Duel Suspension and camping

[mosovich]

How do most of you duel sus. guys carry your stuff?  Trailer?  I've got an Sp. Epic.. 

[Done]

Check out the details under "Personal setups" in this forum: http://www.bikepacking.net/category/individual_setups
You'll find people using everything from Bob trailers to panniers to ultra-light seatbags. A lot depends on the terrain that you're planning on riding, how fast you want to go, and how comfortable you want to be.

[AZTtripper]

Yep lots of ways to go about it in the words of one famous bikepacker there's more then one way to skin a cat. And I am pretty sure Lee Blackwell has his kit in the setups.

You can do a lot of trail riding with a bob but when things get hairy I wouldn't want to have one falling off the trail behind me. Racks and Panniers are heavy empty not to mention bulky and in the way if you have to hike a bike. I would say buy or make your own over sized seat post bag strap some thing onto the handle bars and carry a fair sized pack for light bulky items. The Epic should have room for a frame bag I would say it's good to have things balanced out as much as possible.

[Outsider]

I think that a trailer would limit you so much that there is no added value in having suspension. A rigid bike would work equally well in that sort of terrain and usually allows a bigger frame bag and a rear rack.

If there is room in the front triangle of your FS bike, I would recommend you to get a frame bag and put the heaviest stuff there. The rest should go in a seatpack and/or backpack without problems. The handlebar is also a good place for bulky and light items.

[Dallas.S]

I go for comfort. I have ridden a DS for the last ten years (the same one, with few problems) on all types of terrain. As I get up there in age, DS is alot easier on the body, and my wife agrees.
I can carry everything I need for 2-3 nights in a backpack and a duffle on the rear cargo rack (that clamps only to the seat post to allow for suspension). I think my 'y' frame limits my packing options, tho. I also have a 'bob' trailer, but I don't have much of a need for it.
That's my 2 cents.
 

[eyecandyandy]

How do most of you duel sus. guys carry your stuff?  Trailer?  I've got an Sp. Epic.. 

Not a problem, at all.  I ride with an Epic Design burrito on the front, Epic Designs large seat bag, a custom frame bag for the middle, and a little on my back.  If you can whittle down the kit that you need then you won't have as much stuff to tuck away on the bike.

Frankly, working with a tricky Specialized Stumpjumper FSR comp (with an unusual frame) has made me innovate quite a bit.  When I go back to my touring bike on occasion I'm amazed at how much empty space there is in my pannier these days.

[DaveH]

Here is LW's 2003 Epic in bikepacking mode.  Handlebar bag, soft seatpack, top tube mounted fuel tank, backpack.  Worked a charm for an 8 day trip http://picasaweb.google.com/hairball.dh/DLBikepacking09#.

[DoctorRad]

What's the backpack LW is using there?

[DaveH]

It's a wingnut.  Not sure they make the model anymore that she is using, but it might be this one:  http://www.wingnutgear.com/product_details.cfm?product_id=117