End of the Rack?

 Unless you’ve been living under a rock these past few years, you can’t help but notice the emergence of bike-packing, which swept in, alongside gravel and previously free road (an evolution of the cyclocross bike from 2008). These were characterised by Two or more sets of bottle, rack and mudguard mounts, so you could tour, commute and train on. Specialized’s Tri Cross was a very good example of this breed. 

There is a tendency for concepts to become dominant to the point of being the default, the only way of doing something. Back in the 80s/90s mountain bikes ruled supreme and I’d be the first to wax lyrical about a cross country mountain bike’s versatility. However, they’re not suited to all riding applications and every rider.

  

Now, bike packing luggage is designed to use the bike’s “empty spaces” and to some extent, turn the bike’s frame tubes into a giant rack. This also means you’re not limited by rack mounts or needing to add P-clips/similar, to run a 3/4point rack to attach panniers, top bags etc.  

Caveats about correct loading/weight distribution aside, decent bike packing luggage does not impair the bike’s handling, ort profile, say when tackling tight sections of trail/singletrack, which could also translate well to the urban jungle. However, certain configurations might be better for commuting.  

For example, a frame fit bag and something like this SQR Tour might be a more convenient setup than Bike packing seat packs. True, these are a good bit heavier (1390g. Compared with 450/500g) and you do need a decent amount of post exposed. However, the SQR Tour and Carradice Carradry remains my preferred option, when everything’s considered https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/carradice-carradry is more secure, laden with similar payloads.  

The quick-release system has a definite edge when it comes to convenience-removing them when locking up or heading home. The wide profile isn’t overly problematic when snaking through twisting forest trails, or indeed, lines of stationary traffic. I’m more conscious of the weight, when powering away from the lights, or winching along a climb.  

This also has a slight effect upon handling but not adversely so and something that didn’t take long to acclimatise to. Something like the Merida frame fit bag and the SQR Tour/Carradry, might be the perfect combination, with a small fuel tank bag riding on the top tube, or maybe a bar bag, such as this See Sense https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/see-sense-handlebar-bag if I was wanting to carry a little more within easy reach.  

No sooner had I thought this, Topeak’s UK importer sent me this 3 litre mid loader frame bag to play with.  Measuring 37.5 x 12 x 6 cm. The 3 litre is the smallest of the mid loader family-there are a 4.5 and a 6 litre siblings but my Univega’s 41cm frame means there’s little room in the main triangle.  Indeed, I may well need to switch the down tube cage around, or go for a Fidlock system.  

Apparently, the maximum payload is 6.5 kilos, which is impressive, especially given the 3 litre version weighs less than 197g. Staying with Topeak, courtesy of their Versamount, I’ve will also port the Apidura bolt on top tube bag to my Univega.  

Remember to wrap some clear “helicopter” tape or something similar, such as this Zefal Skin Armor Rollhttps://www.sevendaycyclist.com/zefal-skin-armor-roll where the straps touch the frame, since some minor movement is inevitable, and this can leave unsightly “tan lines”/similar marks in the lacquer/paintwork, especially when wet mud/dirt and grit are involved.  

Obviously, the same applies to racks/pannier frames, where the luggage touches, although high quality electrical tape seems the best remedy. Doing so prevents premature and unsightly wear, which can also lead to corrosion and other problems. When all’s said and done, I like pack-packing luggage and its arguably the right solution for lightweight camping/touring.  

However, it’s not the only one, nor is it optimal for all conditions. A good quality rack and single 20 lite pannier can be a more practical, stable solution for commuting, or general riding where you want a rigid load-bearing system. One where the bag can detach and refit in seconds and carried conveniently, in one, to the office/destination.      

Given there’s no middle cable for the front mech, there’s sufficient room for the mount component, without it, or the bag fouling the brake and gear inner wires. The bag’s bolt on design also seems to eradicate any need for the Velcro stabiliser strap.  

I’ve slipped it inside the bag for safe keeping. About bars, here’s my long-term review of the Acros Silicone bar wrap handlebar tape https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/long-term-test-acros-silicone-bar-w       

If the Shoe & Luggage Fits...Racemmute

 Fresh cleats instated; I’ve begun racking up the miles with the FLR Rexton Trail and Touring Shoes. Notice the shroud just covering the cleat? Apparently, this is to protect it from premature wear/damage, but it also necessitated positioning the cleat further back than I would ordinarily. Otherwise it wouldn’t engage with the pedal mechanism. That done entry/exits are crisp, clean affairs.  

The sole is described as “medium stiff” Coming from the Quoc Pham, there’s a bit more give but not the sort that impairs a decent cadence. It’s most obvious riding fixed, where I’m climbing out of the saddle, on the climbs. Less so, on my Univega, given the broad, moderate range, which is conducive to seated cruising and climbing.  

The synthetic upper features mesh venting and laser perforations, which so far are offering reasonable airflow, without letting water in. It’s worth noting that, thus far, I’ve only been exposed to light-moderate rain and haven’t submerged my feet in a puddle.  

Striking the correct balance between tour and trail is quite tricky, although there’s some obvious overlap between the two, the sole needs to be compliant enough for walking in, offer sufficient grip, yet not attract masses of gloopy mud on those occasions where you’ve decided to explore an unmade road/towpath/trail.  

I have relatively long, narrow feet, thus prefer sleeker designs, such as the FLR and these long serving Shimano, over the wider, trainer styled versions. Looking for a fast, stable and lightweight folder? This 12 kilo Tern Verge. It boasts and intriguing blend of components from road and mountain bike groupsets  https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/tern-verge-p10-folding-bicycle  

The Tru Tension All Weather lube continues to hold on, 300, changeable miles hence. I could’ve held off a bit longer, but these lubes are best topped up, rather than run dry. Very reasonable-although I’d hope so, given the marketing and price point. 

Cleanliness and low friction remain the main draws, although I’ll be sticking to its wet sibling on my fixed gear winter trainer. For a wet blend, it’s also comparatively clean, although it does transfer to fingers more readily than the all conditions counterpart.  

Steve’s been quite impressed with Rock n’ Roll Super Slick Greasehttps://www.sevendaycyclist.com/rock-n-roll-super-slick-grease which is designed for those with seals and those which move. Hubs and suspension components being the most obvious candidates.  

Lights aren’t the most obvious consideration this time of year-it's light from 5.30 am and dusk only sets in around 20.30. However, working bikes aside, these conditions are very conducive to extended playtimes on the best bike(s). 

Therefore, a set of blinkies is a shrewd move, just in case you discover an interesting detour, or get a flat. I’m sticking with the K-Lite Dynamos https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite-bikepacker-ultra-dynamo-ligh and https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/k-lite up front but Bob Elliot & Co (link) have sent the Ravemen TR30M and Ravemen TR50. The TR30 is a translucent design, which theoretically provides 360degree illumination. As the name suggests, maximum output is 30 lumens and run times cited as being 1.7 and 15 hours (steady and rapid flash respectively).  

There’s a memory function, so you can just prod and scoot off without cruising through the four other modes. There’s an auto kick down function, so, should the lithium polymer cell’s reserves dwindle, it’ll default to rapid flash. The TR50 packs a total of 50 lumens (flashing) and 6 modes. 50 lumens should be sufficient for daytime duties too.  

Looking at the lens suggests it might have better rearward, rather than peripheral punch and I’m not completely sold on the bracket but time and regular use in different contexts will tell.  I’ve switched the Dill Pickle bag for this Passport Bike Packing Seat Saddlepack.  

This genre of luggage is designed primarily for lighter, bulkier items-clothes being the most obvious, but for the time being, I’ve slipped a few tools at the bottom and slipped inner tubes atop. The Passport seems well constructed and very steady, which isn’t always the case. 

 I can’t stand sway, so was delighted by the double post strap, which seems very secure on my Univega’s narrower 26.6mm post.  Oh, racemmute? I am referring to treating your ride to work, as you would a race. Maybe it’s those years spent belting through the capital but doing otherwise feels unnatural...