Re-inventing The Wheel

  Running single speed is nothing revolutionary, it is going back to bare bones simplicity cycle mechanics, especially if running a fixed wheel. Much of my commuting and leisurely cycling with newbie friends has been done single speed. Once a good level of cycling fitness and the magic ratio is found it is a good simple way of propelling along.   Single speed is enjoyed across the world, and around it by the impressive journey of Markus Stitz, who indeed cycled around the world single speed on his Surly Ogre. More info on Markus's website: http://markusstitz.com/   Many manufacturers have a single speed model in their range, however, there is much available to modify any bicycle to single speed, whatever rear wheel dropouts it has. But, the all time best, and simplest method of running a single bike is with horizontal slot dropouts enabling backwards movement of the wheel to tension the chain.   Such chain, could be said to be one of the most, if not the most impor

On the Salsa anything cage, you can carry, well anything! Well, within reason. I personally plan to carry 5 litre drybags, which one will contain the sleeping bag, the other holding an inflatable mattress and bivi bag/ tent fabric.   Obviously there are many manufacturers of dry bags, of varying construction and weight. For this purpose I require something more abrasion resistant, whilst still not being excessively heavy, and ideally withholding mounting points to secure onto the cage.   In fitting with this, on principle the options are:   Alpkit Airlok Xtra 5   Priced at around £12, the Airlock Xtra is the cheapest, but currently is unavailable and no promise of when it will be. As with all Alpkit kit, you got to grab it before it sells out.        Sea To Summit Dry River 5 Slightly more expensive than the offering from Alpkit, the Dry River is priced at around £15. Whereas the Alpkit bag has four mounting loops, the Dry River has half that, with two.