Originally Posted by CliffordK

I'd put the spare tire in the same camp.
Plan on giving your bike a full tune-up before the trip. Maybe a pair of brand new Marathon tires, a brand new chain, and a brand new cassette or freewheel.

Good advise. I'm think tune up, true the wheels, and maybe some rust prohibitor for the inside of the frame. Thoughts?

How many miles total?

I honestly have not calculated the distance. At least 5,000 miles I'm guessing.

Know your bike. A 5-8 speed rear end will take a standard 3/32 chain which you can literally get anywhere. A 9/10/11 speed rearend will require a more specialized chain, not necessarily carried by all shops, but most true shops should have them.

The back is a 9 speed.

Originally Posted by Miele Man

A neat trick is to lay out what you have and then weigh it. you might be very surprised at the all up weight.

I'm a bit afraid to, though that may be the motivation I need.

i have a FIZIK multi-tool that has a standard and Phillips screw driver, various hex keys and a combination chain breaker and spoke key. The chain breaker is used with the 5mm hex key as the turning handle to drive out a chain rivet.

That sounds like a hell of a multi-tool. The reason I list single tools is because I've heard that many multi-tools don't have the reach, clearance, or strength of the individual ones. Thoughts?

If you don't mind my asking, why do you want to take a pedal wrench or a headset wrench? if the bike has a threaded headset then 2 wrenches are required to adjust it. A properly adjusted headset should not go out of adjustment on tour.

I don't mind at all. I've just heard you need one. Looks like my headset uses allen wrenches so cut that one. As for the pedals I can't figure out if it uses a wrench or allen key. I figure I might need to box the bike for the train.

I'd forgo the cutting board, spatula and wooden spoon. You can always carve a wooden spatula if you really need one.

Carve one... really? However, I did cut the cutting board and spatula.

How about a reuseable coffee filter instead of 100 paper ones?

I agree with you, but coffee is one of the simple joys in life and this kind requires filters and makes a damn good cup.

Flashlight? Why not use your CygoLite headlight instead?

I'm debating this one. It's for around town since I'm not walking around with a headtorch/bike light in my pocket. It's more of a tactical for self-defense scenarios.

I think you're looking at a fairly hefty load as things stand. Not only would I be concerned with the weight but also the bulk. Things like extra eyeglasses (clear safety glasses) in a protective case or wrapped can take up a surprising amount of room.

Safety glasses cut.

Good luck with your planning and also with your tour.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by veganbikes

mm718 had mostly great suggestions as did a bunch of others.

Agreed and appreciated.

I would skip body powder and get Body Glide or Chamois Glide that stuff works very well and is easy to put on. I would go with a scented deodorant. Kiss My Face makes an active one that doesn't smell bad and could help mask some sweat odors though killing the bacteria is the best way to do that.

Thanks for the tip. I'm cutting the body powder and looking into Kiss My Face. I've just always hated smelling like chemicals.

Sports drinks are mostly silly go with Camelbak Elixir which has no sugar and more electrolytes and vitamins than most others (at least of the several that my former boss tested last year). The Camelbak podium chill bottles don't hold onto flavors well so they can be rinsed and used again easily.

Agreed. It's been cut

Boxers should pretty much always be ExOfficio (nearly all mine are and most of the folks I have worked with have a pair or three). They are perfect for travel and you really only need two pairs and if you have cycling shorts you could get away with one and wash it and dry it while riding and wear them at night. The new sport mesh ones are a bit lighter and I would take two anyways just to have them.

I don't have cycling shorts. I figure two pairs of regular shorts would be more functional/space saving. I'll look into the ExOfficio. I'm guessing it is the same concept as merino wool shirts and traveling or am I missing something more important?

The Surly rack is well built, looks nice, works great but heavy I would switch it out for a Tubus Cargo Evo or Logo Evo rack and go with the Tubus Duo at the front. That combo is solid if you can rock it and weighs less combined then just the single Surly rack.

I'll consider it if I want to upgrade, but right now I'll deal with a few extra pounds.

Curious if you are a Wob or just a general anarcho-syndicalist or just like red and black?

All of the above (though in full disclosure my Red Card isn't up to date since things are... complicated right now in Chicago)