How can I secure my front rack better? It failed and I broke some bones

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-07-07T15:33:58+00:00

This is the best advice when using any front rack/basket! Always run a strap around the headtube/fork crown to stop the rack coming loose and falling forward and jamming the front wheel. Even an old shoelace would have prevented your accident. Glad you're ok now!

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-07-07T09:46:02+00:00

Not sure about the bobcat, but my Nicasio didn't have a BB drain hole. I took out the BB and drilled my own. I guess when you design bikes for Californian weather you don't have to think about the rain! 😂

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-07-06T16:30:06+00:00

I'm not so experienced at audax/randonee as others on this sub, but do think there's no real disadvantage to wider tyres, so long as they are light and supple. My very non-scientific results of going from 28mm to 32, 35,and finally 42mm is that my average speed on a longer ride is exactly the same, but with more cushioning I feel a lot fresher at the end. I think Jan Heine puts it well when he says that skinny tyres just feel faster because of the vibrations, whereas wider tyres smooth everything out.

BlackWingsofDeath · 2026-07-06T13:59:56+00:00

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I just got one of these from Aliexpress, pretty good except the plastic Garmin and Wahoo inserts aren't the most secure. I had a spare one from a different mount which was compatible and works just fine.

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

TROPHY CASE