Bicycle touring in Italy
GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning system that can be useful to navigate when bicycle touring in unfamiliar area. You must still carry a map, GPS units don’t always work the way you might expect, and you don’t always have the coordinates you need for a destination, so you need a paper map for reference as backup. GPS units don’t work well, if at all, in under tree heavy cover so if you’re in a forest, you may need to find a clearing to set your position, which isn’t always easy.
Some of the things you need to look for:
Ease of use – you need a GPS that is easy to learn how to use, some offer touch screens
Construction – it is important your GPS is rugged, compact and lightweight. You will require a handheld type unit instead of a GPS designed for auto use, an excellent accessory is a bicycle mount for your handlebars. It should also be waterproof as it is sure to rain at some point during your bicycle tour.
Map Display – you need a GPS that can be easily read in all light conditions. You will want to test the unit from different viewing angles in direct sunlight for visibility.
Maps – a key your GPS is access to maps of your bicycle touring destination. Some GPS have built in maps but that may not be helpful if cycling in Asia or Europe. Fortunately most GPS units have a USB connection to enable you to download maps from your computer for your destination.
Batteries – do carry spare batteries but it is best to use common batteries such as AA size that can be purchased during your bicycle tour. if necessary. Also long battery life is essential; some two battery models have a longer life than the models with four batteries. Some people carry rechargeable batteries but the charger can add weight which you are trying to reduce while bicycle touring.
Accessories – you might want to consider a bicycle handlebar mounting kit, GPS maps, battery packs or a protective carrying case.
Using a GPS while Bicycle Touring
Before your bicycle tour, select some “waypoints” along your route, such as intended camp sites, towns, intersections etc, and using print or online maps with degree/minute/second guides, input the waypoints into the GPS unit to use as guideposts along the way so you don’t get lost.
A secondary reason for a GPS is that it can provide information about your bicycle tour such as knowing how far you’ve gone and what elevations you have climbed although a good bicycle computer will accomplish this as well.
Filed under Bicycle Touring Equipment by on Jul 26th, 2010. Comment. 
Do I require a touring bicycle? In a word, no, it really depends on the your style of bicycle touring.
If you are spending a week at a villa in Tuscany and taking day trips any bicycle capable of carrying your camera and traveling up the hills will do. While if you are cycling across Canada or the United States loaded with camping gear and proper touring bicycle is desired. And if on a two week bicycle tour on a European paved bicycle route while staying in hotels or bed and breakfasts a road bike or hybrid with racks, water bottle cages can sometimes work.
If you do use a road bike ensure that you use 700 x 28 tires and have a rear pannier rack. Fenders are nice but not a necessity. You will be fine on the road.
Filed under Bicycle Touring Equipment by on Jul 19th, 2010. Comment.
They are also known as Bike bags. You will be travelling loaded with your bicycle touring panniers to carry your gear, so you need to consider carefully the type you will purchase.
It is essential that you have two rear panniers and I find this is sufficient for all my gear when bicycle touring for up to 3-4 week. A handlebar bag for the camera, lunch and some tools can also be helpful. If you are camping front panniers will also be required because of the amount of gear you have.
What to look for when purchasing a bicycle touring pannier:
Protection against the elements – some bicycle panniers are waterproof, others are water resistant. An option with many is to purchase pannier covers.
Volume – how large are the panniers. Are they made for commuting or bicycle touring? You will want a large compartment with several small pockets for smaller items.
Durability – fabrics and materials used in the construction
Weight – how heavy are the panniers themselves, remember you will have to carry the panniers. Like much German made cycling gear the Ortlieb brand pannier is a little heavier, however it is sturdy and very waterproof.
Mounting – some bicycle panniers you just hook over the racks. Other panniers have a clip that actually snaps on to the rack. In either case you do not want your panniers falling off the bicycle
Style and colour – this is a personal choice. Some cyclists like bright colours for visibility and others a darker colour or black so the mud from the road does not show. Most bicycle panniers do have a reflective strip on them in either case.
Handles – when you need to carry the pannier into a hotel, on a plane or train or while sightseeing etc. Some panniers come with handles.
Major brands include Aixom, Delta, Delta, Jandd, Ortlieb and Sci’Con and others.
When cycling a long distance your choice of bicycle touring panniers is essential.
Filed under Bicycle Touring Equipment by on Jun 26th, 2010. Comment.