What I have so far.

[Flemmings]

My gear so far.I am building up gear and weeding out the junk that doesn't work. I'm wanting to basically have a bicycle setup and tour the country on the cheap while hopefully not returning to the 9 to 5 life for several years. Y'all have any suggestions or recommendations on gear? Keep in mind though that my gear will be geared towards the northern states and Canada. Ive been south and I really dislike the heat. I much prefer the cold and the hardships it brings, imo, it's what makes me feel alive.

This is my large alice pack with the metal frame.



Redundant fire starting stuff
Enzo trapper bushcraft knife
Dryer lint for easy fire start
Couple of ferro rods


My camp kitchen gear.
14cm zebra pot
Usgi canteen cup
1.5 liter Kelly kettle
P-38 can openers
Lightmyfire spoon fork combo


My sleep gear
4 piece ECW military sleep system
Sleep pad
Koppen compressed camp pillow.



Plenty of paracord and rope



Gransfors bruks Scandinavian forest axe
21 inch sven saw




Katadyn pocket micro filter



Shelter
10 x10 foot equinox camp tarp
2 5x7 foot reflective survival tarps
2 swiss alpenflange camo ponchos



Assorted junk
Nail clippers
Extra pair of prescription eye glasses
Duct tape
Mosquito head net
Harmonica
Solar power latern filled with fishing gear
14lb fish line


2 1 liter water bottles
1 750ml water bottle



Redwing boots
Flipflops
Tie on ice/mud cleats



3 t shirts
2 shorts
1 pair of pants
Not shown are 6 socks and winter gear such as coat, hoodie, bibs, thermal underwear, rubber boots, wool socks and gloves, etc, etc,


The 2 books I bring with me



And my new bicycle that I'm going to use to learn bicycle maintenance on before I bite the bullet and get the trek bicycle I want. Gonna either get a trailer or use a rack and tie my gear to the bike. However, im leaning towards a trailer, and I do that I'm looking into getting the Bob ibew trailer.

 

[Traveler]

I use a trailer with my bike. I recommend it since you have quite a bit of gear to take. Keep ground clearance in mind when picking one out.

 

[Tude]

I'm assuming the bicycle for your avatar is what you are going with - front panniers and trailer - good idea to balance the weight. What I didn't see is any bicycle tools. You definitely need tools - but I'll assume you have them too. And do take a tire - folding are best for travel hehe - and lots of tubes and a darn good air pump - not a bad idea to include a CO2 pump and cartridges as well - all light weight. And research .... where you are going - what bike shops are on the way etc. I've done a couple tours - one quite long - but I had a sag wagon - but I also did research and knew when a bike shop was within reach - and as it turned out the sag wagon was not around and we had a bike that was rideable - totally broken (I mean welds???) so had to manage that for about 5 miles (we walked it with him).

Also how are you on those disc brakes? My one mtb is disc and those things can beeeee sooo finicky on adjustments - I have a hard time with them myself.

Bicycling shoes? What are you planning on? Oh and since you are doing northern states and such and not sure as to when you are leaving but was wondering if you have studded tires planned. I run them during the winter on my commuter.

You really look like you are set for the long haul!!! I'm a long time member on several bicycling sites and know bicyclists and bicycle clubs around the country - so if you are in need of info or help - do let me know. Oh and hay - since you're going through the northern states - when you decide on NY - you have a couch and a shower here!

Sorry if I inundated you with questions - I find this exciting - I want to do something like this in the next couple years, but on a smaller basis and hopefully you keep us informed as to what you have seen or doing.

 

[Art101]

Lol Tude I have the same dang red wings they last forever.Love those boots.I hop so the whole bicycling thing I have no idea on.That said you do have a pretty solid set up for catching out.

 

[Tude]

@Ghostbo - hella yeah - he has some good stuff in place. And yeah I'm a long time bicyclist so I have the equipment and all the shoes and stuff - love my mtb shoes and cleats with clipless - especially going through the hills. Kate Westcoast is on the move as well with her set up. Totally envious of all these people doing this! Living Life!!

 

[Flemmings]

I'm assuming the bicycle for your avatar is what you are going with - front panniers and trailer - good idea to balance the weight. What I didn't see is any bicycle tools. You definitely need tools - but I'll assume you have them too. And do take a tire - folding are best for travel hehe - and lots of tubes and a darn good air pump - not a bad idea to include a CO2 pump and cartridges as well - all light weight. And research .... where you are going - what bike shops are on the way etc. I've done a couple tours - one quite long - but I had a sag wagon - but I also did research and knew when a bike shop was within reach - and as it turned out the sag wagon was not around and we had a bike that was rideable - totally broken (I mean welds???) so had to manage that for about 5 miles (we walked it with him).

Also how are you on those disc brakes? My one mtb is disc and those things can beeeee sooo finicky on adjustments - I have a hard time with them myself.

Bicycling shoes? What are you planning on? Oh and since you are doing northern states and such and not sure as to when you are leaving but was wondering if you have studded tires planned. I run them during the winter on my commuter.

You really look like you are set for the long haul!!! I'm a long time member on several bicycling sites and know bicyclists and bicycle clubs around the country - so if you are in need of info or help - do let me know. Oh and hay - since you're going through the northern states - when you decide on NY - you have a couch and a shower here!

Sorry if I inundated you with questions - I find this exciting - I want to do something like this in the next couple years, but on a smaller basis and hopefully you keep us informed as to what you have seen or doing.

Your good with them, those questikns are good because they bring up stuff I let slip my mind or didn't know about.
I have some tools on my amazon wish list right now just waiting for pay checks from McDonald's to buy them. As for the tubes and tires, will buy a lot of them when I get ready to go. Yep, the bicycle in my avatar is that I am wanting to set up like. I'm looking into those bob ibex 28 trailers for 29 inch and 700cc bikes.

I have no experience with disc brakes. Do you recomend a bike that uses only the v brakds or whatever they are called? The bicycle I have is one I got to commute back and forth to work and to fittle around with to learn about them, but have to wait until I get the tools to really start learning.

Also, I was just going to wear whatever as shoes. Is it better to wear a specific type of shoes when touring? I'm new to the world of bicycle touring and long distance bike rides. To be truthful I don't really know what I'm getting into I just assumed that this would be a more fun, and cheaper way to get about the country. I'm not planning on doing this until spring 2015. I want to get all my gear set up first and make some plans on where to go first. Also, gotta wait on my passport.

Lol Tude I have the same dang red wings they last forever.Love those boots.I hop so the whole bicycling thing I have no idea on.That said you do have a pretty solid set up for catching out.

Heck yea man, I love these boots too, I've had them for about 7 years now. Best footwear I've ever had. These are about due for retirement as the leather is starting to rot when the foot bends right below the string holes. Bought them on sale for $130 normally 280 or slmething like that. Not sure I'll be able to find a deal like that again.

 

[Tude]

Let me see what tools and bicycle stuffs I can shed down to you. Planning ahead is an awesome idea for a venture such as this. Cool!!

Keep in touch with me as I have several multiple bicycle tools. k?

 

[Tude]

vbrakes are freaking easy to replace. Plus if you have gone through some wet weather and nasty - -wipe off your rims so your brakes reconnect again - LOL I've freaking freaked out a couple of places - Dunkin Donuts and a McDonalds with a HEY! WHERES YOUR BATHROOM as I walk in with blood down my leg and looking to wipe it off - but I am prepped for all that stuff anyway - you have to be.

Those brakes are cheap and easy replacing. I love my discs on my on mountain but it's not something I'd do for long distance

 

[Anagor]

Hi!

Also, I was just going to wear whatever as shoes. Is it better to wear a specific type of shoes when touring?

I'm not an expert, but you may want to consider getting cycling shoes ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_shoe
With these shoes you can push and pull the pedals. You need to have special pedals of course.
Other then that I think boots are great for hiking (and you should take them with you), but on the road on a bike I think lightweight shoes are better.
Just my two cents ...

 

[Art101]

Lol I acquired my boots at a mission and they were already nice and broken in but serve me well.

 

[Tude]

ohhh I still envy you - - when are you planning on heading out?

 

[Art101]

Maybe able to pull a trip off this fall.Kinda got a few things that are holding me back.But really need to get some traveling in.