I'm trying to cut weight and I was given an MSR MIOX Purifier for Christams but have not yet used it in the field.  I have always used a pump and don't mind using it but it is definately twice to 3 times the weight of the Miox.  Does anyone have any experience with using the Miox and good/bad information about it for multi Day trips? When I test it at home on large quantities of water (4L) the test strips always come out negative even though it is very clean tap water (Denver Water).

Ive been looking into a new daypack to replace my cheapo jansport.  Heard good things about the gregory miwok from dayhikers but not much from the mtb folks. I commute to campus with a pack, use it for day hikes, long rides and would love to get into some bikepacking soon. The osprey talon 22 that alot of people seem to be using has also risen to the top of my list.

So does anyone have experience with the Miwok from a riders perspective? Maybe experience with both the miwok and the talon?

Thanks

i've sena few times discussions about generator hubs.
this might interrest you
http://www.en.tout-terrain.de/accessories/electric-power-supply/the-plug-ii/

Wondering if anyone has experience with S&S couplers for travel and portage.  I am considering retrofitting my steel steed with a set.  How long does it take to disassemble the couplers and whats the least amount of tool to do so? Are they practical for portaging?

I'm thinking of doing a 14 day bike tour in a few months - i've never done more than a weekend trip before - so I'm pretty clueless when it comes to prep ideas etc was hoping to get some good advice on here.

Basically aiming to do around 80k a day for the duration.

How much food and water shoud I be consuming per day? Does it matter what sort of food I eat i.e budget wise I was thinking a loaf of bread and  jam etc just to refuel but should I only look to eat 'good' foods like pasta?

Also, asides from a tent (camping out for duration) sleeping bag and stove, is there any other essential kit?

I was wondering what the condition of this trail is, if anyone has ridden it recently.

I've read the trip reports and I'm trying to also decide which direction to ride it. East to west or west to east.
It's only 18 miles, but from the trip report I've read on here, it seems like an all day ride still.


What do you think. Which direction is the best ride? Could you do an out and back or is it a definite shuttle if I want to do it in one day?


Thanks!

For those of you using contrail or sublite tarptents, do you carry poles with you or rely on finding trees in suitable locations to hang it from?

Also, is it possible to use your bike as the pole for the contrail? Seems like the pole is placed vertically in the centre so using the bike upside down with either the forks or wheel supporting the tent might work, not sure if the frame would get in the way of the mesh or fly though.

I am looking for around 200 mile ride anywhere from Sacramento to the bay area (fire road, single track, and some climbing). If anyone has a course and has the GPS coordinates that they would send me that would be great. Also if any one would like to do a two day 100 mile day ride hit me up.

Ive been looking into a new daypack to replace my cheapo jansport.  Heard good things about the gregory miwok from dayhikers but not much from the mtb folks. I commute to campus with a pack, use it for day hikes, long rides and would love to get into some bikepacking soon. The osprey talon 22 that alot of people seem to be using has also risen to the top of my list.

So does anyone have experience with the Miwok from a riders perspective? Maybe experience with both the miwok and the talon?

Thanks

Getting ready to pass my stumpjumper hardtail on to my teenage "testosterone factory" and salivating over the choices for 29er's out there. I'm dreamin' of TD in 2011 (40th year here) and want to pick the forums brain as to the pro's/con's of 29er's available. I know there are a ton of choices from small shops to the big names but I'm really curious to see if anyone out there has done one of these epic rides on both a hard tail and a dual suspension. If so, which worked out better for you. Most of my riding is in the Gulf Coast of TX and then venturing over to Big Bend, Terlingua, and the hill country surrounding Austin. That being said my heart and unwillingness to let go of my youthful adventure draws me to the Great Divide Trail.


Thanks in advance for any advice.