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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 12 Jun 2001
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Carrying Water

Hi,

I am just pondering, I am planning a rack system for my '97 F650.
I hear that water is quite important for survival ( I always thought was but anyway ).

What do I do?
Is it worth making space to fit a large water bottle on the bike?
If so, How bug should it be?
Where is the best place for it (I am prepared to go for a single seat)?
Has anyone other thoughts on this matter?

Many thanks

James
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  #2  
Old 14 Jun 2001
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
Hi James,

Well, what's the application? Depending on where you're headed, you may or may not need to carry large amounts of water. If you're planning on a desert trip, you'll want lots of water capacity, and in that case, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have a way of mounting a water bottle or two.

I have heard that many people make small racks that attach to the passenger footpeg bolts - a great way to keep the mass low. For times when you need to carry lots of water temporarily and don't want permanently mounted tanks, try Ortlieb water bags or MSR dromedary bags - when you're done you can fold them up and they take very little room.

You may also want to mount one on your crossbar if there's room so that you have easy access to it. You don't want a setup that makes it difficult and discourages you from drinking when you need to.

cheers,
Wright

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Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/


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  #3  
Old 29 Jun 2001
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: aarhus, denmark
Posts: 23
I using a "North Face" bum bag with a cyclists water bottle holder either side, seems to work for me- dingofish
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  #4  
Old 28 Aug 2001
d d is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: new zealand/germany
Posts: 45
gidday james,

as said before it really depends on where you are heading. however, you will always find a spot to attach your waterbag (that is what i would recommend: 10l ortlieb bag) or whatever you want to carry, eg. on the rack behind you.

regarding the "single seat" i would not rtecommend that as you might quite frequently come across some "people" you would love to take for a ride..

travel light and you won´t have a problem with your luggage!

cheers, d
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