Recommended by an experienced bicycle tourist
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I've used this rack on all my bicycle tours and highly recommend it. It's really robust and can take a lot of punishment. It's really simple to fix your panniers to it quickly. There is a standard and disc brake fitting so make sure you choose the right one. -
The Topeak Hexus II Bike Multitool is a really useful tool to keep in your saddle bag. It's got a whole load of different tools and great for tightening up loose bolts, fix your chain, reassemble your pedals etc. I use it right from the break down and boxing of my bike to the disassembly and reboxing and everything in between. I highly recommend taking one as I have used it on every tour. -
Another simple accessory which can help make your touring life easier. This cargo nets work well with my Topeak Super Tourist back rack and you can stuff a surprising amount of kit under them. Stowing kit under them is easy and stays put. I recommend one for your cycling tour. -
These are great for stowing essential items such as puncture repair kits, tools, emergency rations etc. since it's easy to access once you've dismounted you bike. I have various sizes – small for short journeys up to large for touring. They are fixed by straps so easy to fit to most saddles. Fits my Brooks B17 without issue. -
This is the the perfect sleeping mat for cycling. It is comfortable, lightweight and packs up small. You don't want to be messing about with punctures or mattresses losing air so best keep it simple. I highly recommend this one since it folds up in to an nice block with no space lost. Go for it and sleep tight! -
I've realised that when cycle touring the only reason I take a plug adaptor is to charge my tech using USB. This tends to be my Apple charger with single USB port so you have to be on the ball when charging and queue for charging. A USB Plug Travel Adaptor with 4 Ports is a good buy since you can forget about your plug adaptor and USB plug and just take this one. Not only is it compatible with EU and US plugs it also has a UK adaptor so you can use it all the the time not just on tour. -
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With such fantastic scenery to see on our bike tours I like to take lots of photos. My Nikon SLR is not really very practical being too bulky and heavy so my snap camera is what I took along. With iPhones taking such good photos you might wonder why I need a camera at all. The reason is that I like to take photos when riding so an iPhone would be too difficult to operate whilst moving. The answer is the Sony DSCWX350 with a lanyard attached to it to avoid dropping. The battery lasts a long while and it has a decent 20x zoom. Consider getting this camera tripod too. Worth every penny! -
Silk inner gloves are a good tip for keeping your hands warm with minimal bulk and weight. I've used silk inner gloves since my early motorcycling days where I'd always keep a pair in my leather jacket. On cycle tours I've used them under my mits when it was cold. A really versatile accessory you should take with you. -
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I have always used cleats to attach myself to my pedals. All the additional power you get on the upstrokes is certainly worth it (reportedly up to 10%). When touring you can be in and out of the SPD pedals a lot, so I use these Shimano SPD pedals because they are quite large and can be used with normal shoes too. They are easy to pedal without fully clipping yourself in which is useful in towns. Thoroughly recommended so get some additional power. -
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In conjunction with your cycling overshoes and cycling shoes, a pair of waterproof socks are a good investment. If your expecting rain then stick them on to ensure your feet don't get wet. Wet feet are not pleasant at all on cycle tour so keep your feet nice and dry with these socks. -
Keeping your hands dry when cycling is essential. Once they get wet, the continual airflow over your hands will make it very uncomfortable – same with your feet. These gloves have served me well in the wet and cold. Being fully waterproof, they are warm, breathable and have a good grip. Another great feature is that I can still use my iPhone while I'm wearing them, as opposed to removing them each time I need to use it. -
A Power Bank is an essential item these days to keep your iPhone or Android charged. I use my iPhone for navigation, route mapping, photography, videos, social media etc so it's on all the time draining the battery. A big Power Bank should keep you in power all day with a full charge over night. I don't normally go for gimmicks but this one has a torch which is useful and solar charging. Solar charging is usually a bit disappointing at the moment but a trickle charge when you are riding or walking helps top it up. If you end up in an emergency situation the solar might just help!