FRAME BAGS
I stole the idea from Eric Parsons in Alaska. He makes all sorts of space saving bicycle accessories under the name of Epic Designs. Eric also rides a pretty crazy looking bike with tyres wide enough to deal with snow. The frame bags took my eye in particular as they allow you to shed the extra weight/bulk of a rear rack, and are more aerodynamic. Even though aerodynamics are not that critical at touring speeds, you would notice the difference in a headwind. Crosswind performance is apparently no worse than panniers. I made mine from silicone coated canvas, so far its been 90kms and works well. Hardly weighs anything, 200g max. Eric will custom make you one, if hes not on tour that is.
THE NEXT BEST THING 2
The next best thing 2 (NBT2) is a tiny, cassette lockring tool weighing just 26g and is cast in high strength stainless steel. It functions by inserting into the splined interface of the cassette lockring, and is so narrow it will sit flush with axle nut (see picture), allowing the wheel to be installed with the tool in position. Once inserted the QR skewer is used to secure it in place and you detension the cassette lockring by simply turning the cranks forward. As the cranks turn, so does the cassette, and in turn the tab on the NBT2 is forced into the right chainstay placing torque onto the lockring. For tensioning the lockring you simply turn the wheel backwards 45degrees.In my case, the use of a 7speed cassette on a 9 speed hub laced into a wheel with a short axle (built for 126mm dropouts) meant the tool would not insert all the way, and it sat slightly proud of the axle nut. I tested it on my mountain bike which uses a 9 speed cassette on a longer axle (built for 135mm dropouts) and it fit perfectly. A local engineer managed to shave the required 2mm off the tool, and we got it working with my hybrid wheels. I dont think you would have any problems if you are using the right size hub for your frame. I have tested the tool 3 times and it functions just as the manufacturer describes and has shaved around 700g of my tool kit, now I can leave the chain whip and lockring wrench at home. This tool will only work with shimano compatible lockrings. Retails for around $35 AUS. See the manufacturers website for details - the NBT2 is in the 'hard to find' tab, 3/4 of the way down in the left menu bar, can also be mail ordered through Spa Cycles in the UK.
LEZYNE HPG MICRO FLOOR DRIVE PUMP WITH GUAGE
This pump is so well designed it is a work of art. I am impressed with it in so many ways. I have only used it a handful of times but it inflated my tyres to 80psi with ease, and with the inline guage you know they are at the right pressure, so no risk of pinch flats or poor handling. This is a rare thing in a portable pump weighing just 191g. The pump is supposed to inflate up to 160psi, but I ride schwalbe 700 x 25's so I don't need to go any higher. There is also a stainless steel foot peg, meaning you can get more force into each stroke, and a nice long rubber hose with a reversible valve connection (presta/schrader), so the force of pumping doesn't transfer onto the fragile connection of the valve and the tube. The pump is made from CNC machined aluminium throughout. My only criticism is that the threads on the valve connector are aluminium and would strip over time or with heavy use. In fact i've never really used anything much with aluminium threads that hasn't stripped after a while. Hopefully future versions will use steel threads. The other thing is that the pump is rated to 160psi, but the gauge only goes to 120, not that I ever use pressures that high, but some roadies might. These issues aside, this is still a really great pump. Purchase high quality Lezyne pumps now from www.biking.com
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