(Part 2) Top products from r/bicycletouring

I just used this one on a 900 mile ride in warm-cool weather.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00452C2IC

Pluses

• Having a two person tent is great, it let me keep my gear inside without being cramped.(
  
• The tent goes up very easily and quickly.
  
• Great price
  
• Held up well the whole trip
  
• Has two doors. I liked using one of them to put wet clothes and such outside of tent overnight as both doors have good coverage from rain.
  
• Packs up well with the included compression bag.
  
  Minuses
  
  

• A little rain got inside a couple of times. I attribute this to not having sprayed the tent as I should have.
  
• While the tent held up in strong winds by being tied down, it would make a better sail in the wind.
  
• The floor is a bit thin, I would not recommend for very cold or very wet rides. It worked fine for me in heavy rain, but still there is better.
  

That's definitely a steal. Have heard good things about these Tubus racks.

However, anyone have experience with an Ibera PakRak:

http://www.amazon.com/Ibera-Bicycle-Touring-IB-RA4-Frame-mounted/dp/B002T5H8MW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1458744660&sr=8-4&keywords=tubus+rack

Looks like a good deal. I'm looking for a rear rack that can accept panniers.

Right now, I have this Topeak Explorer rack on my Schwinn Varsity:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FIE3WI?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01

My bike is a commuter but I am planning on taking it on some short weekend / week-long tours this summer, hopefully going for a month long tour at the tail end of summer.

Thanks for any insight, everyone! Cheers!

Some hubs allow a tool free removal of the free hub assembly (cassette included), like the Velo Orange hub.
https://velo-orange.com/collections/hubs/products/grand-cru-touring-hub-11-speed-130mm

There are also some mini cassette removal tools that use your frame and chain/cranks as leverage to remove the cassette lock ring, like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GSSCAU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kTOHDb4EWK9P0

Few short suggestions (my opinions):

• Don't carry water on your back. Some people like it, but after many long days hunch over on a bike, your back will probably hurt. 2 of my buddies used them on our cross-country tour, and they both developed back problems
  
• Instead, use a dromedary bag. I went with the 6-liter one. Never filled it up all the way, but 2 liters in a 6-liter bag is easier to pack in a pannier or bungee on a rack than 2 liters in a 2-liter bag.
  
• Most regions across the US, you will always find places to fill up while biking. The time I found my 6-liter bag most useful was stealth camping. Having a surplus of water to cook and clean with, as well as left-over water for the morning was pretty convenient.

read thsi book, he did london to the south of italy and it's very funny.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crossing-Europe-Bike-Called-Reggie/dp/1849142130

at the start 50 miles (80km) a day is probably fine, but you'll get up to doing 60-80 (100-130km) comfortably after a few days.

I aim ot average 70miles / 90km but i don't camp and go fairly lightweight. I do prefer to go some harder days then an easy short day here and there

This will be slower in the alps... much slower

Just to be specific, these are the two models I'm talking about.

Chain This model specifically because it's the 18mm version with the Fahgettaboudit lock. The chain being 18mm means it's too large to cut with bolt cutters. The lock is also a Fahgettaboudit style lock which means it has two locking hasps, requiring a minimum of two cuts to remove the lock itself. It's a pain to get through either with a battery powered angle grinder, though that will work eventually. Angle grinder > any lock unfortunately.

U-Lock This is my every-day lock, and it's this one because it's the smaller of the two, which prevents people from jamming a jack in there. I don't know if you could even get it done without something like a 12 or 15 ton bottle jack, but I like the security. There's less flexibility in what you can lock to, but it's security is top shelf.

Also highly recomended

My favorite is a pretty old book called "Hey, Mom, Can I Ride My Bike Across America?" http://smile.amazon.com/Hey-Ride-Bike-Across-America/dp/096257077X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416483476&sr=8-1&keywords=can+I+ride+my+bike+across+america

It is written from the point of view of the teacher who inspired and led the trip. Some of the kids could barely ride a bike when they started training.

Based on your choices, it seems like you're concerned about budget. This is a better sleeping bag for $40 or $50 depending on zipper side (bummer- I bought 2 when they were at $30. Even at $50 it's better than most bags twice as expensive: compresses smallish, weighs in under 3 lbs, and has a better temperature range than what you link.)

Here's a decent actual tent for $100- Eureka Apex 2 weighs under 6 lbs. The Solitaire is under 3 lbs if you want a solo tent.

Love this thread. My favorites are Willie Weir's SpokeSongs and "Hey Mom, Can I Ride My Bike Across America?: Five Kids Meet Their Country by John Seigel Boettner

Link: http://amzn.com/096257077X

Eurovelo 15 (the Rhine route) is definitely complete, and well signposted. I rode it this summer.

http://www.rhinecycleroute.eu/

I took with me a book called The Rhine Cycle Route: From Source to Sea with me, which was very useful.

Nano is a fairly unusual MTB tire in the lack of pronounced cornering knobs, but it does have a central ridge that increases speed and knobs are much less fine than popular XC racing tires, so good durability. Seems like it's optimised most for gravel/dirt fire road kind of terrain and would be a solid choice if you aren't bothered about ability to corner aggressively on twisty bikepark style trails - which in a race as long as the Tour Divide I can't imagine being much of a factor.

Imo it would be a solid choice for something like the rail trail route.

With regards to tubeless, I don't use an air compressor, just a basic track pump. There's more than one technique to install tubeless tires, the most well known one does make things hard without an air compressor, but there's a couple of alternate techniques that take a little longer that make it consistently possible with a regular pump. I use this one, main difference is you use a tire lever to seat the bead of the tire as much as possible before starting to inflate, this makes much less air leak out so it seats easier.

However, I will say that in my experience if something does go wrong on the trail it's a real mess and with a minipump it would be difficult to get them to seat whatever technique you use.

The simple solution to that is to carry a spare tube like if you were riding tubed tires, if something goes wrong you just fall back to running an inner tube rather than trying to fix the tubeless system on the trail. Also carry a boot as if you get a puncture with tubeless chances are the hole in the tire will be big enough to need booting.

Ok, I assume you have a very, very low budget so here are some options for you:

• Find someones couch to crash on for now. Preferably someone with an internet connection
  
• Build some Kitty Litter Panniers for now or a back pack (you will regret only having a back pack) ($15-$30) - see if you can make 4 of them provided you can take a front rack. Two if you can not.
  
• Get a camping hammock with a rain fly or a bivy tent (I have no ideas if either of those are good, I'm just going cheap) ($50-90)
  
• Get a sleeping pad ($30)
  
• Get two racks if your bike can take them. One for the front and one for the back ($60)
  
• Get a small tarp (I am sure you can find better than this, perhaps even locally) for those days with REALLY bad weather. ($7)
  
• Get a pancho or other cheap rain gear ($15)
  
• Get some bungee cords ($5)
  
• Get camping pans ($15)
  
• Get a lighter ($0.50)
  
• You could build a camping stove but I can't vouch for how well these work. You might want a proper one ($5-$50)
  
• Get a pump (follow the recommendations others have made) $20-$50
  
• Get a tool kit and some spare parts (I really like the Survival Gear Box) $50-75
  
  So maybe $275-375 total cost before food and water? Man, that's still high...

Me and my other half have zefal spy mirrors, they're cheap and do the job well :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zefal-95293-Double-Adjustment-Mirror/dp/B000FY05PG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=zefal+spy+mirror&qid=1557559319&s=gateway&sprefix=Zefal+spy&sr=8-1

You'll need this to get the rear cassette off, works great vice a wrench. http://www.amazon.com/Stein-Mini-Cassette-Lockring-Driver/dp/B001GSSCAU

I used this book,

The Rhine Cycle Route: From source to sea (Cicerone Guides)
Mike Wells

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1852846917?pc_redir=1398182553&robot_redir=1

I would recommend it to anyone. It's very detailed.

Thank you very much! Have you used theirs before? What panniers do you use? Currently looking at these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00241QY9E/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Axiom DLX Streamliner Disc Cycle Rack, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004094HY2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I was able to mount this rack to my cyclocross bike which also doesn’t have any mounting eyelets on it. It worked perfect for me by putting the quick release skewer through the lower mounting points.

And then for the upper mounting points, there are two different options it comes with. Two adjustable arms for bikes that have the normal threaded eyelets on the frame behind the seat. Or a metal arm that bolts to the mounting point for normal brakes.

If you want to use the two adjustable arm option, you can buy a seat clamp that has threaded mounting points in it. Here’s that.

Axiom Trekk Seat Collar w/Rack Eyelets, 31.8mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0025UQ3I6?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Here are some photos of my bike with both the rack and the threaded seat clamp.

https://imgur.com/gallery/5NFpk8M

Reminds me of this "tent" I was considering for a while. I decided to go with a bivy instead, mostly for the reasons that LeTiger already mentioned, especially not being able to sit up inside. Also, without a rigid center line I would foresee drooping and water or snow pooling on top creating places for condensation to drip on you or water to seep through the fabric.

Having gone through at least five different mirror styles, I highly recommend the eyeglass/helmet mounted Take a Look by Bike Peddler. I've had one mounted to my visor for nearly ten years now. Made in the USA!

https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Peddler-Cycling-Eyeglass-Mirror/dp/B001VTQNVO?th=1&psc=1

A chain wear tool could be a good addition to bullet 2, rather than using mileage.

I may recommend trying to grab a Var Tire lever if you an find one. They make changing tires with frozen beads a bit easier. Alternatively, there is the Kool Stop Tire Jack.

This is all dependent on how tight your tire to rim sizing is. If it's super lose, ignore this.

This tool makes mounting tires much easier:

http://www.amazon.com/Kool-Stop-Tire-Bead-Jack/dp/B001AYML7K

This has everthing. It's a bit heavy, but you would have everything. I have one. It's well made:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FIE4AE/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1324132378&sr=8-1

I use dual platforms but without reflectors. Heres some Shimanos on Amazon. At $80 theyre spendy though http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005M9CG5Q?keywords=shimano%20deore%20pedals&qid=1453173710&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2 Heres some cheaper ones from Wellgo http://www.amazon.com/Commuter-Reversible-Clipless-Shimano-Platform/dp/B005ZS0WMS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453173852&sr=8-3&keywords=dual+platform+pedals

I don't do much touring, but I only ever carry one lock. When I upgraded my wheels I got paranoid that someone might nick them, so I bought a set of pinhead locking skewers. You can get it as a 4-pack to include your locking your stem bolt and saddle too. Amazon link - UK.

I really like mine, they're expensive, so check out ebay first - I bought mine for about 60% off RRP.

Edit: You need to register the key, then you can order a spare. Not sure what this costs you. FWIW, I haven't lost my key yet.

Water is heavy, so you don't really want to carry more than you will need. That said, it really sucks to run out of water. I used a dromedary bag and filled it as needed. Ideally, you would get two to help weight balance on a bike, but it is a lot cheaper to get the same capacity in one bag than two smaller bags.

If you are passing through small towns you can always buy more water, and you can often find public water fountains. If you stay at a campsite, you should be able to get water there.

I used a Zefal mirror last year while riding across the U.S. and it was a life-saver, especially when I reach Alabama and the constant logging trucks on narrow roads.

this

XT Loveliness

Crossing Europe on a Bike Called Reggie
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crossing-Europe-Bike-Called-Reggie/dp/1849142130/ref=pd_sim_14_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=61uuhPbBodL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR104%2C160_&refRID=057NH7DFA1HQG9M4MS4V

Axiom DLX Disc Rack fits most bikes. Not extra-wide.

Link: http://amzn.com/B004094HY2

Here are some ideas


http://www.amazon.com/Surly-Nice-Rack-Black-Cromoly/dp/B001GSQULS

http://www.arkel-od.com/us/all-categories/touring-bike-bag/t-42-lite-touring-panniers.html#!/more-details



http://www.amazon.com/Brooks-Saddles-Special-Bicycle-Saddle/dp/B001AYMOAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367506572&sr=8-1&keywords=Brooks+B17+Special+Saddle


http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Alien-26-Function-Bicycle-Tool/dp/B000FIE4AE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1367506625&sr=8-3&keywords=topeak+multitool


http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Road-Morph-Bike-Gauge/dp/B000FI6YOS/ref=pd_sim_sg_10


http://www.amazon.com/Crane-Suzu-Lever-Strike-Brass/dp/B001MS2KHA/ref=pd_sim_sg_90


http://www.amazon.com/Velo-Orange-Hammered-Alloy-Fender/dp/B004JKK1V0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367506912&sr=8-1&keywords=velo+orange+fenders+hammered


http://www.amazon.com/Ergon-Series-Bicycle-Handle-Standard/dp/B0015QWRM2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1367506936&sr=1-1&keywords=ergo+grips


http://www.amazon.com/Spenco-Classic-Glove-Beige-Crochet/dp/B0025UEWR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367507174&sr=8-1&keywords=spenco+gloves


http://www.amazon.com/Keen-Commuter-Cycling-Shadow-Gargoyle/dp/B003Z4KPFI/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367507250&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=keen+bike


http://www.amazon.com/Gold-Bond-Medicated-10-Ounce-Containers/dp/B001G7QSS4/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367507286&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=gold+bond

By the way I'm in Canada so I just estimated on those prices.

Here's that Axiom rack I mentioned - it's made specifically for road bikes that don't have the same eyelets as a touring bike:
https://www.axiomgear.com/products/racks/

These are the cheapest waterproof panniers that I know of. I've never used them so you might have to do your own research on the quality:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00241QY9E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00241QY9E&linkCode=as2&tag=sajendraswebs-20

http://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-Chain-Wear-Indicator/dp/B000OZFIMQ

Gold Standard mirror.

Tire boot (whether store bought or a dollar bill), zip ties, no-tool chain quick link, duct tape.

I often have this issue as I ride with an Ortlieb handlebar bag frequently. I usually use a cheap Origin8 dealie that attaches on a fork braze on, https://www.amazon.com/Origin8-Eyelet-Stub-Silver/dp/B00629Q9X0, but not sure what I'll use when I put bags up front. Probably a helmet mounted Lumina.

Maybe call the local police station and describe your situation to them and see if they can help? Or find a local hardware store and buy the tools to get your bike back. OR, buy a higher end bike lock. After having my bike stolen I got a Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit (2 years ago) and use it everyday in all sorts of weather conditions, it hasn't given me any problems yet. I think carrying bolt cutters is a little overkill, but I haven't done much bike touring, so really don't know.

I really like my MountainSmith Morrison 2-person. It's super spacious but I've taken it on many bike camping trips and it's less than $150. I've had it in all sorts of weather and it has only leaked once, which was sorta my fault.

This is the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00452C2IC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1