Category: Equipment
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No Stupid Questions: How Do I Dry Out My Wet Tent Every Day?
A reader writes: I’m 60 and been a cyclist forever but, aside from a 2 week youth hostel JOGLE in 1993, I haven’t toured. I’m planning a 3 night first go to start a week on Monday. I have a great tent (second-hand Wild Country Helm 1) and all the basic stuff and all second-hand but how to pack away a damp tent? Do I just do it and hope the sun comes out and I air it at some point during the day or not worry about it until I set it up at the next stop? Thanks for the… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Question: Best Panniers For A Road/Gravel Tour-Commute?
A reader writes: I am going to order in September a new Oxford Bikes Expedition — what panniers would you suggest? I really only need to carry clothes, a very small tool kit and a lap top. Basically, I want to ride to my office down various gravel tracks and roads — my office is 550 miles from home! Thanks for the question! And congratulations on your excellent choice of bike – not that I’m biased or anything… Anyhow. Along with a few other factors such as budget, pannier choice has a lot to do with what the contents will be. And… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: How To Secure My Bike & Gear While Riding Across The USA?
A reader writes: My biggest question about touring is security for my bike. I’m riding across the US in 2025, with a friend. Maybe a U‑lock is enough because we can always leave one of us at the bikes, but what if we want to eat at a restaurant? Or have some beers at the end of the day in a bar? And what about all the bags and gear on the bike, even if the bike is secured? And what about trackers? Are they worth the money? Thanks for the question! Bike security on a cycle tour or bikepacking trip… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: What Are Your Top Wet Weather Cycle Touring Tips & Tricks?
A reader writes: Tom, I always enjoy your updates and reports. No big questions here, but one that does come to mind is what are your tips and tricks for riding in the rain. Most of us just do it, and have learned some ways to make it less than miserable like using a visor to keep drops off of glasses, and opening pit zips to vent. But I’d like to hear what you have learned from your travels. The question of “what do cycle tourers do when it rains?” used to be a frequent one in Q&As about Janapar – and back… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Tyre Pumps, Wheel Size, Tubed Vs Tubeless, & More
A reader writes: Thanks for the questions! Let’s take them one at a time. Forgive me if I simplify each question into a neater, easier-to-read heading! How To Choose A Portable Tyre Pump For A Cycle Tour? It sounds like you’ve already noticed that portable, hand-operated tyre pumps for bicycles come in an assortment of shapes and sizes, and you’re trying to find the best pump for a variety of cycle touring and bikepacking scenarios. Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Which Tent Should I Take On Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way?
A reader writes: I am 63 and next year I’m planning to ride the complete Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, which you probably know is about 2,100km. I will do it on my six speed Brompton, using the rack and a waterproof backpack on the back and the Brompton 30 litre waterproof bag on the front. The Brompton has the 44-tooth front sprocket to reduce the gearing. I have a Terra Nova Pioneer 2 and a Hilleberg Nallo, but I’m also considering buying a Hilleberg Akto or Enan. Which tent would you take? Oh, I should add that I fold up… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Backpacks, Frame Luggage Or Trailers For Off-Road Bike Tours?
A reader writes: Hey Tom It’s not an upcoming trip, rather it’s a failed bike trip experience that concerns me. Some detail: Hardtail steel frame 29er MTB (Cotic Solaris Max). The route – King Alfred’s Way (UK), in four days. Off road route, easy not technical. Gear – backpack only. Day 1 OK. Day 2 sore bum.Day 3 more sore bum. Day 4 escape trails and ride back to start point on the roads because bum just too painful for more off-road riding. The weight of the backpack did it. I’m used to racing 7 day XC events across Appennines or French Alps with… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: What’s The Best Winter Bike Helmet For Cycle Touring?
A reader writes: No current manufacturer seems to make a purpose built winter season bicycle helmet. I am looking for one without all the air vents typical of warm weather helmets and with fuller coverage of the head and ears, more like a motorcycle helmet but lighter as bicycle get-offs are typically at lower speeds. Also I’d like it to have a sun visor for the low on the horizon glowing orb and also a windscreen to keep the cold air from making my eyes water so badly I can’t see. Have you seen anything to fit the need here? I… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: How Best To Pack My Panniers For Cycling Round The World?
A reader writes: I’m keen to streamline my set-up and I’m curious to know what round-the-world pannier set-up you’d recommend… I’m thinking 2 × 12.5l front panniers, 2 × 12.5l rear panniers with an Ortlieb 31l Rack Pack and a 12l frame bag giving me around 93l storage. In addition, my front rack will enable me to carry a small duffel bag if needed. I’m considering possibly getting 20l rear panniers but I feel they’re too bulky and unnecessary. However, for long stretches where water and food might be scarce, they could work out well. I’ll be beginning in March/April ‘24… Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: How Can I Avoid Neck, Shoulder & Wrist Pain On Long Gravel Rides?
A reader writes: My biggest question/concern about my upcoming ride of the Carretera Austral (south to north, beginning in El Chaltén in 2.5 weeks) is: how do I deal with the jarring feeling of riding on packed gravel with my Surly LHT? In other words, without front suspension, what’s the best way to cushion my hands/wrists/arms/shoulders/neck from this chronic shaking/rattling/jostling? Thanks for such a timely question! Seriously – how to avoid wrist, arm and neck pain when cycle touring, particularly on gravel roads, has been a hot topic for me recently. Last summer – in an episode unrelated to cycle… Continue reading →