Making a Custom Half Frame Pack for My Kona - I Listened to Your Advice!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.พ. 2024
- After my last video in which I discussed my planned trips for the coming months, I was inundated with advice and thoughts on my planned setup and gear that I would be taking. I knew from my experience of sharing my plans for the GDMBR last year that the advice I received from my TH-cam community was invaluable, and pointed me towards a lot of choices that really contributed to me having a successful and wonderful time riding that route, so I put out my initial gear video for the TransAm quite early with the hope that the same would happen again, and you didn't disappoint!
Todays video came about as a result of one of the most common comments I received, that I needed more space for food! This is a lesson I admit I should have learnt from the GDMBR where I regularly spoke about how I needed to improve my diet and nutrition on future trips, but the long winter seems to have been enough time for me to forget all the wisdom I held upon completing that trip. I therefore decided to make a half frame pack to fill a space on my Kona, and this should add to my food carrying capacity. This pack will be perfect for my trip into Europe which I set off for next week, and I will decide over the coming months if this will be sufficient for the TransAm, or if I need to commit to moving my water bottles to create the space for a full frame pack.
While I work on this pack I also discuss some of the other useful suggestions that came from you all following my last video. I tried to give a decent amount of detail about the process of making the pack in this video, but if you would like a more in depth guide on making your own custom frame bag then please see below the link to a video I made last year.
Thank you for watching.
Email:
matryder2@gmail.com
Instagram: matryder1?igshi...
Links
My review channel:
/ @matryderreviews
Making my previous custom frame bag:
• Making a Custom Frame ...
![[UNCUT] ฝันรักห้วงนิทรา | EP.8 (4/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RDYJYiDwsj0/mqdefault.jpg)
Looks perfect to hold a baguette, I hope you took it with you to France.
I did, and I did put a baguette in it (half size). I can't think of anything more French than that. Cheers 👍
As for TransAm gearing, I rode it a few years back with my son. I had a road triple with a 24 - 120 gear inch range. It was adequate. My son ran a 20 - 115 range triple and I was a bit envious of the lower gears in the steeper parts of the Appalachians in particular. As you know from the GDMBR, it is always better to have lower gearing on a loaded tour.
As for the route, we stayed on the ACA mapped route. The Katy trail in Missouri is supposed to be quite nice, but it is a fine gravel surface and I've heard can be quite dusty. I'm not sure what others you've heard about. The C&O near Washington, DC is pleasant, but quite a bit off route. I plan to ride the Trans-Washington (state) trail this summer, but it really is more of a mountain or rugged gravel bike trail, much like the GDMBR, even though parts are rail trail. I'm not thinking of any others that wouldn't be considerable additional mileage. As you know, the ACA TransAm is already 4,200 miles.
I watched your bike and gear video as well, so I'll comment here on that too. Wild camping isn't especially available along the TransAm. We did only one night, although we probably could have done a bit more. I don't think a water filter is particularly necessary, there are many places to get water. (tip: you can often fill your bottles with Gatorade cheaply at convenience store soda fountains) We carried two bidons each and reasonably often an extra liter or two strapped on the rack that we would buy and possibly dispose and replace as needed. Sometimes that extra liter would be Gatorade. Dehydration is an issue on the route. Because we did so little wild camping, we didn't carry bear hang gear, per se, but I guess a bit of rope is always useful. I don't recall needing to carry more than a couple of days food at most. Always good to have a days pad in case the last shop you come to is closed when you get there. Otherwise, your gear and planning all look very reasonable to me.
We rode Schwalbe Marathon tires and put on new tires around half way. They weren't completely worn, we just seemed to get more punctures as the tires got worn.
If I were riding it again, I might consider aero bars for extra hand positions and for reduced resistance in the wind. And, there will be wind.
One of the mistakes we made early on was not taking advantage of the free accommodations at many churches along the route. This is mostly on the eastern part of the route, we rode east to west. They will be listed on your ACA maps. Across the Midwest; Kansas and Missouri in particular, there is usually free camping in town parks, also listed on the ACA maps. This often included a free place to shower. However, as you may be there in September, some facilities may be closed.
We did not take advantage of the Warm Showers app. I would suspect that could be useful along the route.
We took just over 70 days, from June 2 to August 15. Oregon will have lots of wild blackberries along the road in August. My mouth waters at the memory.
It seems west to east is the "preferred" direction, because of the perception of more favorable winds. You are, however, in the mountains almost immediately. For an Aug-Sept ride I would probably do west to east, because weather in the west tends to be cooler and you won't hit the hotter areas in the Midwest until it has started to cool in Sept. Pueblo, Colorado is almost exactly the half-way point. I live in Colorado.
I'm not sure how familiar you are with American history. When riding the TransAm east to west, you are somewhat following the path of westward settlement and of the nations history. As you probably know, the route was originally designed to celebrate the nations bicentennial in 1976. You might find it interesting to read up on American history. Where you start in Astoria was the end of the explorers, Lewis and Clark's survey of the Louisiana Purchase made by President Jefferson in 1803 from the French. It was when the US became a nation from the Atlantic to the Pacific. You will end near Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent settlement by colonists in what would become America. The final endpoint is Yorktown, Virginia, where General Washington defeated General Cornwallis, effectively ending the American Revolution.
It should be a fun but challenging ride. I have many fond memories of doing it. It is physically easier in some ways than the GDMBR, but I find riding with traffic can be wearing, so the TransAm has its own kind of exhaustion.
If you want to arrange some sidebar of communication, I would be happy to provide additional information.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this message. I really appreciate this. I have a lot to digest but that's great. I'll start my preparation once back from my Europe trip in May and will definitely be referencing your message multiple times. I would be very grateful if I could email you some questions/queries which I know will crop up. My email is matryder2@gmail.com
The more I hear about this trail the more excited I get. I will make a point of reading up on American history. I feel I missed out on the GDMBR by not doing so. Thanks again. Cheers 👍
On the subject of food, when my wife and I have gone on multi-week sea kayaking trips in BC, we had to carry all our food and water from the start. A good strategy we used was to dehydrate our food prior to the trip. Black bean soup, veggie chili, curries all worked really well. When camping, we'd boil enough water in the morning to rehydrate 2 portions of the dried beans, etc., and by lunch time we could enjoy our delicious, home-made meals. We're getting geared up for bike packing adventures this summer, and are going to fire up the dehydrator once again. Of course, your TransAm ride will be much longer than anything we're planning, so you'll likely want to save weight by resupplying along the way. But having at least a reasonable supply at the start will be good. Also, having a backup stash that you can use as an emergency ration may save you when nothing else is available close by. Watching your gdmbr ride as you restocked at gas stations was painful to watch over and over again!😂
-Craig
Excellent idea. I actually have a dehydrator so will think about having a good supply for the beginning. I wonder if I'm allowed to bring food from the UK into the USA though. I'll have to look into it. I really must eat better this time regardless. I'm planning on carrying more good food instead of eating junk. We'll see. I seem to be falling into the junk food trap pretty easily. Cheers and thanks for the advice 👍👍
You can't bring fresh fruit into the states, esp. oranges, apples. Anything that's cooked/processed is ok.
Repeat commenter here Matt. Sorry to nag. Kudos on the bag. You’ll be grateful for more food-carrying space. I live in Southern Oregon. I was always fascinated with the Oregon/Mormon Trail. I elected to break route and cut off east at Muddy Gap and traveled across Wyoming through many pioneer encampments like Martins Cove and Independence Rock. On to Casper and thence to Guernsey ruts, Scotts Bluff, North Platte. I loved my days traveling across flat Nebraska mostly on the historic Lincoln Highway. Some days with no more than 150’ climbing! Many lovely little old farming towns every few miles…you can see the tall grain silos from miles away…with great amenities, local cafes and lovely people. Loved the frequent trains who love to toot at you. Nice shoulder and not much traffic (2020). I would do this again in a heartbeat. From the city of Lincoln, I headed south east, took in a few miles of Southwest Iowa, and into Northwest Missouri. Hilly but so beautiful. There’s a historic monastery retreat there that’s magical. I worked my way southeast through Chillicothe and Lewis and Clark-historic and quaint Arrow Rock and then picked up the Katy Trail in Boonville. It was magical, flat, comfortable, fine limestone gravel. Not dusty, well shaded. Did I say flat? And no vehicle traffic or noise. It follows the North Bank of the Missouri river, full of Mark Twain and Huckleberry Finn flavor. Wonderful old towns. Jefferson City has the most beautiful of all the 50 state capitals. Spent a couple days sightseeing in St. Louis, then a long 120 mile day ride to Marion Illinois where I picked up nearby the traditional ACA tour route. I would do this again in a heartbeat. Colorado is beautiful but you just traversed the state last year. Kansas is wheat. Nebraska is corn. I loved Nebraska. My legs are moving just thinking about the trip. You will have a blast.
You're definition of nagging is a lot different to mine. This is all fantastic information. I'll take note of this for when I finalise my route but I feel I'll be taking some diversions. It sounds like an amazing ride. Cheers 👍
A man of many talents … with expert assistance from Caroline! Looks awesome!
I can't take much credit this time. Caroline did the work. Cheers 👍👍
BTW, The reverse top tube bag attached to the seatpost instead of the stem is an under-appreciated solution. I added one for my bikepacking trip and it was great. Allowed me to carry just a few more things and it's in a spot that actually makes the bike more aero/faster as well. A round seatpost in the wind is a lot of drag and you can cut it by a bunch my putting a bag in front of it to make it streamlined.
Interesting. I had no idea it helped with drag. Thanks for the information. Cheers 👍
Matt on my Kona Rove I run a full frame bag. The lower half holds a 3L Apidura bladder. I also hang two feed bags off the handle bars. One for water with electrolytes the other snacks or another bottle. Worked great on the GDMBR. I also had a cage on the down tube with a 1L bottle for back up if needed. I admire your ingenuity of craftsmanship.
Hi. I may still make a full frame bag for the TransAm. It depends on my final gear list. I'd have to figure out where to carry water but I can figure it out. I could.even put 2 bottles in the feedbags. I will be using them on this bike. Cheers 👍
I made a similar half bag for my gravel bike. I was quite sympathetic to the difficulties you had doing the sewing. It proved more difficult than I thought it would be. Mine was also X-Pac, seems like pretty nice material. Not a lot of experience at this point with how waterproof it is overall. I've found mine quite handy on day rides.
Good job on yours.
I made a full frame bag for my mountain bike with X PAC. I seam sealed it and it proved to be very water resistant. I think it's the best material for bike bags and is not too expensive. Cheers 👍
Wow, that’s a quick action! And it will perfectly fit a French baguette and some wine and cheese! Bon appetit! 🥖 🧀 🍷 😂
I'll be able to test it out soon. What better place than France and I'll be there in about one week! Cheers 👍
Well, look at that, it came out great, Mat 🙂 Looks very good on your bike, good choice of colors. Not to worry about those seems on the zipper, nobody's going to notice them. And they are colour coded so they more or less disappear anyway.
Thanks for bringng us along.
Cheers!!
It'll all hold together which is the main thing.
Every time I make one of these bags there's a stitching tragedy somewhere and they all work. Cheers 👍👍
Very sweet looking bag Mat! On the subject of tubeless again. In addition to the Schwalbe Allmotion I'd also take a look at the Pirelli Cinturato Velo. They come in a 700x35 (max) and are tubeless. They look to have very good puncture protection, be quite fast rolling and come in a tan sidewall option, which will match that bar tape nicely :)
Hi. I took a look at those Allmotion's and they look perfect. I'll have a look at the Pirelli's too. You can't beat a tan sidewall. I try not to go with looks but I'm only human. Cheers 👍👍
Nice fitting of the bag, great colours too! Tailfin watch out.
Thanks 🤣👍👍
Tidy job Mrs Mat
🤣🤣 Cheers 👍👍
Mat, have you considered riding the GDMBR from South to North? I've not been able to find a video of anyone making a recording of it riding in this direction. Thank you for the great job you do in your recordings. I've watched it all the way thru twice. Cant get enough.
Dave S.
Hi Dave. I met a few Northbounders when I was out there. Personally, I think starting in New Mexico would make it a tougher experience. Maybe if I do it again (which I imagine I will) I'll try. Are you thinking of going South to North?
Great video! Sewing is a form of magic so far as I can see and I've never had that talent. Lucky you had Caroline to step in!
Yes. If Caroline hadn't been there it would have magically disappeared into the bin. Cheers 👍
Lovely job, well done guys. New business, maybe? 😊
Great job. I could never do that. Or maybe I could. I’m excited for your adventure. I’m planning a similar ride for 2025 and have been thinking about the rail trails as well. Look forward to your show g me the way.
Thanks. It's not too difficult but getting it perfect would be impossible. Good luck with your ride. Cheers 👍
Behind every man is a great... frame bag. :)
Now that is a fact. It sounds like somebody's tag line. I'd copyright it.
Looking good Mat, I have a slightly different approach to bikepacking bikes, I like to keep weight as central and as low as poss, so full frame bag and panniers and bar bag, maybe fork bags. I'm surprised you didn't go full after the other bike. I run a 2litre bottle under the down tube and 2 bottles on the bars for easy access. Maybe look at mounting a bottle under the down tube? You can get various mounts that don't need bolts in the frame. Put the heavy stuff in the frame bag. Just my two penneth. Oh and your tyres are too small hahahahahahaha. 🤪🤣🤣🤣
Hi Graham. I will probably make a full frame bag for the TransAm. I need to figure out exactly what I'm taking first. I'd love to put a 2 litre bottle on the down tube but it wouldn't fit. Don't think so anyway. I still want a fat bike!!!!!
@@matryderadventures you can get mounts for frames with no bolts. I used to use one before I got the updated frame
Cool video
Thanks 👍👍
Awesome!
Cheers!! 👍
Well done…you have more patience than I!! 😊
You didn't see the off camera rantings!!!!
Amazing work looking really good on Kona
Thanks. I like it but may still make a full frame bag as well. Cheers 👍
I had my doubts about that penguin as soon as I saw it.
If anyone was in any doubt, let this video serve as a lesson that bullying works, you were pilloried by your community and within a week succumbed to the pressure.
👏👌
👍👍
👍 awesome
Cheers 👍
Take the katy trail across Missouri... the aca route goes past my house in Missouri and trust me that's not a good route
I'll look into it. Thanks. I'm all for making the route as enjoyable as possible. Cheers 👍
That is an interesting idea, and not the first time that has been suggested. It might add "only" 100-200 miles to the total distance (which is a complete guess). But how would a person get to the KT from the TransAm and then back to the TransAM from the KT? To my (limited) knowledge that has not been well established. And to rejoin the TransAm from the KT a biker would have to navigate St. Louis, which is not a small city.
Do you not like the finders
The stock fenders were very plasticky. I've replaced them with some from Portland Design Works. I only took them off for the Europe trip as I'm not planning on riding in the rain (I''ll hike if it's raining), but they'll be back on for the Trans Am. They were expensive but are rock solid. Cheers 👍
Merhaba. Ben Türk takipçinizim. Alt yazı destekli sizi izliyorum. Merak ettiğim bir konu var. Bazı uzun yol bisikletlerinde süspansiyon var. Ama bazılarında yok. Sİzce hangisi tercih etmeliyim?
Hi. I decided that the simplicity of rigid forks was best. I don't know if that was the right choice. Many others on the GDMBR had front suspension and were very happy. Either works well. Thanks ms for watching 👍