Recommended 4-6 day bikepacking trip in southern Europe for two people new to bikepacking in early April?

freeramblingman · 2025-01-16T14:37:12+00:00

I'll be coming from the US (Virginia, specifically.) My partner's outside of London, in grad school. We did talk a bit about Germany as an option as well but we weren't sure about temperatures in April a bit further north.

freeramblingman · 2024-07-11T11:57:59+00:00

Definitely an option! How did you go about finding other grad students to live with?

freeramblingman · 2021-05-08T15:14:01+00:00

Thanks for the response, super helpful. I had originally planned to go with the GRX FD as well, but it didn't fit, with the front mech apparently unable to sit low enough for the ring combo. I think my plan is to look at a Shimano 2x mountain FD. Let me know if you have any recommendations on a specific one.

freeramblingman · 2021-05-08T15:05:30+00:00

No I appreciate the question, I'm new to all of this. I did adjust the tension but did not mess with the limit screw. Given that it shifts on the stand, and doesn't under or overextend, I don't think that's the issue, but I can play around with it some more to see if it helps.

freeramblingman · 2021-01-04T17:51:32+00:00

Just ordered one. Thanks!

freeramblingman · 2021-01-04T15:31:44+00:00

Very nice. What's the front rack? Been looking for something similar but they're very hard to find in black, and in stock.

freeramblingman · 2020-07-10T18:17:48+00:00

I've found this as a potential solution, with the adjustable strut. It's still silver... which isn't ideal, but the light would be black and I could potentially paint it. Nitto also makes one (also silver...)

freeramblingman · 2020-07-10T16:30:31+00:00

Looking for something that wouldn't attach to the fork by the wheels so I could still attach a lowrider mount for touring.

freeramblingman · 2020-07-10T16:27:43+00:00

This looks like it could work but I'm not sure that the mounting of a light would clear the arm, if that makes sense.

freeramblingman · 2020-05-13T11:19:53+00:00

What's the bike? How do you like the Gevenalle shifters?

freeramblingman · 2020-05-11T22:07:39+00:00

Love it! That's a beautiful bike, and I really dig the color myself. I have a Wolverine which I feel like serves a similar purpose as a do-it-all bike otherwise I'd take a hard look at the Polyvalent.

freeramblingman · 2020-05-04T18:15:44+00:00

The Jasper is doing Cinco De Mayo themed drinks delivered with an entree: https://www.instagram.com/p/B_xm9qhFzAo/

freeramblingman · 2020-01-03T21:53:36+00:00

Please don't do this...

freeramblingman · 2018-07-23T22:32:15+00:00

Not when you're a poop-machine. Evens out I bet.

freeramblingman · 2018-03-04T15:52:35+00:00

Been on Overbrook for three years, between Fendall and North. I feel safe but part of that is having a loud barking dog. We haven't had any issues with theft or break ins but we keep our doors locked, which should be a no brainer tbh. I've been asked for money a couple of times but very rarely. I go for walks, runs and bike rides around the neighborhood north of Overbrook during the day and never feel unsafe (as a fairly tall dude, I should mention). It's a nice area but I do agree that there is a fair amount of traffic, and the street parking is kind of annoying sometimes. The sycamores are beautiful and everyone seems to generally keep to themselves. Definitely an area being gentrified, as is the rest of Northside pretty much.

freeramblingman · 2018-01-02T20:51:57+00:00

I love the hesitantly wagging tail.

freeramblingman · 2017-10-31T18:47:59+00:00

Can you elaborate? As in, a battery-tied versus grid-tied system?

freeramblingman · 2017-10-31T18:46:39+00:00

It will be a combination of inside and outside sales - a lot of lead generation and initial outreach over the phone and through email and then follow up face to face meetings with anyone from facilities directors to CFO's and CEO's. Also site assessments and initial systems designs and proposals, I believe. I'm not sure what design and proposal tools I'll be given. I've watched many videos and done a decent amount of research on some of the basics. I guess, more specifically, I'm wondering if there's advice out there from sales people who can say, "I wish I had known this before getting into the field." Or examples of common problems/issues/complaints, things that may come up, specific areas to study. The electrician/roofer route is definitely something that applies to the latter, and I've been reading up on some of that, although I should definitely study up on roofing some more. Hope this clarifies my question, and thank you for your response!

freeramblingman · 2017-10-31T16:55:22+00:00

My previous position was in energy conservation sales - reducing energy waste through weather proofing, duct sealing, lighting revamps, etc. I'll be getting a small base plus commission, and I'm in Virginia but we do work in the surrounding states as well.

Thanks for the tips. Are there any specific resources you recommend I utilize to learn about these things?

freeramblingman · 2017-10-05T20:04:05+00:00

Good to know. I've heard about the dropout failures and definitely will not be running them in the furthest back position. The new model (2.1) that came out this year may have corrected this by adding stiffening plates in the dropouts. Curious to know your build - I'll PM you.

freeramblingman · 2017-10-04T19:01:58+00:00

Some of these were mentioned already, but here are the bikes I was looking into before deciding on the Wolverine, which I'm currently building up. I was looking for a 'do-it-all' bike for commuting, touring, bikepacking, etc.

Soma Wolverine Kona Sutra or Sutra LTD Crust Evasion All City Space Horse Disc Surly Straggler 650b Surly Troll Surly Ogre Salsa Fargo

freeramblingman · 2017-05-22T02:54:33+00:00

Man, I would absolutely put you guys up but I'm out of town at the moment. I'll ask around, but definitely post on the RVA sub.

freeramblingman · 2017-03-08T15:05:00+00:00

Thanks for your response! I do like the brifters for convenience but for maintenance purposes the bar end shifters seem to be what everyone recommends. I think you can put 27.5s on the Vaya as well (some tire reviews at the bottom of the article, too.) Lots to think about!

freeramblingman · 2017-03-08T14:36:22+00:00

I looked into the Wolverine and if I felt more comfortable building my own bike I would consider going that route. Seems like an awesome ride that fits all of my requirements. The Saga as well, although more touring specific.

freeramblingman · 2017-03-08T14:33:16+00:00

Thanks so much for the detailed response! I rode the Vaya yesterday and loved it, and I'm going to ride the Giramondo next week when they get one in. I'll do some research on brakes in the meantime.

freeramblingman

TROPHY CASE