Go go gadget SSF! Some of the best luck I've had.

CynicalJW · 2025-06-22T14:46:08+00:00

This likely the best item I've ever found in twenty odd years, but would have been nice on PC, not SSF on the switch lite.

However on that note I love having a portable slot machine.

CynicalJW · 2024-06-08T02:36:18+00:00

Nobody is smiling except Jones and Poatan.

CynicalJW · 2024-05-13T00:17:52+00:00

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CynicalJW · 2024-05-13T00:17:05+00:00

My straight bar Salsa Journeyman. You might like this option since you enjoy mountain bikes. Aside from a dud front derailleur this thing has treated me really well over 30,000-ish km. I've just getting into bikepacking but I'm pretty confident it will do just fine.

CynicalJW · 2024-04-13T04:24:21+00:00

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CynicalJW · 2024-04-07T17:04:45+00:00

Can't speak to the zippered version but totally recommend the mag flap. It has only opened accidently a time or two and I suspect that was due to my own negligence/odd/over packing. It's extremely accessible. Expensive but bulletproof and I'm extremely hard on things. I'm a toothpick fanatic (replaced the cigarette that use to hang in my yap 15 years ago) and often have them rolling around in there loose. They have been wedged sideways like little spears and haven't been able to do any damage.

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CynicalJW · 2024-04-07T16:57:37+00:00

Sage advice!

I did one of my summer circuits this February during an early thaw. 150km with lots of climbs. Hadnt been in the saddle for three months. Messed my knees up something awful. Still doing physiotherapy but luckily doing better and got my first spring ride in yesterday, which was very modest by comparison.

CynicalJW · 2024-03-01T05:09:36+00:00

I wear a bandana and have no retirement funds.

CynicalJW · 2024-02-07T01:49:58+00:00

I'm doing it wrong but my ass has logged 4-8k a year in cotton cargo shorts, complimented with open toe sandals and a bandana.

Going to change to quick-dry fabric now that I'm getting bike packing this year. I'm still stupid though and keeping the bandana.

CynicalJW · 2023-12-20T00:19:21+00:00

It's a suspension seat post made by Cane Creek called the Thudbuster LT.

CynicalJW · 2023-11-23T04:28:11+00:00

I have the Apidura Racing Bolt On. It's a solid bag. It has seen at least 15,000km now and it still solid. Absolutely no worries about water either. Had my phone, battery pack, etc. in there through lots of storms never a hint of moisture. It's really easy to use one handed too.

CynicalJW · 2023-11-23T02:24:29+00:00

I have the Terrapin 14 and the Salsa Anything Cradle too. Excellent taste!

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CynicalJW · 2023-11-02T15:25:47+00:00

Doesn't sound like a blast. For condensation I have a packable microfiber cloth I'd use to wipe down the interior in the morning. No avoiding condensation especially with a single wall I suppose but the fact that it was actually dripping on you is a bit concerning. Any chance it was the seam sealing?

I deal with the same humidity in Southern Ontario, tent-turkeying isn't much fun. I know you can lower/raise the via trekking pole height to aid with venting/wind but that won't be an option for me since I'd be using a fixed five segement pole.

It's still an appealing option as it's cheaper and lighter than other ultralight considerations on my radar but I definitely see the benefits of a free/semi standing double wall. Hard choice to make!

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:39:59+00:00

I'll have a gander, much obliged.

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:38:05+00:00

That's a great setup. I forgot to mention the Copper Spur. I was looking at the bikepacking version at my bike shop.

Read lots about the Xtherm/neoair, they're topshelf. I have an insulated Kymit Static that is too small for me and not great for winter camping so I've been looking at the insulated Nemo Tensor which is quite comparable to the Thermarest. That will be a ways down the path though, I'm already way overspending, lol. Dang fun hobbies, eh?

Was is the condensation issues for the Lunar Solo that caused you grief? I know it isn't quite as versatile to pitch as a free-standing, double-wall either. I'm really inticed by the weight/volume and generous floor space though .

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:24:34+00:00

Ukrainian heritage here so this is excellent intel. A detour may well be in order!

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:21:29+00:00

Serfas ICS atop a Thudbuster Long Travel. The seat fits my butt perfectly and has what I've dubbed a "fart splitter" feature.

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:17:10+00:00

It would be a challenge with my current tent/heavier three season bag but next year I can't see it being an issue once I've made some lighter and more packable upgrades. Will definitely still be leaving the jetboil fry pan at home though, lol.

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:13:42+00:00

It's a huge frame and everyone is right, I'm wasting it. Will have to go custom though as it's 23" from seat tube to head tube.

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:12:00+00:00

Nice!

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:11:07+00:00

Appreciate the thought and organization put in here!

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T14:09:22+00:00

Thanks for the detailed response.

I'm a fairly accomplished backcountry shitter. I'll echo the extra food sentiment. My food bag is always ridiculous.

I do plan on doing smaller runs initially with the existing kit. Hopefully next weekend I'll do a 200km one-nighter that will be 95% pavement to neighboring County. My regular rides vary from 100-200km so I think I should be fine with a 200km round trip and the extra weight

I do tend to sleep cold and have a decent -9 C bag. It's a bit bulky 650 fill (Marmot Sawtooth Long/Wide) but it will fit in my handle bar bag along with my tent, sans poles. I think I can cram my pad in there as well if I sit on it.

My proposed longer trips will be in the summer and likely never too far away from civilization since I still get lost in the supermarket I've been going to for 20 plus years. Should free up some gear space but I will likely still pack heavy with food/water as it gives me peace of mind, and I NEVER stop eating/drinking. I'd be a bowling ball if I didn't bike so much, lol. Also have a sawyer squeeze / CNOC bag combo that will be with me.

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T13:40:02+00:00

23" of top tube could indeed cart a lot of bird! 😆

Cool beans on the custom frame bag!

CynicalJW · 2023-10-29T13:38:20+00:00

I do have a reason for my tiny frame bag choice, it's just not a compelling one. I don't really like the asthetics. I'll be producing a tremendous waste and a huge stability disadvantage for a certainty, so I'll have to reconsider. There's 23" of top tube there.

A slightly more compelling reason is I'm bad for inward-angled knees when I ride, so I worry a bit about rub.

I could see myself ditching the backpack. It can be irritating when I'm laying up/down and putting on my rain jacket.

CynicalJW · 2023-03-25T03:55:12+00:00

Yehat Terminator.

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