http://www.bikepacking.com/routes/three-sisters-three-rivers/
I want to put it out there that I will be attempting this route beginning July 17 or 18 and I would like to ride with somebody else.
I'll be flying into Portland late on the 16th, getting stuff ready and traveling in the days afterward.
I intend to spend 9 days as this guide says, give or take a few based on my fitness and the route's difficulty.

Also looking for any more beta on transit/rideshare options between Portland, Bend, and Roseburg/the end of the route.
Contact me here through PM or email at spurlin.andrew@gmail.com

Sorry for the late response. I am a no go for now. Best of luck!

Rengland, could you describe your expectations in a partner as far as mileage, fitness, and budget (cooking in camp vs. eating out/convenience stores, etc.)?
That timing might work for me and I'm thinking strongly about it.

Did AugustWest buy the brakes? If not, I'm interested.

Complete or frameset?

Awesome, I still actually need to look at their page. Thanks mike!

Like I said previously, it's mostly for the sake of curiosity.
I'm not boxed in, just excited at the possibility of carrying less stuff.
Also, there are plenty of mounts out there for things like bike lights, cameras, etc. that have quick release and are plenty stable.


I've looked at K-lite before and it made me regret my investment in Supernova. It looks great, and it seems that their lights run better at the low speeds encountered on singletrack, etc. Only problem is I wish he made a taillight too.

Thank you both for the responses.
Mike, you're right. But for the sake of curiosity, I thought I'd try to figure out what the 'best' lights for my uses are.
I will admit though that after so much head-scratching and money invested in my current lights, it sure does feel silly to be looking for something else.
I will definitely look into the cygolight and exposure stuff though. Any idea how easily these could be worn on the head without a helmet?

I run a dynamo system currently with supernova front and rear lights and carry a headlamp for in camp use.
But the backpacker in me says 'to be carried, every item must have multiple uses.'
Are there any usb-rechargeable lights out there that have Dynamo brightness, Dynamo reliability, but are able to removed to the bike or have a standardized mount that works for handlebars, helmets, headlamp straps?

I love my supernova lights, but not when I'm tired(and slow), going uphill(and slow), and on singletrack (and slow) an the lights fade to the weak stand setting.

I've never purchased a non-Dynamo light that cost more than $30, so maybe I always got what I paid for. But even my favorite usb rechargeable lights have eventually failed me.
Im looking for a set of usb lights that I could reasonably charge during the day from a usb/cache battery combo.

Any ideas?

I've ridden the Pulsar and it's actually a really good deal in my opinion. I worked for a business that purchased a small fleet and they are decent, serviceable bikes.
They felt pretty similar to my SS On One Inbred, the first mountain bike I ever had and built from scratch for way too much money.
I used it for bikepacking, but I also live in a relatively flat area. I did, however, think it was fine for the few months I spent working and riding around Southeast Utah.
I've since decided I like gears, but they're not absolutely necessary.
I really believe that if your decision between this and something more expensive is what's keeping you from going on trips, you should just go ahead and get the cheap, less flashy bike.
I'm guilty of spending too much time worrying about gear and not enough time riding.
I agree with and have experienced all the things Addy says too.

If anybody could connect me with a FUNCTIONING gpx for the Dixie Lite, I'd really appreciate it.

The files on 2-epic's page do not work.
"/Users/andrewspurlin/Downloads/dixie-lite (2)/dixie_lite.gpx" is not a valid GPX file and could not be opened."

I'd also welcome any information on the route:
Water sources and current status
Condition of trail/logouts on the trail, etc.
Your confidence this is a route for 2-3 days for rider with average to below average speed.

In Flagstaff AZ and trying to put together a bikepacking trip for the coming long weekend July 21-24.
Also looking at Vapor Trail (scared a little by rain/storms), Kokopelli (the point-to-point transportation is an issue), and maybe an abbreviated version of the California Sierra Trail Race route. I'm open to completely different recommendations as well.



Thanks in advance
Andrew

Obinjatoo,
Have you ever read the blogs of cass Gilbert(whileoutriding), Joe cruz( I think it's something like pedalinginplace)?
There's also a great couple who've out together all kinds o routes in South America.
You may know all this, but these folks have made me want to spend months and months on dirt in Peru, etc.

I have a Fargo V2 that I'd like to get rid of.

Would you sell individuals?

I am always happy to question the things in bike packing/camping culture that are handed down to me from really vocal Luddites. I think simplicity is cool but I'm finally starting to realize how much more fun riding can be with things like active suspension or carbon instead of living in fear and riding rigid, apocalypse-ready bikes.

Wow, thanks for all the thorough responses. Had no idea about shimano XTs. My next question was probably going to be about recommendations but you guys were all over it.
I've honestly never touched my bb7s besides two brake pad changes and when transferring between frames. They have been a nonissue. I just remembered that I did use a set of elixirs for a few months.  They gave me lots of headaches but when they were functioning, they felt so nice compared to mechanicals. Can't imagine what a better hydraulic feels like.

Just wondering for the sake of an exercise:
Can anybody argue the merit of a hydraulic disc brake in backcountry situations over a simple mechanical like the BB7?

Since I started mountain biking, I've basically only used mechanicals.
I'm unfamiliar with the likelihood of issues with hydraulics, the impact of whatever issues they may have on an extended ride, and if there is any way to field-service them like a cable-actuated brake short of carrying all kinds of fluid, bleed kit, etc.
If I'm being honest with myself, my bike spends much more time on urban trails than in the backcountry, and I've been curious about hydraulics for some time.

Awesome!
More details if you please?!
Have you tested it out?
Is it a solo shelter?
What'd you use for a pole?
Weight? Cost?

Thanks mjenkins. For some reason I just noticed your comment.

Looking for a Large El Mar frame made in 2014 or later after the geometry was updated and chainstays shortened.
Also interested in tapered and thru-axled suspension forks. Preferably rockshox and 100mm travel.
Not against a tapered carbon fork, but I have tons of rigid forks lying around and I don't want the stock salsa.
If frame and fork are paired with the right headset, that's a plus. Mostly interested in 135mm QR and 142x12 alternator dropouts/axle but not against a single-speed frame.
Also interested in any tubeless-ready and thru-axled wheels.

Thanks in advance