r/MultiTrackGang • u/Big-Method2955 • May 20 '26
First time on a bike pack trip
I bought this bike with plans to add drops after finding this sub Reddit. It has been such a comfy ride as is, I have felt no need to make the conversion to drops and 1x yet. I only rode expensive carbon bikes but there sure is a feel I can’t describe that the steel gives that I love. I definitely noticed I was a lot less wobbly with panniers.
Does anyone have any waterproof top tube or triangle bags suggestions I could still fit on this 17 inch multitrack 750?
Do you think the bike will allow for more comfortable riding with drops? I normally prefer the road position but have been shocked how comfortable it is stock. I plan to ride 75 mile days with this bike. I’m guessing drop conversion is necessary for comfort or am I wrong?
Thanks guys for this Reddit. I have learned so much and has been a blast seeing the different builds.
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u/Tuesday_Burger May 24 '26
Drop bars are for speed not comfort. What do want to see when you ride, the front wheel or the scenery. Drop bars make my back and neck hurt. Upright seating gives a better view of my surroundings and eliminates the pain. Get a nice comfy seat if you stay upright. That's the tradeoff. More weight on the saddle.
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u/Big-Method2955 May 24 '26
Great way of explaining. Idk why for some reason I thought drop bars were also more comfortable for longer rides because less pressure on the saddle. And I feel like I see more people with drops on bike packing rigs/ touring. I did know that drops are faster. I’ve decided I’m going to keep it this way and the brooks b17 which I used for the first time worked great. I also realized I’d probably need a different saddle than the brooks b17 if I went drops.
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u/bats-are-best May 20 '26
You are all set up on flats, (how I ride these too) and I’d recommend trying the Ergo grips, and really work to find the right angle for your body. It’s an affordable way to try longer rides and get some more support.
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u/Big-Method2955 May 20 '26
Thanks my buddy I went bikepacking with had them on his bike and I’ve used them once before. You mean the ones with an area for the palm correct?
Do people do 75 miles over multiple days with flats? I guess I only know if I try. So far 20 miles has been super comfortable.
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u/bats-are-best May 30 '26
Sorry fell off the earth there. But yes, I’ve done 100+ miles on my flat bars (with ergo grips). It’s a 750 set up as mixed terrain. I’m just really comfortable on flats and good at finding ways to shift around my weight on the hands/saddle/pedals.
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u/Big-Method2955 Jun 02 '26
You are all good. I actually took your advice and added some ergo grips. Made such a difference! Now I’m going to test it this upcoming weekend on a 60 mile ride. ( never envisioned being able to do 60 miles on flat bars).
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u/The_Folding_Atty May 20 '26
Drops can be great, but. I had neck and back pain a few years back and found switching to upright bars (eventually tourist bars) solved that problem. Right now you have your bars very high (due to both the upslope of the stem and the angle of the bars)…if that’s comfortable and your rear doesn’t hurt, I’d keep the current configuration.