Newbie looking for Good Gear advice

[crazycloud]

Ive been an active backpacker for years, and now I want to combine my love of travelling, camping, and bikes and take a long tour of the american southwest this winter... Where are the best online stores for gear that works and low prices? Im thinking of doing a light pannier, waterproof trailer set up... carrying most of my stuff in the trailer..

[pptouring]

... Where are the best online stores for gear that works and low prices?

Not sure, I generally try and support my LBS, but that is me.

[Tourista829]

www.biketrailershop.com 800 717-2596 & www.bikebagshop.com 800 717-2596 out of Flagstaff, Az. Sharp prices, 5% discount on purchase of more than one item and free shipping over a certain amount.

[rvklassen]

www.biketrailershop.com 800 717-2596 & www.bikebagshop.com 800 717-2596 out of Flagstaff, Az. Sharp prices, 5% discount on purchase of more than one item and free shipping over a certain amount.

... Except if you want Arkel, which they no longer carry (but might again).  I was very happy with them for my Arkel purchase last summer, but couldn't get more there this year.

[Pat Lamb]

You might just want a handlebar bag, like the Ortlieb from www.thetouringstore.com or www.wallbike.com.  Everything else could go on the trailer, about which I have zero knowledge.  Aside from a spare cable or two, a spare spoke or two, and maybe a rain jacket, you've probably got all the other gear you'll need from hiking.

[DwarvenChef]

... Where are the best online stores for gear that works and low prices?

Not sure, I generally try and support my LBS, but that is me.

I'm with ya there, I just found a good one and I'm trying to work with them on my needs. So far we have had a good exchange

[cyclocamping]

You can find a great selection and excellent prices on some of the best brands for Bicycle Touring Gear and Camping Equipment @ http://www.cyclocamping.com

[crazycloud]

thanks for the pointers... it would be nice to be able to enjoy the mobility of bicycle touring for enjoying the great outdoors.. especially the southwest of america... the roads are a bit narrow up here in redwood country...

[johnsondasw]

I get a lot of the little stuff (tubes, tires, seat bags, even some clothing, etc.) from REI. It's a real treat every year to get that dividend.  It's kind of like getting a 10% discount, all accumulated at once. This year I was able to buy 2 Continental 4000's with it and still have some left over.  But then I buy a lot of climbing and backpacking gear there too.  That's why the refund was so generous. 

I would go to my LBS if there were a decent one around where I live.  We had a great one, but the recession drove him out of business.   

[paddleboy17]

There is always something to be said for being able to examine gear before you buy it.  I always try to start with my local store, be it for bike stuff or camping gear.  And when the local does not have what I want, I do mail/web order.  I find that the price advantage for mail order is not what it used to be.  Many things sell at list price, and paying sales tax at the local shop is cheaper than shipping from a mail order site.