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
What happened to external-frame backpacks? answer

What pack should I use for a multi-day ski touring trip in Patagonia? answer

Gear Girl

Today's Question
What are the best lightweight, warm-weather hiking boots? answer

Can you recommend clothing with insect repellent in the fabric? 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.