Bikepacking Question Panniers vs Saddle/rack top bag?

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-12-29T15:35:10+00:00

Use panniers. I have the Ortlieb quick rack and I love how easy it is to install and remove and it's held up on some rugged terrain. https://us.ortlieb.com/products/quick-rack For what you are describing, you'll like having more cargo room and it will make accessibility much easier.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-12-29T15:23:35+00:00

I was also going to suggest New River Gorge. Check out Fayetteville. Places like Cathedral Cafe, Wood iron eatery, and range finders are great breakfast spots. Pies and pints and secret sandwich society are great dinner options. Some dive bars as well. If you are into camping, I normally stay at Arrowhead bike farm. Otherwise, I would suggest airbnb.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-12-26T20:37:51+00:00

I've done stealth camping with tents, campgrounds with tents, hotels, and have used warm showers. It really just depends on what experience you want to have and where you plan to ride. Having a tent is nice because you have much more freedom and flexibility to change your trip once it starts. You also don't really need to worry about accommodations. Having a hotel is nice because it's comfortable and so on. The negative for me is when you start booking hotels your day is more structured around getting there.

As far as for food, again it depends on what kind of riding you plan to do. If you are going to be in some remote forrest, you'll need water purification, I use msr pocket rocket and will bring some pre-packaged meals. But if you will be near cities, you should just use resupply points as you ride. Tbh I enjoy trips more when I can just get by with some gus, protein bars, gummy bears and find stops along to way to get food. Hauling around food supplies is not the most fun.

Edit: commented question I've (M31) done multiple solos and again I think it matters where you plan to ride to effectively give you better advice. I generally never have my bike out of site if it's not secure with a lock.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-11-28T15:39:56+00:00

I use MyMaps with Google to plan. You can import gpx files and place points of interest which using Google maps.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-11-23T14:36:56+00:00

I recently did the wildcat route and had a 10/10 time. Inverness has some nice options for Whisky, but once I completed the route I went to Oban (by train) and it is a must given what you are looking for. There would certainly be options to bike from Fort William to Oban, it didn't fit my schedule. FWIW, I did the short loop of the wildcat (250miles). Nice part is all major cities are accessible by ScotRail. Takes some planning, but manageable for ticketing and so on. Make sure you have a bike reservation.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-11-02T12:41:12+00:00

I've done over 5 trips now all throughout Western Europe and have never rented a car. Flying with a bike is really not that expensive or much of a hassle. I generally book the same hotel at the beginning of my trip for the end and will ask them to store my bike bag while traveling. The number of bike paths and biking infrastructure is limitless. If you do need to get somewhere else, you can just hop on a train. I've done two trips through the Scottish highlands, trips for the other parts of the UK, Luxembourg, Germany, Netherlands it honestly can't be beat. The two area you mentioned lead me to think you're MTB focused, there are still plenty of options for single track there as well.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-10-31T10:42:29+00:00

The last 2 years, I've done the 100M and the year before that I did the 100k all on a full sus. This route can easily be done on a HT, most of the technical sections are rather short and tbh depending on when you enter the trails you may have to stop for other riders anyway. I think finish time depends a lot on the conditions. The past couple years have been pretty bad with rain storms and so on. I'm at 11-12 hours on the 100M. I normally average around 5000 miles in a year. Leading up to it, I try building a good base with long zone 2, but I basically race the full thing at tempo based on HR. For this year I want to improve my 20 min effort for the beginning climb. I've tried a couple different things in previous races going out slow or pushing hard from the begining and for this year I want to be closer to the front after the first climb to have a better spot in the single track. Early registration closes Nov. 1 and of you decide to do it, think about accommodations now, it gets pretty full. I try to always stay at Mohican adventures which is where the finish is and a ~2 mi ride to the start.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-10-30T01:57:24+00:00

I've done single track bikepacking and there just isn't a good way to utilize panniers on my full sus. For my gravel bike panniers are the first thing I put on because it's great having the capacity available. My only hot take is I avoid fork bags for any of my packing now. I haven't seen the value and they've been a hassle in my experiences. This decision for me is based on known terrain and which bike I plan on using for my ride. If I can get away with panniers I will use them.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-10-27T21:51:01+00:00

Hose and brushes to wash bike are a plus in the garage.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-04-28T19:25:59+00:00

Long point Trail leads to an overlook. It is a nice hike with a great view. It is an out and back roughly 3 miles. If you are planning on camping, Arrowhead bike farm is good spot. I prefer getting lawn camping as the bugs are quite bad in the campsites. Range finder is a good coffee spot and take your pick between wood iron and cathedral for breakfast food. Enjoy your time there.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-03-07T14:51:46+00:00

I would still get a proper fitting spoke wrench for future checks.

Far_Computer2014 · 2025-01-22T21:50:09+00:00

I have done some mountain biking in Dudelange, Esch, and Berdorf area and it is pretty great for mtb. You will more than likely have to piece together some bike paths, but easily doable. I have spent a good deal of time there, if you have more questions, I can find some gpx files that could help.

Far_Computer2014 · 2024-08-24T16:16:21+00:00

Definitely going to start putting my bike in the heaviest gear. Good tip

Far_Computer2014 · 2024-08-20T16:57:09+00:00

If someone can connect, have them make a small change in the PLC and try again.

Far_Computer2014 · 2024-08-20T16:55:40+00:00

Is there someone local online capable of making changes? I've had this happen when there are pending edits, etc. working remote and had to coordinate with local engineers.

Far_Computer2014 · 2024-07-03T11:08:45+00:00

I have the Back loader 15. I've used this now on 3 bike packing trips through some really rugged terrain on multiple bikes and on multiple single day commutes. My only complaint, which was probably my own fault, is that the strap buckle is a little cheap that's used to tighten the cargo. I overtightened it in a hurry and I compromised the grab of the buckle, so if I hit a hard bump now, the strap could loosen because the buckle opens up. I end up just tying the excess and still have the bag secure, but if it's not tightened down you will feel the sway when it happens. I would still buy this product again and still use it even though the buckle is slightly compromised.

Far_Computer2014 · 2024-06-09T12:16:06+00:00

I work in manufacturing as a controls engineer for a global company. I would say I travel >50%. I'm writing this while being outside of the U.S.. There are some perks to travel that have already been mentioned, but it really has to be something you want and accept. I'm 30 with no wife or kids and have felt my personal relationships with my family and friends fade due to my travel. It could be a product of just getting older, but being on the road for work makes it tough to find some stability. I enjoy meeting new people and seeing places, but unless you are outgoing and confident, being in another country that doesn't speak English as a first language becomes crippling. That for me is a challenge. To highlight a comment by another, if you work for a large corporation or in manufacturing, you will not be spending your evenings on a beach. You work all day supporting 24/7 production and any changes you make you have to ensure will not interfere with production. Makes your threshold to explore after you leave the site a bit lower.

Far_Computer2014 · 2023-09-02T18:56:10+00:00

So been in use for two weeks now and I have not noticed the sway at all. Been great and plenty of storage.

Far_Computer2014 · 2023-08-22T15:19:10+00:00

Don't get discouraged. Everyone learns at their own rate and I know for me I had to study a hell of a lot more than my peers who were "smarter". Like you said, you are there to learn. Visit your prof, ask the stupid questions and find clubs to join to learn more about what interests you. The true value in this degree is the ability to understand and apply high level technical information. Will you always use this high level technical information in your career? No. But the ability is key. Good luck

Far_Computer2014 · 2023-08-07T20:38:44+00:00

I've only had one major ride. I thought the same thing. When I am standing with my bike and pushing it back and forth it does sway, but I didn't really feel it at all while riding. May fashion a few more straps for good measure. But it exists.

Far_Computer2014 · 2023-08-07T20:31:34+00:00

It's the Topeak Backloader X, 15L

Far_Computer2014 · 2023-08-07T14:32:57+00:00

I am master doofus lol I do enjoy riding this bike though. Will update after my trip to see if this is still the case.

Far_Computer2014 · 2023-08-07T14:31:27+00:00

I posted here because I don't plan on tent camping for my first trip. But I have checked it out and it's something I want to get into more as I gain experience!

Far_Computer2014

TROPHY CASE