Subscribe to Outside Magazine
advertisement
2009 Winter Buyer's Guide
View the entire 300-plus collection of must-have gear items tailor-made for your adventurous lifestyle. PLUS: A special section on womens gear.
Gear Guy

Today's Question
I'm looking for the lightest breatheable bivy sack out there, any suggestions? answer

What is the best way to carry water on a hike? answer

Gear Girl

Today's Question
What's a good women's analog watch for under $200? answer

What equipment should a new mountain biker buy? answer

Workbench

Skin Care

Gear Upgrade

Make a Ski Sling

User Reviews

User Reviews

Browse Outdoor Gear

Online Favorites

Special Issues

Photo Galleries

save this page print this page email this page
  • share this page

2006 Buyer's Guide

2006 Outside Buyer's Guide
The Goods: Bike Touring
Focus on the scenery—not your gear—by packing for long, comfortable miles

By Aaron Gulley


Adventure Racing | Bike Touring | Sport Climbing | Scuba Diving | Fly-Fishing

Bike Touring
Photograph by Jens Mortensen

1. RIVENDELL ATLANTIS // Handcrafted of forgiving chromoly steel and equipped with mercifully small gears (26-36-46 in front), this is the ultimate touring bike: durable and easy to pedal, even under a load. $1,400 (frame only); www.rivbike.com

2. KRYPTONITE KCL // Here's an overdue brainstorm: Get lock-tight security with a built-in LED to prevent after-dark futzing. $17; www.kryptonitelock.com

3. ORTLIEB BIKE TOURER // It's the Fort Knox of panniers: totally secure. The PU-coated, seam-welded bags are impervious to knocks, scrapes, and weather. $250 per pair; www.ortliebusa.com

4. NALINI FABIO SKULLCAP // This beanie fits neatly under your helmet for cold-weather warmth. $30; www.albabici.com

5. SHOWERS PAST ELITE JACKET // When you can't change your itinerary because of a little rain, ride on through with this trim eVent shell. The rear pocket even keeps your iPod cranking in a storm. $180; www.showerspass.com

6. PEARL IZUMI THERMAFLEECE ARM AND LEG WARMERS // These pull-ons deliver quick, efficient warmth without the bulk of extra garments. $25 (arms), $45 (legs); www.pearlizumi.com

7. ASSOS THERMAX WINTER GLOVE // Forecast iffy? This insulated glove has the dexterity of a lightweight but cuts the chill like a mitten. $63; www.assos.com

8. BOB YAK PLUS TRAILER // For bigger-than-pannier loads, the cavernous, smooth-rolling Yak is the standard. $329, with Dry Sak; www.bobgear.com

9. BLACKBURN SYSTEM X3 // Sunset coming and your B&B is still miles away? This lamp's smart charger means you'll never get left in the dark. $150; www.systemxlights.com

10. WANDERTEC CELLO BIKE CASE // This airline-approved carrying case protects your ride en route, then folds neatly onto a trailer while you're touring. $400; www.wandertec.com



Next Page: Ten indispensable cragging tools—don't leave the ground without them

Adventure Racing | Bike Touring | Sport Climbing | Scuba Diving | Fly-Fishing

 Subscribe to Outside and get a FREE Gift!
 Give the gift of Outside Magazine!
 Subscribe to Outside Online's free weekly e-mail newsletter featuring gear reviews, fitness advice, galleries, podcasts, and more.