Originally Posted by
Ridefreemc
I'm running 40mm wide, so maybe just a little better. I'm not sure how to work that calculator, as I've seen that before. However, I'd guess that the 23 gear inches you cite would be maybe 22. Would I like a little lower, yes just in case.
I'm sorting out what I'd like the bike to look like and how I want it to feel while riding. Ortlieb Sport Packers look appealing, as does a Carradice style seat bag. I've had a Dill Pickle in the past, but that particular one needed a little more support (it got a bit too loose for my tastes).
I know its a contradiction from what I wrote earlier, but I'm even looking at a setup for large saddle bag, large bag in front (resting on a small front rack), and a frame bag like you mentioned. Maybe front low riders and saddle bag. The weight is a bit higher with the non low-rider setup, but I like the way the bike feels with the weight towards the center-line. Panniers are nice and low, but when I stand to pedal (up steeps for example) I don't have the same feel/rhythm that I like while riding a bicycle. Have you noticed that?
I'm having fun with it though. We are fortunate to have so many options. Also, I'm happy that I've tested so much and found that I'm very happy with less. I was looking at my 16 pound kit played out one morning in the Rockies and saw a couple of things I could do without. After getting caught in a hail and rain storm at 11,000 feet though, I thought an emergency set of warm clothes would be smart. I enjoy traveling less when I have more to organize and keep track of. Got back early August from a week in the north Georgia mountains, and if it weren't for multiple saws and support gear (I hike and volunteer to clear trails for the TNGA), I'd have only one daypack full of my things (drove my Jeep to the area).
BTW - The guy I'm working with at Spork Forks is excellent - very helpful. I have a couple of suggestions for their website, as the explanations of their products are hard to follow. However, when I speak to them, all is clear though.
an appropriate low gear depends on your bike+load total weight, what sort of terrain/steepness/long climbs are realistic to encounter, and to a smaller extent imo your age, fitness etc . Im in my early 60s and even in my mid 20s I realized that having a low gear of about 20 g.i. works best, and easier on my knees, easier on knee and leg muscles, so stronger overall in a day if you can downshift and not force your body a bit too much---this is the still ongoing fallacy in bike gearing, being able to put less torque into your knees and leg muscles just means it takes less out of you in the long run, so fresher over the day. When you don't need to be in the lowest gear, you shift up, its that easy.
There are days where we are more tired, didnt sleep well, or feeling sick a bit, starting a cold, or had tummy issues -- or whatever, so having a low gear that you dont use that often is fine. As long as you can comfortably pedal up to about 30 or 40kph 20-25mph for a period if you have a tailwind, which really doesnt happen that often anyway.
Going fast downhill is pretty much always going to be way past your gearing anyway. If the conditions are safe enough, I love blasting down hills and around corners, but all the times I get to 70, 80+ kph, 50mph+ I am way past my gearing so its a moot point also.
re panniers, look at the weights of empty panniers and you'll see how some are much lighter than others, its worth looking at this. The ortlieb bikepacking 25L rears are lighter , also ortlieb "Plus" versions of all their panniers uses a lighter fabric, I like these and used plus ones for about 30 years.
But then specific bikepacking small panniers are much lighter also, but probably dont have the "easy on, easy off" aspect of regular panniers.
I use a very light set of Arkels, 25L , called Dry-Lites, only about a pound for the set, BUT arent as tough as regular panniers and go on with velcro and a traditional bungee and hook system--but are super solid on rough single track--BUT are finicky putting on and off.
Compromises as always in life.
as you say, lots of options, for a cross country trip, you may appreciate a bit more volume , or not....but you have fun options.
