Just picked up this Univega Alpine 5.7 (bike packing base)

[winjohn]

Great bike in fantastic condition, I wrote about my Alpina 508 in Today's Ride on Sunday

I picked up mine as a bare frame and have put it together as a bitsa but the quality of the components on yours suggests I should actually up the spec on mine! It is amazing how cheap these are to buy for the quality.
On the ride above it was sporting v-brakes but the plan was always to revert to cantis as has now been done. I am also waiting for the canti levers (surprisingly difficult to source) and some 8 speed shifters.
Here how it looks with the cantis now, I also need to change the stem...so if you ever get rid of yours I'm interested.

I share the doubts about using this for bike packing though and this bike looks too good to mess with, though I'm sure it would do the job with a few adjustments.

 

[Frankenorange]

If a bike has wheels that aren't made of cheese, puncture protected tyres, suitable gearing, attachment points for guards/racks and water bottles then it can go bikebacking, or touring as it was once called.
I have seen loons bikepacking with fixed gear track bikes fitted with handlebar and saddle bags. Flat routes but still big days in the saddle.
Some bikes are better than others at some things, but most will do the job perfectly well.

 

[highlandsflyer]

What route are you planning? How much will you be carrying? You should be able to make that work, with the right parts to get your position as you would prefer. Tyres would be a good upgrade.

 

[sefton1275gt]

Not sure yet tbh.

Will fit a rear rack (as I already have a good one)

Defo some new tyres. Probably marathon mondials

I like the look of the alt bars (with inner bar ends)

 

[KayOs]

Not sure yet tbh.

Will fit a rear rack (as I already have a good one)

Defo some new tyres. Probably marathon mondials

I like the look of the alt bars (with inner bar ends)

I use some Ergon GP1 grips and my hands and wrists are thankful.

 

[Tommy27]

Not sure yet tbh.

Will fit a rear rack (as I already have a good one)

Defo some new tyres. Probably marathon mondials

I like the look of the alt bars (with inner bar ends)

Was just about to suggest looking up alt bars, some good options on https://freshtripe.co.uk/ amongst other shops.

Schwalbe tyres will probably outlast the trip but can be a pain to get on/ off.

Get some good panniers and a good tent/ sleep system if you haven't already (assuming you're camping along the way). Restrap and Wizard Works make good bike bags too.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Front lowrider can be attached to a steel fork with just mudguard eyes using u bolts - I usually then attach light stuff in a drybag using spare inners to tie them tight. e.g. sleeping mat and bag.
This keeps weight low down and secure.

Ortlieb rear classic panniers are great, and once full-ish, provide a flat surface to place a daybag or similar.

youcan finish of with a barbag for map, phone, valuables and a snack bar, even an extra water bottle tucked in.
Ofcourse you don't have to carry much water in Scotland, but food is a different matter.

I remember arriving in a little Highlands village shop in the 80s, and there were 3 large potatoes an apple and an onion.
Also there were tinned beans and ravioli, long life sliced bread, even pot noodles.

Things have probably changed in 40 years.

I don't like the ass-rocket, they sway around horribly, but a lot of that velcro attached, custom shaped luggage is for bikes without hard mounting points - and influenced by race across America types - lightweight, minimal, aero tt-style riding.

Each rack only needs a pair of low mounts on the frame.

 

[sefton1275gt]

Thanks for the advice guys. Much appreciated. I've done a little road touring/ camping so I think I may have slot of the kit. The tubus racks below also fit 26".

I'll fit the rear but the front could be overkill.

Belows picture is last week in Wales

 

[KayOs]

I don't like the ass-rocket, they sway around horribly, but a lot of that velcro attached, custom shaped luggage is for bikes without hard mounting points - and influenced by race across America types - lightweight, minimal, aero tt-style riding.

Each rack only needs a pair of low mounts on the frame.

I fitted a wishbone to prevent that, an anti sway bar so to speak...
It also comes with mounts for two bottle cages wich is also nice for my next small trip where water is not as easy to get I think.

I like those bike packing gear for two reasons:
1: the bike remains relatively narrow which makes it easy to handle in trains, on the trails and also if I have to push it up some steeper stuff.
2: I can swap the bags from one bike to another without mounting racks first and I can use bikes for touring that don't have eyelets for a rack.

I found this small front rack wich mounts to the brake bosses and is not to expensive.
https://www.fahrrad.de/products/rfr-gepacktrager-vorne

I'll try it out in May.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I fitted a wishbone to prevent that, an anti sway bar so to speak...
It also comes with mounts for two bottle cages wich is also nice for my next small trip where water is not as easy to get I think.

I like those bike packing gear for two reasons:
1: the bike remains relatively narrow which makes it easy to handle in trains, on the trails and also if I have to push it up some steeper stuff.
2: I can swap the bags from one bike to another without mounting racks first and I can use bikes for touring that don't have eyelets for a rack.

I found this small front rack wich mounts to the brake bosses and is not to expensive.
https://www.fahrrad.de/products/rfr-gepacktrager-vorne
View attachment 949309
I'll try it out in May.

Could we see a picture of the wishbone please