Bike Bags
Modern bike bags strap to the seat post, handlebars and frame without requiring the use of racks. Racks add unwanted weight to the bike. These manufacturers make high quality bags, but the demand for the bags exceeds their supply capacity. Order well in advance and be prepared to wait. You will be pleased when they finally arrive.
Revelate designs: http://www.revelatedesigns.com/index.cfm
Carosel Designworks: http://carouseldesignworks.com/
Ultra lightweight bivy’s, quilts
Mountain Laurel Designs uses some of the lightest weight materials of construction and proven manufacturing techniques to make ultra-light weight outdoor equipment. A 3 lb sleep system is the gold standard. Don’t expect this stuff to stand up to week after week of abuse though. If tough, durable long term reliability is what you are after, go for the heavier, more traditionally made equipment and use the ultra-light weight equipment for those special trips.
Bivy, Ground cloth, Quilt: http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/index.php
Shoes - Pearl Izumi Trans Alp Enduro II
My number two issue is foot comfort. Foot comfort is related to leg strength and recovery. Bike packing requires shoes that can be walked in for miles on uneven terrain, in snow, slop and on steep surfaces AND pedaled in for 12-16 hours a day without developing numbness problems. Pearl Izumi’s Trans Alp Enduro II foot bed can be custom configured to unique rider requirements. The ratcheting top closure provides for adjustment, can be operating with gloved hands and does not come loose when walking through snow slop.
GPS - Garmin GPS Map62sc
Navigating with a GPS is the fastest way to move through unfamiliar territory. The Garmin GPS Map62sc uses replaceable, lithium ion AA batteries for maximum battery life, has enough built in memory to hold 2800 miles of the Great Divide route, has push buttons that function with gloved hands, and features a screen that is large and bright enough to read with tired eyes. The handlebar mounting bracket is not as secure as it could be, so tether the GPS to handlebars so that if it comes loose on a bumpy fast descent, you don’t lose it over the edge of the cliff.
Insulated Jacket - Patagonia Nano Puff
Light weight, compressible, comfortable, synthetic filling make this one of the best jackets in its class on the market
Drive Train – Shimano XT 3 x 9
Every bike shop I went in said, we carry only the most commonly available parts and equipment. Hence, the Shimano XT 3 x 9 drivetrain. It can be geared as low or as high as needed. Plan for lower gears because after 10 hours in the saddle, climbing a 12% grade on a loaded bike is easier in the saddle in a low gear than walking beside the bike.
Clothing in general –
I look for the following design features in clothing that is worn multiple days without washing:
1) Sturdy zippers with pulls that can be operated with gloved hands and don’t hang up. Two way zippers are preferred.
2) Well stitched seams that do not cause chafing or itching.
3) Large jersey pockets that can be accessed with gloved hands.
4) Chamois that has a smooth surface, antimicrobial technology and padding that is not too thick. Many of the synthetic chamois fabrics turn into abrasives over time and cause irritation. Too much padding or gel in the chamois can cause numbness due to creating pressure points and skin folds.
5) Moisture vapor transport technology such as GORE Tex is preferable. Spending time to make clothing adjustments gets old. Weather conditions change constantly from warm to wet to cool to cold back to hot. Being able to simply slide a zipper to vent a garment is the best way to keep from overheating on the climb, becoming too cold on the descent or getting wet when that dark cloud opens up.