Bikepacking on a Surly Ice Cream Truck or time for N+1?

[scaley]

I am in the initial stages of planning a bikepacking trip to South America and I am interested in getting some perspective from those more experienced. I currently am the happy owner of a Surly Ice Cream Truck (5in tires on 100mm rims with jones bars) and with many people successfully completing similar trips on Pugsleys I'm wondering if anyone has done an extended bikepacking trip on an ICT yet, or would see a reason why this would be a good / bad idea.

I am considering three options: (1) getting a 29+ setup (likely a Surly ECR or Krampus); (2) building a 29+ wheelset for my ICT or (3) just bikepacking on the ICT with 4" rubber on new rims. Either of the latter two options would require me to get a second wheelset, but it seems that the ICT could be a capable platform for bike touring as it has a geometry and utility similar to the much beloved Krampus / Pugs often used for these types of trips. Then again, I'm not sure if doing something like morphing my ICT into a fat-assed 29+ would result in odd handling, etc that would make this miserable...

Does anyone have any thoughts on the perceived drawbacks / advantages to these three options? Money is always an issue, but if I went 29+ I'd probably end up selling my Karate Monkey to cover the spread. Thanks in advance.

[tws21975]

There is a post over on mtbr that talks about the outer diameters of all of the various fat and (x)plus size tires. Clif notes: 29+ is pretty darn close to 26x5. So your ICT's handling should be minimally affected. The only other (subjective) downside is the wider crankset vs. a purpose built 29+.

Either way, your tip sounds like a great adventure. Have fun on whatever bike you ride.

[scaley]

Thanks for the response. After digging a bit deeper and thinking about it some more I am leaning toward getting a Krampus. I am considering getting the original version (not ops) since I hear you can't get the rear wheel tucked in as close for a shorter wheelbase with the MDS dropouts on the ops.

I figure that will cover the spread pretty well, with the ECR only getting slightly edged out since it sounds like the Krampus can be a fine backpacking platform, whereas the ECR is less ideal for aggressive trail riding.

Time to start saving and looking for a medium Krampus!

[bmike-vt]

Great choice.

Surly Krampus in Bikepacking Kit by mbeganyi, on Flickr

[scaley]

So. Much. Want. Beautiful setup! That is what I'm looking for

[bmike-vt]

Not to dissuade you. But here is my friends rig from the same trip:

Surly Ice Cream Truck by mbeganyi, on Flickr

He's building up a set of 29+ wheels for it.

And another:(it's 10 pounds lighter than my Krampus!)
Beargrease by mbeganyi, on Flickr

That's a carbon Beargrease with carbon 29+ wheels. Less than 22 pounds with pedals (and no gear!)

[scaley]

Not to dissuade you. But here is my friends rig from the same trip:

Surly Ice Cream Truck by mbeganyi, on Flickr

Well, you first muddied the waters and then cleared them with this pic. I am just going to rock my Ice Cream Truck until it becomes an issue and go from there! One in the hand is worth two in the bush eh? Thanks for the pics and comments.

[bmike-vt]

It's a pretty versatile platform.  Especially if you mix in a 29+ wheel set.

[mikeetheviking]

Did you ever complete the South America trip?
I am a Krampus owner, and I a almost hate to admit it....But I have been dreaming about Buying an ICT or similar fatbike and using a 29+ wheelset most of the time.
The only reason I want to do this, Is cuz the wheels will be EXTRA strong....this appeals to me.... also It would simple be cool as hell lol:)

Curious to know what others think about this concept.