Pumps

Jon Picklesimer — Thu, 26 May 2011 03:38:31 +0000

Flats are inevitable in bicycle touring and a quality pump can mean the difference between walking your bike for miles or enjoying your tour on a particular day. Even if you run high quality touring tires which greatly reduce the amount of flats all bicycle tires lose pressure with time and should be pumped up at least weekly. The main factors you want to look for in a pump for bicycle touring is quality, portability, and maximum pressure. No one wants to carry around a full-size pump on tour so the pump must be small enough to fit in a pannier or mount on the frame of the bicycle. The downside to this is it will require more strokes to pump the tires up. Therefore, the pump must be of sufficient quality to handle the excessive strains that will be placed on it. The quality must also be high enough that it will not develop leaks or break. Most touring bike tires require higher pressures that many portable pumps cannot achieve. It is important to purchase a pump rated higher in capacity than the maximum pressure rating of your tires, because many pump manufacturers exaggerate what their pump can achieve under normal circumstances. The pump must also be compatible with your valve stem or otherwise you will have to carry an adapter.

On my first tour I purchased a cheap frame pump from Walmart that resulted in much heartache. It took so many strokes to inflate a tire with it due to its lower capacity and short barrel that I was more tired from using the pump than riding the bicycle. The excessive strain to get to a reasonable pressure caused my friend to break the valve stem off our last remaining tube 20 miles from any store. Needless to say I learned my lesson and on the next tour I purchased a Topeak Road Morph G pump due to incredible reviews from many touring cyclists. I have had such a good experience with this product that it is the only pump I will ever use on tour. It features a long barrel therefore reducing the number of strokes required to pump the tires. Its maximum capacity is 160psi making it suitable for just about any touring tire. A built in gauge makes it easy to keep the tires inflated to the desirable pressure. It also has a fold out foot peg and T-handle to make inflation more efficient. I usually like to recommend multiple options, but this pump is so good it is the only one I am willing to recommend at the present time.

Topeak Road Morph G

Specs
Valves-Presta/ Schrader/ Dunlop
Barrel-Butted Aluminum
Capacity-160 psi
Size (L x W x H)-35 x 5.7 x 2.8 cm, 13.8” x 2.2” x 1.1”
Weight-220 g / 7.74 oz

Positives-Flexible Hose that is replaceable, Mounting Bracket, Gauge, Fold-out Foot Pad and T-Handle for easier use, High capacity, Works with all major types of valves

Negatives-Some plastic parts that have the potential to break. However, I have been very rough with mine and am yet to have this happen.

Support the site by purchasing this item from one of our reputable, competitively priced sponsors
(Click here)

Get Shareaholic

Tires

Jon Picklesimer — Thu, 26 May 2011 03:36:43 +0000

Share this on Facebook Email this to a friend? Stumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUpon Tweet This! Share this on del.icio.us Email this via Gmail Add this to Google Bookmarks Share this on LinkedIn Send this page to Print Friendly Share this on Reddit Get Shareaholic Share this on Facebook Email this to [...]

Rear Racks

Jon Picklesimer — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:50:57 +0000

Get Shareaholic

Rear Panniers

Jon Picklesimer — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:50:09 +0000

Get Shareaholic

There are many companies who produce bicycle panniers, but only a select few that produce the quality of panniers needed for extended tours. The factors you want to weigh when purchasing panniers are size, compartmentalization, weather resistance, rack attachment, and quality. The size of the panniers you need will depend on two things. How much space you need for your belongings and how you want to distribute those belongings. Some choose to run just rear panniers while others choose to run both front and rear. Compartmentalization can be important to some as it will make it easier to organize and find items while on tour. Weather resistance can be very important as it is inevitable that you will hit rough weather. Some panniers are water-resistant while others are waterproof. Waterproof may seem like the best option, but do realize that in time the panniers will lose their waterproof coating. Another trade-off is most waterproof panniers tend to be single compartment while water-resistant tend to have multiple compartments. Most quality water resistant panniers will afford you the protection from rain you will need, but depending on the region and clime waterproof may be the best option . Different panniers have different attachment mechanisms to the rack. This can include simple hooks or extensive locking and latching mechanisms. For anyone on an extended tour the most important factor is the quality of the pannier. Just like with any other fabric, quality panniers will last longer and have better seaming.
Arkel GT-54

Ortlieb Classic

Panpack World Tour

Get Shareaholic

Complete Touring Bicycles

Jon Picklesimer — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:48:47 +0000

Get Shareaholic

Novara Randonee

Novara Safari

Salsa Fargo

Surly Cross-Check

Surly Long Haul Trucker

Trek 520

Get Shareaholic

Tents

Jon Picklesimer — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:45:30 +0000

Sleeping bags

Jon Picklesimer — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:44:37 +0000

Multifuel Backpacking Stoves

Jon Picklesimer — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 13:57:57 +0000

Get Shareaholic

A multifuel stove has several advantages over other stove types for extended bicycle tours. Canisters and proprietary fuels may be tough to come by in certain regions. With a quality multifuel stove there will almost always be some sort of compatible fuel source available. Depending on the stove these can include white gas, unleaded auto gas, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel, and some even have adapters for canisters. The fuel also tends to be less expensive than canister fuel and leaves you with no canister to dispose of when the fuel is exhausted. Another advantage is multifuel stoves usually perform better in cold weather conditions. All of these factors make a multifuel stove a better choice for extended and international tours.

There are several factors you want to consider when comparing different multifuel stoves. These include total burn time, average boil time, fuel efficiency, stability, and reliability. Burn time refers to how long a stove will burn using a set amount of fuel and also depends on the type of fuel used. Average boil time refers to the amount of time it takes to bring 1 liter of room temperature water to a boil. Fuel efficiency refers to how much water can be boiled per set amount of fuel used. These 3 factors coincide with one another and vary across different brands and types of stoves. Stability refers to how well the support arms of the stove hold the pot. Reliability is very important as most stoves use proprietary parts that may be difficult or even impossible to come by in remote areas. Many of the quality multifuel stove manufacturers sell small maintenance and parts kits to accompany the stove on tour. These usually include the tools to repair the stove and small parts that typically fail after extended use.

Brunton Vapor AF

Fuel type-Canister / liquid
Fuel-Isobutane-propane / white gas / kerosene / jet / auto / diesel
Dimensions-4.1 x 5.2 x 2.3 inches
Weight (without fuel)-16oz
Burn time-(max flame) (White gas) / (kerosene)
Average boil time-(White gas) / (kerosene)
Water boiled per 100g fuel-(White gas) / (kerosene)
Cold weather use-(White gas) / (kerosene)
Stove stability-
Pot stability-
Ability to simmer-
Click for more information and to purchase from REI
Click for more information and to purchase from Amazon

MSR Dragonfly

Fuel type-Liquid
Fuel-White gas / kerosene / jet / auto / diesel
Weight (without fuel)-(Stove and pump only) 14 ounces
Dimensions-6.3 x 5 x 3.5 inches
Burn time-(max flame) (White gas) 26.5 / (kerosene) 30.3 minutes
Average boil time-(White gas) 3 min. 52 sec. / (kerosene) 4 min. 3 sec.
Water boiled per 100g fuel-(White gas) 6.7 / (kerosene) 7.5 liters
Cold weather use-(White gas) excellent / (kerosene) excellent
Stove stability-Excellent
Pot stability-Excellent
Ability to simmer-Excellent

Click for more information and to purchase from REI
Click for more information and to purchase from Amazon

MSR Whisperlite International

Specs
Fuel type-Liquid
Fuel-White gas / kerosene / jet / auto / diesel
Weight (without fuel)-(Stove and pump only) 11.5 ounces
Dimensions-6 x 4 x 4 inches
Burn time (max flame)-(White gas) 25.6 / (kerosene) 29.8 minutes
Average boil time-(White gas) 3 min. 51 sec. / (kerosene) 4 min. 42 sec.
Water boiled per 100g fuel-(White gas) 6.7 / (kerosene) 6.3 liters
Cold weather use-(White gas) good / (kerosene) good
Stove stability-Good
Pot stability-Good
Ability to simmer-Fair

Click for more information and to purchase from REI
Click for more information and to purchase from Amazon

MSR XGK EK

Fuel type-Liquid
Fuel-White gas / kerosene / jet / auto / diesel
Weight (without fuel)-(stove & pump only) 13.2 ounces
Dimensions-5 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches
Burn time (max flame)-22.3 minutes
Average boil time-4 min. 56 sec.
Water boiled per 100g fuel-4.6 liter
Cold weather use-Excellent
Stove stability-Good
Pot stability -Excellent
Ability to simmer-Unavailable

Click for more information and to purchase from REI
Click for more information and to purchase from Amazon

Optimus Nova Plus

Fuel type Liquid
Fuel White gas / kerosene / jet / auto / diesel
Weight (without fuel)-15.3 ounces
Dimensions-5.5 x 2.6 x 2.6 inches
Burn time (max flame)-(White gas) 92 / (kerosene) 60 minutes
Average boil time-(White gas) 4.13 / (kerosene) 4.19 minutes
Water boiled per 100g fuel-(White gas) 6.57 / (kerosene) 3.6 liters
Cold weather use-(White gas) good / (kerosene) good
Stove stability-Excellent
Pot stability -Unavailable
Ability to simmer-Excellent
Click for more information and to purchase from Amazon

Primus Omnifuel

Fuel type-Canister / liquid
Fuel-Isobutane-propane / white gas / kerosene / jet / auto / diesel
Weight (without fuel)-15.6 ounces
Dimensions-5.5 x 3.3 x 2.8 inches
Burn time (max flame)-Unavailable
Average boil time-3 minutes
Water boiled per 100g fuel-Unavailable
Cold weather use-Unavailable
Stove stability-Excellent
Pot stability -Excellent
Ability to simmer-Unavailable

Click for more information and to purchase from REI
Click for more information and to purchase from Amazon

Get Shareaholic

Three Easy Ways to Contribute

Jon Picklesimer — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 23:08:45 +0000

Get Shareaholic

Contributing to my journey is easy and doesn’t necessarily cost you any money. Here are three easy ways you might consider helping….

1. Spread the word. “Like” my PedaltheGlobe Facebook page and then at the top left suggest it to all of your friends that you think may be interested.

2. Shop at the retailers below. These are retailers I trust and have had good experience with. Shopping through the links below gets me a percentage of the sale and it doesn’t add anything more to the price of your transaction. Note-If you have been to either of these sites within the last 90 days its best to delete cookies from your browser before visiting. Another site could get the credit instead if not.
Amazon

REI

3. Donate via debit card, credit card, or paypal. This is the best way to directly help the site. It is not free to run a website and I devote a considerable amount of time to it. My main motivation is to motivate others to chase their dreams. If you feel like the site helped you in any way and have some money to spare below is a link to my paypal and the funds will be instantly available to me.

Below is a list of ways your contributions might be used by me while I am traveling in a foreign land.
A. Paying it forward and using it in some way to help a complete stranger in need.
B. Buying myself a meal or cup of coffee
C. Paying for a campsite or hostel for the night
D. Paying fees to keep this site going
E. Using it for maintenance on my bicycle or gear

Get Shareaholic

Saddles

Jon Picklesimer — Tue, 25 May 2010 05:43:28 +0000

Get Shareaholic

The Brooks saddle line is vast and includes saddles of all shapes, sizes, and designs. For a person choosing their first leather saddle this can be quite overwhelming. I am going to discuss the various designs in hopes it will help you make the perfect choice for your touring bicycle.

The company markets their saddles for three types of riding. They are road/mtb, city/heavy duty, and touring/trekking. The road/mtb saddles are designed for riders that spend less time in the saddle and more time standing up. These saddle types are usually lighter, stiffer, and narrower. The sacrifice and trade-off for using this saddle on a touring bike is comfort. Due to this I wouldn’t recommend this type of saddle for use by a touring cyclist. The city/heavy duty saddles are the most comfortable and leisurely of the Brooks saddle types. They are very wide at the rear. The trade-off for using them on a touring bike is they are the most inefficient saddles in terms of transferring power to the pedals and are more designed for coasting around town. The touring/trekking saddles are well thought out by Brooks for touring and are my choice. These saddles provide a good medium between the road/mtb type and the city/heavy duty type. They are more comfortable than the road/mtb saddles, but not as wide as and a little less comfortable than the city/heavy duty saddles. The benefit over the city/heavy duty saddles is you will get more pedaling efficiency out of the touring/trekking saddle type. In touring you are in the saddle for long periods, but many times you are putting considerably more effort into pedaling the bike than one would be when cruising around the city. Therefore, in my opinion this Brooks saddle type is the best place to start your search for the Brooks saddle you will use on your touring bike. The remainder of this article will describe the various saddles in the touring/trekking line Brooks produces.

Brooks B17 Saddle

The Brooks B17 is the most popular saddle in bicycle touring and it is the one I use. They have been producing this saddle for over 100 years. Most find it very comfortable after breaking it in. It is a beautiful saddle and is made of quality leather. It provides the rider with a good balance between comfort and pedaling efficiency. I would recommend this saddle over the Flyer for bicycle tourists who like to ride at faster speeds. It is available in black and honey colors and multiple versions. The B17 S is the ladies version. For weight conscious riders they offer the B17 titanium with titanium rails that is 115 grams lighter. For those interested in aesthetics they offer the B17 Special with copper metalwork. The B17 Imperial has a center cut out in the leather that they claim to reduce perineal pressure. For those who want to limit the break in time they offer the B17 aged that has softer leather.

Click here to purchase the Brooks B17 saddle from REI

Brooks Flyer Saddle

The Flyer is the same length and width of the B17. The difference is it is a sprung saddle. You will lose pedaling efficiency compared to the B17, but it will be considerably more comfortable on bumpy roads and rough terrain. I would recommend this saddle over the B17 for bicycle tourists who are in no rush to their destination and want all day comfort. As with the B17, the Flyer is available in black/honey colors and in versions Flyer S, Flyer Aged, and Flyer Special.

Click here to purchase the Brooks Flyer saddle from REI

Get Shareaholic