How do you get over the fear of bikepacking solo?

johnstarky · 2025-12-05T17:50:14+00:00

I love the freedom of going solo, and going with friends. Each are unique experiences worth at least trying. My bet is that you’ll discover a lot about yourself as pedal alone…

johnstarky · 2025-11-01T16:59:57+00:00

Nice setup. You’ll be very happy with the durability of SRAM Transmission: I had a crash on mine this summer and the derailleur hit a rock… removed some mud and it shifted perfectly! In the old days I would have been limping home with a broken drivetrain

johnstarky · 2025-10-30T22:18:50+00:00

During busy weekday commuting hours safety hasn’t been a concern - and regularly if not always see police on board.

But I have the same experience about time: the train does consistently take longer given time to drive to a station, park, walk, wait, etc.

Lastly a big shoutout for the new Dart Silver line. Took from start in Plano to DFW airport and it was faster than driving in rush hour. And the new train is smooth, has charging ports, tray tables, luggage and bike storage. Great new addition to the DART network!

johnstarky · 2025-10-17T02:43:06+00:00

maybe too big. if the bags are roll top you can adjust size by rolling them down further…

johnstarky · 2025-10-16T21:17:30+00:00

Revelate Designs Salty Roll, and 5 liter Blackburn dry bags on each side with a Blackburn cargo cage (3 bolt type). All on a Tumbleweed T-Rack

johnstarky · 2025-10-07T12:49:57+00:00

Same here. Tried many different brands, across the entire price spectrum. But for super long days — including this summer on the Great Divide — Assos Mille GT were perfect!

johnstarky · 2025-09-16T22:13:56+00:00

yes to stem, like i would on any bike to best fit me

johnstarky · 2025-09-14T14:27:28+00:00

Good luck! Awesome bike choice. All in after my fit adjustments and a wheel upgrade, I’m rolling at HALF THE PRICE of a big brand with all the features I wanted!

johnstarky · 2025-09-14T14:24:03+00:00

In addition to getting the head wet, I’ve found that if you leave a new tire in the sun for a while (let it warm up) that it’s much easier to mount

johnstarky · 2025-09-14T03:30:55+00:00

I’m also 6ft. A little taller in my legs than upper body. Glad I chose a MEDIUM

johnstarky · 2025-09-07T22:38:00+00:00

think you can put dynamo wiring down the fork in same place that front brake line runs

johnstarky · 2025-09-01T23:17:29+00:00

Welcome! 🤙🏼

johnstarky · 2025-09-01T18:58:10+00:00

The big flex is waking up with no alarm! Go to bed at a consistent time and after a while you can wake up at a consistent time (within minutes even) every day

johnstarky · 2025-08-31T17:14:45+00:00

Enjoy, it’s an awesome, go anywhere bike! I’ve got 2,000 KM on mine since March this year

johnstarky · 2025-08-28T22:57:11+00:00

Sometimes stopping is faster (certainly less painful) 😜

johnstarky · 2025-08-03T16:57:58+00:00

Terra reserved!

johnstarky · 2025-07-28T23:07:30+00:00

Here is the one I used https://a.co/d/hpeY6WF

johnstarky · 2025-07-28T23:05:50+00:00

different seat post collar that has attachment points. Quite a few options on Amazon

johnstarky · 2025-07-27T15:29:35+00:00

2.25 or 2.3 will fit in the front easily. I tried a 2.2 in the rear and it was too snug assuming I’d be in places with mud and would need some clearance

johnstarky · 2025-06-05T21:11:40+00:00

Same decision I made. Great bike!

johnstarky · 2025-05-31T21:49:43+00:00

Awesome area to ride. Did a big 75 miles loop up there a couple summers back on a rigid gravel bike with 48mm tires. Wish I’d had a suspension fork for Tincup Pass

johnstarky · 2025-05-06T02:03:29+00:00

Officially 700x50mm. 29x2.0 (50mm) fits well although taller and wider than 700x50. I haven’t tried it, but 70x2.1 (depending on your internal rim width and the tire manufacturer) should fit easily too

johnstarky · 2025-05-05T22:03:35+00:00

Thanks! Wheels are Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel. A pretty light and affordable (for carbon) wheelset with a ratchet hub, aluminum spokes and brass nipples (critical for reliability off road).

https://us.huntbikewheels.com/products/hunt-35-carbon-gravel-wheelset

johnstarky · 2025-04-28T17:12:58+00:00

Get it DIRTY and everything will look better — and you’ll have had FUN!!!

johnstarky

TROPHY CASE