rayrizzo007 > xc bike trip

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- Gear -

Below you can see the majority of the gear I'm bringing with me. Obviously, I'm not including everything, there's too much random stuff. But you get the idea...

Clicking on any of the links will display a picture of that item.

Stay tuned for a more detailed review of each item for your reference...

Rating Information: Scale 1-10 (1 = useless/poor, 10 = vital/exceptional)
1st Number: Necessity of item | 2nd Number: Performance of item

The Bike - Schwinn Mesa GSD

Clothing:

Pearl Izumi Sleeveless Jersey (10/9)
Hind Metro Sleeveless Jersey (10/10)
REI Long Sleeve OXT (10/10)
Under Armour Technical T-Shirt (6/8)
Padded Biking Boxers (0/na) *not necessary if wearing bike shorts
Canari Padded Bike Shorts (2 pairs) (10/8.5)
Shamino Bike Shoes (10/9)
Pearl Izumi Touring Gloves (10/8)
Waterproof Gator Shoe Booties (10/4) *this brand was not waterproof
Novara Full Gloves (7.5/6.5) *not waterproof
Novara Waterproof Pants (8/1) *this brand was not waterproof or repelent
Pearl Izumi Biking Socks (3 pairs) (10/10) *bring 5 pairs at least
Non-biking Ankle Socks (1 pair) (10/na)
Non-biking Boxers (2 pairs) (10/na)
Non-biking Shorts (1 pair) (10/na)
Non-biking T-Shirt (1) (10/na)

Bike Accessories:

Front Bike Bag (10/4) *this brand was not waterproof
Bike Rain Cover (0/6) *not needed
Nashbar Panniers (2) (10/8.5)
Odometer (10/4)
Tire Pump Mount (10/10)
Topeak Bike Rack (10/10)
Front Fender (0/2) *not needed
Helmet Mirror (10/7.5)
Toe Clips (10/3) *not clipless.. these were the straps around the shoes

Parts/Maintenance:

Chain Cleaner (0/na) *shipped home - a rag works fine
Digital Air Pressure Guage (10/10)
Pedal Wrench (0/na) *only needed when shipping bike back
Tire Pump (10/10) *not recommended for road tubes needing 100+ PSI
Assorted Tools (7/2) *blades went dull, buy knives along the way
Chain Tool (7.5/8) *good to have if chain breaks during ride
Hayes MX2 Disk Brakes (10/10) *hills = need brakes
Shrader Tire Tubes (10/10) *get the cheapest kind. i went though 8 tubes
Bike Crud Cleaner (0/na) *shipped home

Camping/Cooking:

2-Person Tent (Orion) (10/8.5)
REI Catalyst 55 Backpack (2.5/9) *substitute for trailer, less gear or front panniers
Sleeping Pad (10/10) *not just for comfort, but the ground gets cold
Sleeping Bag (10/8) *go as compact as you can afford
MSR Pocket Rocket Stove (1/10) *not needed, but works great
Isobutane/LPG Gas (220 grams) (1/10)

Navigation/Communication:

Motorola SLVR (10/9) *works great when in service (I had AT&T)
Iridium 9505A Satellite Phone (1/7) *not required, large/fragile, good for emergencies
Magellen GPS (9/6) *not required. this model does not have very detailed maps preinstalled
Cue Sheets (10/10) *PLAN YOUR TRIP

Misc:

Canon SD500 Digital Camera (10/9) *not waterproof or resistent. found out the hard way.
Radio (2/10) *you don't want to hear me try to sing
Batteries (AA & AAA) (10/10)
Water (3 Liters) (10/10) *ice works well too. use insulation if possible.
Food (oatmeal, granola bars, crackers, PB&J) (10/7) *jelly will explode in high heat. have snacks.
Spork! (2) (11/11) *sporks rule!
Pen & Paper (10/8) *write down your adventures. don't try writing when it rains.
Personal Items (toothpaste/brush, soap, razor, etc.)