How to Outfit Your Bike
Accessories you need when bicycle touring -
Once you have a bike, here are some items that may make life easier on the road.
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Panniers -
When touring self-contained you need a way to carry gear. Depending on personal preference, cyclists can carry gear in panniers or in a trailer. Panniers (saddlebags) attach to your bicycle on racks that sit over or next to the wheels. Panniers come in pairs and are carried in the front or back of the bike. They should be made of a rugged, durable material that will stand up to extreme road and weather conditions. Unlike Ortleib panniers, not all bags are waterproof, but can be purchased with rain covers. Panniers come in top loading or side loading models. Top loading panniers have one big compartment, which makes them more waterproof. Side loaders have plenty of small compartments and are easier to access especially if they are rear panniers covered by a tent or sleeping bag. Make sure the panniers have a good mount system so they stay securely attached to your bike.
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Racks -
Racks are made of aluminum or stainless steel. Most racks bolt to front and rear drop-out eyelets and seat-stay braze-ons. For heavy-duty support on rough roads, stainless steel racks are stronger and more durable. If you do light or credit card touring you may only need a rear rack on your bike. Some rear racks have a flat surface on top. Along with carrying gear, the surface can double as a makeshift fender. If you are traveling self-contained with a ton of gear, you will also want front racks. The bike will handle easier if you split the weight between the front and rear wheels. Along with a traditional front rack, you can purchase a low-rider rack, which sits further down on the front wheel. This rack has a lower center of gravity, which improves the stability and handling of the bike.
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Trailers -
You can haul your gear behind you in a trailer if you don't want to carry additional weight on your bike. Trailers are easy to pack and unload. They attach to any rear bike wheel and come with one or two wheels. One wheel trailers are usually lighter and easier to tow on single-track or rough, narrow pathways because the trailer wheel tracks the bike's rear wheel. The single wheel can tilt from side to side when cornering (as the bicycle does), allowing for coordinated turns at high speeds. One drawback is the entire bike-trailer unit may be difficult and unstable to park unless you can prop it against a wall. Two wheel trailers are larger, have a greater load carrying capacity, and a wider cargo bed. They ride well on paved roads but have a tendency to tip over on very sharp or high-speed turns. Some trailers beds come with a waterproof covered cargo unit and others can be outfitted with waterproof covered cargo bags that fasten into the trailer frame.
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Hydration -
It's important to drink plenty of water when cycling. To stay hydrated you need to be equipped with water bottles. Most bottles are made of plastic and come in sizes ranging from 16 ounces to 32 ounces. Some are insulated, made of stainless steel, have an aerodynamic design, or a wide mouth for easy filling. Whatever your preference, make sure you have enough bottles to hold all of the water you need. Water bottle cages, designed to carry water bottles on your bike, can be installed on the frame, seat post, or handlebars. Most bikes come equipped with two water bottle cages on the frame. Some touring bikes come equipped with a set of braze-ons (threaded holes in the frame) for mounting a third water bottle under the down tube. If your bike isn't equipped with braze-ons, you can mount your cages with clamps.When you are on a long ride or cycling in a remote area with nowhere to stop and refill bottles, hydration packs come in handy. They are backpacks, like the ones made by Camelbak that hold liquids in a flexible plastic bag (reservoir). The reservoir contains a capped mouth for filling with a liquid and a hose that allows the wearer to drink hands-free. Most hoses end with a "bite valve" that opens when the user bites down on it. Depending on the size of the reservoir, packs can hold 1.5 to 3 liters (50-100 fluid ounces) of water.
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Bags -
A handlebar bag attaches to the bike's handlebars and is a convenient place to stash all of those items that you want nearby. I store my camera, snacks, cell phone, maps, sunscreen, lip balm, small first-aid kit, pocket knife, insect repellent, wallet, emergency information and hand wipes. My bag is detachable so when I leave my bike I can take it with me. Look for a brand that has easy-access pockets and zippers. Don't overload the bag with too much weight because it can make steering harder then necessary. Another bag is the seat bag that attaches under your saddle. These are convenient for holding Allen wrenches, chain lube, a tire patch kit, spare tubes, duct tape, a spoke wrench, a cable lock and a tire gauge.
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Tire pumps -
When your tire explodes with a major blowout or hisses like a snake with a slow leak, you will need a pump. When touring self-contained there are four options to consider. A frame pump attaches beneath the bike's top tube and is light and durable. With a few easy strokes, this pump will have you back on the road in no time. If you don't have room to hold a frame pump consider a mini-pump. This compact pump can be carried in a seat bag or mounted to a bike frame with an adaptor. A mini-pump isn't as powerful as a frame pump so it takes longer to inflate a tire. For a faster option, try a CO2 cartridge. This small metal container of compressed air attaches to an inflator that regulates and releases CO2 into the tire. Your tires won't stay inflated as long but it is a good quick fix. The final option is a CO2 mini-pump. Here you have the best of both worlds with a mini-pump that can also use CO2 cartridges. Whatever pump you choose, make sure the pump nozzle fits the kind of tube you have. There are two kinds of tube valves: Schrader and Presta. Most pumps will convert from one to the other.
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Rearview mirrors -
I use a rearview mirror so I can see what is happening behind me. With one glance, I can safely survey the road without disrupting my riding and take any needed precautions when necessary. A rearview mirror is no substitute for looking over your shoulder in heavy traffic. When I make a lane change, I always look behind me first because mirrors only provide a limited field of vision.
A rearview mirror can be mounted on your handlebars or helmet/eyeglasses. My mirror is mounted on my left handlebar to provide a clear view of passing traffic. When mounted properly the mirror doesn't vibrate or shake with every bump in the road. They fit on straight or drop handlebars and are easily adjusted for a good view. Eyeglasses/helmet mirror users have a broader view than the fixed handlebar mirror by rotating their head to scan more background. Some cyclists require an adjustment period to get comfortable with the mirror, especially if it is mounted on the side opposite to the dominant eye. Whatever mirror you choose practice using it before you hit the open road.
Cycling computers -
When touring a computer (cyclometer) can give useful information for optimal riding efficiency. The computer consists of a small screen mounted to the handlebars and a magnetic sensor that attaches to the spokes or fork of the bike. Wires (wired computer) or a transmitter (wireless computer) send information from the screen to the sensor. From the display, you can see the distance traveled, speed, average speed, length of time, and total time (a clock and the date). Sophisticated units can give information on outside temperature, cadence, heart rate, slope incline and altitude. For the high tech cyclist there are now GPS cyclometers.
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Lights -
To be visible when riding at night, dusk, early morning, in fog or inclement weather, it's important to have front and rear lights on your bike. Front lights mount on your handlebars or helmet so that other vehicles can see you. They are not intended to light your way down the road. Most lights have a flashing and steady mode for optimum visibility. High-powered headlights are brighter so you can ride under the darkest conditions. They mount on your handlebars or helmet. They are powered by rechargeable battery packs that attach to the bike frame, fit inside water bottle cages or around your waist. Rear safety lights come with a steady or flashing red light so you are easier to spot from behind. Most come with a clip or bike mount for your seat post or rear rack. When my bike is loaded with gear, I clip the light to my Camelbak or to the back of my bike shorts so it is visible.