1997 Klein, lightweight. 3×8, gearing is perfect, robust shifting with the XTR levers. Magura hydraulic rim brakes are good enough. Rock shox working perfectly. The suspension seatpost works, is unnecessary, have a straight post that works (the suspension post is just so nicely weird). Tires are classic velociraptor, 47 mm, running at roughly 30 psi. I weigh 178 fully dressed up for winter riding. Cables on top of top tube, so top bags are out.
Goal is to do some moderately rough stuff this spring in VA, MD, PA. Rough roads, paved roads, single track. Nothing too wild, but with an eye to taking on things my gravel bike isn’t really geared for (it’s 1:1 32-32). Shock fork unnecessary, but it’s there and works well, including being essentially locked out. I could replace it with standard fork at some additional weight savings. There’s a lot of carbon. This is 24.5 lbs as is.
My current bar roll bag will work. I could get Topeak cages for fork. I don’t have a frame bag that would fit, considering whether there’s a commercial one that would work, or whether custom is worthwhile. My BuraBura (I think that’s it) saddle bag doesn’t look like it will work on the larger seatpost (maybe I have an adapter for it). I have an Epic saddle bag that works. Likely not ideal.
What would you do, with self-contained spring touring in mind. Including some brutal stuff. I’m well set on the camping/survival equipment with the exception of a quilt bag ($$$$).
What relatively budget nav equipment?
Would aero bars provide better equipment mounting and be worth considering?
Recommended relatively budget saddle bag and frame bag?
Tires. These are pretty rugged for light duty and road stuff. I’m sure there’s a better compromise. Will be tubed.
Pedals – currently just SPD, but I have flat/SPD combo available.
What am I not thinking of?
Thanks much for suggestions, ideas, condemnation, accusations of robbing a museum.
mr_phil73 on
The most budget nav is your phone, however a Garmin etrex is a great robust device.
The bike looks fine, give it a service and go. I’d do a couple of overnighters to dial your gear in. If you’re on a budget it’s possible to get by with drybags strapped to your bars and seat. Plenty on YouTube for inspiration.
guacawakamole on
Looks like a good set up. I would start with an easier trip or two to get things dialed in before doing the tougher adventures. Navigation is something I skimped in in the past but I think a good computer is worth it’s weight in gold. Garmin Etrex is probably the best pure navigation for the price. I really love my garmin Edge 840 solar but it’s expensive. Also get a decent batter bank to charge electronics off of. The one thing I would strongly recommend is going tubeless for bikepacking. With the extra weight and rough terrain tubeless is something with save you so much time and energy while out riding.
3 Comments
1997 Klein, lightweight. 3×8, gearing is perfect, robust shifting with the XTR levers. Magura hydraulic rim brakes are good enough. Rock shox working perfectly. The suspension seatpost works, is unnecessary, have a straight post that works (the suspension post is just so nicely weird). Tires are classic velociraptor, 47 mm, running at roughly 30 psi. I weigh 178 fully dressed up for winter riding. Cables on top of top tube, so top bags are out.
Goal is to do some moderately rough stuff this spring in VA, MD, PA. Rough roads, paved roads, single track. Nothing too wild, but with an eye to taking on things my gravel bike isn’t really geared for (it’s 1:1 32-32). Shock fork unnecessary, but it’s there and works well, including being essentially locked out. I could replace it with standard fork at some additional weight savings. There’s a lot of carbon. This is 24.5 lbs as is.
My current bar roll bag will work. I could get Topeak cages for fork. I don’t have a frame bag that would fit, considering whether there’s a commercial one that would work, or whether custom is worthwhile. My BuraBura (I think that’s it) saddle bag doesn’t look like it will work on the larger seatpost (maybe I have an adapter for it). I have an Epic saddle bag that works. Likely not ideal.
What would you do, with self-contained spring touring in mind. Including some brutal stuff. I’m well set on the camping/survival equipment with the exception of a quilt bag ($$$$).
What relatively budget nav equipment?
Would aero bars provide better equipment mounting and be worth considering?
Recommended relatively budget saddle bag and frame bag?
Tires. These are pretty rugged for light duty and road stuff. I’m sure there’s a better compromise. Will be tubed.
Pedals – currently just SPD, but I have flat/SPD combo available.
What am I not thinking of?
Thanks much for suggestions, ideas, condemnation, accusations of robbing a museum.
The most budget nav is your phone, however a Garmin etrex is a great robust device.
The bike looks fine, give it a service and go. I’d do a couple of overnighters to dial your gear in. If you’re on a budget it’s possible to get by with drybags strapped to your bars and seat. Plenty on YouTube for inspiration.
Looks like a good set up. I would start with an easier trip or two to get things dialed in before doing the tougher adventures. Navigation is something I skimped in in the past but I think a good computer is worth it’s weight in gold. Garmin Etrex is probably the best pure navigation for the price. I really love my garmin Edge 840 solar but it’s expensive. Also get a decent batter bank to charge electronics off of. The one thing I would strongly recommend is going tubeless for bikepacking. With the extra weight and rough terrain tubeless is something with save you so much time and energy while out riding.