Category: Equipment
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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 […] 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 […] 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 […] 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 […] 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 […] 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. […] 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 […] 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 […] Continue reading →
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Black Friday 2023: Cycle Touring & Bikepacking Deals That Give Something Back
As long-term readers of this blog will know, I’m not exactly an advocate for the irreverent spending of money on stuff. I write highly opinionated posts, for example, about why fancy gear is totally unnecessary, how to get touring bikes and equipment for next to nothing, and how to travel forever for free. That sort of thing. […] Continue reading →
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No Stupid Questions: Do I Need Special Hydraulic Brake Fluid For Winter Touring?
A reader writes: Thank you for bringing up these timely questions on the subject of winter cycle touring in sub-zero conditions! I myself rode to the Scandinavian Arctic back in the winter of 2011. It turns out that winter can be a source of fun and novelty for adventure cyclists, so it’s great to hear […] Continue reading →