QBP Call Up - April 2015 - Gravel, Bikepacking, Touring & All Road

Gravel, Bikepacking, Touring, & All-Road / april 2015

Product / Tech / Trends / Know-How / from QBP and Friends

CALL UPBringing the best in cycling to the head of the field

2 / CALL UP / ProdUct / teCh / treNdS / KnOW-hoW

in this

isSUe

Tech, Trends, & Know-How 6 All-Road: All Roads Lead To Adventure 12 Gravel Racing: The Nitty Gritty Of Gravel 18 Touring: Forward Momentum 24 Bikepacking: Get Out Of Dodge 30 Last Stop

Gravel, Bikepacking, Touring, & All-Road Products 4 Clif: Real Energy From Real Food 10 Challenge: Dedicated To The Dirt 16 Brooks: Elemental Style And Comfort 22 Sierra Designs: Flip Camping On Its Head 28 Hydro Brakes: Confidence Booster

on this page: Photo courtesy of SRAM

Cover photo by Scott Haraldson, courtesy of Salsa Cycles

lead oUt / about this issue

CALL UP / Volume 2, number 2 / April 2015Published by Quality Bicycle Products 6400 West 105th Street Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.qbp.com

Customer Service: 800.346.0004 [email protected]

If youd like to stop receiving a paper version of Call Up, please contact Customer Service.

All brands, trademarks and content in Call Up is the intellectual property of QBP or our vendor partners, all rights reserved. Quality Bicycle Products, Inc. 2015

My name is Ryan Horkey and Im an event project manager at QBP. Ive been a cyclist my whole life, but in the last five years have made my first forays into the world of gravel racing and multi-day bikepacking trips. With the winter solstice behind us and longer days ahead, I cant help but think of all the

day-long training rides to come as I prepare for the seasons first gravel race, and the scouring of maps for my next bikepacking trip.

The popularity of bike touring, bikepacking, and gravel riding is booming as more and more media outlets are sharing different routes, technical information, and rider experiences, encouraging all types of riders and rides. Cyclists are excited to plan new adventures around their desires and to stretch their comfort levels.

Weve seen growth here in many different forms of bike touringfrom traditional, fully-loaded road touring to multi-day mountain bike trips with frame bags to ultra-light endurance racing on gravel. At QBP, something that once only a few of us did is starting to become a part of our regular Monday morning weekend recaps. As employees share their experiences of a multi-day bikepacking trip, others cant help but be inspired to start planning their first overnighters. The story of someones 100-mile gravel race encourages another employee to take an unknown gravel road on his or her next ride. These shared stories and experiences are getting people excited to pedal their own bikes down roads and trails theyve never explored before.

Encouraging your customers to explore gravel or go on their first bikepacking trips is easy with QBPs vast selection of products that ensure theyll be properly equipped for the adventure ahead. Theyll appreciate any assistance they can get from you, too. Luckily QBP can help. Within the walls of QBP there is no shortage of stories and experience to share and pass on.

Inside this edition of Call Up, youll find information about all-road touring, traditional touring, bikepacking, and gravel racing, as well as considerations for selecting a bike, gear, clothing, and shelter for overnights and beyond. Were excited to showcase vendors whose offerings demonstrate that theyre just as knowledgeable and excited about these categories as we are. I hope this information helps get you and your customers ready to explore this coming season.

Bring on the warm(er) weather!

these Shared storieS and experiences are getting people exCited to pedal their owN Bikes doWn roadS and trails theyve

NeVer explored before.

A New Era Of Explorers

A Tour By Any Other Name

Wonder what we mean by all-road? Dont quite get the difference between touring and bikepacking? Wonder what makes a bike gravel-specific? See definitions at the top of pages 7, 13, 19, and 25.


Real Energy

From Real

Food

April 2015 / Gravel, Bikepacking, Touring, & All-Road / 5

One of the biggest challenges endurance athletes face is proper nutrition. Clifs new Organic Energy Food is made from whole organic foods, providing essential nutrients that endurance athletes need to stay ahead of their competition. Offered in four flavorstwo sweet and two savorythis new line offers flavors unlike anything else on the market.

Organic Energy Food

Sweet Banana Mango Coconut / EB6400 / HC20L

Sweet Banana Beet with Ginger / EB6401 / RQ20C

Savory Pizza Margherita / EB6410 / MD24Y

Savory Sweet Potato Sea Salt / EB6411 / PU24K


Salsa Cycles met Errin Vasquez a couple of years ago when he entered our Reveal The Path Video Contest. His video, Adventure Is Where You Make It, won and landed him a new bike and a trip to ride it in Alaska. Errin continues to explore the terrain in his home city of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, proving that theres always an opportunity to tour by bike, right out your door, no matter where you call home.

My name is Errin Vasquez, and Im a cyclist in Los Angeles, California. I spend most of my time commuting to and from work by bike, and I add in long rides along the way. Sometimes dirt and sometimes paved, but pretty much whatever is in front of me is what I like to ride. For these trips I always grab my trusty steel-frame, 650b-wheeled, fully fen-dered, dyno-lighted, friction-shifting, go-anywhere machine. Its always ready to go with a front bag loaded with snacks, camera, and probably a bottle of Ensure just in case. As a bike owner I guess Im a Luddite. My style of cycling is always based on some sort of adventure. If it sounds crazy, Im in.

I started riding to work on a fixed gear bike and using the L.A. light rail system. I was only riding about 1.5 miles to the station and then about the same to work, but once a week

I would try and ride the entire 12 miles home at the end of the day. I can remember how intimidating that was, being surrounded by the cars, feeling so far away from home and generally unsure of myself. Slowly I started adding more commutes by bike only, and eventually stopped using the trains altogether.

Over the past few years my commute has grown more and more fun because I rarely head straight to work. I go out of my way to either add miles, add hills, or both. I string together different routes depending on how much time I have and how my legs feel that day. Sometimes I even get lost, in my own town! There is nothing more rewarding than getting com-pletely turned around within a mile or two from your house, because youre out there learning your area. It may not be the Great Divide, or remote Alaska, but you can tour with what youve got, and for me thats Los Angeles. That just may mean connecting this alley to that alley to get to that hill thats just over there. My commutes have become some of the rides I look most forward to. The time is already set aside, so it just becomes a matter of how I am going to use it.

Weekly pedaling has lead to weekend randonneuring, which is now my main focus in cycling. Brevets, which are 2001,200k events in randonneuring, offer a chance to see a lot of the world in a small amount of time. They are essentially fast tours with routes ranging from 200600k, going up to 1,200k for the biggest events. You get to pedal a lot of roads and see many places that you might otherwise skip over. The events are not races, but you are working against the

all roads lead to adventure

All-Road Photo courtesy of Errin Vasquez


Pete Koski, one of the engineers for Salsa, has had a hand in the design of many of Salsas renowned touring bikes. Here he shares some of the things the touring cyclist should consider when selecting the right bike for getting out and exploring the world.

Standover A touring bike is the one bike that you dont want to compromise or skimp on when it comes to standover height. A lot of people like the flat top tube aesthetic because it gives you more front triangle space. But when youre suddenly approaching a cattle punch in the middle of a pot-holed dirt road in South America, you want to be able to effortlessly slide forward off the saddle and stop your 80-pound bike. You cant do this if the toptube is making contact with your groin and youre reaching for the ground with your tippy toes. Getting the soles of your feet squarely planted and keeping yourself and your entire rig from hitting the dirt is the goal.

Geometry This is highly personal. Generally speaking though, a dedicated touring bike should have a lower bottom bracket (BB) and longer chainstay/wheelbase than a similar sized road, gravel, commuting, or even mountain

bike. The idea here is that the lower BB lowers your saddle, and therefore your body relative to the axles. This results in a center of gravity that makes riding and steering a loaded bike a little easier and more consistent. A lower BB drop also lends itself to lower standover heights, all things being equal. Longer rear-center lengths make for longer overall wheelbases that also help keep things stable and steady. This is an important function if you are trying to jockey your heavily loaded rig down a bumpy mountain road. Most other bike designs focus on shorter chainstay lengths for more performance-oriented handling into and out of corners, but this is not necessarily a key trait of, or a benefit for, a touring bike.

Frame Material Traditionally, good touring frames have been constructed out of steel. Steel is tough and strong, and has a very long life span. There is also a prevailing notion that in the event

of a field failure, finding someone that can weld steel is much more likely than finding someone that can weld titanium or aluminum, or repair a composite frame.

Frame Stiffness & Strength This is one of the most important traits in a touring bike. A good touring frame and fork both need to be adequately stiff so that when fully loaded, rider input still makes it to the wheels in a timely manner. As you lean over into a corner and turn the handlebars, you, the bars, your saddle, and the cranks all lean and turn together. Your panniers and wheels, however, follow Newtons first law of motion and want to continue along in a straight trajectory. This requires the

Follow Errins rides on

frontageroads.com or instagram.com/area45 See his winning video:

salsacycles.com/revealyourpath_video

a goOd toUriNg frAme aNd fork both Need to be adeqUately Stiff so that When

fully lOaded, rider inpUt still mAkes it to the WheelS iN a timely manner.

clock so you can gauge your progress. Brevets are self-supported, so there is an emphasis on navigation and figuring things out if something goes wrong. Of course, thats when things get fun right? Well, maybe not in the moment, but it is what memories are made of.

If youre just starting out with all-road touring and explor-ing, my main suggestion is to keep it light, both in terms of gear and attitude. Try riding to a coffee shop across town, to a farmers market, or just to a friends house. To me, cycling should be fun and if its not, well, why do it? Whenever I invite people on a ride I always make sure they are no-drop rides. If that means riding sweep or even walking alongside someone, then thats what it takes. Everyone should have fun. To me, thats what cycling is about.

my style Of cyCliNg iS alWays based ArOund Some Sort Of AdVenture.

if it SoundS crazy, im in.

Its always been important to me

to stop and enjoy my time out on a ride. Take a camera along and share the scenery with my friends, just like they share theirs with me. If you have a bike thats ready for anything, there

is no reason not to turn down that dirt road and see where it goes. Or push up that hill and see what view is waiting for you up there. Carry a stove and make some coffee up at the top. Dont be afraid to get lost now and then.

ChooSing the right eScape VehiCle

frame and fork to transmit your steering input to the wheels and your load so they travel along in the same direction. The frame and fork twist and flex as a result of the difference in direction between the two masses (you and the gear), winding up like a spring until they have enough energy to pull the panniers and wheels over to the same direction you are trying to go. The time it takes for this re-alignment of masses and their direction(CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

All-Road: Lightly loaded, multi-surface touring and exploring. Ideal bicycles are designed around randonee, brevet, cyclocross, gravel racer, or touring geometries and specifications. Riders generally carry enough gear for a long day or an overnight trip in small frame bags or backpacks.

1 BladeHE3380 / QD114BLazers new classic cycling helmet features Rollsys retention system and styling from the acclaimed Z1.

Prepare For Bumps In The Road

The most important piece of gear for any ride is proper head protection

2 MagmaHE3419 / CN120FVisor-equipped Magma is a mountain helmet erupting with style.

New womens-specific collection; unique colors and ponytail friendly.

3 ElleHE3431 / LR120CA high-performance helmet with the Advanced Rollsys retention system and 22 vents, with styling from the acclaimed Z1 helmet.

5 SummerHE3438 / XN48HAn entry-level helmet that boasts 19 vents with the Advanced Turnfit system.

4 KissHE3455 / CN78DThis helmet has the Rollsys retention system, integrated visor, and 16 vents.

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1 Hutchinson Sector Tubeless TireTR2810 / DS112KEnjoy the benefits this all-road tire offers: comfort, stability, light weight. Tubeless setup ensures no pinch flats.

2 Clement Strada LGG TireTR3254 / OC54XFeaturing 120tpi casing, puncture protection, and dual compound rubber for fast rolling and secure cornering.

3 Michelin Pro 4 Endurance TireTR8754 / UM70FHigh-mileage tread compound with a durable puncture protection layer to ward off ride-ruining flats.

4 DT Swiss 240S 11-Speed Road Center-Lock Disc HubHU0653 / ZD520EDTs benchmark hub is now available in 11-speed road disc. Convert to 135mm QR with HU1373.

5 DT Swiss 135mm QR End Caps for 11-Speed Road HubsHU1373 / EO50SEnd caps are specific to 11-speed road DT Swiss freehub body. See above part HU0653.

6 SRAM PG1170 11-36t 11-Speed CassetteFW4689 / FL142XNew wide-range road cassette expands rider and course optionsfor the popular Force CX-1 1x11 drive train.

7 Panaracer Gravel King Smooth Tread TireTR6280 / MQ46BThis all-road tire rides well at a wide range of air pressures, is very durable, and is among the industrys lightest in the 26 and 28mm widths.

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the good Stuff / stock your shop


8 Easton EA90 XD Clincher Disc WheelsWE3208 / Front / KZ528F WE3210 / Rear / GC612STubeless-compatible, disc-specific wheels are light, fast, and bomb-proof. Convertible to 15mm thru-axle front and 12 x 142mm thru-axle rear.

9 Louis Garneau Modesto JacketJK4222 / Womens / QY76T JK4183 / Mens / PD76N Lightweight jacket features windproof and breathable Diamond Air fabric so you stay dry and comfortable.

10 Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen TA0702 / PZ18WNon-greasy physical barrier sunscreen provides excellent protection and nourishes skin at the same time.

(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7)

can be felt as a wiggle and/or shimmy in the front and rear of the bike as you make steering inputs. To minimize this effect, a good touring frame should be built using larger diameter and/or thicker tubes so that any steering inputs are more immediately and directly transmitted from you to the wheels and load. When you test ride a touring bike, it might look beefy, feel heavy, handle slow, and be a little more harsh compared to a bike designed to carry just a rider. However, once all your gear is loaded on, the steering and handling will actually feel much more like what you are used to on a non-touring specific bike, as the frame and fork tubing is designed to support and wrangle that extra weight.

Wheels Like the frame and fork, wheels are a key load-bearing structure. 32count spoke, three-cross wheels are the generally accepted minimum, but 36-count is very common, especially for the rear. Like the beefier frame and fork idea, a sturdy rim and high spoke count enable the wheels to adequately support the rider plus gear, as well as keep up with steering input from the rider. Wheel size is always a huge debate. It used to be that any serious touring bike used a 26-inch (559) rim and tire size, as the odds of finding replacement tires, tubes, and spokes in remote locations was greater. With an increased popularity of 700c and 29ers, though, and better rim designs, the 622 rim size is a viable option. The choice really boils down to where you plan to tour and how easy a spare tire or tube will be to come by.

Fitments Touring bikes usually have a full complement of fittings for attaching racks (front and rear), fenders, and water bottles. Pump attachments and light mounts are also a bonus. The ability to configure a geared, singlespeed, and/or internally geared hub expands build possibilities even more.

Loading This has nothing to do with good frame design, and everything to do with an experienced cyclotourist. In general, people load the rear of the bike with too much weight. Similar to driving a pickup truck or car with a load of bricks in the bed/trunk, the front end gets very light and the steering seems to float. In extreme cases, the front end can develop an un-damped oscillation at higher speeds (death shimmy!). This is generally an indication of improper weight balance and a sign that more items need to be shifted to the front panniers. Front low-rider racks that mount to the forks and position panniers next to the front axle are the best way to get a properly loaded and balanced touring bike. This location is also much lower than any rear pannier, and actually the best place to start placing the bulk of your load if youre planning to tour with racks and panniers.

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When it comes to gravel and dirt road riding, no brand has been committed to the category longer than Challenge. The company recognized early on that neither traditional cyclocross nor wider road tires were the ideal choice for a 100-mile gravel race. By enhancing a few of its handmade cyclocross and road tires with additional puncture protection and new rubber compounds, Challenge continues to be a leader on dirt roads everywhere.

Dedicated To The Dirt

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1 Almanzo 33TR4445 / WT94T

Based on the championship-winning Grifo XS cross tire, the file tread pattern speeds the handmade Almanzo over trails and roads when the hard-pack conditions start to get loose.

2 Gravel Grinder 38TR4447 / MD52Z

The Gravel Grinder takes the Chicane cross tires mixed-condition tread, widens the center section, and adds a second layer of puncture protection for fast, confidence inspiring ride.

3 Strada BiancaTR4444 / KV90F

Named for the white gravel roads of Northern Italy, the Strada Bianca features a supple handmade casing and double puncture protection to speed you comfortably over rough dirt roads.

4 Baby LimusTR4427 / SO94I

The Baby Limus is a fast-rolling mixed-conditions tire using the legendary Limus side knobs and a fast-rolling center tread that provides low rolling resistance and impressive traction in all conditions.

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Rubber Side DirtyWhat is the perfect gravel tire? Now that is somewhat of a loaded questionone that everyone has varying opinions on based on their personal experiences and preferences, as well as where they ride. A tire thats perfect for dealing with the sharp, jagged flint rocks encountered during the Dirty Kanza,

for example, will probably have too much rolling resistance for the mix of pavement and gravel found at the Crusher in the Tushar. There is one thing that every gravel racer can agree upon when it comes to tires, however: Puncture protection is key. No matter what kind of gravel youre riding on, your chances of puncturing are greatly increased compared to riding on pavement.

The type of tread you use is really only the beginning when it comes to tires. Deciding between a tubular, a traditional clincher, or a tubeless compatible tire is another situation- dependent call. Each one has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Tubulars are great in that theyre light and eliminate the worry of pinch flatting at low tire pressures. But what happens in the event that you do end up flatting? Gluing a new tireif you have a spare with youon the side of gravel road generally isnt an ideal circumstance to find yourself in. Traditional clinchers offer the benefit of having the most

Before you send in that first postcard and get psyched for 100 or more miles of gravel racing, there are a few crucial things to consider. Proper nutrition, savvy tire choice, and choosing the right bike can make the difference between comfortably crossing the finish line and getting picked up at the halfway point.

Gravel Racing Photo by Scott Haraldson courtesy of Salsa Cycles

the nitty gritty of grAvel


As gravel racing continues to grow in popularity, more races pop up every year. Several events have helped pave the way (pun intended) for newer events. These established events have been running for several yearsmore than a decade in some casesand have only been growing in size and popularity. They attract both seasoned veterans as well as gravel racing newbies looking to see what all the hype is about.

The following events should be on every gravel racers bucket list. They test riders limits and are filled with challenges not often encountered in other disciplines of cycling. While you may have missed your chance to sign up for some of these this year, its never too early to start planning your 2016 gravel season!

Land Run 100 March 14, 2015 / Stillwater, OK 100 miles / $45 www.landrun100.comBarry Roubaix March 28, 2015 / Hastings, MI 24, 36, or 62 miles / $55 www.barry-roubaix.comTrans Iowa v11 April 2526, 2015 / Grinnell, IA 320+ miles / Free www.transiowa.blogspot.comAlmanzo May 16, 2015 / Spring Valley, MN 100, 162, or 400 miles / Free www.almanzo.comDirty Kanza May 30, 2015 / Emporia, KS 50, 100, or 200 miles / $110 www.dirtykanza200.comCrusher in the Tushar July 11, 2015 / Beaver, UT 70 miles / $145 www.tusharcrusher.com

To find a race in your area, check out gravelgrindernews.com.

Gravel Racing: Equipped with the bare essentials for a self-supported competitive event on minimally serviced gravel and dirt roads. Ideal bicycles are designed around randonee, brevet, cyclocross, or gravel racing geometries and specifications. Races can range from 50 to 300 miles.

tire options available but limit how low your tire pressure can be before you risk pinch flatting. Many gravel racers have begun to gravitate towards tubeless compatible tires. Tubeless is a great option because it completely eliminates the possibility of pinch flats at low pressures, which are important for riding gravel. The drawback of tubeless tires is that there are fewer options available; youll also need an upgraded rim if your current wheelset is not tubeless ready.

Not Your Grandpas Gravel BikeAs gravel continues to grow in popular-ity, so do the number of gravel-specific bikes. While these bikes arent crucial to complete a gravel race, they do make things a little easier and a lot more comfortable. With a geometry that is somewhere between that of a cyclocross bike and a touring or r a n d o n n e u r i n g bike, gravel bikes are built to be rid-den comfortably for hours at a time. Typically, they have a slightly longer wheelbase and lower bottom bracket height than cyclocross bikesdrastically different than what your grandpa rode back in the day. Otherfeatures, borrowed from the touring and randonneuring side of things, include fender mounts, wider tire clearance, and extra water bottle mounts, all of which make these bikes the perfect steeds for an entire day on dirt roads. Disc brakes allow for a little extra confidence on the multiple steep descents that many gravel races feature.

Eat Your Heart OutNutrition is one of the most important and most difficult things to prepare for. Since many events are self-supported, its up to you to make sure you have the proper amount of food to avoid bonking at the midway point of the race. Luckily, there are many viable nutrition options available as well as resources to make your own ahead of time. Pre-made snacks like Epic bars, Clif Organic Energy Food, and Kind bars are just a few of the options that offer endurance athletes an alternative to gels and chews. While gels and chews are great options for shorter rides, nothing compares to real food when youre in the saddle for six to 16 hours.

An alternative to pre-made snacks that some riders choose is to simply make their own on-the-bike food. Cookbooks like The Feed Zone (MA3415)

and Skratch Labs Portables (MA3417) make cooking delicious, portable foods easy. Using whole foods helps your body be properly fueled so you can make it to the finish line. Generally, you can estimate that youll need 200 to 300 calories per

hour during gravel races. If you happen to miscalculate how much food to bring and need a quick pick-me-up, you can usually find a gas station along the route to save the day. With any luck, a quick stop will fill your jersey pocketsand your stomachwith oat bars, peanut butter cups, and the tried-and-true secret weapon: the banana.

While there are more things to con-sider when preparing for you first gravel race, tires, type of bike, and nutrition are the three most crucial to get dialed in.

While gelS aNd cheWS are great optionS for shorter diStaNces rideS, nOthing compareS to real food

when yoUre in the saddle for Six to sixteen hourS.

CATCH THE GRAVEL FEVER


1 Easton EC90 SL Carbon Clincher Disc WheelsWE3217 / Front / LS1560T WE3218 / Rear / PF1800GEastons proven Fantom carbon rim shape is tubeless compatible and provides impressive aerodynamics. Couple that with disc brakes and you have fast wheels for a wide variety of conditions.

2 Clement XPlor MSO TireTR3211 / AT78ILow weight, puncture resistant, fast rolling, and enough tread to keep you upright when things get loose.

3 Maxxis Mud Wrestler CX EXO Tubeless Ready TireTR6223 / AZ60OWhether gravel racing in the spring, or CX racing in autumn sloppy conditions, this tire with puncture protection and tubeless ready capability can do it all.

4 Panaracer Gravel King Aggressive Tread TireTR6282 / YX46WThe newest of the Gravel King series is set to take the gravel ride world by storm with its greater width and more aggressive tread.

5 WTB Nano TCS TireTR1755 / YU56MThe Nano 40 tube-type tire debuted in 2014 to wild popularity. The new tubeless compatible (TCS) version will take it to a new level of performance.

6 Speedfil Off-Road Hydration BundleWB0062 / WQ104WOff-road hydration without the hydration pack! A secure frame mount F2 bottle and micro retractor hydration tube systemeasy access when you need it, out of the way when you dont.

7 Epic BarEB0908 / QQ52A100% grass-fed animal protein bar provides plenty of calories and fat for sustained energy. A satisfying alternative to its sugary counterparts. Box of 12.

8 Louis Garneau Elite Touch GloveGL2707 / JW52ILightweight glove features tactile areas to allow usage of touch screen devices; can also be used as a liner.

9 Prologo Nago Evo X15 SaddleSA1131 / KS174PBuilt on the technology and comfort of Prologos road saddles, but designed specifically for off-road applications. This titanium rail saddle is best suited for bikes with 150mm of travel.

10 Crank Brothers y16 ToolTL8131 / ZN54SShop-quality, CNC-machined y-tool with bits and accessories for on-the-go.

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11 Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Full-Finger GloveGL2900 / Mens / YK48H GL2930 / Womens / AX48IGel padding in just the right spots, combined with breathability and touch screen compatibility, make the Gel FF the glove for long days in the saddle.

12 Crank Brothers Candy 3 PedalPD8203 / NF140ASophisticated pedal, defined by its simplicity. The Candy 3 has clean lines and just the right amount of platform for added stability.

13 Ritchey WCS Paradigm Pedal PD0050 / KH196NA CroMoly axle and forged aluminum body combine to deliver a lightweight and durable pedal that sheds the heaviest mud.

14 MSW Silicone Bar TapeHT3904 / KI40DSilicone construction absorbs road vibrations to reduce fatigue and numbness while providing extra grip.

15 Time ATAC XC 8 PedalPD2201 / XM274PCroMoly axle and stainless steeldual arches for durability and a light carbon body make the XC 8 a top choice for off-road riding.

16 Pedal iSSi IIPD0500 / HQ110UFully serviceable, high performance SPD-compatible pedal equipped with a CroMoly spindle and sealed cartridge bearing.

2016 Overland Complete BikeBK2712 / LZ6300RThe Overland was developed to be the only bike you need when it comes to gravel, ultra cross, and cyclocross. Titanium construction provides a high strength-to-weight ratio, a near infinite fatigue life, and a very lively feel that no other bicycle material can match in ride quality.

KiNg of the dirt road

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Elemental Style And Comfort

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Elemental Style And Comfort 1 C17 Cambium Saddle

SA5120 / VH208F

Built on vulcanized rubber, the organic canvas top of the C17 is uniquely flexible, maintenance- free and waterproof, acting like a second skin saddle.

2 Cambium Slender Grips HT1288 / Slate / PQ96Y HT1289 / Rust / OD96E

Lightweight and classic, the Cambium Slender Grips are an aluminum shell wrapped with the trademark Cambium fabric (organic canvas and rubber).

3 Cambium Bar TapeHT1292 / Natural / CD56J HT1293 / Rust / HU56S

Bar tape completes and Cambium line. Unparalleled comfort, classic colors, and matching bar ends.

4 C17 Cambium Carved SaddleSA5123 / BD212R

Same superior technical features as the C17, yet with additional long distance comfort provided by the cutout section.

5 C15 Cambium SaddleSA5128 / DJ208Y

The first racing model in the Cambium family, the C15 is narrower and lighter than the C17, without sacrificing comfort.

Over the years, Brooks has become synonymous with comfort and stylethere are few things that compare to the look and feel of a broken-in Brooks saddle. This idea is carried through Brooks entire product line, including its latest offeringthe Cambium series. An all-natural, vulcanized rubber saddle forms the base of the Cambium, while a weatherproof organic cotton canvas is wrapped around the exterior, providing resistance to the elements. For 2015, Brooks is expanding the Cambium line to include grips, bar tape, and the all-new C-15 racing saddle.

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Newcomers to touring can use short local shakedown rides to get their bikes and equipment dialed. Doug Shidell, QBP Business Analyst, shares tips on how to get started. He is the author of Bikeverywhere.com, an invaluable repository of cycling routes in the Upper Midwest built from his extensive touring background.

Dont wait to go cross country. Go overnight. That simple piece of advice from Adventure Cycling Association could get you on your first bicycle tour this weekend. An overnight bike tour is just that. You leave today, spend the night and come home tomorrow. If you start from your front door, youll probably camp somewhere within an hours drive from home. Thats reassuring. Did you pack too much gear, or too little? Did the weather change unexpectedly? Mechanical failure? Cant make it to the campsite before dark? Relax. Call a friend or family member. They can bring you the gear you need, or carry you home where you can make a few adjustments and try again next weekend. No matter the outcome, those short overnight trips will build confidence as you learn the finer points of bike touring.

Here are a few tips for getting started:Pick a destination: State and county parks are obvious destinations, but dont limit yourself. Credit card touring is a popular option, so check out B&Bs, motels, and resorts. Another option is to camp in a friends backyard, or crash on their couch.

Route Planning: You probably already know good routes near home. Use these escape routes to get out of town, then start researching your options. MapMyRide, Strava, Garmin, and other crowd sourced websites offer a variety of options. Local bicycle advocacy groups and bike clubs are also good sources of route information.

No matter what your information source, verify that the route will work for you. Many crowd-sourced sites appeal to hardcore riders. They may be more comfortable in traffic or riding steep hills than you.

For a short overnight trip, you could drive the route to get a feel for it. Check for wide shoulders or awkwardly placed rumble strips. Bring your bike along so you can test ride a few miles of the route. You can also research the route from home. Follow the route on Google Maps and use Google Earth to zoom down to street level. The combination of satellite and

Touring Photo by Kelly MacWilliams courtesy of Salsa CyclesforWard momentum


ground-level photos will give you a feel for the condition of the road, traffic lev-els, whether the road has a lot of truck traffic and if it has a shoulder. Anything that makes you feel more comfortable about the route will make you feel more confident and excited about the tour.

Just Do It: You cant go too wrong with an ultra-short overnight tour, so dont go overboard with the planning. You can spend hours reading conflicting advice about how to pack your bike, for example, or you can load it up and ride

YoU probaBly alreAdY know goOd roUtes near home.

USe theSe esCape rOutes to get oUt of tOWn.

One of our resident outdoorsmen, Joe Benedict, offers things to think about before you hit the road or trail, so youll feel comfortable when you stop pedaling for the day.

ShelterThere are many varieties available from freestanding tents, single-wall tents, bivys, hammocks, and tarps. All of these options will work for a bike tour, but there are key things to think about before you go: Do you know how to properly set this thing up? Try it before you go. This advice goes for tents, bivys, hammock systems, and especially tarps. Learn the quick-release truckers hitch knot before tarping. It makes setup and take- down a breeze, allows you to get seriously taught lines, and makes readjustments simple. Is your gear in proper working order? When was the last time you used your tent? Was it stored wet for a long period of time? Discover shortfalls or issues with gear before you hit the road. Rain, wind, and storms happen. Are you comfortable being bound to a bivy, hammock, or tarp throughout the night? Know yourself and your preferences.

Sleeping GearA proper sleeping bag and pad will keep you warm and happy. Make sure your bag is sized appropriately, especially in cooler temps. Bags that are too big require extra body heat to fill the space and make for a cold night. To extend the range of your bag, think about an insulated pad or a sleeping bag liner, or simply wear extra layers to bed.

Stove & CookwareChoose your stove and cookware based on the type of food you plan on eating. Fresh food takes larger cookware and more robust camp stoves to properly get the job done. Many liquid fuel stoves are much better at simmering and allow for

more in-depth preparation. Riding all day most definitely works up an appetite, and a large gourmet meal can really hit the spot. If youre out for extended periods, look at purchasing a multi-fuel stove. Pressurized canisters may be difficult to find along your route, but white gas, kerosene, and unleaded auto fuel can be found most anywhere.

ClothingBe prepare for the worst and expect the best. I prefer merino base layers for the warmth, comfort, and anti-stink properties. I always bring an insulated puffy jacket. Ditch the heavy micro-fleece and upgrade to a synthetic or down puffy. They compress and are so light that you wont regret bringing them. I also bring a lightweight hat and gloves, too, in case the temps drop.

WaterWhile most tours wont require you to fetch water from streams and lakes, having a lightweight backup is a safe idea. Chemical treatments are the cheapest and lightest options. For a quick and super-effective option, look at a SteriPEN UV purifier. It can treat water in as little as 48 seconds. Bring along extra water containers. Platypus collapsible bottles and tanks give you extra capacity and pack down to nothing when not in use.

Other Items To Bring Bike repair tools Chamois cream Sun protection First aid Toilet paper/ a trowel to dig a hole

for a couple of hours. You can spend weeks planning the perfect trip, or you can do one this weekend, make a few adjustments, and go out again in two weeks. Nothing beats experience, and experience creates enthusiasm. That first cross-country tour could be just a couple of overnight trips away.

Navigation/maps Camp lighting Camp knife/tool Duct tape Spare rope Book Camera

Touring: Loaded for extended trips and road exploring. Ideal bicycles are designed around traditional touring bike specifications but hardtail mountain bikes with smooth tires can also work. Riders carry equipment in panniers for extended trips camping in road accessible areas with amenities.

home on the range

If youre in the Upper Midwest, check out Dougs site: www.Bikeverywhere.com Also: www.strava.com www.mapmyride.com www.bikeovernights.org

Doug Shidell, one of QBPs Business Analysts, started Little Transport Press in 1984 with the publication of its first bike map of the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. The goal was to produce a map that was designed solely for bicyclists, not just a road map with an overlay of bike routes. As the miles kept piling on, Shidell started Bikeverywhere.com to house the expanding number of rides and tours he documented.

Go The Distance1 ECR Complete Bike

BK3890 / 9-Speed / GA2520N BK3800 / 10-Speed / AL2800E The Swiss Army Chainsaw of 29+ bicycles, with a Shimano drivetrain and 710mm Jones Loop handlebar.

2 Long Haul Trucker Complete BikeBK3854 / 9-Speed / EL1530G BK6342 / 10-Speed / DF1700XCantilever brakes, Shimano drivetrain, 4130 CroMoly frame. Built for the long haul.

3 Disc Trucker Complete BikeBK0760 / 9-Speed / HX1520R BK2242 / 10-Speed / NC1900TShimano drivetrain, BB7 disc brakes, 4130 CroMoly frame.

4 Frame BagBG5820 / ER200LDurable rip- and water-resistant synthetic sailcloth. Made in the USA by Revelate Designs.


1 Problem Solvers Braze-On Light MountLT0902 / RF18HMounts to standard fender/rack braze-on to allow for additional head- or taillight mounting options.

2 Buff Insect Shield & UV HeadwearCL1897 / SW32PInfused with an odorless insect repellent, blocks UV rays, and can be worn in over 12 ways.

3 Grand Trunk Hammock Sleeping BagOB8896 / GM206BThis specially designed sleeping bag features a hammock pass-through at both ends of the bag which allows it to fully wrap around the user while hammock camping.

4 Sweetwood JerkyEB0930 / EU84UThis tasty handcrafted jerky from the Rocky Mountains comes in a convenient pouch for easy snacking.

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5 Louis Garneau Transpo R-12 BagBG4257 / YN76CRemovable, foam-insulted main compartment and internal multi-pockets.

6 Grand Trunk Nano HammockOC8804 / JE86JOne of the lightest hammocks on the market; an excellent camping solution or a relaxing luxury item on any tour.

7 Planet Bike Waterproof Saddle CoverSA0040 / JW14KIdeal for bikes in transit on the rack, commute parking, or bikepacking adventures.

8 Garmin Edge Touring Cycling ComputerEC3102 / ZD372OComes preloaded with bike-specific maps and points of interest, and provides both on-road and off-road navigation.

9 Continental Tour Ride TireTR9423 / BG22UWhether your adventure takes you through the country or the city, the Tour Ride is an all-around trustworthy option.

10 Continental Touring Plus TireTR9421 / SH30CFear no flat! With smooth rolling, siped shoulders and added PlusBreaker, the Touring Plus is the ultimate touring tire.

11 Selle Anatomica X Series Watershed SaddleSA0044 / SC224UNo break-in period; designed for long hours in the saddle with reduced perineal pressure.

12 Supernova the Plug USB Dynamo ChargerLT9964 / IA290HCharge anything anywhere. Weighs only 46g, replaces your headset topcap, and uses a USB to supply clean 5V/500 mA AC power from virtually any hub dynamo.

13 Planet Bike Aluminum Cascadia ALX Hybrid FenderFE7063 / CO68PReliable and versatile Cascadia fender now available in a classic, aluminum offering.

exPlOratiOn neceSsities

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Sierra Designs clothing and gear has been used by bikepackers and explorers the world over. The brand utilizes unique and unorthodox design to make spending time in the outdoors comfortable and efficient. The brands new Tensegrity tent turns modern tent design on its headliterally. The first-of-its-kind tent gets wider towards the peak, enabling more shoulder space while sitting up. Pair with a BackCountry Bed sleeping bag for a comfortable bikepacking experience.

Flip Camping On Its Head


Microlight 2 Jacket

JK4141 / SM60R

Your basic wind-resistant, water-repellent jacket. Compresses small into the included stuff sack.

DriDown Better Vest

CL4263 / WT118F

Its a vest! Its a jersey! Made with super light materials and filled with DriDown, it packs down small for emergency warmth.

Tesegrity 1FL Shelter

OT4241 / WK434J

Three pitching options and a roomy interior and still light as a feather.

BackCountry Bed

OB4227 / CG352Z

There are no zippers to mess with at the end of the day, and the attached comforter on this bag helps to seal out drafts.


Bikepacking is a quickly growing segment of the mountain bike market. What was once a little-known activity done by a small group of hardcore DIYers is well on its way to becoming a full-blown category of bicycles and equipment. The selection of gear has increased greatly to offer anyone with the spirit for adventure numerous options. Yet, with seemingly endless options for bikes and gear, many people are left all dressed up but unsure where to go, as there are few well-established routes.

First lets take a look at what bikepacking is. The easiest way to explain bikepacking to the uninitiated is to simply

say it is backpacking on a bike. Where touring cyclists often tend to carry a significant amount of gear with panniers and racks, the bikepacker generally opts for a lighter-weight, more agile setupusing frame, handlebar, and seat bags along with a backpack for their gear-carrying needs. Trips can range from multi-week, multi-state adventures to the ever-popular s24o, or sub twenty-four hour overnight, just a simple excuse to spend a night in the woods. This increased agility is freeing, allowing people to cover more ground and see more of the outdoors. However, not everyone lives in an area with hundreds and hundreds of continuous miles of singletrack, and route planning can become an issue.

Many people arent able to bag the big trails and instead have to find adventure in their back yards. It pays to treat every trip, no matter the scope, as a true wilderness outing. Route selection and mapping are of paramount importance when one ventures into the wilderness. While the touring cyclist is generally never too far from some type of civilization,

get Out Of dodge (or Wherever You may be)

Bikepacking

We talked with Casey Greene, the cartographer behind Adventure Cycling Associations Idaho Hot Springs route, to get a few beginner tips and strategies to make every bikepacking tripbig or smallsomething to remember.

Photo courtesy of Errin Vasquez


A little experience can go a long way, and helping your customers get started bikepacking can encourage them to come back to your shop again and again. Salvegetti Bicycle Workshop in Denver, Colo., has had success creating events that get people outdoors and on bikes, while building customer loyalty. A key example is the annual Salvegetti/Surly Camping Extravaganza.

Its a new way to expose customers to bikes, says Arleigh Jenkins, Salvegetti general manager, of the shops event partnership with Surly. It gets them out on the bikes in the environment in which they are meant to be ridden. It creates a sense of community and gets people more excited than if you were just in a parking lot. And after three years of doing the event, shop employees and shop customers alike look forward to it and get excited to be there.

Bikepacking: Loaded for remote, extended trips and exploring off road. Ideal bicycles are mountain bikes and fat bikes. Riders generally carry enough equipment for camping and surviving in areas with minimal amenities. Gear is carried inside frame bags as opposed to panniers and racks.

the bikepacker can easily find him- or herself days away from another person, let alone a town or store. Preparedness when it comes to route selection can also help determine what parts of the route may or may not be open to cyclists. In general, any protected wilderness area is off limits to anything other than foot travel, while the National Forest Service and BLM have numerous guidelines for camping in their parks.

One routing technique that has worked for me is to plot out destina-tions in an area, then connect them, says Greene, who advocates taking a destination-first approach to mapping. Here in the Northern Rockies, I love connecting hot springs and forest fire lookout towers, but you may prefer waterfalls, quaint towns, ice cream stands, breweries, knitting shops, gold mines, idyllic streams to fish, or desert towers to climb. Connect destinations that give you that warm, fuzzy feeling of excitement or that grizzled sufferfest

feeling of accomplishment. Your destination goals do not have to be points. They can also be linear parts of the greater route, such as singletrack youve always wanted to ride.

From there, Greene explains that all you have to do is add in the rest of your trip, such as places to sleep, resupply, or simply rest, and you have yourself the workings of a basic bikepacking route. Work in where you are going to sleep each night. Again, this can be a point such as a campground. Or, it can be a rough area like along a certain creek. If it is a longer trip, you will need to locate resupply destinations, and work them in. It also helps to figure out water sources, especially in arid environments.

Start small. Dont make your first adventure the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. While famous routes such as the GDMBR, the Idaho Hot Springs Route, or the Arizona Trail may be well mapped, an important part of bikepacking is to make sure your gear is dialed and your fitness is up to snuff. The sub-24 hour overnighter is a great time to experiment and shakedown your gear to ensure that everything is working properly when you head out on your real-deal adventure.

Fine-tune your nutrition plan. Food resupplies can be few and far between in the backcountry. Make sure you have enough food to sustain long days in the saddle and enough extra calories in the event you are out on the trail longer than you planned. Foods that are calorically dense and high in energy, like nuts, honey, or almond butter, are good choices on the bike while foods that are high in protein for recovery once you reach your camp can make a big difference in your ride.

Bikepacking is a great way to expe-rience your favorite places and trails in a different way. All it takes to have the trip of a lifetime is a little preparation and planning. When youre adequately prepared, youre free to truly enjoy your surroundings instead of worrying about the basics.

CoNnect destinations that giVe yoU that warm fuzzy feeling

of excitement or thAt grizzled

sufferfest feeling of AcComPlishmeNt.

THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE

Information & Inspiration

Here are some great online resources to help you get started bikepacking. From gear selection and route information to write-ups on setups and ride reports, these will help new bikepackers in their quest for information and inspiration.

bikepacking.net pedalingnowhere.com whileoutriding.com gypsybytrade.wordpress.com tourdivide.org/bikepacking bunyanvelo.com adventurecycling.org blm.gov fs.fed.us nps.gov/index.htm lnt.org fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/

passes-permit doi.gov/index.cfm


Rest Easy Under The StarsEnsure a good nights sleep after a long day of riding.

1 Z-Lite SOL Sleeping PadOB0101 / LZ64AThermaCapture coating plus hundreds of dimples trap and reflect heat back to the user. A softer foam on top for user comfort combined with a denser foam on the bottom for durability.

2 RidgeRest Solar Sleeping Pad OB0104 / HS58CDurable closed-cell foam sleeping pad lined with a ThermaCapture coating to reflect radiant heat back to your body.

3 NeoAir Venture WV Sleeping PadOB0103 / KR100VLight and packable air mattress with over one hundred insulating cells to keep you warm. Stuff sack included.

4 Capella 3-Season Womens Sleeping BagOB0113 / PF274VWater-resistant insulation in combination with ThermaCapture fabric makes this sleeping bag an ideal choice for women looking for a three season option. 22F temperature rating, includes stuff and storage sack.

5 Saros Synthetic Sleeping BagOB0111 / DS262OThe insulation of this sleeping bag offers warmth and dries quickly, perfect for adventures in wet or unpredictable parts of the world.

everYthing But the Kitchen SinKBring everything you need for a day, a week, or a month.

1 Anything BagBG8880 / XV36XThe Salsa Anything Bag is a 4.5 liter, waterproof, roll-top bag designed to work perfectly with the Anything Cage and Anything Cage HD.

2 Anything Cage HDRK8065 / XW36SCreates a flexible carrying system for attaching lightweight gear or larger bottles of water to the bicycle.

3 Touring PanniersBG8885 / Front / PC90S BG8886 / Rear / OS100VThese all-condition, waterproof panniers come with adjustable mounting hardware and carry handles for off-bike convenience. Front capacity is 14 liters and rear is 27 liters.

4 Warbird Frame BagBG5727 / JH200WSuper-durable construction with water-resistant zippers keep gear dry and are designed to avoid constricting cables when attached to the frame.

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1 Princeton Tec Remix HeadlampOL2559 / LP52BA combination of Maxbright and Ultrabright LEDs make this headlamp perfect for both long-distance spotting and close- range illumination.

2 GSI Crossover Camp Kitchen KitOC0611 / BD46LGet gourmet in the woods while being conscious of weight. Includes cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, spice vessel, and carrying tote.

3 CRKT EatN Tool OC0500 / TT10EMore than just a lightweight spork, the EatN Tool also has a bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, and 6, 8, and 10mm box wrenches.

4 Gerber Gear GDC ZipLightOA0629 / BU18MThis tiny light acts as a zipper pull, and when things go dark it provides eight lumens of light with a run time of 3.5 hours.

5 MSR DragonFly StoveOS0022 / RL200GMulti-fuel design allows use with almost any fuel, and a dual valve provides precise flame control. Folds down to a third of its size.

6 Jetboil MiniMO Cooking SystemOS8025 / IP170EWith a redesigned cooking cup and new valve design, the MiniMo provides the user with an easy-to-eat experience on the trail.

7 SteriPEN Adventure Opti Water PurifierOH0100 / UI126OUV light purifier is effective against a variety of harmful organisms found in water. Doubles as a flashlight and runs off of CR123 batteries.

8 Steripen Freedom Water PurifierOH0101 / DY140BThe rechargeable Freedom is the smallest UV purifier on the market and treats water in as little as 48 seconds.

9 Platypus GravityWorks 4L SystemOH0014 / EM156MThe GravityWorks system is as easy as filling the reservoir and waiting two minutes.

10 GSI Ultralight Java DripOC0647 / DW12MMake excellent pourovers in the woods at a minimal weight.

11 Maxxis Chronicle 29+ TireTR6375 / CI142QGreat for aggressive trail rides or bike packing. 3" wide casing with puncture protection and tubeless ready capability provides a secure and responsive ride.

12 MSR Alpine Nesting BowlOC0126 / DK10WA rugged stainless steel bowl that nests with another for compact storage while on the move; can also nest in an Alpine 2 pot set.

13 Ultimate Survival Technologies Stormproof MatchesOA9264 / BH8MWindproof, waterproof, and ultra compactthese matches will provide reliable fire whatever conditions you face.

14 Gerber Gear Sport Axe 2OA0626 / KA72ULightweight, tough, and able to tackle all of your camp chores featuring a shock-absorbing handle and hardened steel head.

15 GSI Halulite Minimalist CooksetOC0604 / WR36FRivals the weight of titanium at half the cost. Includes insulating sleeve, pot gripper, straining lid, and spork.

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3 TRP Cable Actuated Hydraulic SystemBR7738 / PA178H

Combines the stopping power of hydraulic disc brakes and the functionality of cable-actuated lever options. Caliper hydraulics are self-contained and are pre-bled for easy install.

4 Avid HSX Heat-Shedding Center-Lock Rotor

BR4693 / TD84Y

Lightweight minimalist design for secure braking without additional bulk.

5 SRAM Force 22 Hydraulic Brake SystemBR5876 / Left / DS584V BR5877 / Right / WQ584K

Force hydraulic road brake/lever sets combine the power and control of disc braking with the precision and ergonomics of Doubletap lever design.

1 Shimano RS685 11-Speed Hydraulic SetLD0002 / RG1008Y

Proven STI mechanical shifting along with the unparalleled stopping power of Shimanos Ice Technology in this one- of-a-kind hydraulic road system.

2 Shimano Saint XTR RT99S Center-Lock IceTech Disc Brake Rotor

BR0689 / QR98S

Features Freeza technology, which drastically reduces rotor temperature compared to standard rotors.


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Confidence Booster

The ability to descend quickly and confidently during a gravel race can

go a long way toward crossing the finish line ahead of everyone else.

Hydraulic disc brakes allow you to carry extra speed and confidence through the inevitable turn at the

bottom of so many gravel descents. QBP has all of the hottest drop-

barspecific hydraulic disc brakes on the market, ensuring youll be

able to find something to boost your speed and confidence.


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last stoP


Green power, many miles into the Trans Iowa.

Photo by Scott Haraldson courtesy of Salsa Cycles

Pack Your Bike & Go

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

6400 West 105th StreetBloomington MN 55438

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT 365MIDLAND MI

Documents

QBP Call Up - April 2015 - Gravel, Bikepacking, Touring & All Road