And I’m trying some new setups! (this includes a set of extremely light, and apparently very tough and fully waterproof, Mountain Laurel Designs Ultra Poco Panniers)
And Huesos is coming too! (hence the Farfarer trailer)
And… I have some Paul Purple Klampers! (see them shining in the midday sun?)
I went for a short shakedown spin in the hills to check nothing will fall off and to bed in the brakes. The plan is to ride to Santiago Apoala – as per this recent route – to tie up a few loose ends, and all being well, find a nice way back to Oaxaca.
Tyres-wise, I have a 29 x 3.25 Bulldozer up front (aka my Basher setup), and I’ve managed to squeeze in a WTB Ranger 29 x 3 in the rear (on 45mm Jones double walled rims). But as there’s no clearance to speak of, it’s not really recommended… This bike also is now running my SON dynamo hub and Sinewave Beacon. It’s a pretty awesome setup, even if I say so myself.
Let me know if there are any questions of a gear-related nature (-:
In other news, I updated the Bikepacker’s Food Guide to Oaxaca to include dehydrated food options that can be purchased here in Oaxaca, and tasty treats like granola and peanut butter – mostly because they’ve been on my mind for the trip.
Some photos(click on them to make them big!)
Two lil Ultra Poco panniers, mostly for clothing, and my laptop too. Just 139g each!
Lots of purple, some of which is especially shiny. Back to Front: Farfarer trailer with Hyperlite UltaMid 2, attached with Austere Manufacturing straps. Ultra Poco Panniers, on an OMM Divide rack. My custom Buckhorn framebag (with pink highlights). A Tailfin stem bag and a Farewell Atalaya front bag.
Huesos, looking especially ripped. Maybe he’s flexing for the photo.
More purple shinyness. I’m still dialing in the best setup for these Klampers, having come from a set of Avid BB7s. Now that they’re bedding in, they’re starting to feel really good.
That’s it… except to say, Happy New Year!
Alex
18 August 2023 at 4:06 pm
Looking at getting the same Panniers. How did you attach them to the OMM Divide rack? It’s hard to see in the photos, It doesn’t look like you use the strap across the rack platform.
George
20 August 2023 at 2:49 am
Howdy,
I just stumbled into your blog while looking for info on the MLD Poco Panniers. Your photos are excellent!
How did you sort out the mounting on the OMM Divide Rack? The lowered rails seem to make the normal mounting instructions impossible.
Thanks,
George
Cass
20 August 2023 at 7:33 am
Hi Alex and George!
I’ve ended up preferring Voile Nano straps for both the OMM Divide and Tumbleweed Pannier Rack, as they make them really secure and relatively quick to install and remove. MLD recommends 3 straps per side though, to spread the load across the Hyperlon webbing… so ideally, you’ll want 8, if you use Nanos to stabilise the pannier to the rack leg too!
All this said, I received a message from Ron at MLD a few days ago, letting me know he’s updated the design for V2. There are now carbon wands/struts incorporated into the panniers and a more robust mount system that requires fewer straps…
It seems the MLD website isn’t updated yet, so it could be worth dropping him a line for more info.
Omar
28 August 2023 at 3:45 pm
Hey Cas. This is a Jones SWB that you’ve managed to fit 3” tires (in the rear) to, correct?
Cass
29 August 2023 at 4:06 pm
It is… but I wouldn’t recommend it, as for most tyres I reckon it would be on the wrong side of tight…
Perhaps 29 x 3in Rangers run a little narrower than some. Last pic shows clearances in a bit more detail.