Hello everyone,
I sold my bike setup(dumbass move!, never sell your bike stuff!) and realized the mistake I made... 
So, I am currently building another touring bike. On my "older" build, I had the Arkel T-28s on the rear and loved them! With my current build I was wondering about your input on putting the GT-18s on front and rear? Heel clearance problems? With the T-28s the bottom is 6" and the GT-18s are 10". The bike is the Surly Ogre size medium, my 5-10 shoe size is 10.5US, the rear rack Tubus Cosmo and the front is Tubus Nova.
I know they pair the GT-18s with the bigger panniers, but unfortunately my tours last 2-3 weeks max. So I don't need/want the bigger panniers. Has anyone used the GT-18s for rear panniers?
Thanks for your input!
By the way, I'm a Utah and surrounding states rider, hope to see you out on the road! 

Looking for a BOB Ibex 28 Plus trailer for a reasonable price. Thanks.

Yeah i seen the springs along the way, but wasn't sure if i could rely on them. We have changed our plans a little, moving the trip back a week so we can ride the whole trail, 4 days. The parking, I'm not sure.. We are heading down to Over the Edge Sports in Fruita to get a map. I was going to ask them about that. Somewhat on that note, does everyone either shuttle or ride back? We won't have time to ride back, and really don't want to fork over the $200(if no one else is going that way) for the shuttle... Any other ideas? suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Hey everyone,
A buddy and I are heading down to the Kokopelli trail this weekend for a two 1/2 day ride. This will be our first ride with all our packing gear. We aren't planning on finishing the route, turning around at Dewey Bridge. This is completely self supported. My questions are; How much water would you bring for this ride? After researching the trail, water is not really available(or dont count on it), except possibly at Westwater Ranger Station(but we dont want to count on it). We will be turning around before we hit the elevation spike heading to Moab, so the terrain will be fairly mellow. There is a possibility of doing a supply drop around Westwater if needed.

Also how is the fishing in the CO river? We would bring our fishing gear if its worth it!

Thanks for the advice!
Excited to hit the trail!

Hey everyone!
I finally got my setup complete. I'm running a Topeak Tour handlebar bag, cheapo frame and top tube bags from Amazon, Revelate Pika seatbag, and Dakine Nomad pack on a Giant Talon 29er. First adventure is in a week!!

Hey there! What routes did you take in the Wasatch and Unitas? I live in Logan and I'm currently planning routes as soon as the snow melts! First one up around Logan Canyon. Pics and routes would be awesome!

I'll double check my measurements. I also ride in a position where my leg is almost fully extended on my downstroke. Perhaps we just have different dimensions. My legs tend to be longer than most people my height.

Haha and there is the answer! Because I have a little shorter legs than normal. I wouldn't worry then! My seats have always been a little lower for my full downstroke.
Does anyone here have the Pika? Or has any experience with it? They sent me an email yesterday saying it will be here in 3-4 days! I ordered it Thursday! Pretty fast I think? I'm hoping it will work. Honestly this first year I will only be doing 2-4 day trips. I'll have the Pika, frame bag, a gas tank with mini "panniers",Dakine Nomad backpack and a handlebar bag. I'm hoping that will work!

Thanks for the advice guys!
The reason I chose the Pika, was for the bigger one it stated you need at least 8" of clearance from seat rails to tire. For me to ride comfortably I only have about 7".. That's strange about your measurements because I'm 5' 9"ish and for 8" of clearance I could barely get the pedal down let alone touch the ground haha.

Forgot my question..... What do you guys prefer brake wise? Cable or hydraulic ? I'm thinking cable is best for on trail fixes and easy maintenance?(I'm running Avid BB7's)And do I need to do anything with the gearing? Right now I'm at 3x8; 11x32 and 22/32/42. Is that something to worry about when considering the added weight? Thank you! Sorry for the forgetfulness.

Hello from northern Utah! I am a newbie to the bikepacking, but have been reading/studying about it for days now! It's all I want to do! (Besides get my new setup out in mnts!) I just picked me up a '12 Giant Talon 29er today! And ordered a Revelate Pika saddlebag(didn't get the big bag for clearance issues, I HOPE I DON'T REGRET IT!). Also got a couple of top tube bags and a frame bag. I already have a bag that will work for my handlebar bag. I'll post some pics when I get it put together! Well that's all.  I'm super excited for my future adventures and the new places my bike will take me!  I look forward to getting to know you guys, and possibly find other Utah bikepackers!