Full Suspension Bike Pack setup on Trek Fuel EX 9.9

[@Jamesanley]

Lekker video!

[@Yorick78]

Hi, great video. I also want to bike pack with a Trek Fuel but I was wondering. I weigh about 90 kg's (198lbs) and the max weight of the rear damper is stated to be 125 kg (275 lbs). Did you experience any problems with that (bottoming out etc)? Thanks!

[@mayalunaadventure]

Hello, thanks for the video it is very helpful. I am thinking of using my Trek Fuel ex on the Baja divide. Wondering if you have any tips on maintaining a full suspension on long bikepacking trips?

[@picturemyplanet5626]

Hi There, I just completed the Great Divide on that bike and have no regrets! I changed the setup slightly: I still had the bar roll, but on a cradle from Aerode. I’d probably check out Salsa cradles next time. I still had the tailfin Aeropack, but added 2 x 10l mountain bike paniers and a 3l downtube bag and a stem bag. Still had the top tube bag and jerry can. That way I didn’t need to fill any bags to their max and had ample space for food and water when I needed it. I started with a new set of tyres (Vittoria Mezcel) as well as a brand new XX1 chain. Expensive, but worth it! I serviced my suspension just before the trip. I had zero bike issues! Apart from replacing brake pads, I never touched the tools and I do not regret my bike choice. Sure, the gravel bikes are faster on the roads and flats, but on the technical stuff we managed to ride everything. We calculated that we walked less than 100 meters on the trip. Be sure to have your suspension set up for the heavier load. I added about 15% - 20% more pressure in forks and shocks and 25% more in tyres. I believe Baja has very little water, so you might consider some fork cages for extra water.

[@robinmacandrew103]

Looks like you’ve connected the Tailfin at top of seatpost? I have mine at base. Full sus restricts the capacity of the bag substantially though…

[@picturemyplanet5626]

Hi There, Yes, on that trip I clamped it to the top to give me more space. It wasn’t ideal. On the Great Divide MBR I clamped it to the bottom, and added 2 x MTB panniers for extra space.

[@raymarks7430]

@@picturemyplanet5626 hi! I am planning to use a FS Cannondale for the GDMBR in three weeks. I have the Aeroe racks but they are heavy and bulky. do you have any videos of your GDMBR set up? did you use the tailfin brand panniers or another brand? thanks in advance !!

[@picturemyplanet5626]

@@raymarks7430 My bag setup for the divide was: Tailfin Aeropack, 2 x Tailfin Mini panniers (10l), Tailfin Downtube bag (3L) Revelate jerry can, revelate Magtank 2000 top tube bag. Revelate Saltyroll dry bag on Aerode Cradle. One handle bar bag (With extra water bottle in) I had more space than what I needed, but enough space to carry loads of extra food when I needed it. With the FS you have the option of a frame bag, which I did not have. That could replace the panniers. My only regret is the Aerode Cradle, which kept on slipping on my handlebars, even though my handlebar roll was well inside the recommended weight limit. I ended up supporting it with voile straps, but still not ideal. I saw plenty of people with the Salsa EXP anything Cradle. I'd probably opt for that next time. Although weight is obviously important, functionality is absolute key! With my setup I could go from wake up in my tent to rolling within 15 minutes, including making and having coffee. We only had 2 nights in hotels.

[@raymarks7430]

@@picturemyplanet5626 wow that’s amazing I opted to get a Canyon lux instead of the Cannondale and noticed a epadura bag will fit in below the rear shock. I have an Aeroe front rack which is not the best at staying put but I’m going to play with it a bit more. I have been thinking about switching to a front gravel type bag though it’s a mtb. Something like a swift industries zeitgeist … did you see many of those ? Do you think if I put my food and cook system , trowel and miscellaneous in the smaller frame pack that I could skip a front bag or use something small ? (If I use the Tailfin with two mini panniers ?)

[@amatoridrottaren]

Hi! Did your rack get centered over the back wheel? Just got mine, and its closer to the wheel on the drive side.

[@picturemyplanet5626]

I remember having to put a little effort into first mounting the rack, but if your through axle is correct, the rack should sit centrally. The Tailfin guys are super helpful. Maybe email them pictures.

[@alphaphichufafionse3005]

How does your carrier work? Since your bike is full suspension

[@picturemyplanet5626]

The Tailfin works great with full suspension. It was what it was designed to do.

[@ondrejjanoska660]

Was The pannier you broke from tailfin? Planning to go across Alps on trails and thinking to use Ortlieb gravel pack … 12.5L Pannier bags … you think is better to avoid this option and use fork mounted anything cages and small drybags? Cheers

[@picturemyplanet5626]

It was a tailfin yes. That's not to say a different pannier would have helped. Tailfin has a weight limit for off road use, which I clearly ignored. My buddy had fork bags on his bike which he said was a pain on faster roads and anything where there was wind. I will probably stick with Tailfin, but use their mountain bike panniers.