Ask the Experts > All Questions
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How do I upgrade the Salsa Cutthroat (pre UDH) to a 180mm rotor front and rear? I have found this blog post (https://hikebikecake.com/salsa-cutthroat-build-brakes/) and a commenter asked about upgrading their SRAM brakes. The correct part number seems to be this one: 160 00.5318.018.001 The rear already has an adapter mounted. Do I just turn it around and buy one for the front? Does the Shimano Adapter not work with the SRAM calipers? In my naive mind I just have to space out the caliper 20mm farther away from the frame or what am I missing that there are SRAM and Shimano specific adapters? Are the bolts supplied with the Adapters or do I just take the framebolts? Appreciate your help for preparing that bike for TransGermany this weekend
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Later this year I’m looking to change things up a bit. Instead of doing the usual point A to point B ride with little consideration as to the time or miles traveled. I’m looking at doing a ride where time and distance are a priority. Yes, it is a race, but one that has more of a focus on making new acquaintances, seeing the country from a bike while pushing miles. My question is, it’ll be a multi 2-4 day ride. Tent, time consuming, good weather, is it worth the time, weight and effort? This question has a lot of variables, but considering that fortune is smiling on us all things will be good! Thanks…
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This question is for anyone, but also hoping Miles will respond. Does central/northern British Columbia (maybe even south/west Yukon) have any potential for a Cass Gilbert or Ryan Wilson style explora-tour? It seems like a route could run through the interior plateau with endless side trips. Are there not enough dirt roads? Not enough resupplies? Land access? Logging trucks? Too many mosquitos? Thanks kindly for any thoughts :)
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Hi guys, I ride a KONA Sutra Ltd. 2024. After my last tour in the Allgäu, Bavaria with some high mountains, I decided that I really need a more mountain-friendly gear ratio. I would really like this GARBARUK cassette with 11-50. So... do any of you ride this cassette on the Kona Sutra Ultd or Ltd 2024? And what else have you changed... (rear derailleur, freewheel? -> originally it's a Shimano HG) Thanks & regards Alex
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Does anyone had recommendations for mtb brake callipers to use with dropbar grips?
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I want to remember my adventures with photos and videos. I have an early model GoPro and an Olympus Micro Four Thirds OM-D E-M1 Mk III camera. What are others carrying? Drones?
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Chamoisless bib / shorts - I (F) cycle without chamois for various reasons (after years of problems with chamois I am super happy without, even on days of 200 km on the trail). Do you have any tips for cycling bib or shorts ideally with pockets? I found only one dedicated cycle bib with pockets and without chamois so far (everve ezero pro cargo; if anyone has experience with this one, please let me know). Thanks!
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Planning to bike from Boulder to Telluride. Have to get my bike from Maryland to Boulder. Spouse said "you're not going to trust your expensive bike to strangers [BikeFlights], let's drive." Local bike shop recoiled in horror: "but think of the BEARINGS, the wind and grit are deadly, and what if you get rear ended. Keep your bike INSIDE you car." So: is wear and tear from highway driving worrisome? BikeFlights has moved a lot of bikes around. What are the real concerns?
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I am an avid user of the Bikepacking.com routes. I just completed cross USA bike adventure west to east so naturally I'm now focused on "what's next"? I want to plan 2 weeks (give or take) in January 2026 in the US (or Mexico) that gets me onto gravel and into the sunshine. I'm 63 years of age and like to challenge myself but to insanely crazy! What do you recommend for route considerations? Thank you! Tony Sirianni
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Rack Question - I'm not a committed bike packer and I don't want to spend loads of $ for stuff that will collect dust after my trip. I'm headed out for a week on Idaho's hot springs loop and I'll be taking my full sus Revel Rascal. I live in Canada and if I go with a full Old man Mountain set front Elkorn and rear Divide with fit kits - it comes out to be close to a thousand bucks! That's a lot for racks! I came across the Thule Tour Rack - which are 120 bucks each! Totally not sexy bikepacker chiq and with very modest weight limit that I think I could do fine with. Right now they are 120 bucks each. Anyone have any genuine experience with them? Most sources say okay for carbon frames. Thanks for any info!
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I'm starting to plan out a custom 'do everything' bikebacking bike, that I plan to take on a mix of trails and road. One thing is certain -- it needs to be great at climbing, as I live amongst the coast mountains of British Columbia. I'm trying to decide on a drive train: Pinion, Rohloff, or derailleur. I've read the Bikepacking Pinion review and Inside Rohloff articles, but still wondering how to balance weight, reliability, maintenance, and performance. In particular, I find belt drives attractive because they avoid all the hassles of chain cleaning and maintenance. Any advice on how to decide? What factors should I consider that I'm missing or under-weighting? Thank you!
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I'm considering adding front suspension to my rigid hardtail primarily for comfort on long, bumpy rides like the GDMBR or XWA. Despite a good bike fit (I think) that takes weight off my hands, they still get numb on long rides, probably due to nerve sensitivity from computer use. Most reviews focus on performance for aggressive riders. For someone prioritizing comfort, is front suspension worthwhile? If so, which forks would you recommend?
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