Grant Petersen's very popular book "Just Ride" basically describes the difference between what we have come to know as a "cyclist" and someone who simply rides a bike.  Differences being mostly about bicycle race marketing cliches and riding on'e bike in a more comfortable appreciative mode of identifying one's own ride whatever that might mean to you.  

"Ride your own ride" I have enjoyed saying from time to time, knowing there are no absolutes and there are exceptions to every rule. If you have spent any time at all commuting where bike lanes are not prevalent or bicycle commuting just hasn't had its place in the area you live then you probably realized at some point that some rules are made to be broken anyway.  That may contribute to the popularity of converting a mountain bike for bike commuting.  Converting can be as simple as replacing heavy knobby tires with tires which provide less rolling resistance or something in between.  Other additional changes to a mountain bike might be replacing the stem or handlebars to provide a more comfortable riding position or adding fenders and or racks.

Whereas a traditional touring bike is based on a fairly standard idea of frame geometry for comfort for extended time on the saddle, a commuter bike is mostly defined by the rider's commuting needs depending mostly upon road conditions and cargo needs.  Some bike commuter folks may not find it necessary to install a front rack for panniers, while some find it convenient for their bike camping or other touring bike needs.

Anodized alloy handle bars can often times pose a problem with getting more inexpensive grips to stay in place so that the grips don't twist around on the handlebar.  All sorts of techniques can be used in getting grips to stay in place including the use of hair spray, or simply spend a few extra bucks on some locking grips.

There are lots of quality locking grips on the mountain biking market some of the most popular being the ODI Ruffians, Lizard Skins and Ergon.  With the exception of the Ergon which is an ergonomically hand friendly comfort designed grip most other locking grips designed for mountain bike trail riding do not provide the comfort for longer rides on a touring bike or pleasantries for a bike commuter.  It has been said that whatever part of your body touches the bike it will hurt while you ride.  For this reason the bike market has a plethora of grip designs to choose from, some of which include integrated bar ends for multiple hand positions and are made from a variety of gel, plastics, rubber compounds and even cork.  With so many options it's no wonder there are so many forum discussions on the topic.  

While I appreciate the comfort and design of lots of different grips I also appreciate grips that are durable providing long wear attributes for changing weather conditions.  Bike commuters understand very well that having components and accessories that hold up through varying conditions such as rain, freezing temperatures, UV rays and perspiration is important.  After all one of the perks of being a bike commuter is economic satisfaction of efficient transportation.  So having to replace any components or accessories with any frequency can seem defeating when shelling out extra cash on less than quality products. Why cork? One of the most common complaints is that many of the rubber compounds become sticky after being overly exposed to UV rays.  A durable composite cork like that found on many of the popular handle bar tapes don't incur that issue.  

When shopping for grips the most basic consideration is getting the correct length and if you're using grip shifts getting an appropriately shorter grip specifically designed for that type of shifter.  If you take your bike to your local bike shop that is not an issue as they will most likely have product that they know to be of good quality, economical and comfortable.  However, if you're a consumer who likes to shop online looking for best deals reading product reviews and such narrowing your search for affordable quality grips for your touring bike or commuter needs this article is meant to provide useful information for that search with a list of four of our favorite grips for a touring bike or bike commuter.

Ergon GP1 Biokork Bicycle Handlebar Grip
Ergon's top selling most popular design has a kraton rubber combined with organic cork.  What we like is the large clamping mechanism that is stout and secure while also lending to aesthetics.  

Size options are for the grip's circumference and is the only grip featured here providing such an option. While we like this grip the price is comparable to Portland Design Works all cork model at slightly more than thirty bucks. Whereas the PDW all cork model has an inner locking ring, Ergon's placed their's externally where the ergonomic palm pressure is designed to be applied to the grip and we like that. 

Portland Design Works Cork Chop Bicycle Grips
Though I can't speak directly from experience about these grips, because I'm from Portland, Oregon and due to the fact that PDW makes other high quality components and accessories for the bike commuter we thought we would include their grips here.  
PDW's cork grip design is the only grip featured here that is all cork, single inner locking mechanism, ergonomic shape and as PDW has added "pop the cork and relieve the pressure, it's a celebration".  If their grips anything like the rest of their products that's probably true.  As mentioned previously the price is a bit more than thirty dollars and availability is limited.

MegaSoft Ergotec SL1 Lock-On Grips - Cork
I know little or nothing about this grip but the price of sixteen to seventeen dollars is very agreeable, the only part we disagree with in the design is the inner lock on an ergonomic palm pressure.  

We like to see the ergonomically designed grips having the locking mechanism externally where the pressure is designed to be placed. However, if you're not an aggressive rider and just want a comfortable bike commuter grip, this one may be a winner for the nominal price tag.  Also note that these grips have more rubber to cork than any of the grips listed.

After installing my new Minoura MT 4000-SF front rack I was sure glad I had not installed this hunk of steel on a suspension fork as the rack weighs in at a whopping four pounds so I decided to focus on getting some beefier rubber on the front wheel.  My Kenda Nevegal performs very well for trails with the Small Block Eight on the rear and is a fairly popular tire combination.  However, I have been considering this bike as more of an "all rounder" for mountain bike trail riding, camping and riding pavement to get to trails.  For that reason I wanted to get a tire with less rolling resistance and wider than the 2.1 Nevegal.  While reading forums and reviews of a variety of tires I concluded that these top five qualities were what I was looking for in a tire that would be a nice fit for a semi fat bike.  
This changes many facets of tire considerations as a wider tire offers a bit more traction by its' simple fact of providing more surface contact with the ground.  I mention this as most reviews for a particular tire that comes in different widths, most reviews are for the more narrow sizes.  At least that was my experience when researching for this purchase. 

 I was looking at mountain bike tires from Schwalbe, Continental, DMR MOTO, and others and narrowed it down to four tires considering the five qualities listed below.  Note that the quality of traction for a front tire is a good idea perhaps to have more "grab" than the rear tire. .  I considered the Maxxis Hookworm for longevity and durability as well as its; 2.5" girth and the claim as being the "original fat tire".  However the Hookworm on the rear would not provide enough clearance between the frame and tire if it would even fit, would only be able to use on front and obviously does not provide the "grab" or traction needed in a front tire for trails.  Maxxis Larsen for it's 2.35" size for both front and rear or as front only for more traction when steering in loose stuff, but at the time of this writing were significantly more expensive and hard to find available for purchase.  Kenda's Slant Six is a tire comprised of both qualities fount int the Nevegal and Small Block Eight providing more rolling resistance than the Nevegal and more traction than the Small Block Eight. I really considered the Slant Six for its' 2.5" size and grip for trails, however not having the versatility to rotate my tires when one shows more wear (usually rear) is limiting and not very economical as this bike is to be used for bicycle commuting and touring.  So, here is my list of the top five qualities that helped me to decide which tire to get for the front. Hope this helps for your similar considerations.

1. Lighweight, (folding bead typically lighter than wire bead)
2. Low rolling resistance.
3. Longevity/durability.
4. Good traction.
5. Affordable (less than forty dollars)

There is one more item to install on my custom built "Rigmarole" turned "Mumbo Jumbo". After all the hard work and effort that went into finding parts, both used and new, after a little over a year I find myself one day away from New Year's Eve. And what bike gadget or cycling accessory do you think I'm going to install on this beast of beauty? Why a bike bell of course!

One of my favorites pictured at left has its' vintage appeal in utter simplicity of style and function a bit like the bike I built. While today's techno gadgetry seems to find itself into everyone's lives these days they still haven't invented a bike bell app.  

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine"...what a beautifully simple song that has meaning to many folks and is why it has become a classic. So, this New Year's Eve bike bells will be ringing around the world welcoming the New Year. And you can join in the fun by putting a bell on your bike, ringing it with distinction and singing along "this little bell of mine I'm gonna let it ring", and so on and so forth into the New Year of 2014.

This New Year's Eve if you plan on going out and partying with friends as most folks will be doing this time tomorrow night, let folks know you're riding with your buzz on by ringing your bell. Most folks will recognize that you are a drunkard and get out of your way making for a safe and happy holiday. Isn't that what we're talking about here? Not the drunk part but the Safety part, ok got it here at Bike Tourings we have both.

Bells have been used for signaling and communicating a sense of alarm and or celebration for centuries. It's an ancient remedy for warding off disaster, demons, the monsters you see on Squidoo duck and run when they here me ringing my bell. Oh yes, it's somewhat of a cure all, probably better than Google. If you can't Google it, ring your bell and it's all good.

This is all silly banter of course, like my "Rigmarole" commuter or my "Mumbo Jumbo" for whatever else I want to do. In all seriousness though folks, we understand how important it is to protect ourselves and others while bike commuting on busy noisy city streets or share path ways with pedestrians. While living in Portland a child was killed on one such type of multiple use path by a hit and run cyclist. Shame on him, a simple device such as a bike bell would have prevented not only the child from being killed but causing a good deal of contention between bike commuters and the city of Portland, Oregon.

Bicycle Bells can also be of good use while camping to ward off pesky racoons, opossums and other critters that you'd rather not share your tent or campsite with. Let's consider the bike bell as one of the most important accessory items for any avid bike commuter as no special training is necessary to operate this simple but elegant item and have a safe and happy New Year.
Cheers!

A recent newsletter article from Darren Alf of Bicycle Touring Pro posed this question as a controversial debate.  I admit to not having read the article in its entirety as I have my own ideas about this topic based on personal experience.

This contributes nicely to another post regarding the differences between bicycles for touring and bicycles for commuting.  One of the comments I hear time and again concerning the attributes of a bike specifically designed for touring is that they often ride and handle "better" with loaded panniers.  For someone who has experienced such an exquisitely designed bike their only reason for considering a trailer would be to carry more stuff or with regards to commuting or utility use, awkward items that simply do not fit on a bike very well.  I use our bike trailer most routinely to haul a seven gallon water container and it works really well for that.  In my mind there is no debate. When a person enjoys riding a particular bike so much that they want to use it for touring that bike may not ride as well with a load, therefore implementing a bike trailer is a natural choice.  

Some conveniences of a trailer should be discussed. Smaller, lighter weight panniers can be used on the bike to reduce wind resistance with a nicely packed trailer and its' low center of gravity. It is a method of weight distribution that many folks find appealing.  Another nicety is ability to simply park the trailer at one's campsite and be able to explore trails, run errands without having to take the time to unload a lot of gear.  Reducing the weight on some bikes also reduces maintenance tasks of wheel truing, spoke repairs or potential frame damage. This could lead to another discussion of frame materials and ease of repair, ie steel being easier to weld than aluminum.  

I prefer not to haul a trailer for rugged mountain bike treks.  For that I prefer a front rack on a mountain bike which I also use for commuting.  It is much less cumbersome and for mountain bike touring and trail riding, ability to maneuver over and around rocks, trees and other hazards where a trailer can be a burdensome nuisance, it just depends on the terrain. 

That having been said, we are not discussing bike travel here in the sense of hopping on planes or trains, obviously a trailer would prove to be not only a burdensome nuisance, but may not be possible depending upon the circumstance. In which case a folding bike used with a trailer could possibly work out just fine for packing and transporting.  

There, that wasn't so bad, some things to consider for your own packing options on your bike travels whether they be touring or commuting panniers or a bike trailer both have their place.  That's why I keep both around depending on what my needs are, at least I know they're being met.  If there's one thing I have learned from a bike trailer it's that you can take what you want from your past and put it all behind you.  Since I received a shiny new Minoura MT 4000SF steel front bike rack for Christmas I'm excited about all I have to look forward to. 
Cheers.

Links related to this topic:
Top Four Trailers for Touring and Commuting
Affordable Quality Bike Trailer
Quintessential Touring Bike VS Bike Packing
Pack Kit List for Multi Day Touring

I have been riding a Selle Anatomica Titanico saddle since the company's beginning in 2007.  It was the first year Selle Anatomica introduced their new line of top quality leather saddles with their patented slot design and that same saddle still maintains comfortable support for my touring bike.  As you will hear from most reviews one of the only substantiated criticisms of those saddles is they were prone to stretching too much consequently causing the saddle to become hammock like, as it is popularly described.  I hesitated to install one on my mountain bike as it seemed to me the leather might stretch too much due to the amount that the saddle had stretched on my touring bike. 


I felt that the patented slot combined with an elongated design may have contributed to some of the excessive stretching of other owner's saddles So when I heard of the newly designed NSX model (NS is for "no slot) I was excited to check it out on my mountain bike for commuting.

My first impressions were the same as other folks who review this fine quality craftsmanship in a bike saddle.  Comfortable right out of the box, no break in period and oh so comfy. All the characteristics which have contributed to the success of Selle Anatomica. My NSX model is very different from the 2007 Titanico on my touring bike.  Besides the absence of the slotted center it is also a bit shorter with what seemed to be thicker leather.  All three of these new contributions to the design it stood to reason it would resolve the stretching issue. After referencing the company's site I found the following information contributing to the leather seemimg thicker:

All Selle Anatomica Saddles come with detailed quality instructions on getting your saddle dialed in for maximum comfort and support.   

When selecting a saddle from the Titanico line be advised it helps to know which saddle matches up to your rider weight.  Extra laminate is used for heavier riders as well as reinforcing the Titanico NSX for mountain biking or trekking, refer to chart at left.

Another helpful tip I found at the Selle Anatomica site is the use of sand paper to soften the sharp edge along the contour of the saddle.  I didn't notice this until the leather began to stretch and conform to my sit bones.  After a couple hundred miles I noticed some chafing.  Photo at left shows use of sand paper at point of contact where my leg was being chafed.  

I also used this method to soften the edges of my original Selle Anatomica and it worked perfectly to eliminate the problem.  I have been using this saddle for almost a year now and have found it to be the type of comfort one wouldn't suspect in a leather saddle that doesn't have a cut out in the center.  I have spent long commutes and trail rides without the necessity of padded shorts which I have found to be very convenient for my bike commuting and errands.  On longer rides consisting of a few hours or more of continuous time on the bike I wear padded shorts and ride in  total comfort.  It seems that Selle Anatomica may have found a solution to what was becoming a consistent complaint about their saddles stretching too much with this NSX model  
Links Related to this topic:
Selle Anatomica X Series Saddle Review
Brooks B17 S Women's Saddle Review
Made In USA Selle Anatomica
Selle Anatomica Classic Leather Saddles

When selecting a bike for commuting here are a few things to consider for practical purposes of moving about the town and if need be, country side. Mountain bikes work very well for bicycle commuting particularly when one feels comfortable enough wearing casual clothing while riding their bike.

Mountain bikes are economical and efficient here's some reasons for that. Rather than go on about the various types of mountain bikes, reference the photo above for the rigid mountain bike design which typically weighs less than mountain bikes with suspension, cost less to maintain and service, easily install racks and fenders. "Relatively" light weight.  If I wanted to throw my bike on a bus or transit train I wouldn't want it to be burdensome.  Less weight lends to efficiency while riding, a heavy bike (without cargo) isn't all that much fun to push along or up a hill.  A bicycle's weight contributes to handling, a lighter weight contributes to a more nimble bike, which creates confidence and performance.  For the most part mountain bikes are designed to be durable, churn along through dirt, rocks, mud, water, pretty much anything a biking trail might offer.  For this reason wheels and components are plenty reliable to meet the demands for bike commuting and requires less maintenance costs, ie wheel truing in particular. 

Updating this article one year later for folks interested in whether or not these panniers for commuter touring bikes are worth the value.  The all weather touring panniers discussed below have become so popular and well reviewed that they are frequently out of stock.  Photo at left is of an alternative set of panniers which include rain covers and are very well reviewed.  

Ibera Bicycle Clip-on Quick Release Panniers include the same rack mounting system with the main difference being the external zipper pockets.  Here are some of the listed product features.

• Compatible with most bikes
• Quick-release PakRak bag mounting system, install and release bag within 3 seconds
• 3 point connection, no flyaway straps
• Built-in rain cover in hidden compartment
• Multiple compartments, carrying strap for off-road use, reflective trim

Of course there are other bike panniers that cost twice as much from Ortlieb, Vaude and Axiom, respectively.  This article has the intended purpose to share information regarding an affordable quality alternative.  A year later Ibera has been producing some quality items for folks interested in traveling one their bikes.

My friend Pip, a Scottish tatooed frenzied bike commuter used to ride the streets of San Francisco on his track bike until, as he put it "I learned the hard way that brakes are a good thing to have".

At the end of the day after a few days of trail riding with lots of switch backing descents which required considerable repeated brake lever action, I developed some very painful "tennis elbow".  

After years of refining and development today's bicycle disc brake systems are here to stay providing smooth, efficient stopping power. 
Particularly with hydraulic brake systems, modulation has improved with both feel and function as opposed to some of the earlier systems which were very touchy and delivered too much stopping power.  Personally, I didn't particularly enjoy bleeding the brakes systems on our rental fleet and having to wear rubber gloves while handling DOT4 brake fluid.  When we would get new bikes in for the rental fleet I was so happy to see Avid mechanical disc brakes knowing how easy they are to maintain or install.  
Here is a short list of other reasons I prefer mechanical disc brakes and am pleased with seeing them on the new touring bikes.  While pedaling a loaded touring bike the new power and control offered by a disc brake system is of obvious benefit.  Feeling confident about knowing you can stop while on a steep downgrade or descent while carrying what feels to some folks like an uncontrollable mass of weight on a loaded touring bike simply provides more joy and pleasure for the ride.   So, when I went about piecing together our most recent mountain touring bike build I chose disc brake for the obvious reason safety.  I chose mechanical over hydraulic because it's less expensive, easier to maintain, easier if even necessary to repair while trail riding or long distance touring and when paired with the Avid Speed Dial levers there provides other modulation adjustments.

I have found the very best price on this brake system and wanted to share the information with you lovely folks.
So if you're interested in getting what is considered by many to be the best mechanical disc brake set for bicycle touring and commuting on the market I have provided the link for customer review information and reviews.
Enjoy the stopping power and control.
Cheers!

Although any disc caliper compatible brake lever will work ok with the BB7 calipers the Avid Speed Dial 7 Levers will make it easier to set your brakes properly particularly when first installing.  

To avoid excessive pad wear and for better brake lever modulation and feel be sure to use Speed Dial Levers.  Inexpensive for a mid range lever but the improved performance with BB7 calipers is well worth the modest investment. 

Due to the fact that nashbar has discontinued their single wheel bicycle cargo trailers I have a more current article regarding the Top Four Bike Trailers for Touring and Commuting which includes the Aosom Solo Single Wheel Bicycle Cargo Trailer as a budget friendly replacement for the nashbar cargo trailer.  Click on the previous underline text to read that article.

Links Related to This Topic
Top Four Bike Trailers
Affordable Quality Bike Trailer