Detours Sodo Handlebar Bag is currently available at such a hugely discounted price that I wanted to share the information with folks who read and depend on this blog for this type of information.  Affordable, quality bike touring gear and this product is a perfect example of that. 

I don't know for certain but it seems to me that Detours Bags is going to discontinue this product so if you're looking for a nice sized handlebar bag for either bike touring or commuting snag one of these before they're gone.  Click on photo or underlined link above for more product information.  

I was looking for a handlebar bag with a quick release clamp that could be mounted with my inline brake levers and that held the bag out far enough to allow my hands easy access to those secondary brake levers and this design allowed for that.  After reading a review from a guy who had recently invested well over a hundred bucks on the new Arkel Handlebar bag he felt that he had overpaid considering it didn't include a rain cover. I'm not saying the Detours Sodo Bag can be compared to the quality of an Arkel product but when you see the price this is listed at it's a no brainer.  And it includes a rain cover! 

Other features include a nice padded shoulder strap for carrying around off the bike and a clear map sleeve on top.  Apparently the clear sleeve was actually designed for cramming a cell phone into but it doesn't work well for that.  Like other reviewers have mentioned the goofy plastic ziploc type of access on the under side of the lid broke on the first use.  I didn't care as a map stays nicely in place with the bag closed.  

​Here's some basic information from the product listing:

• 2 large zip zippered compartments are covered by a TPU-coated waterproof flap with a waterproof welded clear pocket on the top lid for maps and screen phones
• Interior org / zip pockets / key fob / external side pockets for water and snacks
• Plenty of padding for lunch and camera
• Removable shoulder strap and removable rain cover
• Dimensions are: 10 x 4.5 x 8 in

For this year's fund raiser bike tour the need to post regularly to social media and continued blog posting I found the Detours Sodo to be a nice piece of kit to keep electronic devices protected from the elements.  Definitely appreciating the waterproof lid but also the nice thick material lending an insulative quality for potentially extreme summer temperatures.  I was able to fit all my equipment including a Voyager Pro Tablet, Canon G16 camera, mini tripod, spare camera battery, all necessary cables, power bank and even the seven watt solar panel!  There are two nice sized exterior pockets on both ends that are excellent for stuffing snack stuff into for easy access while riding.

Some common complaints of handlebar bags are the lid or cover opening from the front making it very difficult to access contents while riding.  For me, that's what a top tube bag is for so next item in this post is the Axiom Smart Box.

First bit of important information is this; everywhere I found product information this little goody bag is described as being eight inches or more both in length and height with two inch diameter.  That last bit of info is the only correct measurement.  It's actually closer to five inches in each direction, a very significant difference!

I considered returning it for that very reason but since it holds my Canon G16 very snugly providing ease of access while riding while not bouncing around at all I decided to keep it.  I was also able to fit a 6700mah Zendure Power Bank with it.    

  ​
Dubbed "Smart Box" as the exterior side pocket on the drive side of the bike is designed to hold most common sized smart phones.  I was able to fit a Moto G phone without a case easily.  I'm planning to take advantage of the pocket's convenience for my old Kodak Playsport zx5.  This provides easy access to a waterproof camera that I can use in inclement weather.  Notice the four straps used to secure this little thing makes for a very sturdy install.

What I have found an appreciation for is the no zipper design.  Some other manufacturers have tried a velcro design on covers that open and close lengthwise and folks commonly complain that the cover pops open too easily when riding over rough terrain.  Not so with Axiom's Smart Box design.  It is such a sturdy bag it actually feels more like a box than a bag and the velcro holds the lid shut tight.  

Anyhow, if you're looking for a large top tube bag to stash a rain coat or larger items than those described here this is not the product for you.  However, if you need easy access to a couple gadgets that would otherwise be difficult to access from your handlebar bag while riding than this is a very good affordable quality option.  

For a large top tube bag consider the popular ​Profile Design Standard Aero E Pack, photo at left.  One large zippered main compartment and is approximately nine inches long.  I'm considering this product option for another bike and will add a post if or when I do.  Until then stay tuned for information regarding this year's Organic Farm Tour Fundraiser.  Feels good to be blogging again after a six month hiatus due to some unfortunate circumstances at our store last August.  More about that later.  Until then, Happy Spring and y'all are planning some fun bike touring adventures this year. 

"You can't buy happiness but you can buy a bicycle and that's pretty close".  Most bike folks and those considering taking up bike commuting, touring or recreational riding can relate to to that quote.  One of the reasons it's "pretty close" is that lots of folks after purchasing their bike for its' intended purpose find themselves needing a few more items to fulfill their bike's ability to meet their needs.  After four years of blogging, riding, testing products and reviewing them here is our list of our favorite affordable quality products.  

A few years ago while designing and building our kinda fat mountain bike as an all terrain utility rig that could navigate an area without designated bike routes we had a difficult time finding a steel front rack to meet our needs.  I was looking for a design which provided low rider positon of panniers and a top deck for either strapping a tent or sleeping bag to or to support a large handlebar bag or basket.

After comparing cost, weight and other specifications I was pleasantly surprised to find the MT-4000SF front rack from Minoura.  Not only is that rack disc brake compatible it comes with hardware for mounting to either standard or suspension forks, will fit 26" to 29" wheel sizes and mounts to the axle with an extra long skewer making installation easy yet very secure.  Here's link to my review of that rack from three years ago.  

After being very happy with the first Minoura front rack I decided to try another rack in the FRP-3000, a traditional low rider front rack for my road touring bike, weighs much less than the MT-4000SF and includes same mounting hardware with axle skewer and brake post mounting hardware.  

I have had both of these racks for three years now and very much appreciate the quality steel front racks provided by Minoura with a price tag that is unmatched by anything comparable. 

Here's a link to my initial review of this rack that I have installed on both a 26" Bridgestone MB-1 converted to a touring bike and my 700c touring bike.

Here's a link to another informative review of these racks shares some ideas of optionally mounting the rack to the a threaded touring bike fork rather than the brake bosses.  

While Minoura provides favorites in terms of front bike racks axiom continues to deliver some ultra solid load carrying capacity with their rear racks.  I've installed many axiom racks for customers over the years and since the introduction of the Streamliner DLX rear rack for disc brake equipped bikes installation couldn't be easier.   Here are a few main points to consider from their product description:

• A lightweight, low profile solution for mountain, commuting and fitness bikes
• Ultra-narrow profile improves aerodynamics, keeps load closer to center and greatly reduces bag "swing"
• Hand-welded 10.2mm tubular 6061 T6 alloy construction
• Fits 26" and 700C wheels
• Ample space for MTB and Hybrid/Trekking fenders

At our shop the most popular is the axiom Journey for bikes that don't have disc brakes.

Due to the simple fact that I like to ride different bikes for a variety of reasons it is nice to be able to swap panniers and bags from one bike to another.  That quality of versatility is something I look for when considering and sifting through many of today's bike touring and commuting pannier and bag options. 

For example a handlebar bag which mounts with a quick release bracket can only be used on the bike to which the quick release clamp has been installed.  Some manufacturers offer an additional clamp at additional cost of course.  The same can be said about some panniers with locking mechanisms which limit the ability to swap panniers around to the front or rear racks as preferred or needed.  This is not to say that some of the more popular products from Ortlieb, Arkel and the like are not of excellent quality but to say that there are some other options in affordable quality panniers that can lend some added versatility compared to others.

Photo above is of a very inexpensive handlebar bag that just so happens to fit most all my gear for "some" professional quality photography and blogging gadgets including a tripod, tablet, camera, cables and rechargeable power pack.  Here's a link for a review of that handlebar bag. It's design provides a very convienient option for swapping the handlebar bag from my touring bike to my mountain bike for bike packing and even on a folding bike for travel.  Very versatile indeed and after two years of lots of use it is holding together extremely well considering how rediculously affordable that bag is. 

​Axiom products continue to prove to be an exceptional choice of quality and value.  Unfortunately, Axiom has discontinued their Cartier panniers (front panniers in photo at left) which are still providing dependable service after ten years of use.  Fortunately they have introduced the Seymour DLX panniers available in two different sizes both of which can be used as front or rear bags and although those panniers now have the Rixen and Kaul latching mechanism for attaching the top of the pannier the very heavy duty steel hook and bungee are used to secure the bottom of the bag making for a versatile yet secure attachment system.  

Another very impressive option in that same series is now available in a waterproof material called their "O Weave" series.  It's a complete line of various panniers and bags of varying capacities for different uses.  Another thoughtful idea is that the interieor of the waterproof design is a red interior for enhanced visibility inside their bags and panniers.  

A favorite around here are any bike lighting products from Cygolite.  With a rechargeable USB connection I can simply connect a Cygolite Metro front light to a Zendure power bank if for whatever reason the battery should get low.  I've been using the Cygolite Metro for my night time bike commutes and for bicycle touring with ability to recharge via USB cable and solar kit.

We have found most if not all Cygolite products to outperform other bike lights based on battery run time, lighting options and overall brightness.  

Last year I received a Blackburn 2 fer front or rear light for review which is also USB rechargeable and can be used as a headlight for camping.  It's very small, lightweight design and multi mode functions make for a nice bit of kit just know that the battery time is lacking.  

I have tried so many different types of materials from various brands and manufacturers but they fell short of the quality I wanted or had an absurdly high price tag.  Now that  I have found a rain gear kit that truly keeps me dry I don't mind riding in wet weather at all. 

For the past couple years I have been more than satisfied with the performance of my Bellwether Storm Front Jacket with a drop down butt cover combined with a pair of Tenn Outdoors Waterproof Cycling Trousers.  Photo at left shows how much rain we frequently receive along the Gulf Coast and having good quality rain gear makes it fun and easy to ride.  


While I continue with this blog look for more fun and effective ways to improve your rides whether it's more bike commuting or bicycle touring we effort to have you covered.
Link related to this topic:
Multi day Bike Touring Kit


​

When Kent of TASIS Bikes contacted us about reviewing his new handlebar tape made specifically for bike touring enthusiasts he mentioned "if you double wrap your handlebars, this product is for you".  Of course Kent got his new Fat Wrap product to us a couple months after I had just finished double wrapping the bars on my touring bike.  

Due to the long hours spent on a bike while touring having your bicycle set up properly is imperative in eliminating some of the most commonly associated miseries of a long bicycle tour. Even with proper bike fit, handlebar to saddle length and height adjustments customized for the rider's body characteristics certain types of pain tend to creep up on many folks while touring.  Second only to saddle soreness is hand numbness and/or wrist pain from maintaining and holding a particular riding position hour after hour day in and day out, week after week.  

Over the years I have used many products all of which I might add have provided solutions to hand numbness and pain.  Several gel pad products are available designed to be installed under handlebar tape and I found them to be most notably helpful while riding over rough dirt and gravel roads for vibration dampening.  Some of the fancier kits are designed to fit over the contour of the handlebars and are reusable when you need to re-wrap your bars.  

That having been said the gel pads are only so durable and if they get punctured the gel oozes under the handlebar tape consequently requiring the tape to be removed and very likely replaced. Also, some of the gel kits are a bit cost prohibitive and don't include bar tape.  Padded cycling gloves help to some extent but often are just not quite enough to accommodate the needs of some long haul touring enthusiasts.  There have been innumerable companies creating all sorts of gimmick products (particularly saddles) in an effort to provide more comfort or "implied comfort" by the less scrupulous.  So it is refreshing to receive a product to review that provides a simple, practical solution to one of bike tourings' most common complaints.

Introducing Fat Wrap, a simpler more cost effective method of getting the handlebar comfort and durability for bicycle touring and especially bikepacking where I have a tendency to be rougher on equipment than while road touring.  Grabbing, gripping, lifting the front wheel and throwing it about can cause the gel pads to wiggle about if not properly secured under the tape during installation.  Sweat, rain, any moisture that may seep in can contribute to some of the loosening effect over time.  

A simple solution would be to have a very thick, durable handlebar tape available which can be installed securely without added layers of other products.  That having been said how much thicker is Fat Wrap than one of my favorites from my shop supplier?  Significantly, photo at right illustrates how much thicker Fat Wrap is then the very durable cork synthetic blend shown in photo.  It's worth mentioning that the durability test of handlebar tape can be determined while wrapping gel pads.  I've had some tapes tear while getting the tight wrap necessary to ensure the pads stayed in place without feeling "squishy".  Perhaps it's due to the sheer girth of this product which contributes to such a nice durable feel when installing as while I pulled and stretched it tight to ensure the tape would cover the entire handlebar I soon realized I wouldn't have to be concerned about tearing it. 

If I have one criticism it's that the Fat Wrap didn't include bar end plugs, which although not an issue around here as I had plenty extras to choose from other folks may not.  However, a trip to your local bike shop might provide a set for free or very inexpensively.

Fat Wrap is so thick that when I attempted to begin to wrap the drop bars (photo at left) by tucking the initial portion inside the handlebar and then inserting the bar end plug like all other handlebar tape the Fat Wrap kept kicking the plug out.  All this is covered with the included product instructions but I had to test it out myself for this review.  

As barend plugs are designed to fit with bar tape tucked in I added a short piece of cloth rim tape to ensure it would hold securely.  Fat Wrap is designed to be wrapped flush with the handlebar end so the accompanying instructions which suggest using a short piece of electrical tape to secure Fat Wrap tape to the bar when beginning the wrap proved very useful.  

While adding some hand positions to my mountain bike for bikepacking I installed some inexpensive plain old foam grips (left photo) over the bar ends and then wrapped them with some extra tape from the shop.  

Although this provides more than ample hand comfort it is a bit squishy and I'm concerned it will wear out rather quickly as the tape flexes with the cushy foam.  

This is an excellent example for highlighting the textured surface of Fat Wrap which feels to provide a much better grip so important on the trail while maneuvering a loaded bikepacking rig over rough terrain.  Not only does Fat Wrap offer a better textured grip but the product feels sturdier simply due to the fact that it is applied directly to the bar surface eliminating slippage or quickly wearing out under rough handling.  We really like this product from Canadian based TASIS Bikes and their Fat Wrap and look forward to sharing other products that Kent might be coming up with for fellow bike touring folks.  Use any of the bold text links or photos for more information or to purchase.  

Links Related to this Topic
Bike Fit Basics
Fit Well Bikes
Ergonomic Cork Grips
​Posture for Bicycle Touring
Treatment for Sciatic Pain

I decided to replace my old tried and true Park Tool frame pump on my touring bike to accommodate a frame bag and to more efficiently top off tire pressures while touring.  

Many folks think of a packable or mini pump to be used solely to repair flats or just get enough air in the tire after repairing a flat to get to a gas station or bike shop where they can more easily get the tire up to recommended tire pressures.  Or they opt for the CO2 cartridges which can effortlessly inflate a tire but again that's intended only for flat repair.  

Maintaining proper tire pressure while touring is important for maintaining good puncture protection and load bearing capabilities for bike touring specific tires. In fact, I have heard of folks claiming that a particular bicycle tire company wouldn't honor their warranty as the manufacturer had determined that the recommended tire pressure was not maintained during the customer's bike tour.  Whether or not the customer had actually maintained proper air pressure is besides the point but serves to emphasize the importance of manufacturers providing proper psi for their tire's design specifications.    

Anyone who has ever tried repairing a flat with a handheld mini pump knows how difficult it can be to get a touring up to eighty or ninety psi.  Most folks opt for getting the tire inflated "good enough" to ride on while some folks curse the poor design and lack of the pump's efficiency.  Forget about topping off a tire day in and day out while touring as most standard mini pumps would wind up being thrown in the bushes.  

It's for those reasons that the good folks at companies like Topeak and Lezyne have designed some user friendly pumps with a folding foot peg (photo above) for stabilizing the pump while being able to use more efficient downward force of one's body onto the pump.  Although there are and have been some excellent frame pumps they lack a gauge for proper tire inflation.  Introducing the Topeak Road Morph G with all the solid performing features described including a rubberized fold out handle and the "G" of model description indicating an in line gauge on the retractable pump hose.  There are a few pumps designed like the Road Morph G in a variety of lengths and sizes with or without gauges for road and mountain use that perform like a standard floor pump.  Lezyne makes a very nice model in the Micro Drive HP which with the all metal design looks like a fancy piece of art work.  

One of the most important considerations for most touring bike folks is the ability to pack or somehow install their portable pump in an efficient bike traveling manner.  I used an old Topeak mini pump bracket to install the Road Morph G along side the frame's downtube bottle cage mounts as shown in photo above.  However, the included mounting bracket as shown in photo at left requires either removing the bottle cage and mounting the bracket to the bottle cage's mounting threads or using the included zip ties and fastening the bracket to the frame similar to the photo at left where velcro was used in place of the zip ties.  Note that Lezyne provides a mounting bracket that can be installed with the bottle cage remaining on the frame.  If I didn't have a spare pump bracket mount as mentioned then I would have preferred the Lezyne Micro Drive HP.

As mentioned previously there are other models from Topeak which include these same floor pump design features so consider for example the Mini Morph, Mountain Morph or Turbo Morph for your personal needs and preferences.  Each model from Topeak with the exception of the Mountain Morph includes an optional gauge so here's a link to compare features of the Topeak line of pumps. 
Any of the pumps mentioned in this post will keep you from having to suffer any more than necessary while performing a roadside flat repair and can be used to maintain proper tire pressure so important for getting the best performance from your touring tires without suffering over the difficulty of doing so.  Use any of the links provided underlined in bold for information or to purchase.
Links related to this topic
Tough, Versatile Pump for Touring and Commuting

Front and rear triangle frame packs have been around for a long time.  With the popularity of bike packing frame, seat, handlebar bags, packs and carriers some bike folks may have forgotten or simply don't know about their ability to adapt some bike packing style for their touring bikes to lighten pannier load.

This review of front triangle frame packs (sometimes referred to as gas tanks) covers designs which may or may not interfere with access to your water bottle holder on down tube.  The reason I say that the frame packs discussed here "might" hinder your ability to use the water bottle cage on the downtube depends on how large your bike frame is and or whether you can adjust the water bottle cage up or down on the frame mounts as shown in left photo.  The water bottle holder in photo is of an unknown manufacturer that I have had for several years.  I have been looking for a similar design to share here for use with selecting a front triangle frame pack for your bikes.  Because I was able to slide the bottle cage down on the frame mounts it allows for easy access with a frame pack. If anyone knows of where one can be purchased please share that information in the comments below.  

Jandd's frame pack has been available for several years and considered one of the original frame style bags for bike packing. With a long standing reputation for making quality durable products there are many folks who have been using the pack for several years without issue.  
Some design features folks have complained about are the mounting straps not being made of velcro and having difficulty threading the two straps for mounting to down tube.  On the right side of the bag is a full length zipper with rain flap cover and the left side has a much smaller zippered pocket.  Jandd's frame pack would be a good fit on a larger frame such as 58 cm or more without interfering with water bottle mounts.  Of course this also depends on what size of water bottle but even on a fifty six centimeter frame an adjustable bottle holder is a good idea. 

Banjo Brothers provides three different front triangle frame packs available in small, medium or large and is the main reason I have chosen to list their product here.  Photo at left is of the large frame pack and offers plenty of storage space designed in a rectangular shape whereas the small and medium versions have the typical tapered triangular shape similar to most of the frame packs listed here.  Click on link or photo for more information regarding the other frame pack sizes.

Skinz Protective Gear Frame Pak is available in a smaller size like that shown in photo at left or a full frame bag for bike packing.  It is an excellent quality frame pack which is described as weather proof and water resistant.  Hmm, anyhow as you can see from the photo at left the frame pack permits some use of water bottle mounts at down tube.  Considering that most touring bikes have a more traditional frame geometry than that pictured would permit more clearance between frame pack and water bottle holder.  

The folks at Bushwhacker have the most affordably priced bike frame bags I have ever seen.  Two models of the Tahoe pictured at left and the Laredo which is a bit smaller but not by much. Both of their frame packs offer a nice solution for folks wanting to add a bit of bike packing convenience and style for their touring bike.  

Click on links or photos for more information and to check out their absolutely best price point. 

Made in the U.S. since 1979 Lone Peak products are one of our favorites.  Often made from recycled inner tubes for adding waterproofness and durability Lone Peak products have a long established reputation for quality.  Their frame packs are available in two sizes Standard and Large.  Photo at left is of the Lone Peak Standard Bicycle Frame Bag Pack.  Click on photo for more information regarding both sizes of frame bag packs for your particular touring bike.  

As shown in photograph above at beginning of this post is the Deuter Front Triangle Frame Bag.  Deuter is a company that has making some of the finest quality backpacks and their simple little frame bag is an excellent choice in an affordable quality product to lend a bit of bike packing practicality to your bicycle touring kit list.  

All the frame bags with the exception of the Skinz model can be purchased for under forty bucks.  Click on any link or photo for information or to purchase.

Links related to this topic
Packing Kit List for Bike Touring

Due to the MT-4000SF being considerably wider as it has more of a boxed shape than the FRP it was necessary to use appropriate spacers to place the  support brackets parallel or perpendicular to where the other end of the support bolts on to the rack.  Fork width of course will determine how many spacers if any you would need to have a good solid installation but the idea is for the support piece to not have to bend when wrenching everything tight as it can help to reduce or eliminate front brake noise. 

Photo at left shows the eight inch bracket length which of course can be modified to a shorter length.  I found the top hole useful for attaching a bungee cord when strapping items onto the top plate of the rack so didn't bother with it. 

For example, the Kona P2 fork on our bikepacking rig is so wide that I had to flip the supplied brackets around to fit the width of the brake bosses and is covered at my initial review of the MT-4000SF rack.  Anyhow, hope this helps folks who might want to install either of the excellent quality Minoura front racks which I have found to be an exceptional value for bike touring or commuting.  After three years of owning each of these models of bike rack I was finally able to get around to trying a modified installation method without too much fuss to accommodate my traditional touring bike style fork. I am very pleased to say that all in all it was much easier to accomplish than I had originally anticipated as it proved to be one of the easiest bike modifications I've ever done, thanks in large part to the availability of the Stanley mending plates.   Any of my suggestions for modifying of bike touring parts or accessories are of my own ideas and could possibly void any warranty from the manufacturer.  ​


Links Related to this Topic:
Minoura MT-4000SF Review
Minoura FRP-3000 Review

While preparing for a two to three month bike tour and thoroughly going over my blogging and photography work flow methods, pack weight, pack size and space and considering varying scenarios of getting my work done while traveling by bike.  You know, the fun guy stuff and then Lisa reminds me "how about keeping the stink off when there isn't a shower available"?

Ah yes, it's not that I'm a habitual slob that doesn't consider hygiene basics while camping and traveling but I do tend to blow off some of the niceties and Lisa is good at reminding me to be a bit more self considerate, particularly when we share a tent.  

Basic hygiene while bicycle touring or bike packing is a somewhat popular topic and varies greatly by individual preferences, needs or habits.  Some folks insist on having a fresh pair of bike shorts each day, another fella insists on getting ten to twelve days out of the same pair of riding shorts but then again some folks don't bother with brushing their teeth either.  

Baby wipes and sanitary wipes are a popular option with many outdoor enthusiasts but many of parabens and sulfates are toxic, harsh and tend to dry out a lot of folks skin.  Some folks make their own body wipes or sponge bath concoctions that meet their personal skin or allergy sensitivities.  I have found many such methods to me too bulky and heavy or tedious to bother with.  

Anyhow, the folks at epic wipes couldn't have timed their product better.  Just as I was discussing and going over my bike travel plans I received an email asking me if I would be interested in reviewing their product.  Wow!  Excellent, of course I would, send me a case of the stuff and I love this product for the following reasons.

• Naturally scented
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• Biodegradable 
• 100% bamboo fiber
• Paraben and toxin free

Packaged in a small two by three inch shape that can fit in a pocket but unfolds to a large thirty one and a half inch long by nineteen and three quarter inch width (photo above).  Because the bamboo fiber seems to be pretty darn durable I plan on reusing them as often as I can until the towel disintegrates.  Here's my method.  After initial use I will reseal the towel in a large ziploc freezer bag with Thayer's Witch Hazel due to its organic essential oil ingredients mixed with a bit of Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap.  This is an excellent blend for reusing or making your own towel wipes in a ziploc bag but the towel wipes available from epic wipes are by far the best available and are an excellent reusable product.  Yep, adding these goodys to my pack kit list and looking forward to smelling nice for cozy bike camping evenings alone or with my honey.
For more information about epic wipes and get your hands on their awesome product use any of the links provided or click on photo below.

I have reviewed quite a few mini pumps and every time I could hear my old bike teacher in Oregon saying "nobody makes a good mini pump".  His comment was in regards to the smaller lighter weight pumps which had just started being developed as an alternative to frame pumps particularly for trail riding and mountain bikers.  

Now, these oh so many years later I still take a frame pump with me whether I'm on or off the pavement.  Why? Because nobody seems to make a decent enough mini pump for me to want to feverishly short stroke for an hour and a half.  I mean getting a flat tire is aggravating enough but to add insult to injury by having a pump I feel like tossing in the trash is just wasteful.  That having been said I was oh so pleasantly surprised when the folks at Road Air contacted me about sending me one of their pumps to try out.  My first thought was "oh great gonna send me another crappy little plastic waste of engineering".   This week when the pump arrived I was pleasantly surprised to find the following qualities of this pump which has me highly recommending this affordable quality bike touring and commuting accessory for your kit.

1. Steel Threads.  This is such a wonderful added touch of durability as the typical mini pumps I have declared futile efforts in efficiency have plastic and rubber attachments which wear out or break much more easily after the pump head has been compressed around and over a valve one too many times.  That was also the case with a fairly good frame pump which now only works on presta as the little plastic piece which has to be removed and flipped around depending on the valve type broke.  So yes, I like the steel threads very much.
2. Extendable Rubber Hose.  Mini pumps which attach directly to the valve can make it very difficult to air up a tire while it's on the bike.  Mini Pumps are not simply for flat repairs but for bike touring are used to maintain proper tire pressure and the majority of mini pumps available make that a much harder chore than need be.  Another reason I kept using frame pumps is that I simply found it exceedingly difficult to hold the little bitty pump head on to the valve to be sure no air got out while attaching the pump and then trying to find the proper angle to physically work air into the tube I found myself routinely hitting the spokes with my knuckles.  With the Road Air Pump the hose puts the pumping action a nice distance from the wheel for ease of use.
3. Handle.  Yep, that's correct they thought to put a decent handle on this pump which has a nice rounded end which for my hand anyway was such a nice contoured fit I was in no concerned about getting a blister.  Also and this is nifty the end of the handle sides out for stashing a presta valve adapter for threading the hose end on.  In all of my bike commuting travels that has been the most common item to have stolen.  I used to leave a presta valve adapter on the stem of one wheel and that's how a few of those were stolen.  Very clever idea and a nice feature of the Road Air Pump.
4. Lifetime Warranty.  They seem to feel that all the qualities of this pump are what will make it last and they're probably correct on that notion.  Aluminum alloy construction of the pump itself makes this just feel good to use.  It's smooth and much easier to add air for higher tire pressures than other mini pumps which quite frankly would not even work.  

Ironically this pump has shown up for me after getting several flats while running errands around town.  Each time I used my trusty old frame pump from Park Tool Co.  The PMP-5 Dial Adjust Frame Pump is versatile and an excellent choice for folks who own several different bikes with varying frame sizes.  This is one of the main reason I like this little pump from Road Air in that I can fit it into a handlebar bag with it's compact size and lightweight design.  Which reminds me that the Road Air Mini Pump includes a mounting bracket for bottle cage mounts that I added to my touring bike and I'm happy to report that it does not rattle against the frame like some other models I have tried.  None of these pumps have pressure gauges, but I still have my little old gem pump from Crank Brothers that I like to keep around as a back up pump while traveling and can also serve as a gauge for checking tire pressures as it is the smallest most compact mini pump available.  Newer model doesn't have pressure gauge but is still small enough to fit in a jersey pocket.  Just thought I would mention a couple of other quality pumps I own and keep around for their different features.  This pump from Road Air is definitely a keeper and I will certainly use it whenever it's needed and adding it to my bike touring pack kit.  
Yes, there are some good mini pumps available, one of which is from Road Air.   : )  Click on any of the photos or underlined linked text for information or to purchase.
I have a Topeak pump and for travel the integrated so called smart head of two in one design quit working on schraeder valves.  Fortunately I ride with presta valves so it wasn't an issue, however as previously mentioned I have a few different bikes for touring and commuting and the old Austrian made Puch has schraeder valves.  Lezyne makes some nice pumps with similar threaded hose design but some recent design changes have wondering if they're worth the extra cost.  I will update this post if the pump fails in some way but considering all that's been discussed here I feel good about choosing the Road Air Mini Pump for bicycle touring, commuting or bike packing. 

Links related to this topic
Tough, Versatile Frame Pump
​Multi Day Packing Kit List
​Topeak Joe Blow Pro Review

I have no idea how many bike folks would be interested in knowing whether or not an eight speed cassette is compatible with some vintage seven speed Shimano Deore LX thumbshifters and rear derailleur from the late eighties.  FYI, it is compatible.  After noticing that the right thumb shifter had an extra click in the indexed ratcheting mode I knew I could add an extra gear with the shifter set to friction with no problem.  

This has been such a fun bike to tinker with from time to time and has really turned out to be such a comfortable, versatile bike for touring and commuting built from scratch and pretty much building it on the cheap investing in new parts as appropriate, particularly with the Avid BB7 disc brakes.  Rather than chat up what a nice ride this bike is, particularly now with eight new gears I thought I would share some of the cool gear I received as gifts this year.  Only after sharing a tid bit of helpful information of course, irregardless of how obscure that may seem to some.  

For bike commuting at night or bike touring and camping I received a very versatile little front or rear light with the USB rechargeable Blackburn 2 fer Front or Rear Light.  This could be the coolest little bike light gadget I have ever owned.  I have become quite fond of the USB rechargeable gizmos for bike touring as it provides ease of charging devices via power stick, C Crane Solar Observer Radio or...  

It has a waterproof design, versatile mounting bracket with rubber strap that can be use on handlebars or remove the sliding clip from the rubber strap and clip it onto a backpack or seat bag.  As a front light the Blackburn 2 fer provides sixty lumens of white light or twenty lumens of red light as a rear light.  
What I don't like is the run time of the lithium polymer battery.  Ninety minutes while running continuous light or five hours in flashing mode.  Fortunately the light has a fuel gauge and charge indicator. No, the sixty lumens in front on while light mode is not enough to light up the road in front of you at night but that's not what this light is designed for.  For that I continue to use the tried and true Cygolite 360 which provides many front light options including a couple of strobing or flashing modes.  However as a rear light or as a small light to have around the campsite, the little Blackburn 2 fer is a very small, packable lightweight option.  Just make sure you keep the batteries charged as the charging time is approximately three hours when battery has been completely run down.  For this reason, if my loved ones would have asked me rather than purchasing me a new light I would have suggested the USB rechargeable Cygolite Hotshot which has a two hundred hour run time!  Yep, you read that right, but I am still very appreciative of this gift and will find a way to make use of it as it is quite a versatile little light. 
Links related to this topic
Cygolite and Helmet Mount Kit
Four Lights for Around Forty Bucks

Gotten tired of fiddling and fumbling about with bungee cords and elastic rack straps that wear out quickly?  Well, there's a very inexpensive alternative in the rubber coated, steel wire option with the Nite Ize Gear Tie.  Rubber coating is a nice touch if you're concerned about scratching the paint of your bike or rack particularly if their of steel construction, something metal bungee cord hooks have a tendency to do.  Available in a variety of lengths and colors, I received a two pack of black gear ties in the thirty two inch length.  

I have been using a couple of Delta Cargo Nets forbike touring and bike packing when I prefer to secure gear to the top deck of my front or rear racks.  They're pretty nice in that the hooks can be moved around and placed where needed for tightening and securing gear so it doesn't bounce around on trails and such.  However, although I am careful not to stretch the elastic cords too much over time the cord netting begins to lose some of its' elasticity.  Not a big deal considering how affordable the Cargo Net is but with the Nite Ize Gear Tie it is not an issue.  Depending on what type of gear you're securing simply order a length to suit your needs.  I have found that the thirty two inch length is perfect for securing gear items such as a tent or a sleeping bag by using two ties around each item and then securing the gear ties to each other as shown in photo.  This is a very affordable, durable option for securing any gear to your rack while bike touring or bike packing.  For the most bumpy, off road terrain when bike packing a combination of the Nite Ize Gear Tie and Delta Cargo Net can effectively secure most any gear to your bike over the roughest terrain. 

So, wanted to give a shout to our readers and fellow bike folks, Happy New Year, looking forward to sharing more information regarding new gear and bike touring fun via this blog.  As we go into our third year of sharing bike enthusiasm, knowledge and experience we are looking forward to 2016 being our best year thus far.  Third year's the charm : )  Happy Bike Touring to you and your loved ones with warm regards and gratitude for all the support of our small business efforts, generosity and readership over the past couple years it is very much appreciated.  Thank You!
Links related to this topic with links to the most excellent photography gear I have ever owned, so nice.
Multi Day Bike Touring Kit 
Camera Favorite for Bike Touring
Tripod Favorite for Bike Touring

Finding quality equipment to meet your wet weather bike commuting needs is actually very affordable.  Here is a list of some excellent products currently available to help keep you and your stuff dry for those rainy day bike commutes.

Some links to previous years posts are provided below regarding this topic of wet weather riding gear.  As most of my equipment has lasted for several years whenever I find some new product or information to share I am always pleased to know that the gear will last for years to come.  A good example is the Stormy Kromer Waxed Cotton Cap which is a fun yet practical design for riding in the rain or while bike camping in wet weather.  

After last year's cold, wet winter commutes wearing water proof pants specifically designed for riding a bike from Tenn Cycling Gear not only kept me dry but provided practical function for use as wet weather work pants.  Over the years most if not all waterproof products slowly begin to lose their water repellent features so knowing how to care for the materials to get the best and longest lasting performance from your investment is important.  A simple, cost effective product from Atsko is their Sport Wash.  I have been using the product to not only wash or restore older well used water proof fabrics but is also excellent for washing and restoring the insulation qualities of down sleeping bags.  However, even while properly cared for after ten years or so I have noticed some of my water proof bike commuting and touring outer wear simply needed to be replaced as was the case with a pair of old Columbia Omni Tech pants which I enjoyed wearing while commuting during the very wet months in Portland, Oregon.  

So, after successfully finding new rain pants last year, this year I needed a new water proof bike commuting jacket.  I was looking for a jacket I could use for bike camping and touring as well as commuting so I wanted a jacket that would pack easy, keep me dry and could be used for cold weather layering. Bellwether has been providing excellent products for many years with good reviews as well as having heard good things about their outer wear over the years.  Expecting to have to pa upwards of over a hundred bucks I was relieved to find the Bellwether Storm Front Jacket for less than fifty! Yes, wow! and it is very waterproof indeed.  With adjustable velcro wrist closure, zippered mesh vents and reflective material for night time commuting this was a score for bike touring as well due to very small packed down size.  

A couple of other nice features worth mentioning are the rear waterproof zippered pocket that provides plenty of space for any size cell phone or other items a bike commuter might want to keep handy and dry. 

Another feature I have found to be particularly useful when commuting on a mountain bike is the ability to drop the rear of the jacket down to cover my butt.  For folks who enjoy wet weather trail rides or those who commute without a rear fender or rack this is a particularly useful option unique to the Bell Storm Front Jacket.  Made from Bellwether's patented Aqua No material provides an excellent water proof barrier that provides adequate ventilation with full front zipper as well as the zippered side vents previously mentioned.  Interior of collar has a soft fleece lining to prevent chafing and an adjustable draw string chord can be cinched around the waist.  This is an excellent quality rain jacket well thought out for bike commuting at an exceptional price. Click on photos or links provided for information or to purchase. 

Have a laptop, extra clothes or a brown bag lunch you don't want to get soggy on your commute?  Then get a set of waterproof panniers.  Axiom Monsoon LX Panniers provide the perfect size and waterproof features for bike commuting.  

These panniers have been offered at very reasonable prices though expect to pay a bit more for the high viz yellow.  Either way these excellent quality panniers can usually be had for less than a hundred bucks and are easy to get on and off the bike.  Features include:

• Waterproof, welded tarpaulin and 600D polyester construction
• Tiedown adjustable hook and bungee system for quick and secure bag attachment
• Dry bag style roll-down closure keeps gear dry
• 4 way 3M Reflex reflective Axiom logos

Whenever purchasing panniers online always contact the seller to confirm that they are providing a set of panniers and not selling just one.  It's a very common complaint and the only negative review regarding these panniers.  I contacted the seller prior to placing an order and they confirmed their price was for a set of two panniers.  

For folks who already have a good set of panniers that just need some extra protection against the elements a good pannier rain cover might provide all the water proofing needed.

My favorite so far are the Tenn Tempest Waterproof Hi-Viz Bag Cover shown in photo at left and are described thoroughly in a previous post. Made of a thicker, more durable polyester material rather than nylon, coated nylon or nylon tafeta may be why these rain covers work so well. 

Excellent for bike commuting as they provide high visibility for traffic areas as well as very bright reflective trim for night or low light riding.

Another useful method for keeping your bike commuting items safe and dry are by using waterproof stuff sacks in a variety of sizes which also helps to organize your gear for packing panniers.  These are excellent for use when bike touring or commuting and provide another affordable alternative to waterproof panniers or pannier rain covers. A set of three stuff sacks of four, six and eight liter capacities are available from Outdoor Products.  I was able to fit our REI Quarter Dome 2 Tent into the eight liter sack with no problem.  These are excellent quality for the price and can be used for all sorts of types of travel.   .  

Have a safe and enjoyable rainy day commute by adding any or all of the items listed here to your bike commuting kit.  Use any of the links provided in bold or click on photos for information or to purchase.

Links related to this topic:
Winter Bike Commuting Gear
Who Makes a Good Pannier Rain Cover?
Camelbak Multipurpose Rain Cover
Waterproof Bike Commuter Pants
Bike Commuting in Wet Weather  from Portland, Oregon
Dry Stuff Sacks for Panniers
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