One thing to consider when comparing VX fabrics to Cordura fabrics is the method of waterproofing. 500d or 1000d Cordura has a coating on the inside to make the fabric waterproof. There is also a DWR on the face to prevent "wet out." The coating on the inside (and outside) is vulnerable to abrasion, mildew etc. as it is in direct contact to your gear. (think pokey bits like stoves) The VX fabrics from Dimension Polyant not only have a DWR on the face but also a waterproof layer laminated in between the face and a separate lighter inner fabric. This protects the waterproof barrier thus increasing it's lifespan. They are really very different fabrics and a bit like comparing apples to oranges. Bottom line, if it will be dragged through the dirt- use Cordura. If you want it light with some structure - go VX.

Really nice Mike C. I think I've got a pretty good idea of your route and whew, that is some stout traveling. I've been through a lot of it but never all at once. I'm not sure I'm up for a route like this, but damn it's fun to watch. Thanks!

Andrew

Thanks Addy. I appreciate that especially when it comes from a fellow seamster. Once we get the bike back to the shop we will use this thread to point out some the of the finer points of the project on all ends. There are many little details and backstories that went in to the whole thing. I don't think our project was any better than many of the other amazing pieces of work that were at NAHBS this year. In fact I am humbled just to be a part of it. But we put a lot of effort into our portion of the project with Black Cat and we are proud of it. Joey and I both are the type of people who tend to put our heads down and work our asses off so to be a part of something like this is pretty incredible. Just to be recognized among our peers whom we have great respect for is really special. Enough of that, bike details to follow...

Andrew

Turns out it needs to be professionally photographed now that the bike won so Joey couldn't pick it up. I know I'm anxious to get my hands on the photos as well. Joy or I will post them up once we get some images. Pretty cool that a dedicated bikepacking rig won best in show!

SOLD!

I've found a system I'm quite happy with. The Starbuck via has already been mentioned. But it turns out Trader Joe's has some instant coffee in a small container similar to the Via. The difference is they add a little powdered creamer. So...one Via AND one Trader Joe's tube and BAM! A pretty good 300-450ml of coffee.

9000 meters of a single strand of Silk happened to weigh about the same as an old French coin called a Denier. Or roughly 1 gram. But the term Denier stuck when measuring the linear mass density of a filament or fiber of material. Basically grams/9000meters of fiber. So the higher the Denier, the higher the weight of a single strand of the material. Tex is a similar unit of measure. In this case describing grams/1000 meters. This unit is often seen in thread descriptions. For example at Bedrock we use Tex 70 on most projects. So a single filament that makes up the thread that is 1000 meters long weighs 70 grams. Obscure but pretty cool I think.

I would not recommend using the HyperD for your frame bag. While it is a very nice material I think it is a little too lightweight for your application. A "stiffer" fabric will be more durable and give your frame bag some structure. The 1000d Cordura would be fine on the "spine" of the bag which will rub on the frame/bosses/braze ons etc. For the rest of the bag you would be better off with a material such as 500d Cordura, Xpac, heavy pack cloth (420d), 600d polyester etc. Save that HyperD for stuff sacks, maybe a ground cloth or pack liner. Good luck!

Zippers and dried mud don't play well together...ever. Bikes require maintenance and so do zippers. Lube your chain, clean your zipper. If maintenance is not an option, eliminate the zipper completely. That said, your best bet is a YKK coil with nickel sliders or a YKK Vislon setup. The size depends on the application. Coil vs. Vislon is an interesting comparison/discussion. I have heard many opinions for/against each but have yet to make up my mind.

It is a great rig. One of my favorite bikes. The partial frame bag is great. I normally keep a tube, tools and a windshirt or similar in it. I can also use it for an extra bottle on longer rides.

Boxing and shipping are options.

For sale is a Medium Soma B-side. 27.5" Stan's wheels with Arch rims, full SLX, Thomson post, Fox fork, new tires. Also included is the handlebar, seat and full frame bag. Partial frame bag is also included. The bike is in fantastic shape and has been well cared for. It is a great bike for all around riding and bikepacking alike. Pedals not included.

I recommend Enlightened Equipment quilts. American made, warm and under your budget. Combine with an ultralight bivy for a very compact and adjustable sleep system. Both will fit in an average size handlebar or seat bag.

Nice work. Looks like it came together really well. Plenty bright, even for the most overcast, rainy mornings.

Thoroughly impressed with Joe Grant, right up there with the leaders (minus Jesse, who is in a league, all his own!). For not being much of a career bikepacker, and just getting a bike built for the race, whoo boy!

If I'm not mistaken this is Joe. (I don't know him) He looks to be traveling very light and, according to the dots, fast. (Sorry Joe, I seem to have caught you in a quizzical moment)

Andrew

I camped up on Kennebec pass last night to catch the riders as they passed by this morning. The weather was mostly cloudy and raining on and off. Temps were in the 60's. Everyone seemed fresh and stoked.

Jesse came over the top first


Followed by Sam


Kurt R


Jefe


Jay P on his Pony Rustler


Aaron J


Kaitlyn B

If I'm doing my math correctly (which is questionable) the distance between the top three is less than one half of one percent of the total distance raced so far. (.oo36%) That is a tight grouping.

Can someone please air drop Neil some batteries? I have some blue dots to watch! All kidding aside...what a great race this year for the men's and women's categories. It's been a real pleasure to watch. Strait up humbled by the talent.

That was fantastic. Really nice.



Andrew

Sorry, I can't hold out any longer. Stand by for shameless product promotion.

The Honaker Hydro Pack holds a standard Nalgene bottle (1 liter), attaches with velcro and has Hypalon on the straps to keep it in place. Thoroughly tested and expedition proven. No aluminum to fatigue and break, no braze ons or riv-nuts to pull out.