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1  Forums / Bikepacking / Re: Newb looking for a bike on: September 16, 2017, 08:48:53 AM
I was looking at the fargo, the ECR, 1120, 920, etc...so many things to consider it makes ones head spin. At first I saw the 1120 and thought that looked very cool and I grew up knowing the Trek and Cannondale brands...but obviously there is a lot more to consider than the look of a bike and name recognition.  I do like the rack set up on that and from the marketing videos it looks like it's targeting what I am looking for...But I can't find much information from people that actually own them....  The Salsa and Surly brands seem to be the most popular....I am going to my local bike shop today to talk to them about an ECR although they don't have one in stock....I can't even find the 1120 or 920 in stock around me and the kid I talked to at the Trek dealer here was zero help...I have a really hard time dropping that kind of cash on something I can't even see or sit on until I buy though...I just bought my daughter a used car for not much more than I am about to spend on this bike.
Honestly I just wanted to buy something already set up that I could just throw some bags on and go.  I'm not looking to become an expert on what all the different options are at this time. Since I am new to this I don't know all about the gearing and which works best, which derailer is better, brakes, seatpost, and so on.  I don't know what bike or options fits my riding style since I don't have a style yet.  Tire size, handlebar type....ugh...  I just want the best jack of all bike I can find for around $2500+-....I calculated that after the bike and racks I'll end up spending another couple thousand on camping gear, shoes, accessories, etc.
 I have read many many forums and reviews.....so many different opinions.  I do know that I am not looking to race or do crazy stunts, but I do want something I can get on some nice trails with and do multi day trips.
Again, I travel often for my business, I have a small IT contractor business.  I drive 60k miles a year to all parts of the US.  I try and camp as much as I can when I travel and always wanted to carry around a nice bike to go exploring the mountains and national parks.  I want to get a bike in the next couple of weeks...I have been holding myself back from making an impulse purchase and doing my due diligence in selecting something that is just right.....or maybe I am just overthinking this too much..
2  Forums / Bikepacking / Hitch Mount Bike Racks on: September 11, 2017, 09:16:14 AM
Looking for some advice for a hitch mount rack for a couple of mt bikes?
What are others using?  I am looking for a 2 bike rack for a 1 1/4 hitch on my VW sportwagen.  I could go roof mount as I have the VW cross bars, but I didn't want all the wind noise and I already carry a ladder around most of the time and would only have room for 1 bike when I do.
I saw a thule 990xt but read a review that said it is not that great for 29ers?
3  Forums / Bikepacking / Re: Newb looking for a bike on: September 06, 2017, 01:20:08 PM
I drive all over the country so I can transport my bike easily on a hitch mount.
As far as what kind of backpacking?  Off road trails, nothing crazy technical, some road dirt and gravel.   Just an overall decent bike that can handle it. Not doing jumps or downhill madness, but it should be able to handle a variety of terrain.
 The trek 920 seems like a good fit, even the 1120.  But I'm sure not an expert so I don't know if that's just overpriced hype or to get a nice start that's what I'm going to spend.  I don't want to spend more the  a car! Haha
4  Forums / Bikepacking / Newb looking for a bike on: September 06, 2017, 08:17:49 AM
I'm new to this and would love to find a bike that I don't have to do any, or very little, modifications for bikepacking.   I'm not technical on all the jargon.  Just looking for the best deal to get started.   I see that Trek has a 920 and 1120 that seem to be built for this purpose.  Those are $2k and $2.5k.  Is that what I need to spend for a decent bike already set up?  I see many use Surely and other bikes but like I said, I didn't want to have to rebuild an entire bike after buying it....or is that what I need to do?

I'm 6' about 230lbs (which is a big motivator for doing this)
I travel often for my job to places like Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon,  Tennessee,  ECT.  I like to camp when I travel and bikepacking is very appealing.
Thanks for any input!
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