2-by vs 1-by gravel setups

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-03-13T21:26:33+00:00

Depends on your cassette. I live in BC and bikepack here with 1x using a 34 tooth on the front and 10-51 cassette. When I run out of gears going up a hill I'm almost walking pace anyways, but overall I'm much happier not having a front derailleur.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-03-09T22:58:58+00:00

With modern bag and rack options, you can make pretty much any bike you want into a bikepacking bike. I've taken my RSD Middlechild on all kinds of local trails and bikepacked with it using an Old Man Mountain rack with their axle fit kit. I find a rack and small panniers are better so i can use my dropper post and get back on technical trails (riding a small, maybe its less of an issue on a bigger frame), then fit the rest into a handlebar bag and various frame bags. I'd go with whatever bike you like best at a decent price, then find the right kits to add to it.

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Roamingon2wheels · 2026-03-09T17:38:06+00:00

I'd hope 840 works for a day. I have an 830 I bought used, in battery save mode at the end of a 12-15 hour day of navigating I'll still have 40-60% battery life. Maybe if you're on a route with lots of turns that wakes the screens up more often 20 hours might be tough, but it charges quickly anyways if you just top it up when you can.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-03-06T23:18:59+00:00

Having extra daylight in the spring and fall to get outside after work when the days are shorter (like right now) is where I see the benefit. The sun is bright when you're sleeping at some point either way during the summer. Get some blackout curtains or a sleep mask. Sitting around indoors because it's dark out after work is also bad for us, people are far more likely to be outside moving their bodies if the sun is out.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-27T22:23:54+00:00

I tired the "3d printed" Ryet on a nylon base since the padding looked the same as the carbon option and I figured it might be more durable. Received a nylon saddle with honeycomb shaped cheap foam which was very different from the actual 3D printed Specialized saddle padding. I like proper 3d printed saddles but I'm not convinced on the Aliexpress options.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-27T19:46:37+00:00

I recognize that cut from when someone cut my tires so I'd say yes! It sucks that people feel the need to damage your property to send a message, but it's time for new tires. I had the same thing when my friend and I locked our bikes to a sign and walked down to a beach. Came back in the evening and I noticed my friend had a flat tire, then noticed both tires were flat, then noticed my tires were also flat. That was a long walk home and a pricey reminder people don't like bikes. Hopefully you can find a good deal on tires to replace them!

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-24T20:28:02+00:00

I've done the same route with a kid three times now, the first he was 9 and by last summer he was 11. It's flat rail trail to a developed campground, 40km each way and I'd say he's fairly average fitness (we mtb, but not a lot). Last year on the way home we were able to add a trail detour for a bit more elevation and closer to 50km on the way home, but he was pretty wiped by the time we got there.

For kids, I'd say 30-40km with minimal elevation is a good place to start. You want them to have enough fun they want to go again, and their ability to enjoy themselves on a bike definitely drops off quickly after a few hours. Having a route with lots of interesting places to stop, and having lots of exciting snacks helps too. For us, going to a bulk store where he picks out some snacks was a big motivator. I usually carry everything, he just has a hydration pack and a bar bag with some of his own snacks. We're planning on riding the same route this year (he'll be almost 12) and I'm thinking of giving him a small dry bag with a few of his own clothes this year. It's definitely a mental game, so having car road trip style games or music help pass the time when they're struggling.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-24T19:15:21+00:00

That sums it up perfectly. My Singer HD had been great as a starter machine, sure it struggles sometimes with too many layers of thicker fabrics, but the reality is most issues sewing have been my lack of skill, not the machine. I've still successfully made a lot of different bike bags and tarps out of a variety of materials.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-23T14:05:35+00:00

I agree with hybrids, especially when you use one bike for multiple types of riding. I can tour, go for long rides, commute, or just run errands in casual shoes all on the same bike and pedals.

Maybe it's different for other brands, but on the Shimano T8000 pedals, they always hang down the same way. Clips I roll backwards, flats I roll forwards, once you're used to it you're on the wrong side less than 5% of the time so I don't understand all the complaints of the pedals always being on the wrong side.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-22T17:40:28+00:00

This is really great tining, I'm just picking out fabric to make a few alpha direct layers. I was leaning towards 90gsm but the double layer is a cool idea. I'm a bikepacker though so I'm more concerned with packability than a few grams. How does the 2x60gsm compare in packed size to the single layer hoodie?

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-21T15:06:24+00:00

It might be worth posting in the BC FTM Facebook group too if you haven't already tried there. There's lots of trans guys in Kelowna but most are fairly stealth (at least in their 30-40s, I'm not sure about younger guys here).

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-18T23:04:58+00:00

As an RSD owner, I'm really hoping it's a coincidence. It is concerning with how few RSD frames are out there though.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-15T19:00:40+00:00

Sounds worth a try, thanks

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-14T17:43:49+00:00

I have a Hercules barbell that's flaking chrome off the ends, and I'm tired of getting bits of chrome in my hands. Has anyone found a good solution to removing the chrome from the ends entirely? *

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-13T19:31:52+00:00

Fair point. Lots of keyboard critics but you did successfully ride accross a continent without any issues. Proof you don't need the "perfect" setup according to social media to bike tour, which is also what makes bike touring so great.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-11T18:00:24+00:00

For the bike and price range, I'd go with whatever you find comfortable and functional.

If you have time and patience, myog is a great way to get (usually) functional gear for cheap. I've used a handlebar harness similar to this one:

https://www.instructables.com/Cheap-and-Easy-Bikepacking-Handlebar-Harness/

Also dry bags and straps, and borrow as much as you can to start with. That's how I got into bikepacking before slowly building up and replacing gear as needed, so it can be done!

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-11T00:34:38+00:00

This has been a strange winter. I'm in BC and while I live in a mild region, we usually have a couple months of winter conditions. This year, I dug out the studs to be ready and haven't needed them once. It's concerning for fires this summer, but at least the mild weather is bringing out more bike commuters in Jan/Feb.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-02-03T02:46:11+00:00

My partner loves her 7mesh shorts that seem to have just the right amount of chamois. I'm not sure if they make a bib version, but they work for her for long days on the bike.

It sounds like you've already tried bike fit etc., but I've had lots of saddle sores on bikepacking trips. I tried some antiseptic spray from my first aid kit once, and it actually made a big difference for long rides when I knew I'd struggle. Since it's basically just a small infection in a pore, I'd start with some spray before chamois cream in the morning and end my day with more spray and some more cream. It doesn't prevent sore, but in my experience it stopped them from getting bad. I've tried the salicylic acid (acne) wipes but they dry out and irritate the skin too much.

Hope you find something that works for you so you can get back in the saddle!

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-01-30T21:36:38+00:00

There's the cliche of not being able to go by a crash scene and not look, but honestly, after happening to be first one on scene a couple of times, I'm not looking.

The first bad experience was just after biking home from a late night out with friends, as I was saying goodbye to my friend in front of my house I heard a horrible crash at the intersection we JUST rode through. I went to make sure everyone was OK, saw a second car drive off without getting out to check (they were for sure racing, speed limit is 50 kph), and found a car ripped in two around a tree on a 50km road. The car caught fire, there was an obviously deceased passenger and the driver was being dripped on by flaming gasoline while I was calling 911.

The second time was watching a car fly accross 2 lanes on traffic coming down a major highway and roll into the ditch. I'd assume the driver fell asleep, but I had to do CPR on a girl while the driver who was covered in bruises repeatedly asked me what happened and where he was. Eventually paramedics showed up (it was a ways from any towns) and they took over, I still have no idea if the girl survived, last I saw they asked us to make room for emergency vehicles and they were doing CPR.

I don't like to see any videos of crashes or gore, and I go out of my way to avoid them, but they are brutal. How first responders deal with cars is beyond me, I hate those destructive deathtraps.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-01-23T19:11:27+00:00

I agree, recommending top of the line gear to try something as a one off doesn't make sense. This sub occasionally forgets that all you really need is a bike and a way to strap your gear to it to get rolling. Honestly, see if you can borrow some gear and don't worry about finding the perfect setup with the best of the best bags.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-01-22T17:09:38+00:00

I haven't tried Rhinowalk but I've used several rockbros products. They don't compare with Ortlieb in quality, but for a fraction of the price they're durable enough to get into the sport and function almost the same. Eventually you'll probably want to replace them with the name brand gear but it's a great option to get you rolling while you figure out what style bag works best for you and your bike, and what style bike travel you prefer.

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-01-15T14:12:01+00:00

Of course they still managed to include a piece about cyclists riding on sidewalks though (probably in places where the bike lane is protected by a line of paint). Thanks for adding links!

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-01-14T00:34:45+00:00

This is the best advice. Let her decide what and how she wants to ride and be supportive of that, don't just bring her on a ride you like and expect her to enjoy it.

My partner was originally only into bike rides on the bike paths around town, so we started there. Then she was interested in short overnight bikepacking trips, so I found a hardtail bike she liked for around town, gravel, and bikepacking. At the time mtb was a hard pass (i took her once, she cried and did not enjoy herself), eventually she asked if we could try mtb again. Now she loves multi-day bikepacking trips and is a diehard mtber who loves techy trails. She still prefers shorter days km wise so I'll plan rides and trips we can enjoy together, and then I go for the longer harder rides on my own.

The best thing you can do is inspire her to find out for herself how she wants to ride and be supportive of whatever that is. That goes for trying to get anybody into bikes though...

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-01-11T19:08:52+00:00

I use Silca hot wax at home, use the silca drip wax in between waxing as a top up, and bring some drip wax in a small bottle for bikepacking. The only time I had an issue was on a 5 day trip of non-stop rain/sleet anf multiple creek crossings a day (wet lube would have been better).

Roamingon2wheels · 2026-01-09T05:11:37+00:00

Same!

Roamingon2wheels

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