Forgot to introduce myself!

[Dusan]

Hello everyone!

I'm new on the forum as I've just joined a few weeks ago, but I love the community and the discussions so far.

Though I realize I still haven't introduced myself.

In short, I've been cycling actively for well over a decade, both for travel and for fitness and recreation.

I got hooked on cycling back in 2016 when I did my first bike tour and cemented it with my longest 7,000 km bike tour through Europe in 2017.

Since then, I've been doing a mixture of road and gravel riding, as well as bikepacking on my Cube Nuroad gravel bike.

Looking forward to chatting with you all!

Also, here's a photo of my bikepacking setup from my recent trip:

[Amanda_W]

That's a great set-up! How do you like the aero bars for gravel? I've been considering getting a set but I was also looking at the kitchen sink bars because they have so many hand positions. Do you feel stretched out? Or are they comfortable?

[Dusan]

Thanks, Amanda!

I love the aero bars, especially on long straight stretches where there isn't much to see and I easily get bored.

They are also a lifesaver when there's headwind or when your palms start to go numb, and you want a bit of a change in the position.

I don't really feel stretched out, but I don't spend too much time in that position, a few miles at most at a time. But I guess it all depends on how your bike fits and how flexible you are.

To me they seem more comfortable than kitchen sink bars (even though you get fewer positions) because the pressure is distributed across your lower arm.

[enkei]

Welcome aboard, Dusan!

[Jesper]

Thanks for sharing! Nice ride you have and great photo!

[GirishH]

Lovely setup, Dusan and welcome to the forum.

Do you have a list of things you pack when you bikepack? Or even a link to your cycling blog? For example, do you carry a tent or usually find shelters/hotels to crash?

I am preparing for my next long bikepacking trip here in India. Planning to start in late July/August to head towards the Northeast of India from South India on my fat bike. I usually have my tent on my handlebar but I see that your setup looks a lot more lighter..:-) So, was asking for tips.

The link below lists what I packed during my last long bikepacking trip. This time again, it might be similar but wanted to pick some pearls of wisdom from you..:-)


https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/mistergordo/what-am-i-riding-and-have-packed/

(05-29-2024, 06:05 AM)Dusan Wrote:  Hello everyone!

I'm new on the forum as I've just joined a few weeks ago, but I love the community and the discussions so far.

Though I realize I still haven't introduced myself.

In short, I've been cycling actively for well over a decade, both for travel and for fitness and recreation.

I got hooked on cycling back in 2016 when I did my first bike tour and cemented it with my longest 7,000 km bike tour through Europe in 2017.

Since then, I've been doing a mixture of road and gravel riding, as well as bikepacking on my Cube Nuroad gravel bike.

Looking forward to chatting with you all!

Also, here's a photo of my bikepacking setup from my recent trip:

[Dusan]

(06-01-2024, 05:51 AM)enkei Wrote:  Welcome aboard, Dusan!

Thanks, Enkei!

---

(06-03-2024, 01:07 AM)Jesper Wrote:  Thanks for sharing! Nice ride you have and great photo!

Thank you very much, Jesper!

---

(06-06-2024, 01:11 PM)GirishH Wrote:  Lovely setup, Dusan and welcome to the forum.

Do you have a list of things you pack when you bikepack? Or even a link to your cycling blog? For example, do you carry a tent or usually find shelters/hotels to crash?

I am preparing for my next long bikepacking trip here in India. Planning to start in late July/August to head towards the Northeast of India from South India on my fat bike. I usually have my tent on my handlebar but I see that your setup looks a lot more lighter..:-) So, was asking for tips.

The link below lists what I packed during my last long bikepacking trip. This time again, it might be similar but wanted to pick some pearls of wisdom from you..:-)


https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/mistergordo/what-am-i-riding-and-have-packed/

(05-29-2024, 06:05 AM)Dusan Wrote:  Hello everyone!

I'm new on the forum as I've just joined a few weeks ago, but I love the community and the discussions so far.

Though I realize I still haven't introduced myself.

In short, I've been cycling actively for well over a decade, both for travel and for fitness and recreation.

I got hooked on cycling back in 2016 when I did my first bike tour and cemented it with my longest 7,000 km bike tour through Europe in 2017.

Since then, I've been doing a mixture of road and gravel riding, as well as bikepacking on my Cube Nuroad gravel bike.

Looking forward to chatting with you all!

Also, here's a photo of my bikepacking setup from my recent trip:

Thanks!

I don't have a list written down anywhere, I've been bikepacking for a long time, so I kind of already know what's essential for me and what's better left at home.

But you can find lots of these lists online, including on this forum. Yours looks well-thought-out as well!

On this particular bike trip I wasn't camping, which is why my setup looks lightweight. Instead, I was sleeping in accommodations along the way.

When I camp, I usually strap my tent on the handlebars and the sleeping bag and mat go in the saddle bag.

Btw, how do you like your fat bike for bikepacking? Are you only using it for off-road riding or do you also ride on paved roads?

[Jesper]

@Dusan How long did it take to do your 7000Km tour? I assume you did some sightseeing and partook of the local culture in your travels making it a rather time consuming event while not riding. Since I am nearing full retirement I forsee myself touring again, as opposed to the quick one day local touring I am presently constrained to due to work requirements.

[Dusan]

(06-08-2024, 11:52 AM)Jesper Wrote:  @Dusan How long did it take to do your 7000Km tour. I assume you did some sightseeing and partook of the local culture in your travels making it a rather tine consuming event while not riding. Since I am nearing fill retirement I forsee myself touring again, as opposed to the quick one day local touring I am presently constrained to due to work requirements.

@Jesper It took me a bit under 3 months to do the whole trip. Looking back, I think I rushed it a bit and didn't have enough time to immerse myself fully at certain points. I'd say you need at least double the time to really take it easy and soak everything up.

However, at the time, I was a bit younger and pretty constrained by budget and free time, so I rode around 100km a day and took some rest days for sightseeing in bigger cities.

[Jesper]

(06-10-2024, 04:38 AM)Dusan Wrote:  

(06-08-2024, 11:52 AM)Jesper Wrote:  @Dusan How long did it take to do your 7000Km tour. I assume you did some sightseeing and partook of the local culture in your travels making it a rather tine consuming event while not riding. Since I am nearing fill retirement I forsee myself touring again, as opposed to the quick one day local touring I am presently constrained to due to work requirements.

@Jesper It took me a bit under 3 months to do the whole trip. Looking back, I think I rushed it a bit and didn't have enough time to immerse myself fully at certain points. I'd say you need at least double the time to really take it easy and soak everything up.

However, at the time, I was a bit younger and pretty constrained by budget and free time, so I rode around 100km a day and took some rest days for sightseeing in bigger cities.

Thanks for the information. That's still putting on some distance per day for the amount of time you took to complete it. Compared to you I only did about 2200Km over 2 months. I took about 3 weeks of visitation break; but mainly due to needing to wait out winter storms. My long days were about 240Km with 9-10 hours in the saddle. I doubt I could do that anymore since it has been 40 years; one century (miles) ride per year is enough. Now I am happy to do 100 miles per week while still working 48 hrs. I had a medium sized backpack and small homemade rear rack that I tied clothes wrapped in a plastic bag; travelled fairly light compared to what I seen nowadays even for folks just doing an overnight tour.
Your bike looks pretty good for doing some distance without being heavily loaded. I think that is about as much as I would want. I would prefer the load to be lower if doing a lot of out of the saddle climbing since I know it takes up more energy to control a weight load that is higher up with the bike swinging side to side.

[Dusan]

(06-10-2024, 10:19 PM)Jesper Wrote:  

(06-10-2024, 04:38 AM)Dusan Wrote:  

(06-08-2024, 11:52 AM)Jesper Wrote:  @Dusan How long did it take to do your 7000Km tour. I assume you did some sightseeing and partook of the local culture in your travels making it a rather tine consuming event while not riding. Since I am nearing fill retirement I forsee myself touring again, as opposed to the quick one day local touring I am presently constrained to due to work requirements.

@Jesper It took me a bit under 3 months to do the whole trip. Looking back, I think I rushed it a bit and didn't have enough time to immerse myself fully at certain points. I'd say you need at least double the time to really take it easy and soak everything up.

However, at the time, I was a bit younger and pretty constrained by budget and free time, so I rode around 100km a day and took some rest days for sightseeing in bigger cities.

Thanks for the information. That's still putting on some distance per day for the amount of time you took to complete it. Compared to you I only did about 2200Km over 2 months. I took about 3 weeks of visitation break; but mainly due to needing to wait out winter storms. My long days were about 240Km with 9-10 hours in the saddle. I doubt I could do that anymore since it has been 40 years; one century (miles) ride per year is enough. Now I am happy to do 100 miles per week while still working 48 hrs. I had a medium sized backpack and small homemade rear rack that I tied clothes wrapped in a plastic bag; travelled fairly light compared to what I seen nowadays even for folks just doing an overnight tour.
Your bike looks pretty good for doing some distance without being heavily loaded. I think that is about as much as I would want. I would prefer the load to be lower if doing a lot of out of the saddle climbing since I know it takes up more energy to control a weight load that is higher up with the bike swinging side to side.

@Jesper I think doing less distance and taking your time is the way to go when possible. So, 2,200km over 2 months seems about right. For me, bikepacking is about experience and memories, not about physical achievements (not anymore), so I like taking my time.
240km is a lot to do in a day even when not loaded, especially if you need to repeat it again the day after. I did a few such long days, but it ends up being riding only and no sightseeing, which is a missed opportunity to experience stuff along the way.
You're right, the saddle bag sways quite a lot from side to side when climbing out of the saddle, but I don't do that much when bikepacking and I also try to tighten everything up as much as possible to minimize movement.
Did you have issues with saddle sores when riding with a backpack? I was always wary of riding with one because I thought the additional weight on my sit bones could cause troubles, but I see some people doing it.

[Jesper]

(06-14-2024, 06:21 AM)Dusan Wrote:  Did you have issues with saddle sores when riding with a backpack? I was always wary of riding with one because I thought the additional weight on my sit bones could cause troubles, but I see some people doing it.

When I did my long tour I did not experience any problems (saddle sores, pain in butt or back). It may have been that by that time I had already been commuting to school over 40Km a day with a backpack filled with books, etc. I was also a multisport athlete so think that probably helped round out my fitness and muscle conditioning. I think I had about 9 to 10Kg of weight in the pack when touring. I did not even have any specialized cycling gear at that time, just sweatpants and running shoes. Now I ride with about 2 to 3Kg in my pack with unpadded cycling shorts. My back is the problem in old age even without a pack; cold weather kills me, but I prevail without medication.

I think one other factor regarding my butt condition is my lower body weight (presently approx. 62.5Kg; 40 years ago approx. 60Kg) which would not cause as much pressure applied to the saddle. I have trouble with new Brooks saddles because I cannot break them in, so I try to find a slightly used one already softened up a bit. My San Marco Rolls saddles that I have regularly used for 35 to 40 years show no signs of padding deterioration even with regular usage so my weight and riding position must not have as much of an impact on my body and equipment as it might for heavier riders.
Also, riding in an aero postion takes some of the load off the butt, compared to riding in a more upright position, with more load applied to the wrists, arms, and shoulders. I noticed this while doing an informal criterium race where I used (for fun) my 1970 Raleigh Sports roadster with a fairly new Brooks Flyer saddle (they have coil springs). I rode over 20 miles that day in a much more upright position than my norm. My back was fine, but my butt was sore; unsure if it was saddle and/or riding position related discomfort since my normal rides on the same bike were only 8 to 10 miles (including some off-road miles) and I did not experience any pain or discomfort from those rides.

Looking at your bike set-up I think I would be pretty comfortable except in a stretch position using the aerobars which is something I do not use on any of my bikes for a couple reasons in that I prefer more control and my back would not be happy. I do use bullhorns without issue except when on my "lo-pro" TT bike, but that is a different story altogether.

Big difference when riding these bikes, especially for 60yr old with multiple past injuries.

'70 Raleigh Sports
   

'87 Nishiki Linear
   

[GirishH]

https://bikepacking.com/routes/trans-ecuador-dirt-road/

Hello @Dusan,

Looks like your way of carrying a tent and sleeping bag is similar to mine.

Since 2022, I have only had this fat bike and use it on all kinds of terrain. While bikepacking in Colombia, our route included both paved roads and trails/off-roading. Then, when we entered Ecuador, it was exclusively mountainous trails. Now, in India, it's been a mix again. More importantly, it gives me peace of mind and stability when I encounter bad or no roads.

(06-07-2024, 06:14 AM)Dusan Wrote:  

(06-01-2024, 05:51 AM)enkei Wrote:  Welcome aboard, Dusan!

Thanks, Enkei!

---

(06-03-2024, 01:07 AM)Jesper Wrote:  Thanks for sharing! Nice ride you have and great photo!

Thank you very much, Jesper!

---

(06-06-2024, 01:11 PM)GirishH Wrote:  Lovely setup, Dusan and welcome to the forum.

Do you have a list of things you pack when you bikepack? Or even a link to your cycling blog? For example, do you carry a tent or usually find shelters/hotels to crash?

I am preparing for my next long bikepacking trip here in India. Planning to start in late July/August to head towards the Northeast of India from South India on my fat bike. I usually have my tent on my handlebar but I see that your setup looks a lot more lighter..:-) So, was asking for tips.

The link below lists what I packed during my last long bikepacking trip. This time again, it might be similar but wanted to pick some pearls of wisdom from you..:-)


https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/mistergordo/what-am-i-riding-and-have-packed/

(05-29-2024, 06:05 AM)Dusan Wrote:  Hello everyone!

I'm new on the forum as I've just joined a few weeks ago, but I love the community and the discussions so far.

Though I realize I still haven't introduced myself.

In short, I've been cycling actively for well over a decade, both for travel and for fitness and recreation.

I got hooked on cycling back in 2016 when I did my first bike tour and cemented it with my longest 7,000 km bike tour through Europe in 2017.

Since then, I've been doing a mixture of road and gravel riding, as well as bikepacking on my Cube Nuroad gravel bike.

Looking forward to chatting with you all!

Also, here's a photo of my bikepacking setup from my recent trip:

Thanks!

I don't have a list written down anywhere, I've been bikepacking for a long time, so I kind of already know what's essential for me and what's better left at home.

But you can find lots of these lists online, including on this forum. Yours looks well-thought-out as well!

On this particular bike trip I wasn't camping, which is why my setup looks lightweight. Instead, I was sleeping in accommodations along the way.

When I camp, I usually strap my tent on the handlebars and the sleeping bag and mat go in the saddle bag.

Btw, how do you like your fat bike for bikepacking? Are you only using it for off-road riding or do you also ride on paved roads?

[Dusan]

@GirishH Those are some beautiful photos and amazing trails! Your bike reminds me of Iohan Gueorgiev's setup and it certainly looks comfortable and suitable for most conditions.

Do you travel full time or just as a hobby?

[GirishH]

Hello Jesper,

Just curious what this Nishiki Linear is. Is that to give you a "aero" kind of sitting posture?

@Dusan, my riding buddy in Colombia and Ecuador rodé with a backpack. After parting ways in Ecuador, he continúed on to Patagonia. I too ride with one all the time. I do not have Brooks or a high quality saddle or even a gel-cushoned saddle cover.

But, what I personally observed is following: During, the first few days or weeks of bikepacking I need to start with padded shorts and then switch to regular shorts once the body had gotten used to sitting on the saddle. By the end of 2-3 months of riding, I was thinking of giving away my padded shorts because I hadn't used them in a long time.

Then, I took a break from riding for a few months.

Then in India, I started my bikepacking with simple shorts. BIG mistake. I had sores from day one and couldn't sit or stand.

Difference: Same bike and saddle. But,the first time I had conditioned my saddlle while the second time, I rushed in..:-(

In a months time, I will be taking the same fatbike to the Himalayas. This time, I am not only taking regular daypack but also my 50lt backpack. It will NOT be fully loaded but i plan to bring it with me so that I can backpack when I am in the Himalayas..

I will keep you posted..

(06-14-2024, 11:07 AM)Jesper Wrote:  

(06-14-2024, 06:21 AM)Dusan Wrote:  Did you have issues with saddle sores when riding with a backpack? I was always wary of riding with one because I thought the additional weight on my sit bones could cause troubles, but I see some people doing it.

When I did my long tour I did not experience any problems (saddle sores, pain in butt or back). It may have been that by that time I had already been commuting to school over 40Km a day with a backpack filled with books, etc. I was also a multisport athlete so thank probably helped round out my fitness and muscle conditioning. I think I had about 9 to 10Kg of weight in the pack when touring. I did not even have any specialized cycling gear at that time, just sweatpants and running shoes. Now I ride with about 2 to 3Kg in my pack with unpadded cycling shorts. My back is the problem in old age even without a pack; cold weather kills me, but I prevail without medication.

I think one other factor regarding my butt condition is my lower body weight (presently approx. 62.5Kg; 40 years ago approx. 60Kg) which would not cause as much pressure applied to the saddle. I have trouble with new Brooks saddles because I cannot break them in, so I try to find a slightly used one already softened up a bit. My San Marco Rolls saddles that I have regularly used for 35 to 40 years show no signs of padding deterioration even with regular usage so my weight and riding position must not have as much of an impact on my body and equipment as it might for heavier riders.
Also, riding in an aero postion takes some of the load off the butt, compared to riding in a more upright position, with more load applied to the wrists, arms, and shoulders. I noticed this while doing an informal criterium race where I used (for fun) my 1970 Raleigh Sports roadster with a fairly new Brooks Flyer saddle (they have coil springs). I rode over 20 miles that day in a much more upright position than my norm. My back was fine, but my butt was sore; unsure if it was saddle and/or riding position related discomfort since my normal rides on the same bike were only 8 to 10 miles (including some off-road miles) and I did not experience any pain or discomfort from those rides.

Looking at your bike set-up I think I would be pretty comfortable except in a stretch position using the aerobars which is something I do not use on any of my bikes for a couple reasons in that I prefer more control and my back would not be happy. I do use bullhorns without issue except when on my "lo-pro" TT bike, but that is a different story altogether.

Big difference when riding these bikes, especially for 60yr old with multiple past injuries.

'70 Raleigh Sports


'87 Nishiki Linear

[Dusan]

@Jesper Bikepacking was certainly a lot rougher in the past and I guess we are all a bit spoilt today. Even when you have limited resources at hand, you just make it work somehow if you're really passionate about it.

I think that the seating position definitely plays a role in getting saddle sores. That's one of the reasons why I like bikepacking with aero bars, as I can redistribute more weight towards the front and relieve my butt.

Btw, that Nishiki Linear is so cool. Though, the seating position looks a lot more agressive than on a regular gravel/road bike with aero bars like mine. But it looks like it would be fun to ride.

[Jesper]

@Girish @Dusan

Without a doubt my most aero position bike as designed and not modified.
The Nishiki is the one bike I actually "spin" on regarding my cadence. While being in a perpetual aero position it seems more comfortable to have a lower gear at higher cadence than doing my normal crunching at 70 to 80 rpms.
Those bikes have been banned by UCI since the latter 90s (no more different sized wheels, and limited top tube slope). I still like them and I have another Linear frame (smaller size) I am building up as I get the parts I want.
It truly is a fun ride, but I cannot stay in the position much longer than doing a 20 to 25 mile ride since my back talks back to me after an hour in the saddle (previous injuries, fused vertebrae). Best for open roads with low traffic and wide paved shoulders since your head is down without much forward vision; handling: definitly not a crit bike. My last 10 mile TT still at 23mph minimum speed (faster than the previous ride) so I am happy enough with doing that type of effort for beat up older guy.

[Dusan]

@GirishH The first two weeks are always the "acclimatization" period for me as well. I always take it a bit easier in the beginning, just trying to see how my body responds and give it time to get used to the physical and mental stress. After that, spending the entire day on the saddle and turning the pedals becomes second nature.

Good luck on your trip through the Himalayas! Definitely keep us posted with how that is going, I would love to learn about your experiences and mistakes (if any) that you have made.

@Jesper The Nishiki definitely looks like you need some good flexibility in order to be comfortable on it for a longer period of time. UCI has banned much mellower stuff, so it's not a surprise they banned this frame type.

[GirishH]

Hello Dusan, Thanks! That was probably the best time of my life. I'm hoping to repeat something like that soon.

Incidentally, I didn't know anything about Iohan Gueorgiev until recently when a friend mentioned him after I said that I ride a fat bike. After you wrote his name, I looked him up. His story is truly incredible, and inspiring, but also sad.

My bike is very comfortable and suitable for many conditions, especially unpredictable ones. Due to its uniqueness, I end up having many conversations and making new friends. :-)

I wish I could say that I travel full-time. While I do work remotely while traveling, I can't claim to be a full-time traveler. I freelance, teach languages online, and sometimes work in person if I find opportunities on a farm or construction site. So, I'm learning, earning, and working as I experience new places and cultures.

(06-19-2024, 07:23 AM)Dusan Wrote:  @GirishH Those are some beautiful photos and amazing trails! Your bike reminds me of Iohan Gueorgiev's setup and it certainly looks comfortable and suitable for most conditions.

Do you travel full time or just as a hobby?

---

Hello Dusan, thanks for your best wishes. I'm glad to hear that others also have this "breaking-in/acclimatization" period.

I will document the trip to the Himalayas, and I'm sure I will make some new mistakes, but what's the fun if we don't, right? :-)

Here's a bad one from my days in Ecuador. Our overconfidence and lack of preparation almost got us killed..

https://www.cycleblaze.com/journals/mistergordo/bad-judgement-or-just-bad-timing-day-9-of-week-3-on-tembr/

(06-26-2024, 03:00 AM)Dusan Wrote:  @GirishH The first two weeks are always the "acclimatization" period for me as well. I always take it a bit easier in the beginning, just trying to see how my body responds and give it time to get used to the physical and mental stress. After that, spending the entire day on the saddle and turning the pedals becomes second nature.

Good luck on your trip through the Himalayas! Definitely keep us posted with how that is going, I would love to learn about your experiences and mistakes (if any) that you have made.

@Jesper The Nishiki definitely looks like you need some good flexibility in order to be comfortable on it for a longer period of time. UCI has banned much mellower stuff, so it's not a surprise they banned this frame type.