My bikepacking setup - please review/critique

[bbaker22]

edit: just realized that this topic might be better in Q&A.  Mods, feel free to move, if appropriate.

First a quick introduction.  I have been riding/racing mountain bikes for over 20 years.  I've done a couple bikepacking trips in the past(8-10 years ago), applying ultralight backpacking techniques.  On those trips, I used racks/panniers.  This site has opened my eyes to modern bikepacking techniques, which I've tried to apply for an upcoming 3 day bikepacking trip around Pikes Peak.  Our 3 day trip will comprise approximately 80 miles and over 10,000 feet of climbing.  I've done a couple loaded pre-rides with my new setup and have to say that the difference is amazing.  So much better than the old racks/panniers.

Here is my current setup (pic at the bottom).  Please review/critique:

Bike
Access XCL 9r (2x9 drivetrain)
Manitou Minute 80mm fork
Titec H-bars

Luggage
Wingnut pack - http://www.wingnutgear.com/index.cfm
F3 Designs Seat bag - http://f3-designs.com/f3designs/Bikepacking_Gear.html
Revelate Designs Tangle bag - https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=1&ProductID=5
Revelate Designs Sling / Stuff sack - https://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=store.catalog&CategoryID=3&ProductID=9
Salsa Anything cages - http://salsacycles.com/components/anything_cage/
2 5l dry bags
4 cage straps

Shelter/Sleeping
Golite Shangrila Tent
WM Iroquois bag
Tyvek ground sheet
Poles
Neoair pad / patch
Flexair ultralight pillow
Titanium stakes

Kitchen
Primus gas stove
Snow Peak GigaPower Fuel 110
Snow Peak 900ml Ti Pot
Nalgene 1l Cantene
Spork

Electronics
Superflash rear light
Pantech C300 cell phone
Icon Irix II headlamp
Quark Mini123 flashlight w/ Lockblock
Spare batteries
Spot II
Geko 201 GPS
Steripen Adventurer Opti

Bike tools/spares
tire boot
tube
tire levers
patches
multi-tool
pump (attach to frame)
zip ties
quick link
Tiny bottle of chain lube

Clothing
Warm hat
Nano pullover
Rain jacket
Mac Pac pants
Running shorts
Underwear
Long socks
Arm warmers
Merino wool top
Gloves
Jersey
Tights
Riding shoes
Short socks
Helmet

Basics
Knife
Matches
Firestarter
Lighter
Paper
Safety pin
Aquatabs
Duct tape wrapped around pencil
First aid kit
Bug wipes (DEET)
Toilet Paper
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Chamois Butt'r
Toothbrush/tooth paste
Sunglasses

Thanks,
Brad

[jeremy11]

how did you hook the anything cages onto the fork?  how well do they ride?

[bbaker22]

I attached the cages to the fork with hose clamps over the top of rubber strips (from a handlebar light).  The hose clamps are snug, but not really really tight.  I have only done 2 rides with them.  I have noticed no slippage or significant affect on bike handling.  I'm a little concerned about the durability of the cages, but only time will tell.

baker

[dgjessee]

Brad, I know that when you start packing stuff it's almost always amazing where you can fit stuff... but dude, I cannot believe you fit that long of a list into what I see in your picture!  Well done!!

[bbaker22]

Brad, I know that when you start packing stuff it's almost always amazing where you can fit stuff... but dude, I cannot believe you fit that long of a list into what I see in your picture!  Well done!!

Well, you don't see the Wingnut pack, which may have more than I'd like in it (depending on water/food to be carried).

Thanks
:-)

Oh yeah, due to a lame neck, I've made a concerted effort to keep the weight off of my back/neck.

[sherpaxc]

Looks like a good, honest list.  Those Salsa Anything cages would make me nervous tough.  But if they work, they work huh? 

[fat bob]

Nice looking set up, I'm interested in finding out more about the anything cages... as far as how well they worked if they stayed in place, etc. Esp. on an improvised clamp set up like that. I think it's a brilliant idea, just interested in how well they work out over rough terrain and lots of movement

[mattinaustin]

Looks like you have a pretty good list.  I would take a couple of spare bolts, possibly a chain ring bolt/nut, spare cleat with bolts.  Good idea to use locktite on the bottle cage bolts and cleat bolts before the trip.  I also like to take some nylon webbing or industrial strength velcro strapping.  It's pretty light and if one of your bags breaks or your Anything Cage has issues you can probably work a fix between that and the zip ties (take a few more zip ties than you think).  Can also be used as a tourniquet, sling, holding on a splint, etc. etc.  If your multitool doesn't have pliers a Leatherman Micra (some people think its too small, but it has saved me before) or similar can be handy when things go wrong.  A FiberFix spoke is nice to have too...also light.  A personal preference, but for after bike cleanup, wet wipes for the nethers can be a lifesaver for some people.  Waterless hand cleaner works as well and also good for general camp hygiene.

[bbaker22]

Excellent suggestions, Matt. 

Thanks!

[unsponsored]

Do you just use the fly on the shangri la?

[bbaker22]

Yes, I just use the fly on the Shangri La.  Worked like a charm during last night's crazy thunderstorm.  The Shangri La 2 is very spacious for 1 person + gear.  It also sets up very quickly.

If I were in a place with bugs, I'd bring along the nest.

Brad

[bbaker22]

Just got back from the trip.  Was a great time, even with the thunderstorms and hail.  My gear worked well.  I had a couple missing items that would have haunted my trip if my partner hadn't brought them:

A Leatherman with a tiny screw driver tip
A spare derailleur cable.

For the first time in 20+ years of riding, I had a derailleur cable break.  Twisted my derailleur hanger and broke a chain at the same time.  I was covered on the hanger and chain, but outta luck with the cable.  My friend Nick had the cable covered.  To replace the cable, I needed a tiny screwdriver, which he also had.

So, next time, I'll add a derailleur hanger, Leatherman like Nick's and a spare derailleur cable.

Thanks for all the input,
Brad

[bbaker22]

Pics here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thebakerz/sets/72157627039497307/

[bradh]

Nice setup. 
Which direction did you do ring the peak?  It's on my list & I'm wondering which is the best way.

[bbaker22]

Counterclockwise.  We didn't follow the official RTP trail all the way.  We did some diversions to increase the amount of singletrack (and overall mileage).

I think CCW is the common direction...

[bbaker22]

Nice looking set up, I'm interested in finding out more about the anything cages... as far as how well they worked if they stayed in place, etc. Esp. on an improvised clamp set up like that. I think it's a brilliant idea, just interested in how well they work out over rough terrain and lots of movement

The Anything Cages worked great.  Zero movement of the clamps, even on the massive descent back to Colorado Springs.  The only issue was when I cratered hard on Captain Jacks.  I caught a moto track and went off the edge of the trail, doing a 180 and sliding downhill off the side about 10 feet (hitting a small tree, too).  A little road rash for myself and I bent the one Anything Cage that took the brunt of the crash.  Straightening the cage was a simple affair, but I'm not sure if it will have weakened the metal. 

I'm impressed with how they worked.  I rubbed the drybag twice during really tight technical sections, but there was no damage.

[wdlandparker]

Diggin the setup! I am curious to see how those anything cages hold up over the long run. If you ever see a guy on a blue surly karate monkey fixed gear, thats me! I am based in Woodland Park, soon to be Manitou Springs.