Hey everyone!

[hooverGiant]

Hello from northern Utah! I am a newbie to the bikepacking, but have been reading/studying about it for days now! It's all I want to do! (Besides get my new setup out in mnts!) I just picked me up a '12 Giant Talon 29er today! And ordered a Revelate Pika saddlebag(didn't get the big bag for clearance issues, I HOPE I DON'T REGRET IT!). Also got a couple of top tube bags and a frame bag. I already have a bag that will work for my handlebar bag. I'll post some pics when I get it put together! Well that's all.  I'm super excited for my future adventures and the new places my bike will take me!  I look forward to getting to know you guys, and possibly find other Utah bikepackers! 

[hooverGiant]

Forgot my question..... What do you guys prefer brake wise? Cable or hydraulic ? I'm thinking cable is best for on trail fixes and easy maintenance?(I'm running Avid BB7's)And do I need to do anything with the gearing? Right now I'm at 3x8; 11x32 and 22/32/42. Is that something to worry about when considering the added weight? Thank you! Sorry for the forgetfulness.

[Yoreskillz]

Welcome hooverGiant! Your not alone in your enthusiasm to get out and do some bikepacking, what better way to get out and enjoy the outdoors right? Cache Valley is right out my door, offers quite a bit of opportunity to see some beautiful country and I look forward to exploring more of it this season.

I ride a heavy Surly Moonlander year-round and have been gathering bits for some extended trips myself. Have a full Revelate bag setup and racks if I should ever decide to try panniers someday. Using BB7's as well, they have been suitable for me and require little maintenance to date as has been the Rohloff. Enjoy the ride!

[Veetack]

I have a '12 Talon 29er. It's a nice starter bike. I'm in the process of building a new ride on a Lynskey Pro 29 frame. However, I really like the Talon. I have some issues with my Avid brakes, but that's my only real complaint. If I remove my front tire, every time I put it back on, I have to loosen and readjust my caliper every time. I honestly think it's a fluke issue though, and my LBS is actually going to warranty out that caliper and replace it. As for hydraulic vs. cable, I'll take hydraulic brakes any day of the week. They're much more efficient. I'm curious as to your logic behind the Pika over the Viscacha. I'm about to order the viscacha. I have a medium frame, and I'm 5'7" but I measured and it seems I should have plenty of clearance from the seat for that bag. I do know that a medium tangle frame bag was too big for my frame. I'm actually going to be having a Cleaveland Mountaineering frame bag made for it though. and I'm having bottle mounts drilled on the underside of the downtube.

[hooverGiant]

Thanks for the advice guys!
The reason I chose the Pika, was for the bigger one it stated you need at least 8" of clearance from seat rails to tire. For me to ride comfortably I only have about 7".. That's strange about your measurements because I'm 5' 9"ish and for 8" of clearance I could barely get the pedal down let alone touch the ground haha.

[Veetack]

I'll double check my measurements. I also ride in a position where my leg is almost fully extended on my downstroke. Perhaps we just have different dimensions. My legs tend to be longer than most people my height.

[hooverGiant]

I'll double check my measurements. I also ride in a position where my leg is almost fully extended on my downstroke. Perhaps we just have different dimensions. My legs tend to be longer than most people my height.

Haha and there is the answer! Because I have a little shorter legs than normal. I wouldn't worry then! My seats have always been a little lower for my full downstroke.
Does anyone here have the Pika? Or has any experience with it? They sent me an email yesterday saying it will be here in 3-4 days! I ordered it Thursday! Pretty fast I think? I'm hoping it will work. Honestly this first year I will only be doing 2-4 day trips. I'll have the Pika, frame bag, a gas tank with mini "panniers",Dakine Nomad backpack and a handlebar bag. I'm hoping that will work!