Skip to content
Cycle Travel Overload

Cycle Travel Overload

Bikepacking & Adventure Cycling

Menu
  • Stories
  • Recommended Gear
  • Bikes
    • Bikepacking Rigs
      • Bike Builds
      • New Bikes
      • Handbuilt Bikes
    • Hardtails
    • Rigid & Plus Bikes
    • Gravel
    • Drop Bar MTB
    • Full Suspension
    • Fat Bikes
    • Tandem
    • eBikes
    • Folding Bikes
    • Cargo Bikes
    • Commuter Bikes
    • Bike vs Bike
  • Destinations
    • Australia
    • Japan
    • UK
    • Scotland
    • New Zealand
    • United States
    • Japan
    • Canada
  • Your Adventure
    • Bikepacking Guides
    • Bikepacking Gear Lists
    • Bikepacking Food / Hydration
    • Navigation & Route Planning
    • Capturing The Adventure
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • About Codey
    • Work With Me

Top Convertible Backpack Panniers for Cyclists in 2025

Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes in 2025 – Should You Get One?

Mastering The Art of Gravel Bike Tire Pressure

Ultimate Guide to Swept Back Handlebars: The Most Comfortable MTB Handlebars!

Accessories Gear Reviews Popular Content Recommendations

12 Best Front Bike Racks For Touring & Bikepacking

Bike Reviews Popular Content

Kona Sutra LTD Long-Term Review After 5 Years

All Bikes Featured Posts (Most Popular) Gravel Popular Content

Best Steel Gravel Bikes For Adventure Cycling – Everything You Need To Know!

All Bikes Gravel Popular Content

Best Budget Gravel Bikes Under $1,000 for 2025

Polygon Tambora G8X Review – A Gravel Bike for Fast Adventures!
Bike Reviews

Polygon Tambora G8X Review – A Gravel Bike for Fast Adventures!

Codey OrgillAugust 1, 2025August 4, 2025
After 6 months of intensive testing, commuting, and international adventures Update: August 2025 Dreams really do come true! After years of riding steel touring bikes, I finally got my hands...
Drop Bar Mountain Bikes – Everything You MUST Know
Drop Bar MTB

Drop Bar Mountain Bikes – Everything You MUST Know

Codey OrgillJuly 22, 2025July 22, 2025
Honestly really love drop bar mountain bikes. They have to be one of the most versatile bike choices for bikepacking. What do you think? Have you ridden a “drop bar...
Gravel Bike Vs Drop Bar Mountain Bike
Gravel Grinding

Gravel Bike Vs Drop Bar Mountain Bike

Codey OrgillJuly 22, 2025
What really is the difference between the two? Is it just marketing hype? Maybe you are new to the gravel scene and haven't even heard of a drop bar mountain...
Kona Sutra Vs Salsa Fargo – 2025 Drop Bar Mountain Bike Battle!
All Bikes Bike vs Bike

Kona Sutra Vs Salsa Fargo – 2025 Drop Bar Mountain Bike Battle!

Codey OrgillJuly 21, 2025July 22, 2025
Updated: 22nd July 2025 The drop bar mountain bike battle! (What's the difference between a gravel bike and drop bar MTB?) Which bike out of the two is the best?...
A 700km bikepacking trip after the hardest year of my life
Bikepacking Destinations

A 700km bikepacking trip after the hardest year of my life

Codey OrgillApril 29, 2025April 29, 2025
I decided to take on a spontaneous bikepacking trip across South China, riding 700km in 5 days toward the Vietnam border before my visa expired! From navigating the busy streets...
Bikepacking NSW Backroads – Traversing Connection and Courage
Adventure Stories Australia Destinations Inspiration

Bikepacking NSW Backroads – Traversing Connection and Courage

Avatar photo Brendan MurrayJanuary 7, 2025April 25, 2025
A bikepacking journey from Currumbin to Albury fueled by curiosity, resilience, and connection. Covering over 1,632 kilometers of remote Australian terrain, Brendan embraced freedom and challenges, from conquering 30% climbs...
Top Convertible Backpack Panniers for Cyclists in 2025
Commuting Cycle Travel Gear Featured Posts (Most Popular) Gear Reviews Recommendations

Top Convertible Backpack Panniers for Cyclists in 2025

Codey OrgillMay 14, 2024July 28, 2025
Last updated: 28th July 2025 For cyclists who seamlessly transition between riding and walking, convertible backpack panniers represent the perfect fusion of functionality and versatility. These innovative bags eliminate the...
Gravel Bikes Are NOT 90’s Mountain Bikes! Here’s Why!
All Bikes Gravel

Gravel Bikes Are NOT 90’s Mountain Bikes! Here’s Why!

Codey OrgillApril 14, 2024July 22, 2025
The 1990s witnessed a significant transformation in cycling, propelling mountain biking from obscurity to mainstream popularity. The first mountain bike World Championships were held in Colorado in 1990, and by...
Race Face Chester Review & Buyers Guide – The Best Gravel Bike Flat Pedals?
Components Gear Reviews

Race Face Chester Review & Buyers Guide – The Best Gravel Bike Flat Pedals?

Codey OrgillApril 5, 2024August 1, 2025
Are you after some value pedals for your next bike adventure? Considered MTB medals I have been currently using these on my gravel/adventure bike and they have been working wonders....
11 Really Cool Bikepacking Bag Setups! Inspiration For Your Next Trip!
Inspiration

11 Really Cool Bikepacking Bag Setups! Inspiration For Your Next Trip!

Codey OrgillApril 5, 2024July 12, 2025
In this post I wanted to share some really cool Bikepacking setups and inspire you to see what is possible with bikepacking. As I was getting into bikepacking it seemed...
Best Gravel Bike Clothing for 2025: Functional Apparel for Adventurers
Apparel Gear Reviews

Best Gravel Bike Clothing for 2025: Functional Apparel for Adventurers

Codey OrgillApril 5, 2024March 22, 2025
Updated: 22 March 2025 The rise of gravel biking in recent years has paved the way for an entire wave of innovation—not just in the bikes themselves but in the...
Best Touring Bike Kickstands & Everything You Need To Know
Bicycle Touring Cycle Travel Gear

Best Touring Bike Kickstands & Everything You Need To Know

Codey OrgillApril 5, 2024
Are you after a kickstand for your fully loaded touring bike? If you are like me you would think that they are a great idea. From my personal experience anyway....
Butterfly Handlebars! 7,500+ KM  Trekking Bars Review
Gear Reviews

Butterfly Handlebars! 7,500+ KM Trekking Bars Review

Codey OrgillApril 5, 2024April 5, 2024
Have you seen those strange looking handlebars on some bikes? Yes they may not look aesthetically appealing, but they offer comfort, and a range of hand positions. I am going...
Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes in 2025 – Should You Get One?
All Bikes Featured Posts (Most Popular) Gravel

Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes in 2025 – Should You Get One?

Codey OrgillDecember 22, 2023July 22, 2025
Updated: 21 July 2025 The adventure cycling world is booming and sees more and more innovative updates of products. But is the idea of the flat bar gravel bike new?...
Best Touring Bicycles For 2025
All Bikes Bicycle Touring Touring Bikes

Best Touring Bicycles For 2025

Codey OrgillDecember 17, 2023August 5, 2025
Your touring bike is one of the most important purchases you will make. Finding a bicycle that offers the perfect balance of comfort, durability, load-carrying capacity, and value for money...
The World’s Lightest Folding Bikes 2025
Folding Bikes Recommendations

The World’s Lightest Folding Bikes 2025

Codey OrgillDecember 14, 2023August 2, 2025
Updated: 2nd August 2025 Folding bikes have revolutionized urban mobility, offering unmatched convenience for commuters, travelers, and city dwellers alike. As the technology continues to advance, manufacturers are pushing the...
Giant Revolt vs Specialized Diverge – Comparing the Difference!
All Bikes Bike vs Bike

Giant Revolt vs Specialized Diverge – Comparing the Difference!

Codey OrgillSeptember 26, 2023March 18, 2025
We are going to compare these two iconic bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each. The ultimate all-rounder gravel Bike battle! Which bike is best?...
Giant Talon vs Trek Marlin – Comparing the Difference!
All Bikes Bike vs Bike

Giant Talon vs Trek Marlin – Comparing the Difference!

Codey OrgillSeptember 25, 2023December 15, 2023
The Giant and Trek Mountain Bike battle! Which bike is best? Let’s compare these popular budget cross-country mountain bikes and see which one comes out on top. We are going...
The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Chainring Sizes: Everything You Need to Know
Bikepacking Guides Plan Your Adventure

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Chainring Sizes: Everything You Need to Know

Codey OrgillSeptember 19, 2023August 3, 2025
Updated: 3rd August 2025 So you want a larger or maybe smaller sized chainring? Whether you're looking to tackle those rather steep hills easier or optimize your bike for different...
Why the Midnight Special is BETTER than the Surly Straggler
All Bikes Bike vs Bike

Why the Midnight Special is BETTER than the Surly Straggler

Codey OrgillSeptember 19, 2023July 12, 2025
Updated: 18th March 2025 The Surly gravel bike battle! Which bike is best? We are going to compare these two iconic gravel bikes side by side and see what the...
Mastering The Art of Gravel Bike Tire Pressure
All Bikes Featured Posts (Most Popular) Gravel

Mastering The Art of Gravel Bike Tire Pressure

Codey OrgillSeptember 19, 2023January 7, 2025
Updated: 6th February 2024 Since coming from a roadie background this is a lesson I had to learn when making the transition to more supple tires. Typically road bike tires...
Ultimate Guide to Swept Back Handlebars: The Most Comfortable MTB Handlebars!
Components Featured Posts (Most Popular) Gear Reviews

Ultimate Guide to Swept Back Handlebars: The Most Comfortable MTB Handlebars!

Codey OrgillSeptember 19, 2023July 12, 2025
Last updated: May 14, 2025 Are you on the hunt for some swept-back handlebars? Handlebars that let you sit more upright and ride in greater comfort? This article covers some...
Time Atac XC 8 Review – Carbon Mountain Bike Pedals
Components Gear Reviews

Time Atac XC 8 Review – Carbon Mountain Bike Pedals

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023August 1, 2025
So are you after some of the best and lightest weight mountain bike pedals? I have been recently testing out the Time Atac XC 8 pedals and in comparison to...
Everything You MUST Know About Gravel Bikes For Touring and Bikepacking
All Bikes Gravel Recommendations

Everything You MUST Know About Gravel Bikes For Touring and Bikepacking

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023August 5, 2025
Updated: 5th August 2025 The question of whether gravel bikes are suitable for longer bicycle tours receives a definitive yes. However, before you invest in a gravel bike for touring,...
How To Mount A Bike Rack Without Eyelets
Accessories Bikepacking Guides Gear Reviews Plan Your Adventure

How To Mount A Bike Rack Without Eyelets

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023August 3, 2025
Updated: 3rd August 2025 If you're passionate about bike touring, commuting, or bikepacking but your bike lacks the traditional mounting eyelets, don't worry—you're not stuck without cargo-carrying options. Many modern...
12 Best Front Bike Racks For Touring & Bikepacking
Accessories Gear Reviews Popular Content Recommendations

12 Best Front Bike Racks For Touring & Bikepacking

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023July 19, 2025
Updated: 15th April 2024 Front racks come in myriad designs and are essential for both bicycle touring and bikepacking setups. While some purists argue that bikepacking eschews racks, modern designs...
Jones H Bar Alternatives
Components Gear Reviews

Jones H Bar Alternatives

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023November 29, 2023
Are you looking for some handlebars that are similar to Jone H Bar? But maybe looking for something a little less expensive and just want to see what other options...
Kona Sutra LTD Long-Term Review After 5 Years
Bike Reviews Popular Content

Kona Sutra LTD Long-Term Review After 5 Years

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023August 5, 2025
Update: 20th July 2025 Dreams really do come true! I'm now the official owner of a Kona Sutra LTD 2020, and after years of adventures together, I can confidently say...
14 Best Bikepacking Handlebar Harness and Mounts
Accessories Gear Reviews

14 Best Bikepacking Handlebar Harness and Mounts

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023November 29, 2023
Are you after a handlebar harness to house a dry bag? They are a trendy solution for handlebar bar bag storage. In an earlier blog post, I wrote about some...
60 Best Gravel Bike Handlebars & Flared Drop Bars Compared 2023
All Bikes Components Gear Reviews Gravel

60 Best Gravel Bike Handlebars & Flared Drop Bars Compared 2023

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023November 30, 2023
For a while I have been using standard road bars on my Surly LHT that I have been building out. But as I got more and more interested in taking...

Posts pagination

1 2 3 Next

Recent Posts

  • 1
    August 1, 2025August 4, 2025

    Polygon Tambora G8X Review – A Gravel Bike for Fast Adventures!

  • 2
    July 22, 2025July 22, 2025

    Drop Bar Mountain Bikes – Everything You MUST Know

  • 3
    July 22, 2025

    Gravel Bike Vs Drop Bar Mountain Bike

  • 4
    July 21, 2025July 22, 2025

    Kona Sutra Vs Salsa Fargo – 2025 Drop Bar Mountain Bike Battle!

  • 5
    April 29, 2025April 29, 2025

    A 700km bikepacking trip after the hardest year of my life

  • 6
    January 7, 2025April 25, 2025

    Bikepacking NSW Backroads – Traversing Connection and Courage

  • 7
    May 14, 2024July 28, 2025

    Top Convertible Backpack Panniers for Cyclists in 2025

  • 8
    April 14, 2024July 22, 2025

    Gravel Bikes Are NOT 90’s Mountain Bikes! Here’s Why!

  • 9
    April 5, 2024August 1, 2025

    Race Face Chester Review & Buyers Guide – The Best Gravel Bike Flat Pedals?

Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes in 2025 - Should You Get One?Best Flat Bar Gravel Bikes in 2025 - Should You Get One?December 22, 2023Codey Orgill
Best Bike Touring and Bikepacking Handlebars - Everything You Need to KnowBest Bike Touring and Bikepacking Handlebars - Everything You Need to KnowJanuary 2, 2023Codey Orgill
Best Steel Gravel Bikes For Adventure Cycling - Everything You Need To Know!Best Steel Gravel Bikes For Adventure Cycling - Everything You Need To Know!September 11, 2023Codey Orgill

Bike Reviews

  • Kona Sutra
    Kona Sutra LTD Long-Term Review After 5 Years
    3.9
  • Polygon Tambora G8X
    Polygon Tambora G8X Review – A Gravel Bike for Fast Adventures!
    3.75
  • Surly Midnight Special
    Why The Surly Midnight Special Is Your Dream Ride!
    3.7
  • Marin Nicasio +
    Marin Nicasio Review – Best Budget Steel Gravel Bike of 2025?
    3.65
  • Trek Marlin
    Trek Marlin Review – Which 2026 Model is Right for You?
    3.65
  • Surly Long Haul Trucker
    Surly Long Haul Trucker Review – The Ultimate Touring Companion After 10,000+ KM
    3.55

About Cycle Travel Overload

Hello, I’m Codey!

Since childhood, bicycles have been more than just transportation—they’ve been a source of inspiration, a creative outlet, and a defining part of who I am. Cycling is my joy, my freedom, and my way of connecting with the world. Deep down, I know it’s my destiny to ride bikes for life. Join me as I share this journey with you.

At Cycle Travel Overload, our mission is simple: to inspire and guide you in discovering the joy of exploring the world on two wheels. Whether you’re planning your first bikepacking trip or looking for your next adventure, we’re here to help. Learn more.

Learn more

  • All Bikes 19

    Latest : Kona Sutra Vs Salsa Fargo – 2025 Drop Bar Mountain Bike Battle!

  • Gear Reviews 18

    Latest : Top Convertible Backpack Panniers for Cyclists in 2025

  • Bike Reviews 10

    Latest : Polygon Tambora G8X Review – A Gravel Bike for Fast Adventures!

  • Gravel 9

    Latest : Gravel Bikes Are NOT 90’s Mountain Bikes! Here’s Why!

  • Bike vs Bike 8

    Latest : Kona Sutra Vs Salsa Fargo – 2025 Drop Bar Mountain Bike Battle!

  • Recommendations 7

    Latest : Top Convertible Backpack Panniers for Cyclists in 2025

  • Popular Content 7

    Latest : 12 Best Front Bike Racks For Touring & Bikepacking

  • Components 7

    Latest : Race Face Chester Review & Buyers Guide – The Best Gravel Bike Flat Pedals?

  • Bikepacking 7

    Latest : A 700km bikepacking trip after the hardest year of my life

  • Bicycle Touring 7

    Latest : Best Touring Bike Kickstands & Everything You Need To Know

Ranked Top 25 Bicycle Touring Blog of 2024

Email: cycletraveloverload@gmail.com

ABN: 52 552 390 607

Phone: +61422105668

Pearson Street Bunyip, Vic, 3815 Australia

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Trust and Transparency Policy

Close
Menu
  • Stories
  • Recommended Gear
  • Bikes
    • Bikepacking Rigs
      • Bike Builds
      • New Bikes
      • Handbuilt Bikes
    • Hardtails
    • Rigid & Plus Bikes
    • Gravel
    • Drop Bar MTB
    • Full Suspension
    • Fat Bikes
    • Tandem
    • eBikes
    • Folding Bikes
    • Cargo Bikes
    • Commuter Bikes
    • Bike vs Bike
  • Destinations
    • Australia
    • Japan
    • UK
    • Scotland
    • New Zealand
    • United States
    • Japan
    • Canada
  • Your Adventure
    • Bikepacking Guides
    • Bikepacking Gear Lists
    • Bikepacking Food / Hydration
    • Navigation & Route Planning
    • Capturing The Adventure
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • About Codey
    • Work With Me
Social profiles
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Our Recommendation

Commuting Cycle Travel Gear Featured Posts (Most Popular) Gear Reviews Recommendations

Top Convertible Backpack Panniers for Cyclists in 2025

Folding Bikes Recommendations

The World’s Lightest Folding Bikes 2025

All Bikes Gravel Recommendations

Everything You MUST Know About Gravel Bikes For Touring and Bikepacking

Load More Posts

RECOMMENDED READINGS

BEST 11 STEEL GRAVEL BIKES

SWEPT BACK COMFORT MTB HANDLEBARS

GRAVEL BIKES FOR TOURING

BUDGET GRAVEL BIKES UNDER $1000

FLAT BAR GRAVEL BIKES THAT SHRED

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE BIKES 2024

Privacy Policy

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Stories
  • Recommended Gear
  • Bikes
  • Destinations
  • Your Adventure
  • About