Cycling UK Forum

@Mike, the Gelert actually fits fairly nicely at the front. Have a look at the link below. It's not the lightest but it seems the issue is more about getting everything on the bike.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bealer/582 ... 955267974/

It is close to the drops, I don't think it got in the way though. The problem with the Tarptent Moment is the length of the poles folded. One option would be to attach them to the frame but that looks a bit messy. The Moment has carbon struts sewn into it so the narrowest it can be folded (taking the poles out) is 18 inches. The poles are 20 inches when folded.

In its bag it'd be hard to fit on the bike. The Tarptent Contrail however may be a better option. You can use your own pole (it only needs one, a very short second for the storm mod) so you could source one that is narrow when folded. Then you just need a narrow stuff sack and you could hang it off the front of the bike easily.

What put me off the Contrail is that it's not as stable as the Moment. Although after buying I found loads of cool storm mods for the Contrail.

Get an Alpkit Xtra drybag for under a tenner. You'll want either an 8L or 13L version. Some compression straps around it, and bungees to hold it under the saddle. You should be able to get a small sleeping bag and Thermarest Neo Air in there.

Damn you've re-ignited my ultralight bug again. I'm in Oz at the moment at the end of my 9 month trip but will want something to play around with when I get home. I'd like to try a setup without my rack, or barbag (gonna sell it anyway). Ordered some more drybags from alpkit

More great info... cheers.
I'm glad I've re-sparked your ultralight bug... it is addictive and I'm not sure why. I've no desire to travel faster or further, I just love the idea or being as minimal as I possibly can just for the fun of it

It strikes me that the way to carry least for short trips is to have a variety of options available, and tailor what you take to the weather forecast, where you are going, season etc.
If it's midge season, take a Laser Comp
If it's set warm and dry, with enough breeze/cloud cover to keep the dew off, just take a sleeping bag and mat

Mike

I bought a Gelert Solo a couple of years ago and have used it on summer weekends in the Yorkshire Dales with no problems. Like others I reduced the weight by replacing the steel pegs with lighter aluminum ones. I am 5ft 10in and find there is room to stretch out OK. The side facing door can be fixed to the bike giving a useful porch for cooking if needed.

I do not think it would fit in a bottle carrier but could be bungeed behind the saddle with the poles strapped to the bike frame elsewhere.

Hope this helps

Alan

I use a Saunders Jet Packer @1.2kg it's easy to carry, straps to the top my Carradice Saddlebag,sleeping bag etc fit inside all up weight of 9kg.Bar bag for sundries passport,glasses etc,map in case on top of barbag.

daddig wrote:I use a Saunders Jet Packer @1.2kg

The Saunders website says the current model weighs 1.4kg (1.5kg with A-pole)". The TN Laser Comp 1 is £41 more (after tent trade-in discount on their site) but (claimed) 470g less and a bit more space, possibly? That Saunders looks nice and easy to pitch though, and it could be discreet too.

Very discreet,low profile,green,easy to pitch outer first,or both together,I have A frame although slightly heavier,gives better access. Camped with it on the sides of canals,parks,no one noticed until I appeared!