Gear Reviews Archives - Cycle Travel Overload

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...

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....

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...

Gear Reviews Uncategorized

Brooks B17 Leather Saddle Review

Codey OrgillApril 5, 2024November 16, 2025

Since getting into this incredible world of bike touring and bikepacking, I have always wanted to get a Brooks B17 Saddle for my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I heard nothing...

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...

Components Featured Posts (Most Popular) Gear Reviews

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

Codey OrgillSeptember 19, 2023December 28, 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...

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...

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...

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...

Accessories Gear Reviews Popular Content Recommendations

12 Best Front Bike Racks For Touring & Bikepacking

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023December 28, 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...

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...

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...

Accessories Gear Reviews

Bike Rear Rack Straps! Attaching Stuff To Your Bike

Codey OrgillSeptember 18, 2023August 3, 2025

Updated: 3rd August 2025 When you're bike touring or bikepacking, securing gear to your rear rack becomes a critical skill that can make or break your adventure. Whether you're carrying...

All Bikes Components Gear Reviews Gravel

Best Aero Bars For Your Gravel Bike

Codey OrgillJuly 24, 2023November 30, 2023

Aero bars offer the ultimate solution to efficiency and aerodynamics while riding your gravel bike. Instead of going out and buying a super fast gravel bike, adding aero bars gives...

Bags & Racks Gear Reviews

11 Best Top Tube Bags For Bikepacking & Touring

Codey OrgillFebruary 1, 2023July 11, 2024

Top Tube Bags are super useful! They are perfect for storing what ever you want. Adding some extra storage capabilities. Especially for bikepacking. If you don't have a handlebar pack...

Gear Reviews

Blackburn Outpost Frame Bag Review

Codey OrgillJanuary 30, 2023November 16, 2025

About 3 months ago I was looking for a budget friendly bikepacking frame bag that I could use for my Surly Long Haul Trucker. Before getting this frame bag. I...

Gear Reviews

WTB Riddler Review – 2,500 KM On These Gravel Tires

Codey OrgillJanuary 29, 2023February 9, 2023

Before heading off on a tour around the uk, I purchased some WTB Riddler 700 x 45c Light Fast Roll tires for my Surly Long Haul Trucker. I was previously...

Bags & Racks Bikepacking Bikepacking Guides Commuting Cycle Travel Gear Gear Reviews

The Ultimate Guide to Handlebar Bags for Epic Bike Adventures

Codey OrgillJanuary 21, 2023March 17, 2024

Updated: 17th March 2024 Dive into the wild world of handlebar bags! Whether you're navigating the endless choices in size, style, or how they cling to your bike, the quest...

Accessories All Bikes Bicycle Touring Bikepacking Guides Gear Reviews Plan Your Adventure Touring Bikes

Complete Guide to Touring On A Road Bike – Can You Put Panniers On A Road Bike?

Codey OrgillJanuary 18, 2023August 15, 2025

Updated: 15th August 2025 Have you ever gazed longingly at those epic bike touring adventures but hesitated because you only own a road bike? You're not alone. Many cycling enthusiasts...

Components Gear Reviews Recommendations Tips & Advice

Best Bike Touring and Bikepacking Handlebars – Everything You Need to Know

Codey OrgillJanuary 2, 2023December 28, 2025

Updated: 1st September 2025 I find myself frequently changing handlebars with each new bike touring adventure. After experimenting with various types, I've developed a few favorites, yet I remain open...