To take the freehub off you nee a 11mm allen key. To take out the axle loosen all the nuts and with a small hit from the non driver side the axle will come out on the driver side
I only ride with the MULE on looong training rides that is 5-7hrs. Can fit all my spares in there and some food with 3L water. Its lite and can be uses as a back pack when you take out the bladder
The Camelbak MULE is a great choice. But for 40-50km why do you need a Hydration Pack? Here is a link to one with a great price http://www.capemulti.co.za/CATEGORIES/tabid/5071/ProductID/173/List/0/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName
Then get a SS 26er or 29er Mtb if you are planning on going off road. The fatter knobbly tires will also give more resistance if you are cycling with the kids on tar roads
Good for you. Best thing is just to pitch up and to see what dogs personality is best suited for you. Trust me, you will know which one it is with the first look
think that may be the difference. I have a old pair of Raleigh shoes that I rode/walked my first two Trans Baviaans with and I do all of my training rides with them. They have done more that 10times the distance as the Scott shoes and still going strong
