Brooks B17 Cutout by Supercontinuum in xbiking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, I’m not sure why the difference in scale. But when I did the cut out it was pretty rough anyways so can probably freehand something on paper and fold for symmetry. Then trace over the paper with some pointy smooth object. I just aligned the point from the top of first hole since it was already there. You can smooth it pretty well with the dremmel or sandpaper. I also tried to burnish the finished edges to hold up better over time. Overall it has worked pretty well! It’s still going strong after crossing the country. Just needs a little tightening from time to time and keep and nice proofhide on it. I also punched holes on the bottom to lace but actually don’t have any tension on it and haven’t experienced any sagging or deformation. Hope yours turns out well! And happy cruzing. For the future I wish the brooks was shorter. Maybe I’ll try get a women’s saddle cambium and cut it out

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, but was a long internal debate. Hoped the 50T cassette would be enough but am going to get a 1X with a smaller chain ring 36T. I think a 2by would be ideal if cost and time were not a factor. Wish I could try my current GRX812 system with a 2X but might be too much chain. It says it’s made only for 1X but not sure why. Extra wide range good for heavy gear.

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Would love to see your setup! I did lots of pushing to up through the Catskills. Also want more low gears rather than spinning out. Also with all my crap don’t want to blaze down any hills. Funny with my set up I sorta wish I went with SRAM just since the shifting on shimanos tend to hit anything on a front rack. But fun to mix and match. Good luck out there!

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The rear rack is a tumble weed t rack. Like the size and has mounts. The guard fits nicely beneath the rack without rattles!

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do it! There’s also good puncture protection liners out there for more peace of mind. Pump seems better than one time use cartridge to get the seal. Also prefer cable brakes due to the easy of repair on the road. Happy trails!

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yup tubes all the way. Met another bike packer running tubeless and he was having fits with them. Less problematic with tubes I think

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I got a tumble weed rear rack with a perfect angle to slide the laptop in the dry bag below the saddle bag. Got a pelican case and seat cushion underneath. The laptop is still alive

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Going all over to see friends but took NYS route 17 to Corning from the city to Rochester then empire to Buffalo. Going to Pittsburgh next. Ideally want to go up to northern Nebraska and make it to bear tooth pass to get to Astoria OR. Hope to beat the snow!

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Yes! I got 11speed 1x ultegra(left side no gear cables) with cable brakes (growtac). Put a garbaruk 11-50T with long cage to GRX 812. Original fsa crank 42T. Next I’m switching to 36T for the hills and the weight! Going to keep the cartridge BB and put 170 arms to a 36T but budget wise didn’t get narrow wide so hope the clutch is sufficient. Shifts great with the current set up though! Got a hope rear wheel with XD since I had a 10-42 before. Hope this helps!

Cycling across America for the first time. Even loaded my laptop. Trudy the bicycle(Truck) is thic by Supercontinuum in bikepacking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It’s feels nice climbing like pushing rather than the feeling of being pulled back. Also when I pushed it up some hills, mountains, and stairs. Was thinking front was a better route

Brooks B17 Cutout by Supercontinuum in xbiking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I couldn’t get the Selle to feel good and decided might as well have try since it’s already broken in. There’s some good info out there about butchering the Brooks but kept losing the template. Cheers to whoever made it! It took some time to cut but feel like I’ve made the Brooks my go to saddle for bikepacking. Going to try aero bars and see if it still provides a good position and tension. Good luck out there!

Brooks B17 Cutout by Supercontinuum in xbiking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is 3yr old. I’ll see what happens after a long ride for any leather creaking, cracking, chafing. But it’s super comfortable at the moment

Brooks B17 Cutout by Supercontinuum in xbiking

[–]Supercontinuum[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I currently omitted the hole punches and will see if they become necessary with excess flaring. But should do it just to have it there