This edition of Rig & Rider features Stargazer owner Willi Fast. We built up a Starry Night Stargazer for Willi in 2023 and he’s been adventuring on it ever since. 

Willi’s Rig: 

Extra large Starry Night Stargazer (Gen 1)

Rider Dimensions: 

• Height: 6‘ 2.5“
• Leg inseam: 36”
• Stem length: 80mm (Willi says “short torso!”) 

How did you get into cycling, and then into bikepacking? What’s your rider origin story?

Growing up in the Alberta Rockies, I have always been into outdoor adventure: hiking, backpacking, ski touring. I have always enthusiastically ridden bikes, for pleasure, briefly in triathlon competition and on mountain bike for back country exploration. The endurance sport of Randonneuring got me hooked on long distance cycling on road and touring bikes. Eventually, that lead to bikepacking, where I could integrate my love of outdoors, quest for adventure and exploration, and challenge of endurance achievements. Bikepacking now makes up 75% of my riding. The remainder is training, local day rides and local mountain bike routes.

How did those experiences shape what you look for in a bike?

My overall bike requirements are threefold: (1.) Comfort and efficiency; (2.) Reliability and field serviceability; (3.) Capability to safely and efficiently carry gear.

What drew you to the bike you’re currently riding? 

The Stargazer achieves all of the above, in spades! Working with Tumbleweed to customize my build ensured a good fit, and quality components that I can maintain and service at home and in the field. It easily carries what I require for long, remote, off road tours.

 

Please share some of the details of your setup and bike/preferences with us.

What bags are you using? 

Custom full frame bag by Panda Designs (exquisite fit and quality!). Tailfin bar cage and bag, Aeropack rear rack and bag, mini panniers, fork bags, top tube bag.

What drivetrain do you run and why?

Shimano GRX 1X mechanical. Precise shifting, easy maintenance, field serviceability, good climbing gear.

What are your favorite tires?

René Hearse Fleecer Ridge

What wheels are you running?

WTB

Any changes you’re considering?

I swapped out the stock saddle for my preferred Brooks B17. The dropper post is a must. Considering the possibility of a short travel suspension fork.

How have you dialed in your build to the kind of riding you’re doing now? Are there any unusual details or aspects of your build that you recommend to others?

SON Dynamo Hub makes it easy to maintain charge on devices. K-Lite head light and Charger Are Bomber. Quad Lock for iPhone on bar.

Is there anything people comment on about your build? 

The frame looks big! The bags look efficient! Love the colour. Feels heavy.

What’s an essential item for you on trips?

Water Filter - I am in the Remote Wilderness! Garmin InReach for safety and weather. Capable First Aid Kit - I have had to triage and support Major Injuries in the back country! My personal luxury item is my extra long extra wide sleeping mattress.

What’s the most memorable trip you’ve taken on your Tumbleweed so far? 

BC Epic 1000 (DNF Scratch, but still Epic!). And, remote multi-week Vancouver Island Logging Road Camping explorations.

Do you have any tours planned?

Dempster Highway from Dawson City to Tuktoyaktuk.

What’s a controversial opinion you have about bikes/hot take?

I love that E-bikes are making it possible for more people to explore the world of cycling. I dislike riding with E-bikers who don’t know how to pace themselves in a mixed (E- and non-E) group ride.

Thanks for sharing your rig and setup with us, Willi!