My Salsa Fargo for my GDMBR ride this July touring not racing. See you out on the trail 2 July from Banff may the wind be on your back and rubber side down. Stephen.
I've ridden half of the Great Divide. Also many long road tours. Re Ortlieb Classic panniers on the rear, I own a full set for city commuting, front and rear. The plastic mounting clips, and plastic hooks at bottom will probably break on the Divide. I'm using Revelate Designs Nano Panniers that attach with Velcro to the rack for front and rear. Secure, nothing to break, or snap. Other panniers I would recommend are Arkel bran with metal clamp at top and bungee cord hook for bottom attachment. Arkels do not break either. Good luck on the Divide, you're ready, have fun, happy trails!
Hi, rode the BC epic 2022 1000km with these panniers no problems ,however I will be taking a spare mounting clips weight nothing as a get out of jail card also an extra bottom clip each side to stop any movement.
Just come back From riding the GDMBR and No breakages what so ever and I saw may others using Ortlieb Panners ,I would how ever next time use the front bags on the back as they are smaller there fore carry less crap.
Any handling/durability/performance issues with load on the suspension fork? I'm looking at doing something similar. Best of luck on the ride! My wife and I did a section of it last year, Pinedale to Salida. Gorgeous.
Using Tailfin mounts on forks about £30 each not cheap but well made and better than pipe clips ,keeping weight to about 1.5 -2 kg max each side should be ok because the lump on the drive chain has lost over 10 kg this last 6 months(me) Will let you know .
@arcoulant87 I thought you could go paddles on the leather brooks saddles once they conform to your rear end. Trying to avoid padded shorts as they get wet from sweat and rain which can cause saddle sores. Wearing merino underwear with hiking shorts would stay dryer thus minimizing saddle sores from occurring.
For what it is worth, I ride a B17 and don't bother with (or find that I need) padded shorts. For commuting and longer rides, I find it comfortable. Being able to wear regular shorts (with or without merino or synthetic undergarments, which sometimes I do just for kicks) is nice, but usually I just don't bother. Just don't wear cotton.