The difference is huge though hard for me to quantify exactly. I can't speak to the difference to running Endomorph tires on Large Marge rims (65mm) compared to the 100mm rims but I will know this winter.

I buy a used western or feathered friends down bag before I wasted $200 on some cheap-o -20 bag.

Cool to see CB actually getting lighter. Their stuff has been super heavy for a while.  Still not really a pack that interests me but I like the innovation and I could see it being popular and easy to recommend.

The Black Diamond Flash pack is still my favorite if it's big enough for the job and I plan on carrying a pack for the full trip.

So sorry I can't be joining you. Instead I'll be trying to bend my ankle to 90deg. Post lots of pretty pictures when you're back.

I have one, well Marni does. The hip belt is big and wide but has no real structure. I've not used it biking except for a couple 4wd approaches to 14ers to save on walking road miles.

I'll probably play early updater. I could use a smaller/lighter unit as it's my one concession to solo trips that don't seem to be ending anytime soon.

AAA's aren't my favorite mainly because the $$$/unit power is half that of AA's but it's not a deal breaker. If the power is better similar to the difference in the old Geko 301 to the ETrex then I'll be pretty happy with that.

Awesome guys. Great job!

Go boys go!

I've got a 20" red Karate Monkey, brand new and I'll sell it for $400+shipping if it's your size and you're interested. Frame and fork and seatpost clamp. It's boxed and can go in the mail ASAP.

Jefe and Jim probably have the most experience with the Rohloff. I admit that it's a very tempting idea to me but so far I still feel like it's "not quite there".

Good luck Dave. You're a super hero, i mean it.

And Troy and Blair at least have each other. Maybe they'll have to whip out the mansnuggle to stay warm?

My partners in crime have bailed on me so I'm all alone. Anyone traveling down from Colorado? Denver, CoSprings or other even?

Brink what kind of wheels do you need? I'm sure someone can help you out should the LBS come up short.

Even on a geared bike I'm fine with ditching the big ring. 32x11 is big enough for me except during XC races. Then once and a while the 44t is nice on stupid fast downhills that scare me anyway.

I doubt you'll miss it bikepacking in AZ.

wow i so wish i could have made it. perhaps soon enough i'll get out of town somewhere.

Cabela's has the Garmin etrex Vista HCx Bundle- including unit, case, 128 MB SD card and Topo USA 2008 software for $199.00.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jsp?id=0049771&navCount=1&parentId=cat21350&masterpathid=&navAction=push&cmCat=MainCatcat20075-cat602025-cat21350&parentType=index&indexId=cat21350&rid=

AZ boyz,

Tire choice and pricker level compared to the AZT300? Is it full on spikey things again? Just need to Stans up some tires and I've got Nano, Mtn King or Nevegal for the front and Nano or DryX for the rear. Or I could buy something else like a snakeskin ralph or 2.2 race king which i hear is fat.

I need to look at the track but I thought I remember you saying there were food options on the road and at least a couple good water stops?

Are we likely to see blazing temps? I assume fall at 9k can be chilly but I'm just curious what the upper end is likely to be? 90+ or just 80s at best?

lol

Does having a Spot along aleviate the solo problem? Heaven forbid I violate a USA Cycling rule!

Maybe if you talk to it like an imaginary friend and draw a face on it. Willllllllllllson!

Does yelling at cows on the gasline or north beaver mesa count as harassing? :p