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Heavy touring. Not light.

Old 01-06-17, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by alan s
I fall somewhere in the middle. This is from last month. No idea what it weighs, nor do I care. It's fast on the downhills and slow on the uphills.

Tell us about the front bag. How does it attach? What's the size?
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Old 01-06-17, 01:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Squeezebox
For a multi month tour you don't need to carry everything the whole time. Cool weather gear for cool weather. Summer stuff for the summer. Don't carry stuff you'll need in 2 months, pick it up at the post office. And send stuff home that you really don't need. Adjust as you go.
Unfortunately, that method requires strict adherence to a preplanned route. That seldom happens to us on any long tour. If that is your touring style it works well.

In the last 10 years, with at least one long tour a year, we have only been able to use mail drops twice. We do mail things home when no longer needed. On one 3-month tour we mailed home a total of 11 lbs. of maps and books

Last edited by Doug64; 01-06-17 at 01:19 PM.
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Old 01-06-17, 01:08 PM
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The bag is a heavy duty S2S dry bag https://www.rei.com/product/786435/s...-bag-20-liters

Two S2S compression bags inside the dry bag

Attached with a Revelate harness https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...ndlebarharness

and a Revelate small bag clipped to the front https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...le-bar/Pockets

Very secure setup, with no movement and no shimmy. Hit 47 mph outside Carmel, CA and the bike felt great.
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Old 01-06-17, 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by 52telecaster
Check the rich guy I met on the same ride.
Originally Posted by 52telecaster
Its a thorn with a rohloff!
Here you go, hope this helps.
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Old 01-06-17, 01:32 PM
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I tour pretty heavy. 4 Ortlieb panniers, rack pack and a large bar bag stomped full of about 40 lbs of gear. I'd rather have it when needed, then need it when wanted.
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Old 01-06-17, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Doug64
Unfortunately, that method requires strict adherence to a preplanned route. That seldom happens to us on any long tour. If that is your touring style it works well.

In the last 10 years, with at least one long tour a year, we have only been able to use mail drops twice. We do mail things home when no longer needed. On one 3-month tour we mailed home a total of 11 lbs. of maps and books
I don't know, but 2 day express mail should take less than 4 days let's say. So planning where you'll be in 3-4 days should be easy enough. And as you said shipping home is no planning at all.
I carried too much stuff.
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Old 01-06-17, 05:03 PM
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Impressive but prefer light credit card touring in the italian alps. Someone had to say it
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Old 01-06-17, 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Squeezebox
For a multi month tour you don't need to carry everything the whole time. Cool weather gear for cool weather. Summer stuff for the summer. Don't carry stuff you'll need in 2 months, pick it up at the post office. And send stuff home that you really don't need. Adjust as you go.
Sure that's possible but it involves a support team at your beck-and-call. It's not quite the free-wheelin' solo style many of us prefer. Personally I've never met anyone on the road that actually does this. I NOT talking about mailing stuff home to yourself, that's not the same as receiving. Bikes have gears & you've got muscles, use them.

Last edited by BigAura; 01-07-17 at 09:29 AM. Reason: tried to clarify my point that's been misunderstood
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Old 01-06-17, 05:54 PM
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Anyone have any problems with their racks or rack mounting points (screws/braze-ons/etc) under these loads on rough terrain? Looks like some of you folks have put big miles on rocky dirt roads with a lot of unsprung weight - just wondering how these mounts hold-up to the constant hammering, particularly the rear racks which seem to carry all the weight on a single screw/braze-on per side.
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Old 01-06-17, 06:41 PM
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Two rear ortlieb panniers loaded. Two front ortlieb panniers loaded. The top of the rear rack has bungees and a small dry bag for misc. stuff. And a medium ortlieb saddle bag


I generally don't stress about the weight. Sometimes it seems like I bring too much, however, it gets boring playing cribbage every night. So pass the pigs, dice, and mini chess board are almost always along.


Mostly I figure it makes me stronger .
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Old 01-06-17, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by reppans
Anyone have any problems with their racks or rack mounting points (screws/braze-ons/etc) under these loads on rough terrain? Looks like some of you folks have put big miles on rocky dirt roads with a lot of unsprung weight - just wondering how these mounts hold-up to the constant hammering, particularly the rear racks which seem to carry all the weight on a single screw/braze-on per side.
No issues. I too use a rear rack and go off road. My rig has 80 mm front suspension, wide rims and 29 x2.3 " tires, quite large. I will air them out some for longer rough sections. Also with a frame bag and a front bar bag the weight gets spread out more. I use some longer bolts and then thread a nylock nut on the back side. Also it helps to put the rack mount closest to the frame, then the fender attachment further out.
Do any mountain biking? Ride light, get your but off the saddle when needed. Front wheel loft and pick your lines as well.
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Old 01-06-17, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by reppans
Anyone have any problems with their racks or rack mounting points (screws/braze-ons/etc) under these loads on rough terrain? Looks like some of you folks have put big miles on rocky dirt roads with a lot of unsprung weight - just wondering how these mounts hold-up to the constant hammering, particularly the rear racks which seem to carry all the weight on a single screw/braze-on per side.
Thorn rates their expedition rack at 60 kg when M6 bolts are used, but when M5 bolts are used they cut that to 40 kg. And, they say cut those weight ratings in half on South American Ripio. But I run a Tubus Logo rack (rated at 40 kg) on the rear of my Thorn bikes, not the Thorn expedition rack.

Keep in mind that on a pretty rough road, you are likely riding pretty slowly. That said, I was on several roads last summer where there were so many cobbles that I quit trying to miss them if they were smaller than tennis balls.

The bike in this photo, I use M6 rack bolts, it is a Thorn Nomad. I am not aware of any bikes other than the Thorn Nomad that comes with M6 rack mounts as standard. My other touring bike that I mostly use on pavement has M5 bolts like virtually all other bikes.

Over the years there are occasional discussions of high strength bolts on this forum, but I have generally just used the standard stainless bolts available at most hardware stores.

I have observed several people that have lost bolts from vibration, not failure from insufficient strength. I always recommend blue loctite on rack bolts.
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Old 01-06-17, 09:51 PM
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Thanks guys, I'll be using a CX/gravel bike, so probably just have normal mounts (the Thorn Nomad looks much more HD!). I'm not concerned about the rack or bolts, as they are easily replaced, I would just hate to strip the braze-ons or something. I do have the option of up to 45mm tires, so can use a little lower pressure volume for suspension. I also want to get a frame bag for the heaviest wet weight - they seem to distribute weight evenly across the strong frame tubes, not to mention the best CoG location. Lastly, I always pack a LW backpack for overload, and can use it to shift some weight from the unsprung rack to my sprung body across the bad sections. I'll first see how it goes with my CX bike on gravel rail-trails and tow paths, next up will be to rig my full suspender MTB bikepacking style.

Good ideas on the long bolts, blue loctite, and nylock bolts (altough I don't have the cassette clearance). Bottom line is that I'm probably just being too paranoid - yeah I like to baby my toys. Good to hear you guys haven't had problems.

Last edited by reppans; 01-06-17 at 09:56 PM.
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Old 01-06-17, 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by reppans
Anyone have any problems with their racks or rack mounting points (screws/braze-ons/etc) under these loads on rough terrain? Looks like some of you folks have put big miles on rocky dirt roads with a lot of unsprung weight - just wondering how these mounts hold-up to the constant hammering, particularly the rear racks which seem to carry all the weight on a single screw/braze-on per side.
I run long bolts from inside the fork's and frame. Effectively producing a stud and nut mounting system. Many years as a tradesman. Washers and Ny-nuts on the outside of it all. Remember to carry an assortment of fasteners in your tool kit. In all of last year, had one bottle cage get loose. I contribute that to the fact of carrying a few bolts and nuts. Beat Murphy at his own game!
I've attached a photo from my last build (this winter).

Hope this helps,

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Old 01-06-17, 10:26 PM
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Originally Posted by alan s
That looks like where i live.
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Old 01-06-17, 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by wgscott
That looks like where i live.
You're fortunate to live in such a nice area.
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Old 01-06-17, 10:33 PM
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I live a couple of miles up the coast and up the hill, not in that trailer park (which is by far the nicest trailer park I've ever seen). Its actually a retirement village (assuming this is Natural Bridges State Park and I am not hallucinating).
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Old 01-06-17, 10:37 PM
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Cemetaries are great stealth camping spots! Usually some trees on the side furthest from the road, and no one goes there at night. They're too creeped out. Utilized them many times before.

Originally Posted by BigAura
Sure that's possible but it involves a support team at your beck-and-call. It's not quite the free-wheelin' solo style many of us prefer. Personally I've never met anyone on the road that actually does this. Mailing stuff home to yourself is not the same IMO. Bikes have gears & you've got muscles, use them.
Granted I'm a complete weight weenie when it comes to touring, but I do this every trip. Usually 2 days in I've realized I'm carrying a few things I don't need, so I mail them home. Pick up extra supplies as needed on the road. Example, I never leave with lube. I always buy it a few days into the trip to save a few oz those first two or three days.
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Old 01-06-17, 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by wgscott
I live a couple of miles up the coast and up the hill, not in that trailer park (which is by far the nicest trailer park I've ever seen). Its actually a retirement village (assuming this is Natural Bridges State Park and I am not hallucinating).
Yes, it's Natural Bridges SP. Really enjoyed the ride along that section of coast and especially from there to downtown Santa Cruz. Wish I had more time to explore the area.
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Old 01-07-17, 12:07 AM
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Me too.
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Old 01-07-17, 05:38 AM
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Originally Posted by BigAura
Sure that's possible but it involves a support team at your beck-and-call. It's not quite the free-wheelin' solo style many of us prefer. Personally I've never met anyone on the road that actually does this. Mailing stuff home to yourself is not the same IMO. Bikes have gears & you've got muscles, use them.
Mr. Aura, I must respectfully disagree with you.
I like a "meduim heavy" load when I'm out for a while and creature comforts at the end of the day are important. But I can't see carrying gear I no longer need (camera and clothing, not much else comes to mind). Conversely, you can pre-pack a box of cold weather gear and have it ready to go straight to the mail. This makes me more free wheeling in that I can climb ever so slightly easier.
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Old 01-07-17, 07:27 AM
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Originally Posted by venturi95
Mr. Aura, I must respectfully disagree with you.
I like a "meduim heavy" load when I'm out for a while and creature comforts at the end of the day are important. But I can't see carrying gear I no longer need (camera and clothing, not much else comes to mind). Conversely, you can pre-pack a box of cold weather gear and have it ready to go straight to the mail. This makes me more free wheeling in that I can climb ever so slightly easier.
It's also possible to mail a box to yourself somewhere via General Delivery before you leave home. Call the PO and check the local policy on how long they'll hold a package. Of course, the problem there is getting to town during PO hours, and that might take some planning. You don't want to show up five minutes after closing, the day before a three-day weekend.
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Old 01-07-17, 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by venturi95
Mr. Aura, I must respectfully disagree with you...
Conversely, you can pre-pack a box of cold weather gear and have it ready to go straight to the mail. This makes me more free wheeling in that I can climb ever so slightly easier.
If receiving a mail-drop is something you've actually done on a bicycle tour then I'll concede. I'm not talking about mailing stuff home, which I've done myself on more than one occasion

Last edited by BigAura; 01-07-17 at 08:15 AM.
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Old 01-07-17, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by BigAura
If receiving a mail-drop is something you've actually done on a bicycle tour then I'll concede. I'm not talking about mailing stuff home, which I've done myself on more than one occasion
have done this before. met up with a friend for part of a tour, dinna need two of
everything, so mailed duplicates ahead to common destination where our paths
were to diverge. it can work, but.....

but then you're pretty much stuck. your stuff is sitting at mayberry rfd, but you've
decided you'd rather visit rel'tives in mount pilot? sorry. you gotta get to that
specific location within a certain time. so much for freewheelin' and taking forkses
in the roads.

oh, and if you and your best bud find you are no longer compatible? oops.
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Old 01-07-17, 08:40 AM
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Originally Posted by BigAura
Sure that's possible but it involves a support team at your beck-and-call. It's not quite the free-wheelin' solo style many of us prefer. Personally I've never met anyone on the road that actually does this. Mailing stuff home to yourself is not the same IMO. Bikes have gears & you've got muscles, use them.
Freewheelin' to me means traveling light without extra, useless, at the time, stuff that I need to carry and keep track of. I can depend on my sister, son, ex to to mail to me. Actually pretty easy.
I've heard that most post offices will forward an unopened box to another post office if you call and request.
I guess that being a bicycle hobo is a whole different situation, with no permanent address.

Doug64 You chose not to use mail drops, a little different than you could not. You have every right to make that decision.
I'm considering buying a 1 lb camp chair. There is a difference in what you can comfortably carry bikepacking vs backpacking. It would be comfy after a long day.
What's your heavy luxury item(s)?

Anybody want to post their gear list? If you do please mention anticipated weather.
Thanks!!

Last edited by Squeezebox; 01-07-17 at 09:04 AM.
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