Continued learnings from bikepacking

[GirishH]

I’ve been bikepacking in Northeast India for the past 9 months, and these are some lessons I have learnt.
   

What I’m riding:
A Framed Minnesota Fat bike, stock except for a larger cassette (upgraded from 42 to 46 teeth) when it needed replacing after bikepacking in South America.

Emergency spares I carry now:
1 spare tube, brake cables, gear cables, 2 sets of brake pads, Mu-off Dry Weather lube, Presta-to-Schrader adapter,

Tools:
Topeak multi-tool, plastic thread for opening the chain's quick link, Patch kit, Hand pump
   

In the past:
I used to carry 2 spare tubes and a foldable fat tire.

Maintenance learnings:
While in South America, I’d watch my cycling buddies clean their bikes — especially the chains — after every wet ride. I used to laugh at them because I didn’t know why it mattered. Now I do! I try to clean my bike and chain whenever I can. Sometimes it’s tough — for example, this time I couldn’t open the quick link with my usual plastic string. I’ve done it many times before without trouble, but this new chain (under 500 km old) might still be a bit tight. So I cleaned it as is, using washing soap, an old toothbrush, and a bucket. After getting off as much grime as possible, I let it dry for a day before applying the lube I carry.
   

After the wash, I also removed both wheels and reinstalled them securely. I tightened any screws I could see, since I’d noticed the handlebar stem screw had come loose before.

I was starting to wonder if the chain was too loose — I could feel a drag when climbing. I don’t carry a chain checker, so I stopped by a bike shop en route to the next state. The mechanic tested it and said the chain is still good with plenty of life left, but couldn’t explain the drag. He couldn’t do a full inspection since the bike was fully loaded and couldn’t go on a stand. He did take the chain apart and reattach it for me, and I also adjusted the brakes.

General learnings:
I try my best NOT to ride at night — the roads get treacherous after dark. I carry three headlamps, but I know I’m taking too much risk whenever I’m forced to ride after sunset. This only happens when I can’t find a safe place to spend the night or when the nearest village is still 30–60 minutes away.
   
I always keep a set of full-finger gloves, a full-sleeved hoodie or windcheater, and a rain poncho handy. On my last few night rides, I sweated so much that my clothes were soaking wet. My Salomon XA/Amphib Swim-Run shoes stayed wet for two days! I can’t change my whole kit, but even just switching to a dry hoodie, putting on the poncho, and swapping wet gloves for warm, dry full-finger gloves makes a huge difference.

I will keep updating this post as my cycling journey teaches me more lessons.

[Painkiller]

love this post, and safe travels my friend. I have never seen a stem bolt come loose like that before.

[meamoantonio]

If I may, I do agree that Fat Bike tires rarely get a flat but since the tire size is uncommon versus regular MTB, Road or Gravel tires, maybe adding another spare tube wouldn't hurt? Patches are great for rest stops but nothing beats the convenience of just replacing a tube then getting back to the saddle SAP then just do the repairs once you get to your rest stop

[enkei]

Great post! It's always invaluable to hear about the hard-won learning of others.

[GirishH]

Thanks, @ Painkiller . I got MisterGordo serviced about 5–6 months ago at a reputed bike shop. But honestly, many mechanics seem to learn on the job—or on my bike—so I’m not sure it’s even worth going there.

I know they stripped down the bike, cleaned and put the bike together. So, all nuts/bolts would have been tightened then as well..

Since then, I’ve ridden this bike through some rough off-road trails, so I’m actually surprised more things haven’t come loose. My biggest fear is the quick-release wheels—my worst nightmare when riding downhill on rough sections. That’s the main reason I ride my brakes. And, I check the quick release levers often..

Don’t shops use a torque wrench for the stem? I just use my basic Topeak multi tool..

(06-28-2025, 11:35 AM)Painkiller Wrote:  love this post, and safe travels my friend. I have never seen a stem bolt come loose like that before.

[GirishH]

@meamoantonio , I’ve had my fair share of flats, mainly because of the foldable tire itself. It seems to have fine metal threads that eventually separate from the tire material and puncture the tube!    

But, you’re absolutely right — 4-inch tubes and tires are rare.

When I started bikepacking, it was just after COVID, and it was really hard to find spares in the US — maybe everywhere. I bought two tubes at the first shop I found and carried them on my front fork (see attached photo).    

Interestingly, even small, remote mountain villages in Colombia had fat tire tubes and tires. The only bike shop in this little mountain village had 4-inch fat tire, so I purchased it and mounted it on my bike and folded the original to carry in my handlebar bag. That made more sense because my friend and I were about to ride TEMBR for two months, where sometimes we wouldn’t see civilization for days.

Here in India, I’ve debated whether to carry 2 extra tubes and a spare tire. I even bought a new tire before starting this Northeast India trip, but it added too much weight.

So, I decided to treat any breakdown as an excuse to spend more time wherever I am — waiting for a tire or part gives me an extra day or week to explore. Plus, in India, it’s easier to get parts delivered, and many MTB shop owners are state-level champions or athletes themselves, so I get to hang out with them too.

Space is another limit — I’m carrying my backpacking and hiking gear on my bike and on my back.

So, mentally I go back and forth between two tubes vs one and that spare tire..:-)

(06-29-2025, 09:52 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  If I may, I do agree that Fat Bike tires rarely get a flat but since the tire size is uncommon versus regular MTB, Road or Gravel tires, maybe adding another spare tube wouldn't hurt? Patches are great for rest stops but nothing beats the convenience of just replacing a tube then getting back to the saddle SAP then just do the repairs once you get to your rest stop

[meamoantonio]

(06-30-2025, 08:37 AM)GirishH Wrote:  @meamoantonio , I’ve had my fair share of flats, mainly because of the foldable tire itself. It seems to have fine metal threads that eventually separate from the tire material and puncture the tube!

But, you’re absolutely right — 4-inch tubes and tires are rare.

When I started bikepacking, it was just after COVID, and it was really hard to find spares in the US — maybe everywhere. I bought two tubes at the first shop I found and carried them on my front fork (see attached photo).

Interestingly, even small, remote mountain villages in Colombia had fat tire tubes and tires. The only bike shop in this little mountain village had 4-inch fat tire, so I purchased it and mounted it on my bike and folded the original to carry in my handlebar bag. That made more sense because my friend and I were about to ride TEMBR for two months, where sometimes we wouldn’t see civilization for days.

Here in India, I’ve debated whether to carry 2 extra tubes and a spare tire. I even bought a new tire before starting this Northeast India trip, but it added too much weight.

So, I decided to treat any breakdown as an excuse to spend more time wherever I am — waiting for a tire or part gives me an extra day or week to explore. Plus, in India, it’s easier to get parts delivered, and many MTB shop owners are state-level champions or athletes themselves, so I get to hang out with them too.

Space is another limit — I’m carrying my backpacking and hiking gear on my bike and on my back.

So, mentally I go back and forth between two tubes vs one and that spare tire..:-)

(06-29-2025, 09:52 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  If I may, I do agree that Fat Bike tires rarely get a flat but since the tire size is uncommon versus regular MTB, Road or Gravel tires, maybe adding another spare tube wouldn't hurt? Patches are great for rest stops but nothing beats the convenience of just replacing a tube then getting back to the saddle SAP then just do the repairs once you get to your rest stop

Absolutely brilliant! you're right, that is a really good excuse to just explore especially since you're actually out to explore rather than rush to the next destination, like the old saying that goes, its the journey that matters and not the destination haha

[Flowrider]

Hey @GirishH , couldn't find if you've mention it but what are your thoughts on going tubeless?

[GirishH]

@Flowrider , My South America riding buddies tried to convince me to go tubeless, but my biggest issue is that it’s less universal than traditional tires—especially when it comes to fat tires. I already have a hard time finding regular tires for my bike, so going tubeless will make it even harder. Plus, there’s the challenge of finding tubeless-compatible rims.

For these practical (or impractical) reasons, I’ve held off on going tubeless. :-)

One interesting thing I’ve noticed with my current rims and tubes is that when they lose air, the tire just slips off the rim by itself—no need for pliers or force. Now I feel like I’m carrying tire levers for no reason. :-)

One thing I’m considering is switching to hydraulic brakes. I met some hardcore local mountain bikers here in Nepal who suggested I switch from my mechanical disc brakes to hydraulics for better control on steep descents.

By the way, I’ve never saw so many Giant and other branded bikes in the US as I see here in Nepal. Nepal is incredible from a mountains perspective, and people here really love exploring these crazy steep climbs and descents.

I’ll keep you all posted about my switch from mechanical to hydraulic discs. The only downside is that hydraulics can be a bit niche, with fewer options if something goes wrong. Any thoughts, @Flowrider or @meamoantonio

(07-02-2025, 04:50 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  Hey @GirishH , couldn't find if you've mention it but what are your thoughts on going tubeless?

[GirishH]

Exactly, @meamoantonio ..:-)

I was on my way to Kathmandu when some villagers suggested a mountain route to my destination and warned me there was no pavement. MotaaCycle said, “Hey, look at me!”

So I set off on this off-road trail, fully aware it was too late to be leaving the main road—it was 3 pm and it gets dark by 6:30. Because of language barriers, all I knew was there were a few houses but no guaranteed lodging. But then again, I always carry my camping gear and some emergency food.

“What could go wrong?” said MotaaCycle.

I rode through a rough mountain track that reminded me of South America, passing a few tiny settlements. Soon I could see the plains in the valley, where I’d spend the next four days on my way to Kathmandu. I was already dreading the heat—nearly 40°C, dusty, and the people less friendly than in the mountains.

Just as I was crossing the last hump before the long descent, wishing I could stay in the mountains a bit longer, someone called out—like shooing away a dog or cow. I cautiously approached, we talked, and I asked if I could pitch my tent on their tea estate. They called the owner—who turned out to be the Giant Cycles distributor for this region! He invited me to stay a day or two on his property.

This is exactly why I don’t use Google Maps. Most of these back roads aren’t on the map, but locals know them well—they’re actually popular mountain biking routes. He has two Talons himself.

And, this’s why I stick with my unorthodox bike and way of traveling. :-) Even if I’d had a mechanical breakdown, I know I’d have found shelter and help along the way.

(07-02-2025, 04:07 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  

(06-30-2025, 08:37 AM)GirishH Wrote:  @meamoantonio , I’ve had my fair share of flats, mainly because of the foldable tire itself. It seems to have fine metal threads that eventually separate from the tire material and puncture the tube!

But, you’re absolutely right — 4-inch tubes and tires are rare.

When I started bikepacking, it was just after COVID, and it was really hard to find spares in the US — maybe everywhere. I bought two tubes at the first shop I found and carried them on my front fork (see attached photo).

Interestingly, even small, remote mountain villages in Colombia had fat tire tubes and tires. The only bike shop in this little mountain village had 4-inch fat tire, so I purchased it and mounted it on my bike and folded the original to carry in my handlebar bag. That made more sense because my friend and I were about to ride TEMBR for two months, where sometimes we wouldn’t see civilization for days.

Here in India, I’ve debated whether to carry 2 extra tubes and a spare tire. I even bought a new tire before starting this Northeast India trip, but it added too much weight.

So, I decided to treat any breakdown as an excuse to spend more time wherever I am — waiting for a tire or part gives me an extra day or week to explore. Plus, in India, it’s easier to get parts delivered, and many MTB shop owners are state-level champions or athletes themselves, so I get to hang out with them too.

Space is another limit — I’m carrying my backpacking and hiking gear on my bike and on my back.

So, mentally I go back and forth between two tubes vs one and that spare tire..:-)

(06-29-2025, 09:52 AM)meamoantonio Wrote:  If I may, I do agree that Fat Bike tires rarely get a flat but since the tire size is uncommon versus regular MTB, Road or Gravel tires, maybe adding another spare tube wouldn't hurt? Patches are great for rest stops but nothing beats the convenience of just replacing a tube then getting back to the saddle SAP then just do the repairs once you get to your rest stop

Absolutely brilliant! you're right, that is a really good excuse to just explore especially since you're actually out to explore rather than rush to the next destination, like the old saying that goes, its the journey that matters and not the destination haha