The bike is a re-stickered standard Taiwanese frame imported by a bike shop in Perth. It has been impressively strong actually.RonK wrote: Very impressive way to quiet the doubting Thomases. Can't really see what brand/model your bike is James. What wheels are you using - they look to have plenty of spokes?
Disc brakes should not have that problem.
The wheels are a combination of Easton Vista and Easton EA50. The older Easton Vista with Velomax hubs are tougher than a panzer. I picked up a set of EA50 for like $200 from CELL bikes, but they're not as good as the VISTA, in my opinion. I'm sure there are many cheap strong wheelsets out there. Not sure the spoke count exactly, just take some spares, although I've never broken one.
Yes disc brakes should sort out the rock issues.
I guess the thing for me is, I want a bike I will use at home as well. Seems a bit silly to have a dedicated touring bike. I might decide to go bushwalking and not go touring for a few years.
Ronk, is there much gravel in NZ?