Gravel/Bikepack nerds enter...

[frorider]

Anyone riding a Cyclosys? As a long time homer, I’m weirdly tempted.

https://turnerbikes.com/collections/...s-2-0-frameset

Off topic, but the new Scrub is pretty sexy as well.

Wow, that 1% off sale is tempting

[Skistack]

Any of you nerds doing SBT? I'm the chick on the red Niner with blue floral camelbak, blue course. Kinda not happy with the 9am start but whatevs. Only goal is for course PR.

I’ll be on the red course because I’m slow and old. (I’ve always been slow, but only recently got old.) Bell’s Brewery Oberon jersey, blue Salsa Warbird.


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[Jax]

I’ll be on the red course because I’m slow and old. (I’ve always been slow, but only recently got old.) Bell’s Brewery Oberon jersey, blue Salsa Warbird.


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You're likely to be half or almost done by the time I get started but I'll keep an eye out for after. Rains from today and tonight should keep the dust down. Enjoy your ride!

[ktoor]

Well I did it…. Grabbing a Salsa Warbird later this afternoon I found on PB. My moustache is already starting to grow nicely.

Need to grab some pedals and shoes now. Any recommendations? Entry level shimano pedals seem to be decent ( I run flats on my mtbs) and it seems Specialized is running a sale on their shoes right now


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I bought this bike and have loved it over the past year. have attempted unbound xl on it and just finished a 4-day bike...riding trip. Ride it more than anything else.

bicicletta.cc here in s2s has declared bankruptcy so their stuff keeps going on sale. they have good shoes on the cheap rn! check often.

for pedals, i read that depending on how much you plan on abusing them, splurging for the xtr is better given there is no plastic parts. i got some used and no conplaints.


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[Sandbox]

I bought this bike and have loved it over the past year. have attempted unbound xl on it and just finished a 4-day bike...riding trip. Ride it more than anything else.

bicicletta.cc here in s2s has declared bankruptcy so their stuff keeps going on sale. they have good shoes on the cheap rn! check often.

for pedals, i read that depending on how much you plan on abusing them, splurging for the xtr is better given there is no plastic parts. i got some used and no conplaints.


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I’ve put about 50km on the bike ( mostly all paved as that’s what’s close to the house) and it’s really solid. Fits me well, nothing I instantly want to change.

I was able to grab some shimano RX6 shoes and shimano m540 pedals as they were on sale locally and I wanted to ride that damn bike…. Haha.

Damn, that’s too bad about biciletta going out of business. I’ve bought a decent amount of stuff from them. I’ll take a peak.


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[Skistack]

SBT Gravel was a great course, great scenery and just a fun vibe. 10/10, will do again.

Jax, how did you do? The heat had to be brutal for the second half of your race.

Rolled into Steamboat Saturday for packet pickup. The vendor expo was huge.



Unfortunately I missed Reggie Miller.



Race day parked next to these guys at the rodeo grounds.



Got to the start 20 minutes before the gun. No hole shot today.



This was what most of the course was like, smooth gravel, rolling hills through ranch country.





No pics, but plenty of aid stations. Orange Seal was handing out Fireball shots, Chamois Butter was handing out bacon.

I rode a comfortable pace and finished the 60 mile / 3500 vert Red course in 4 hours.

Stuck around for the pro finish. Keegan Swenson won, new course record. Dude is unbeatable this year.



Lachlan Morton cooling off in the Yampa as many did.



Lachlan rocking aero wheelset. Note his crazy seat angle.

Keegan rode a 52 tooth chainring. Crazy.




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[chaka]

nice! congrats. how did Lachlan do? crazy coming straight over from winning Breck Epic.

[Name Redacted]

Wife wants to sell our gravel bikes. Two Salsa Warbirds, like new, barely used, '23 models. Her's is the high end one with electronic shifting (M purple), mine is the lower end GRX (L Grey). Might wait till spring to unload them, but if anyone is looking, just PM me. Probably looking for 25% off retail? Just throwing it out there.

We like the "Idea" of gravel biking, but honestly, we have nice road bikes, and mountain bikes, so these don't really fill any void.

[BFD]

Friend has been planning a gravel ride in Slovenia and Croatia for awhile. Partner bailed last minute. I agreed to go. pretty short notice. Do not own a gravel bike. Debating what to do. Thinking about trying to rent in Venice but not having any luck finding two week rental on gravel bike. We are finishing in Udine so looked at bike shops there but not seeing rentals. So I have a Stumpjumper I was thinking about maybe trying to change out the wheels. Other thought is go with a Salsa Journeyer for around $1200. They have my size in Salida. Looked at Facebook Marketplace but not finding my size 50cm. I also think I would like the option of two chain rings. Open to any suggestions. Have 3 weeks to figure it out. Not really interested in spending more than $1200 as I don't mind riding the Stumpjumper around here and don't see myself going all in on the bikepacking.

[BFD]

Wife wants to sell our gravel bikes. Two Salsa Warbirds, like new, barely used, '23 models. Her's is the high end one with electronic shifting (M purple), mine is the lower end GRX (L Grey). Might wait till spring to unload them, but if anyone is looking, just PM me. Probably looking for 25% off retail? Just throwing it out there.

We like the "Idea" of gravel biking, but honestly, we have nice road bikes, and mountain bikes, so these don't really fill any void.

What is the frame size on the Medium? Might of just helped me make a decsion

[Jax]

Lachlan rolled in 5th and is people's choice, only one to claim LeadBreckBoat. It was noted he didn't like the fact that he had a 'day off' and feels he would have performed better with no rest. What a stud. Keegan and Sofia....the power couple they are, are they sharing doping juice too? I kid, I kid.

Ride went well, I bested my time from last year but only by 4 minutes, lol. 100 miles, over 6K vert, just over 8 hours, not fast by any means, but, I also didn't start riding until mid-June b/c winter was so good and then illness, just recently tapered off of prednisone. I kept a tempo pace for over 65% of the ride. Overall I'm just glad to be able to do it and still got several PRs on many of the climbs. Black course next year if I can train properly!

The heat and winds from the south were brutal, no mechanicals. I'm for sure making more rice cakes for next year, only had 4, should have brought 8, was first time to do it and it worked well for my stomach, endurance and palate. By mile 85 I couldn't stomach any more gels. That climb behind wolverine to Chamois Butter aid cashed the last of my checks but a coke just before kept me through to the end. A solid day on the bike.

Glad to hear you had a great ride Skistack!

Here's the 2-track after the singletrack section in the Fetcher Ranch zone, old-school ranchers that open it up just for the racers, with Hahns Peak in the background. Only pic I took. 3 of my dogs ashes are up there, it's a special place.

[Name Redacted]

What is the frame size on the Medium? Might of just helped me make a decsion

56”

[Skistack]

nice! congrats. how did Lachlan do? crazy coming straight over from winning Breck Epic.

Lachlan sprinting against Stetina for 4th and Pete came around him.






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[natebob]

I'm new to bikepacking, have a Tallboy 4 that I want to get some bags for. I think I have the seat bag figured out - get something dropper compatible, with enough tire clearance for my XL frame. For a frame bag, it seems like custom is the best option, though there are a couple off the shelf options that make decent use of the triangle. The bar bag is what I'm not sure about. In the Bikepacking.com Tallboy 4 review, they mention that bar bags are tricky because the cables exit the head tube out the front, making it hard to strap a bag around the head tube. They mention the Rockgeitst Bar Jam. The Rogue Panda Canelo might work too, or others that have bars or spacers to move the bag away from the handle bar. Maybe the Bedrock Moab, although I'm worried about hitting my knees on that one. Any info. about putting bags on this bike would be much appreciated, especially the bar bag. Thanks.

[alfajores]

56”

Not sure if they changed things up, but the 2023 Warbird seems to come in numerical sizes. 56CM seems like it could be a ML in their format.



Looking at geometry, the seat tube would be 51.0cm and stand over is 770. The 54.5 is a big jump down in size at 47.5cm seat tube and 74.4 cm stand over.


@BFD is citing a 50CM frame, so the medium warbird may be the right size at a 56cm but depending on reach and such, may need a true medium.

[alfajores]

I'm new to bikepacking, have a Tallboy 4 that I want to get some bags for. I think I have the seat bag figured out - get something dropper compatible, with enough tire clearance for my XL frame. For a frame bag, it seems like custom is the best option, though there are a couple off the shelf options that make decent use of the triangle. The bar bag is what I'm not sure about. In the Bikepacking.com Tallboy 4 review, they mention that bar bags are tricky because the cables exit the head tube out the front, making it hard to strap a bag around the head tube. They mention the Rockgeitst Bar Jam. The Rogue Panda Canelo might work too, or others that have bars or spacers to move the bag away from the handle bar. Maybe the Bedrock Moab, although I'm worried about hitting my knees on that one. Any info. about putting bags on this bike would be much appreciated, especially the bar bag. Thanks.

Definitely do your reading on seat bags and droppers. I was surprised at some of the things I learned. I grabbed a couple of the sliding spacers to go on the seat tube like you mention so that I do not scratch the post.

For your bar bag, you may also prefer a caddy where you can mount a dry bag or compression sack to the front. I have one of these set ups and it works well on mountain bikes. It also allows you to use different bags for different trips and is super secure. Revelate and Oveja Negra make them for cheap!

[Name Redacted]

Not sure if they changed things up, but the 2023 Warbird seems to come in numerical sizes. 56CM seems like it could be a ML in their format.



Looking at geometry, the seat tube would be 51.0cm and stand over is 770. The 54.5 is a big jump down in size at 47.5cm seat tube and 74.4 cm stand over.


@BFD is citing a 50CM frame, so the medium warbird may be the right size at a 56cm but depending on reach and such, may need a true medium.

Yeah, mine is a L, or at least what I would consider on the smaller side for me. I usually ride an XL. 6'2" but I wanted something more comfortable and upright. The L is a 57.5 (as mentioned it is on the short, but comfortable side for me at 6'2"). Next size down fits my wife at 5'8". Of course many other alterations could be made to perfect the fit if we were looking to keep em.

[alfajores]

Yeah, mine is a L, or at least what I would consider on the smaller side for me. I usually ride an XL. 6'2" but I wanted something more comfortable and upright. The L is a 57.5 (as mentioned it is on the short, but comfortable side for me at 6'2"). Next size down fits my wife at 5'8". Of course many other alterations could be made to perfect the fit if we were looking to keep em.

Word. That seems to fit what the geometry reads. Not that you were trying to sell BFD on anything, but I suspect BFD might want to stick with a 54.5 if he can find one. That would give him the most room to adjust stem and seat tube for fit. I would worry that the 56cm frame is at the margins of what might work, but who knows! Maybe it would work.

[beaterdit]

Friend has been planning a gravel ride in Slovenia and Croatia for awhile. Partner bailed last minute. I agreed to go. pretty short notice. Do not own a gravel bike. Debating what to do. Thinking about trying to rent in Venice but not having any luck finding two week rental on gravel bike. We are finishing in Udine so looked at bike shops there but not seeing rentals. So I have a Stumpjumper I was thinking about maybe trying to change out the wheels. Other thought is go with a Salsa Journeyer for around $1200. They have my size in Salida. Looked at Facebook Marketplace but not finding my size 50cm. I also think I would like the option of two chain rings. Open to any suggestions. Have 3 weeks to figure it out. Not really interested in spending more than $1200 as I don't mind riding the Stumpjumper around here and don't see myself going all in on the bikepacking.

I have next to no experience with bikepacking and none with "gravel" so take this for what it's worth.

I did a bit of bikepacking in Croatia last year. We were on our Canfield Nimble Nine mountain bikes and I would say that if you plan any off road riding in Croatia a mountain bike would be the preferred option. Granted we weren't shy about routes with mountain bikes but most routes off the pavement were really rough with lots of sharp and slippery limestone. I would have hated to be on 40mm tires with a rigid fork. Didn't get to ride in Slovenia, there might be more soil there.

[BFD]

thank's for the advice. I think for sizing my first question to the seller should be how tall is your wife. I am not sure about the route. my partner has planned everything and they purchased a Stigmata with 40mm tires. So I guess we will find out how good the planning is.

[beaterdit]

It'll be sweet either way for sure. Croatia is awesome and real affordable. We were there in Sept too, not too hot but still warm enough to enjoy a swim. The weather was mostly nice but we did get a couple three day rain storms. Enjoy!

[HankScorpio]

Crosspost from the EC thread:

If anyone wants to do a the Peacham (Vermont) Fall Fondo gravel grinder on 9/30, PM me because I can't use my entry.

It's sold out but I can transfer it for the entry fee ($80) through BikeReg.

50 miles, 6k of climbing, spectacular fall scenery and homemade apple pies at the halfway point The ride is supported and entry includes food and beer afterwards. I did it last year and had an absolute blast.

https://www.peachamfallfondo.com/

[alfajores]

thank's for the advice. I think for sizing my first question to the seller should be how tall is your wife. I am not sure about the route. my partner has planned everything and they purchased a Stigmata with 40mm tires. So I guess we will find out how good the planning is.

You may also want to know inseam. That tends to have as much importance on frame sizing.

Are you looking for a more upright position, or do you have the spinal flexibility/core strength and want something with more of a drop-bar set up?

[Jax]

Ultra-endurance cyclist/bikepacker Jay Petervary was struck by a car yesterday on the way to Salida during his Great Divide ITT attempt/fundraiser ride. He survived, but with several broken bones & wounds. Love him or not this is brutal, he's lucky to be alive.

No details out yet other than he's in Colorado Springs. From the way his wife posted, it seems like the driver was not apprehended, but lots of unknowns. From looking where his dot stopped on trackleaders, he was on CR 53 which is a gravel road IIRC.

[natebob]

Definitely do your reading on seat bags and droppers. I was surprised at some of the things I learned. I grabbed a couple of the sliding spacers to go on the seat tube like you mention so that I do not scratch the post.

For your bar bag, you may also prefer a caddy where you can mount a dry bag or compression sack to the front. I have one of these set ups and it works well on mountain bikes. It also allows you to use different bags for different trips and is super secure. Revelate and Oveja Negra make them for cheap!

There are certainly lots of options. I think you're right, a cradle or harness seems best for versatility. The Bedrock Moab is interesting, but it's pretty much leave on the bike I think. If it's as stable and affects handling less than other options, it might be good. It seems like with any bag that straps to the head tube, I need to be willing to bend and pin my cables behind the bag against the bar. Has anyone tried the Baryak Ultra brackets and Talon harness? https://www.baryak.com/ Looks like the bag never touches the head tube, kinda sits suspended below the brackets. If that is stable front to back, it could be a winner. For a seat bag I ordered a Wayward Riders Louise https://waywardriders.com/ It seems way too minimal to be as stable as they claim, gets a few good reviews. Even with shipping from NZ it was worth trying one.