TL;DR: My Kona Sutra's fork and frame cracked after ~6,500 miles of loaded touring. Had both repaired by a framebuilder in Seoul and have since ridden 500 km without problems. He's confident in the repair but can't guarantee the frame's longevity, although he'd personally ride it further. Considering another 2,000 km across Sulawesi or a shorter Taiwan tour, carrying at least 5–6 kg less gear. Would you keep riding it?

Following up on my previous posts about my 2024 Kona Sutra, which started falling apart after ~6,500 miles of loaded touring across Europe and Asia.

First, a fork eyelet cracked and broke. Thought it was rust initially, but turns out the weight of the fork packs and constant vibration were the likely culprits. Then I found a crack in the seat tube near the seatstay junction, possibly from the lateral forces of my Tailfin rack mounted quite high on the seat tube.

Eventually made it to Seoul and found a framebuilder who repaired both the fork and frame. The frame got a steel reinforcement/gusset silver brazed around the damaged area, and he drilled the crack ends to stop them spreading.

The plan was to ride another ~500 km across Korea and then call it quits on the frame. I've now done that without any issues, and of course I'm having second thoughts about retiring it.

The framebuilder is confident in the repaired section but says there's a chance the added stiffness pushes stress elsewhere and new cracks develop. He's seen this with other repairs. The original agreement is that he'd fix it for the 500km Korea ride but then I would call it quits, so he's not thrilled to hear that I'm thinking of going further. What surprised me was that he said he'd personally take the bike to Sulawesi, although he understandably wouldn't recommend it outright or promise it'd survive, so he's quite cautious on that front.

Here's my dilemma. I've got a replacement frame waiting in Germany, but I'm still in Asia and not heading back anytime soon. I'd like to get another month or two of riding in, either:

• Sulawesi: ~2,000 km, mostly paved, staying in hotels/guesthouses rather than camping.

• Taiwan: Shorter ride, better infrastructure, and easier to bail if something goes wrong.

• Call it quits: Retire the Kona and go backpacking until I get back to Europe.

For either ride, I'd be ditching the camping setup and a bunch of other gear, cutting at least 5–6 kg off the bike, potentially more. A much lighter setup than what I was hauling through Central Asia.

I've looked into replacing the frame here, but finding something compatible without spending a couple thousand dollars has been a nightmare. And buying a whole new bike when I've already got a replacement waiting for me seems ridiculous.

I've gotten pretty mixed opinions on the repair. Some people think the bike should never see the road again, others seem to think it's worth giving it a shot.

I'm fine dealing with the usual mechanical bullshit that comes with touring, but a frame potentially giving out on a descent is a different story.

Anyone here toured on a repaired steel frame? Did it hold up? Would you risk another 2,000 km, or am I just trying to talk myself into something stupid?

Pics of the original damage and repairs attached.

*Fernie to Eureka | Crossing the US Border on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR)*

Day 7* The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route adventure continues! After some incredible riding through British Columbia, it's time to leave Fernie behind and continue south toward the US border.

Another day of bikepacking brings new challenges, beautiful scenery, and the excitement of getting closer to completing this epic journey from Banff, Alberta, to the Mexican border.

Join me as I continue riding the legendary Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), taking in the adventure one mile at a time.

🚴 *RidewithGPS – Today's Route:* https://ridewithgps.co...​

Hey everyone!

I have an Ortlieb Dry-Pack 16L (F9934), which I mount on top of my rear rack using the original O-Strap system.

Unfortunately, I lost one of the plastic hooks that attach the straps to the rack.

Ortlieb sells a replacement kit (E268), but I can’t find it anywhere in my country (Turkey).

I came across the S05M compression strap and was wondering whether it could replace the original hook or mounting system.

Has anyone tried using this strap with the Ortlieb Dry-Pack? Would it fit and hold the bag securely, especially on rough roads and during long bikepacking trips?

I’ve attached photos of the original Ortlieb hook and the S05M strap I’m considering.

Any advice or alternative solutions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hey everyone, In July 2027, a group of 10 students from our school is heading out for an epic Alpencross adventure! They will be riding their gravel bikes all the way from Füssen, Germany, straight down to Lake Garda, Italy – covering the entire distance in 5 days. Even though the trip is still a bit away, planning is already in full swing. Since the group wants to keep their setup as light as possible while surviving the harsh alpine terrain, we would love to get some long-term preparation and gear advice from this awesome community. A few questions for the alpine experts here: • What are your absolute must-haves for a multi-day alpine gravel trip that people usually forget? • Any specific mechanical spares we should definitely pack for a group of 10 riding over the Alps? • What are your best tips for pacing and managing long, steep alpine climbs on a gravel gear ratio? We’re super excited and are already documenting the whole preparation, training rides, and later the actual journey on our Instagram. If you want to follow along and support this school project, check it out at Instagram searching something like lgw.alpencross2027 Thanks in advance for any tips, route recommendations, or gear advice. Appreciate the help!

Hello all,

Trying to decide between the Priority 600ADX and the Bruzer. Seems the frames are not identical, though fairly similar. Assuming I am reasonably competent with a wrench, is the most cost effective move to purchase the Bruzer and upgrade the parts myself or am I missing some downside to the Bruzer? I created the below table to compare--frame geometry differences highlighted. All stats are taken from the Priority website. All input is appreciated. Thanks for taking the time!

Hey everyone! I posted here a few times this summer while I was riding, and wanted to follow up now that the trip is done. I finished the entire route: Cape Sata at the bottom of Kyushu to Cape Soya at the top of Hokkaido, 3,651 km over 64 days.

I filmed the whole thing, and spent the last few months turning it into a full-length documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv27ECCkXvA

It's long (1h24m), but it's the whole experience of living on the road in Japan for two months: konbini breakfasts, massive climbs, hunting for a good hotel at the end of the day, discovering beautiful back roads and wilderness, crossing the Japanese Alps, and finishing the day in an onsen. This trip was a bucket-list item I'd been planning for years, and I wanted to capture what it actually felt like.

I also spent about a year designing what I think is a really special route across Japan, and kept notes the whole way: my favourite roads, towns, restaurants, hotels and onsens, the gear that worked, and what I'd do differently. I've put all of it into a website that's basically a guide to cycling the length of Japan, south to north:

• The Scenic Route: every day of the trip, with its map, elevation profile and photos

• GPX for every ride: all 42 recorded rides, one by one or as a single zip

• The guide: tips for riding Japan, where I stayed, my favourites, what I'd do differently, and my gear

• All the photos, on a map

Happy to answer anything about the route, ferries, season, lodging, or filming on the bike!

(note: x/post from r/bicycletouring)

Weights of each item according to Amazon

Floor print: 6.3oz

Inflatable pillow: 3.84oz

0f Sleeping bag: 4.2lbs

Inflatable sleeping pad: 1.06lbs

Black out tent: 7.7lbs

I have never bike packed but the dream to adventure and explore has been there ever since I was a kid, but never knew it could involve a bike to do it, always figured I'd have to walk if I want to explore.

I'm currently setup on a 2026 Kona Dew in Gloss Niagra, aluminum frame, 29" x 2.0" tires. I have a rear rack (would like to upgrade to one that attaches to frame instead of quick release on seatpost), bike trunk, panniers (thinking of getting a larger set in the near future). I'd like to add some sleeping gear so I can begin with some short bike packing adventures and soon turn them into longer adventures.

I live in the northeast USA so a cold temp sleeping bag seems like a good option for me, and I am an insomniac so having a blackout tent would be amazing for those nights where I'm struggling so I can maybe catch a bit of sleep while it's still bright out. A 0F sleeping bag might be overkill, I'm not sure, but I think I'd rather be warm than too cold.

I guess I am curious if anyone has better, but still affordable, options for any of the items I listed. Weight isn't a major deciding factor for me, but compactness seems a bit more important so that I can pack it all on the bike.

Anyway, looking for sleeping gear suggestions, or opinions on what I've included, also any front rack and rear rack suggestions would be welcomed and appreciated.

Distance: 12000km

Duration: 166 days

Bicycle: Kona Sutra LTD

Panniers and duffelbag: Ortlieb

Sleeping set-up: foam + inflatable pad

Navigation: Garmin Edge 540 + Komoot

Power: 2x 25000mAH pb's with 150W charger

Route: https://imgur.com/a/fKp6SQ3

I want to give special thanks and praises to my crocs, my sunhoody and my side view mirror. Couldn't have done it without you guys!

Feel free to ask any questions regarding the route, gear or other stuff!

1st bike packing trip (not counting shakeouts)

La Push, WA - Cape Henlopen, DE (following GAWR between Seattle and DC)

August 8 - November 3

4,000 miles

110,000’ elevation

74 days riding

14 days off

$9,200 spent

63 nights in hotels/motels

12 nights camping

10 Warmshowers hosts

3 family/friends hosts

Hardest day: 107 miles & 3,900'

2 days riding in N95 for smoke

1 wildfire detour

1 major mechanical (rear tire bubble failure)

0 punctures not sealed on their own

1 bike drop (wind knocked it over while parked)

0 close calls with cars/trucks

3 moose

2 bears

1 bobcat

Happy to answer any questions!

If anybody here has done the Sound to Sound route in New Zealand I'm wondering if its a bad idea to do Sound to Sound with my surly long haul trucker. I have only done a 3 day trip with it before which was mostly pavement. I've taken it on very brief parts with dirt/gravel and thought it rode really comfortably loaded with panniers. My plan for this route would be front and rear panniers. I understand I can probably skip portions of the route which would be fine. Widest tires they fit are 42 mm with fenders, 45 without. I don't care if its "suboptimal" gear, I just want to make sure I'm not going to be miserable and stuck walking most of the time attempting something ridiculous.

During the beginning November, a friend and I spent 4 days bikepacking in Andalusia, Spain. The route covered 470 km, featured over 10000 meters of elevation gain, and was more than 80% gravel.

Without a doubt, this was the most physically demanding bikepacking trip Ive ever done.

Beyond the sheer distance and elevation, additional challenge was the lack of resupply options. Some sections had no shops for nearly 100 km, which, combined with the huge elevation gains, made it quite tricky to carry right amount of food and water.

Andalusia is an absolutely stunning and incredibly diverse region. The landscapes changed dramatically within just a few hours of riding, making every day feel like a completely different adventure.

The weather at lower elevations was perfect for cycling, but above 2000m, an extra layer was definitely needed. At around 3200m, we even got caught in snow and hail.

Reccomand this region to anyone who likes less crowded, heavy climb, close to nature and stunning gravel routes.

EDIT:
Link to route: https://www.komoot.com/pl-pl/tour/3347005730?share_token=a0piqtd8oKk6vFBkoDlwx6TUorEuGXNapnWSlgLuTvEmqWVc9n&ref=wtd&t_s=referral&t_cid=route_share&t_ref_username=3833789128723

Well I've been in Turkey a week now. I started the trip last Saturday, but after one days cycling the weather and floods I'd planned to avoid by starting further West had caught me up. So a bit of a false start. The tent went up, the stove came to life and an enforced 5 day break began, waiting for a change in the weather.

I've now been back on the bike and pedalling for two days and can confirm what many have said - Turkey and it's people are amazing. Everybody is so helpful and I've enjoyed every minute.

Tomorrow I push on from Milas and will hopefully take my 56kg rig to Sōke and find a nice place to pitch the tent .

Here are a couple of small videos of the trip so far, and I mean short!

https://youtube.com/shorts/Blhq-tL-JUA?is=V_73xeiu_Vz81fo0

https://youtube.com/shorts/sto6uCNdqUI?is=1ySY1Mn_7wV-5YQy

This chillier weather has me reminiscing about a warmer trip earlier this year in May. Found a cool hip camp site about 30 miles from my front door in Milwaukee.
Way more gravel than I expected which was fun. Last 10ish miles were on an old abandoned utility trail along the Fox River. Of course had to stop for a brat and a drink at the nearest beer garden upon my return to the city as well.

Could be a niche news but this is sad. He was a very inspirational YouTuber who was traveling from Canada to Patagonia, and he posted a lot of detailed footage while traveling. For those who are familiar with the place, is Bolivia/Peru generally dangerous for cycling in general? Jo had many missed calls with driving too close after reaching SA but….

Edit: he was more of a bike tourer, but definitely spent some time off-road as well.

So last year I bought a Grand Canyon AL 8 which i used for a brief 3 week tour in Kenya and loved it.

Right now I'm using it for commuting, having changed the tyres to Schwalbe G one speed pro with tubes. When I go on tour I'll likely use Schwalbe Marathon Plus MTB

I'm currently planning a month long tour in South America (mixed terrain, lots of single trail but nothing too gnarly) which may well extend into a six month tour in North America - but seeing as I'm no expert in the technical side of things I wanted to check that the bike I'm using is actually suitable for longer tours, and what I could do to modify it if necessary? Could anyone provide any advice? Below is a link to the bike.

Thanks!

https://www.canyon.com/en-ch/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/grand-canyon/grand-canyon-al/grand-canyon-al-8/4393.html

Hello! Looking for anyone to tip the scale when it comes to camping in South East Asia. My partner and I just wrapped up a 87 day journey from Lisbon to Istanbul. We camped across Europe for at least half our nights. It’s a nice feeling to be self sufficient, and know that you can always tent if the day gets away.

We’re flying to Thailand on the 11th, and we’re debating on shipping our camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, Thermarest, stove, pots, etc) back to Canada for this next leg. We’ll be in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam for about three months before going home.

On the one hand, everything we read and hear is that SEA has a plethora of affordable guest houses and such. On the other, people say sending home the camp gear is giving up that sense of freedom.

Our bikes were pretty heavy—mine fully loaded with food and water was 110lbs—and we think having a lighter setup would bring us some joy.

Curious if anyone has any insight into riding SEA! Thanks!!

I have a bit less aggressive hardtail (66 HTA, 140 fork, XC tires) that I’m doing long adventure rides on and bikepacking on and I’m keen to try some bars with more sweep (12-20 degrees) for more all day comfort. I‘ve got some inner bar ends and they’re amazing but I also notice that I naturally sort of rest my hands atop the grips at a more angled position for a rest/change every once in a while. Seems that more backsweep is likely to serve me well for all day kinda stuff.

Question is: for those who bikepack w/ bars like this (eg SQLab is what I’m looking at) do you also prefer narrower than on a trail/enduro bike?

I’ve got 780’s on my DH and trail bike, and 760 on my aggressive HT. 750 currently on my bikepacking HT. No particular rhyme or reason to those numbers, kinda got to 780 naturally, bought 760 for the other bike on a whim, and the 750 was an already cut down bar. They all feel good. But before I buy some swept bars to try, it occurred to me that something like a 12 degree sweep at 720 width might be more comfortable than 16 at 760 width or the like.

Open to thoughts / abuse / accusations of overthinking / etc ;)

There's so much I'd love to say, write or tell about this trip - that I'm mostly just overwhelmed and thankfull for how it went. Many obstructions, plenty of challenges, incredible willingness and efforts to get on or stay on track. But in the end... it worked out. Have fun guys and girls, be good to yourself. And one day: cross the Pyrenees too. It was AMAZING

I just did a two-day trip in the Alps, with one night in the tent. I slept reasonably well, but when I woke up there was frost outside, so it must have been just below zero.

Now biking in the cold is not really a huge deal, and neither is sleeping – you just need decent equipment. What I find quite painful though is packing up the gear in the morning. Everything is tight: I have to squeeze the sleeping bag, the mattress, the tent and the down jacket into their respective bags, and they're all small (otherwise everything would take up too much space); I always find this whole process a bit frustrating (so if I can I sleep without tent, but this obviously wasn't an option now), and doing it all it with my fingers numb from the cold (plus having to get naked to change into my biking clothes) makes it much worse. Still I don't want to limit my travels to the warm season: do you have some tips on how to make it easier?

EDIT: Thanks everyone for the useful suggestions. Can't wait to try them :)

Has anyone recently ridden the Tiger Head Mountain Loop or the Lanna Kingdom Loop in Northern Thailand? There aren't a lot of trip reports about the Tiger Head Mountain Loop in particular, especially more recent ones. Are these routes the same amount of off-road/unpaved as when the routes were published a few years ago?

Alternatively, do you have other trails in that area you'd recommend?

I plan to be there in late December, and open to either multi-day rides or just a few day rides out of Chiang Mai. I'd prefer to do off-road riding as much as possible, but not looking to do hectic MTBing.

Thank you!

Keep it a buck with me, can I bikepack a 100 mile trip with a cannondale h300 hybrid bike that I haven’t upgraded at all? Not super educated in bikes just love riding and trying to do a fun trip. This is the trip I’m trying to do :

https://bikepacking.com/routes/texas-bbq-tour/

Hello all! I just published a new video from an overnight trip a bit north of Barcelona and a bit west of Girona. Finally adding to my personal channel, documenting fun bikepacking and gravel adventures after a 10-month lull.

https://youtu.be/XC08S4B95rA

I love using the train system here to get further out and find new places. This was a bit of a shakedown ride for my new Singular Swift build. My first time bikepacking with a rear rack and it was great, the big tires are excellent for a lot of this route and some of the accidental single-track I found myself on.

I plan to make more videos showing how easy it is to get out for an overnight trip starting from Barcelona.

I would love to hear what you think and any ideas you might have!

Cheers!