NSMB - 2023 - Hardtails Leaning Against Stuff Thread

I got this Krampus back in 2013. It has seen lots of action as my bikepacking rig until it got replaced for that mission in 2019 by a fancy custom frame. It's lived on as my favourite way to get around town beating out a couple drop bar bikes that should have been better urban assault machines. Unfortunately the the 2013 me wasn't thinking of the 2023 me when he cut the steerer fairly short. Even with my tallest bars I wasn't 100% comfortable on this bike anymore. I pondered a few ideas for solving the problem.

I settled on a fresh Krampus fork with an uncut steerer, Stooge Junker bars in 100mm rise, a Surly TV Tray rack platform attached to a 15+ year old Old Man Mountain Rack. Since I was feeling fancy I grabbed a Chromag stem from my parts bin because...blue!

I had been riding around with my cat in this backpack and she seemed to like it, but I couldn't tell what was going on with her. In this configuration she can see where we are going and I can keep an eye on her through the mesh top.

I splurged and got the Surly bag that fits the TV Tray platform. It's great for hauling a bunch of loose items like groceries.

The previous setup ^^. All in all the changes have been great. I enjoy the higher front end cruising around town. The front rack is super handy for all sorts of cargo. If I was looking for a downside the front end of the bike is noticeably heavier when I pop the wheel up a curb. That seems like reasonable trade off.

Time to start catpacking!

Posted by: pedalhound

Time to start catpacking!

Shopping for goggles right now. Hard to find ones for cats.

Holy Mother of Spacers - I think that's the biggest stack of spacers I've ever seen. Good work Vik - I still love my Krampus too.

Posted by: fartymarty

Holy Mother of Spacers - I think that's the biggest stack of spacers I've ever seen. Good work Vik - I still love my Krampus too.

That year of Krampus had a 95mm headtube in my size. I'd be shooting for something like a 170mmm headtube if I was going custom and using that length of fork. Spacers to the rescue.

And here I thought I had a monstrous stack of spacers on the Stooge. It's got a much longer headtube though.

I love that you can only see your cat's eyes gleaming out of the bag. My cat would never go for something like that, she hates being inside things.

Posted by: TristanC

And here I thought I had a monstrous stack of spacers on the Stooge. It's got a much longer headtube though.

I love that you can only see your cat's eyes gleaming out of the bag. My cat would never go for something like that, she hates being inside things.

You have me 100% beat on the spacer bling with that blazing orange! I may have to try a 200mm Boxxer on my next custom HT. People will hopefully think it's because I get so rad on my bike even though it's really to keep my spacer stack in check. ;-)

I got my cat used to jumping in the pack for quick walks around the block and the car drives and then riding the bike on my back. She may be rethinking her enthusiasm if the bike trips get too long.

I had been riding around with my cat in this backpack and she seemed to like it, but I couldn't tell what was going on with her. In this configuration she can see where we are going and I can keep an eye on her through the mesh top.

That's one of the best things I've seen on the Internet in a while.

Posted by: Vikb

Posted by: fartymarty

Holy Mother of Spacers - I think that's the biggest stack of spacers I've ever seen. Good work Vik - I still love my Krampus too.

That year of Krampus had a 95mm headtube in my size. I'd be shooting for something like a 170mmm headtube if I was going custom and using that length of fork. Spacers to the rescue.

95 is wayyyy to short. I have 120 on S Max and Murmur and both could easily be 30mm taller.

I like the Boxxer idea - that could be fun.

PS - Birkensocks for the win.  I wear mine walking the dogs occassionally - they're damn comfortable.

Posted by: fartymarty

PS - Birkensocks for the win. I wear mine walking the dogs occassionally - they're damn comfortable.

I thought Birks were okay before, but after I broke my toe last year and that foot was swollen like a melon I gained a whole new appreciation for them. I also don't go barefoot in the house any more. It's clearly too dangerous! So I am a Birks convert. I don't normally bike in them, but when the cat is in the mood to ride you ride!

Isn't one of Surly's tag lines SSF - Spacers Stack Fine.

Posted by: Vikb

Posted by: fartymarty

PS - Birkensocks for the win. I wear mine walking the dogs occassionally - they're damn comfortable.

I thought Birks were okay before, but after I broke my toe last year and that foot was swollen like a melon I gained a whole new appreciation for them. I also don't go barefoot in the house any more. It's clearly too dangerous! So I am a Birks convert. I don't normally bike in them, but when the cat is in the mood to ride you ride!

Isn't one of Surly's tag lines SSF - Spacers Stack Fine.

I've had Birkenstocks for a while but they are finally starting to break. I wanted to replace them with these but they don't do half sizes: https://www.vans.co.uk/shop/ProductDisplay?storeId=10158&productId=4287593&urlRequestType=Base&langId=-11&catalogId=11253&utm_source=CJ&utm_medium=Affiliate-CJ&utm_campaign=AFFILIATES_UK&utm_content=Redbrain+Ltd&CJEVENT=4257bed7380f11ee83a901810a18ba73

Posted by: Tremeer023

Posted by: Vikb

Posted by: fartymarty

PS - Birkensocks for the win. I wear mine walking the dogs occassionally - they're damn comfortable.

I thought Birks were okay before, but after I broke my toe last year and that foot was swollen like a melon I gained a whole new appreciation for them. I also don't go barefoot in the house any more. It's clearly too dangerous! So I am a Birks convert. I don't normally bike in them, but when the cat is in the mood to ride you ride!

Isn't one of Surly's tag lines SSF - Spacers Stack Fine.

I've had Birkenstocks for a while but they are finally starting to break. I wanted to replace them with these but they don't do half sizes: https://www.vans.co.uk/shop/ProductDisplay?storeId=10158&productId=4287593&urlRequestType=Base&langId=-11&catalogId=11253&utm_source=CJ&utm_medium=Affiliate-CJ&utm_campaign=AFFILIATES_UK&utm_content=Redbrain+Ltd&CJEVENT=4257bed7380f11ee83a901810a18ba73

I've got a pair of the clog style that are 15 years old and have saved me from a number of stubbed toes over the years.

Posted by: Tremeer023

That's one of the best things I've seen on the Internet in a while.

I have to admit that the ability to carry my cat on the new front rack setup was definitely a major factor in finally pulling the trigger and making it happen. Broke me out of the analysis paralysis loop.  I'm glad she's adapting to bike riding up front pretty well.

Tremeer - they could be awesome for winter riding with a pair of waterproof socks.