Functional bikes. Not Porn not Anti

I think the tread on the Big Bens is a bit deeper and they offer some grip off road. I guess they're just meant as a burly version of the Big Apple.

This (Shimergo) works like a charm and is a perfect setup for touring, i run this on two bikes. Durability of 8-spd drivetrain plus modern shifting. You can even combine Shimano 8-spd MTB stuff with the ergopowers. This also works with a triple chainset.
There will be probably 1-2 cogs, where shifting isn't 100% accurate and spot on, but through finetuning the cabletension you can determine where this is and put the range to a not so often used area in the cassette.

Have we talked about those wacky Surly Moloko bars in here yet? I feel I may need to pick up a pair. Jones H-Bars + VO Crazy Bars with a little less sweep and chromoly for offroad fun sounds pretty great to me.

You need to check yourself son before you go full prolly

And no1 goes full prolly

hah, fair.

Here is some therapy: https://www.instagram.com/bicyclepubes/

<3 the 'Pubes.

(still think Moloko sounds fun tho)

less weight.
still puncture protection is nothing to worry about, haven't had a flat in about 2k this year, too, literally ridden everywhere.
better looking.
best perfomance for your money in my opinion, if you're looking for a do it all semislick-slick.

Glad to hear some second opinions. They certainly look the business!

You are bicycle pubes aicmfp

Are these Maxxis DTR's? they look great!

Are these Maxxis DTR's?

Maxxis DTH!

Figured this would be the best thread to ask in.
Any options for a modernish 26" touring frame besides long haul trucker and troll? Reluctant to go 650b as would ideally transfer everything from LadyLizs old mtb straight over and would potentially be going to far flung places. Hers is sadly devoid of braze ons and ones that tick all boxes seem hard to find on eBay.

VO Campeur or Piolet are 26" in small sizes.

I've been lusting after a Troll since it's gone non-sus corrected. Looks ace.

edit: Thorn Sherpa worth a look?

Hers is sadly devoid of braze ons

Steel right? Getting the braze ons you want from Vaz would cost far less than a new frame, bit of clearcoat to protect the steel from rust and good to go

Yeah I think at least for this year that'll be the option we go with. There's a chrome 26" touring fork with lowrider and double eyelets on eBay for cheaps which sorts out the front so would just be the rear to have brazed. Shame to kill the hhsmtb paint tho.
Was just seeing what else is out there. Piolet is nice but pricey and no canti mounts.

Braze ons on top of rad paint just shows history. If youre touring it'll get ratty anyway

Look at second hand Thorn Sherpa, which are excellent tried and tested touring frame that work pretty well as an old school MTB.

if only it had decent tires

decent enough for an 800km road trip