Any single speed bikepackers out there?

[GreenBikeGuy]

Hiking's no problem, and luckily, I'm good at pacing myself.  So far, so good.

About "rear tire traction": are there any particular remedies for this, full or partial?  (E.g.  Wider, narrower, or softer rear tires?)

[DaveC]

About "rear tire traction": are there any particular remedies for this, full or partial?  (E.g.  Wider, narrower, or softer rear tires?)

There are partial fixes, but nothing definitive.  A larger tire at lower pressure (tubeless, ideally) help quite a bit.  When I get into real singlespeed climbing shape, my core gets a lot stronger and that helps transfer power and weight to the rear tire.  Of course, that power and technique is one of the first things to go once you get knackered!

[DaveH]

Here's a little story about SS bikepacking in terrain that has it's fair share of hike a bike.  Pics included.  http://www.bikepacking.net/tripreports/racing-the-grand-loop/

Some differences between geared and SS bikepacking:  for the SS, I get as much weight as possible off my back and onto the bike.  On the traction issue, I went with rampage 2.3s front and rear and ran the rear quite soft for a particularly shandy climb, and it worked like a charm.  Training plays a big role as well - doing long climbs that contain sections of marginal traction, maybe even running tires with minimal tread - goes a long ways to improving pedaling dynamics.  It's the deadspot at TDC that's the bane of the SSer on loose climbs, fortunately it is quite trainable.

[GreenBikeGuy]

Delightful story.  The note about needing clearance when riding in the mud, in particular, was a GREAT tip; I expect to run into that problem a great deal.

However, am I missing a common expression in MTBing, if I don't know what "TDC" means?

[wdlandparker]

Or, you could ride fixed and eliminate the "dead spot"! 

[sean salach]

Delightful story.  The note about needing clearance when riding in the mud, in particular, was a GREAT tip; I expect to run into that problem a great deal.

However, am I missing a common expression in MTBing, if I don't know what "TDC" means?

It actually comes from auto mechanics(as far as I know). Top Dead Center.

[GreenBikeGuy]

Thanks.

[Manabezho]

Kent Peterson the Mountain Turtle is 51 and currently riding the Tour Divide race single speed - and rides thousands of miles each year single speed.  You can check out his blog, which is interesting, funny, and inspiring:  http://kentsbike.blogspot.com/

[Kurtis]

 I just did the AZT on a single speed. Rode from Durango, Co down the Continental divide to silver city. Then cut over to the AZT and rode to Utah and  back to Durango. A fantastic trip and I highly recomend it!