Please don't get any ideas, Stu!

It did remind me to Feed the Bear again though.

They seem to have two teams so at least you'd get two questions for the price of one which softens the blow a bit.

Blimey hadn't realised that. Time to cancel my subscription methinks as the rag they post out is mince.

I know it's perhaps more common than we might sometimes think but it still saddens me when the only people granted access to knowledge or information are those who can afford it.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Tue Mar 25, 2025 11:10 pm Blimey hadn't realised that. Time to cancel my subscription methinks as the rag they post out is mince.

Yeah, I'm out too. They're actually charging $111 more than their basic membership for access.

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 7:11 am I know it's perhaps more common than we might sometimes think but it still saddens me when the only people granted access to knowledge or information are those who can afford it.

It's actually made me quite angry. I think even the arrogant 'ask the experts' wording of it. Both that positioning and the gatekeeping of knowledge is pretty objectionable.

I had decided to cancel mine, I was just waiting for the next number of the Journal to be posted.

Even more decided to cancel seeing this.

50% of their content seems to be just rebadged press releases. The reviews are good but often of US-based products which I'll never use. Most of the content of the journals....just doesn't seem to relate to me lately.

I'd be great to have an equivalent UK-based website (although I've got to say the do share a lot of UK related content compared to other countries)

I got the email but it’s not clear if this is for access to something new or existing functionality. I.e. can I still comment on routes or reviews?

$85 seems a lot for little more than an online “Dear Deidre”

whitestone wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 12:13 pm I got the email but it’s not clear if this is for access to something new or existing functionality. I.e. can I still comment on routes or reviews?

$85 seems a lot for little more than an online “Dear Deidre”

Just the new stuff as far as I can tell. Current commenting is all handled by Disqus, and while I guess they could restrict access to that by membership type I'd hope even they'd see that as a step too far.

It doesn't even seem like a true forum though, especially not for that cost/hierarchy. I used to be a member for a bit, but got tired of the journal. I still like the content on their site though and i'm a frequent visitor...that's enough interaction for me!

I enjoy reading the publication, some of the stories I skip through, but I enjoy the wait and actually having a publication in my hands rather than a screen. Pay the extra, nope, I would rather spend the money on trips away.

Aye you can ask anything you want on here and get a load of different answers for free

and every once in a while the answer is actually useful

Lazarus wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 10:30 pm and every once in a while the answer is actually useful

But always entertaining!!

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 7:11 am I know it's perhaps more common than we might sometimes think but it still saddens me when the only people granted access to knowledge or information are those who can afford it.

It's actually made me quite angry. I think even the arrogant 'ask the experts' wording of it. Both that positioning and the gatekeeping of knowledge is pretty objectionable.
[/quote]

I'm in agreement here, there's been a creeping element of elitism and one-upmanship on the site for a while which is totally at odds with their supposed inclusive ethos.
That being said it's a fantastic resource for routes and I wouldn't have been able to have such great trips in the last few years without it.

It's telling that there is only one comment on both the posts on the site relating to the Basecamp costs, and the guy pretty much accepts them after one response. Given the invective that comes up on stuff like component standards, race rules, and use of cantilever brakes you'd have thought this would get people really steamed up. Obviously we are very parsimonious with our funds over here

Don't believe everything you see.
The comments are modded.

Edit: Correction; comment section is modded.

fatbikephil wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 12:55 pm It's telling that there is only one comment on both the posts on the site relating to the Basecamp costs, and the guy pretty much accepts them after one response. Given the invective that comes up on stuff like component standards, race rules, and use of cantilever brakes you'd have thought this would get people really steamed up. Obviously we are very parsimonious with our funds over here

I'm not sure if you meant the, I imagine incredibly good-looking, commenter or them accepting things … but I can accept their rationale without choosing to cough up. It is odd that next-to-nobody has pushed back on it, but whatevs.

An only half in jest idea though: We should collectively (see what I did there) set up the BBB Consultancy and charge people a fiver to have the search facility here spit out expert advice.

I'm trying my best. Might have to change tactics.

https://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpB ... hp?t=25390

If you liked my above comment, get me a cuppa expert@work4bikepacking.org. Don't forget to like and subscribe

I fear we would be prosecuted under the trades description act for both expert and advice

Alpinum wrote: ↑Thu Mar 27, 2025 2:29 pm I'm trying my best. Might have to change tactics.

https://bearbonesbikepacking.co.uk/phpB ... hp?t=25390

If you liked my above comment, get me a cuppa expert@work4bikepacking.org. Don't forget to like and subscribe

I saw that and genuinely lolled!

Look out for Stu adding a 'Dear Deirdre' sub forum, sky high subscription fees following soon after (and a high security fence round BB towers to protect him from the angry mob!)

I am always pretty impressed that Bikepacking.com is ad-free for non-subscribers, I enjoy looking at the content, esp the journeys folks post about, and routes, like this latest one, https://bikepacking.com/plog/bikepackin ... 400-video/

I have toyed with subscribing but with so much good free content online on their web-site I have not yet done so!

STW however, the ads would drive me nuts so I am a subscriber, though their forum has taken a dip as far as I am concerned.

But actually I quite like 'virtually' hanging out here mostly these days, it's got a nice atmos, bit like a proper pub with a few old boys (and girls) around the place, some trendy types, but not too many, and a hum of conversation about bikes

Tractionman wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 1:01 pm some trendy types

Eh? How did they get past the bouncers?! Maybe they're heavily disguised.....

RIP wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 4:05 pm

Tractionman wrote: ↑Sat Mar 29, 2025 1:01 pm some trendy types

Eh? How did they get past the bouncers?! Maybe they're heavily disguised.....

I know, they seem to get everywhere these days