Thanks for the info. We'll only be coming across a few towns and some campgrounds, the rest of the time we are in the mountains and self supported (we'll be doing food drops ahead of time). Hubby is taking a BOB, but he is a downhill, trials, mountain bike wonder and seems to have little difficulty on switchbacks, technical sections. I also have skills, but not like him. If I take panniers, that's a whole new experience. Everyone recommends the BOB for offroad because of it's ease in maintaining control on your bike. I'm going to start trying the BOB or panniers next month, just hate to make a pannier purchase.

I know I'm probably over thinking, this is my first trip like this. I'll keep reading and reading, and oh yah, I also need to ride.

Thanks!