Choosing The Perfect Accessories For Your Bike Trip
If you want to be serious about biking, you need to make sure you have the right
accessories for all of your needs on the trip! This means first having the right rack to store the things you need.Bike racks provide the rigid frameworks upon which many bags can be attached. They hold the bags out away from your legs and the moving parts of the bicycle.
Rear racks are especially popular among touring cyclists, since they can be used to store moderate to large amounts of gear, in one of the most efficient and safe positions on the bike-low over the rear wheel, centered side to side.
Like rear racks, front racks also provide a framework upon which bags can be hung. They are less popular than rear racks because they add weight to the bicycle's front wheel, which can affect steering and control.
Front racks are typically used only on tours that require lots of storage space. Next, you may want to get some saddlebags.
These small-capacity bags fit directly under your saddle. They hold small items (tool kits, money, tire levers) in an easy-to-reach place, creating minimal wind resistance.
They provide quick, easy access to items such as tool kits, money, and credit cards. On short day trips, they often provide just enough storage space for bare essentials.
You could also try a handlebar sack. These bags attach to your handlebars using clamps or straps.
They are perfect for carrying small items (maps, snacks, camera, riding gloves) in a convenient place. Most handlebar bags are easy to attach and remove.
Some even come with shoulder straps for use when you are off your bike. Many have convenient see-through map cases so you can refer to your maps while riding.
One you have a rack, you will need a trunk. These roomy storage containers attach to the top shelves of bicycle racks.
They are typically used to hold long, large, or awkwardly shaped gear items that will not fit easily into other containers. Some models offer a shoulder strap, useful for carrying valuable gear (camera, CD player) with you when you leave the bike.
Rack trunks can be used by themselves on shorter tours, or with panniers on long trips. When used on the rear rack, these trunks can hold a lot of gear without adding a lot of wind-resistance.
Unfortunately, they cannot be accessed while riding. Also, some may be too small to hold large items (like tents or sleeping pads) that don't fit into panniers easily.
It is often easier to strap such items directly to the top shelf of your rear rack than to fit them into trunk. It is a long running debate which is better for carrying your gear: panniers, or one-wheeled trailers.
Each has its conveniences and drawbacks, and the choice is a matter of personal preference. Trailers come in a variety of styles and sizes and have multiple uses.
They come in handy when your equipment load is large or bulky, or when your bike does not accept panniers. They are a better bet when mountain touring along single-track.
They track well and, unlike panniers, are not a magnet for shrubs and trees. Some models are even made specifically for children.
They disengage for non load biking, making them popular among touring mountain bikers. They attach to almost any kind of equipment.
They keep weight loads extremely low to the ground, which will make your ability to have balance and control much easier. Two-wheeled trailers increase your wind-resistance and rolling resistance, however.
Gear may not be as accessible as with panniers. Sometimes, they can make cycling more difficult, especially on highly variable terrain.
They do require some practice before you feel comfortable with them. If you anticipate a variety in your tours, develop a system of bike bags that can be adapted to the tour.
Start out slowly, purchasing one or two bags for your first few trips, then add more storage options as your plans get more adventurous. If you have the right kind of storage containers, your trip will be much more convenient and comfortable.
Talk to a bike shop today about what kinds of accessories would be best for your needs. If you get the right equipment now, you will not have to worry about any of your things while enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.
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