Bicycle BOVS

[Mosstrooper]

I’m no expert but I know a little bit about what I’ve got!
I have a folding bike and it has very little strength to it so carrying any load except me would affect its performance, it would be handy to keep in the car or maybe a bike locker as a backup. I think it’s got 18” or 20” wheels which are ok for cycling on paths/roads but it would struggle on rough track. It has V brake system and 6 gears. I would only consider using this as an A – B option with a very light load.
Also have a 26” hard tail mountain bike with front suspension this has been upgraded to hydraulic disc brakes and pads (like a car) these provide great stopping power in all conditions. An 8 speed gearing. I have used this bike with a rear pannier rack and it is surprising how much you carry in them (2@25ltr I think), this does make the bike heavy at the rear.
I’ve also carried a 75ltr rucksack on this bike which once your used to the weight isn’t too bad but it can affect your balance.
I also have a 26” full suspension bike which I can’t attach anything to it apart from lights, and it’s the one I like to ride the most. I carry a 35ltr pack on this one which is ideal for the wild camping and great on most terrain. I’ve had this up on cross fell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Fell )
I carry a bike pump, spare inners, tyre levers, zip ties, duct tape and a bike specific multi tool (http://www.topeak.com/products/Tools/ALiEN_II ) this allows me to do any on site fixes.
All bikes have water bottle holders but I also carry a water bladder hydration system.
If I were to choose a bike specific BOV it would be a 26” aluminium bike as it’s a popular size so acquiring wheels wouldn’t be an issue. I would make it a single speed (no gearing) so there’s less to go wrong but would be a simple fix to the chain.
It would have hydraulic disk brakes on the front and rear, front suspension and possibly a rear trailer like a `bob trailer` as I would be avoiding the roads for narrow tracks.
I do actually keep a bike locked up in a city centre which has been in place for about 20 months now and only checked on it the other day, still there and working … a bit grubby though ?