Category: Touring Bike Accessories

Articles about those important things like pumps, tools, lights and fenders.

New Partnerships, New Products!

Post author By Ryan King
Post date November 17, 2017
1 Comment on New Partnerships, New Products!

While the Bike Hermit and Sky King are gallavanting around Mexico drinking beer and camping under the stars, there has been a lot going on around Bike Touring News HQ! We’re constantly on the lookout for components and accessories to enhance your experience, help you ride more and have more fun doing it. To that end, we’ve brought in some new products that you’re going to want to check out.

Saddles, Tires, Rims from WTB

We’re super excited to announce our partnership with Wilderness Trail Bikes! WTB has been at the cutting edge of mountain bike equipment since 1982 and that depth of experience shows through in their products. Most recently, they’ve done a great job creating components that are ideal for bikepacking and dirt touring. Bike Touring News will be stocking a hand-picked range of their tires, saddles, rims and other gear for adventures that take you to the end of the pavement and beyond.

“What? Bike Touring News is selling plastic saddles?” I know, this is kind of a big deal as we have always been known for our devotion to leather saddles. We’ll continue to stock top-quality leather saddles from Gilles Berthoud, Rivet, Brooks and others but there are certain applications where a high-quality plastic saddle just makes sense. WTB’s saddle designs have been refined over many years to provide a comfortable, supportive perch for all-day comfort on any bike. Most of their saddles are also available in a range of widths, allowing you to choose a shape and level of padding that suits your riding style and a width that fits your anatomy.

We’re particularly excited about the WTB Koda – a saddle WTB describes as being “female focused, rather than women’s specific” and designed with input from a multitude of female riders including Idaho resident and legendary endurance rider, Rebecca Rusch. Check out the video on the product page for Rebecca’s take on the saddle. In addition to the Koda, we’re stocking the Volt, Rocket and Silverado. We also have the complete Test Ride Kit, making it even easier to try a saddle before you buy. Like all the saddles we sell, we back these with our 90-day Saddle Comfort Guarantee.

WTB’s focus on bikepacking, dirt touring and other more adventurous riding is especially evident in their tire lineup. They have fully embraced the full 3-inch “plus-size” tire platform and offer a handful of tread and casing options for any plus bike, such as Surly’s Karate Monkey, Krampus or ECR. The Trail Boss and Ranger are both solid, do-it-all tires for a broad range of conditions. I (Ryan) rode a set of Trail Boss 27.5 x 3.0 tires on the Colorado Trail Race this past summer, in addition to all the preparatory rides before and plenty of miles since. They’re showing some tread wear but have been completely trouble free. Excellent tubeless setup and no flats, just smiles for miles!

In addition, WTB offers a range of highly versatile, genre-bending tires for your cyclocross, gravel or dirt touring bike. In widths up to 45mm for 700c and 47mm in 650b, these casings will provide a smooth, comfortable ride and plenty of traction. For example, the 700×45 Riddler is a perfect fit for your Cross-Check, Straggler or Trucker and will show you what those bikes are capable of in the dirt without sacrificing pace on the pavement. Many of these tires are also available with a classic tan sidewall, as shown on the 650×47 Byway below.

New Chainrings, Cold-Weather Clothing and Beverage Accessories from Surly

Ready to ditch the front derailleur on your ECR, Ice Cream Truck or any other bike with a Surly Offset Double crankset? Here ya go, sweet cheeks! The 28t chainring bolts on the inner chainring position and features SRAM’s X-Sync narrow-wide tooth profiles for rock-solid chain retention. This thing is machined from durable and oh-so-shiny stainless steel for long life and corrosion resistance. The matching alloy chainring guard fits the four spider arms (skips the threaded hole in back of the crank arm) on your crankset. It protects your chain and chainring from trauma and gives those lonely spider arms a purpose in life.

Surly has been quietly expanding their range of clothing recently. Merino wool is the material of choice for much of the lineup, including the new wool beanies and neck gaiters. The beanies are soft, snug and warm – perfect dome coverings on or off the bike – and come in basic black or a purple/gray stripe. Get yours unadorned with only a small Surly label or with the “Omniterra” or “Split-Season” embroidered patch for extra style.

The neck gaiter is a multifunctional cold-weather essential and a perfect lightweight, packable layer to help fight the chill. Surly’s are double-layered with finer, softer merino on the inside and thicker, coarser material on the outside to balance comfort, breathability and windproofing. They’re quite nice, actually. Choose black with a black/grey striped inside or the earthy yellow/brown combo. Either one will make you warmer and more attractive than you were before.

Surly’s wool blend socks are a perennial favorite. They’re made in the USA by DeFeet with a proprietary wool blend for warmth, stink resistance and durability with just the right amount of stretch. We have a couple of new patterns in addition to the old standbys. Stars, Stripes, Surly. Grab a pair for you and a pair for someone you like.

For the traveling imbiber of beverages, we offer Surly’s Silicone Pint Glasses. We still call it a “glass” even though it is made of food grade silicone. They’re virtually indestructible, thick enough to provide some insulation for cold or hot liquids and dishwasher safe. Ride your bike and transport yourself. If you can’t be bothered to pour your beverage in a glass, pick up a handy Insulating Sheath. They’re a perfect fit for tall cans but work with short cans or bottles also. They’re also quite useful as packing aids, providing lightweight, stretchy, rattle-free padding for anything you stuff inside. Use them for your tools and spares, camera lenses, camp stove, pieces of fruit or even cans of beer!

Ostrich F-516 Handlebar Bag

This fine handlebar bag incorporates a feature we’ve wanted to see from Ostrich for some time: a rider facing lid opening! This simple difference makes accessing the bag’s contents while on the bike or in motion much easier and safer. The lid flap is secured by velcro tape for easy, one-handed opening and closing. The clear, integrated map case is also secured by a small velcro flap to prevent contents from escaping. There is a flat front pocket with a velcro flap closure that is perfect for phone, wallet, compact camera or other flattish items. There is also a zippered pocket in the flap for small items like keys. Overall, this is a clean, minimal handlebar bag perfect for long day rides on its own or for easy-access items on your fully-loaded touring rig.

Chromag Pedals

Flat pedals are a natural choice for bike travel over any terrain and the benefits are numerous. I could fill an entire blog post extolling their virtues (come to think of it, maybe I will…) but let’s focus on these particular pedals. Chromag’s Scarab and Contact pedals provide the best combination of comfort, tuneable traction, durability and serviceability we’ve found. Both models have thin, wide, concave platforms with adjustable-height pins, multiple pin placement options and durable, ultra-smooth bearings. The Scarab offers a few more pin placement options, more finely machined contours and a finely polished finish to justify the extra cost. Either one is available in a variety of colors to complement any bike.

Wow, that’s a ton of cool stuff! Get some for yourself, or someone else, or you and someone else! What other products should Bike Touring News carry? Sound off in the comments below and let us know what we’re missing!

Fenders Front Racks Surly Bikes

Photo Gallery: Micah’s Tricked-Out Surly Straggler

Post author By Ryan King
Post date November 9, 2017
7 Comments on Photo Gallery: Micah’s Tricked-Out Surly Straggler

It is no secret that Surly builds versatile, durable bikes that are adaptable to a wide range of uses and conditions. They also deliver bang for the buck that is pretty darn hard to beat. When Micah started thinking about a new city bike, there were tons of options on the table. After much deliberation, the Straggler rose to the top of the pile.

It is sometimes difficult to swallow the expense of a frame-up build, especially when talking about a city bike that is going to see tough conditions; this bike is going to be ridden hard, locked up, knocked around and put away wet. The Straggler comes out of the box with a solid build that leaves plenty of room for add-ons but little need for upgrades.

Like most quality completes, Surly bikes don’t come with pedals. Chromag’s Contact platforms provide all-condition traction, customizable grip, rock-solid durability and foot-cradling comfort. Platforms are especially sensible for a city bike, allowing the rider to choose footwear based weather, comfort and style rather than being stuck in cycling shoes.

Proper, full-coverage fenders were a must. However, the stock 700×41 Knards were just a little too wide to fit cleanly with the SKS Longboards. Micah also wanted something a little faster rolling, with excellent tubeless performance. Schwalbe G-Ones in 700×38 snapped onto the Alex rims securely and really make this bike fly on dirt or pavement.

Front and rear dynamo lighting were also a priority. We’ve been really impressed with the Kasai dynamos and expect to build many more wheels around them. There are less expensive headlight options out there (the B+M Eyc is a favorite for city bikes) but the bright beam and good looks of the B+M Lumotec IQ-X won out, despite the higher price. The B+M Secula taillight is no more expensive than a battery taillight and the full-length brake housing along the top tube provided a clean path to route the wire.

Of course, what good is a dedicated city bike if you’re stuck carrying your cargo on your back? Surly’s 8-Pack Rack mounts up cleanly to nearly any Surly fork and provides a solid platform for a wide variety of bags. Micah’s Lone Peak Rack Pack Deluxe fits like a glove. While we’ve sometimes been frustrated by the lack of light mounting options on the Surly racks, the crown mount included with the IQ-X bolted straight into one of the M5 barrels and provides a solid perch. We prefer to mount headlights underneath or on the side of a front rack for better protection but the 8-Pack doesn’t make that easy. Micah likes his headlight to stand up “loud and proud” anyway, so who are we to argue?

Scroll through the gallery and check out the build! The “Blueberry Muffin Top” powdercoat really sparkles in the sun! How would you build your Straggler? Post your photos or ideas in the comments!

Tags Commuter Bike, cyclocross bike, Dynamo Lighting, Surly Bikes, Surly Steel, Surly Straggler

Bags/Panniers/Racks Bike Touring Equipment Bikepacking Frame Bags Touring Bike Accessories

The Best Bikepacking Bike Part II: Luggage

Post author By Ryan King
Post date January 9, 2017
5 Comments on The Best Bikepacking Bike Part II: Luggage

Author’s Note: This post has been revised and updated as of January 9, 2017. It was published in its original format on March 20, 2015.

By now, hopefully you’ve had time to digest our introductory post and are ready to start equipping your mountain bike for bikepacking! The best bike in the world won’t do you much good if you can’t carry the things you need to survive and thrive when you’re out on the trail for days at a time, so lets dig into the world of luggage for carrying those essentials. In this post, we’ll go over the various brands and styles of bikepacking bags we carry at Bike Touring News and help you decide which will fit your bike and needs.

A full complement of Revelate Designs bikepacking gear fitted to a Salsa 29er on the Idaho Hot Springs Mountain Bike Route.
Photo by Howard Draper/@Howrad

Our Brands

Bike Touring News carries bikepacking gear from Revelate Designs, Apidura and Ortlieb, along with a handful of others. There are many other makers of quality gear out there but most are cottage industries making bags on a small scale for individual customers. There is a time and place where custom or DIY bags make sense but all three of these brands offer top-quality gear at reasonable prices without a long waiting list. They each have their own approach and offer products optimized for certain conditions. We’ll cover the range and help you make sense of it all.

The author's rig near the finish of the Smoke 'n' Fire 400, sporting a rack mounted handlebar bag alongside Revelate's Viscacha seat bag and Mountain FeedBag. Photo by Ryan King — The author’s rig near the finish of the 2014 Smoke ‘n’ Fire 400.
Photo by Ryan King/@Bobby.Buttons

The Bikepacking Triad

The three cornerstones of any bikepacking setup are pretty clearly established. They are the Frame Bag, Handlebar Pack and Seat Pack. It is pretty easy to imagine where each one goes, right? Good. There are also various add-on or accessory bags to extend carrying capacity. We’ll go over those as well. Let’s get into it!

Frame Bags

Revelate Viscacha, Ranger Bag and Sweetroll on a Kona 29er. photo by Jason Britton/Velograph — Revelate Viscacha, Ranger Bag and Sweetroll on a Kona 29er.
photo by Jason Britton/@Velograph

The frame bag takes advantage of the space inside your frame’s front triangle. Because of its central location, this is an ideal place to carry heavier items like your cookset, food, tools and spares, water transport and filtration supplies, first aid kit, etc. Most frame bags feature a top zipper located just below the top tube of your frame, so they also are well-suited for carrying items you’ll need easy access to while in motion such as ride food, spare layers, camera, phone, maps, sunglasses, fermented/distilled beverages, etc. All but the very smallest can accommodate a 2 or 3-liter hydration bladder and have a built-in port for the drinking hose to exit. Strap one on and leave the hydration pack behind!

How do I know which bag fits my bike?

The process is easy if you own a Surly! We carry Revelate’s line of co-branded bags for Surly’s mountain and fat bikes! Reference the chart on the product page to find your bike and the corresponding frame bag. Easy enough. But what about your Cross-Check or Straggler? We’ve got you covered there also; just pick your frame size. Even though they have a Surly logo on them, these co-branded bags will fit lots of other frames as well. Check out the complete dimensional fit charts for the Straggle-Check bags and Mountain bags on Surly’s site.

In addition to the co-branded bags, we stock Revelate’s generic Ranger Bags that fit a wide variety of bikes. They share features with the Surly-specific bags but come in four standard sizes and carry only Revelate logos. Reference the fit chart on the product page to find the best fit for your frame.

PRO TIP: If in doubt or in-between sizes, go for the smaller size! Most frame bags feature fairly long straps to accommodate a range of frame shapes. You’d rather have a tightly drawn bag than a saggy, floppy one.

Apidura Bikepacking Kit on a Cyclocross bike. Photo by @NiclasKrake

We also carry frame bags from Apidura. Their offerings are best suited to road or cyclocross bikes with slightly sloping top tubes rather than the ultra-compact frames found on most mountain bikes. Their frame bag comes in three sizes and features a more minimalist, low-profile design with some nice details and high-quality materials. They are a great choice for those looking to travel light and fast.

Half-frame bags can be a good alternative for riders looking to retain the use of one or more water bottle cages on their frame. These smaller bags will also fit a wider variety of frames, including many full-suspension models. Revelate’s Tangle Bag is our pick in this category. Three sizes, burly construction, cut and sewn in the USA. What more do you want?

All of the frame bags we have discussed are considered water resistant. They are all constructed with materials that will not absorb water but moisture can still enter through the sewn seams in seriously wet conditions. These bags have been proven to shrug off anything short of a monsoon but we still recommend that you use waterproof dry bags inside your frame bag for anything that must be kept absolutely dry. They are also useful for organization!

NOTE: Ortlieb plans to release their fully waterproof frame bag line in February of 2017. We’ll update this post when they arrive. Keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the most current information.

Seat Packs

We carry a few different flavors of seat packs but they are all perfect for carrying compressible items like sleeping bags, shelters, spare layers, etc. Most also have external shock cords or lash points for overflow storage. They vary in size, construction and water resistance.

Revelate Viscacha on a #BikeFishing day ride. Photo by Ryan King/@Bobby.Buttons

How do I choose a Seat Pack?

I’m glad you asked! Seat packs are great because the fit is nearly universal, making them easy to move from bike to bike. There are a few limiting factors. The big one is tire clearance. If there isn’t enough space between your saddle rails and rear tire (a common problem on bikes with big wheels and small frames) the bag can bump and rub on the tire. You’d be amazed how fast you’ll wear a hole right through your bag and its contents in this situation! Give yourself some breathing room so that your bag will never contact the tire, even if overloaded or sagging. Riding full-suspension? Make sure you measure your clearance with the suspension fully compressed!

The second consideration is the length of exposed seatpost. This is less critical and can be fudged a bit within reason. For example, Revelate recommends at least 5″ of exposed seatpost for their Viscacha. I only have about 4″ of exposed post on the bike pictured above and it still fits fine. If in doubt, stick to the maker’s recommendations. Fit considerations aside, let’s take a look at the various seat packs we carry.

Revelate’s Viscacha was the first widely-available bikepacking seat pack. A few improvements have been made to the design over the years but the essentials remain. This pack will always be hard to beat if you have the 9.5″ of clearance required. It carries up to 14L but easily compresses down to less than half that volume for smaller loads.

Revelate Viscacha in digital camo with matching Spocket.
Photo by the Bike Hermit

The Pika is nearly identical to the Viscacha but is smaller in girth, requiring only 8″ of clearance. However, it only sacrifices 2L of capacity. This makes it ideal for minimalist packers or for smaller frames with slightly less tire clearance and exposed seatpost.

Apidura’s Seat Pack shares many features with the Viscacha and Pika but has a couple of features that set it apart. One nice addition is the series of taillight loops on the rear of the pack. A loop should be available at any point in the range of compression. Apidura’s offering is also available in three sizes: 17L, 14L and 11L so riders can choose the bag appropriate for their bike and needs. Minimum clearances are listed on the product page.

Apidura Saddle Pack. Photo by @NiclasKrake.

So far all of the seatpacks we’ve covered fall into the “water-resistant” category. We also carry a couple of designs that are fully waterproof. A waterproof seat pack is great in wet climates or for extra insurance in changeable conditions. Down jackets and sleeping bags especially benefit from this extra level of protection.

Revelate’s Terrapin is an evolution from the Viscacha that separates the bag from the strapping and compression system. Basically, it is an underseat harness designed to hold a separate drybag. This two-part system has a few advantages over the Viscacha or Pika. First, the drybag is fully sealed and waterproof where the Viscacha/Pika is highly water-resistant but is not seam sealed. Also, the Terrapin is easier to pack and unpack since the drybag can be removed without unstrapping the harness from your bike. Daisy chain webbing on the harness provides a perfect place to attach a SPOT tracker or other accessories. The bridge of webbing between the straps can be used for taillight mounting and the drybag incorporates a one-way valve to purge excess air. The Terrapin harness and drybag are also available separately. revelateterripinsystem__23529-1474062287-1280-1280 Ortlieb is a relative newcomer to the bikepacking game but they certainly know a thing or two about waterproof gear. They took their time designing their seat pack and it shows. This bag is definitely on the large side with a 16.5L capacity. It also incorporates an internal aluminum frame at the saddle rail and seatpost attachment points for added anti-sway stability. This is a helpful feature as the bag has a pronounced cone shape, placing more weight farther behind the saddle. Similar to the Apidura, Ortlieb incorporates a series of light attachment points on the rolling closure, along with reflective patches. Add in the extra-long section of criss-crossing shock cord and air purge valve and you have the most fully-featured one-piece seat pack we carry. Ortlieb doesn’t list a minimum tire clearance. Instead, they ask for 14cm (5.5in) of exposed post. Given the more rigid nature of this bag, any bike with that much post should have plenty of clearance but it is best to check the fit first.

ortliebseatpack

Handlebar Pack

To balance your load and maintain equilibrium, your handlebar roll is the last key component in your bikepacking setup. The handlebars are a great place to carry your shelter, sleeping bag, sleep pad, tent poles and other rollable or compressible items. Most of the handlebar setups that we sell also provide a large amount of flexible strapping space for things like fishing rod tubes, trekking poles, firewood, etc.

How do I choose a Handlebar Pack?

Similar to the seat packs, the big limiting factor here is tire clearance. You want to be certain that your front tire will never come into contact with your handlebar pack, especially if you’re using a thin, lightweight dry bag. Again, be sure to take suspension travel into account! The best way to be sure you’re getting a proper fit is to test the bag on your bike. If that isn’t possible, measure from the bottom of your handlebars to the closest point on your tire. You’ll want a bag at least 2″ smaller in diameter than that measurement. Don’t forget to account for the thickness of any spacer blocks or pads! We typically recommend using the smallest handlebar pack you can get away with to reduce handling impact and clearance concerns. Need more assistance? Don’t hesitate to give us a call, email or drop a comment below. Fit concerns aside, let’s look at some gear!

Revelate’s Handlebar Harness is a simple and versatile “soft rack” for carrying a dry bag on your handlebars. It attaches to the bars using nylon webbing and heavy-duty rubber spacer blocks to space the bag away from the bars and prevent kinking of your brake and shift cables. Dry bags up to 20 liters can be secured with the three compression straps but Revelate lists a 15-pound weight limit. For the price, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile handlebar system.

The new-and-improved Sweetroll is an evolved version of Revelate’s handlebar harness that integrates the dry bag into the handlebar attachment for added simplicity and reduced weight. The latest version uses RF-welded seams for long-term waterproofness compared to sewn-and-sealed seams. The dual-roll design allows easy packing and centering of the load while the compression flap provides additional security and a place to strap extra cargo. Have a set of Jones Loop H-Bars on your bike? We have a special Loop Bar buckle kit that creates two additional attachment points to the handlebar for added security and extra spacing away from your bike’s head tube. The Sweetroll comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. The length of the dry bag is the same; they only vary in diameter. Click through to the product page for dimensions.

reelatedesignswaterproofsweetroll__83841-1482882258-1280-1280

Apidura also has solid bar-mounted options. Like their other products, their handlebar packs are simple, lightweight and thoughfully detailed. They offer four different handlebar packs, differing on size and construction. The water-resistant version comes in a Regular 20L size or a “Compact” 9L version. The 20L size is especially useful on drop bar bikes. The “Dry” option is available in a Regular 14L or Compact 9L. The dry versions feature a cleverly hidden air purge valve for easy compression. All four feature a criss-crossing shock cord for extra storage and reflective details for visibility.

14L Dry Handlebar Pack from Apidura

Like their seat pack, Ortlieb’s handlebar pack is thoroughly engineered and especially secure. Dual straps and adjustable foam spacers secure the bag to your handlebars and a pair of compression straps lock down the load or secure overflow gear. 15L capacity is on the large side and the welded construction is rock solid. This bag is especially appealing for shoulder season trips where additional gear and weather protection will come in handy.

Salsa’s EXP Anything Cradle is a new addition to our offerings and takes a very different approach. This is a very “rack-like” handlebar packing system designed to carry a separate dry bag. Two hinged aluminum clamps secure the cradle to your handlebars and provide plenty of standoff to prevent kinking hoses or cables. The complete kit comes with 15L double-roll dry bag and two webbing straps.

anythingcradle

Conclusions

Hopefully you’re feeling a little more comfortable choosing bikepacking bags for your bike! Overall, fit is the most important factor here. If your bags don’t fit your bike well, they won’t perform well! Feel free to give us a call, email or comment if you have questions about fitting bikepacking bags to your bike!

Stay tuned for the next installment of this series, coming soon! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@BikeTouringNews) for all the latest updates! Thanks for reading!

Bike Touring Equipment Touring Bike Accessories

Holiday Gift Giving – Here’s some ideas

Post author By Bike Hermit®
Post date December 5, 2016

Looking for Gift Ideas - We've got some suggestions

We’ve added a Gift Category to the website, allowing you to shop by price point for great biking gear. Here are some items that should bring a smile to many a bike traveler.

Bike Touring News Custom Water Bottle

Who doesn’t need a fresh water bottle? These are Specialized’s Purist bottles, BPA free. Dishwasher safe – in fact Specialized instructs you to never scrub the inside of your bottle, just rinse with soapy water. The tops clean up the best in a hot dishwasher. Our BTN logo on one side and the classic Bike Hermit character on the other.

Surly Junk Straps

Yes, we love Surly Junk Straps. In case you missed it here’s our “Eight Ways to Use your Junk Strap” post.

We always have Junk Straps with us and they’ve come in handy more than once.

$5.99

Crane Suzu Bra ss Bell

Nothing like the clear, crisp ring tones of a brass bell. Perfect for greeting the neighbors, calling attention to your presence on both the MUP or when climbing that steep hill and using your words just ain’t an option.

$12.99

Hats, T’s & Socks

Surly Hats, Surly Socks, Great t-shirts, both long sleeve and short sleeve. A fun “Racing Sucks” hat or just announce your surliness with anything Surly. Check out our selection and we can always order more.

$10 – $30

Busch & Muller Ixon Core

Bike Touring News sell lights that help not only with being seen but ones that help you see – what a concept. This is a terrific, USB-rechargeable headlight that easily attaches to the handlebar. The beam projects onto the road (hey another great idea) and not into the eyes of oncoming traffic. With 50 LUX it is a great option for those who don’t use a dynamo hub.

$88

The Many Thing Cage

Have a weight conscious rider in the group? King Cage’s Many Thing Cage is a great option. Extremely light weight and durable cage that will bolt to any braze on. Stainless Steel to boot. Need attachment options? We have those too.

$55.00

Gilles Berthoud GB25

Now here’s a gift for life, in fact a gift that can be passed down for generations. A front bag from Gilles Berthoud is not just a pretty face, it is a work horse that will earn its keep every ride. Beautiful canvas and leather construction. Our personal bags have 1,000’s of miles on them and stand up to rain, snow, dirt and heat.

$259

The Sawtooth – Tenkara Fly Rod

We bike tour, we bike pack and we like to fly fish. Bet there is someone in your life that has the same passion. Tenkara Rod Co. fly rod packages go hand in hand with bike touring and bike packing – kinda like peanut butter and jelly. This kit is complete with rod, line, flies and a solid case that straps to your bike or slides into your frame bag.

$159

Esbit Alcohol Burner w/ Cookset

This compact alcohol burner proves to be a great kit when cooking for 1 to 2 bike travelers. Burns denatured alcohol or cubed fuel. Packs up nice and tight and fits on the Salsa Anything Cage quite well. We’ve been using for about 8 months now and are sold!

$49.99

Obviously we could go on and on with ideas. Bike Touring News is more that just a store. While selling bike gear keeps the lights on we also are happy to guide you on finding the best products and gear to keep the bike travelers in your world pedaling. Call, email or come see us and we’ll lend a hand.

Tags bicycle gifts, Bike Gear, Great Gifts for Biking, Holiday gifts for bicyclist

Bags/Panniers/Racks Bike Touring Equipment Bikepacking Frame Bags Handlebar Bag Saddlebags

Product Gallery: Apidura Bikepacking Gear

Post author By Ryan King
Post date November 9, 2016
3 Comments on Product Gallery: Apidura Bikepacking Gear

All photos by @niclaskrake.

Cyclocross bike kitted up with Apidura bikepacking gear, perfect for light and fast rides.

Products pictured: Full Frame Pack (Med.), Handlebar Pack (Dry, 14L), Saddle Pack (Compact)

The full-frame bag is tailored to fit bikes with more traditional, level top tubes rather than the ultra-compact front triangles on most mountain bikes. It is available in three sizes to fit a wide range of bikes.

The Frame Pack has a much slimmer profile than similar bags, improving knee clearance and preventing the pack from bulging. The internally-divided pockets are accessible via three zippers.

The Frame Pack features sturdy velcro attachment points and shielded, non-waterproof zippers which tend to be more reliable than waterproof models.

The Frame Bag also integrates a hidden hydration hose exit point. The upper section of the bag (separated by an internal divider) accommodates an average 3L bladder easily.

Apidura’s Saddle Pack is a variation on a tried-and-true design with thoughtful details that set it apart.

Quality hardware and reflective details on the Saddle Pack.

The Saddle Pack incorporates a series of taillight attachment loops. One should be accessible no matter how far the bag is rolled.

Shock Cord is included on the top of the Saddle Pack to secure extra layers or other gear.

The Waterproof Handlebar Pack incorporates a cleverly-hidden valve for purging of excess air inside the bag. Shock cord and attachment points for optional accessories add to its versatility. It is offered in a range of sizes to fit any cockpit.

Apidura bikepacking gear is perfect for light and fast adventures on a wide variety of terrain and bicycles – especially those with more horizontal top tubes. These products fill an important void and expand the utility of bikes that may not have been considered appropriate for touring in the past. So, load up and hit the road!

Tags apidura, bikepacking, cyclocross bike, frame pack, handlebar pack, photo gallery, saddle pack

Bikepacking Planning Resources Saddlebags Touring Bike Accessories

6 Tips for Successful #BikeFishing!

Post author By Ryan King
Post date October 31, 2016
5 Comments on 6 Tips for Successful #BikeFishing!

Except on the most rugged of trails or in Wilderness areas where mechanized transport is not allowed, a bicycle is the ideal vehicle to transport you and your gear to your favorite fishing locations, especially if you’d rather escape from the crowds! The hassle of finding a suitable place to park a truck on narrow, rugged roads allows the pedal-powered angler to access spots that motorized fisherfolk often overlook. They’re too busy looking for a turnout big enough for their massive pickup! Many streams have singletrack trails running alongside and there are countless lakes and ponds accessible only by bike or on foot. If you prefer solitude to fishing conditions resembling the lunch line at Burger King, bikefishing is for you.

It almost doesn’t matter if you’re catching fish when you’re in the middle of a scene like this.

For me, fishing and bike riding have always gone hand-in-hand. In fact, I was first motivated to pick up a fly rod by an experience I had on a bikepacking trip soon after moving to the Gem State. I was pedaling my loaded bike on a backcountry dirt road paralleling one of central Idaho’s sparkling freestone streams. Trout were easy to spy as I gazed down from road level into the riffles below. Why wasn’t I down there in that beautiful river catching those fish!? Since then, I’ve spent countless hours searching for fish in big rivers, small streams, alpine lakes and urban reservoirs by bicycle, on foot and occasionally with the aid of motor vehicles. In this post, I’ll share some helpful tips from my experience to help you get out and fish by bicycle! Feel free to chime in with your own thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

The three B’s of fly fishing.

1: Do your Homework!

Plan ahead and prepare! The amount of local knowledge and useful information accessible via the internet is a potent weapon in your arsenal. Check fishing and weather reports so you can choose appropriate tackle, clothing and other gear, then leave the rest at home. The USGS monitors water conditions for countless fisheries across the country. Water temperature, level and flow are all useful pieces of information. Local fish and game departments provide a wealth of information about fish stocking and species to expect in a particular piece of water. Many fishing shops and outfitters post regularly-updated fishing reports online. Stop into a local outfitter or fishing shop if you’re traveling far afield. Good research and local knowledge may make the difference between catching one fish after another or getting skunked.

The author’s rig packed to fish a backcountry pond, complete with cheap inflatable boat!

2: Don’t Throw a Rod!

Fishing rods can be challenging items to carry by bike, even when broken down and stored in a tube. Bags with a flap – like Ostrich’s S-2 Saddlebag or Frost River’s Gunflint Trail (see photo above) and Caribou Trail work great. Alternatively, you can use toestraps or Surly’s Junk Straps to lash the tube to the deck of a rack. I would never recommend riding your bike with a fully-assembled rod. You’re just begging for a potentially expensive accident. It is also easy to strap a rod tube to many backpacks. This carrying method works great if you’ll need to do a good deal of walking, hiking or scrambling to access your fishing location. Otherwise, I prefer to ditch the backpack and let the bike carry the load.

Brook trout caught from a hidden pool where few anglers venture.

3: Streamline your Setup!

Do you really need multiple rods, reels, lines, a vest packed with gadgets and fly boxes with every imaginable imitation to catch fish? Simplify, simplify. You can’t just chuck your entire collection of outdoor gear in the back of the Subaru! Space and weight are key considerations when fishing by bike. While unnecessary gear will weigh you down and clutter your experience, you don’t want to leave critical equipment at home. Tenkara rods may offer the ultimate in a simple fishing outfit. With no reel and a featherweight telescopic rod that collapses into its 20″ handle, these fishing outfits are ideal equipment for the adventurous angler.

Tenkara: ultimate simplicity and packability!

4: Wade Wisely (or not at all)!

Waders and wading boots are the bulkiest, heaviest and most cumbersome pieces of gear in most anglers’ closets. Leave them at home unless you really need them. Fishing from the bank is a great option and may even be preferable. The long reach afforded by Tenkara rods is a big advantage in this situation. If you choose to wade in warm conditions, wet wading can be a real joy and big part of the fun. Sturdy sandals, Crocs or water shoes work fine for footwear. Even on the hottest days, neoprene socks or booties help you fish longer by keeping your feet warm and preventing irritating debris from getting next to your skin. When the mercury dips, you’ll definitely want to stay dry. Fish from the banks, wear rubber boots or consider bringing those waders along. Wear heat-retaining layers to stay warm in the chilly water. You don’t have a heated vehicle to retreat to if you get chilled, so don’t forget to layer up and bring spare dry, insulating layers in case you take an unexpected dunking!

You too can go fishing with the Bike Hermit!

5: Use a Shuttle (When Appropriate)!

While pedaling from home on a bike loaded with everything you need for a day, week or month of human-powered travel and fishing adventure sounds like a great idea, it isn’t always practical or possible. If you have access to a vehicle, take advantage! Drive out with your bike and gear, find a place to park or camp and strike out on the bike from there. Though perhaps not as idealistically appealing, this approach can deliver the best of both worlds. Who doesn’t like to return to a well-appointed campsite with a dry change of clothes, fully-stocked cooler and comfortable chair after a long day on the river? If the fishing – not the riding – is your main focus this may be the ideal approach.

Finding solitude on a hidden creek very close to – but so far away from – the heavily-fished waters of Rocky Mountain National Park.

6: Be Flexible!

Fishing is unpredictable, so don’t get disappointed if you don’t find immediate success. Like the old bumper sticker says, “a bad day of fishing is still better than a good day at work!” Approach each situation with an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new, different or unorthodox techniques. The bike also gives you practically unlimited access to water far off the beaten track, so explore those side streams, tributaries and hidden pools. Small fish often represent big success!

I hope you’ll find these tips helpful and get out on your bike for a day of fishing soon! Did I forget anything? Share your #bikefishing ideas and experiences in the comments section below. Thanks for reading! Now get away from that screen and #getoutandfish!

Tags bikefishing, bikepacking, fly fishing, idaho, tenkara

Lights and Electronics Touring Bike Accessories

Minoura Phone Grip Smart Phone Holder

Post author By Bike Hermit®
Post date June 27, 2016

smart phone holder fo bicycle
The Minoura Phone Grip Smart Phone Holder (iH-520-STD) is the best handlebar mount phone holder I have found. The metal bar clamp is hinged and comes with rubber shims to fit various diameter bars. There are two versions, the only difference between the two being the size of the bar clamp. Over Size fits bars 27.2-35mm in diameter and the Standard Size fits bars 22.2-28.6mm in diameter.

A solid handlebar mounted phone holder keeps the phone within easy reach when touring and is nice when using the GPS or map apps. If one has a dynamo hub and converter, it’s a simple matter to plug the phone in while going down the road. Even when not using or charging the phone it is nice to have a secure place to keep it.

A base plate bolts onto the bar clamp and the phone holder itself bolts onto the base plate. The disc shaped base plate and the phone holder interface with each other by means of radial grooves allowing the phone holder to rotate in 9 degree increments for adjustment of the phones angle.

Solid clamp and adjustable base.

The side wings grip the phone tightly and release by pulling the red lever on the bottom of the base. Pressing the red lever all the way in locks the wings in place. The holder ships with two sets of interchangeable side wings for different phone thicknesses. The tall wings fit my Droid phone with Otter Box case.
Minoura side wings

Width to spare with the Droid phone and Otter Box case

Adjustable upper and lower arm brackets can be locked in place once adjusted to the phone being used to keep it from slipping up or down. For iPhone 6 a longer lower bracket is included. A silicone band is attached to the bottom of the case and can be used as extra insurance that the phone won’t accidentally fall off.

Standard upper and lower arm brackets

The extended lower arm for iPhone 6

This gets the Bike Hermit® approval for a solid and secure attachment of the phone to the bars. This phone holder also has a lower profile than some of the other ones I have seen and is less prone to getting snagged on something and broken. It will fit phones from 55mm to 85mm in width and between 6mm and 18mm thick.

Bags/Panniers/Racks Bike Touring Equipment

Lone Peak Micro – Front Rack Top Bag

Post author By Bike Hermit®
Post date March 7, 2016

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Lone Peak Micro Rack Pack

Years ago Sky King had a Zimbale Front Rack Top Bag. (Some may recall we were the North American Distributor for Zimbale – a company in So. Korea.) This small canvas bag was an excellent size for carrying small items on day trips or for running errands round town. The bag was just starting to get traction when Zimbale ceased production. Fast forward a few years and after a great conversation with Gary Hubbert, owner of Lone Peak Packs and Bags, he came up with this one. We have been really pleased. With our suggestions, this bag’s velcro attachments are plenty long and keep the bag securely attached to the front rack. In addition the slip over the back rail sleeve is nice and snug, plus the perfect size for using as a handle when off the bike.

Attaches Securely to the rack

Finally the depth and solid padding allow plenty of room to carry the rain jacket, phone, wallet and other small items.

carries the small stuff — Carry the small stuff

Water proof zipper and high quality fabric and finish couldn’t be better. 8″(20cm) long; 4 3/4″(12cm) wide; 6″(15cm) tall, the bags works well on any style of small front rack – Nitto, Velo Orange, Soma and others (see more info on the store website)

Lights and Electronics

Busch+Müller Luxos U Head Light Mounting

Post author By Bike Hermit®
Post date January 30, 2016
4 Comments on Busch+Müller Luxos U Head Light Mounting

Almost everybody- or more precisely; everybody- I have spoken to about it thinks the Busch+Müller Luxos U head light is klunky and ugly. I’m not the one to give an opinion on headlight aesthetics though since I still use the Schmidt E6 light on my commuter bike. But I can say that the Luxos U is heavy, and mounting it anyplace but on the fork crown using the provided fork crown mounting bracket is a bit of a challenge. If it’s not tightened securely it has a tendency to slowly droop so that the lighted patch on the road ahead becomes shorter and shorter. I recently upgraded to this light on my touring machine and went through a couple of iterations before I came up with what I think will be a permanent mounting solution.

I have caliper side pull brakes on my bike and I also use a front bag mounted on top of a Nitto M-18 rack, and either one of those conditions, by itself, would preclude mounting the light on the fork crown. (Note: we do have mounts that will attach behind a caliper brake, but they are not recommended for this light) What to do? Nitto makes a light mount which consists of an eyebolt which slips over the end of one of the M-18 rack stays and a clever little scalloped washer which clamps down on the stay for a really solid attachment. There were two problems with using the actual light mounting bracket that the Nitto lamp holder uses though: 1) The Luxos U is too big to be mounted on the bracket without either being too far outboard or being pushed out of whack by the rack stay. 2) Where the light is meant to mount, the bracket is a single thickness of metal, rather that a U or a fork shape. Simply bolting the light to a flat peice of metal doesn’t seem to be a strong enough connection to keep the light from slipping.

The Nitto Lamp Holder for Nitto M-18

I had the idea to thread the 6mm end of a Sheldon Fender Nut onto the bolt of the Nitto Lamp Mount in place of the stock bracket and then bolt the light onto the 5mm end of the nut. While this was a clean and sort of elegant solution, I couldn’t clamp the bolt tight enough to keep the light from drooping, and when the light rotated down it also tended to loosen the clamping bolt, so eventually the whole thing was just sort of dangling there, with the light pointing straight down at the ground.

This is actually the Gilles Berthoud version of the Sheldon Fender Nut screwed onto the base of the Nitto Lamp Holder.

Mounted on the Fender Nut.

I wish I could take credit for the next idea, but it actually was presented by a friend of mine. The Gino Light Mount is designed to be bolted onto a threaded hole somewhere on the bike’s fork or onto a threaded mount brazed onto a rack. It is a short (22mm) cylinder with a diameter of 26mm, which is the diameter of a standard road handlebar. Any light with a handlebar mount can then be mounted on the Gino mount. Drilling the mounting hole of the Gino Light Mount out a little bit and then using a tap to create some threads, I was able to screw it onto the bolt of the Nitto Lamp Holder in place of the stock bracket. Now I had a place to mount the light which I could position anywhere along the length of the rack stay. I just needed a mount designed for a handlebar which would work with the Luxos U. As it turns out, the German company Schmidt makes just the thing. The way the metal band of the Schmidt mount is cinched onto the handlebar, or Gino Light Mount in this case, makes it virtually impossible for it to slip. And the fork in the bracket sandwiches the mounting tab on the light and a through bolt clamps the whole thing together.

Threaded Gino Light Mount

The Schmidt handlebar light mount.

The Gino Light Mount threaded onto the base of the Nitto Lamp Holder.

This shows the metal band clamp used by the Schmidt light mount.

For this application, putting the Schmidt light mount on the bottom of the Gino mount places the light where I want it.

So far this has been a rock solid mounting solution and the light is in a good position to light the road with only minimal shadow from the front tire. The downside is that it took parts of three different mounts to cobble it together. Getting the light in the right position and aligned the way I wanted it was pretty fiddly too. You might be wondering if it all was worth the effort. The Luxos U light basically incorporates every technology known to one of the best dynamo light manufacturers in the world. It is not simple and it is not inexpensive. Another post could and should be devoted to the features, advantages and benefits of this light. I just haven’t spent enough time with this light to even do it justice in a review. Giving it a thorough testing, which will require planning some more rides in darkness, is something I look forward to.

Bike Touring Tips Water Bottle Cages

The Watercarriers

Post author By Bike Hermit®
Post date September 25, 2015

Not to be confused with The Stars and The Watercarriers.
One particular overnight desert bikepacking trip in the desert of southern Idaho had the potential for a little extra discomfort. We had planned on being able to get water out of the river at the end of the ride, but the river gurgled along several hundred feet below us at the bottom of the vertical gap it is cutting through this volcanic plateau.

That's an 18" gas pipeline crossing the ditch down there and the river is maybe 450' below the line. — That’s an 18″ gas pipeline crossing the ditch down there and the river is maybe 450′ below the line.

We took a quick inventory of water we had on board and decided we wouldn’t die but that we would need to be careful. Ultimately we found a way down to the water by hiking a couple miles downstream. I was prompted to write this post about some ways to carry water on the bike.
-First is the good old hydration pack- 70 or 100 ounces (2 or 3 liters) carried on the rider’s back. Some people complain about the discomfort of carrying a back pack in hot weather, but to me it is worth it. Especially since you can stuff other things into the pack besides the water bladder.
-Standard water bottles fit in standard bottle cages which bolt to the bike carry 22 or 24 ounces (around .7 liter each) If the forks on the bike have bottle bosses you can carry one or two more bottles there. You can add additional mounts for standard cages, either on the fork or one of the bicycle main tubes, by using the Elite VIP Bottlecage Clips.
-The Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag works well for carrying too and the new designs holds a 32 ounce nalgene.

Wendell shows off his crossing skills and a great shot of his Revelate Mt. Feedbags

-Topeak make the Modula bottle cage which mounts to the two standard bolt holes and is designed to carry the large plastic 1 to 1.5 liter bottles sold at most convenience stores.
–Velo Orange Mojave bottle cage with 32 ounce (.95 liter) Nalgene bottle or 40 ounce (1.2 liter) Klean Kanteen. These bolt onto the standard two bolt mounts on most bikes or, even better, with three bolts using the mounts now found on some bikepacking bike forks and frames. Combine one of the VIP Bottlecage Clips with the two bosses on the bike for extra security.

Bikepacking bike — Sky King rolls with the VO Mojave cage and 32oz. Nalgene on the down tube.

-In locales without services but with access to surface water you will need a water filter or purifier. We use the Camelbak All Clear water bottle which incorporates an ultraviolet light in the cap which and will kill all the bugs in .75 liters of water (25 ounces) in 60 seconds. A mechanical filter like the Platypus GravityWorks is potentially a little bit faster.
-If there will be no access to surface water and no services then carry an additional 4 or 6 liters (135 or 203 ounces) in the MSR Dromedary bladder.

Every trip and every day will have different requirements for how much water needs to be carried. These are just a few ideas to think about. Let me know what I missed in the comments.