I just want to share my experience with heavy gear. My bike is 15kg and the load is 25, plus about 4l of water and 1kg of food, so overall around 45kg, which is over half my bodyweight.
It's heavy, it's messy, it's unnecessary, it's ugly etc etc.
It's awesome. I'm able to carry the weight and I love the comfort it provides. My first ever trip was 100km/1100m a day on rooty mountain paths, and I enjoyed it greatly. Now I aim more for 60-80km a day with more sightseeing, I think that you can still see a lot if you just look, no need for hundreds of kilometers.
Yes ultralight is great, but other then for long distance speedruns it's unnecessary. I'd even say that losing the weight yourself rather than lightening the bike, could be more beneficial.
I just want to share my pov because I myself was quite stuck deciding whether to get into the hobby or not. I've seen all the promotion of fancy gear and the importance of weight, but I didnt feel like spending the resources to build such a bike. I'm happy I didn't.
My bike is the cheapest 29 incher from decathlon, tent and sleeping system are also from decathlon, and then a bunch of gadgets from aliexpress. The entire thing cost about 1500 usd, everything brand new.
I just want to say to anyone who's looking to get into this hobby, don't let the internet ruin it for you before you even start.
by Plisnak
14 Comments
my first thought was, while reading its okay to go heavy, but not with that stand lol. how is it fairing?
I have that tent! Although I wouldn’t dream of bikepacking with it 😀
Bike slow, go far
If you are fine with the handling etc. Why not. In terms of losing weight yourself vs saving weight on gear doesn’t really work like that. The weight on the bike is dead weight it will influence the experience significantly different. Losing 5kg in gear will make a hell of a difference 5 kg bodyweight not necessarily.
My 33kg setup.
https://preview.redd.it/lvvdbshh9h0h1.jpeg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=571365325ec42e8bd36130198708ddcb3d43a281
You’re having fun. Only this matters. Nothing else 🙂
How are the front Rhinowalk panniers holding? Do they shake a lot or are they tight? I’m thinking in getting those.
Whats the deal with the gopros?
Somebody else who thinks like me, kind of! I’m more a road bike touring guy but my bike weighs 15kg (not including the soon to be fit Ursus Jumbo Centre Stand) and I’ve got 4 Ortlieb panniers and a Rack-Pack. All in, I’ll be up around 40-45kg but it does include some serious luxury items. I’ve built my winter system around. A hot tent (Naturehike Massif) and I also carry a titanium stove. To add to the comfort I’ve also got an electric shower that weighs around 600g.
I know some people scoff at anybody that doesn’t willingly sufferfest themselves but I prefer the trip to still be pleasant even after the wheels stop turning and I can sit in a chair in my tent instead of lying down waiting for tomorrow on those rainy evenings.
Another truth you mentioned is losing weight ourselves and I’ve lost 25kg so all in all that’s made a huge difference.
I’m new to bikepacking and haven’t tried it yet but this was the way i want to. Idk why i see so many people prefer lightweight, i think it might be a speed thing but i would prefer going slower on a heavier bike because then that gives me more of a chance to take in the sights around me
Amazing setup, really enjoy the looks! ❤️
I’m also gonna do my first travel with a 29 inch, I have some questions about your setup:
– what are the hand supports in the middle of the handlebar?
– what bags you have in the handlebar, the small ones?
– is your back rack from decathlon?
– what fork racks did you get?
if I’m hiking, I check every ounce. if I’m on a bike or in a canoe, it’s not my first concern.
Why go light when you can enjoy four well earnt beers and then eat better than you do normally. It’s the way! I do always curse the weight at the time though aha.
I enjoy riding my bike. That’s the important thing for me. I wouldn’t take that anywhere near the stuff I ride. Too heavy. A mess. Unpacking and packing nightmare.