bike travel accessories

• Hiking Shoes
• Hiking Boots
• Hiking Sandals
• Trail Runners
• Base layers
• Hiking Shirts
• Fleece Jackets
• Softshell Jackets
• Rain jackets
• Down Jackets
• Hiking Pants
• Hiking Shorts
• Base Layers
• Rain Jackets
• Hiking Bras
• Baby Carriers
• Cookware Sets
• Water Filters
• Water Purifiers
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Hiking Poles
• GPS Devices
• Solar Chargers
• Dive Regulators
• Dive Computers
• Dive Watches
• Dive Wetsuits
• Dive Gloves
• Dive Lights
• Dive Knives
• Spearfishing Wetsuits
• Spearfishing Masks
• Spearfishing Fins
• Spearfishing Watches
• Freediving Wetsuits
• Freediving Masks
• Freediving Fins
• Freediving Watches
• Sit On Top Kayaks
• Inflatable Kayaks
• Fishing Kayaks
• Tandem Kayaks
• Touring Kayaks
• Kayak Paddles
• Kayak Seats
• Kayak Roof Racks
• Kayak Carts
• Stand Up Paddle Boards
• Touring SUPs
• Inflatable SUPs
• Fishing SUPs
• SUPs For Yoga
• SUPs For Surfing
• SUP Paddles
• Climbing Boots
• Belay Devices
• Climbing Shoes
• Women's Climbing Shoes
• Bouldering Shoes
• Approach Shoes
• Climbing Pants
• Bouldering Pants
• Mountain Bikes for Men
• Mountain Bikes for Women
• MTB Handlebars
• Bike Saddles
• Bike Computers
• Bike Lights
• MTB Jackets
• Bike Helmets
• Bike Packing Gear
• Fat Biking Gear
• Ski Bindings
• Ski Helmets
• Ski Goggles
• Ski Jackets
• Snowboarding Bindings
• Snowboarding Boots
• Snowboard Helmets
• Snowboard Goggles
• Snowboard Pants
• Snowboard Jackets
• Snowshoe Poles
• Avalanche Beacons
• Avalanche Probes
• Avalanche Shovels
• Ski Backpacks
• Surfboards For Beginners
• Surfboards For Kids
• Surfboard For Small Waves
• Soft Top Surfboards
• Foam Surfboards
• Body Boards
• Boogie Boards
• Kiteboarding Kites
• Kitesurfing Boards
• Kiteboarding Harnesses
• Surfing Wetsuits
• Men's Rash Guards
• Women's Rash Guards
• Board Leashes
• DLSR Travel Cameras
• Mirrorles Travel Cameras
• Point and Shoot Travel Cameras
• Fuji Travel Lenses
• Nikon Travel Lenses
• Tripods for Travel
• DLSR Landscape Cameras
• Mirrorles Landscape Cameras
• Point and Shoot Landscape Cameras
• Fuji Landscape Lenses
• Nikon Landcape Lenses
• Canon Landcape Lenses
• Tripods for Landscape Photo
• Wildlife Cameras
• Wildlife Lenses
• Wildlife Tripods
• Wildlife Monopods
• Birdlife Cameras
• Birdlife Lenses
• Surfboards For Small Waves

The Essential Gear For Bicycle Touring

When planning your first tour on a bicycle it is very easy to go crazy about buying all sorts of bike touring gear for it. You don’t want to miss anything. We know it. We’ve also been in that situation and yes, we made the mistake of buying too many things.

There are many great resources out there explaining every piece of gear that is useful when traveling on your bicycle but not so many about what is really important. Obviously, it will depend on your personal preferences but there is certainly some equipment that is considered essential, others things that are important to have while the last ones will make your life easier on the road.

This article will explain just that. What gear you can’t forget to bring on your first bicycle tour.

THE BICYCLE

Believe or not, there are people out there cycling around the world on very cheap bikes. My friend Salva Rodríguez has been touring around the world for 9 years on a bike he bought for $300 in Namibia. So you don’t need a brand new touring bike for your first trip. But if you are thinking on a long distance tour, then it might be worth it to invest a bit more especially if you are not a very good mechanic like myself.

What I do recommend is to invest in certain accessories. The most important one is, without any doubt, a good saddle . The majority of the bicycle tourers I’ve met use a leather one, which can be hard at the beginning but once you break in, the saddle adopts your shape and you won’t even feel it. I use and recommend the Brooks B17 .

Other important components are the bike racks . Make sure you get a steel one, so it can be easily welded in case it gets broken. I wouldn’t recommend to go very cheap here. I’ve seen people breaking brand new racks after 4-5 days of cycling. No matter what model you chose, don’t forget to pack extra screws in case you lose some due to the vibrations of the road. In some countries, it’s very difficult to find good quality ones.

My personal choice is the Tubus Logo model. It’s a top of the line rack, a bit expensive, but performs really well. It hasn’t given me any problems to date, which it’s very good considering I carry over 60kg of weight on my bike.

The next important items to consider are the waterproof panniers . Keeping your gear dry is essential to enjoy a cycling trip. This is one of the very few things that most of the cyclists agree on the same brand. Ortlieb panniers are German made and they’ve been around for over 30 years. They are 100% waterproof, durable and affordable. Just make sure you get a repair kit and check for holes regularly.

Installing a mirror on your bicycle is probably the best thing you can do to keep you safe on the road. There are many models in the market to suit your preferences and, if you don’t like it on your handlebar, you can try this model  attached on your helmet or sunglasses.

Depending on where you plan to go on tour the size of wheel-tyres can be important. If you are not planing to cycle in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, then I strongly recommend to use the 26” size. 700cc tires are becoming more popular but I’ve met quite a few cyclists stuck in one place waiting for new tires to be sent from home as they cannot be found locally. 26” tires can be found almost anywhere and will make any breakdown a lot easier to solve in developing countries.

TOOLS AND SPARE PARTS

You don’t need to carry a whole workshop with you when traveling by bicycle, but there are some basic tools and spare parts you should always have in your panniers. The minimum tool kit should include some Allen keys (different sizes), spanner, screwdriver, spoke tool, chain breaker (if not using master links), tire levers, patches, duct tape and scissors. Important spare parts to have are inner tubes, spokes and a tire (only if going on a long-distance tour). Remember that in the worst case scenario you can always hitch a ride to the next town and find a mechanic there.

CAMPING GEAR

Unless you are planning on a “credit card” tour, you will need camping gear. Apart from saving money, bringing your own sleeping equipment will provide you the freedom you need to explore the more remote regions, normally the best ones for bicycle touring.

When choosing your tent (or a camping hammock like these ones )  think about the climate of the area you plan to travel to. A high quality four-season tent would be great if you plan to cycle in altitude like the Andes or Himalayas, but it would be too hot to camp in the tropics. Some things to consider are the following:

• I strongly recommend getting a free standing tent so you don’t need the pegs to make it stand. This is very useful when sleeping indoors or when setting your tent on the concrete.
• Being able to set your tent without the fly is also very useful, especially in the tropics where the humidity is very high and the nights are hot.
• If you are going to share the tent, having 2 doors is immensely useful and functional, as you don’t need to wait for the other person to get it/out or to organize your gear.
• Make sure you pack a repair kit . Having a tent-pole broken is one of the hardest things to fix without the proper spare parts.

In our case we use the MSR Mutha Hubba tent and we love it. It’s the 3-person version so we have a bit of extra room which is very appreciated when spending long hours inside in rainy days. It’s free standing, has 2 doors, and you can set it up without the fly. It’s a great option for most of the climates except for high altitude. For more information on tents, check out our guide tents 101 . 

You will also need a mattress to sleep on. There are many models out there to chose from, but there are mainly two types: inflatable or foam mattress. The first ones tend to be more comfortable and pack down small, but they are more expensive, heavier and less durable. The second ones are less comfortable and bulkier, but they are cheaper, lighter and very durable. We use the Thermarest Z-lite and are really happy with it. It’s a cheap foam mattress, bulky but very light, and almost indestructible. Check out sleeping pads 101 for more info. 

To keep yourself warm you will need to get an appropriate sleeping bag . There are also many models in the market depending on the area you plan to travel and your budget. I recommend to invest in a good sleeping bag as it’s a piece of gear that will last you for years to come. We use the Exped Lite 700 , which is rated to -11º C, and keep us warm even at high altitude. Check out Sleeping Bags 101 for more info. 

I also find it very useful to bring a sleeping liner with you. You can use it as sleeping bag when it’s too hot or inside the sleeping bag when you are dirty after a day in the saddle and aren’t able to have a shower. It’s easier to wash a sleeping liner and keeps your sleeping bag clean. We use and recommend the Sea to Summit Silk liner . Our article sleeping liners 101 has more detailed information. 

COOKING GEAR

To be able to cook your own meals on the road, you will need to invest in a good stove . Most of the cyclists carry a multi-fuel stove that can run on propane gas, white spirits and/or petrol. The first two can be hard to find in some areas so being able to cook with petrol is highly recommended.

We own the PRIMUS Omni-Lite stove . It has a few advantages over the other models as you can regulate the flame and it’s very clean, but we find it very inconsistent and have had several problems with it in the past.

The most popular model among bicycle tourers is the MSR Whisperlite Universal stove . This model is cheaper, but you can’t regulate the flame and you will get your hands dirty using it. Although we don’t have experience using it, we’ve met many cyclists who are very happy with it. Check out camping stoves 101 for more information and different stove models. 

Choosing clothing for your bike trip is a very personal choice. Everyone has their own system that seems to work, but there are some items you need to bring.

Rain Gear: rain jacket, over-pants and shoe covers.

A good jacket is mandatory while the other two are optional. If cycling in the tropics, I prefer to put my swim shorts on rather than over pants but that’s a personal preference. Over-pants and shoe covers become more useful when raining in cold weather.

Cycling Gear: shorts, t-shirts.

This is totally up to you. I even cycle without padded shorts sometimes. I prefer to wear normal clothes rather than lycra, so I don’t look like an alien when stopping in small towns.

Cold Weather Gear: beanie, arm warmers, leg warmers.

If you plan to cycle in cold weather, you will need to carry some extra equipment like a beanie, arm warmers and leg warmers.

Apart from the previous essential gear, there are other pieces of equipment that, even though they are not compulsory, are highly recommended and can make your first bike trip more enjoyable.

Camera: Like in any trip, you shouldn’t forget your camera to capture your experiences that will feed your memories for years to come.

Torch: When camping or during a power cut (very common in some countries), a head torch will make your life much easier. Check out headlamps 101 for more info.

Water Purification System: If planning to cycle on developing countries, bringing a purification system can save you a lot of money. We carry our beloved Steri-Pen Ultra (UV system), but there are other options available like water filters or purification tablets.

Hat: When cycling in the sun, a hat is one of the items I can’t go bicycle touring without .

For more of our top bicycle touring gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Touring Bikes

Bike Handlebar Bags

Touring Tires

Panniers for Touring

Touring Saddles

6 Responses

Hi! Love your stuff….. when I can read it. I have difficulty accessing your articles. Maybe I forgot my username/password. Can you offer any assistance? Thanks!

Hi Frosene, Sorry to hear that. We changed the program for the access login as we were getting too much spam, and that might have created some trouble with your account. I sent you a verification email to your inbox, so you can access from there. If you still cannot see the article, try refreshing your browser (CMD + R on a mac , F5 or CTRL + R on windows). Please, let me know if you still have trouble to access.

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Wow! Glad to hear your sharing! It is a great experience and i actually like this article. Thanks!

Thanks for sharing , I am new to touring ( self assisted only ) and found this article very helpful. I am planning to to a coast to coast in the US next may from Everett W A to Long Island NY, any advice would be greatly appreciated . Yours in touring Padraig

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The Best Hard- and Softshell Cases For Traveling With Your Bike

Whether you want a light and stealthy case to avoid fees or a tough, hard-side case to protect your ride, you'll find it here.

Whether you’re planning to travel across the country or across the globe, a sturdy bike travel case or bag is a worthy investment. Your bike will be better protected—and you’ll have more peace of mind—than it will if you stuff it into a cardboard box and hope for the best. Here’s what you need to know.

B&W International Bike Box II

Compact and tough plastic case and four smooth rolling wheels.

Orucase Airport Ninja

Requires more bike assembly, but less likely to incur a fee.

travel Bike Travel Bag Pro

Securely holds modern 29er trail bikes with minimal disassembly.

SCI-CON AeroComfort 3.0 TSA

This case lets you leave the pedals, bar, and seatpost in place.

Thule RoundTrip Transition

ABS plastic shell protects the bike inside. Comes with a repair stand.

Hardshell versus Softshell

Hardshell cases provide the highest level of protection against impacts, but they also weigh more, which can lead to even higher luggage fees. Hard cases also don’t break down, so they take up more room in a hotel room or rental car when not in use.

Softshell cases have come a long way in recent years, and some offer nearly the same level of protection as hard-shell models. Softshell cases are usually lighter than hard-shell cases, and fold or roll down for easier storage.

Hard-shell cases usually rely on a rigid, outer shell—made from a type of plastic—for their protection. Most softshell cases are constructed from durable nylon and rely on padding to protect your bike.

Some softshell cases have a rigid internal frame that provides structure and protects the bike from crushing forces. There are also hybrid cases, which have a fabric exterior lined with foam and plastic sheets.

Both types of cases often include additional padding for the frame, as well as straps to hold the frame and wheels in place.

Size and Weight

Pay attention to the size and weight of a bike case, particularly as it relates to the weight of the bike you plan to transport. Most airlines have a 50-pound weight limit before incurring an overweight fee. You need to factor in the weight of the case, the bike, and other items you’re considering throwing in there before selecting a case.

Hard-shell cases are more protective, but weigh more, leaving less for packing materials, bike, and gear. Softshell cases are lighter, which means you can pack a heavier bike without exceeding the limit but may offer less protection for your gear. The weight difference can be extreme: Thule’s Roundtrip Transition is made of ABS plastic and extremely rugged but weighs 38 pounds, while Orucase’s soft-sided Sub62 weighs just 13 pounds.

Most airlines have a dimensional limit of 62 linear inches—calculated by adding together the total length, width, and height of the bag. If an item of luggage is larger, it can incur an oversize-bag fee. Orucase’s Sub62 is smaller than 62 linear inches, so it should avoid an oversize fee, while Thule’s armored RoundTrip Transition measures over 106 linear inches and is almost certain to cost you extra.

Packing Tips and Tricks

Before choosing a case, have an idea of how much bike disassembly/assembly you’re comfortable with.

Cases like Scicon’s AeroComfort require very little wrenching to pack and unpack a bike but are larger and likely to incur a bike or oversize fee. A smaller and lighter case like Orucase’s Sub62 is much less likely to incur an oversize or overweight charge, but packing the bike into this case requires removal of both wheels, the bar and stem, rear derailleur, pedals, seatpost, and fork.

If you want to use additional padding to protect your bike during transit, consider using your cycling apparel, since it has to make the trip with you anyway. You can also use pipe insulation, which is inexpensive and can be purchased at your local home-supply store. Always be sure you also have all the tools you need to get your bike back up and running at your destination.

How We Picked

Every case on this list has been thoroughly evaluated and vetted by our team of test editors. We also consulted product managers and designers, athletes, and used our own travel experience with these cases to determine the best options. We evaluated them on performance, price, protection, weight, size, and how much bike disassembly is required to come up with a list of cases to serve the needs of anyone traveling with bikes.

Here are nine of our favorite bike travel bags and cases you can buy right now.

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Orucase airport ninja.

Looking to sneak your road bike through security and escape extra baggage fees? If so, this Orucase travel case is the ticket. The ultra-compact bike backpack fits most road frames and breakaway-style travel bikes. Though it’s soft-sided, the Orucase bag uses integrated plastic panels with energy-absorbing foam to armor it against impacts.

Least Wrenching

Scicon aerocomfort 3.0 triathlon, scicon aerocomfort 3.0 triathlon.

Scicon’s AeroComfort 3.0 TSA blends the low weight of a soft-sided bike bag with a rigid frame to protect your prized ride from surly baggage handlers. This travel bag is designed specifically for drop-bar bikes and requires minimal disassembly. The wheels stow in dedicated pockets on the sides and, best of all, there’s no need to remove the handlebar. The adjustable chassis holds your frame in place by the axles—either quick-release or 12mm thru-axles. The four-wheeled design makes it easy to maneuver through crowded airports, and the compact design keeps it within many airlines’ standard luggage dimensions, which may help you skip oversize baggage fees.

B&W BIKE BOX II

B&w bike box ii.

B&W’s International Bike Box II is a simple, effective, and affordable hard-shell case. The clamshell design is easy to use, and the interlocking halves fasten with six buckles to keep everything secure. This budget-minded case includes wheel bags and multiple layers of foam to protect the frame from the wheels. Two fixed wheels and a pair of rotating castors make the International Bike Box II as easy to maneuver as a shopping cart.

DAKINE BIKE ROLLER BAG

Dakine bike roller bag.

Dakine’s Bike Roller Bag has enough space to fit 29ers, downhill bikes, and even 29er downhill bikes. Unlike many other soft-sided bags, the Bike Roller Bag has wheel sleeves inside the main compartment, which reduces the number of external zippers that could fail. Heavy-duty internal and external padding safeguards the frame, fork, and wheels from overzealous airport workers.

Cardboard Box

Bikeflights bike box, bikeflights bike box small.

A cardboard box is a light, inexpensive, and—provided the bike is packed properly—surprisingly safe way to ship a bike. Most brand new bikes—even high-end and custom bikes—are shipped in cardboard boxes. Bike breakdown and packing difficulty is average to high. A cardboard box has no puncture or impact protection, and can fall apart if it gets too wet. The BikeFlights Bike Box comes in four sizes: small, medium, large, and extra large.

Best For Mountain Bikes

Evoc bike travel bag pro, evoc bike travel bag pro.

EVOC’s bike bags are some of the most popular soft-sided options for road and mountain bikes—it even makes versions for BMX and fat bikes. The Bike Travel Bag Pro is a premium version of the company’s Bike Travel Bag. It includes an integrated aluminum chassis to hold frames securely in place by their axles. EVOC added six centimeters to the length of the bag to keep pace with the longer, lower, slacker trend in mountain biking. Another nod to modern mountain bikes are wheel pockets that can swallow 29-inch wheels wrapped in 2.6-inch tires. When not in use, the Bike Travel Bag Pro folds down small enough to fit under a bed.

THULE ROUNDTRIP TRANSITION

Thule’s RoundTrip Transition fits most road and mountain bikes within its tough, ABS plastic shell. Nylon wheel bags prevent frame and wheel rub during transport. The two-piece, hard shell cradles the frame in a lightweight aluminum stand that doubles as a work stand, making reassembly and maintenance a breeze once you arrive at your destination.

Fits Two Wheelsets

Biknd helium v4, biknd helium v4.

The Helium V4 is a drop bar-centric bike bag with a twist. Unlike most other bike bags, it can carry two wheelsets, which makes it an excellent option for cyclists traveling with both race-day and training wheels. Both sides fold flat for unfettered access for quick packing and removal. The feature that really sets the Helium V4 apart is the inflatable panels on the sides of the bag that add protection without heft. These inflatable bladders keep the weight to just 19.8 pounds, which is half of its heavyweight competitors.

Best for Large Bikes

Pro bike travel case mega, pro bike travel case mega.

Traveling with extra-large road bikes or 29er trail bikes poses problems for some cases, but not for Pro’s Bike Travel Case Mega. As the name suggests, this soft-sided bag is designed to swallow large and long frames easily. The alloy base holds the frame by the axles, while padded wheel pockets and foam bumpers keep your bike protected. Integrated pockets allow riders to stash pedals, tools, a mini-pump, and other ride essentials.

Unique Protective Feature

Douchebags savage bike bag, douchebags savage.

Once you get over the name, there’s a lot to like about this bike bag. The Db Savage is a soft-sided travel bag with a race car-inspired roll cage. This internal framework bolsters stiffness and provides an additional level of protection against damage. The Savage works with all road and mountain frames. It features external pockets for wheels and internal organizers for pedals and tools.

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Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel 2024

Protect your bike and reduce stress when you travel with one of these best bike bags and boxes

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The quick list

• 1. Best overall
• 2. Easy to use
• 3. Best value
• 4. Most portable
• 5. Most versatile
• 6. Most robust

How we test

Best bike bags and boxes 2024

The list in brief ↴ 1. Best overall 2. Easy to use 3 . Best value 4. Most portable 5. Most versatile 6. Most robust

Advice How we test

Riding new roads and exploring different places bathed in warm sunshine is one of the great joys of cycling, but getting you and your bike there safely can be the most stressful part of a cycling holiday . Some riders choose to hire a bike whilst on holiday, but for others, part of the attraction is the opportunity to ride their familiar bike up famous climbs or through beautiful landscapes - no one wants a week of cycling spoiled by an ill-fitting bike or uncomfortable saddle.

If you decide to fly with your own bike, then you have the choice of using a hard box or a soft bag, each with pros and cons which we will investigate below. If you choose to drive to your destination instead, however, you can read our guides to the best bike racks for cars  and the  best caravan and motorhome bike racks .

Best overall

The AeroComfort's soft exterior houses a metal structure to which you fasten your frame so it's held securely. There is very little disassembly required and as the bag is pretty light there is plenty of potential to pack extra kit inside and still be within your airline's limits.

Read more below

Best for ease of use

As the Evoc Bike Bag is soft, it's light and easy to store when not in use. There is plenty of padding provided to protect your bike when it's in the bag, and the large side opening makes it simple to put the bike in place.

Best value 

Very light and compact, LifeLine's EVA Bike Pod also offers excellent value for money. Its semi-rigid design offers more protection than a soft bag but they are still quite flexible and as it only has two wheels it can be a little awkward to manoeuvre around an airport.

Most portable

Another light option, the Orucase B2 even includes rucksack-style straps which are handy if you have packed very light. There is a fair bit of disassembly required though and it can feel a bit lopsided when wheeling it around.

Best with integrated stand

Thule's RoundTrip Pro XT bike bag uses an internal frame that can also double as a workstand whilst on holiday, which is very handy. It's more of a reinforced bag than a hard case though and as such is quite pricey.

Most robust

One of the heavier boxes available, the VeloVault2 provides very reassuring protection for your bike. Its quality construction and overall sturdiness will ensure that your lightweight carbon frame should emerge unscathed, but there might not be much weight allowance left once this gets on the scales.

Best bike bags and boxes for cycling travel: Our picks

Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Bike Bag

1. Scicon AeroComfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The AeroComfort 3.0 from Scicon is a firm favorite among the Cycling Weekly tech team. We've flown test bikes all over the world, and we like to use this carry case because it makes travelling by bike easy, hassle-free and incredibly quick. It takes just 15 minutes to pack the bike away, and even less time to put it back together.

How so? The outside is a soft, fabric bag, but inside you'll find a metal structure. You simply remove the wheels, loop your chain over a specially designed T-bar and use your quick releases to stand the bike on the metal frame, so it's immovable inside and thus a lot more secure. It couldn't be easier.

There's no need to remove anything aside from the wheels, the handlebars stay straight and don't need twisting. This does make the front end quite bulky, but we found that the protection is good, with a thick soft fabric, designated pockets for wheels, helmets and shoes, and most importantly the rear derailleur is kept off the ground. 

Read more: Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 Road Bike Travel Bag full review

Evoc bike travel bag

2. Evoc Bike Travel Bike Bag

Whilst hard cases give the ultimate reassurance that your bike is well protected, they also take up a lot of room when out of use, and, they're heavy - limiting your ability to pack kit alongside your bike and stay within airline limits.

Enter soft cases, and this Evoc bike bag is an excellent option. Yes, it offers less protection - but the Cycling Weekly team has used it to transport press bikes on plenty of occasions (NB, we once even used a cardboard box for a personal bike, the theory is that baggage handlers will be more careful!).

This Evoc Bike bag excels in terms of ease of use, too. The side opening makes getting the bike in a cinch, and the handy Velcro makes getting the parts in the right place a piece of cake. The newer model reviewed here now has a reinforced front zip, meaning it should last longer.

Read more: Evoc bike travel bike bag full review

LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

3. LifeLine EVA Bike Pod

Although it's a reasonably compact bike box, the LifeLine Bike Pod will take a smaller-sized bike without too much disassembly. It rolls on two rear wheels, with two front feet to stand on. Quick-release wheels, although not wheels with thru-axles, can be secured to the outside of the case.

Our tester found that the LifeLine Bike Pod is relatively easy to move around, although since you have to lift the front end and the carrying handle doesn't let you wrap your hand through it, longer carries can be tiring. 

The sides of the bag are quite flexible, so it would be advisable to wrap wheels and frame well inside to prevent crushing. We were also concerned about how robust the feet would be and how well the zip would stand repeated use, but overall, the LifeLine Bike Pod is a relatively inexpensive option for the less frequent flyer.

Read more: LifeLine EVA Bike Pod full review

Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

4. Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case

We've taken the B2 bike case on several domestic and international flights and were left impressed. It sports many welcomed features, including backpack straps and a rollable chassis. Combined with its compact, space-saving size it makes for a sleek, highly portable and trustworthy bag that we think is a great option if space is limited or you'll be traveling on serval modes of transport during your trip.

We did find that it's not the easiest to pack, and required some disassembling of your bike - so you'll need to be confident of putting your bike back together once you've arrived. It's also far from cheap, but in our opinion, it's likely a worthy investment given the ease of portability and the posibbility to save on extra fees due to its smaller size.

Read more: Orucase B2 Bike Travel Case full review

Most versatile

Thule Round Trip Pro XT bike bag

5. Thule RoundTrip Pro XT Bike Bag

The Thule RoundTrip Pro XT falls into the not-quite-a-bike-bag category. It's a softshell but has some structural implants that should keep your bike safe through the worst of it.

However, the bag does have some weak areas and for the price you pay this doesn't induce confidence. But, maybe we're being picky. This is a solid purchase, undoubtedly, and we always add extra bubble wrap around our frames, whatever we're packing them into.

The base, which holds the bike static in the case, can have three legs added, transforming it into a workstand for when you get to your destination - which is a rather 'nice to have' too.

Read more: Thule RoundTrip Pro XT review

Blue Velovault2 bike box

6. VeloVault2 bike box

We really liked the VeloVault2 bike box when we had it in for test. It's big and robust, which is what many cyclists need to achieve peace of mind when flying with a bike.

However, weighing in at 12.5kg means it should sneak under most airline weight controls. The company has sweated the small stuff, too: the clasps are quality, it's easy to close and it rolls well.

VeloVault2 bike box has a new carrying handle, longer wheelbase, improved strut design and it is roof box ready. Oh, and it's now bright blue... other colours are available if that's not to your liking.

Read more: VeloVault2 full review

How do I pack a bike into a bike bag or box?

Packing the bike into the bag or box sometimes takes quite a bit more effort than expected. The process may differ slightly depending on the specific box or bag, but the general process goes something like:

- Remove the pedals - Partially deflate tires and remove the wheels - Remove the seatpost and saddle - Remove the handlebar from the stem or remove the handlebar and stem together from the steerer - Undo rear derailleur (but leave it on the chain) - Secure the frame and components in the box via the manufacturer-approved method - Pack the tools required to rebuild the bike!

There are a few more mechanical adjustments you might make, and if you’re handy with a spanner they shouldn't cause too much grief. For example, you might have to remove the chainset. This will keep it protected en route but it’s worth bearing in mind that you’ll have to reassemble it when you arrive on your hols, so if you're no spanner wizard it might be best to avoid this. It may also mean packing extra tools, which means extra weight to carry around.

Best bike bags vs best bike boxes: which is better?

You might think this is an easy question: it's surely a box, right? However, that's probably before you’ve taken weight into consideration.

A lighter weight bike bag influences two things: how comfortable it is to carry and lug about but also how much of your baggage allowance it eats into - and how much the baggage supplement might be.

The trade off is in the level of protection: a hard flight case like box is going to take the knocks better than a soft bag. That said, soft bike bags will usually protect your bike from the worst of it and they also tend to be cheaper than bike boxes.

There is an in between option. The best bike bags tend to have some more structural inserts inside but retain more of a bag's lightweight nature. Other bike bags can have nifty, in-built storage techniques. For example, some have built-in dropouts that allow you to stand your frame upright and hold it tight.

Do I need to add extra padding to my bike bag?

Regardless of how tough your bag or box might be, you’ll definitely want to pad the important parts inside it. We’d recommend bubble wrap and foam piping. If you’re lucky, your local bike shop might have excess from all the bikes they get sent in. Don't forget to put it around the frame in places where other items in the box might rub against it.

Riding in the mountains

A good bike box or bag has to tread the line between providing the best protection for your bike and yet still being light, easy to carry and simple to pack. These boxes have been used to carry various bikes on multiple flights, being packed and unpacked several times each. They all protected the bikes from any transport damage and none were particularly difficult or awkward to pack but each has its advantages and disadvantages that may clinch the deal for you.

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Simon Smythe is a hugely experienced cycling tech writer, who has been writing for Cycling Weekly since 2003. Until recently he was our senior tech writer. In his cycling career Simon has mostly focused on time trialling with a national medal, a few open wins and his club's 30-mile record in his palmares. These days he spends most of his time testing road bikes, or on a tandem doing the school run with his younger son.

'I suspect that you can divide cyclists into personality types around coffee', muses columnist Dr Hutch

By Michael Hutchinson Published 21 April 24

State Bicycle Co. announced today a Bob Marley collaboration that features Marley-themed bikes, frame bags, top caps and apparel.

By Kristin Jenny Published 20 April 24

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Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Touring Bike Accessories and Bicycle Touring Gear

Over the years, I've used hundreds of different types of touring bike accessories and bicycle touring gear. Here's a look at reviews of gear for long distance bicycle touring.

Best Bike Touring Accessories

At the time of creating this blog post, I've been bicycle touring for the better part of 20 years. During this time, my cycling trips have taken me all over the world, where I've experienced a multitude of different countries, terrains, and environments.

As you can imagine, I've used hundreds of different items of bike touring gear, ranging from tents through to the touring bicycles themselves. All of these bicycle accessories have been tested to the max!

Whilst I've not written or reviewed every single piece of long distance bicycle touring gear I've used (thankfully!), I do have a number of reviews you might be interested in.

I've broken down the reviews of touring bike accessories and gear into sections below. If you're considering buying some bike touring gear for your next bicycle tour, some of them might be worth a quick read before you splash your cash!

Bicycle Touring Packing List

Let's start with a few bicycle touring packing lists, which detail some of the bike touring gear I've taken with me on recent bike tours.

These lists include items I use when camping, navigating, and also some of the electronic gear I take with me to document the journey and write blogs such as this.

Sadly, I never created bike touring packing lists for my England to South Africa and Alaska to Argentina bicycle tours. Still, I'm sure you will find these other gear lists from different cycle tours useful.

• Bike Touring Camping Gear
• Bike Touring Cooking Gear
• Best Powerbank for bike touring
• Bicycle Touring Gear List For Cycling From Greece To England
• Cycle Touring Kit List For A Month Bike Tour In Greece
• Bicycle Touring Gear List for a One Week Cycle Tour
• Bike Touring Gear List For The Hercules Bike Tour of Peloponnese
• Bike Touring Gear List For A One Week Tour – Credit Card Touring
• Bike Touring Essentials – 10 Items I Always Take On A Bike Tour
• Wild Camping Essentials List

Touring Bicycle Reviews

True story – On my very first bike tour around New Zealand, I flew over to Auckland, visited a bike shop, and picked up a cheap hybrid (as they were known then) bike for under 200 dollars, and proceeded to pedal it around New Zealand for 4 months.

At the end, I even managed to sell the bike for around 75% of it's original value!

Since then, I've come to realize that specifically designed touring bikes have many advantages when it comes to riding on a long trip.

I've used a few different types of touring bicycle on various tours. Such reviews as I did create are listed below.

• Steel Touring Bike Review: Stanforth Skyelander 700c Touring Bicycle
• Stanforth Kibo+ Expedition Bicycle – Travel The World by Bike
• Stanforth Kibo Expedition Bicycle – 26 Inch Wheel Steel Frame Touring Bike
• Dawes Sardar Touring Bicycle

Touring Bike Accessories 

A touring bicycle is really a sum of its parts. The best bike in the world is going to feel like crap if you don't have a comfortable seat , and everyone has their own opinion on what are the best types of handlebars for bike touring.

Below, I've listed my reviews of things like seats and handlebars, along with some other posts to do with choosing a bike for touring, and thoughts on components.

• Brooks C17 Review | Is the Brooks Cambium C17 good for bike touring?
• Brooks B17 Saddle – The Best Brooks Touring Saddle For Your Butt!
• Butterfly Handlebars – Are Trekking Bars The Best for Bicycle Touring?
• What are the best pedals for bike touring?

Tools for Bicycle Touring

Once your touring bike is set up the way you want it, you'll need to think what type of tools you want to carry on your bicycle tour.

The bare minimum for a repair kit should at least be a patch kit and bike pump, but it's worth considering multi-tools and chain breakers for longer tours.

Here's a few essential bike touring gear tools I use regularly, and take on tour with me.

• Topeak Mini Dual DXG Pump – Bicycle Touring Gear
• Bike Touring Tools – Best Bike Multi Tool for Bicycle Touring
• Swiss Army Knife – Never Travel Without One
• Best Bike Tools For Maintenance At Home

Bike Touring Bags, Panniers, and Trailers

Once you have chosen a bike, you are going to need something to carry all your bike touring kit in! The most common ways, are panniers, trailers, and framebags.

Here's a look at some of the bike touring bags I've used, along with some reviews and thoughts.

• Best Panniers For Touring – 2019 Waterproof Bike Panniers Review
• Best Front Bike Racks For Bicycle Touring
• Best Bike Handlebar Bag For Touring – Waterproof Handlebar Bags
• Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Review – Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Panniers
• Touring Panniers vs Bicycle Touring Trailer – Which is best?

Bike Camping Gear

One of the great things about bicycle touring, is having the freedom to camp at the end of every night. Of course, you'll need some form of sleeping system to do this.

In some countries, you can happily use a hammock system, whilst others a tent is necessary. Along with the sleeping system, there's other things to consider such as bike camping stoves, sleeping mats, and sleeping bags.

Here's my bike camping gear reviews.

• Water bottle with filter for travel – DrinkSafe Travel Tap Review
• Sleeping Bag Liners From Snugpak | Silk Sleeping bag Liner
• The Best Packing Cubes for Travel 2019
• Lifeventure Microfibre Trek Towel
• How To Choose The Best Sleeping Bag
• How to Choose a Camp Stove for Bicycle Touring
• Best Pillows for Camping When Bikepacking
• Tips for picking a bicycle touring sleeping bag
• Are packing cubes worth it?

Clothes for bike touring

What clothes should you take on a long distance bike tour? It's always a tricky one to answer, and depends how much weight you want to carry.

These reviews cover things such as cycle touring shorts and waterproof clothes.

• Endura Hummvee Shorts for Bike Touring – Endura Hummvee Review
• Bicycle Touring Shoes | Bike Touring Shoes For Cycling Tours
• Sealskinz Hat Review – A look at the Sealskinz Waterproof Beanie Hat

Best Bike Accessories FAQ

There is a wide range of gear available for bicycle touring and bikepacking, including panniers, racks, handlebar bags, bike trailers, saddle bags, and frame bags. In addition, there's all sorts of other cycling accessories, such as helmets, bells, locks, and pumps.

Readers who are looking to purchase some new gear for their next bicycle touring adventure might find the following questions and answers helpful.

What is the best waterproof pannier for bike touring?

The best waterproof pannier for bike touring will depend on your individual requirements, but Ortlieb is recognized as having excellent quality products especially when it comes to panniers.

What is the best front rack for bike touring?

There are a few different types of front racks available, but the most popular option for bicycle touring is the low-rider style. Some of the best brands include Tubus, Surly, and Salsa.

What is the best trailer for bike touring?

The most popular option for bicycle touring when it comes to trailers is the BOB Yak trailer. The Extra Wheel trailer is also a good choice, especially for outback style adventures.

What is the difference between bikepacking and bike touring?

The main difference between bikepacking and bike touring is that bikepacking usually involves more off-road cycling, whilst bike touring is more suited for on-road cycling. Bikepacking involves traveling lightweight with gear stuffed mainly into frame bags, while bike touring is typically done with racks and panniers.

1 thought on “Touring Bike Accessories and Bicycle Touring Gear”

Great information, thanks dave. I have limited wifi and have been reading your blogs as i cant watch utube. I am hoping to do the euro velo 6 route next year. Total newbie here so its loads of valuable information.

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17 Best Bike Accessories for Those Who Plan to Ride All Summer

By Christine Frietchen and Kristi Kellogg

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Bicycles are endlessly customizable, with all sorts of bike accessories available to make your rides more comfortable, practical, and safe, whether commuting, exploring the local rail trail, or pedaling through a brand new city . And for those new to the cycling world, having the right tools and gear can make you feel truly independent on your bike. I still remember getting my first flat tire in a park miles from home: I pulled my repair kit from my under-saddle bag and told myself, “You’ve got this.”

While a helmet is a must-have, other bicycle accessories are optional, letting you pick and choose based on your type of riding and convenience needs. Ahead, discover 17 of the best bike accessories, from bottle cages to tire pumps, to consider adding to your setup. (And if you're still deciding on which bike to ride, we've got a guide for you here .)

This article was originally published in June 2020.  

1. Road helmet 

It’s a no-brainer: Wear the bucket. All bike helmets sold in the U.S. must meet safety standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, so differences come down to fit (most come in small, medium, and large sizes), coverage, ventilation, style, and aerodynamics. Look for a dial-in back to fine-tune the fit and provide added comfort for long rides. 

This road helmet is a great blend of value, style, and air flow. We love the MIPS Fit System, which allows for on-the-fly adjustments—handy for accommodating a hat or ponytail. 

2. Commuter helmet

With a look borrowed from skate culture, this commuter/fitness helmet doesn’t have much ventilation, but it’s super comfy and has a mount for an optional rear light, helpful if you plan to pedal around at night or early in the morning.

3. Cross-country helmet

This do-it-all bike helmet has more coverage to deflect off-road debris and low branches, along with excellent air flow, and patented ‘spin’ pads designed to better protect in a crash. Silicone grippers let you secure your sunglasses when you're not wearing them.

4. Bike pump

Unless you want to be trotting to the bike shop every time your tires are low (believe me, you don’t), get a home floor pump. Look for dual valve heads to fit both Schrader (found on mountain, hybrid, and cruiser bikes) and Presta valves (road, gravel, and other skinny-tire bikes). The Bontrager Charger floor pump has a dual head for both major valve types, plus an easy-to-read gauge. I like the base flange, which lets you hold it down with your foot while pumping.

5. Bike lock

If you want to horrify yourself, cue up some ‘bike theft’ videos on YouTube and see how easy it is for someone to steal your beloved road bike or mountain bike. A U-type lock, like Kryptonite's KryptoLok, can be mounted to your frame for storage. Register for Kryptonite’s anti-theft service and if your lock is broken, the company will reimburse you up to $7,000 (depending on which lock you buy). My own Kryptonite lock has lasted forever and hasn’t been cracked yet. The extra cable lock is handy for securing easy-to-steal accessories, too.

6. Tire repair kit

A flat tire turns your happy ride into a huge headache. I don’t go anywhere without a spare tube, CO2 cartridge, and inflator tool. With a little practice at home, learn to fix your own flat in the field—or be a hero and come to the rescue of a fellow cyclist. Lezyne's twin bicycle CO2 and tire patch kit is well-designed and compact; tuck it into a pocket or secure it under your saddle. Just add a spare tube that fits your tire (check the sidewall to see the bike tire's size).

7. Water bottle cage

Most bikes have frame mounts for a water bottle holder, but don’t include the holder itself. You want one that’s lightweight but snug so your bottle doesn’t go flying when you hit a pothole. I love the Supacaz Fly Cage Ano for its minimalist design and slick metallic colors, available in 11 shades (I don’t give a lick how well my pants or shirt go together, but when it comes to my bike, my bottle cage and helmet have to match). Even better, I’ve never catapulted a bottle on rough roads.

8. Bike water bottle

Hydration is a top priority while biking. For a bottle that'll fit in nearly any cage, try this Amazon bestseller—it is lightweight, leak-proof, and has more than 5,000 five-star reviews. Plus, it's available in more than 10 colors and patterns, and is easy to squeeze, meaning you'll get more fluid with less effort.

9. Phone mount

Fiddling with your phone on a bike is dangerous—for you and the phone. Secure your phone to your handlebars to make it easy to follow maps or a GPS, hands free. There are cheaper options out there, but don’t risk it: The Quad Lock is the only mount I’ve tried that’s truly rock solid.

10. Powerful bike light

Riding at night is a special thrill, quiet and peaceful. But you need front and rear lights, both to see and to be seen. The Blackburn Dayblazer 1100-lumen front light is bright enough to see the road in front of you, no matter how late. In this set, it’s paired with the red Dayblazer 65 rear light. Both are rechargeable and come with mounting hardware.

11. Rear rack

A storage rack ups the utility of your bike immeasurably, making it one of the best bike accessories for longer rides . Strap down a bag or briefcase, or add a milk crate or basket for trips to the farmer’s market . The Topeak Explorer MTX is a universal back rack that fits nearly all bikes and doubles as a fender against mud and rain splashes. It’s compatible with Topeak bags, or you can use bungee cords to strap on your own carrier.

12. Kid carrier

For younger kids not ready to ride on their own, the Thule Ridealong is a kid seat that clamps securely to the adult bike. With an adjustable seat, harness, foot straps, and foot rests, it'll fit most kids up to 48 pounds. Other nice safety features: a built-in reflector and safety light attachment.

13. Trailer bike

For older kids, the Electra Sprog 1 Trailer Bike is a mini-bike that attaches to the adult bike’s seat post, letting kids pedal and practice balancing instead of just being a passenger. The Electra is best for kids 3’9” to 4’4” tall.

14. Classic bike bell

Riders can clear the way with this loud bike bell. When you're moving at high speeds and need to alert those ahead you're approaching, be it on traffic-heavy city streets or a bike path that has pedestrians strolling through, this bell gets the job done. It's loud, and rings three times as long as the average bike bell for added safety.

15. Quirky bike bell

Inject a little personality into your bike bell. When the road gets steep, looking down at these playful otters just might give you a mood boost. Electra's bike bell is available in a handful of playful designs, including a donut, a cat wearing sunglasses, and an ice cream cone, as well as a more standard titanium option.

16. Bike basket

This low-profile bike basket is another key bike accessory, especially for those who tend to make a day of it. Attach this to your handlebars and use it to store just about anything, from groceries or take-out to a blanket and book. Inside, it has 17.5 liters of storage space and a sturdy aluminum frame keeping it upright. 

17. Bike pannier

For even longer excursions , you can pack this spacious pannier with extra layers of clothing, a pair of sandals to swap into post ride, snacks, and more. It's easy to attach to your back rack, offers 20 liters of storage space, and is waterproof both outside and inside. Buy it in pepper (pictured above), ink, or pine .