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How to pack?

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Old 03-15-25 | 11:22 PM
  #76  
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This is my wife's packing method. She pulls away from me when I'm going 40+ mph on downhills without any problems. She can also shift and trim very well on her 9 speed triple




I have 3 touring bikes: Surly LHT, Cannondale T2, and a Bianchi Volpe. The Volpe is my favorite. All our touring bikes, 6 including our daughter's bike, are equipped with 22/32/44 chain rings and an 11-34 cassette.



My Ortlieb Rackpack holds pillow (orange), tent (blue), Thermarest pad (orange), and sleeping bag (yellow). The tent and sleeping bag are in water proof compression sacks. The loaded rackpack weighs 10 lbs., including tent poles, tent stakes, and ground cloth.



Tent compared to water bottle for scale.


Last edited by Doug64; 03-17-25 at 09:37 PM.
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Old 03-16-25 | 05:25 AM
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Originally Posted by robow
The older MTB triples and shifters were no problem, it's when the third generation STI brifters came about that I lost my tech skills.
The only brifters I have used are Campy 10 speed. Thus, I am quite clueless on the ones that most people use.
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Old 03-17-25 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by LynxTheWizard
This is my setup from about 10 years ago with just rear panniers:



Tent on the left side and mat on the right, attached with bungee chords to the front rack.
You could also use some mesh bag or tightening straps to attach them even better if you do not trust the bungee chords and the surface is very bumpy.
Solution for smooth road riding on even more smooth tarmac
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Old 03-17-25 | 07:26 PM
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After some test rides around town Im happy with how everything sits and handles now. I managed to find a triple shifter cheap and have fitted a triple crankset. Thanks to everyone for your help and guidance

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Old 03-23-25 | 05:05 AM
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Bikes: Sam, The Hunq and that Old Guy, Soma Buena Vista, Giant Talon 2, Brompton

Over 50 years of unsupported touring, I've found that packing the bed (self inflating mattress, sleeping bag and pillow) in one front pannier, the tent and rainfly in the other front pannier (about 6 lbs each). A large saddlebag carries 3 changes of clothes, personal stuff and cooking gear ( 12-15 lbs). It works.


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Old 03-25-25 | 02:45 AM
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Personally (It might have already been said) would be to spread some of that weight to the front. Maybe get a frame bag made up and a top tube bag for the heavier items you might bring. There is an array of new ideas rather than sticking with the traditional x2 panniers on the back.

Stick with the principal of taking less! You'll be glad after the first couple of climbs. I've got a pizza rack on the front which allows me to attach panniers and bungee cord a few things on top, Tent (MSR x2 Hubba) and stuff it in a nearby dry bag if it rains. When you sopread the weight the bike will become more responsive, as mentioned above when its all at the back the bike will rear up a little on steep climbs.

You'll figure it all out. Pack it up, go for a ride and amend where necessary.



Last edited by Summerof71; 03-25-25 at 02:59 AM.
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Old 03-25-25 | 05:02 AM
  #82  
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Originally Posted by Summerof71
Stick with the principal of taking less!
Get a couple small box-o’-wines to save weight.
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Old 03-25-25 | 05:47 AM
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Haha. If you look closely at my pic you can see we needed to empty one bottle of wine to save on weight!

Originally Posted by indyfabz
Get a couple small box-o’-wines to save weight.


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Old 03-25-25 | 06:20 AM
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Originally Posted by indyfabz
Get a couple small box-o’-wines to save weight.
Good point, the glass bottles are heavy.


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Old 03-30-25 | 04:08 PM
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From: Western Ma.

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Try here: https://www.cycletourer.co.uk/cyclet.../packing.shtml
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