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Post by Coolkat on Nov 19, 2020 8:11:21 GMT -8
I didn't even know this was a thing until I walked into my local bicycle store two years ago. I talked with the owner and told him that I was looking into biking across Michigan's UP using only fire(forest) service roads probably combined with snowmobile trails (no pavement if could be avoided).
He then promptly showed me a whole line of bikes from a manufacturer that is aimed at the "bike packing" crowd. I had no idea that this existed as a recognized activity to the point of making bikes for this.
Most of these bikes were well above my pocket change at the moment so I'm wondering if anyone here has some insight in trying to decide whether it's worth it to revive my old Cannondale mountain bike. Two years ago when I paid to have it "tuned up" they did their magic on everything but the shifting system. Apparently its physically worn out and needs to be replaced (if it can, I didn't ask at the time).
I haven't been in the biking world for a very long time. I gave that up shortly after I got married. So i'm wondering where does one draw the line at fixing up an old bike vs. purchasing a new one. I did a little looking and even the cheaper entry level models have equipment that is standard that wasn't even thought about when I bought my bike.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 25, 2020 8:47:33 GMT -8
I'm not into bikepacking, but certainly your components can be upgraded. You just need to check for any required compatibility between old and new components, e.g. new cogset with old chain or chainrings. Older parts and groupsets are readily available on ebay and elsewhere, and it's not hard to change something if you have tools.
If the frame is good and you still like the fit, just upgrade components as needed/desired. Get the wheels checked for sure - true, even tension, etc. A good shop will check the nipples and so forth before they true the wheels, look for any cracks, etc.
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 25, 2020 9:38:23 GMT -8
Older parts and groupsets are readily available on ebay and elsewhere, and it's not hard to change something if you have tools. If the frame is good and you still like the fit, just upgrade components as needed/desired. I have all winter maybe this is something I'll look into trying to do myself. I've changed, chains, tires, wheels, seats, pedals but I've never done anything "complicated" like shifting mechanisms, cogs etc. But maybe turning this into a DIY project would teach me the skills I'll need to repair my bike on a trip.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 25, 2020 9:59:05 GMT -8
The tools can be expensive, but they're largely one time purchases. When in doubt, check the return policy before buying. Use good greases and cleaners.
Don't forget to check your bottom bracket. The guts inside could probably use cleaning/greasing or replacing.
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 25, 2020 10:18:01 GMT -8
I might start into looking at costs to upgrade some of these things. I really don't want to put $450 into repairs when I might be able to get something have way decent for $1200
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Post by bobcat on Nov 25, 2020 14:33:42 GMT -8
Here, the local university clears all abandoned or forgotten bicycles off its racks, puts them in storage for 180 days and does some kind of routine court order about abandoned/lost property, then sells the bikes for $40 each. If you know what you are looking for and can judge conditions on the spot, you can sometimes get a fine bike! This spring’s sale did not happen, and there will likely be hundreds of bikes available next time. I am hoping for a good gravel bike for bike packing.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Nov 26, 2020 2:43:23 GMT -8
I might start into looking at costs to upgrade some of these things. I really don't want to put $450 into repairs when I might be able to get something have way decent for $1200 If you're going to do most of your own maintenance tools are worth the cost. If you're much more likely to take it to a local shop, then they're not, but then you're also at the mercy of their schedule and backlog.
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 26, 2020 8:42:14 GMT -8
Here, the local university clears all abandoned or forgotten bicycles off its racks, Thanks for this reminder. There is a near by university that does the very same thing.
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Post by bluefish on Nov 29, 2020 14:17:09 GMT -8
I put up a report of my gravel bike and a trip we did in Vermont. bpbasecamp.freeforums.net/thread/15904/green-mountain-gravel-trail I turned a 45 year old Peugeot road bike into a gravel bike. I've got about 350 in it, half of that was the front and rear racks. I used straight bars and kept the shifters on the downtube, changed derailleurs, platform pedals, freewheel and the crank, and put on Panaracer Gravel Kings. Great tires. The old Mavic rims aren't doing so well, I'm building a stronger set this winter. I'm currently trail riding on a fat tire bike and setting that up for winter camping with studded tires and racks. I'll put up reports when that gets going. If you have questions about wrench turning, I can help some. I was very into biking when I was young and did some great tours, including some rugged ones into Death Valley and it's surrounding ranges.
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 30, 2020 4:48:48 GMT -8
Thanks bluefish I might just take you up on this.
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Jan 17, 2021 13:44:30 GMT -8
Met a several bikepackers over the last several years (OR, CA, AZ) and thinking seriously about starting it up. There’s having 2 bags (centuries or 100 mile days possible) or 4 bags (50 mile days possible).
Also have seen some smaller folding bikes pressed into bikepacking service along with regular bikes along the west coast thru west LA/Santa Monica and San Diego, then a hairpin turn, then to Vegas baby!
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rangewalker
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Agitate, organize and educate.
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Post by rangewalker on Jan 24, 2021 6:56:35 GMT -8
Seven years, for my 60th, I bought a light mountain bike, a hybrid for riding county and public lands roads in my area. Since I live downtown in a small city, I started commuting, and finally set up an old rigid mountain bike as a dedicated winter snow/ice bike. This is the second season, and I tore that one down to the frame and started the journey towards being able to fix my own bikes on road and in the nowhere lands. The bike was converted from 3x8 with derailleur to an internal 8 speed hub.
I would look at fixing up that old Cannondale MTB to start with. If you are not set up to shop work, have your local bike shop give it an overhaul, include replacing the bottom bracket and check the drive train for extreme wear. Mountain bike gearing is great for hauling loads and hill climbing. Do get yourself a repair stand and watch some videos like from Park Tool of how to adjust and maintain your bike. i bought a universal tool kit, not Park Tool, for $225, and it has handled the build out of the '84 MTB to my 2020 Surly. The rest of my tools are Home Deport or bargain bin from the auto parts store. Do it.
That hybrid of mine has racks and a front bag rack. The panniers for it were a donation from a friend. And with my mostly UL hiking kit, did its first bike packing trip last year before last. It was 60% road and 40% gravel. With its narrower wheels that was about right. (Kona Splice, 3x8 gears, 700c x 47) That is my everyday bike and I want to keep it that way. With COVID, I did a lot of riding, but not bike packing.
I did go all out on dirt road bike packing with a Surly Bridge Club in May 2020. Beautiful but the out-the-door drive train sucked and I broke it twice last summer. I replaced those components with upgrades. With my add-ons, it came to $1400 when new. It is a steel frame, rigid fork, and just bare bones compared to others in Surly's line up. The dream is to set it up to do long trips out across the northern plains and Rockies front on gravel and two track. ( 1x12 gears, was Scram SX Eagle, now a mix of GX and XO and Cane Creek BB, 27.5 wheels 2.4" tires, and Surly racks, Jones H bar, Selle Anatomica seat) and going to upgrade the brakes. If you ever want make your cycling partner love you, take it along, and she can so leave you in the dust with that gearing.
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Post by Coolkat on Jan 25, 2021 6:15:45 GMT -8
Thanks rangewalker for the encouragement. Ever since my friend put the idea of biking across the UP on forest service roads, I haven't been able to get the idea out of my head. I'm just wondering how far can you realistically expect to get in one day on two-track? It seems to me that if you can hike 15miles a day that surely you should be able to get 40 or so on a bike? Or is that too optimistic?
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rangewalker
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Post by rangewalker on Jan 25, 2021 18:52:29 GMT -8
I'm just wondering how far can you realistically expect to get in one day on two-track? It seems to me that if you can hike 15miles a day that surely you should be able to get 40 or so on a bike? Or is that too optimistic? Forty to fifty is a good day for me on gravel and two track. To date, 65 miles is my tops. My pace in miles per hour on local gravel, a lot of up and down 150-400', and 2700-5500' elevation country, I seem to average about 7.5-8 miles an hour. I am not up to crossing local mountain ranges (Bighorns, WY). My just day rides don't exceed about 30-40 but I am looking to amp that up this spring and summer. What I am training for, similar to what my goal hiking is, three days in a row, eight hours a day in the saddle. I do the same for hiking, go for eight hours of movement every day, regardless of the trail. Unless there is a destination or limited by water sources.
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Post by bluefish on Jan 29, 2021 10:49:21 GMT -8
Thanks rangewalker for the encouragement. Ever since my friend put the idea of biking across the UP on forest service roads, I haven't been able to get the idea out of my head. I'm just wondering how far can you realistically expect to get in one day on two-track? It seems to me that if you can hike 15miles a day that surely you should be able to get 40 or so on a bike? Or is that too optimistic? 40-50 is reasonable, and what I can do with a twenty pound load and 700x32m tires at 80lbs. pressure. Mud and rain can alter that greatly, as can sections of 2" gravel . Getting your butt in saddle shape may be more of a factor.
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