Thanks for the input - I'm currently leaning towards rigid, and for gearing I think I might go 1x5... I've been playing around with different setups on short outings and like keeping it simple.

Any experience out there with carbon forks like white brothers/exotic/Origin8 Black Ops? It seems like a great way to absorb some shock, and lose a pound or so. I've used a carbon fork for road, but longer distance mountain biking seems like it could rough it up significantly - Reliability?

I'm planning a bikepacking trip on the CDT, minus WA, thru-hiking style... Mapping has been tedious so far (finished NM, on the middle of CO). Topofusion has been essential... reallyessential! I couldn't imagine trying to map out a long trip with arcGIS or other programs I've played with. Its nice that TF is bikepacking focused.

Thanks again for the input!

-DS

Complexity isn't the issue; Its that I have trouble deciding suspension/gearing setups. My experience on the PCT (through hiking) is what leads me to bikepacking - something new, and much more of an adventure.

26/coil or 29/rigid with a 1x9 are where I'm leaning right now for long distance and aggressive bikepacking.

Thanks for all the advice!

-DS

I've been thinking about running 26" so I can use older coil models.

I go back and forth often between 29 and 26 (for a long distance + intense climbing/descending application), and think that I need more experience riding 29" wheels in similar conditions before I make a call.

The only way I'd go rigid is to do some long distance "sample" trips with that setup first - only then can I understand how much my arms can take on the downhills. If I were on rolling hills and longer flat stretches I would definitely go rigid.

There are so many variables involved with long distance bikepacking, and personally, I always tend to lean towards light/simple. I have a lot of experience with ultra light backpacking, and have always found that lighter and simple = comfort in the long run (also less to worry about). When it comes to bikepacking, this leads me to two "trouble" areas - suspension and gearing. I Just need more experience testing out options.

Thanks for the input!

-DS

Hello!

I'm planning a long distance bikepacking trip this summer on some extremely aggressive single track (read: mountain passes), and wanted to ask you all your opinion on front suspension. Currently I've got a nice, plush Fox (air), and realize that I should move to something more reliable - I will be in very remote areas, often traveling long distances. I'll be on my karate monkey (or possibly a Jabberwocky).

What coil models do you all recommend? I would like to go as light, reliable, and simple as possible.

I imagine this question will be more contentious, but: What are you're opinions on going rigid with maxed out 29er tires, and running lower pressure for suspension?

Thanks,

-DS