Love it Neil. We all carry and pack things differently, even when riding the same trails in the same state (AZ!) in the same season. It's helpful to see how and why you chose what you did and carried it where you did.
I am always impressed with how small you can pack. My last trip was almost 2x that size, but I had to deal with 5 days of non-stop rain, and being prepared to be above the rain/snow line at night and brought a bear canister due to being in bear country. Bulk+bulk+bulk. Sometimes I'm envious about camping in arid warm(er) climates. 😀
Very helpful teardown. Where I struggle is seeing a svelte setup like this, then looking at my own rolling junk show and not quite seeing where the 2x difference is. It looks like. It is a combo of much smaller frame bag that holds maybe half what this one does, and often the need to carry much more food and water. For an upcoming trip I really need to be able to carry a minimum of 6 liters of water for some desert dry camping sections, and several days of food as well. Those differences along with a bulkier sleeping bag seems to explain most of my frustration with my current packing efforts.
This is why I went with mini panniers on the rear. They provide a ton of space, plus you get the top of the rack and can still use a dropper post. Those big frame bags really are a big advantage though.
Thanks for the video! Awesome set up, also local in Phoenix and it's cool to compare different set ups! A lot of things I do similar and some things I have to change just based on the space we have!
Can't help but notice that X-Dome packed down pretty small. Dan Duston said he was developing some short poles for that and it's looking like a good option
Thanks again Neil for great content. Ill be packing my El Jefe very similar to how you do. The big question, how much water would you recommend having at all times? I think you shared 2 liters in the frame bag and 1 bottle on the down tube? I just never know how much to caring and really dont want the extra weight if its not needed. Planning to ride the Fools Loop in a month, got 2 backpack trips first. Also, Do you recommend staying at Sycamore cabin? Did you take FR 67 north from Dugas to get their and is that road in good condition? Paul
Great vid and great content. Just out of interest do you prefer the 36 fork over the 34 fork for any reason?. What travel was the fork as I am looking at building a similar Hardtail for bike packing. Thank you
I think the main reason I went with the 36 was its 27.5 compatibility and the Kashima option-I wanted that bronze color. I do like the added stiffness of the larger fork, especially on a shreddy hardtail like this. I did have to swap the air shaft from 160 to 140, but it was pretty painless.
Thanks for your feedback appreciate it. I changed up from a Fox 34 to a 36 on my new titanium Hardtail and it feels way nicer as soaks up bumps and rocks on even mild trails. Thanks again as I was thinking it was just me just over forking my bike.
Any thoughts on the X-Mid Pro 1 vs X-Dome Mid 1+ for solo bikepacking Tour Divide? I don't need the 4 season burliness of the Dome but the X-Mid Pro comes not too far off in weight (circa 800 vs 1000g) - Not sure if the livability and pitching or other factors I'm not think about sway things either way!
DJI mini 3 Pro, its no longer available, but the mini 4 pro is very similar. I think I'm going to do a video on my travel cameras this year at some point to share what I use.
I don't understand this "waterbottle under the frame" thing, tried it once and lasted for 15 min when I had to push the bike over a fallen tree :-) and I don't want all the dirt on my drink ... in my opinion best place for water is where the frame bags are, and everything which is in the frame bag should go into little panniers you could easily lift off when needed and at the fork something light and small like clothing, downjacket to keep a better ride
Like everything but your need for new bikes for new videos.i never saw my bike touring as a materialistic activity, but it for a lot of people. “6 inch tires for that time you must ride 2 mph on a hiking trail with 4” of snow, etc.”. Envy, dopamine, and materialism. The American way….
This is the first new bike I’ve bought in a long time. Sorry if it’s not the way you would do it, but I review bikes for a living, and I finally decided it was time to own one that fits me while also supporting a local maker in my town. This video was a byproduct of my trip, and my new bike just happened to be part of it. I think this is a silly comment, but hey, thanks for stopping by to voice your displeasure.
I have to admit that I’m a bit of a gear junky. For me, it’s exciting to pick a route and put together a perfect kit to accomplish that mission. I used to be a drug addict, and I guess I’ll always be an addict. But I’d rather be addicted to gear than drugs. It keeps me going, and gives me a reason to go to work.
NEIL REVIEWS BIKES FOR THE WEBSITE THAT HE RUNS. This happens to be a sick, custom bike that supports Colorado builders, is made in the USA and is a piece of art.
Love the “just off the trail” look at the gear you brought.
I much prefer this to the "studio" stuff. Much more natural and relaxed in the way you're explaining things, even with the occasional jump cut.
Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I plan on doing a bunch of that this year, trying to mix it up.
Great nuts and bolts video here. Basically a how to
Excellent thread. gear and bike combo 👍 I lived in Bumblebee AZ 25 years ago. Lots of AU in those Mt . I’m still living off it .
Whiskey flask doesn’t fall under luxury, folks. Necessity! 😂
Love it Neil. We all carry and pack things differently, even when riding the same trails in the same state (AZ!) in the same season. It's helpful to see how and why you chose what you did and carried it where you did.
Great . Simple but efficient. Perfect. Greetings from Panamá 🇵🇦
Very excited to see your video on that X-Dome!
Dude, that frame bag is massive! Pretty fantastic looking hardtail for trails and bikepacking. I'm a little jealous.
Spork right next to the poop kit lol
Shout-out Rockgeist! They are back open for custom orders of frame bags too in Asheville
Lixada stuff is great! Their Ti alcohol stove is ace!
Had bought the Dura directly after your endorsement and it's so good! Esp their app integration features.
I am always impressed with how small you can pack. My last trip was almost 2x that size, but I had to deal with 5 days of non-stop rain, and being prepared to be above the rain/snow line at night and brought a bear canister due to being in bear country. Bulk+bulk+bulk. Sometimes I'm envious about camping in arid warm(er) climates. 😀
Nicely dialed in. I was so impressed with that Lixada that I did a review of it comparing it to the Toaks.
It's a nice little mug, and very affordable.
@@BIKEPACKINGcom The lid fits better as well!!
I hope to see that puffy coat and pants dancing clip whenever possible in future videos!
I was so excited I was able to reuse it so quickly.
Very helpful teardown. Where I struggle is seeing a svelte setup like this, then looking at my own rolling junk show and not quite seeing where the 2x difference is. It looks like. It is a combo of much smaller frame bag that holds maybe half what this one does, and often the need to carry much more food and water. For an upcoming trip I really need to be able to carry a minimum of 6 liters of water for some desert dry camping sections, and several days of food as well. Those differences along with a bulkier sleeping bag seems to explain most of my frustration with my current packing efforts.
This is why I went with mini panniers on the rear. They provide a ton of space, plus you get the top of the rack and can still use a dropper post.
Those big frame bags really are a big advantage though.
Awesome setup
Thanks for the video! Awesome set up, also local in Phoenix and it's cool to compare different set ups! A lot of things I do similar and some things I have to change just based on the space we have!
I recognised the voice but without the cap…….who’s on screen? 😂 Great video as always 👍
I know, i think this might be my first video without a hat, pretty weird, eh?
Pimpin shades,your fit blast from the past. Great bike setup goes w/o saying.
Can't help but notice that X-Dome packed down pretty small. Dan Duston said he was developing some short poles for that and it's looking like a good option
Dan Durston @durston says bike packing specific shorter pole set is coming for the x-dome soon.
@@chagas99z They are already available as an option on the website!
Thanks again Neil for great content. Ill be packing my El Jefe very similar to how you do. The big question, how much water would you recommend having at all times? I think you shared 2 liters in the frame bag and 1 bottle on the down tube? I just never know how much to caring and really dont want the extra weight if its not needed. Planning to ride the Fools Loop in a month, got 2 backpack trips first. Also, Do you recommend staying at Sycamore cabin? Did you take FR 67 north from Dugas to get their and is that road in good condition? Paul
4:33 - What are all the things in your repair kit? In particular, the brand/ model of that chainbreaker? And that small torque ratchet?
Check this out: ruclips.net/video/8Kj4Tjw8taQ/видео.htmlsi=4dmCStK7no5faCcE
@@BIKEPACKINGcom Thank you! Much appreciated!
Great vid and great content. Just out of interest do you prefer the 36 fork over the 34 fork for any reason?. What travel was the fork as I am looking at building a similar Hardtail for bike packing.
Thank you
I think the main reason I went with the 36 was its 27.5 compatibility and the Kashima option-I wanted that bronze color. I do like the added stiffness of the larger fork, especially on a shreddy hardtail like this. I did have to swap the air shaft from 160 to 140, but it was pretty painless.
Thanks for your feedback appreciate it. I changed up from a Fox 34 to a 36 on my new titanium Hardtail and it feels way nicer as soaks up bumps and rocks on even mild trails. Thanks again as I was thinking it was just me just over forking my bike.
Any thoughts on the X-Mid Pro 1 vs X-Dome Mid 1+ for solo bikepacking Tour Divide? I don't need the 4 season burliness of the Dome but the X-Mid Pro comes not too far off in weight (circa 800 vs 1000g) - Not sure if the livability and pitching or other factors I'm not think about sway things either way!
Could you please have a link for the rear bag straps, Thanks very much!
bikepacking.com/gear/austere-manufacturing-buckles/
Please Link Rear Pack Tank 🙏🔝👋
Review coming soon on the channel, but we have a written review here: bikepacking.com/gear/mica-rack-review/
@BIKEPACKINGcom 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🔝🔝🔝🔝🔝👋👋
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
I never leave home w/o chapstick!
Are those the short poles
Ps mine is shipping in
April And iv been thinking were they might go that’s safer than on the front
I think they must be the long ones, longest poles I think I’ve ever bikepacked with. The tent is pretty slick.
That's a sexy hardtail!
Yeah, Chris and Arly did a great job. ruclips.net/video/llqywUwwKSs/видео.html
Please tell us the volume of each bag to help us gauge our systems
What company made the frame bag?
Goodday-Curiosity, its a couple that makes the frame and bags. I did a video about them a few years back: ruclips.net/video/llqywUwwKSs/видео.html
Hey what's the reference of the seat rack pls?
what is your backrack?
Look up micacycles
my man sounding worn out from a week on the trails. Get some rest bro!
Yeah, it started a bit rough, lol, I had just woke up and needed to get out of the Air BnB quick, only one cup of coffee in me.
Hi, what is this rack exactly?
bikepacking.com/gear/mica-rack-review/
Stay tuned, I'll have my personal review up this month.
What drone are you using?
DJI mini 3 Pro, its no longer available, but the mini 4 pro is very similar. I think I'm going to do a video on my travel cameras this year at some point to share what I use.
@@BIKEPACKINGcom Cool, thanks! I'm tempted by the new DJI Flip. Looks like it might be great for cycling adventures
Did he name the brand for the frame bag? I missed it if he did.
It’s a frame and bag combo from Goodday-Curiosity. www.gooddaycuriosity.com
@@BIKEPACKINGcom Thanks!
I’m in Phoenix , one day I’ll see ya on the trail !!!
He’s probably one of the guys that rips past me uphill before I realize what’s happening
I got to meet Neil and his buddy at PV REI just before they took off. Let's just say, it was a cool moment to share.
dream. what is bike?
The framebag space gives the Sufur bikes prototype a run for its money.
ruclips.net/video/v266oZxWvco/видео.html
🎊🎊🎊💪💪💪🎊🎊🎊🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
I don't understand this "waterbottle under the frame" thing, tried it once and lasted for 15 min when I had to push the bike over a fallen tree :-) and I don't want all the dirt on my drink ... in my opinion best place for water is where the frame bags are, and everything which is in the frame bag should go into little panniers you could easily lift off when needed and at the fork something light and small like clothing, downjacket to keep a better ride
No right or wrong way to do it, thanks for sharing!
@ yes , just another point of view ❤️
gotta get the screen time for that tax write-off lol
Like everything but your need for new bikes for new videos.i never saw my bike touring as a materialistic activity, but it for a lot of people. “6 inch tires for that time you must ride 2 mph on a hiking trail with 4” of snow, etc.”. Envy, dopamine, and materialism. The American way….
Got to keep the sponsors happy.
This is the first new bike I’ve bought in a long time. Sorry if it’s not the way you would do it, but I review bikes for a living, and I finally decided it was time to own one that fits me while also supporting a local maker in my town. This video was a byproduct of my trip, and my new bike just happened to be part of it. I think this is a silly comment, but hey, thanks for stopping by to voice your displeasure.
I have to admit that I’m a bit of a gear junky. For me, it’s exciting to pick a route and put together a perfect kit to accomplish that mission. I used to be a drug addict, and I guess I’ll always be an addict. But I’d rather be addicted to gear than drugs. It keeps me going, and gives me a reason to go to work.
@ 🙏🏻
NEIL REVIEWS BIKES FOR THE WEBSITE THAT HE RUNS. This happens to be a sick, custom bike that supports Colorado builders, is made in the USA and is a piece of art.
Sry, I can't do alcohol. I see people get stupid on that stuff.
And I'm allergic to peanuts but you don't see me posting about it out of the blue lol let people enjoy things