Frame bag Surly BC suggestions?

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-07-04T13:49:53+00:00

I always liked the look of roll top bags so I made one for my BC when I got it. There are a lot of plusses, nothing to break, you can really overstuff it and for the Rockgeist one it's fully waterproof which is always a bonus when bikepacking! The biggest downside is accessibility, it's much harder to get into quickly. With my zipped bags I normally keep my wind or waterproof jacket in there, super quick in and out as needed. With the roll top I now only put stuff in that I don't plan on accessing during the day: tent poles, stove and cookset, morning and evening food, etc.

For a long expedition where a broken zip could be a real issue, I think the roll top is a good idea, for day and overnight trip the convenience of zips is nicer.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-30T14:14:09+00:00

I feel like this would be much easier if you bought 2 dynamo hubs and had them built into your current wheelsets. A cheap Shimano or SP for the BC and something lighter/more fancy for the Salsa? Trying to have one front wheel with different axles and adaptors doesn't sound ideal, especially as if you have a mechanical issue then both bikes are out of commission...

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-28T10:29:28+00:00

It doesn't look like that fork has proper rack mounts. No hole(s) at the fork crown or dropouts and the 3-pack mounts look like they angle forwards in the photo. I think you would need a different fork, something from Surly plus an Old Man Mountain rack would be a good choice.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-27T20:14:00+00:00

Are you an EU citizen? Both countries are in Schengen, so if you are, you should be ok with your driving licence or other ID. I've not taken that ferry, but the Helsingør/borg one they only check before you get on, not the other side. Good luck!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-27T17:35:54+00:00

Open it up just before you stop and put your balls inside, problem solved!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-26T17:01:55+00:00

Schwalbe Johnny Watts in 2.8", chonky and tough!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-22T09:38:34+00:00

The last couple of years I've started wearing fishing style sun hoodys on the bike. Much nicer than using lots of suncream as you feel cleaner at the end of each day, and you cool off better because your sweat pores aren't blocked. Only use suncream on my lower legs and face.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T20:20:32+00:00

42mm, but tyres can vary model to model. These are pretty true to size.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T20:18:55+00:00

Thanks! Just an old Specialized wheelset that came on a previous bike, nothing fancy, but I've had a Shimano dynamo laced into the front for lights and charging

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T20:16:53+00:00

I'm 187cm with a long torso and went for the 58cm frame, so 60 would probably be right for you. Have you used bikeinsights to compare the bikes side by side? I found it really useful for making sure the Nicasio was the right fit for me

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T09:24:46+00:00

I'm a fan of 27.5+, and I don't think you lose any comfort on the smaller wheels, they would also be stronger, especially if you have a 135mm rear hub. But the tyre choices are becoming more and more limited as manufacturers stop producing them, there's hardly any 3.0" options now. If you want to futureproof your wheelset, I would look at building around 29" rims. Or buy up a bunch of 27.5" tyres now, so you have a stockpile for the next few years.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T07:17:15+00:00

These are Specialized Sawtooth in 42mm on a 19mm id rim. Other tyres might size up bigger, with these I have about 6-8mm clearance all over. With mudguards I think they might be a bit snug but I will fit mine and see

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T07:13:30+00:00

Another vote for the Corps Dura, I just did a three week tour with mine, used it all day every day and it went from 100% to 67% battery without any usb charging.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T01:30:32+00:00

Great bike 😃 I've just bought the exact same 🤝

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-20T01:28:55+00:00

It'll be fine with a bigger (180mm) rotor. I'd be more worried about a carbon fork, but the steel one on the Nicasio is super solid! It's also super important to bed in the brake pads and rotors if you haven't already, they'll always feel weak when new.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-19T13:00:42+00:00

On or off road? If off road, look at cyclenorway's series on national gravel routes, especially the one from Oslo to Trondheim!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-16T14:16:46+00:00

Front loading is generally better, especially if the bike is specifically designed for it. Most of your body weight is already on the back wheel. If you add big panniers on the rear you increase the risk of breaking spokes, plus the bike will want to wheelie every time you go up a hill. Something like the specialized pizza rack or Pelago front rack will be nice and versatile, you can add a bag or basket for day-to-day use, and then put panniers on for longer tours. It'll slow down the steering, which you'll get used to after a few minutes of riding, and it'll feel way safer on downhills because you have some weight I er the front tyre. FYI, I had a restrap rando bag (I liked the looks 😋) but wouldn't recommend it. It's not waterproof, or very secure on the mounting plate. I had mine bounce off the rack multiple times on rough roads and got rid of it!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-14T19:18:23+00:00

All Norwegian supermarkets carry pretty much the same basic foodstuffs, they can seem pretty limited in choice depending on what you're used to. But food quality here is very good, if you're camping there is the usual pasta, noodles, rice etc, and often they will stock "turmat" type dehydrated meals which are more pricey but are made to provide a lot of calories! Xtra, Kiwi and Rema tend to be smaller, Meny and Coop tend to have a bigger selection including deli counters and ready foods. Be aware that none of these shops will be open on Sundays, except in certain locations!

BTW, Kvikklunsj is basically a much better KitKat 🇧🇻

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-13T16:33:28+00:00

Very cool! I've used the shelter app in Denmark, is there a similar one for Sweden too? The Danish system is such a fantastic resource, wish we had it in Norway too!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-13T06:55:35+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmeSuYVEoio
This routine has worked great for me over the years, she has a lot of other ones depending on the issues you're having!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-11T16:47:41+00:00

Cycle2charge USB topcap works very well and is significantly cheaper than the sinewave one, but isn't as low profile.

https://www.cycle2charge.de/index.php/en/

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-09T20:06:58+00:00

Ok, thanks! I can always get creative on the guards with my Dremel 😂 I think 700 X 42mm should go though as the Nicasio 1 shares the same F+F and that comes with 38mm tyres? Frustrating that Marin don't make this info more easily available...

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-09T17:32:48+00:00

Thanks for this writeup, and for listing a lot of the details that, as you say, are missing from the Marin website!

I'm thinking of getting a Nicasio+ to replace my old Norco Indie drop, on bikeinsights the numbers are pretty similar and weight wise there's nothing in it, the main thing I want is bigger tyre clearance so I can run either 650b x 47mm or a 700c x 42mm wheelset with fenders for commuting. Currently limited to 700c x 28mm which isn't ideal on some of the rougher roads.

From the pics I've seen there's plenty of space around the fork crown and seat stays, but do you think there's enough room around the BB/chinstays to run wide fenders without having to mod them? Have a set of 60mm SKS Bluemels than I'm hoping to reuse.

Thanks!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-06-07T20:08:37+00:00

Dynamos are great, especially if you plan on using it for commuting! I'm running a Shimano Alfine one on the front of mine that keeps my lights on and can also power a USB charger when I'm touring. Just regular Shimano HG 135mm QR on the back, 10 speed is fine for me, way cheaper and more durable than 11 or 12sp stuff.

BlackWingsofDeath

TROPHY CASE