Originally Posted by Happy Feet

Every one has their own opinion about things, which is good - it adds variety and other POV's to consider. The goal for me is to just try appreciate the good stuff (for me) and to respect the differences otherwise. The thread got off to a bad start but is doing better now I think.

I find the 1" duct tape to pack better/smaller for me. I like a roll and don't peel and stick it because I want it to work well when I need it. I've used both and functionally they both work well.

I also don't cinch the straps down on the toe clips, I just slip my foot in and out. For me they just orient the foot on the pedal so it doesn't slide forward or sideways. I've always used them that way since the 1980's so why stop now...

I wonder if the OP is used to road racing (from the arm warmer mention). I usually don't see those guys/gals use mirrors. I didn't for a while and got used to looking over my shoulder but then bought another good mirror and found it so much more relaxing and practical to look at it instead of twisting. I just like to be aware of my surroundings that way. I also don't tour with ear buds in so I can hear traffic.

In regards to flats and buying along the way etc...

It pays to really look at your route and consider where such stops are. I am planning a western Canada ride this fall for portions along a secondary road to the trans canada hwy. Using google maps I can zoom in and estimate resupply options and potential stops etc... There is a stretch of many hundred Km's between towns that might have a bicycle shop in them (middle of the prairies) so I have to consider what tools and supplies to bring to offset that. This is a bit of a long time personal goal thing for me so I don't want to miss parts of it by hitching and skipping because of breakdowns.

You can see for yourself by google mapping Manitoba/Saskatchewan and looking at the 2 and 13 Hwy's just south and west of Winnipeg.