Full Suspension Bikepacking Build Advice

[Mbot]

Hi,

 

We have started planning a bikepacking trip in Europe and one of the big questions at the moment is our bikes. As we both ride full suspension, the packing space may be a bit limited but it seems there are some decent builds out there.

 

Any experience on full suspension bikepacking builds in the forums? 

 

The racks Thule offers seems to be a good idea, not sure if it will handle the load with the occasional single track we wish to do.

 

https://thulestore.co.za/thule-pack-n-pedal-tour-rack

 

The alternative is to build proper touring bikes, but that may have some serious budget consequences and will limit our trail time.

 

[Bikeguy]

Hi

 

Always find the following site a valuable resource - which includes several DIY frame bag options.

 

https://bikepacking.com/bikes/full-suspension/

 

Personally find a seat pack, bar bags and a small backpack more than enough space for a trip, which is only complicated when camping.  

 

Enjoy!!

[Mbot]

Thanks 

 

Hi

 

Always find the following site a valuable resource - which includes several DIY frame bag options.

 

https://bikepacking.com/bikes/full-suspension/

 

Personally find a seat pack, bar bags and a small backpack more than enough space for a trip, which is only complicated when camping.  

 

Enjoy!!

 

Thanks, looks like a great site.

[PhilipV]

We used a handlebar bar bag and backpacks on our most recent trip.

If you don't have a dropper seatpost then a seatbag will help a lot.

Good luck!

[Desi]

We used those Thule racks on our dual sus bikes on a bikepacking trip. Except for one clip that loosened and got lost, the racks were great. We did some rough sections, including single track.

 

There are pics on this article: https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/articles/ride-reports/bikepacking-the-munda-biddi-giving-it-a-go-mate-r7478

[Dusty]

My wife and I have just attempted the Silk Road Mountain Race on full sus bikes. We fitted everything in and on, and most probably had more fun on the downhills than the riders on hard tails, however the ability to have a full bag fitting in your triangle, as per hardtails, is a definite advantage as we found that we had to have fairly large backpacks too. Shout if you have any questions.

 

The fork bags (Salsa Anything Cages) are awesome and carry a lot. Our saddle bags and handlebar bags are cheap Chinese versions(Roswheel) and are showing no wear after several trips. The bigger of the two frame bags is a Farr one, and the smaller one was just one I shopped around for until I found something that fitted into a gap.

 

In my opinion this is the go to shop for bikepacking/touring in SA https://www.cycletouring.co.za/

Edited September 17, 2019 by Dusty

[MORNE]

https://gravelandtour.co.za

 

I've dealt with these guys before. Awesome service and they special ordered Oveja Negra stuff for me from the US and got it within 2 weeks.

 

https://www.cycletouring.co.za/product-category/bikepacking/

 

https://www.bikepackingsa.co.za

 

i was in Pta recently in Pretoria at PLTFRM where Trailwolf is located and they have a decent collection of these although i think the Oveja Negra stuff is better quality at similar prices imo(also more color options:

 

https://www.apidura.com/journal/what-is-bikepacking/

https://www.trailwolf.co.za/adventure-1

 

 

also:

https://www.merlincycles.com/bike-luggage-transport-75415/

Edited September 17, 2019 by morneS555

[Mbot]

We used those Thule racks on our dual sus bikes on a bikepacking trip. Except for one clip that loosened and got lost, the racks were great. We did some rough sections, including single track.

 

There are pics on this article: https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/articles/ride-reports/bikepacking-the-munda-biddi-giving-it-a-go-mate-r7478

 

Thanks for the share of your trip. Looks great. Will def add that to our references

[Mbot]

My wife and I have just attempted the Silk Road Mountain Race on full sus bikes. We fitted everything in and on, and most probably had more fun on the downhills than the riders on hard tails, however the ability to have a full bag fitting in your triangle, as per hardtails, is a definite advantage as we found that we had to have fairly large backpacks too. Shout if you have any questions.

 

The fork bags (Salsa Anything Cages) are awesome and carry a lot. Our saddle bags and handlebar bags are cheap Chinese versions(Roswheel) and are showing no wear after several trips. The bigger of the two frame bags is a Farr one, and the smaller one was just one I shopped around for until I found something that fitted into a gap.

 

In my opinion this is the go to shop for bikepacking/touring in SA https://www.cycletouring.co.za/

 

Dusty, did you adjust your rear suspension pressure to compensate for the extra weight?

[Hardi]

[Dusty]

Dusty, did you adjust your rear suspension pressure to compensate for the extra weight?

Just a wee bit on my wife's bike as her bag touched the rear wheel occasionally when going over very rough terrain.This sorted the issue out. Do test your setup out before the trip over all sorts of terrain. Rubbing bags get holes quickly.

Edit https://www.cycletouring.co.za/product/cycletouring-voile-straps/ These are my best pieces of kit. They stop bags bouncing, rubbing etc and prolong the life of the bags and their contents. Expensive, but worth every cent

Edited September 17, 2019 by Dusty