El Mariachi Bikepacking Setup 1.0

[MudderNutter]

I just finished my initial setup for my 2015 El Mariachi SS, and it's ready for a few test runs!

She's no longer a dedicated SS. I had a new wheel built up with a XT M8000 11 speed hub that is laced to a WTB Formula i23 hoop. Then I put a Shimano XT 1x10 drivetrain on her with the 11-36t cassette, and a 32t RaceFace chain ring.

Last shot of her as a dedicated SS rig:


With the shifter bits installed:


Next on the list was to start tackling the bikepacking gear! I got the El Mariachi specific frame bag from Revelate, as well as their handlebar harness:


For a seat bag I decided to save some money, and spent less than 10 dollars on Amazon for this 5l dry bag:


Here is my phase 1 setup. There are still some small changes in her future as well. I have some bottle cages for my forks on the way, as well as some new gravel tires.


I'm doing the Great Allegheny Passage with my pops next weekend, so we will be sharing my 2 person quarter dome tent. I really really want to get a new sleeping pad, as mine is quite huge (but comfy). I just don't feel like spending 120 bucks for one at the moment, so this will have to do! I don't think having the tent, and my pad on the bars will be an issue for gravel grinding. Singletrack will be a different story. OH! I also have a brand new Reba sitting in the garage that will take over for singletrack duties, while the rigid fork will be my loaded gravel grinding specialist.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Looking good!

I normally run single speed.



But put gears on for a 7 day trip in August thinking that I'd need them on what looked like a heinous climb on the 6th day. You know the one thing that failed when we got rain and mud early in was the chain. Of course. But it worked out.

 

[MudderNutter]

Thanks! I like your setup.

Yeah I love SS for many reasons, but figured I'd take a jump into gears for a bit (I have another rigid/SS as well... so having 2 seemed overkill). Mainly because I have a bunch of upcoming big rides with a buddy that rides gears, so I was thinking it would be easier to pace with him on a level platform.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Very cool. Man, that bar weight looks tough. I'd rather load up my back than suffer the bar weight.

For a great pad option - Klymit Stratos, I think it's called. $65. Amazing value. Small as a can of beer.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Do you mean Klymit Static by chance Christophe? The standard version of those are typically about $55. Been eyeing something like those. We have ancient 3/4 Thermarests that we still use backpacking but they are heavy and bulky so have zero use in an ultralight situation.

 

[MudderNutter]

Thanks Christophe! I wasn't looking forward to the bar weight either. 65 bucks is much easier to stomach than 120.

Here is a link for those interested: https://www.amazon.com/Klymit-Stati...&qid=1475268732&sr=1-2&keywords=Klymit+Static

 

[DaveInDenver]

REI has the standard Static V a few bucks cheaper, $55. If you have one local it will be zero shipping although sales taxes comes in (which we pay to Amazon anyway here in Colorado, thankyouverylittlestatelegislature).

https://www.rei.com/product/850321/klymit-static-v-sleeping-pad

 

[Christophe Noel]

Yup. That's the one. It's not going to be terribly warm, but the new insulated version is only a few bucks more. I'm not wild about the baffle design, but for the money, you really can't beat it considering it's 25-40% cheaper than most pads.

 

[MudderNutter]

Just ordered one. Can't wait to check it out! I live in NC, so most of my camping is in warmer weather, so hopefully the R value won't be too big of a deal.

I leave for the Allegheny Passage on Thursday. I'm still getting all of my ducks in a row, and doing some test rides to figure out the best configuration for my equipment. I'll post some more photos soon.

 

[fortel]

I recently got the insulated Static V for backpacking. My old original Thermarest was too heavy and bulky. So far I'm liking the Klymit and getting used to the v-shaped baffles. I'm also looking at their 20 degree down bag that recently won a Gear of the Year nod from Outside.

 

[Christophe Noel]

I might also suggest using Pronghorn straps on that seat bag to keep it from wagging, which it will certainly do with that p-cord. I LOVE pronghorn straps from Giant Loop.

https://www.giantloopmoto.com/product/pronghorn-straps/

I keep an extra on hand. They're like reusable duct tape. A million uses.

 

[p nut]

Looks almost like rebranded Voile ski straps. I've got two of these that's worked well. I use it to strap bags or hold heavy water bottles in place. Bit cheaper as well.

http://www.backcountry.com/voile-ski-straps-9-through-24-inches-vol0083
_
Or here
_
https://www.rei.com/product/108621/voile-ski-strap

 

[MudderNutter]

Thanks guys! The para-chord was just for testing. I'm using some of those bendy 24 inch "gear ties", and they are holding things in place pretty well. I'll look into getting some straps though! I'm trying to hold off on purchases for a little, as I just picked up a 2017 Jamis Renegade for the lady :bike_rider:. It wasn't supposed to be in until January, but the shop had her ready to go yesterday.

My trip with my dad got pushed back to next weekend due to the hurricane. I live right on the coast in southern NC, so I felt pretty guilty leaving my girlfriend alone for the storm

 

[Co-opski]

Stay safe and know when to bug out. :safari-rig:

 

[MudderNutter]

Post Trip Update

Well the setup ended up being spectacular! Holding the dry bag on with some gear ties work great, and I loved all the Revelate gear... as well as my XT shifter bits.

The GAP was a blast. I could see myself doing that once a year. The temperature was perfect, the leaves were changing, and the trail conditions were ideal! It was nice riding through a town every couple hours, so we could grab food/coffee/brews). I'd guess that roughly 120 miles of the trail follows various rivers, so the views are just constant.

Shot of my Dad's bike and mine (mine is on the right)