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I realize this is an older thread and you may have already replaced the fork.  But, for those who are considering a similar purchase, here's my experience.  First, let me say the Montague is a high-quality bike.  The design is sound, the welds are excellent, and the components are reasonable for the specific price point.  An added benefit of the Montague is that all of the components are industry standard, so you can easily and inexpensively swap components (crank, bars, stems, etc.) to tweak the bike to your preferences. 

Several years ago, I purchased a used Montague Swiss Bike X and due to the condition, upgraded the drive train and controls to XT.  The OEM fork was entry-level and I preferred a rigid fork for a bikepacking setup.  My communication with the Montague technical staff was informative and beneficial.  It revealed all of the Swiss Bike X models and the Paratrooper used the same frame and the fork could be replaced with a rigid one duplicating the length of a suspension fork with 80-120 mm of travel and still yield good handling characteristics. 

I chose to replace the front fork with a Surly Troll fork.  The exchange was inexpensive (about $109), mechanically simple, and worked well.  The Troll fork is compatible  with either V-brakes, or disc and provides mounting points for Anything Cages.  I cut the steering tube higher than the OEM fork to raise the handlebars (used 40mm of spacers).   

I've been very pleased with the bike and the folded size meets Amtrak's carry-on requirements.       

Bikepackers, this is an absolute steal.  I have a Moto 1P and the newer GoGo LE, so I don't need another Nemo.  But, if you want an extremely high quality, durable setup, this is it.  There are lighter setups, but you won't find higher quality and because it uses an airbeam, it can be packed nearly anywhere.  Think hard before you pass this up.

Hmmm.  The vertical drop on my Bagman is 6".  If you don't have room for that, I don't think you'll be able to fit a Longflap bag.  The Revelate Designs Pika has a similar drop, so I don't think that would work either.  You may want to consider Arkel's Randonneur Rack and Sherpack:  http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/randonneur-series/sherpack-backpack-bag.html. 

I mount my Carradice bag on a Bagman support.  The support will mount on standard saddle rails.  https://www.benscycle.com/p-4151-carradice-bagman-qr-support-expedition.aspx?gclid=CKGz0rHSlsECFbPm7AodUzAAng

Benjy,
I haven't yet made the trip myself (I'm planning a 2015 ride), but my early research reveals a couple of possibilities.  Greyhound bus and Amtrak train both stop in Deming, NM and there is also a FedEx Shipping Center in Deming.  Deming is about 100 miles from Antelope Wells.  So, you could fly into whatever major airline hub would give you the best rate, then take Greyhound, or Amtrak to Deming, and then ride the last 100 miles to Antelope Wells.  Greyhound requires your bike be boxed and the Amtrak route doesn't have bicycle roll-on service, so the bike would also have to be boxed.  I don't think the Deming Amtrak stop allows checked baggage, so you may not be able to take the bike on the train (unless it is a folder).

From reading tour journals, it seems like most guys have a friend pick them up in Antelope Wells, but I don't have anyone in that area.  I haven't found if anyone offers a shuttle service.  I'm thinking about riding the route in reverse (North to South) and will likely ride from Antelope Wells to Deming, ship the bike home via FedEx and then take either the bus or train home.
Craig

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Great idea.  Last week I shared a route around the Cohutta and Big Frog Wilderness Areas with Chris and Tyler.

Just wondering if we have enough riders in the local area to form a bikepacking group?  Not looking to form another MTN bike club, but seeking riders that enjoy non-competitive dirt touring, camping, sharing expertise, and working on identifying great rides in Georgia and surrounding states.

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