full suspension

by blingker
(kuala lumpur/malaysia)

I have a full suspension mountain bike.(pix attached)
Is it possible to use this bike for long distance touring?
I was thinking to place a larger bag at the rear...similar design(topeak) and also a large handlebar bag.Probably a small lightweight tent tied to the back bag or front bag.

I haven seen anybody done touring on the full sus bike yet...but i prefer the option of going offroad...cause we live in a tropical forest...and here in malaysia have beautiful jungle trail

I did some research on the net and i'm aware of the disadvantage of full sus bike for touring.Things like difficult to attach pannier bag,extra moving parts,extra weight and maintainance,bog while pedaling(i'm using lockable rear sus..no prob)

PS: I have a weight advantage..only 58kg!

my bike specs:

Frame:EPX Terrashark(carbon)
fork: Rockshox Recon 351
rear shox:Khind Shock dual air with lock
wheelset:XERO Element XAD-3
Brake:Avid elixir R

Please advice...

Comments for
full suspension

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Mar 26, 2010

topeak pannier
by: Anonymous

Thanks Steve for the comment.Now i'm more confident that softail bike is possible.
I have the same brand(topeak)in mind...and they are reasonable in price.

Cheers!

Mar 26, 2010

yes it's possible.
by: Anonymous

We crossed the Pyrenees mountain range in Spain, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, approx 1000km, with daily climbs of at least 1000m. We cycled on rough track and road.

We had Giant, full sus mountain bikes. We used Top Peak, seat post mounting, pannier systems. these have a large bag on the top and panniers on the side. We could only carry enough for staying in accommodation. We did not carry a tent or camping gear.

So yes, it is possible, but your luggage capacity it limited. Have a look at our web site which tells you about our tour www.my-bicycle-adventure.com

rgds Steve

Mar 25, 2010

bag problem
by: blingker

Thanks Peter for a speedy reply!
U have a very good point there...
I agree with you about wearing backpack.It taxes your body and the heat from cycling cannot escape through the back body..un-confy
Its just that i've spend much on this bike...and after awhile of cycling..just few months..I develop this interest in bicycle touring.Initially I thought off using the bike for weekdays cycling and some offroad on weekends..But eventually I seems to like touring.I like tracking and mountain climbing..and with a bike,I guess it will be more fun!.I like this bike,and i cant effort to built another proper hardtail touring bike..
At the moment i'm so eager to start my first tour..and the training i've done is not really enought...but i guess the first tour itself will be part of the training...

Cheers and thanks Peter for all the valuable info.

Mar 25, 2010

Benefits of full suspenstion
by: Peter

You can use any type of bike for long distance cycling. That is not the problem. The problem is how to carry your luggage. As this bike can not have any racks, I would not want to use it. And carrying all in a backpack.. uh uh... NO WAY for me.

It's not impossible. You say: "large bag on the handlebars". I doubt it's a good idea to have a large bag on the handle bar as it limits your flexibility. As for the bag, I see you have a kind of motorbike bag there. This is of course good but these kind of bags are heavy. You will be able to bring little stuff but I don't know if you can get this kind of bag in a larger size, never seen them.

Remember this, if you also want to bring a tent, where do you put it? But like I said, not impossible, not convenient also. Probably cycling with an extra backpack would give you some space. But no panniers.

Handlebars... sure, I have a square handlebars bag, works fine for the daily needs, wallet, passport, spare tube, a little tools etc. Ortlieb is what you want.

It's a really nice bike you have. Another option you have to cycle with a trailer. I've met several people who cycled this way. It gives you all the space for bringing stuff and you can use it with your bike too. It would solve your problem.

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