MSRP $1,600
The Campeur from Velo Orange ...."were I forced to limit myself to a single bike, this may well be the leading candidate".  Quote from Adventure Cyclist July 2013.   Velo Orange now offers the Campeur as a complete bike with the frame set still available at $500. 

Specs. and frame geometry details are available at their site.  Click on the photo for more information at the ever popular Velo Orange blog.

MSRP $5,735.00
Darren Alf of Bicycle Touring Pro is really enjoying the travel abilities of this astoundingly well made bike from Co-Motion.  Difference between Darren's bike and this one is the Rohloff 14 speed internally geared and belt driven rear hub.  Available with the co pilot travel case, visit the Co-Motion site for more information by clicking on photo provided.

MSRP $2099.00
Of course I had to include a bike from Joe Breezer who kicked off mountain bike builds in 1977 and continues to contribute innovative ideas with cutting edge technology for commuting aficionados. Breezer Beltway 11 has the Alfine hub and light sensitive generator lights to simplify commuting needs.  Complete with disc brake, rear rack and fenders, it's everything you need for a top of the line commuter that can be used for touring or world bike travel.  Click on photo for more information.

MSRP $2,300 (for non diaga tube 48cm) to $3,000
Rivendell Bombadil, what a beauty and nothing short of a work of art with classic designed lugs from top quality materials.  A timeless classic built for decades of riding pleasure.  This is one tough, heavy duty bike, not nearly as light weight as the Breezer Beltway 11 but that's not its' forte.  If you're looking for a stout tubed mountain bike for loaded touring that bang along a rocky mountain path and take it, consider the Bombadil from Rivendell.

Specs, frame geometry and pricing available at their wonderful blog and site by clicking on photo.

No MSRP, NICE.  
This is the fun stuff, am I right?
A bike that you find on Craig's List or at a garage sale is like a treasure hunting field trip.  So much fun and the sense of satisfaction not only from finding a great bargain, but more often than not these types of bikes usually need some TLC, parts replaced or servicing.  Usually lots of fun to take to your LBS as a conversation piece and is a fun way to establish a relationship with your LBS.   

Suggested build cost $450 or less
Another fun idea, find a new frame that is inexpensive but not "cheap" to build on at your leisure.  If you're an avid DIYer tinkering on bikes as a hobby you probably notice at some point you end up with quite a few extra parts, components and accessories lying around.  Take inventory of those random odds and ends some time and see if you can slap together a fun ride.  After all once you build something yourself it's so much fun to share your new found ideas with others.  Franken bikes can be a sweet way of saying I love, too.  

In pursuit of the ultimate multiple surface, multiple terrain touring and commuting bicycle?  With the ever expanding market of fat tire and touring expedition bikes, popularity in that style of bike is here to stay.

As I was perusing fat tire mountain bike reviews, forums and the like I read the following statement;  "to me $1,500 is not a lot to spend on a bike".   That quote relates to the low end price of a quality "fat tire bike" as compared to Surly Pugsley, Moonlander, and others. It's a national trend and bike shops are selling them like hot cakes.  Really, in this so called "awful economy" folks are going out to spend well over a thousand dollars on a bicycle.  

As good as that is to hear, I set about to build a bike the way I ride, middle way.  I'm referring to cost as well as tire size.  So far my "like new build" or "new to me build" has cost something around $442. 93.  Yep and I have two rear wheels as I found a WTB Dual Duty 24" disc rear wheel with tube and Kenda Kinetics 2.6" tire all intact at a thrift store for $2.93.  I later found a Mavic Disc Wheelset for $40 that I can select tires for as a more practical commuter bike.
I prefer my brakes and shifters to be separate rather than the popular integrated models.  I also prefer that the inner working mechanics of the shifters not be made of plastic as I have observed them wear out and are expensive to replace, particularly the integrated models.  One of the reasons bar end shifters on drop bars are so popular with today's touring bikes like Surly's Long Haul Trucker.

I found the precise component group I was looking for on a '91 Diamond Back Ascent EX that had hardly been ridden by evidence of no wear on original chain and original tires still had "whiskers".  I considered sticking with that frame but it was too small at 17.5" and I was looking to build a bike for touring with disc brakes..  Deore thumb shifters with index and friction options are still sought after and get a pretty penny in good condition on ebay.  Paul Thumbies were over priced for this build.  So, for $50 I purchased the entire bike, pulled the components which were all of the Shimano LX line including cassette, chain, crankset and rear derailleur.  Of course I kept the DB frame for another build as the frame design is very interesting meeting some of the standards of a touring bike.  Such as three bottle cage mounts with one under the downtube, longer top tube and chainstays.  

 I also wanted to be able to add a rear rack with disc brake without too much hassle. Read Blog Post Here. 

Photo shows compatibility of Kenda Nevegal 26" x 2.1 on front with Kenda Kinetics 24" x 2.6" on rear.  Due to the size of the rear tire it doesn't effect riding position enough to be noticeable and sure makes for a fun trail bike with aggressive tread pattern on rear.

For commuting the Kenda Small Block Eight is used in place of the Kinetics for low rolling resistance on pavement and dry trail surfaces.  Nevegal on front maintains sure handling.

A bicycle that rolls fast for commuting with lots of starts and stops,  ability to take on pot holes, ride across grass, etc.
Oversized 31.8mm Mountain Riser Comfort Bars provide sure handling with loaded commuter panniers and handles changes in riding surface.

Just wanted to update this post regarding the Diamond Back Ascent EX as I recently installed a set Origin8 Gary2 Bars for multiple hand positions.  I really like how the bike looks and feels and the bar end shifters are a nice touch. More information regarding the project is available at highlighted link provided. 

Bikes that can be folded for travel and stowed in a carry bag, car trunk or luggage compartment are very convenient to have.  This is the first year I won't be traveling for the holidays and am very relieved that I can stay home, relax and enjoy this time of year. 

That being said, because we have traveled for family gatherings the past three years I think of our good ol' Dahon Mariner.  Even with all the excessive packing of stuff including cold weather clothing, gifts for family members and the kid's "must have with them" bag upon bag of entertainment items and food I have always been able to fold the Dahon and tuck it in without anyone complaining about lack of space for......"stuff".  With its' "one size fits all" design it's a fun bike for the entire family which I suspect helped to quell any complaints about it taking up valuable cargo space.

When not traveling I enjoy the convenient handling and size of the 20" wheels for bike commuting on sidewalks when necessary and when there's an opportunity to stretch its' legs the gear ratios of the '98 Dahon Mariner five speed can get up and go.  I found this bike at a used marine supply shop when I stopped in for a bathroom break.  Bike had obviously been neglected on their porch, rusted solid chain, flat tires and paint had oxidized in the Gulf Coast air.  I haggled out a reasonable price and after getting it to my shop gave it plenty of TLC   With older model Dahons like this one of the complaints is being unable to obtain proprietary replacement parts.  However, most of the common components that require routine service and with normal wear require replacing are not proprietary such as wheels, brakes and the like.  

Looking for and finding a quality set of lights for bicycle touring and commuting I have a couple ideas on this topic as daylight saving time begins this weekend.  

Preparing for commuting needs may simply mean having some nice bright little flashers to communicate your presence to motorists.  However, if you're one of those lucky commuters who enjoys the less traveled side roads or when enjoying more rural bike commutes you may want a front light that provides enough Lumens to light your way.  Pot holes, road debris, wet painted surfaces or wet metal surfaces, it can be quite a list of potential inanimate road hazards of night time commuting.  

My commutes are a mix of well lit moderate to high motorist traffic with plenty of very dark side roads without street lights both rural and historic residential areas.  Roads which are older and have plenty of potholes and loose road debris.  In fact I recently repaired a neighbors bike who had hit a large chunk of asphalt left behind by a road working crew on his regular bike riding route.  He didn't see the debris and upon hitting the piece went over the handle bars thus damaging his bike and his ego.  

For ten years I have been using a discontinued Cat Eye Opticube front light which doesn't offer a flashing mode. I put that old light on my mountain bike for trail riding as it has a 31.8mm clamp diameter and can be angled left or right for accurately lighting the center of the path.  And if I find myself pulling a trail stunt like neighbor hitting the asphalt, damage to my old light wouldn't be an issue.  

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest for so many years I found fenders to be indispensable for bike touring and commuting.  So much so in that climate fenders might be considered a component rather than an accessory and there is a vast selection of fenders on the market for most any application.  From full suspension mud guard fenders, convertible fenders to full coverage fenders.

Fenders can also add style and panache to your favorite ride.  Bamboo and wood fenders, chrome hammered fenders, with or without mud flaps, mud flap add on's and more.  For mountain bike frames there are velcro splash guard style fenders which attach to the down tube or the front or wedge insert for suspension fork.  

Rather than continue running down the rest of the list I just wanted to share what has become our favorite fender company.  Planet Bike not only created a line of quality fenders at a good price a twenty five percent of their sales go toward bike advocacy.

For 700c full coverage loaded touring I prefer the Planet Bike Cascadia Fender which is made from a poly carbonate polished aluminum for unbreakable all weather protection.  We also like the Freddy Fenders Hardcore polycarbonate all weather full coverage fenders for about twenty bucks less than the Cascadia.  Nice thing about the models discussed here is they are also available in "Speed Ez" models featuring tool free removal of fenders for traveling.  These models are offered in both 700c Hybrid and Touring or 26" ATB and mountain bike.  

For a more stylish look is the Grasshopper made of sustainable Moso Bamboo.  All of Planet Bike full coverage fender sets include stainless steel hardware for ease of installation and are compatible with disc brake.

I have enjoyed this candle for so many years and have found it useful for varying situations.  For cold weather bike camping I lit one of the nine hour candles to warm the tent while we sat by the camp fire knowing my fiance and I would be getting into our cozy tent when sleepy. You might not think that would help but during our trip through northern New Mexico and southern Colorado dry day temperatures were very pleasant but at night it was in the twenties.  I lined the bottom of the tent with our mattresses and other clothing to help with ground cold and after putting the rain fly buttoned it up with the UCO candle's warm glow in our tent.  Another little feature to consider if you want to do any cold weather bicycle touring and camping.

During the summer months of mosquito season we use the citronella candles at night outside the tent to help keep the bugs out.  Works pretty well considering a friend who has traveled most of the world described the Texas Gulf Coast as the worst mosquito climate he's ever seen.  Only problem I have had with the inexpensive nine hour candles is they melt in high temperatures and is reason for the neoprene cocoon case for storage.  Though I have found the UCO Pile Storage Sack wrapped with an extra shirt or other spare garment in my pannier to be sufficient to prevent extra candles from melting.  Note that the melting only distorts the shape of the candle making it a bit more difficult to install in the lantern some times.

Lucky for us my fiance makes a kick bug butt organic mosquito repellent that is non toxic as well as sweat resistant.  Anyhow, during colder months I have been looking at the candle accessories for reading with the top shield and the LED mini lantern attachment for the bottom.  Pretty cool fun gadgets that add some charm and warm lighting effect to our bike camping atmosphere.  Any of you guys planning a trip with a bike touring woman friend, she would most likely appreciate the ambiance. 

Rather than going through the long list of items available for this well reviewed camp item I will just mention the accessories which have peaked my interest.  The UCO Pac Flat Reflector for the Original UCO Candle Lantern reflects light down for reading or to direct the light where you want it which is a nice feature if you want to hang the lantern overhead from the center of a larger tent.  For that type of situation the UCO LED Upgrade kit for Original Candle Lantern is available for the bottom of the lantern.  Also available is the UCO Side Reflector for the Original Candle Lantern nice for setting on a picnic table to light a meal prep area.  

Finally, one of the best things about this product is there are repair kits to overhaul or refurbish all parts of the lantern.  Link provided below is for list of all items discussed here.  Makes an excellent gift, I know I received an additional lantern a couple years ago and really enjoy it.

Bike travel can be challenging both physically and mentally so getting a good night's rest while touring is important.  I was recently asked about what type of pillow I use while tent camping on a bike tour so thought I'd give it a "blog about".

Pillow is such a nice word associated with sleep and of itself implies rest and relaxation but a big and huge fluffy pillow though may sound appealing is of no use on a bike tour.  So having a pillow that packs well, is lightweight and comfortable so as not to sacrifice good sleep when packing concerns are a priority.  Thermarest has been around for quite awhile credited with the original inflating travel mattress. Thermarest has produced some unique products for folks like us looking for convenient travel solutions.  My mattress and pillow combination is a tried and true duo from Thermarest with the three quarter length self inflating air mattress and a Compressible Trekking Pillow I have a bed roll that I know is cozy and comfortable without compromising my sleep.  

I have tried the stuff sack full of clothing and other methods like using clothing bunched up under my head and found myself waking to a stiff neck and sore shoulder(s).  Some of it has to do with the fact that I'm in my mid forties and some of the hard knocks of my youth seem to remind me to be more gentle with myself.   Even with that, so long as I am getting my sleep I can continue to pedal the miles out during the day.  Another very interesting item from Thermarest is their Haven 20 Sleep System which is an innovative design in a zipperless sleeping bag that doesn't move if you toss and turn during sleep. At 1 pound six ounces this light weight goose down bag is perfect for bicycle touring most of the year.  Though I don't own this new sleeping bag it is something I am very interested in for my own bike travels. Select from links provided below or links highlighted in article.  Happy Bike Camping!

A classic old movie that many bike folks have seen is called "The Bicycle Thief" where a poor old chum has his bike stolen and spends his days trying to find his bike.  
  
I loaned a young homeless man a bike for running errands and supposedly apply for jobs which I doubt he did at all.  After confronting him he tried to make off with the loaner bike but after a few days my fiance spotted the bike parked in front of a nearby McDonald's without a lock.  I promptly walked to where the bike was parked, removed his belongings from the water bottle cages, rode the bike home and locked it up inside my work trailer.  This just occurred today and felt it was a good "blog about" for bike locks and I would like to change the subject from trying to help those who only appear to be less fortunate.  As I later discovered the guy's mom is a well paid lawyer.

For the most part we are having a very good year.  Business is good, everyone's healthy, kids are doing well in school, opportunities to visit with old friends and the bikes are safe.  I say this after our girls folding bikes were stolen off our back porch and my old '93 steel frame Scott Mountain Bike was stolen after loaning it to a homeless teenage girl that needed a way to commute to her job at McDonald's.  Of all my bikes that one was least expensive and least likely to be stolen.  However, she decided to leave the bike outside at work completely unattended all evening while she left in a car with some friends.  I suppose any bike just left like that is bound to find an opportune person looking for a steal.  

I have read and heard lots of ranting and bashing of bicycle thieves as being some of the lowest forms of vermin or more politely amateur opportunists. An opportunity to protect your bicycle commuter is available from a company called Abus.  Abus is a German lock manufacturer with a well established reputation for quality.  With a variety of locks specifically designed for bicycles there is sure to be the appropriate lock to suit your individual cycling needs.  From very large U Locks priced near $100 to small cable saddle locks and everything in between.  I like this model from Abus it is a nice size for bicycle touring as it is light weight and packs well enough not to be an issue for bike travel.  

I have provided the button link below so do yourself a favor and get a quality lock to protect that bike that serves you so well on your bike travels.

Note that this is the only bike lock sold by Rivendell Bike Works and as always they do a very nice job of providing information as to why it's the only bike lock they sell.

Looking for a quality cycling jacket for cold wet weather can be a bit daunting considering the vast selection of quality items on the market.  From seam sealed nylon to goretex and a host of other so called waterproof materials finding something that works for your particular needs could become a time consuming effort.

I like having a selection of garments for varying weather conditions.  Most waterproof cycling jackets can be rather expensive and may not wick moisture away well enough for riding comfort, particularly when commuting to work.  

I first encountered that problem while commuting during the cold season in southern Colorado after consuming considerable amounts of garlic. My boss at the bike shop I was working in at the time commented "beginning  to smell a little ripe in here" after hanging my jacket to dry.  Getting the right layering is another topic of discussion.  What I was looking for was a small, lightweight waterproof jacket as a convenient weather barrier to keep in my goody bag.

I like wool, I rode through Portland, Oregon on a very cold, very wet day with nothing but an old wool sweater that dutifully kept the outside moisture from my body while providing just enough warmth for me not to over heat and consequently perspire too much.  I suppose the title of this article is a bit of a misnomer as I have found some excellent bike apparel at thrift stores, particularly wool.  And as much as i enjoy treasure hunting for those types of finds when it comes to providing oneself with a lightweight, packable jacket I find myself shopping elsewhere.  Speaking of Portland, Oregon a company called Showers Pass has been producing a large selection of quality products with many items that are budget friendly.  I have found the Showers Pass Storm Jacket to be a favorite with a price tag at under $90.  

Whatever climate you live in for bicycle commuting or find yourself touring under inclimate weather Showers Pass has the right cycling apparel for most folks needs.  The following quote is from the company's home page.