I use an old Minoura bar extender to mount lights on the Fargo, nice out of the way place to mount the lights away from handlebar bag/tri-bars etc.

I would go a 7" on the front and 6" on the rear, try metal pads as well. Braking is all about heat dissipation, disc systems are best run within the temperature parameters of the manufacturer and conditions/terrain. In short, too 'cold' (big rotors, light rider, low speeds) and rotors glaze, lots of noise, poor braking performance. Too 'hot' (small rotors, long descents, heavy loads, organic pad material) brake fade, rotors can warp/discolour, boil fluid (moreso when contaminated) poor braking performance overall. Match the temp range to your application and you're sweet.

Your fade issue could be due to contamination in the fluid, recommend a bleed to eliminate this as a fault.

Shimano have also downsized their rotor  sizing, however this is as a package to include cooling fins on pads and other improvements (alloy/stainless steel sandwiched rotors) to improve heat dissipation.

Hmm, interesting...

Can you fab up some beefy extension brackets? I had an issue on our tandem, not being able to use a disc rack AND a BOB trailer skewer, so fabbed up some extensions out of 6mm alloy flatbar.

Had this bivvy for a while now and each time I go out with it, I always promise when I get home I'll improve it (but never do)

I don't like the way the fabric drapes under the hoop when the mesh is zippered up, was thinking of sewing in a few pins and loops  to hold up the draped fabric. Seal the stitching with some silicone sealant.

Thoughts? Has anyone improved their OR Alpine?

Shimano brought out a 9spd 36t a few years back to respond to 29er gearing demands, same time they brought out a torque rated hub. Exists (in aust anyways) as a Deore 29er spec 11-36T cassette.

Park Tool make a master link removal tool, but you can also shape an old set of snap ring pliers or cheap needle nose pliers to do the same job, to pinch the two links together.

To close the link, place the join at the top, then press down on the pedals to snap into place.

Yay for planned 10sp twisties, might upgrade my blur...

SRAM has just released their new +1 series chains (as in 1051, 1071, 1091) claiming more strength, quieter and longer lasting.

Shimano also have their new directional chains.

So much can rely on correct fitment of either quicklink or joining pin as per manufacturer instructions, this is a common failure point.

You can get a 36t in 9spd too.

Which gruppo/brand did you want to run?

Great read 

Had a mate do a few deserts a while back, as well as a coast to coast ride a couple of years before - over christmas. He noted the constant headwind slowed him to 15km/hr. Was on a GT hardtail with an extrawheel. I think he even had a crack at the CSR?

I know what you mean - I have 2 skipping gears on a SRAM i-motion 9, built into my Cannondale Onbike.

Did your LBS follow up warranty with Shimano Aust?

I was also contemplating a rohloff, but must weigh up the extreme beef of this option, and the cost for what essentially might only be a sandrail. Nexus/Alfine 8 might be enough.

I keep checking Dirtworks webconnect for stock availability, but may only be brought in on special order.

Apart from some minor gruppo differences between pug/moonlander, I guess the real q? I have is the wider tyre gonna be that much of an advantage/disadvantage over the 3.7". I'm very well versed in sand and mud driving with my 4x4 and understand the principles of a narrower, longer footprint (an often discussed topic around the campfire) but different variables on a pushie.

With sand, you are constantly climbing a 'wave' of sand that rolls in front of the tyre, the longer and narrower the footprint, the better float and less resistance of the 'wave'. Widen the tread and the 'wave' you are pushing gets wider too, adding resistance. Buuuut, the increased surface area may provide additional float - depends on the weight of hte vehicle. Tyre pressures come into play too.

I have no idea what goes on with snow, but happy to listen and learn...

Thanks for taking the time to post up report and pics - I always like seeing pics of flowers too as it shows an appreciation of the surroundings.

Terra Nova make a great little tarptent:

http://www.backpackinglight.com.au/prod919.htm

Planning next bike purchase, cruising our distributors pages, looking at pugs and saw the Moonlander. Anyone riding one? My main purpose will be beach/island running, but maybe planning a trip to MN for work in January, so a fat would come with me to get some snow experience.

Is the extra width worth it? My sand plough (old hardtail) atm runs some 2.5 hookworms on a 40mm rim  and it of course performs average, next step is a fat but hmmmm, 3.7" or 4.7"?

Thinking Alfine 11 too, proponent of built, not bought.

+1 for a fargo. I bought a ti Fargo and have to say it fills a niche in my quiver that I've been trying to fill for over 15 years!


I run wide road bars (not woodchippers) with some aux brake levers on the tops for mtb work. Very flexible setup and very comfy for long road miles between trail heads, or just long jeep/fire trail.

Our pet monkey was in the weeride until she was 5, she's a petite thing. We had another on the tandem, and would go on week tours all three of us on the same bike, turned heads.

The LOCT is great, bit more freedom, I put a steerer extender in the fork, another long stem on top of mine and a set of cut down bars, so she can steer with me. She's been riding with me since 12 months, shes now 6. We've bombed a lot of single track on that bike, heavy wheels and tyres really help with stability, just point and shoot...

The BOB is great for hauling lots of kit, we also use it behind the tandem on family trips. It's the Ibex with tunable suspension. I'm thinking of an Extrawheel trailer for some future beach/island trips, larger wheel better on the sand.

...and they are tears of joy... 

Wife and I bikepack on our tandem, cures many issues we face when riding individual bikes over long distances - speed, endurance and technical skill disparities. Best part about it is you get to share the experience and the adventure together.

I bought one of the genuine Garmin battery extenders (made by powermonkey) and I rate it highly. Comes with a small solar panel and a few plugs for mini USB and fullsize USB. I used it for a recent week on the trail to power my HTC and old 305. Solar panel on the helmet top and battery on the helmet rear.

Lithium internal battery, can recharge from the panel, USB 2 or from a wall charger. LCD backlit display, great form factor and flexible mounting options. I don't know the IP rating (water/dust ingress protection) but common sense would keep it running in any conditions. My other option would have been a brunton powerpack with panel. Here in Australia there is no shortage of sunshine...

Hi, my name is Troy. I'm a career bike mechanic from Daisy Hill, Brisbane Australia.

Found this site while researching US trails. Been to the US 3 times for Park Tool Tech Summits in January (Ontario CA, Chicago and Long Beach CA) each time brought or borrowed a bike to ride. First year was just local trails around Glendora/Chino Hills CA, then last year rode around frozen Chicago for a few days, then shipped out to Tucson to stay with a mate for a week and ride Starr, Old Pueblo, parts of AZ trail and Fantasy Island. This year we did a lot of SoCal - Montana de Oro, Santa cruz mtns (Nisene marks and Soquel demo) Marin County, Laguna hills, Noble canyon, Malibu Creek. Next year would have liked to go to MN for Park, but not having much snow experience (coldest we get at home is around 42F) it might have been a challenge...

Have quite a few bikes in the shed, but here's the latest:



Built just prior to a trip down south along the Great Ocean Road.

I pack with a tent and thermarest on the fork using anything cages (Fargo Ti), keep it balanced is the best measure. I use a Revelate frame bag and place an MSR dromedary in it for water.

Bigger than a 1L nally, around 5" in diameter.

What seat for your daughter? We used a Weeride for years, now on a LOCT, but on a different bike.