cycling

Model	Exterior		Interior		Packed Size	Max Capacity	Weight
	Length	Width	Length	Width
Caribou	246	97	123	37	43 x 15 cm	181 kg	2.7kg
Mule	254	97	132	39	46 x 20 cm	227 kg	3.8 kg

Thinking of buying a raft for bike packing and hiking. My first thought was from Alpacka

https://www.packraftaustralia.com.au/on-sale-alpacka-raft/alpacka-raft-caribou-lw-cedar-5cj4d-tsxf6

– Open configuration, TZIP, ugly colour, $1,483.  Great price, low weight

What would I be using it for?

– Floating down the Yarra River
– Hugging the coast in Port Philip Bay
– Bike Packing (might need that just for the Yarra River)

Maybe .. in the future light rapids but it is very important to be able to tie down a Mountain bike or my folding bike.

I like the idea of a TZIP

packraftaustralia.com.au had some clearance specials on:

ALPACKA RAFT CARIBOU

Blue Berry LW 210D, Open, NO TiZIP, $1,395
++ $250 for TiZIP

Blue Berry LW 210D, Open, TiZIP, $1,645
++ $150 for Self Bailer

Blue Berry LW 210D, Self Bailer, TiZIP, $1,795
Standard Coated 210D Calypso (Bi-Colour Yellow/Magenta), Open, TiZIP, $1,483 (Save $162)

ALPACKA RAFT MULE

Sale Item:

ALPACKA RAFT MULE SELF BAILER – 210D CEDAR – NO TIZIP $1,746
Weight: 3.2 kg
Packed Size: 46x18cm

ALPACKA RAFT MULE – SELF BAILER WITH TIZIP,

$1,950
Weight: 3.6 kg
Packed Size: 46x20cm

In the end I went with the green (cedar) mule with a self bailing floor with 210D. I would rather the heaver and bulkier 420D, but it is much more expensive, especially since I am buying an onsale model and not the normal price.

The normal price from 210D to 420D is an extra $250.

Cedar Green 210D, Self Bailer, TiZIP, $2,295
++ $250 going from 210D to 420D
Cedar Green 420D, Self Bailer, TiZip, $2,545

Weight difference between LW 210D and Standard 420D fabrics = ~250-350grams (https://www.packraftaustralia.com.au/faq)

Back in July I was talking to a bike mechanic about how bikes were in short supply due to COVID killing the supply chain.
I said I was looking for a Surly Bridge Club and surprise, he had one to sell for $1,900.

Not a bad deal, as the frame brand new is $1,200 at commuter cycles. The front rack is $250 at commuter cycles, but you can get it for around $215 if you look carefully.

I bought it! Some minor fit issues, which I am now only addressing.

Specifications

Frame	Surly Bridge Club, Seatpost Clamp: Surly Stainless 30.0
Fork	Surly Bridge Club
Headset	Cane Creek 40
Wheels	WTB ST i21 TCS Front Hub: Novatec 9×100 QR Rear Hub: Novatec 9×141 QR 11-spd
Tyres	Surly Extraterrestrial 700×41, 60tpi Tubeless Ready
Brakes	Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic disc, Rotors: Tektro 160/160mm
Shifters	Shimano Deore M5100 Rapid Fire
Derailleurs	Rear: Shimano Deore M5100 Shadow Plus
Crankset	Shimano Deore M5100 32t replaced with Wolf Tooth XTM8 96 BCD 36T Drop Stop A
Cassette	Shimano Deore CSM5100 11-51t (11-13-15-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51 teeth), Chain: KMC X11 EPT
Bottom bracket	Shimano BSA
Handlebar	Surly Terminal Bar: XS,S – 718mm / M,L,XL – 735m
Stem	Promax, 31.8mm
Seatpost	Promax, 27.2mm
Saddle	WTB Volt 142
Accessories	grip: Velo Black

Features:

• Clearance for 47mm tyres in 700c (or fits 27.5 x 2.8” tires) 
• Oodles of frame mounts for all kinds of accessories such as racks and water bottles or micropanniers
• 11 Speed Shimano components
• Versatile bike 
  
  

Geometry:

SIZE	XS	SM	MD	LG	XL
Reach	376	397	419	434.5	444
Stack	553	567	576	590	609
Head Tube Angle	70.0°	71.0°	71.0°	71.0°	71.0°
Head Tube Length	110	120	130	145	165
Seat Tube Length	335.6	406.4	457.2	508	558.8
BB Drop	60	60	60	60	60
Wheelbase	1032	1047.5	1073	1093	1109
Chainstay Length	435	435	435	435	435
Top Tube Length, Actual	534	547.5	570	591.5	610.3
Top Tube Length, Effective	545	570	595	615	630
Seat Tube Angle	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°
Standover Height	709	750.5	780	812	845.5
Stem Length	80	80	90	90	100
Stem Angle	6°	6°	6°	6°	6°
Crank Length	170	170	175	175	175
Fork Length	420	420	420	420	420
Fork Rake	43	43	43	43	43

As a highly versatile touring bike, the Bridge Club hits the sweet spot that separates on- and off-road excursions. The simplistic design makes it fully adept to handle a full rack and pannier setup, frame bags, or any combination of the two. It doesn’t feel sluggish on paved shortcuts, but can also hold its own on dirt detours. If you’re feeling a little zesty on your next road tour, you won’t be ill-prepared for reroutes through the woods. The Bridge Club is designed to handle it all.

• Crankset: Shimano Deore M5100 32t
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5100 Shadow Plus
• Cassette / Cog: Shimano Deore CSM5100 11-51t
• Chain: KMC X11 EPT
• Handlebar: Surly Terminal Bar
• Stem: Promax, 31.8mm
• Headset: Cane Creek 40
• Shifters: Shimano Deore M5100 Rapid Fire
• Brake Levers: Tektro HD-M275
• Brakes: Tektro HD-M275, 160mm rotors
• Saddle: WTB Volt 142
• Seatclamp: 30.0mm Surly Stainless
• Seatpost: Promax, 27.2mm
• Hub: Novatec 9×100 QR Front and 9×141 QR 11-spd Rear
• Rims: WTB ST i21 TCS
• Tires: Surly Extraterrestrial 700×41, 60tpi Tubeless Ready
• No Pedals included
  
  

Shimano Deore M5100 11 Speed Cassette (11-51T)

https://www.bikebug.com/shimano-deore-cs-m5100-11-speed-cassette.html

$100

*Compatible with HG freehub bodies*

The Shimano CS-M5100 is the suitable cassette for the new DEORE 11-speed group.

The distinctively designed HYPERGLIDE sprockets incorporate specially positioned shift ramps and tooth profiles for improved chain control during shifting. Fast and responsive indexed shifting is the result. The HG cassette sprocket, which was developed for 11-speed system, underwent comprehensive optimization to achieve super-highly efficient shifting.

PRODUCT FEATURES – SHIMANO DEORE CS-M5100

• Use: MTB
• Group: DEORE M5100
• Model: CS-M5100
• Type: HG
• Gear: 11-51 for 1×11-speed
• Compatible chain: HG-X 11

GRADATION

• 11-51 (11-13-15-18-21-24-28-33-39-45-51 teeth)

MATERIAL

• Steel, Nickel plated

Microspline freehub body is not necessary with this cassette.

Shimano Deore M5100 11 Speed Rear Derailleur

https://www.bikebug.com/shimano-deore-rd-m5100-shadow-rd+-rear-derailleur—long-cage-1×11.html

The 11-speed DEORE rear derailleur enables precise and quick shifting within the 11-51T range. 13-tooth pulley wheels and SHIMANO SHADOW RD+ technology reduces chain chatter and gives you improved chain retention thanks to a stiffer derailleur arm and higher chain tension.

FEATURES – SHIMANO DEORE RD-M5100 1X11-SPEED REAR DERAILLEUR

• Shadow RD+ For optimal chain retention
• RD-M5100-SGS  
  • 51T max cog size
  • Works with 11-speed 11-51 teeth cassettes
• Pulley size with 13T increased for reduced friction

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Use: MTB
• Group: DEORE M5100
• Model: RD-M5100
• Mount: Direct Mount
• Technology: Shadow RD+
• Gradations: SGS-Type 1×11-speed
• Compatible chain: HG-X CN-M5100 11-speed
• Max. teeth large sprocket: 51T
• Min. teeth large sprocket: 51T
• Max. teeth small sprocket: 11T
• Min. teeth small sprocket: 11T
• Max. Front Difference: 0T
• Total Capacity: 40T

CAGE

• Type-SGS long

Shimano Deore M5100 11 Speed Rear Shifter

The DEORE 11-speed right-side shifter benefits from the same technologies as XTR, DEORE XT and SLX. Together with the speed of RAPIDFIRE PLUS and a TWO-WAY RE-LEASE feature you can shift up and down the 11 gears of your cassette faster than ever before.

SHIMANO DEORE SL-M5100 11-SPEED SHIFT LEVER RIGHT RAPIDFIRE PLUS

• 20% quicker lever access time
• Compact design and lightweight
• Quicker lever access and light operation force maintains rider concentration
• Greater flexibility and action-optimized cockpit layout
• 2-WAY RELEASE for instant push/pull movements

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Use: MTB
• Group: DEORE M5100
• Model: SL-M5100-R
• Shifter Type: Rapidfire Plus
• Mounting: Clamp
• Gear rear: 11-speed
• Optical Gear Display: Yes
• Instant Release: No
• Multi Release: No
• 2-Way Release: Yes
• Cable adjust: Yes
• Cable included. Housing not included

MATERIAL

• Main lever body: Aluminum Painted
• Lever body: Aluminium, GFRP

Shimano CN-HG601 11 Speed Chain

https://www.bikebug.com/shimano-105-cn-hg601-11sp-chain-p-55511.html

$40

Surly Terminal Bar

https://surlybikes.com/parts/terminal_bar

https://www.commutercycles.com.au/surly-terminal-bar/ $160

Surly 26-29″ CroMoly Rear Rack Black $240

https://www.pushys.com.au/surly-26-29inch-cromoly-rear-rack-black.html

Was doing some research on Wald Bicycle baskets. I found the cheapest option is actually to buy them from amazon.us through amazon.au

Wald 137

Baskets are 38cm side to side x 25cm front to back and 12c deep

WALD 139

Baskets are 45cm side to side x 33cm front to back and 15cm deep – the basket tapers to a bit narrower at the bottom

Wald 135

36.8 x 24.1 x 22.9 centimetres

So I have ordered a “Panier avant pour vélo-Wald Standard,#137 x 15 “/ 10” x 5 “- Noir” which in English translates to “Front Bicycle Basket – Wald Standard, #137 x 15″ / 10″ x 5″ – Black” for AUD $79.03

In a bicycle shop it would cost me around $100 without fittings to around $130 with fittings.

I think my order includes the fittings, but I am not 100% sure. It does not matter because I will be zip tying them to my front rack.

Melbourne by Bike Path – by David Blom
This trail shows the fantastic network of bike trails Melbourne has to offer. What David has worked out is a 600km loop path with no crossovers or up and backs and minimal on-road riding. Its pretty much all bike paths.

I got a new bike, a Kona Rove NRB DL
I managed to buy my bike for only $2,400! This might seem excessive, but it is normally $2,999! I pick it up Friday, June 15

My fifth decade on this earth is approaching and I am getting a little wide in my girth. I have a perfectly good touring bike sitting in the garage, a Bike Friday Pocket Lama:

The only problem is because it is a foldable bike, there is a weight limit for the frame. I am over that limit 🙁
I need a new bike to ride my plus size me and the Kona Rove NRB DL fits the bill.

So why this bike?

The marketing spiel for the bike starts with:

what does a modern road bike look like? If you ask us, it would be quick on the pavement but completely capable of putting in time on a variety of surfaces. Thru-axles, hydraulic brakes, and room for big tires. 

SO:

1. A road bike with drop bars, thru-axles, and hydraulic brakes
2. Room for big tyres: in 700c > 40mm and/or 650b > 45mm
3. A wide range of gears with a low gear suitable for cycle touring
4. Must be able to mount a rack and mudguards (fenders)
5. At least three water bottle cage mounts (two in the frame, one underneath)
6. A steel frame
7. On the front fork, attachment points for water bottle cages
8. On the top tube, attachment points for a top tube bag.

Bikes with these attributes are usually aim at the gravel market. This is for cyclists who like to ride on unpaved roads or even technical single track like a mountain bike.

Bikes in this category are often used for bike packing

The bike I have purchased meets the first five categories, but instead of steel uses aluminium for the frame.

Despite the ease of putting points 6 and 7 on a bike they didn’t do this for my bike.This would be down to two factors, cost and market differentiation.

Bike designed for the bike packing scene have lots of attachments points everywhere. This is incrediably versatile, but a little ugly. An excellent example of this type of bike is the Surly Troll.

While my dream bike entails images of cycling a heavy ladden bike through a desert or mountain pass, reality is moving around quickly, comfortably in a busy city with the occassional foray into the bush.

This is best served by a Road+ bike, which is essentially a comfortable road bike with fat tyres, in my case 47mm 650B (27.5″) 

One of the bikes I was considering was the Surly Midnight Special which epitomises the Road+ category. I didn’t get this bike because

1. It wasn’t on sale! So $600 more then my  Kona Rove NRB DL
2. No hydraulic brakes.
3. Rims are not tubeless compatible
4. No closed through axle dropout due to the frame supporting QR and thru axle wheels, see THE SURLY MIDNIGHT SPECIAL IS TRULY A FAT TIRE ROAD BIKE

On the plus side it did have mounting points on the front fork. I love their marketing spiel which is just as applicable to my Kona Rove NRB DL:

Today’s road bikes are tricky little buggers. Sure, there’s still a place for super narrow, pizza cutter-esque tires that save watts and shave grams or whatever. There’s probably still even a place for a road racing bike. Those places still exist. We just don’t know – or particularly care – where they are. When it comes to road bikes, we just want to toss a few banabikenas into our pockets and see where the road takes us. We seek out varied surfaces on our rides and frequently go from pavement to gravel to shittier pavement. 

Enter: The Midnight Special – a Road Plus bike designed to provide comfort and speed on those all-day rides that extend well beyond fresh pavement. It rides like a cloud on smooth pavement. but that’s expected. Any bike can do that. Where it truly shines is on pot-holed, deteriorating pavement and the occasional long stretch of gravel. The Midnight Special’s 650b Road Plus tires eat up road chatter and absorb all the bumps in the road like the champion it was designed to be.

If you’re some masochist who is unfazed by the thought of a bumpy, chattery eight-hour road ride, you should know that the benefits of Road Plus go beyond just comfort. They also create a wider contact patch, thereby increasing your traction. And traction is a good thing. Additionally, higher volume tires allow you to better fine tune your tire pressure on varying surfaces. Let a little out on bumpier roads and pump those suckers up on smooth ones.

Want to know what bike packing is? .. have a look at bikepacking.com for lots of great photos and stories.

SPECIFICATIONS

FRAME MATERIAL	Kona 6061 Aluminum Butted
SIZE	56
REAR SHOCK	n/a
FORK	Kona Full Carbon Flat mount CX Race Disc
CRANKARMS	Shimano RS510
CHAINRINGS	34/50t
B/B	Shimano 68mm
PEDALS	n/a
CHAIN	KMC X11
FREEWHEEL	Shimano 105 11-32t 11spd
CHAINGUIDE	n/a
F/D	Shimano 105
R/D	Shimano Ultegra
SHIFTERS	Shimano 105
BRAKE CALIPERS	Shimano Hydraulic Flat Mount
FRONT BRAKE ROTOR	Shimano RT54 160mm (centerlock)
REAR BRAKE ROTOR	Shimano RT54 160mm (centerlock)
BRAKE LEVERS	Shimano Hydraulic
HEADSET	FSA No. 57SC
STEM	Kona Road Deluxe
SEATPOST	Kona Deluxe Thumb w/Offset 31.6mm
SEAT CLAMP	Kona Clamp
GRIPS	Kona Cork Tape
SADDLE	WTB Volt Comp
FRONT HUB	Formula 100x12mm (centerlock)
REAR HUB	Formula 142x12mm (centerlock)
SPOKES	Stainless Black 14g
RIMS	WTB Asym i23 TCS
FRONT TIRE	WTB Horizon Road Plus TCS 650x47c (650x40c size 46)
REAR TIRE	WTB Horizon Road Plus TCS 650x47c (650x40c size 46)
PAINT COLOR	Matt Metallic Sand w/ Charcoal & Red Decals

Geometry for 56cm Frame Size

mm	inches
1	ST LENGTH	560	22.0
2	TT LENGTH	579	22.8
3	REACH	392	15.4
4	STACK	610	24.0
5	STANDOVER	803	31.6
6	HT ANGLE	71.5	71.5
7	HT LENGTH	186.6	7.3
8	ST ANGLE	73.0	17.1
9	CS LENGTH	435	17.1
10	BB DROP	70	2.8
11	BB HEIGHT	273	10.7
12	WHEELBASE	1050	41.3
13	FRONT CENTER	624	24.6
14	FORK LENGTH	395	15.6
15	FORK OFFSET	45	1.8

References
KONA’S VERSATILE ROVE LINE EXPANDS WITH 650B, REYNOLDS 853 – ROVE LTD, ROVE NRB DL, ROVE NRB
Riding the new Kona Rove NRB gravel bike in southern Spain
pelotonmagazine article
Riding Gravel Forum Post

2018-06-14-Kona-ROVE-NRB-DL

I purchased a new bike on Saturday, went a little over budget so I walked into the city (8km), picked it up and was riding home and I got a bloody nail through the tyre, so another 4 km walking 🙁

So far, I like it. It is very responsive, easy to accelerate.
My goal with the bike is to lose 20kg over the Australian summer and build a good physical base.

Read more

The panniers and backpack weigh around 10 kgs, the bike about 14.5kg, so in total about 25kg !
This is going to hurt when I hit the mountains.