~ Gear reviews ~

Boardman hybrid dual-sided flat / clipless pedals
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Boardman hybrid dual-sided flat / clipless pedals

Probably one of the best things we’ve bought for mountain biking, gravel riding and bikepacking, is a pair of dual-sided pedals.

It’s optimal to ride clipped in for speed and efficiency, however there are times (particularly in urban areas) where you’ll want not to be, to react quicker to unforeseen obstacles and get your foot out to stabilise yourself. We use a bought a pair of these Boardman dual-sided clipless flat pedals that have worked well in all situations.

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Topeak pocket rocket micro pump review
Micro Pump maintenance tips, Topeak Pocket Rocket, How to use Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump, Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump price comparison, Where to buy Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump, Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump specifications, Lightweight bike pump for commuting, Topeak Pocket Rocket vs. other mini bike pumps, Compact bike pump for emergencies, Best bike pumps for road bikes, Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump review, Bikepacking nutrition, Bikepacking for beginners, Bikepacking blog, Bikepacking bikes, Bikepacking routes USA, Bikepacking stove, Bikepacking sleeping bags, Bikepacking destinations, Bikepacking checklist, Bikepacking equipment, Bikepacking trails, Bikepacking accessories, Bikepacking essentials, Bikepacking food, Bikepacking tent, Bikepacking adventures, Bikepacking tips, Best bikepacking routes, xBikepacking bags, Bikepacking bags, Bikepacking gear, Bikepacking frame bags, Bikepacking Chris Shirley MA FRGS Micro Pump maintenance tips, Topeak Pocket Rocket, How to use Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump, Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump price comparison, Where to buy Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump, Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump specifications, Lightweight bike pump for commuting, Topeak Pocket Rocket vs. other mini bike pumps, Compact bike pump for emergencies, Best bike pumps for road bikes, Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump review, Bikepacking nutrition, Bikepacking for beginners, Bikepacking blog, Bikepacking bikes, Bikepacking routes USA, Bikepacking stove, Bikepacking sleeping bags, Bikepacking destinations, Bikepacking checklist, Bikepacking equipment, Bikepacking trails, Bikepacking accessories, Bikepacking essentials, Bikepacking food, Bikepacking tent, Bikepacking adventures, Bikepacking tips, Best bikepacking routes, xBikepacking bags, Bikepacking bags, Bikepacking gear, Bikepacking frame bags, Bikepacking Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Topeak pocket rocket micro pump review

To ensure I can inflate the tyres if I get a puncture, I pack a Topeak Pocket Rocket Micro Pump - a compact and lightweight pump designed for lightness in case you need extra inflation when you’re on a ride.

The most notable things I like about it, aside from the price (c.£15), are:

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Topeak toploader top tube bag 
Bikepacking nutrition, Bikepacking for beginners, Bikepacking blog, Bikepacking bikes, Bikepacking routes USA, Bikepacking stove, Bikepacking sleeping bags, Bikepacking destinations, Bikepacking checklist, Bikepacking equipment, Bikepacking trails, Bikepacking accessories, Bikepacking essentials, Bikepacking food, Bikepacking tent, Bikepacking adventures, Bikepacking tips, Best bikepacking routes, Bikepacking bags, gear, Bikepacking gear, Topeak toploader frame bag, Topeak toploader, Bikepacking frame bags, Bikepacking, Top tube bags for easy access while riding, Frame bags for bikepacking, Topeak Toploader dimensions, Compact bike bags for long rides, Water-resistant bike bags, Cycling accessories for bike touring, Top tube bags for phone and snacks, Bike frame bags for storage, Topeak Toploader review, Top tube bags for bikes Chris Shirley MA FRGS Bikepacking nutrition, Bikepacking for beginners, Bikepacking blog, Bikepacking bikes, Bikepacking routes USA, Bikepacking stove, Bikepacking sleeping bags, Bikepacking destinations, Bikepacking checklist, Bikepacking equipment, Bikepacking trails, Bikepacking accessories, Bikepacking essentials, Bikepacking food, Bikepacking tent, Bikepacking adventures, Bikepacking tips, Best bikepacking routes, Bikepacking bags, gear, Bikepacking gear, Topeak toploader frame bag, Topeak toploader, Bikepacking frame bags, Bikepacking, Top tube bags for easy access while riding, Frame bags for bikepacking, Topeak Toploader dimensions, Compact bike bags for long rides, Water-resistant bike bags, Cycling accessories for bike touring, Top tube bags for phone and snacks, Bike frame bags for storage, Topeak Toploader review, Top tube bags for bikes Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Topeak toploader top tube bag 

It has a capacity of 0.75 litres, which is enough space to store your essential items such as a phone, keys, wallet, or energy bars, however I use mine for carrying a thin waterproof jacket and bulkier snacks on bikepacking expeditions, as it keeps it quickly accessible for when it inevitably starts to rain.

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Giant ToughRoad 2 gravel bike review
Bikepacking tips and techniques, Bikepacking clothing and apparel, Gravel bike frames and materials, Bikepacking navigation tools, Gravel bike tires and wheels, Bikepacking cooking equipment, Bikepacking bags and packs, Bikepacking sleeping bags, Bikepacking tents and shelters, Gravel bike reviews, Bikepacking routes and trails, How to pack for bikepacking, Bikepacking gear and accessories, Gravel bikes for bikepacking, Best bikepacking bikes, Giant ToughRoad tire clearance, Giant ToughRoad sizing, Giant ToughRoad accessories, Best gravel bikes for bikepacking, Giant ToughRoad vs other adventure bikes, Giant ToughRoad price, Giant ToughRoad specs, Giant ToughRoad bikepacking, ToughRoad gravel bike, Giant ToughRoad review, Giant ToughRoad gravel bike Chris Shirley MA FRGS Bikepacking tips and techniques, Bikepacking clothing and apparel, Gravel bike frames and materials, Bikepacking navigation tools, Gravel bike tires and wheels, Bikepacking cooking equipment, Bikepacking bags and packs, Bikepacking sleeping bags, Bikepacking tents and shelters, Gravel bike reviews, Bikepacking routes and trails, How to pack for bikepacking, Bikepacking gear and accessories, Gravel bikes for bikepacking, Best bikepacking bikes, Giant ToughRoad tire clearance, Giant ToughRoad sizing, Giant ToughRoad accessories, Best gravel bikes for bikepacking, Giant ToughRoad vs other adventure bikes, Giant ToughRoad price, Giant ToughRoad specs, Giant ToughRoad bikepacking, ToughRoad gravel bike, Giant ToughRoad review, Giant ToughRoad gravel bike Chris Shirley MA FRGS

Giant ToughRoad 2 gravel bike review

After getting bitten by the bikepacking bug back in 2018, I decided I should invest in an entry-level gravel bike to see how interesting it really is (I love it is the short answer!).

The Giant ToughRoad 2 is a rugged and versatile gravel bike designed for off-road adventures and cycle touring. It is built around a hydroformed aluminium frame (referred to Aluxx technology). The bike is equipped with 700c wheels, which offer a balance of speed and stability, and it has a wide range of gears (16 in a 2 x 8 setup), making it suitable for steep inclines, descents, and on the flat.

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Whether you're a seasoned climber seeking new mountains to conquer, an endurance runner craving the rush of Marathon des Sables, or a bikepacker in search of the perfect mult-day route, we've got you covered. 

Check out our curated collection of articles, categorised to ensure you find the gear that speaks to the adventure you’re seeking to complete: