Bikepacking - a viable alternative to racks & panniers

Alpkit custom would probably make the best use of the available space, no?

Has anyone done the Peddars way and Norfolk Coast? Are there any water taps on those routes?

@TvH might know. I'm curious about this too ....

I've done some of the norfolk coast and never noticed any water taps, but I can't say I was looking out for them.

The answer is normal size bottles

a tricky proposition for a thirsty boi

Lots of options out there. Use the measurements given for each bag to make cardboard templates, then offer them up to the bike for size?
Also, consider side entry cages, or adapter plates that let you move the cages down the tubes.

Has anyone done the Peddars way and Norfolk Coast?

I know @stedlocks has ridden the Peddars Way

I wouldn't think so but I think @thross has done some of it and knows someone who is involved in its maintenance. (He was on here but isn't active now).

Edit: this might help
https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/peddars-way-and-norfolk-coast-path

Doesn't look very promising. Shops, pubs, and Sawyer filter it is then.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MTB/comments/c1341u/marin_bikes_from_chain_reaction/

Hey @pit it was a bit of a scorcher when I did all of Peddars last summer, no taps as such, but we found two fairly convenient water stops.

There's a service station just after you cross the A47 outside Swaffham, which is directly on the route. Filled up at McDonalds, but there's a petrol station shop too.

If you take a left into Sedgeford when you get there, the King William pub were more than welcoming - loads of those 'walkers and cyclists refill here' stickers in the window etc.

We also stopped at the Thornham Deli, off the A149, but that's because we also included the coast road to Sheringham to get the train back to Norwich. Little villages come thick and fast on the coast, so you won't have a problem finding anywhere once you get there.

Oh, and we were carrying two bottles each between four of us, and did a bit of sharing when we got low, but it was unexpectedly warm, so you'll be fine!

Enjoy!

Thanks! I'll take 3 bottles just in case.

Isn't Peddars Way a footpath? Do people just cycle on footpaths or what. I'm scared of angry ramblers smashing my skull to bits with their carbon fibre trekking poles.

(Also concerned about trail maintenance if the trails aren't designed for bikes)

You can ride on most of Peddars Way although some bits don't allow it. There's more info on the link I posted above. Carbon fibre is quite light as well so your skull should survive. Maybe wear a helmet just in case though... :)

? What do they get angry about? You slow down (a lot) smile (a lot) and say "hello!" with a cheery disposition. After that the only person that can get angry is the landowner.

If anyone gives you static you carry on smiling and say how nice it is that so many people are able to enjoy the outdoors and what a lovely day it is.

Peddars is likely all nettles by now. Best done before they bolt, April to May. If you do it now be prepared and take longs and full finger gloves.

anyone with a medium ish saddle bag for rent / buy?

Got a Carradice Carradry and bagman you could try (and possibly buy, I think I might go for full front load life) if that's the kind of thing you're after?

I have a Carradice Nelson you can borrow. I think you are still local to me. Drop me a PM if that's of interest.

Is there a knock off alternative to cargo bibs? Thought someone mentioned a dhb version, was that a joke?

Spexcel on aliexpress do some. Check out the orient thread for advice.

Yep. Spexcel. Also decathalon. The decathalon ones look better.

Wow, order today and have them by July 6th... (nearest store is an 80 mile round trip)

Thank you, I’ll have a think

Is the carradry the big black one? Ooo err