Over the last several years I have tried a variety of camp cooking supplies and have put together a nice little kit that works very well for solo touring with options to expand on the bike touring kitchen.  One of the criteria is that I don't cook with aluminum or teflon coated cookware  I have found some items at thrift stores and yard sales and after many years of messing about with mess kits, have put together this nice selection of bike touring cookware providing myself with several options of packing for different bike tours, whether they be overnight, weekend, several weeks or longer.  
Being able to harvest farm fresh goodys and having a way to steam items such as mustard greens or kale is pretty nice with rice and butter.

Here is a list of four books for the Bike Tourist's book shelf.  Each offers its own unique style in presentation of information and type of information. Click on any of the titles for information or to purchase.
1. Zinn & The Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance by Lennard Zinn
Most folks in the bike biz are familiar with this Colorado based frame builder extraordinaire.  Considered to be one of the foremost bike experts in the bike country Lennard Zinn offers tips and tricks for getting things done whether you have the money for fancy tools or not.  
One of my customers while working in Colorado was 6'10" and I just couldn't get him on a bike where he didn't look an adult on a kid's bike, so he went to Lennard Zinn and had one built.  And of course Lennard supplied him with a good fit.

2. Park Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair by Calvin Jones
This is the book used by Park Tool as course material for Park Tool School workshops.  Park Tool has set and industry standard for bike shops around the country after Howard Hawkins and Art Engstrom started Park Tool in 1963.  The Park Tool site offers a vast amount of information from how to repairs to how to use a particular tool.  When their repair manual was first published it was welcomed by cyclist's everywhere as an easy and concise reference for any bike shop. Now in its third edition.

3. Richard's New Bicycle Book by Richard Ballantine
I have written a review of this book already Click Here to read it. A classic fun and informative read of rare quality.

4. Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance & Repair by Todd Downs
This is the manual used at United Bike Institute of Oregon and I still have mine from 1999.  Nice thing about this book is that it covers both mountain and road bikes, bike fit and is perhaps the best all in one resource of the four.  I have found it a bit harder to accurately access information, where as the Park book is easier and quicker to reference the book by Todd Downs has its place as an all inclusive beginner's guide covering a wide range of topics. Now in its fifth edition.

There are many good cycling books out there.  For the DIY, getting a better understanding of your bike or for advanced needing a refresher, the books listed here are used by certified techs. and teachers of the bike industry due to the quality method of presenting the information.  

I'm one of many folks who feel bike helmets are (for the most part) ugly.  Many style changes have been introduced particularly when it comes to commuting.  Seems to me there's been more focus on form rather than function in some of the new helmet designs for bike commuting as they lack sufficient venting for warm weather riding. Turns out that the trend of this style serves a practical matter as the rounded back portion of the helmet has been proven to be much safer for cyclists.  
Approximately ten years ago I purchased a titanium colored Bell Metro in size medium and is a wonderfully cozy helmet in both style and with accessory functionality.   Form and function proved to be implemented in a very practical manner. 
Photo here is of my '05 Bell Metro with flip mirror on visor, totally waterproof snap on rain shield, winter liner and ear muffs.  Rode with this in hundred plus weather and my helmet proved to have just enough vents and the titanium color works well to deflect heat.  
If you're an owner of one of these gems of a helmet you can still purchase the foam rubber Winter Kit that fits into the air vents for warmth.  The ear muffs that slide on to the helmet strap is such a nice design in that while providing ample ear warmth on cold frigid days, it does not impair hearing for safe commuting.  There are varying opinions on the visor mirror, or flip mirror but I like it just fine.  Have been able to position the mirror so when I ride my touring bike whether I'm on the brake hoods or the drops I can safely see behind me well enough for "quick checks".  Compatible with the Bell Muni.  The Muni is very similar in style but does not offer the full line of accessories as the Metro.  A quality helmet for nice fit and comfort comes in different sizes rather than one size fits all found in department stores and such.

Bell Muni pictured at left is a quality commuter helmet with added rear lighting (see photo below)  and comes in variety of colors for additional visibility and safety.  The Muni is also made with a nice sizing chart rather than one size fits all.  
Although the Muni comes with built in rear light some folks don't feel they're bright enough and so order the Blackburn Flea 2.0 front and rear helmet lights, which can be charged via a USB cable.  Very convenient for the office.
For a review of someone who's purchased their own set up of this combo visit the Fat Cycle Rider for more information.
As for me I'm keeping my ol' Bell Metro, Cheers to Safe Riding and quality head protection.  For other bicycle light needs for your winter bike commute, here's a link for more information at another post.Bicycle Lights for Bike Touring and Commuting.
Your friend, Rideon

One of the most well written cycling books of all time.  A treasure for any cyclist's book shelf particularly folks interested in bike travel, bicycle touring and commuting. Richard's New Bicycle Book.
Photo is a sample of page illustrations complementing often humorous and informative text.  One of those rare books that can be used as both reference material and leisurely fun reading.
Written from a witty non competitive nor edgy perspective.  Ballantine's book advocates bicycle riding and commuting with a common sense approach enlightening readers to approach an active cycling lifestyle with fun and safety in mind.  Here are some of my favorite quotes as he relates to bike touring.
"The reliability of a bike does a lot for peace of mind".
"Touring is the real joy in biking."
"Touring can be done in a tremendous variety of ways".
"There's a lot to touring, and plenty for you to think about.  At the same time it can be kept simple".

There are several other books Mr. Ballantine has written as well as having collaborated on some other cycling books.  At Amazon for example you will read reviews of seasoned cyclist's who have been enjoyed reading the words of this particular book for more than twenty five years.  

A book that "never should have been allowed to go out of print" according to one review.  This book is still available used and when you find an inexpensive copy, get one!  

One of those rare life affirming reads that can add new perspectives and interesting ideas you your riding experience whether you're touring, commuting, racing even mountain biking there is something in the pages of this classic material for all cyclists.  

If you're new to cycling or think you "know it all" read this book for safe riding techniques in traffic or a concise analysis of gear ration percentages.

This is a photo of our porch where I keep bike projects, bikes for sale and some of our own personal bikes for regular riding.  After our two girls had their bikes stolen off this porch while we were out of town I've been more guarded than usual.
So, it was a funny surprise to find a bike hanging amidst our bikes that someone had "dropped off" for repair.  Girls got a good laugh from it and my wife thought it silly.  
About a week ago a friend was visiting while in town.  He maintains two residences, one here along the Texas Gulf Coast where he works three weeks at a time.  Then he goes to his other house in the Carolina mountains to be with his family.  While he was here for work he told me he had been bike commuting for work.  Not far just a couple miles or so and was complaining he didn't have a way to carry his large back pack with laptop and other items.  
After some discussion regarding panniers and bike racks he decided what he needed was a front basket.  We didn't discuss my doing any work on his bike but the following week (while we were very busy with our organic open market store and food co-op) I watched him sneak onto the porch, quietly placed his bike on open hanger and snuck out.

I didn't tell the girls I saw him, I didn't have to as I was just as surprised by the silly antic as they were as I found it to be humorous as well.  As I began looking over the bike I could see it was a mess, rear flat tire, rear wheel needed truing, cables and housing were a mess, front tire had a hole in the side wall, handle bar was bent down on the right side and the left brake lever was bent in half at a ninety degree angle.  As I recalled the previous week's conversation in my mind all I could think was "brother, you need more than a basket", although I did have one lying around my workshop.

As I went about performing the routine repairs and tune up adjustments I was reminded of the importance of the basics, which mostly consisted of quality products and how much easier they are to work with.  Particularly when I began to change the brake cables which necessitated tapping the cable ends out with a punch and a small ball peen hammer.  Cables I had to replace them with went together without issue, something so basic as having a quality brake cable and ferrules on housing where they're supposed to be prevents housing from fraying.   Felt so good to be working on a bike again, it had been awhile as our family business is doing very well and has been keeping me busy with "back to school" week.  Good timing for a lesson in a return to the basics, being grateful, sharing knowledge and know how.

After test riding the bike and feeling good about how it was shifting with the new chain not skipping on the gears I loaded it up last night so I could leave it on his front porch in order to return the silly gesture, oh yeah and I was able to drill and fit the Wald 198 front basket on the handle bars after cold setting the right side and adding new grips.  When I got home I decided to visit the neighborhood pub where our resident bartender Vicki has been clean and sober for seven years and we love her for that, she reminds us to return to basics, those of us who listen anyhow.  I bumped into a roadie cyclist who I'd met there before and he explained to me that he hadn't been on his Cervelo in over a year, that it was too painful on his shoulder while leaning forward on the drop bars.  As I offered the suggestion of a touring bike he had no idea what I was talking about, so I explained the difference in riding position, posture, etc.  After our chat Vicki informed me the guy had left his wife for a prostitute. Wow, what an interesting day and served as another good reminder of returning to the basics.  Hoping this "blog about" finds you well.
Cheers!

Since my original post last August I have added the Novara Safari to the list as the GT model is currently unavailable.  Another bike we like is the Fitwell Bicycle Company's Fahrlander 1 and Fahrlander II.  Though the Fahrlander II is slightly more than a thousand bucks, the Fahrlander 1 is a few bucks less so it balances out. Here's a link regarding Fitwell Touring Bikes.

A brief summary of four quality touring bikes for under $1,000 with specification overview of each.  These are bikes with steel frames worthy of upgrades or changing out components to suit one's needs.   GT Peace Tour offers disc brake and is soon to be discontinued but is still available for purchase at this time.  Relaxed frame geometry, long wheelbase and designed for comfortable sturdy, loaded touring rides are all shared qualities of bikes listed in this article.  With exception of the GT Peace Tour, these bikes include a quality rear rack built with three rack stays for heavier loads.  As all four bikes listed routinely sell new at six or seven hundred dollars any upgrades or add ons to personalize for one's needs still keep the price under a thousand dollars.  Enjoy.

GT Peace Tour, Click on link provided above for information or purchase.
A frame made of legendary Reynolds 520 tubing, Schwalbe Delta Cruiser 700 x 35c tires with puncture protection, 27 speed drivetrain, bar end shifters which are very nice when wanting to add a bar bag and not have the shifters interfered with.  Alex double wall trekking rims and sealed hub wheelset. 4130 cr-mo touring fork with rack and fender braze ons and is the only bike shown here with fenders included and a threadless stem. Yet, is also the only bike in this list not sold with rear rack included.

Proceeds from the sale of each bike will help Wheels4Life continue to provide low-cost bikes to individuals in developing countries who need transportation for getting to school or work, or for accessing health care. 

Always feels nice to support a good cause.

Windsor Tourist
Another nice bike for the money, I just don't care for the way it is geared.  Rear cassette is 11-32 and Truvativ Crankset is 30,42,52 rings combine for something I wouldn't want to pedal a load up a hill with.  Tiagra 27 speed drivetrain with Deore rear derailleur and Sora front is good stuff. Easy to replace quill stem and price of approximately $150 to $200 less than the other bikes of this list allowing room for upgrades and such.  One of two frames listed here with braze on spare double spoke holder on left chainstay.  Nice.

Motobecane Gran Turismo
Hand built stress relieved wheels from Vuelta come with a very nice warranty here's link for details Vuelta Wheel Warranty.  This is another quality 4130 cro moly frame with double spare spoke holder brazed to chainstay. Only thing I don't like about this bike is it's not made in a 56cm frame size, offering 54 and 58cm as well as other frame sizes of course.  What I do like is this bike offers the best fork of this list in a quality brazed crown fork.  Unlike the oval steel forks on the other bikes of this list.  

Nashbar TR1 Touring Bike:  "Bike commuting, touring or spinning along the greenway, this road bike does it all. It's designed to be comfortable and efficient during long-range bike trips, and it's built with durability in mind to handle the extra cargo".
Shifters and derailleurs are the solid and dependable Shimano 105, quality chromoly steel frame, double wall rims and 36 spokes front and rear, the more the merrier for touring.  Quill stem for easy single through bolt height adjustment and two bolt plate design for easy replacement of stem if desired.  This is a popular bike and size availability fluctuates so if you see your size available get one.
Not geared well for loaded touring of long steep hills, and suggest investing in upgrading wheels for touring.  As a bike for commuting of relatively smooth roads this bike is a good value.  Price of this bike permits upgrades and still keeps price under a grand.
Click on photo or link provided for information or purchase.

Novara Safari available at REI is a versatile, fairly popular touring bike that has been around for several years.  Made from Reynolds 520 Steel Tubing makes for a long lasting comfortable ride, multiple position trekking style handlebars, solid rear rack and 27 speed drivetrain.  

Disc brake compatible frame and fork with mid fork eyelets for ease of front rack installation.  Specifications are subject to change as far as component groups are concerned.  Click image or link provided for more information.

Note:  A suggestive tip for purchasing bikes via the internet as frame size doesn't necessarily determine stand over height.  If the stand over height is not indicated contact customer support before purchasing.  With known stand over height, measure your inseam with your riding shoes on to determine at least one inch of stand over clearance, two or more inches if you prefer or if you're 5' 10" or more.  A simple suggestion for online shopping of bike purchases.
Cheers!

As it seems GT decided not to continue production of this model of the Peace Tour, just thought I'd share this photo for fun.  An old GT mountain bike frame painted and converted to a comfy old cruiser style commuter bike. Peace,  Sweeet!

An opportunity to purchase a bike for touring or commuting with disc brake and a frame made of Reynolds 520 tubing, fenders, Schwalbe Delta Cruiser tires for less than $700 and support a good cause.  Limited Edition GT Peace Tour and Wheels4Life  have teamed up for this Limited Edition touring bike. 
This could quite possibly be one of the most understated bikes on the market today.  Very affordable with quality components including 27 speed drivetrain, bar end shifters and threadless stem.  Most bikes in this price range don't include those items with gear ratios suitable for loaded climbs.  
An all rounder with versatile potential, remove fenders and add some beefy knobs for trail riding or with rack and fender braze ons cute it for stylish commuting wants and needs.  
This bike is well reviewed and with a kindly price tag can be upgraded where appropriate.  For more information regarding components and other specifications click on the photo provided below or the link provided above.
You won't go wrong on this.
Cheers!

While on a camping trip earlier this year I decided to look for a convenient way to charge my phone while bike touring.  After a bit of research and receiving a gift card

Found a very practical weather radio for bike touring and camping.  C Crane Solar Observer packs the following features into a compact, lightweight unit.  Solar panel, dynamo hand crank, three led flashlight, USB phone charger adapter, am/fm and weather radio.    

First model I received had a problem with station indicator needle after about five months.  However, it may have been dropped on the cement by a fellow who was helping me with an outdoor work project. Reviews of this radio are so good I figured it was worth getting another one. I simply returned it for an exchange without a hassle. This model weighs less than the pocket radio model at only one pound and at 7.25" wide by 5.5" tall and 2" deep it is small enough and light enough to pack in my hydration pack with headphones if I want to listen to weather and wind warnings along the coast.  Which brings me to another point.  Being able to listen to weather forecasts without having to rely on cell phone coverage for information can be very important depending on where you live.  Winds can have more effect on schedule changes when traveling by bicycle than any other factor.  It's easy to account for hill climbs and known terrain factors when trip planning.  I experienced this along the Texas Gulf Coast when the winds picked up to twenty plus miles per hour causing a two hour trip delay.  If I would have been able to listen to the changing weather patterns I would have been able to plan for that.  

There are many new solar power options on the market and our Bike Hermit friend at Bike Touring News has some thorough information on this subject of recharging electronic devices while touring.  Another good article is from Darren Alf of Bicycle Touring Pro where he shares his one year review of Voltaic Fuse Solar Charger.  One of the nice options of this radio are ability to use the hand crank to wind up power to charge battery at night or plug in with optional AC adapter.  Depending on what types of electronic devices you might use the portable solar market is very popular.

Thing I like is you don't have to have the radio turned on to charge the phone. This of course conserves battery power for other functions.  Fun, convenient way to relax at the campsite after a long day in the saddle knowing you can always charge your phone, listen to music, use a flashlight and check weather without having to worry about batteries.  Speaking of which, getting a USB NIMH battery charger for AA, AAA batteries to charge bike lights, etc. is another nice option as well as having a second set of batteries for the radio.  Good Stuff.

Important Note: It is necessary to purchase the AC charging adapter (sold separately) in order to fully charge the built in battery pack.  If you don't purchase the AC adapter and only charge the batteries in direct sunlight the batteries will run the radio for four to six hours according C Crane's owner's manual.  Here's a quote from their manual:  Power by Charging Adapter (optional accessory not included) —"To fully charge the battery pack, keep the charging adapter plugged in overnight. When the battery pack is fully charged, the radio should play for over 15 hours.
Note: The AC Charging Adapter should only be used to charge the battery pack and should not be used to power the radio on a constant basis. Leaving the charging adapter plugged into the radio for long periods of
time will shorten the life of the internal battery pack.  

In order for the radio to have enough power stored in the battery pack to charge a cell phone the AC adapter is necessary to supply a full charge to the battery pack.  

When I met my fiance three years ago she was not a bike person.  I put her on an antique balloon cruiser bike and then found a good price on a Trek 730 hybrid with comfortable posture riding position yet aggressive enough for her to feel confident for touring.  
One thing about bike newbies is that they can be informative in regards to product complaints.  Knowing that without question the number one complaint of every cyclist is butt pain and is one of the major reasons some folks simply quit riding.  
First decision of course was to find her the most comfortable seat and convince her to try it.  It is common for first time Brooks saddle users to be skeptical of the solid tough looking rawhide surface and believe that it will become more comfortable over time.  "If you're going to be dumb you'd better be tough" doesn't apply here. I suppose that reasoning has it's place but when it comes to bike related products such as this it's uninformed ignorance.
So without further ado I ordered the women's specific Brooks B17 S, conditioned the leather, made all the proper saddle adjustments, height, fore aft, etc. and we went for a ride.  She unwittingly rode without padded bike shorts, however she nevertheless was convinced of the new comfort.  After a few miles of course she began to complain of butt pain but she rode further than with her old seat.  
Yes, yes I got her some padded shorts, she got back on the bike and she was feeling "right as rain" as they say. One of our sayings around here when investing in a proper saddle is "it's a small price to pay to get rid of that pain in the ass".  I so enjoyed hearing my just reward of her resounding exclamations in improved comfort and pleasurable pedaling.  When I explained to her that over the next two to three hundred miles she would gradually experience more and more comfort as the seat was broken in her expression of satisfaction was and is priceless.  

Looking back I see it was one of our first intimate exchanges of trust.  Soon after her dad became ill and we spent a couple weeks out of town with her step mom making several trips to the hospital.  So, while tending to intimate discussion, making myself available emotionally and training a two month old Catahoula puppy I decided to use my time wisely (when I wasn't needed for other things) and continued building her bike by adding fenders, rear rack, lights, etc.  Almost three years later I like to think we've built on that trust.  Now she has a mountain bike as well : )

Cheers!
"Ride the energy of your own unique spirt"

Links related to this topic:
Selle Anatomica, Classic Leather Saddle Comfort
Selle Anatomica NSX Mountain Bike Saddle Review
Selle Anatomica X Series Saddle Review
Made In USA Selle Anatomica Saddles