#touring

so i rigged a 2020 surly midnight for a multi‑day tour, slapped on a sram x5 9‑speed drivetrain and a 12‑28 11‑spd cassette because i read somewhere that a tighter range is better for climbing lol

the thing is, on any decent hill i’m barely breaking a sweat, which is weird because i thought a 12‑28 would be a real grind. also noticed the chainline is a bit off and the rear derailleur is a shimano 105 rd‑5700, which i guess isn’t meant for a 12‑28 anyway

anyone got a clue why this setup is acting like a flat road bike? should i drop to a 11‑32 or just swap the rd for a sram x9? tbh i’m not even sure if the 12‑28 is even a real touring cassette rn

i've been tinkering with a cheap 2‑stage levitation kit (magician's choice #M-112) and trying to mount it on my touring bike frame the goal: a quick flash levitation of a small prop (like a coin or mini card) while riding through low‑light trails here's the setup i tried:

• base: 6061 aluminum bike rack, welded to downtube, uses 1/4‑inch m6 bolts (same as standard rack mounts)
• illusion rig: magi‑cable 7‑ft #C14, hidden in the chainstay, connected to a spring‑loaded platform (model SFX‑P2)
• control: custom arduino nano (v3.0) with a 2‑sec delay, triggered by a pressure sensor on the rear brake lever
• power: 18650 li‑ion cell, 5v regulator, lasts ~3h continuous

the biggest issue i hit rn is the vibration messing with the cable tension, causing the platform to drop too early i read that using a dampening sleeve (titanium‑coated #D-9) can reduce resonance, but i haven't sourced it yet also, the legal side: some folks on this forum argue that adding any non‑essential gear is unsafe, but i think if you balance weight properly (i keep total extra < 300g) it's fine

anyone who’s done a similar rig or can point me to a better vibration‑isolating mount? also, i heard about the "Miller's Quick‑Flip" (model QF‑7) for faster release—does it actually work on a moving bike or is it just stage‑craft? tbh i’m leaning towards ditching the arduino and going full mechanical with a spring latch, but i need data

thanks for the input, will post results soon

I’m planning a 2,000‑km tour that will hit gravel roads, gravelly sections, and some light singletrack. I want a frame that balances weight and durability, a gear range that handles steep climbs and fast flats, and a mounting layout that lets me carry enough gear without making the bike top-heavy.

Key constraints:

• Total weight (bike + gear) under 30 kg.
• Budget capped at $3,200 (bike + major accessories).
• Need a frame that tolerates 6–8 mm of 20 mm wide tires.
• Comfortable saddle and frame geometry for 8–12‑hour rides.

I’ve looked at Trek 520, Kona Sutra, and Surly Long Haul Trucker, but none of them meet all my criteria. The Trek is too light for my weight and lacks a full suspension; Surly is heavy but has great gear options; Kona is in between but I’ve heard mixed reviews about the headtube height.

I’d like honest opinions on:

1. Which frame best meets the weight/durability trade‑off?
2. How do the different gearing systems (single‑speed, 1x, 3x) compare for long‑distance touring?
3. Any advice on mounting setups that keep the bike balanced while carrying 25–30 kg of gear?

Feel free to counter my assumptions or point me to lesser‑known models that fit the bill. I’m looking for real-world experiences, not just specs.

Thanks for the input!

People say renting a bike in every country is the easiest way to go. I feel like that’s more hassle than it’s worth.

I bring my own bike because I know the fit, the gear ratios, and I’ve already tuned it for the climbs I’ll face. Rentals can have hidden defects, bad brakes, or just a fit that feels off. I’ve ended up paying extra to swap a bad bike for a better one.

Shipping a bike is pricey, but I’ve found that buying a decent budget bike in the destination and swapping to it after the ride is cheaper than renting each time. I also get to keep the bike after the trip, which is a win.

So yeah, if you’re serious about touring, I’d give my own bike a try instead of always renting. It might feel like a bigger upfront cost, but the on‑road reliability and comfort are worth it. 🚴‍♂️

just wrapped my first 50-mile loop yesterday and i’m still riding high 🚴♂️ tbh the last 10 miles felt like dragging a couch up a hill but i pushed through lol how do y’all stay so zen on long rides? tips? 🙏