Originally Posted by
Ironfish653
If I have a part failure in the field (or on the road) I can either make do with what's available and carry on, or wait for the 'parts I want' to come in, however long that takes to source them.
Let's take your wheel example; I have a custom set of 26" Mavic 230's on 7-speed XT hubs. They're 20 years old now, and have proven to be incredibly strong. I raced XC on them, I commute regularly with this bike, I bikepacked the 180 mile C&O Canal trail with them, and even took a few attempts at observed trials with it. I'd ride anywhere right now on that bike.
I've also broken a lot of parts in the woods, and I know that anything can happen. If I was on a trip, and something happened to one of the wheels, (more likely a crash than 'wearing out') I know I can't replace a wheel like that. 26" 7-speed wheels are easy to find, but high-end ones are not. I would have no problem using a 'generic' wheel to finish the 2 or 3 days left on my trip.
Remember, though that I only need this wheel to last a few hundred k's until I get home, then I can repair or replace my good wheels.
You don't need to be able to find your 'expedition level' parts on the road, just the parts that will get you home.
Of course, and that is perfectly reasonable. My point is, that certain parts (older) are difficult to find. For example, if you have 26" V brake wheel and you need to replace it on the road, there is a possibility that you will have to buy a supermarket MTB, take the one wheel and scrap the rest. Tourers take the risk and adapt
I am not saying I expect to break down, nor fear breaking down, but just for the same reason I bring a first aid kit: I do not expect to get injured, I do not fear getting injured, and a first aid kit will certainly not prevent me from getting injured, but when you need it, you are happy to have it.
It is just a little willy, that I cannot voice these concerns and the ideas to resolve them without a contest of " You don't want that, you want this".
Thanks for the reply. Riding is the most important thing here