I've seen the 'heavy' version packed up, and I can definitely see its appeal... It's the tiny pack size which is really impressive; maybe even more than the light weight. I couldn't believe how small it packed down to - it made every other tent on the shelf look huge, along with most of the bivy bag...

Thanks for confirming my thoughts! I'll go for hand-built wheels again. I Just need to decide on the rim width and tyre size question! I've bought a couple of wheelbuilding 'bibles' over the years but I don't think I'd be very good at building wheels. The pros don't charge much, anyhow, and they do ...

Leaving aside choices such as rim width and wheel size, what's the sensible option for mountain bike wheels? I'm on a limited budget. I've been quoted around £330 for a set of 29ers built by a pro builder who's built me some really nice road wheels over the years. They might not have the blingiest h...

Thanks for the link, Techno Mail. Have you any experience of that bicycle? I'm wonder if the tarp/cover is a bit too small for rain protection, seeing as the bag doesn't have a flap over the mesh panel . Also, the descriptions of their other (non-waterproof) bivy bags suggest the mesh they use might...

I've been thinking about building a bivy/tarp system around a more 'luxurious' bivy such as the Macpac Bush Cocoon. It's made from Event fabric (waterproof and breathable) and has a hoop, but with a side entry door, which I think would make access easier. They were out of stock, but when I checked w...

I enjoyed reading it! Have you managed to ride it as a time trial since then?

Thanks for that. Yes, those photos are great, and the description and stats are helpful.

Thanks very much. Are the pictures on this http://www.trailscotland.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8956 ride report representative of the most 'interesting' sections? From what I've read, some people push their bikes 5 or 6 miles through the tougher sections, so it sounds like it might be impo...

So far, my off-roading has been limited to a few tracks around Aviemore, including the Speyside Way to Boat-of-Garten, and the Old Logging Way to Ryvoan Bothy. I've read a few ride reports on here, including some of the Cairngorm Loop, and the pictures I've seen suggest the terrain isn't too extreme...

Ha ha. Nae worries. At least you've now got a rosy future to look forward to!

As someone who has suffered from hand problems on a bike, I just thought I'd pop up a picture of an alternative... http://www.bikefix.co.uk/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Giro-26att%20B12web.jpg6_normal.jpg I'm not evangelical about recumbents, and I'm the first to admit they have a number ...

Thanks! That's a good article. I'll have to look up some of the quilts mentioned (along with the Alpkit). I came across the ZPacks quilts which seem like they might be good, but the current exchange rate is making this sort of purchase much less of an 'impulse' buy!

Thanks very much for that. Do you have any experience of how the PHD temperature ratings correspond to the EN 13537 ratings? Is the PHD rating equivalent to the Limit Temp rather than the Comfort Temp? It looks like a Hispar 500K (rated -15) or similar would do the trick as a 3-season bag (decently ...

Well, I tried the Diamir 900 at 8 degrees. As I said, mine isn't the current model,. so I don't think it's rated as warm as the current model, but it's still a serious looking sleeping bag at full loft! The worrying thing is that I was just pleasantly cosy! I didn't have it fully zipped up, though -...

No, I don't feel cold in that sleeping bag - just comfortable! However, it's big and heavy, so no use for cycling.

Thanks. I think it's all a bit of a gamble without being able to try them. My bag hasn't been stored in a stuff-sac - it's usually just stored loose in a wardrobe. It won't be as warm now as when it was new, but I've always found it colder than expected. Thinking about it, I suspect I'm a cold sleep...

Thanks for that, it's helpful. I was thinking that a combination might be the way to go, and was looking at a quilt along with a light bag. It's just difficult to know which bag would be a good starting point. I also have a big PHD bag I bought years ago, but it's far too bulky and heavy to take on ...

I know it's far from being an exact science, but I'm wondering what sort of conditions and temperatures people are using the various lightweight PHD sleeping bags in. I think I'm a cold sleeper, and I haven't tried many sleeping bags. I bought a MacPac Neve many years ago, and I've been trying it ou...

It looks like it might be a mid-drive. I only know about them because I have a recumbent which has one. It increases the gearing range with the small drive wheel. It does also alter the angle and length of the chain, which is probably a good thing in this case.

Thanks, MuddyPete - it sounds like a day to remember! It's a great story, and it's good you've got photos of it. I'm re-thinking disc brakes after your frozen brake blocks escapade!

Thanks! It seems that the Muddy Fox bikes from the mid 1980's might be the sort of thing I was thinking of. I've learnt that the handlebars I was thinking of are bullmoose bars. I have a Saracen from the early 90's, and the riding position has a high saddle with low bars, so I find it intimidating o...

Some lovely bikes! I've got a 1965 Moulton, and I've tried a few different handlebars, but it seems to work best for me with drops. It's got Kojaks on it, so gravel seems to be its limit off-road. What size is your Marin, Pirahna? What bike is in your first picture, Dr Nick? I quite like the look of...

Just wondering if anybody uses an old bike for off-road riding and bike-packing. Pictures would be great! There's something about old bikes which appeals to me, but I'm not really sure of the look I have in mind. I suppose some older components such as canti brakes, a nicely raked fork, and maybe a ...

Thanks. Nice bike, Firestarter, and it's interesting to hear that you prefer it to your Swift.

I had a look for the Merlin wheels - it seemed to be a great deal, but it looks like they were discontinued a few days ago on the 8th.

Thanks for that. The Ramin sounds good. I'll try to pop into Evans' for a look next time I'm down in Glasgow. As a matter of interest, is it anything like a Swift in terms of geometry and ride?