Surly LHT: Need help setting my bike up

[adventurepdx]

I second a Princeton Tec light.  Their EOS is a pretty bright battery powered light. It can be either mounted on the 'bars or on the helmet, and it comes with a soft strap so you can use it in-camp as a headlamp.  Very practical!

It doesn't look like it's been mentioned yet, so: don't forget a lock!

[Galloper]

I've got the 26" model in contrast to my other tourers which have 700.   I like it a lot.   There are pros and cons, of course but they're as you would expect.   In all fairness I have to say I'm equally happy with either - swings and roundabouts.

+1 for the GPS.   I use a Garmin 605 which lasts a couple of days between charges.   I recharge it in motels or use the razor socket in a camp site.   I also use a solar charger and have never had any problems in keeping it going.   It's not much good for serious route planning and you can't really see what's outside it' narrow picture so maps are a necessity.   As mentioned above, it's best helping you find your way through built up areas or in finding motels/campsites etc.

[popeyespal]

I think I have the trump card as far as lights go.

Attaches ANYWHERE on the bike.
100 Lumen CREE LED (3 intensity settings)
Is the perfect camp light.
Costs less than $35

http://joby.com/gorillatorch/flare/features





This is the Joby on my LHT.

[staehpj1]

I think I have the trump card as far as lights go.

Have you actually used it on tour yet?  I ask because I was greatly disappointed with my Goby Gorilla pod,  disappointed enough that I gave it away.  I didn't use it with a light, but really didn't like it as a camera tripod (my Ultrapod 2 has worked out much better in that usage).  I can't imagine the Goby working all that well on the bike or holding up well.  With very little use, the legs kept coming apart and it never seemed very stable or attached as easily as it looked like it would.

If you will be riding a lot at night consider something like the Viewpoint Flare 5, but I prefer to just use a Petzl Tikka headlamp.  It is a gret lamp for in camp and works in a pinch if I get stuck riding in the dark once in a while.

Petzl Tikka


Flare 5

[popeyespal]

I haven't used it on a full blown tour but I have used it on 3 weekend training trips. Worked perfectly with no issues.

It is what I will be carrying when I take off around the country in May.

[staehpj1]

I haven't used it on a full blown tour but I have used it on 3 weekend training trips. Worked perfectly with no issues.

It is what I will be carrying when I take off around the country in May.

The Gobypod didn't work out well for me, but lots of folks seem to like it.  Good luck with it and I hope it works out well for you.

BTW, have a great trip!

[John Nelson]

The advertising for these mini-tripods always show it attached to some tree branch. But it always seemed to me that the tree branch I found handy was too thick to make it work. I prefer headbands for my light. For pictures, I got pretty good at the arms-length shot, which is much easier and quicker to set up than the mini-tripod.

[Tourista829]

PP pal, like the gorilla torch!!!!  My suggestions:

1. Camelback100oz
2. Mud guard to attach to front fender
3. Dyno hub/E-Werke to run lighting, phone & accessories
4. Ortlieb Waterproof Panniers (many colors)
5. Handlebar bag (I like Jandd better, multiple compartments with separate waterproof cover)
6. Thermobell
7. Tool & Emergency Kits
8. Head lamp for camping
9. Minoura LH-50 Besso Light Holder and adjustable stem
10. Thermo Rest matress pad with seat holder (REI)
11. SmartStraps Toggle Ball Bungee Cords — 8-Pc. Set, Model# 110 Item# 322775Only $3.99 (Good for sleeping bag, tent, matress pad)
12. Waterproof holder for matches and to keep documents dry
13. Click Stand

Not to end on lucky 13, argueably, the single most important item for safety other than Tony's suggestion for a good mirror*

14. Rear Safety Triangle  $11.00 http://www.adventurecycling.org/store/images/products/safety_triangle_sm2.jpg

*We like the Ortlieb Ultralite Bike Mirror from Adventure Cycling $22.00

[Stevenp]

PP pal, like the gorilla torch!!!!  My suggestions:

1. Camelback100oz
2. Mud guard to attach to front fender

9. Minoura LH-50 Besso Light Holder and adjustable stem

I like that spider-looking light holder, but I have considered it for holding the camera for taking pictures with me in them. Can I use that for both a camera and a light?

What's with the Minoura LH-50 Besso stem? What's the point of having it?

Then also, the Camelback—is it advantageous to have both the water bottles and the camelbak?

As for the mud guard, I have been told it is just adding more weight to the bike and that it isn't worth it. The back of the bike is protected by the panniers, but do you really think a mud guard and fender are worth the extra 5 lbs on the bike?

[popeyespal]

I like that spider-looking light holder, but I have considered it for holding the camera for taking pictures with me in them. Can I use that for both a camera and a light?

The back of the bike is protected by the panniers, but do you really think a mud guard and fender are worth the extra 5 lbs on the bike?

The GorillaTorch light can not be used as a camera tripod but they do make one in the same size specifically for cameras.

Yes. The fenders will help prevent mud and water from coating the backsides of your gear and self. The REAR mudflap is to help those riders in line behind you and even if you are going solo....at times there will be riders behind you.

....and...5lbs?  What kind of fender and mudflap are you looking at?

[tonythomson]

+1 for fenders - absolute must when touring IMHO.  Keep you and your gear clean, one of the most difficult things to achieve on tour. And they are so light weight and stand up to a lot of punishment, also not sure were 5lb came from.

[lonerider]

Yes, yes, yes to mud guards. 2lbs max for a set of SKS. The weight is no big deal for the benefits they provide.