Hey I’m going on an overnighter on the Deschutes river in Oregon! I’m so super exited I’ve back packed the trail twice so I know what it’s like, pretty flat really only one or two big hills. Right now this bike is single speed, I pretty much have only ever ridden single speed bikes but I could put gears on it. will I be bummed if it’s not geared while riding? I have access to free a rear rack and panniers but I don’t have mounting point right now. I could easily weld some on but I was also thinking about getting a saddle bag instead. What is better? Last thing is I would love some pretty cheap frame bag recommendations if anyone has some!
by Odd-Cranberry-384
4 Comments
In most of the set ups that I’ve seen, panniers are capable of holding more. For just a night or 2 that might not matter much.
While the lack of gears doesn’t bother you now, add the weight of your gear, bags, food, etc. and you might be thinking differently. Gears are good for hills as well as extra weight.
I’m not familiar with this trail, but if bike packing is something you want to get more into, I’d suggest a different bike that has some mounting points and gears. Not something fancy, just set up differently.
Just opinions here, but hope it was helpful!
Run what you brung. Remember the fella from bikepacked from Berlin to Japan and everywhere in between on a track bike? The Buffalo Soldiers? GDMBR SS riders (and at least one fixed gear rider).
Sorry, no advice from me as I have yet to go on my first bikepacking trip, but I have a request lol! If you can, give an update with the route and how it went after you go! I’ve been wanting to ride the Deschutes for a while but have been nervous to actually go, so hearing from some one who did it would be super helpful
I did Iceland on a singlespeed MTB (technically a fatbike). It was awesome. Highly recommend if you already love singlespeed, just gear it low-ish and don’t think about your speed too much.
https://maxthecyclist.wordpress.com/2016/07/09/bikepacking-iceland-more-perfect-weather-than-we-know-what-to-do-with/
I recommend using pipe clamps to install a rack temporarily, don’t weld your beautiful bike. A framebag and a seat bag is also perfect.
Legally you are allowed to wear a small backpack too