My bike packing set up

[unishaun]

A year or so back I rode sections of the Cross Cape Cycle Route, self supported on my unicycle. The ride reports are somewhere here on the hub.

 

I enjoyed the experience, and I know this will sound obvious to everyone, but a unicycle is not the best tool for the job. I don't mind the slower pace, the big issue is getting weight off the butt which is not possible while riding. I still love my uni's, but would rather stick to the single track and enjoy shorter, technical riding.

 

Anyway, the touring bug has bitten and I decided to build up two bicycles for the wife and I to enjoy the back roads. After a lot of searching on the web and looking what could work, I decided on the Silverback Stride SX. It is nothing fancy, but it has mounts for rear racks, 1x12 gear setup, 100mm air fork with remote lock out and relatively inexpensive. I also like the idea of a multi purpose machine, something I can do the occasional mtb ride, hit the gravel roads for some bike packing and even throw on some slicks and enjoy a sedate CTCT. I did eye out some gravel bikes, but thought I would go with something a little more traditional.

 

Having been off my feet for about a month due to an ankle op, the "build" was also a nice project to keep me from going crazy. Below are some pics of the process from unboxing, assembling to fitting racks etc.

 

The wife is very short, so I had to order extended arms for the rear rack, then that will look a bit better.

[NC_lurker]

Out of interest, why did you go the rack mounted panniers route instead of bike packing bags?

I understand it's not on option on your wife's saddle post, but definitely on option for the front.

Will you really be needing that amount of storage capacity?

[DJR]

[unishaun]

Out of interest, why did you go the rack mounted panniers route instead of bike packing bags?

I understand it's not on option on your wife's saddle post, but definitely on option for the front.

Will you really be needing that amount of storage capacity?

I usually pack light (out of necessity due to riding the uni), but the wife likes a few creature comforts and if I am going to get her to tag along, I will happily carry some extra weight.

 

Another thing I learnt from the trip on the uni, is the weight lower down is easier and more comfy to handle.

[PhilipV]

Lekker!

The simpler is better thinking will stand you in good stead later if something breaks on a bike while you are knee-deep in the Karoo. And the air fork is worth it on badly corrugated roads.

 

My Wifey's bike has a similar rack for the baby seat, now if I can convince her to leave the kids at ouma then I see similar trips in our future.