I recently used the Solio Classic www.solio.com on a 7 day bike tour in Baja to keep my digital camera and iPhone running.  It will usually charge a couple of things pretty well so I bet it will keep a Garmin 705 running quite awhile.  Bummer is that it can take 2 days of sunshine to recharge... unless you come across a power outlet somewhere.

Well here it is... The Phogsley!  Just needs a few tweaks and some decals and ready for action!  I'll post more pics on our website www.senderocycles.com once I remember my camera. ~jb

Looks badass. Twice the price and weight though...

One source (for those interested):
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/mountain-bikes/product-accessories/2009-ergon-bc3-m-backpack-4648.448.1.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Google%2BBase&utm_campaign=Datafeed

Seems like it's not available everywhere yet...

Looks like BTI just got the Ergon BC3 packs in last Friday so any shop can order one right now...  I just received mine and it is pretty well thought out:
- water resistant YKK zippers
- separate bladder compartment
- removable internal tool organizer
- several internal storage pockets
- much easier access to gear than BD1 or BD2

I'll be using this as my main pack for awhile I think. ~jb

The Talon 22 is an ok pack, but something like the new Ergon BC3 will carry the weight on your back better with less fatigue. Those weigh more but for me lower back comfort is a bigger priority. Also with space blanket or emergency bivy you can increase the temp rating on your sleeping bag.  I have the BA insulated air core pad and 15 degree down bag and froze my butt off one night sleeping on damp sand in a tent last March at Gooseberry Mesa.  I would recommend something to reflect heat up from underneath you if cool or damp.

That's a cool project. I'll be curious to see the results of this.

Thanks!  I am pretty stoked as well. 

BTW - been riding the Nakisi a lot and it is pretty darn great to ride.  It eats up single track.  ~jb

Questions for you:

1. What fork will you be running? 135mm wide hub?

2. Those cages, where will you be mounting them?

3. Is the frame builder actually building the cages?

1. I'm using a Surly Pugsly 100mm fork.  I don't see the need right now for a 135mm front so I am going for lighter weight.

2. we will mount two on the DT, one on ST, and one on underside DT by BB.

3. Joe Murray is building the bike, but we are having the cages custom made elsewhere.

I had a Pugsley for about a year before it was stolen and never had a problem with the wide BB.  I rode it fast and hard on all the trails here around Flagstaff and took it on several camping adventures.  Never really had enough traction for most of the snow riding here.  I think I'll use a 29'er rear wheel with WTB Stout tire this year..javascript:void(0);

No idea where the maiden voyage will be Scott.  Joe has been talking about a SE AZ tour for awhile and we may try to do that in March.

So I just started a new bike company with Joe Murray and a friend of ours named Stu Henderson here in Flagstaff called Sendero Cycles.  I wanted to show of some photos of the touring bike Joe is making for me right now.  It will fit Surly Endomorph tires or 29"er wheels and tires and hold four 40oz. Kleen Kanteens on the frame via custom stainless bottle cages... looking forward to some long trips on this baby!

I ride a VooDoo Canzo 29 with 4" travel.  Very stiff and great for UL single track riding.

I am using an SLX crank with stock 32t middle ring and it is working great.  Only time the gear runs out is on road descents.  I could see using a 30t in front if carrying more weight in steep terrain.

Just wondering if anyone has been using the new Shimano Alfine 8spd. rear hub on their bike?  If so how long?  Any issues?

I have one and have ridden it on about 15 good XC rides here in Flagstaff and it has been great.  Curious about using it on a trip and it reliability from someone else's experience. 

Thanks for all the comments everyone!  Keep them coming!

My name is John Benson and I am the Product Manager for VooDoo Cycles here in Flagstaff, AZ.  I have been working for VooDoo along side the 'Leg'end Joe Murray for 4.5 years and riding MTB's since the mid 80's where I grew up in Boise, ID.  Race MTB and road from 1995 to 2005 or so and now look to start more bike packing and touring.  Joe has started his own custom bike company called Sendero Cycles and he is currently showing me the 'ropes' while we build a new touring bike for me.  It will use the Surly Endomorph or fat 29'er tires and be ready for any adventure anywhere!

Plans for the future are:
- Colorado Trail, self supported, Summer 2009
- section of Great Divide for gear shakedown and recon
- Full length Great Divide route Summer 2010
- other ideas: coastal tour of Baja, getting into Sea Kayaking, touring South America, exploring AZ, UT, CO, and NM.

Looking for new ideas on what food for both UL and loaded touring.  Snacks are obvious but what do some of you do for hot food?  Who dehydrates their own food?  What do you buy before a trip?  What do you look for at food stops?  etc.  What items are worth carrying even if they are heavy?  I will probably use either Ti pot or beer can pot mostly.

Thanks! ~jb

I use a basic sleeping bag compression sack and put my Tarp tent, with Big Agnes bag and pad together inside that with home made nylon webbing and buckles.  Don't even notice it on the front in single track... ~jb