When I got my Hunqapillar two years ago this very month I outfitted him (his name is Shadowfax, not for his color, but for the quality that once on it's his responsibility to keep you there and if you do fall off it's your own fault. Considering I ride with constant neurological vertigo and can count my falls on one hand despite technical trail riding, he's lived up to his name!) -- anyroad, I outfitted him for paved and dirt road touring. But in the ensuing time, I've learned that on roads there are people and their insidious noise machines far more often than there are on single track. I've also learned the weaknesses of a road touring setup for MTB style riding and bikepacking. So my plan, as budget allows, is to convert Shadowfax to a dedicated singletrack beastie and here is the plan:
Tires: I shifted to Smart Sams, currently 2.1" rear, 2.25" front. Fenders: I've dropped them for now, but wondering if there are cold, MTB/knobbie friendly options someone could recommend. Wheel size is 29 x 2.25". Handlebars: You've seen this in other threads, but shifting away from the Albatross to a bar that allows for aggressive posture with brakes up front. Likely a bullmoose, albastache, or dirt drop bar. Saddle: Currently a B-68, going to try the B17 Select. I need a saddle I can get weight back on steep descents. Recommendations here? Cassette: Shift from a 12-32 8 speed to a 12-36 9-speed to allow most of my riding to be done in the middle ring (36t). Front Deraileure: Ride what I have but consider shifting to White Industries VBC Mountain Crankset 24/36, riding mostly in the 36, but having the granny if needed. Anyone have experience with this? Do I need new cranks, or can I use my Sugino 170s? The goal here is simplicity without sacrificing needed gearing for riding mountain trails with touring load. Any and all inputs welcome. I have to add that I am continually stunned by how versatile this bike is. With my road setup I've ridden significant section s of the Colorado Trail (technical single track). How much more/better will he ride these trails when properly set up? With abandon, Patrick www.MindYourHeadCoop.org www.OurHolyConception.org -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
