here – http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=9

There’s some stuff that might be of interest to you.

I’ve got one, it’s very good. It’ll do everything you want it to without costing too much. They seem to be fast becoming the GPS of choice for bikepacking duties in the states. This might help.

http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/index.php/topic,2158.0.html

i am hoping to be well enough to enter this

Be great to have you along Tony 😉

Don’t panic chaps. Actually, I’m just writing some stuff for entries as we speak … entries will open on Jan 31st!

Welsh Ride Thing would offer you a different challange to your normal riding. Very laid back (you’ll get nowt for being first back, etc) 😉

This year it’s over the bank holiday at the start of June. Entries will open at the end of Jan. More details here-

http://www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk

Unpadded baggies + commando = arse like leather 😀

Tea addiction … oh yes. I don’t tend to count but anything up to 30 mugs a day wouldn’t be odd 😯

King

The shop at Staylittle should keep you going, don’t expect loads of choice but enough basics to keep you going … Nick the owners a really nice bloke too, you’ll get a much friendlier reception than if you go to the Star.

If I’m not working I might just take you up on your offer … If the weathers not playing, may I suggest using the descent from the memorial on the mountain road rather than Foel Fadian. It’ll drop you out within a 1k of Foel Fadian and it may help you keep your sanity 😉

@pistonbroke … call in if you need a brew 😀

Depending on time of year you ride it mud and navigating could be your biggest enemies. There’s not much technical stuff, the hardest sections are towards the end … Foel Fadian may well catch you out no matter what bike you’re on :wink:. I’d say, ride the bike you’re most comfy on / happy with.

As Nick says, panniers won’t help your cause but neither will a big rucksack. A dry bag on the bars and something like a large saddle bag (Carradice maybe) would make life much easier.

Here’s a link to Nicks blog, I’m sure he won’t mind me posting it.

http://iwillbebacksoon.blogspot.com/2012/01/mach-n-back-2012.html

@ Thom – you should be in sunny Wales, then you wouldn’t have had that problem 😉

Only ever seen Anything cages fastened to non Salsa forks with jubilee clips and aftermarket bottle cage mounts (the ones for when you haven’t got frame mounts) … sorry that doesn’t really help much.

Is it faster turn-to-turn not having to swap foot position

Not always but If they’re bermed, then you’re not looking to load the edges so it doesn’t really matter.

but looks like we’ve lucked in weather wise.

I had to sell my soul to sort that out 😉

Details – http://www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk

Note, it’s Mach not Macc … could be a big difference in destination 😉

But I have seem many edits with riders keeping their feet level, esp on quick berms. Something to work on?

Buzz – the base of the tyre remains perpendicular to the ground, so as far as the tyres know they’re not cornering 😉 Obviously standing, with weight through the pedals will still be an advantage in a bermed corner, it’s just that you’re not looking to load the edges.

There’s a number of very good reasons why sitting down is one of the most ‘crash inducing’ things you can do while riding.

What’s the point of having suspension if you stand up…I’ve learnt to jump sat down aswell now.

Suspension is there to aid grip, increased comfort is just a bonus 😉

Nothing from On One

Salsa Fargo or something from Singular then perhaps?

OCB is correct they are Salsa Enabler forks … 135mm spacing so rear wheel in the front. In this case it’s a SS wheel incase my gears decide to implode 😉

I use a 29er Inbred, maybe not the lightest out there but I really can’t fault it.

http://www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk

There was a 10 year old taking part in the Welsh Ride Thing last year. He did really well even though the conditions weren’t helping.

I’ve got a little tiny Spyderco knife, nice bit of kit.

This thread was a great inspiration to me last year, I did a 3 day trip in the summer

Everything comes full circle … your adventures have set me on the path of ‘packdinghying’* for the coming months.

*I can’t afford a packraft but figure a dinghy will suffice for now 😀

The winds the killer at the moment … it dropped last night, I was outside at 10.30 in shorts and a thin top and wasn’t cold 😀

well, ive spent all night looking through this link. cant wait to get out this year

Try these too.

http://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpBB3/index.php?sid=1b732c17e3ea88c0397bf0b164535d90

http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.com/

http://welshridething.blogspot.com/

http://www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/

A lot of the Montane stuff is great but more like thin water resistant jackets

‘Tis true, much of the superlight montane stuff is more showerproof than fully waterproof … I’m talking about some of the other stuff that’s very much waterproof and breathable, like the jacket below 😉

http://www.fieldandtrek.com/montane-event-angel-jacket-ladies-449278

Have a look at the Montane stuff over at http://www.fieldandtrek.co.uk. Not all cycle specific but some really good jackets at the right price.

Do the WRT then you can make your own route and include whatever type of terrain you like 😉

Last years Big Welsh Ride (?) was quite popular but didnt do it myself so cant say.

You might mean ‘ Welsh Ride Thing’ or you might not 😉

http://www.bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk

Nant Yr Arian would (IMO) be worth a visit, you might also enjoy an afternoon riding the ClimachX trail too.

Final overnight trip of 2011, went for the soft bothy option … something I was very glad about given the conditions 😉

I like WTB Raijin tyres although I’m not sure you can get them anymore. They seem to cope with everything winter throws at them, not draggy either.

Fancy a Mach loop tomorrow?

I’m afraid there’s some unfinished DIY with my name on … sorry I’d have loved a ride out otherwise 🙁

Just get on with it 😉