Bicycle touring equipment wanted

[ascottsa]

Hi

i have made the last minute decision to tour South America for 4 months and i am looking for cycle touring gear including back and fronts pannier racks and bags. Preferably second hand but i am also looking for advice on where to buy new.

 

Has anyone ordered gear from overseas (say chainreaction cycles) how long does the gear take to arrive?

 

Thank you

Andrew

[mojopup]

Hi,

 

www.cycletouring.co.za

 

They sell everything you need and are clued up and they have stuff that would last. I wouldnt buy 2nd hand - touring stuff goes through hell on the road. Just a tip: check your bike to make sure if it has eyelets above the dropouts. If it does, phew. If it doesnt, then you still ok cause cycletouring sells a pannier for that.

 

I have recently just completed a tour, so shout if you need help or advice.

 

Regards

 

Di

[ascottsa]

Hi,

 

www.cycletouring.co.za

 

They sell everything you need and are clued up and they have stuff that would last. I wouldnt buy 2nd hand - touring stuff goes through hell on the road. Just a tip: check your bike to make sure if it has eyelets above the dropouts. If it does, phew. If it doesnt, then you still ok cause cycletouring sells a pannier for that.

 

I have recently just completed a tour, so shout if you need help or advice.

 

Regards

 

Di

Hi Di

 

Thanks i have checked out the site and had a chat to Grant he is very helpful. Do you know what the quality of his equipment is like and how good his prices are?

 

Thanks

Andrew

[mojopup]

Sorry for only responding now. The stuff he sells is amazing! Its the best of the best and are the brands that global tourers use. Regards prices, from what I saw, his prices are great. Its seriously worth spending the money. I found Grant very helpful as well and I found his advice spot on. Looking at his site, he has some well priced sets. (The Ortlieb set looks wow but doesnt include rain covers. The Arkel is also wow but doesnt include a rack pack.) (A rack pack is a bag that fits on the top of the rack.)

 

Another little tip: a kickstand is worth it!! This is where i would el cheapo if you are going for a side stand (Checkers / Game) but a double kickstand is better with a full load.

 

Look at the links on his site - will give a good idea as to what you are in for.

 

Also look at my blog (i did pm this to you): http://goingsomewhereslowly.blogspot.com I have included product reviews in there too.

 

Sadly in SA there is so little info on touring and not nearly enough cyclists who tour. I am so hooked on touring its not even funny - I am already trying to work out my next adventure! SA is so stunning so its a great pity.

 

Shout if you need any more advice.

[ascottsa]

thank you again di

http://www.overboardafrica.co.za/ are a cape town crowd who sell pannier bags. have you ever heard anything about their products.

 

I had a quick look at your blog very cool....i notice that you only use back panniers? do you think that you can get away with only back panniers for a four month trip through south america with all the necessary camping gear?

 

thanks andrew

[mojopup]

Always a pleasure to help a fellow tourer.

 

I hadnt heard of them but their products look quite good. Just contact them and ask how the bags attach because that is going to be your enemy.

 

I do not see an issue with using day packs provided you work a way to connect everything easily (I used toe clips). My biggest gripe was adding the stuff on the top (sleeping bags etc) but got it right eventually. It was the cheapest way and it was cool cause I could pick bags I liked (just ensure it has seriously strong straps and a top handle. Maybe get a mechanically inclined person to create a rigging system for you. And, look at a duffel bag for the top stuff (so for your sleeping bag and tent etc) but just make sure you strap it down WELL! Oh and make a plan to waterproof your stuff if you are going this route. Cape Union Mart have good bags. So basically: yes, you can ride with day packs, but is more admin.

 

Oh, an invaluable tool is this book: http://www.kalahari.com/books/The-Essential-Touring-Cyclist/632/9519474.aspx will teach you how to pack your stuff and explain the essentials like what happens if you load certain ways.