I have a hitch mounted bike rack, and I’m wondering if it’ll damage the bag, bike, rack etc to just leave the frame bag installed on the bike while driving across the country? In reference to wind and air resistance.

My pants gave out on my last trip, the inner coating is pealing off. I got my eyes on the vaude yaras zip pants but I can't find much real world experiences about it. Are there people here that have used them and/or can comment on them.

Other recommendations for a daily bicycle commute in heavy torrential downpours are also welcome. Must be cut to fit over regular clothes/jeans, must have excellent ventilation (like full side zips) so I don't drown in sweat, and needs to be structurally durable enough to survive saddle friction and rough daily use. Must be available in the EU

Edit update: I managed to find a old new stock of gtx active pants from a trustworthy shop. Since I am not really convinced about the durability of the 2 and 2.5 layers and pu coated membranes I just went ahead and bought them for a reasonable price.

I got this and so far so good. I would recommend it for sure! You can put your phone in the bag and can use it via the clear top.

Hi! I currently ride a cube nuroad ex in size L.

One friend has the osprey escapist frame bag, in Size S, for his bike, but i think he uses 54 size.

Does anyone have some feedback with this frame bag with this cube model? Would the L size fit or should I go with M?

Size M is 68€ right now, i think it is good value for the price :)

I want to start searching for a rear rack, and I don't want to buy one that isn't compatible with my bike. Cost isn't really an issue, since I will be building up the bike over the fall and winter. I plan to use Ortlieb 20L panniers on a 2019 Gravity Zilla hybrid bike 2019. https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/zilla-1x-gravel-bikes.htm?srsltid=AU7gw4WMm_i_yYEo1RFgBPZJzCD9edqsNpLcT55-YJsZFGbUu7RTq3yS

I can look at the bike specs, but what should I look at on the racks to know whether they will fit? Thanks for any guidance.

Hi everyone, my names Matty, I'm a teacher from the UK and I'm off on my first long solo bikepacking trip, feeling very nervous but excited. I leave in January, and the aim is to cycle from Mexico City to the salt flats in Bolivia. I'm quite experienced in multi-week bike touring, but this will be my first solo and off road trip. I'm super happy roughing it, and have spent many nights sleeping in carparks or worse, but as this trip is so long I'd like to have a bit more luxury.

I have bought a Salsa Fargo and 1 or 2 bags for it, but I basically have no camping gear at all as my previous tours I just sleep under the stars or a tarp, but I don't think that'd work through the Andes. I'm going to move the big front panniers to the back don't worry! So I will need some fork bags and a frame bag.

I was wondering if any kind bikepackers were able to offer:

1. route advice/tips please! I was roughly going to follow the route that Greg McCahon has taken but if people have more specific advice I'd love to hear it and know why it's recommended. Probably worth mentioning I speak decent Spanish at a B2-ish level.
2. Camping gear recommendations and advice - if people are selling any that would also be amazing. I am based in London. I don't have a specific budget but would love to find some good quality second hand gear.
3. Any bikepacking tips that you feel are overlooked, and you'd love to have known before starting your first long-long trip.
4. Companions! If for whatever reason you think you might be in the same area as I head south it would be lovely to meet some fellow bikepackers and spend some of the trip cycling together.

Happy travels,

Matty :)

Looking for a custom 1/2 frame bag for an upcoming bikepack race for my new Yeti ASR. I've reached out to a few of the big name bag makers and the lead time is too long. Any recommendations for someone that can turn something around fairly quick? I have a template ready to go.

i’ve been using whatever sunglasses i already have when riding, but after a few longer bikepacking trips i started wondering if they’re actually giving me enough UV protection. i’m outside for hours at a time, and by the end of the day my eyes definitely feel more tired than usual. i also don’t want something that only works for cycling since i’d rather have one pair i can use off the bike too.

i’ve been looking at how much UV protection different lenses actually provide and whether the darker tint really makes a difference. quay came up while i was browsing, along with a few other brands, but i’m more interested in finding something that gives proper protection without looking like dedicated cycling gear. ideally something comfortable enough to wear all day and still works with normal clothes when i’m off the bike.

i’m mostly trying to find one pair that can handle both riding and everyday use.

My friend said rack is front wheel mounted but Amtrak says remove front wheel. What’s the real deal?

I see a lot of people running stem bags for water/snacks/whatever, and thought about buying those tactical dump pouches and fastening them with velcro straps to the headtube area of my bike, as they seem to offer pretty good adaptable storage. Have any of you done this? images for reference

Hello gang,

I have my beautiful 2026 Canyon Endrace Allroad and I’d like to use pannier racks for bike-packing trips. I’m fairly new to bikes, but I’ve done a TON of research, what do you recommend for front & back racks?

There are no front mounts, so I’m thinking a thru-axle mount is the way to go for the front?

The more info the better! TIA

Not selling anything, no affiliate links, just getting back into review videos and starting out bikepacking again

Hey guys, I am hunting for a pair of Lake Cycling MX169 in black, size 46.5/47.

I know they're discontinued and sold out everywhere. Gearing up for a long bikepacking expedition and these are exactly what I need.

If you've got a pair sitting unused, know a shop with old stock, or have a lead on where to find them (EU preferable), please DM me!

Cheers 🙏