Mudguards can help keep you and your bike clean and dry. Whether or not you need mudguards depends on the climate where you ride, the terrain you ride, and the type of riding you do. This guide answers the question ‘do I need mudguards on my bike?’ To answer that question, I’ll explain what exactly …
Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular for touring. They allow you to cover more ground each day while putting in less effort. Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider. This guide explains everything you need to know about electric bike touring. We’ll cover range, charging on the road, e-bike maintenance, cost, transporting e-bike, batteries, e-bike …
You can tour on pretty much any bike. That said, some bikes are better suited for long-distance fully loaded riding than others. This guide explains how to choose a touring bike. In this guide, I’ll outline all of the different features and components to look for. I’ll cover frame design, gearing, wheels, brakes, handlebars, tires, …
Are you thinking about switching from a traditional rack and panniers setup to bikepacking bags? After some extensive research and testing with both types of luggage, I put together this bikepacking bags vs panniers pros and cons list to help you decide which to go with on your next tour. This guide analyzes the volume …
Folding bike touring is becoming an increasingly popular niche in bicycle touring. Folding bikes offer a number of unique advantages over traditional touring bikes. They are easy to transport, versatile, and allow you to travel places that other bikes can’t go. Of course, there are some significant disadvantages as well. Folding bikes are less efficient …
When I first discovered bicycle touring and bikepacking, I immediately knew that it was something that I wanted to try. The idea of strapping some camping gear to my bike and exploring the countryside under my own power fascinated me. After researching bikepacking bags and panniers and racks, I was kind of turned off by …
When it comes to bicycle handlebars, you have two main choices. This list outlines all of the pros and cons of drop bars vs flat bars to help you decide which style to go with for your next bike. I’ll cover comfort, efficiency, aerodynamics, hand positions, climbing ability, and more. I’ll also outline a few …
An internal gear hub is a type of bicycle gear system where the gears and shifting mechanisms are enclosed within the rear hub. These systems have anywhere from 2-14 gears. Internal gear hubs are becoming increasingly popular. Particularly on touring bikes and commuter bikes. After some extensive research and testing on Rohloff and Shimano hubs, …
Gravel bikes and touring bikes are both designed for exploration and adventures. They are made for different types of riders. Touring bikes are ideal for long-distance, fully-loaded trips on mostly paved roads. Gravel bikes, on the other hand, are ideal for adventure riding on rougher gravel and dirt roads while carrying a lighter load. They’re …
Most bicycle tourists and bikepackers make it their goal to cycle south to a warm destination before winter arrives. If you properly prepare for cold weather, bicycle touring or bikepacking during the winter doesn’t have to be miserable. In fact, winter can offer some excellent cycling. The season is less crowded and the air is …