All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Cool thread! Was in KC over the weekend for a singlespeed race. Such a good time.

 

That was like 3 years ago haha

 

Huge “Thank You” to @Gunshot-6A @jeff b and @Chasespeed for all the pointers, help and feedback. Picked up a Stache 5 last Friday after work. My truck was loaded with work gear and the Softopper, so we had to use the wife’s 4runner to pick it up.



Put about 23 miles on it since Friday, way more bike than I’ve ever owned, or ever known for that matter. Friday was mainly around the neighborhood to get familiar with it, followed by dirt tracks and tank trails here on post Saturday and today. Probably should have looked into proper attire, rookie move riding without padded shorts.

 

@mcharfauros
Excellent choice.

Yeah, get you some proper liners at least

 

Roger that, figured that out quick. Not allot of options here in the Middle of nowhere, but picked some a couple cheap ones at the Academy Sports about 30 mins away.

 

Where is your nearest REI?

 

What about, the internet.....

 

Anybody here into bike packing and located in the southeast? It combines two of my favorite things but I’ve never actually done it.
Tryin to do a trip sometime in September probably in Asheville/Pisgah area.
I’m not going to invest in all the frame or saddle bags yet, just pile it all into a pack and try to keep it simple.
Figured I’d put the feelers out there cuz biking and drinking beer is always better with company.

 

Bout 2.5 hrs. away.

 

Roger that, needed something on the fly, Academy was the only option this weekend. Looking into some on the interweb, any recommendations?

 

I've done several multi day trips.
A generic top tube bag is under $20 and can hold a lot of snacks .
I made my own handlebar harness from tips online and it holds a compression bag well.
It will be difficult to fit everything into a pack and be able to ride comfortably. My last trip i didn't take a stove and went with a much smaller backpack and it was much nicer, but i had purchased a frame bag which was awesome.

 

Nice. That’s where I’m at. Any ideas for best tailgate pad?

 

Don’t have any experience with pads. But I’ve been looking at the Fox one. I think it’s around 100 bucks. I’ve just been using an old blanket lol

 

Same. The orange fox logo at SVCS.

 

Went with Zoic. Used to wear MedReg in the BDUs(been out 10 years, so, not sure if anything has changed), but, I went with medium. Size is pretty much on the money, in that respect.
Havent used the included liner yet, so, cant comment.

I will be ordering another set or 2 of the outters soon.

And Gunshot approves.

 

I’ve have good experiences with fox rangers.

Good online places to look include:
Jenson USA, backcountry, competitive cyclist, worldwide cyclery, rei, sierra trading post, etc.

 

https://bikepacking.com/routes/bikepacking-pisgah-appalachian-beer-trail/

 

TW bike thread meetup?

 

Ok after a week of bike research and a few shop visits I’m still uncertain of which bike I want. And my budget has gone up haha. I live in SF CA area, have Pacifica trails and jumps real close. Saratoga GAP, Santa Cruz Mountains, Skaggs etc all within 1-1 1/2hr drive away. I grew up on bikes, but stopped riding after college. Got into street bikes and then big into riding and racing dirt bikes off road. Now I have 2 small kids and not enough time for all day dirt bike trips. Looking for a fun FS bike to ride around on. I’m in between thinking a mid travel or more travel. Better to have it then not? Anyways here are my favorites at the moment.
Ibis Ripley/Ripmo
Canyon Spectral
Transition Smuggler
YT Jeffsy
Santa Cruz 5010/Hightower/Tallboy

What are your guys thoughts?