Gravel/Bikepack nerds enter...

[Peruvian]

[frorider]

Lightweight 1 person tent recommendations? Looking for bug protection for PNW. Under $300 if possible.

[davjr96]

I have https://www.tarptent.com/product/rainbow/ and like it.
Can fit 2 people in a pinch if you like the other person. My requirement was to have a floor and the possibility of free standing.

I don't have personal experience with https://www.slingfin.com/products/splitwing-bundle but have had other slingfin tents and they make great stuff.

[Peruvian]

Lightweight 1 person tent recommendations? Looking for bug protection for PNW. Under $300 if possible.

I realize it's a Chinese made knock-off of the Big Agnes Fly Creek, but I really like my Naturehike CloudUp1 Tent. I've been using it for 3 years now and it's holding up, got plenty of room (I'm 6'1", 185lbs), and is reasonably light. It's around $100 online.

[frorider]

I realize it's a Chinese made knock-off of the Big Agnes Fly Creek, but I really like my Naturehike CloudUp1 Tent. I've been using it for 3 years now and it's holding up, got plenty of room (I'm 6'1", 185lbs), and is reasonably light. It's around $100 online.

Thx all for the recommendations. Right now I’m leaning toward https://www.tarptent.com/product/protrail/#tab-id-2 but still figuring out what I want.

In the separate rain fly category this one on sale seems decent: https://www.sunnysports.com/p-sdsth1...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[XtrPickels]

Is anyone running Schwalbe G-One RS's ? Do those silly sideknobs do anything or should I just run a slick like a Snoqualmie?
Thinking about changing my usual Thundero's / Terra-speeds for something faster for FNLD Gravel.

[jamal]

I used the G-one R last year and meant to try an RS on the rear but never got around to it. They do test a lot faster than the R, which, yeah, of course. Found the R to be pretty good overall, durable, decent traction. I assume the RS would hook up ok leaned over, and better than a full slick.

Just put on pirelli gravel Hs, and those feel pretty fast, and test fast on BRR. But they run wide and barely fit in my frame so I might go to something else. They're 40s and measuring more like 43-44 on my 23mm iw rims. If the tread wasn't so low profile they definitely wouldn't work.

[Iowagriz]

Fro, I have the Big Agnes Fly Creek and it works great for bikepacking. My main gripe is the entrance at the head of the tent. A real pain in the ass for late night pee trips. I'll be ensuring that my next tent has a side entry and vestibule.

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[buttahflake]

From this evening in central Vermont



Absolutely loving the S-Works Pathfinders, so fast and way grippier and than they look. 42’s that are now closer to 45’s on the 303 firecrest wheels, iw25.

[babybear]

I sometimes wear triathlon shorts instead of regular riding shorts when it’s hot. They tend to have a thinner chamois and are generally lighter/ more breathable all around.

[Peruvian]

I think for multi day trips cleaning shorts becomes a big deal. Otherwise you risk some serious bacterial issues. Chamois cream with a topical steroid mixed in is a good call for long trips.

I’m a huge fan of wool boxers. The now discontinued kitsbow’s are incredible. I did 70 miles of Moab riding in a pair last weekend with no issues.

For bike packing a nice pair of road shorts and a pair of wool boxers is a killer combo. Wear the boxers for hike a bike days. Wash the shorts daily.

I’m also in the camp that says baggies on top of shorts is mistake. You make them 1000x less breathable and add another layer that can cause chafing.

Just following up on the boxer question. Most that I see have stitching in the exact wrong place for long rides.



Minus 33 has a center stitch which could be more comfortable but I just don’t know.

[biggins]

Hooooo this thread just got ZEXY!

[Peruvian]

Hooooo this thread just got ZEXY!

That was mostly for babybear's benefit.

[babybear]

Thank you! but tan fitted bike shorts should be illegal [emoji23]

[jamal]

uhhh yeah here are some recent gravel road pictures







3 day gravel race this weekend, should be fun. TT friday, big gravel loop sat, mostly road circuit sunday.

[Dee Hubbs]

My gravel build is finished. I’m going to go do a shakedown ride tomorrow and see how she rides.
Build details will be posted later.

[Dee Hubbs]

I could have posted this in the Frame Up Build thread, but I figured it would get more appreciation here.

• Factor LS Carbon Frame, this is their Gravel Racing frame. I didnt like the stock colors offered, but I liked the color way they offered in a different model, so I requested them to paint the LS frame in that specific color way. It's naked carbon with a gloss finish, and chrome logos.
• frame is a 56 for my 5'10', normal portion body.
• I hand built the wheels with DT Swiss 180, 28 hole, Straight Pull Hubs, laced to a 28mm deep, 23 internal Giant carbon rim. DT Swiss Comp 2.0/1.8/2.0 spokes, with DT Squorx brass nipples, HED valves, Stans tape. Discs are 160 front and 140 rear.
• Tires are Maxxis Ramblers 38C EXO, with 3oz of Stans.
• Drivetrain is Shimano Dura Ace, 12 speed, 9200 series. 2x set up with a 50-34 170mm crank, 11-34 cassette, 9270 shifters/hydraulic brakes, 9250 front and rear derailleur, and a Dura Ace queso'd chain. XTR M9100 pedals.
• Cockpit is a PRO Vibe Carbon 440mm compact handle bar. Stem is a PRO Vibe Superlight 70mm, Lizardskin 2.5mm bar tape.
• PRO Vibe Carbon seatpost with the integrated di2 battery, and a PRO Turnix Carbon saddle.
• Supercaz bottle cages because the logo/decal matched the Factor "chrome" logo. Garmin out-front computer mount, and a Topeak quickclick attachment on the saddle rails for a saddle bag.
• weight with all the accessories and ride ready was 8.16kg ( just shy of 18lbs)

[huckbucket]

First of all ... that's FIRE! Really like it. Clean. It's gonna be fast.

Second of all ... how in the heck is that 18lbs? I'm thinking it's the wheels.

[buttahflake]

No way I could get away with 34-34 in NH/VT, climbs are way too steep in the woods on the class 4-6 roads back east. Really nice looking build though.

[Dee Hubbs]

I don't think I put the wheels on a scale when I built them, I cant find a photo. But those 180s are stupid light, and those rims were 406g each.

[Dee Hubbs]

I don't think I put the wheels on a scale when I built them, I cant find a photo. But those 180s are stupid light, and those rims were 406g each.

I didn't really build it for Class 5 gravel. Here in Colorado we have what they call "Champagne Gravel". Like forest service roads at 10% grade.
I plan to build up some rims for 32c road tires and ride it that way too.

[buttahflake]

Yeah, that’s a killer two-way setup with the 32’s

[HankScorpio]

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/...t?oid=38123112

Another rider killed during a VT gravel race. Fuck.


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[Pinned]

https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/...t?oid=38123112

Another rider killed during a VT gravel race. Fuck.

That's really sad - and I'm bummed to read about it. Sincerest condolences to the rider's family.

The roads / dirt roads in New England are dear to me, it's where I grew up and where I started riding road bikes. But, with the explosion of gravel events, this type of scenario has always seemed probable. I've done a few organized events, with the exception of D2R2 and the Jam Fundo, I don't think I'll be doing any more of them. Most that I've seen or have been part of don't have much in the way of traffic control and often require crossing some pretty busy or higher speed roads. In places like Texas, Arizona, etc there is open visibility for both drivers and cyclists. But in the Northeast it's often so densely wooded that it's trickier safety wise.

I'm not blaming or condemning these events, as they're all mostly operating in the same manner (which was fine when 300 people showed up). But with the number of riders at some of these events it's not the same as it used to be. Skill level, presumed course safety, lack of traffic signage, etc are all contributing factors and I've seen close calls at every single race or ride I've been to in the last few years.

[buttahflake]

Yeah fucking brutal, these events with a 1,000+ riders are no longer on my radar also. I’m down with the field limit of 200 riders, more than that and things get sketchy. I had a guy crash me out on a slow speed, flat corner at the Overland a few years ago, smashed the fuck out of my elbow. Finished the ride and then urgent care to get it scrubbed and stitched back together. Some road weenie from Boston with zero bike handling skills.You are so correct in that assessment about low vis corners and too many riders trying to cut them well ‘racing’ for 200th place. Add in the fact the scumbag race organizers are milking $135 and higher for these rides, I’m done with it. There’s still a couple of small but really good rides on the calendar that are $60 or less, Vermont Rare, Dirty Pizza are two that I’ll always be at. Stay safe.