Ask the Experts > All Questions
-
I’m an older man that has bike toured and backpacked over the years but this summer I plan to attempt bikepacking for the first time with my brother in law. Neither of us are particularly tech savvy but I purchased a Garmin 840 Solar a few weeks ago. I want to use it to navigate but it seems all of the tutorials are geared toward training and I’m struggling. We are attempting the No Business Loop in late July. Both of us would like a printed map of the route but my understanding is that there are none. Is there a good printed trail map of the area that you could recommend on which I may purchase and trace the route? Furthermore, does anyone provide a how-to book on the Garmin 840. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance. Jim
User Name Location
-
I’m heading to Kyrgyzstan for 3 weeks for the SRMR and some other bits. I can’t decide on what to do with the chain. I ‘ve converted to waxing and I love it for the low friction and keeping everything clean although it wont last the distance for the trip, and the drip on wax can be a hassle with the long drying time. What are your recommendations for a durable all conditions lube that is also low friction (and won’t end up in a black greasy mess)?
User Name Location
-
What's your favorite flat pedal shoe for 2-3 day tours? I have a pair of lace up Five Ten Freerider pros that have fantastic grip on the pins of my flat pedals. However, they are the original (non canvas) version and my feet get pretty warm in them. Thinking about finding something cooler for the upcoming summer months. Looking at the Lems Trail Blazers, Five Ten Freerider Pros with the canvas upper, or anything else with a wider toebox for toe splay.
User Name Location
-
Planning a group ride to Montreal in September 2026 for the world championship. Still have not decided if we will ride to Canada or ride back. At any rate, does anyone have a good route and any suggestions of places to stay like camp sites or other places.
User Name Location
-
I’m looking for advice on finishing my bikepacking bag/rack situation. I have some ortlieb panniers that I’ll hang on the rear rack. I added the jones bars so that I can have more hand positions. I was looking at the jones bag from nittany but am concerned that it’ll obstruct my hand positions. Open to adding a front rack, frame bag, handlebar bag combination recommendations. For context I’m going to be starting out with a trip from Pittsburgh to DC in a few months and then getting after some of the overnight to week long bikepacking routes. I have a 2 person Nemo tent, and a sleeping pad that rolls up to about 2x size of a Nalgene. Comfort over weight.
User Name Location
-
What’s your go-to sleeping bag for 35+ F degree temp ranges? Reviews keep pushing me towards Western Mountaineering but geez they are pricey. Especially coming from an Aegismax $90 bag that has performed quite well but that’s just a little too cold for me in the early spring mornings.
User Name Location
-
Recommendations for a strong lightweight wheelset to lighten up my 2019 fargo, that will not break the bank? I run 2.2" tires.
User Name Location
-
With the new extra wide drop bars, what are the best options for tape long enough to wrap them? I'm getting the Tumbleweed Big Dipper 57cm and want to choose a good tape for it. Thanks!
User Name Location
-
[ PS: this might not be the right subject but it was the best I could think of ] I'm planning on a journey down South this fall and beyond starting in Vancouver, BC with. no rush to get anywhere. The idea is to do the long stretches on my motorcycle and once I get to a city; explore the deeper parts on a bike (my Tumbleweed Prospector) that I ideally ship from last major town I leave. I couldnt find much help yet and am realizing the only 'safe' way to ship bikes is to fly with them. Bikeflights doesnt do Mexico/SouthAmerica and the only other well known service SendMyBag seems to be a bad bet. If yall know any other services or have suggestions, i'd be interested. I'm planning to start contacting regular freight services next.
User Name Location
-
I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent, and I’m looking to buy the NeoAir X-Lite NXT. I’m also looking to get a quilt, probably an EE Revelation. Do y’all have any packing tips for getting all these packed on a bike (just, sleep gear in general), and where you typically store it on the bike? I’m planning out what bags / rack I want to buy and don’t know what I should go with. I have the Tailfin BarCage + 11L bag, but that’s it. I’m looking at the Arkel 7L fork packers as well as a Mica Rat Tail / Elkhorn / Tumbleweed Macro. Just planning an overnighter type trip, nothing big at the moment.
User Name Location
-
I'm trying to decide between the Manitou R8 and the Fox 34SL forks. I am building up a Fairlight Holt 2.0 in black. So in terms of aesthetics I am looking at the Fox 34SL Performance ELite with the Grip SL damper or a Manitou R8 both in 120mm. Both seem like great forks, so hoping someone out here can help me choose. Right now I like the look of the R8 but worry the noise it makes will be bothersome.
User Name Location
-
I’m building up a Fairlight Faran 3.0, and need help deciding on what type of Seatpost to put on it. I’ll have the GRX 820 shifters on (1x) so I can use the left side for a dropper. So, the two options I’m thinking of are the PNW suspension dropper post or the Redshift seatpost, because I can use my bikepacking.com discount. I’ve never had a dropper post, so I don’t know its value, but riding on bumpy gravel/washboard, I feel like suspension would be nice. Based on any experience, what should I go with, cost not withstanding? The PNW one somehow is cheaper than the redshift one, even though it has more features on paper, but maybe the redshift one is nicer?
User Name Location
