Shop Bike Tourings' Store for Quality, Affordable Bike Touring, Bikepacking Bicycle Commuting Gear and Accessories
Don't mind the mess as I catch up with site and blog editing
Appreciate your patience as we build up this page with a new improved format and online shopping experience : )
As mentioned on other pages folks who visit and make purchases via this page and/or the blog help to support our Natural Living Country Store and Cafe. While we continue to recuperate funds from having to buy out our old juice bar partner and cover the entire lease that we were left with when that person decided to suddenly quit their business. We appreciate all the support we have received from our local community and all you bike folks who have visited this site and blog helping to make Bike Tourings one of the most popular bike touring and commuting sites out there. Although we began to promote a bike touring fundraising campaign I am needed here to help with our store while we continue to staff our new cafe. Here's a link if you'd like to contribute to our store's GoFundMe Campaign. There is a full description at that link describing what the funds are for.
As mentioned on other pages folks who visit and make purchases via this page and/or the blog help to support our Natural Living Country Store and Cafe. While we continue to recuperate funds from having to buy out our old juice bar partner and cover the entire lease that we were left with when that person decided to suddenly quit their business. We appreciate all the support we have received from our local community and all you bike folks who have visited this site and blog helping to make Bike Tourings one of the most popular bike touring and commuting sites out there. Although we began to promote a bike touring fundraising campaign I am needed here to help with our store while we continue to staff our new cafe. Here's a link if you'd like to contribute to our store's GoFundMe Campaign. There is a full description at that link describing what the funds are for.
Shop Bike Tourings' Store for items that have either been tested and reviewed at our Blog or items we would like to field test for Bicycle Touring or Commuting. We list affordable accessories, components, equipment and gear without compromising on quality. An item currently unavailable is indicative of the product's popularity of proven quality and performance. Whether you are planning an epic bike tour, want gear or equipment for short weekend bike tour camping outings or to meet your bike commuting grocery errand requirements there is probably a quality product to meet your needs. Most bike folks might appreciate the fact that many of the items here are likely not available at your local bike shop. For example Minoura's front bicycle touring and bikepacking racks. If an item's description includes the phrase "pack list item" then it is an item we have included in our own personal bike touring pack kit list. Because friends turn friends on to good products
Various methods of packing a bike for bikepacking and bicycle touring
If you search around the internet you can find so many different methods of packing a bicycle for bike touring, bikepacking and commuting that it can often seem a bit confusing as to which is best for you.
Popular trends demonstrated these days for bikepacking are use of a steel front basket like those available from Wald, then there's the ever popular Ortlieb pannier kits most commonly used for bike touring. Ortlieb has also recently entered the bikepacking bag product line, check it out at link provided. For old school randonneur folks the Carradice and Zimbale bags are the elegance of toting stuff around on your bike. All of those methods are tried and true and has more to do with personal style, type of riding and hopefully practicality is the main consideration. : )
Anyhow, this page is for folks who are looking for an affordable method of transporting their gear while on their own unique adventures. Versatility is the main consideration whether your commuting, urban touring, going for a weekend getaway or planning your trans america bike tour. On road (bike touring) and off road (bikepacking) methods and gear can be blended, swapped around together a bit to make for a kit that can diversify your packing options. Example in photos are of use of waterproof dry bags strapped to handlebars and seatpost (top right) for bikepacking or stuffed inside panniers for bicycle touring. See photo at top of this page. A traditional touring bike can make for a nice bikepacking rig as well (bottom left) with use of racks. Even a little folding bike can be used for bikepacking without unnecessarily having to purchase other bags or panniers.
Popular trends demonstrated these days for bikepacking are use of a steel front basket like those available from Wald, then there's the ever popular Ortlieb pannier kits most commonly used for bike touring. Ortlieb has also recently entered the bikepacking bag product line, check it out at link provided. For old school randonneur folks the Carradice and Zimbale bags are the elegance of toting stuff around on your bike. All of those methods are tried and true and has more to do with personal style, type of riding and hopefully practicality is the main consideration. : )
Anyhow, this page is for folks who are looking for an affordable method of transporting their gear while on their own unique adventures. Versatility is the main consideration whether your commuting, urban touring, going for a weekend getaway or planning your trans america bike tour. On road (bike touring) and off road (bikepacking) methods and gear can be blended, swapped around together a bit to make for a kit that can diversify your packing options. Example in photos are of use of waterproof dry bags strapped to handlebars and seatpost (top right) for bikepacking or stuffed inside panniers for bicycle touring. See photo at top of this page. A traditional touring bike can make for a nice bikepacking rig as well (bottom left) with use of racks. Even a little folding bike can be used for bikepacking without unnecessarily having to purchase other bags or panniers.
Front and Rear Pannier Racks
Minoura MT-4000SF front rack
Looking for a good quality steel front rack that doesn't weigh thirteen pounds and cost two hundred dollars? A few years ago I was building an all rounder bike for touring and commuting on or off road. I hadn't decided whether to go with a suspension fork or not which limited some of my options. Then a couple of months later Minoura introduced the MT-4000SF with optional hardware for mounting the rack to either the brake mounting bolts or clamps for mounting to a suspension fork. Yay!
I have successfully installed this rack on a 700c wheel touring bike and a 26" mountain bike (photo at left). With some simple pre drilled zinc mending plates made by Stanley and available at most hardware stores I was also able to install the rack using midway fork threads common on touring specific forks. Blog post regarding that method is here.
To further highlight the versatility of this rack it has low rider style pannier carriers as well as the top deck which can be used to support a Wald basket which has become so popular with many bikepacking folks. Click on image or links for current pricing and availability. Link for my review and installation of this rack.
I have successfully installed this rack on a 700c wheel touring bike and a 26" mountain bike (photo at left). With some simple pre drilled zinc mending plates made by Stanley and available at most hardware stores I was also able to install the rack using midway fork threads common on touring specific forks. Blog post regarding that method is here.
To further highlight the versatility of this rack it has low rider style pannier carriers as well as the top deck which can be used to support a Wald basket which has become so popular with many bikepacking folks. Click on image or links for current pricing and availability. Link for my review and installation of this rack.
Minoura FRP-3000 for canti brakes
Another favorite front rack is also from Minoura with the FRP-3000 low rider style front rack dubbed for touring and cyclocross bikes and also mounts to axle and brake bolts.
Where these racks have been criticized in reviews is due to the longer skewer necessary for securing the racks to the axle were not supplied. That was the situation for me when I received the FRP-3000 but I was simply able to use a rear axle skewer without issue. This rack worked perfectly on both a 700c wheel touring bike and for use with on a Bridgestone 26" mountain bike converted for bike touring (left photo).
This rack was even easier to install with the four inch pre drilled steel mending plates from Stanley for securing the rack to midway fork threads rather than using the brake mounting bolts.
The FRP-3000 is a bit more than a pound lighter weight than the MT-4000SF. After owning both of these racks for a few years and installing on a variety of bikes the versatility and price are unbeatable. Use links or photos for more information.
Where these racks have been criticized in reviews is due to the longer skewer necessary for securing the racks to the axle were not supplied. That was the situation for me when I received the FRP-3000 but I was simply able to use a rear axle skewer without issue. This rack worked perfectly on both a 700c wheel touring bike and for use with on a Bridgestone 26" mountain bike converted for bike touring (left photo).
This rack was even easier to install with the four inch pre drilled steel mending plates from Stanley for securing the rack to midway fork threads rather than using the brake mounting bolts.
The FRP-3000 is a bit more than a pound lighter weight than the MT-4000SF. After owning both of these racks for a few years and installing on a variety of bikes the versatility and price are unbeatable. Use links or photos for more information.
Front and Rear Panniers from Axiom
Some older model axiom panniers, tried and true
Axiom, a Canadian based company with an excellent product warranty and innovative designs that make waterproof panniers very affordable and versatile. While my ten year old Axiom Cartier panniers continue to perform well I decided to pick up a pair of the Axiom Seymour DLX 30 panniers for their excellent reviews, versatile mounting options for front or rear use and velcro closures instead of zippers.
The company has since offered a new line of affordable quality waterproof panniers and bags with their (Ocean) 'O Weave' series. Constructed of recycled fishing nets which helps clean up our littered oceans is where the distinctive line title comes from. Although I haven't yet handled any of those items from that product line I'm sure it's worth considering especially for folks residing in wet climates looking for an affordable waterproof option. Front and rear panniers as well as seat wedge bags, rear trunk bags and handlebar bags have all been added to that list of product options.
The company has since offered a new line of affordable quality waterproof panniers and bags with their (Ocean) 'O Weave' series. Constructed of recycled fishing nets which helps clean up our littered oceans is where the distinctive line title comes from. Although I haven't yet handled any of those items from that product line I'm sure it's worth considering especially for folks residing in wet climates looking for an affordable waterproof option. Front and rear panniers as well as seat wedge bags, rear trunk bags and handlebar bags have all been added to that list of product options.
Favorite Bike Touring and Commuting Saddles
New improved Selle Anatomica X Series Saddles
Selle Anatomica has been developing some excellent products over the past several years. During that time the company has done an exceptional job of listening to customer complaints and remedying those issues. For example, saddle rails not being strong enough and leather stretching beyond adjustment prematurely.
I used to suffer from severe sciatic nerve pain causing leg numbness and other excruciating symptoms especially while riding hard on trails or steep climbs. Both the Selle Anatomica NSX designed for mountain bike durability by not having the patented slot like all other saddle models from them and models with the patented slot do not require a break in period. These saddles are all comfortable out of the box. Selle Anatomica may be the most comfortable saddle available and with their improved durability they're designing saddles as close to perfect as one might expect.
I used to suffer from severe sciatic nerve pain causing leg numbness and other excruciating symptoms especially while riding hard on trails or steep climbs. Both the Selle Anatomica NSX designed for mountain bike durability by not having the patented slot like all other saddle models from them and models with the patented slot do not require a break in period. These saddles are all comfortable out of the box. Selle Anatomica may be the most comfortable saddle available and with their improved durability they're designing saddles as close to perfect as one might expect.
Front and Rear Light Kits from Cygolite
I really like Cygolite products for all the basic reasons and qualities that bike folks look for in good quality bike lights whether it's for bike touring or bicycle commuting.
My primary reason for not investing in a dynamo hub lighting system is that I have a few if not several bikes that I like to ride. Rather than purchase a lighting kit for each bike I have them built up similarly enough to accommodate changing lights and or panniers.
Long run time, quick charging and ability to recharge via USB for use with a portable solar kit and power brick while bike touring are few reasons. Another is versatile options for power consumption as well as lighting performance. For these types of lighting systems it's important to read some of the specifications which come with your product. My front Cygolite has a longest run time while on dim solid mode, not flashing or strobing mode which has been the case with other front lights I've tried. There are several options for the front light modes including Real bright which is absolutely plenty of lighting on the darkest of roads at night and a combination of solid beam and strobing. I have found this very useful when there's lots of traffic and I want to be seen but also need to see the road. It's also a perk to be able to plug the light in to my my Zendure A2 Power Brick when the battery got low after a week of commuting at night when I'd forgotten to charge it at home.
Having a strobing tail light in day light is also a good item to have while bike touring or commuting in traffic. Cygolite's Hotshot Rear Light products are excellent. Read the specifications and select the one that best suits your needs. I have the Cygolite Hotshot 50 with up to 500 hours run time and can program the flashing mode to conserve battery performance and is USB rechargeable which it does very quickly. Another nice perk as it's not as easy to run a rear light off the power brick as its is with the front.
My primary reason for not investing in a dynamo hub lighting system is that I have a few if not several bikes that I like to ride. Rather than purchase a lighting kit for each bike I have them built up similarly enough to accommodate changing lights and or panniers.
Long run time, quick charging and ability to recharge via USB for use with a portable solar kit and power brick while bike touring are few reasons. Another is versatile options for power consumption as well as lighting performance. For these types of lighting systems it's important to read some of the specifications which come with your product. My front Cygolite has a longest run time while on dim solid mode, not flashing or strobing mode which has been the case with other front lights I've tried. There are several options for the front light modes including Real bright which is absolutely plenty of lighting on the darkest of roads at night and a combination of solid beam and strobing. I have found this very useful when there's lots of traffic and I want to be seen but also need to see the road. It's also a perk to be able to plug the light in to my my Zendure A2 Power Brick when the battery got low after a week of commuting at night when I'd forgotten to charge it at home.
Having a strobing tail light in day light is also a good item to have while bike touring or commuting in traffic. Cygolite's Hotshot Rear Light products are excellent. Read the specifications and select the one that best suits your needs. I have the Cygolite Hotshot 50 with up to 500 hours run time and can program the flashing mode to conserve battery performance and is USB rechargeable which it does very quickly. Another nice perk as it's not as easy to run a rear light off the power brick as its is with the front.
Bike Camping Gear for Bikepacking and Bicycle Touring
Alcohol fuel stove with GSI Outdoors
Having proper nutritional needs met while bike touring or commuting is essential. I have learned by working at our food co-op store and cafe that folks have different nutrition requirements. So, whether you're a vegetarian or on a strict paleo diet doesn't matter. That having been said we are in the process of developing some new dehydrated food products for bikepacking, touring and camping. Will add those items when they become available. Until then there are several good methods to heat water for tea, coffee and light duty cooking. Dehydrated soups, crackers, energy bars, custom trail mix and eggplant jerky are a few items that are currently available at the bulk dry goods area of our store.
Anyhow, I like the old fashioned alcohol burning stoves like that shown in photo at left. This style is favored by many experienced bikepackers and outdoorsy folks. Some of the most popular kits and stoves are made by Trangia in Sweden since 1925. For more information about my own home made cook set here's a link to a blog post. Another blog post with other camping cook stove options.
Anyhow, I like the old fashioned alcohol burning stoves like that shown in photo at left. This style is favored by many experienced bikepackers and outdoorsy folks. Some of the most popular kits and stoves are made by Trangia in Sweden since 1925. For more information about my own home made cook set here's a link to a blog post. Another blog post with other camping cook stove options.
Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 person tent
Folks who know me understand that I have a long lasting affection for tents. All sorts of tents and enjoy considering the benefits and shortcomings of each. I learned that a very expensive ultralight tent isn't always the best option and that tent pole length is a very important consideration when bikepacking or touring.
For ease of packing, quick pitching, durability, comfort and affordable quality I have found the Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 Tent to be my very favorite for solo bikepacking or touring. Photo at left is of that tent with a UCO Candle Lantern which I use with my tent for a couple of reasons. Firstly during cold weather camping after two or three hours the candle is capable of warming the tent just enough to make it feel cozy inside. You can add to this effect by draping a sleeping bag over the tent to help store some of the warmth. Secondly, the Citronella version of their candles keeps the awful mosquitoes of our area outside of the tent. One experience while tent camping I apparently had slept with a mosquito and awoke to something like a hundred mosquito bites all over me. It was awful. No more, now I use this method in combination with a good quality bug spray.
Yep, still have my almost twenty year old Coleman single pole mini two person tent. : )
For ease of packing, quick pitching, durability, comfort and affordable quality I have found the Alps Mountaineering Lynx 1 Tent to be my very favorite for solo bikepacking or touring. Photo at left is of that tent with a UCO Candle Lantern which I use with my tent for a couple of reasons. Firstly during cold weather camping after two or three hours the candle is capable of warming the tent just enough to make it feel cozy inside. You can add to this effect by draping a sleeping bag over the tent to help store some of the warmth. Secondly, the Citronella version of their candles keeps the awful mosquitoes of our area outside of the tent. One experience while tent camping I apparently had slept with a mosquito and awoke to something like a hundred mosquito bites all over me. It was awful. No more, now I use this method in combination with a good quality bug spray.
Yep, still have my almost twenty year old Coleman single pole mini two person tent. : )
When the folks at Epic Wipes offered to send me their product for review last year I was so pleased to have a more practical method for basic hygiene while bike camping.
I have done all sorts of camping over the years in varying climates and camping at a very hot, humid climate definitely means needing to clean up and feel somewhat refreshed at the end of the day. After wearing must have oily, sweat proof bug repellent and perspiring all day it sucks crawling into a sleeping bag with all that gunk on my skin.
After writing the company's very first product review and their very complementary response to the content, this item has a special place in my pack kit.
I have done all sorts of camping over the years in varying climates and camping at a very hot, humid climate definitely means needing to clean up and feel somewhat refreshed at the end of the day. After wearing must have oily, sweat proof bug repellent and perspiring all day it sucks crawling into a sleeping bag with all that gunk on my skin.
After writing the company's very first product review and their very complementary response to the content, this item has a special place in my pack kit.
Quality Components for Bike Touring and Commuting
Schwalbe tires of legendary quality
Schwalbe has been providing their legendary quality of long lasting flat proof tires for umpteen years. There was a time (before internet sales) when it was difficult if not impossible to get their ever popular touring tires at the peak of a local bike shop's sales season. Schwalbe aficionados often complain about the good old days of the since discontinued Marathon XR model of touring tire which has since been replaced by the Mondial (photo at left).
After riding for lots and lots of miles an my old Schwalbe Marathon tires when it was time to replace them I decided on a pair of 700 x 35c for my touring bike's needs and consider them to be the best all around touring tire for recreational trail riding and touring providing improved traction, low rolling resistance, durability and weight carrying capacity. All the qualities touring folks look for in a quality tire.
After riding for lots and lots of miles an my old Schwalbe Marathon tires when it was time to replace them I decided on a pair of 700 x 35c for my touring bike's needs and consider them to be the best all around touring tire for recreational trail riding and touring providing improved traction, low rolling resistance, durability and weight carrying capacity. All the qualities touring folks look for in a quality tire.
My second set of Velocity Wheels with the durability of Chukkers
I'm on my second set of Velocity Deep V wheels and that is simply due to the fact that I had the first set for thousands of miles before needing a replacement.
Another reason I was looking forward to replacing the original set is that I prefer regular serviceable bearing hubs rather than sealed cartridge bearings that were on the Velocity Dyads. Photo at left of new set of 36 hole both both front and rear of the Velocity Chukker wheels. Although the Chukker's aren't currently available for purchase any of the Velocity Deep V series wheels for bike touring are an excellent choice for both bike touring and bicycle commuting as they are extremely durable and long lasting. In both cases I received the wheels straight and true out of the box with smooth rolling bearings. Here are some blog posts regarding these hand crafted wheels. Wheels for Bike Touring and Commuting Velocity Chukker Wheels
Velocity Dyad Wheels
Another reason I was looking forward to replacing the original set is that I prefer regular serviceable bearing hubs rather than sealed cartridge bearings that were on the Velocity Dyads. Photo at left of new set of 36 hole both both front and rear of the Velocity Chukker wheels. Although the Chukker's aren't currently available for purchase any of the Velocity Deep V series wheels for bike touring are an excellent choice for both bike touring and bicycle commuting as they are extremely durable and long lasting. In both cases I received the wheels straight and true out of the box with smooth rolling bearings. Here are some blog posts regarding these hand crafted wheels. Wheels for Bike Touring and Commuting Velocity Chukker Wheels
Velocity Dyad Wheels
Kenda Small Block Eight in the 26 x 2.35 for beach cruisin'
It has been said many times that there is no one tire that is perfect for all riding surfaces. Many tread patterns designed for all surfaces typically end up not being very good on any surface. That having been said there is a good fast rolling tight tread pattern that rolls along on pavement fairly efficiently yet handles loose dirt and gravel roads with ease. So while considering a decent beach cruiser tire that could be ridden twenty miles or so on pavement to get there I decided to try the Kenda Small Block Eight of the 26 x 2.35 variety.
Since I'm currently writing a blog post regarding that touring bike beach cruiser build will add link here when I'm done. For now use link or photo for information and purchase options.
Since I'm currently writing a blog post regarding that touring bike beach cruiser build will add link here when I'm done. For now use link or photo for information and purchase options.
Tasis Fat Wrap provides awesome comfort
When the folks at TASIS, a small Canadian based bike touring product company asked me to review their Fat Wrap product I wondered how just how much thicker it could be. I have become accustomed to using gel pad systems under a cork blend handlebar tape for many years and found it to be sufficiently durable and comfortable.
Fortunately I haven't had any issues with gel pads becoming damaged and leaking out under the handlebar tape but considered all those factors for my review of their product. (Click photo for info.)
After installing the tape I was simply wowed by how thick it is. A few months prior to receiving the Fat Wrap product for review I needed to either replace my old tape or simply wrap over it with some more handlebar tape which is what I decided to do. Part of that decision was because I was in a hurry and didn't want to have to risk damaging the gel pads under the original tape I was considering replacing. So, now my touring bike has gel pads and two layers of thick cork blend tape. After wrapping the bars shown in photo at left I found the Fat Wrap to be just as thick as all that other stuff I just described. If you're looking for some new handlebar tape to provide extra hand comfort click on photo for my review and purchasing information.
Fortunately I haven't had any issues with gel pads becoming damaged and leaking out under the handlebar tape but considered all those factors for my review of their product. (Click photo for info.)
After installing the tape I was simply wowed by how thick it is. A few months prior to receiving the Fat Wrap product for review I needed to either replace my old tape or simply wrap over it with some more handlebar tape which is what I decided to do. Part of that decision was because I was in a hurry and didn't want to have to risk damaging the gel pads under the original tape I was considering replacing. So, now my touring bike has gel pads and two layers of thick cork blend tape. After wrapping the bars shown in photo at left I found the Fat Wrap to be just as thick as all that other stuff I just described. If you're looking for some new handlebar tape to provide extra hand comfort click on photo for my review and purchasing information.
Loving the socks from Bicycle Nomad that work well with any foot wear, pedal combo.
Last year I was asked to contribute to an expert round up where a variety of bike folks shared their favorite pedal and shoe combination. Of course there was no mention of socks so I thought it would be nice to add that a quality pair of socks are difficult to find for the particularly humid climate here. While traveling through Arizona last year I had an opportunity to drop by the Bicycle Nomad Cafe where Erick Cedeno decided to hang his shingle in Phoenix. He had such good things to say about the socks after riding in Vermont where it was also humid. I gotta say, I'm very pleased with this product. Use link provided for more information and to purchase.
Anyhow, the Nashbar RagsterII Sandals with Shimano PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal were featured as my personal fave (photo above left). Because the bike world is often times so uniquely divided between whether or not to use clipless pedals I decided on that for the benefit of having options for both clipless or not. Cleats of the sandals are recessed enough that I don't have to change shoes whether for either side of the pedal, pretty cool stuff and is easy to switch back and forth whenever I feel like it. Makes for a versatile component.
For bikepacking and mountain bike touring I looked for a pedal that works well with boots and sandals and now enjoy the sure footed design from the MKS King Grip (Lambda) pedals. Their unique shape and design is more solid feeling than any other pedal I have tried and I've tried plenty while wearing out the bearings of some models prematurely. So, whatever your pedal style preference both of these pedals provide durable long lasting quality. Click on photo for my initial review of the Nashbar Sandals which I've had for four years now.
Anyhow, the Nashbar RagsterII Sandals with Shimano PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal were featured as my personal fave (photo above left). Because the bike world is often times so uniquely divided between whether or not to use clipless pedals I decided on that for the benefit of having options for both clipless or not. Cleats of the sandals are recessed enough that I don't have to change shoes whether for either side of the pedal, pretty cool stuff and is easy to switch back and forth whenever I feel like it. Makes for a versatile component.
For bikepacking and mountain bike touring I looked for a pedal that works well with boots and sandals and now enjoy the sure footed design from the MKS King Grip (Lambda) pedals. Their unique shape and design is more solid feeling than any other pedal I have tried and I've tried plenty while wearing out the bearings of some models prematurely. So, whatever your pedal style preference both of these pedals provide durable long lasting quality. Click on photo for my initial review of the Nashbar Sandals which I've had for four years now.