Hey!
New to the bike packing game (long time cyclist) and l am currently outfitting my “Spicy Jalapeño” Salsa straight bar gravel bike for 1-7 day excursions. The screenshot is the particular trip I’m looking to undertake next year.
Thus far I’ve settled on Revelate Designs Terrapin 14L (has an extension strap for my Thudbuster and is a NICE piece of kit), the Salsa Anything Cradle Sideload Kit (16L net) and Apidura’s racing top tube bag(1L).
I’ve decided on another Apidura product in thier 4L racing half frame bag.
I’m also looking at Ortlieb’s fork bags (4.1L or 5.8L) and this is where I’m looking your help. Do I need the larger bags for longer trips? I’ll likely have plenty of opportunities to restock on route but I usually carry heavy (extra food/water regardless for piece of mind)
I think my backpacking kit will translate to a fairly minimalist kit. (upgrading my MEC Camper 2 tent next year to likely a Six Moons Lunar Solo/Durston XMid/Nemo Dragonfly) and I already have a decent pad/bag.
My meals will be dehydrated and cooked on my Jetboil Flash.
Will my proposed setup be too front heavy? I am also looking at a feed bag (or two) and am concerned I might be overloading the front end.
How much volume do you more minimalist-minded bikepackers use for an 800km ish trip?
Oh, I also always ride with my trusty Osprey Syncro 12 hydration backpack so I imagine it will be coming with. I know backpacks are sometimes a grey area but mine has been on my back for at least 20k now so I’d probably feel naked without it.
Thanks for reading my novel!
Any/all thoughts are greatly appreciated and keep on pedaling y’all!
by CynicalJW