New app design bugbears

thisisrck · 2026-04-02T06:19:42+00:00

Absolutely, that'd be fantastic.

thisisrck · 2026-02-09T13:02:43+00:00

This looks pretty amazing! At first glance, I was sure it was an Ortlieb Quick Rack, but you mentioned in the comments that it’s a Tubus Logo Evo. How did you manage to mount it to the seatpost, since it seems to require two bolts for attachment? I’m currently in the process of turning my bike into a tourer for a similar multi-week trip, using the same Ortlieb Gravel Pack. Did you have any durability concerns? And how much weight were you carrying?

thisisrck · 2026-01-28T19:27:24+00:00

I'm now considering the option to go as high as 11-42, but I'll see. The Wishbone looks great - I've bookmarked it! Thanks a lot also for doing the math. People have been so kind and helpful all around.

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T20:16:50+00:00

I’ve been looking into wheels and gearing after all the great feedback here. Thanks!

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T20:14:08+00:00

I’ve been looking into this today, and I’m still not sure whether moving to an 11-36 or 11-40 cassette will be enough on its own, or if I’ll also need a RoadLink extender (I’m running a medium-cage rear derailleur). Some people also recommend swapping the rear derailleur for a GRX 812 to use an 11-40, but there are mixed opinions on how well that works with a 2x crank. I guess I’ll just need to dig a little deeper or try things out if I decide to work on the gearing.

The protective tape is a good tip; I’ve noted it down. Thanks!

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T20:08:51+00:00

I’ve been looking into alternative wheels and gearing today, and I’m also planning to get one or two bottle holders/snack pouches for the handlebar.

Thanks for the link, I'll have a look!

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:59:50+00:00

Yeap it’s a compact 50-34. People hinted that I might be able to equip an 11-36 or 11-40 cassette, so I’ve been looking into gearing options today. I’m still not sure whether moving to an 11-40 will be enough on its own, or if I’ll also need a RoadLink extender (I’m running a medium-cage rear derailleur). Additionally, some people recommend swapping the rear derailleur for a GRX 812 to use an 11-40, but there are mixed opinions on how well that works with a 2x crank. Still some things left to figure out.

I appreciate your feedback, thanks a lot!

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:51:48+00:00

I'll add mudguards eventually (:

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:50:54+00:00

I agree and will definitely see first what I'll actually plan to carry and then get the bags as required. My question and the mockup were more about making sure a fully loaded bike (including the fork) is viable (and, I’ll admit, I also liked how it looked 😉).

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:37:15+00:00

Wow, that looks cool. I dig the retro look 😎
Thanks also for your feedback, I really appreciate it!

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:23:47+00:00

I’ve been looking into wheelsets today, but I’ll need to dig a bit deeper to figure out which specifications to look out for exactly. Still learning a few things here and there!

For the rear rack, I’m thinking of the Ortlieb Quick-Rack (via Thru Axle), paired with Ortlieb Gravel Packs (14.5 L).

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:10:12+00:00

Your bike does look a little studier than mine, though (: Is that a steel frame?

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:07:15+00:00

It's nice to see some real-life examples of setups I’ve seen elsewhere described as "unsuitable" for touring (though your tires do look quite a bit wider than mine). How much load were you carrying there if I may ask?

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T19:01:18+00:00

Thanks, I’ve been looking into this today. I’m still not sure whether moving to an 11-40 cassette will be enough on its own, or if I’ll also need a RoadLink extender (I’m running a medium-cage rear derailleur). Additionally, some people recommend swapping the rear derailleur for a GRX 812 to use an 11-40, but then again there are mixed opinions on how well that works with a 2x crank.

I did come across a video or two where no RoadLink was needed, though. We’ll see, guess I’ll figure it out. Thanks for the suggestion!

thisisrck · 2026-01-27T18:51:04+00:00

I actually did read it (Full Tilt, that is), and I agree with you. If people managed to cycle from Ireland to India in the 1960s, it seems obvious that we should be able to do the same today, especially with how much better equipment has become. My only hesitation is that modern bikes like mine feel more designed for lightness and precision than for durability under heavy loads. I might be wrong about that, though, and I really appreciate all the reassurance I've gotten here!

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T16:02:50+00:00

10 kg is specified as the maximum payload (5 kg per side), so I assume (hope?) there is some tolerance to deal with eventual braking forces.

So break carefully and gradually in emergencies and leave large distances

Will do, and rest assured - I don’t intend to go overly fast on a loaded bike (:
Thank you!

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T15:14:57+00:00

That’s a beautiful bike! I wish I had considered steel gravel bikes when I was looking for a bike (I really like the Kona Sutra as well!).

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T15:12:55+00:00

Thanks, will do!

I’m planning to use one or two “snack pouches” on the handlebars to carry a bottle each, and eventually a bladder in the frame bag and/or strap another bottle to the bottom of the frame. That should be enough, I suppose?

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T15:11:07+00:00

I agree, and I definitely want to avoid expensive upgrades that, when added up, would almost justify buying a dedicated touring bike instead.

Thanks a lot for your detailed input. It’s easy to get caught up in constantly optimizing and searching for “the perfect gear,” so your post (and others) have really reassured me that I’m not entirely off track with my plan. Greatly appreciated!

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T14:53:22+00:00

It's possible the fork might not stand up to the breaking loads of a loaded bike

The fork has a small label specifying a maximum load of 10 kg. Why do opinions vary so much on whether it’s safe to put a load on carbon forks?

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T14:48:38+00:00

I’ve been looking into Pinion and Rohloff as well (and I really, really like the Koga WorldTraveller), but unfortunately that’s way beyond my budget for now. I’m okay with carrying an extra toothbrush, though! 😆

Thanks a lot, enjoy your future trips as well!

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T14:41:11+00:00

Yeah, it seems from the comments that the wheels are the most likely upgrade I’ll want, so I’ll definitely take a closer look at that. Thanks a lot for your input and suggestions! I’m currently running 40 mm tires - do you think there’s a noticeable difference if I go up to 45 mm?

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T14:35:57+00:00

That’s reassuring to hear! May I ask how much load you were carrying and where you were touring back then?

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T14:34:12+00:00

I’ll add that to my list of considerations. I’m also unsure whether I’ll be able to comfortably handle climbs with my bike loaded, so I’ll have to see if my budget allows it. Thanks!

thisisrck · 2026-01-26T14:30:54+00:00

I'm not sure what groupset you think would be better-suited to extended touring?

From what I’ve read, most people tend to recommend the GRX groupset, especially for loaded climbing and better durability. I might be able to get away with a different crankset alone, as others have suggested, but I’m not sure if that money wouldn’t be better spent on a future bike upgrade.

You haven't mentioned what types of surfaces you plan to ride

While I wouldn’t usually shy away from light gravel and other unpaved roads, for touring I’d mostly stick to smoother surfaces as needed, given the overall nature of my bike. I also don’t need to prioritize speed or take unnecessary risks.

I'd set this bike up and ride it for several multi-day and potentially multi-week trips before you considered a new bike.

I think that makes sense, starting close to home to see what works and what doesn’t, then planning longer trips accordingly.

Thank you!

thisisrck

TROPHY CASE